The grants were approved by the Metropolitan Council during its Fall 2026 Session, held October 14–15, and subsequently confirmed by the Holy Synod of Bishops at its Fall Session.

2027 Church Planting Grants

Four missions have been approved to receive Church Planting Grants in 2027:

First-year grants:

• St. Stephen Mission, Lima, OH
• St. Paisios Mission, Nacogdoches, TX

Second-year grants:

• St. Catherine Mission Station, Columbus, MS
• St. Nina Mission, Azalea Park, FL

The Church Planting Grant Program provides financial assistance toward the salary and benefits of a full-time resident priest, helping mission communities establish a stable pastoral presence as they develop toward full parish status.

The program provides support over a three-year period, with decreasing levels of assistance as participating missions assume a greater share of their clergy compensation. Missions receiving grants are also expected to work closely with their diocesan leadership and the Department of Evangelization in evaluating their progress and developing plans for long-term sustainability.

For more than three decades, the Church Planting Grant Program has been among the Orthodox Church in America’s principal initiatives in support of missionary expansion, assisting numerous communities in establishing a lasting Orthodox presence throughout North America.

Inaugural Growing Spaces Grants

In addition to the Church Planting Grants, three communities have been selected to receive the first awards under the new Growing Spaces Grant Program:

• Archangel Gabriel Mission, Phoenix, OR
• St. John the Merciful Mission, Orlando, FL
• St. John the Theologian Mission, Fairfax, VA

Launched in 2026, the Growing Spaces Grant Program was established to assist mission communities that have outgrown their existing worship facilities and need to relocate to larger spaces.

The program provides financial support specifically for rent or mortgage expenses associated with the expanded facilities. Like the Church Planting Grant Program, Growing Spaces is designed to offer assistance over three years, with gradually decreasing support as participating communities grow and assume their additional financial responsibilities.

The introduction of this new program reflects the increasing need to assist missions at different stages of development. While the Church Planting Grant Program helps communities establish and sustain full-time pastoral ministry, Growing Spaces addresses another challenge faced by successful missions: securing adequate facilities to accommodate their growing congregations and ministries.

Together, these programs represent an important commitment by the Orthodox Church in America to supporting the establishment, growth, and long-term stability of Orthodox communities throughout North America.

Both programs are administered through the Department of Evangelization. The Church Planting and Growing Spaces Grant Programs are made possible in part through the generosity of our faithful, whose contributions support initiatives that strengthen the Church’s missionary and pastoral work.

Those wishing to support these and other ministries of the Orthodox Church in America are invited to visit oca.org/donate.

At the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the annual Assembly of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, held October 29–30, 2026, at the Church of the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow, in Princeton, NJ. Accompanying His Beatitude was Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America.

On Thursday, October 29, His Beatitude presided at the Divine Liturgy opening the Assembly. Concelebrating with him were Archbishop Michael, Fr. Alessandro, Archpriest David Cowan, Vice Chancellor of the Diocese, and other diocesan clergy.

In his homily, His Beatitude reflected on the unity of the Church and the responsibility to welcome those seeking Christ, emphasizing the Apostle Paul’s call to speak with grace:

“Our task is not to win arguments, but to bring each person to Christ and to walk with them in His Church.”

He concluded by exhorting the clergy and faithful: “Let us ask, not that our burdens be lifted, but that the door of the word remain open. Let our speech be with grace, seasoned with salt. And let us gather with Christ, and not scatter, so that this diocese may be a house that stands.”

Read the full text of His Beatitude’s homily

Following the Divine Liturgy and lunch, the Assembly convened for its business session, which included Archbishop Michael’s address, reports from diocesan officers and ministries, and consideration of the Diocese’s financial and pastoral responsibilities.

On Friday, October 30, His Beatitude and Father Alessandro addressed the clergy, lay delegates, and observers as part of the Assembly’s second day, devoted to presentations and workshops. Following a Molieben, His Beatitude delivered an address entitled “The Present Life of the Orthodox Church in America.”

Father Alessandro then offered “Reflections from the Chancellor’s Office,” discussing the pastoral responsibilities of Church administration, autocephaly and conciliarity, and the relocation of the Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery to Washington, DC. He also highlighted efforts to support growing missions and care for clergy and their families. Both presentations included time for questions and discussion.

The afternoon sessions featured presentations by Dr. William Marianes of Stewardship Calling Ministries on forming disciples of Christ and supporting the financial needs of parish ministry.

On Monday, November 2, 2026, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY, under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, canonically elected His Grace Bishop Gerasim (Eliel) as Bishop of Dallas and the South.

In a letter informing the clergy of the Diocese of the South of the election, Metropolitan Tikhon directed that Bishop Gerasim be commemorated immediately as Bishop of Dallas and the South at all divine services, following the commemoration of the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America.

The enthronement of Bishop Gerasim will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Saint Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, TX.

His Beatitude assured Bishop Gerasim and the clergy and faithful entrusted to his archpastoral care of his prayers.

On Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27, 2026, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at services for the feast of the newly glorified Righteous Mother Olga of Kwethluk, Wonderworker, Matushka of All Alaska, at St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Primatial Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America, in Washington, DC.

On Monday evening, His Beatitude presided at the festal Vigil, followed on Tuesday morning by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Faithful from throughout the Archdiocese of Washington gathered for the solemn and joyful services honoring Saint Olga, who was glorified among the saints of the Orthodox Church in June 2025.

Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America and Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral; Archpriest David Bozeman, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America and Associate Priest of the Cathedral; and Archpriest Valery Shemchuk, Associate Priest;  and Deacon Igor Panyutin. Visiting clergy included Archpriest Christopher Foley, Priest James Bozeman, and Priest John Stiff.

The liturgical responses were sung by the Archdiocesan Choir under the direction of Mr. Kevin Basil Fritts, contributing to the prayerful and beautiful celebration of the feast.

Throughout the services, a portion of the holy relics of Saint Olga was placed in the center of the Cathedral for the veneration of the clergy and faithful.

In his reflections, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the extraordinary witness of Saint Olga, whose holiness was manifested not through public prominence or extraordinary accomplishments in the eyes of the world, but through a life of humility, quiet service, and self-giving love. As a wife, mother, and matushka in the Alaskan village of Kwethluk, she faithfully cared for her family and extended compassion and assistance to those who suffered, particularly women, mothers, and those experiencing hardship and grief.

His Beatitude emphasized that the example of Saint Olga reminds us that the path to holiness is open to every Christian, and that even the simplest and most ordinary circumstances of life can become occasions for encountering Christ and manifesting His love. Through her steadfast faith and tireless care for others, Saint Olga revealed the beauty of a life transformed by the grace of God.

Holy Righteous Mother Olga of Alaska, pray to God for us!

The Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America met for its Regular Fall 2026 Session from October 14–15 in Springfield, VA, under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. Meetings were held at the Hotel Belvoir, with the Council also gathering at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

His Beatitude opened the Council session on Wednesday, October 14, with a Molieben. After the call to order, agenda review, and roll call, the Council approved the minutes of the Regular Spring 2026 Session and special sessions held earlier in the year. The Council then heard the report of the Metropolitan.

In his report, His Beatitude welcomed newer diocesan representatives to the Metropolitan Council and remembered clergy, monastics, and faithful who had fallen asleep in the Lord since the Council last gathered. He then reflected on what he described as an overarching season of growth and expansion in the life of the Orthodox Church in America, highlighting the Church’s work in mission planting, liturgical music, youth ministry, and the support of clergy and their families. He also reflected on the opportunities and challenges experienced throughout the dioceses of the Orthodox Church in America in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

His Beatitude devoted particular attention to the recently acquired property in Washington, DC, which will serve as the permanent residence of the Metropolitan and the new home of the Chancery Offices. He expressed gratitude to the ever-memorable servants of God Joseph and Theresa Domanick, whose generosity made the acquisition possible, and described the new property as a significant step toward integrating the Chancery more fully within the Archdiocese of Washington and establishing a permanent home for the central administration of the Church near the Primatial Cathedral.

Looking to the broader mission of the Church, His Beatitude reflected on the responsibility entrusted to the Orthodox Church in America as a local autocephalous Church and on the importance of maintaining communion and working toward greater Orthodox unity on this continent. He concluded by reminding the Council that the growth presently being witnessed in the Church is God’s gift and that every program, institution, and initiative must remain grounded in Jesus Christ and serve the unity of His Church.

Following His Beatitude’s report, Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, offered his report to the Council. In his report, Fr. Alessandro reflected on the ongoing work of the Chancery and the opportunities presented by the continued growth of the Orthodox Church in America. He highlighted several important initiatives, including the expansion of missionary support. Fr. Alessandro devoted particular attention to the relocation of the Chancery, including the anticipated sale of the former Chancery property on Long Island and the recent acquisition of the new Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery in Washington, DC. He emphasized the significance of this transition, which brings the residence of the Primate, the central administration of the Church, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral into close proximity, strengthening their connection and providing new opportunities for the Church’s mission and ministry.

Archpriest David Bozeman, Secretary of the Orthodox Church in America, reported on the administrative and operational work of the Chancery, including personnel transitions, records management, information technology, and communications. He also highlighted the relocation of the Church’s archival materials to Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and the submission of a $5 million grant proposal to the Lilly Endowment’s New Churches Initiative, intended to strengthen the Church’s capacity for missionary expansion.

Archpriest Nicholas Solak then presented the report of the Office of Pastoral Life, and Archpriest Justin Patterson offered a report on the work of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America and presented candidates for the Church Planting Grant and the new Growing Spaces Grant.

Mr. Andrew Smith, Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, presented his report on the Church’s finances, highlighting its sound financial position and continued commitment to responsible stewardship and transparency. The report reflected the Church’s financial stability and its ability to support ongoing ministries and future initiatives. Following the Treasurer’s presentation and discussion, the Metropolitan Council approved the proposed 2027 budget. The day’s meetings concluded with remarks from His Beatitude and prayer. The Council members then participated in an orientation session led by the Chancellor, the Secretary, and Council member Mr. David Lane, Esq.

On Thursday, October 15, the members of the Metropolitan Council traveled to Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC, where His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were Fr. David Bozeman, Archpriest Timothy Sawchak, and Deacon Matthew Prentice.

Following the Divine Liturgy and brunch, the members of the Metropolitan Council had an opportunity to visit the newly acquired Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery Offices. The Council then returned to Springfield and reconvened for its final meeting.

In recognition of the unique role of Saint Nicholas Cathedral as the Primatial Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America, the Metropolitan Council approved a one-time contribution toward the Cathedral’s ongoing renovation and improvement campaign, including improvements to its parking facilities. With the relocation of the Metropolitan’s residence and Chancery to Washington, DC, Saint Nicholas Cathedral is assuming a more prominent role in the life of the entire Church, serving as a principal setting for primatial liturgical celebrations, ecclesiastical gatherings, and the welcoming of hierarchs, dignitaries, and visitors. The Council recognized that these improvements will help the Cathedral more fully carry out its responsibilities not only to its local community, but also to the Metropolitan and the Orthodox Church in America as a whole.

The Council heard the report of the Pension Board, presented by its Chair, Archpriest John Dresko, and the Plan Administrator, Mr. Michael Steiglitz, followed by the Legal Report offered by Mr. Mark Hamilton, General Counsel of the Orthodox Church in America, who joined the session via teleconference. Mr. Greg Honshul then presented the Property Committee report. The Council also discussed plans for its 2027 sessions, expressing its preference to return to two in-person meetings, which was the practice prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Beatitude concluded the meetings by expressing his gratitude to the members of the Metropolitan Council for their service to the Church. The Regular Fall 2026 Session of the Metropolitan Council was then adjourned and concluded with prayer.

Minutes from the Regular Fall 2026 Session of the Metropolitan Council will be posted on the Orthodox Church in America website as they become available.

At the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Shio, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vasily traveled to the Republic of Georgia to represent His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, at the celebrations marking the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion of Georgia.

His Grace arrived in Georgia on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and participated in the commemorative celebrations held on Wednesday, October 14, alongside hierarchs and delegations representing all the autocephalous Orthodox Churches.

The principal celebration took place at the historic Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Cathedral in Mtskheta, where His Holiness Patriarch Shio presided at the festal Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Rastislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, members of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, and visiting Orthodox hierarchs. The celebration coincided with the feast of Svetitskhovloba, which commemorates the Robe of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Life-Giving Pillar, both closely associated with the Christian heritage of Georgia.

On this occasion, Bishop Vasily conveyed the personal greetings and congratulations of Metropolitan Tikhon in a letter addressed to His Holiness Patriarch Shio. Writing on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops, clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude offered heartfelt congratulations to the Georgian Orthodox Church on this historic anniversary.

In his letter, Metropolitan Tikhon reflected on the extraordinary witness of the Georgian Church throughout seventeen centuries, beginning with the apostolic labors of Saint Nino, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and continuing through the generations of hierarchs, monastics, martyrs, confessors, and faithful who preserved the Orthodox faith through times of both prosperity and suffering. Recalling the words of the Lord, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14), His Beatitude praised the Georgian Church’s steadfast witness to Christ and its rich spiritual inheritance, expressed through sacred chant, iconography, monastic life, and theological tradition.

His Beatitude also emphasized the bonds of fraternal love and communion that unite the Orthodox Church in America and the Georgian Orthodox Church. Despite the geographical distance separating the two Churches, he noted that they remain united in the one Orthodox faith, in the Eucharistic Chalice, and in their common calling to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Expressing regret that he could not participate personally in the celebrations, Metropolitan Tikhon conveyed through Bishop Vasily his prayers, personal greetings, and the love of the entire Orthodox Church in America.

The anniversary commemorates the establishment of Christianity as the state religion of Georgia in the fourth century, traditionally associated with the missionary labors of Saint Nino and the conversion of King Mirian and Queen Nana. The celebrations offered an occasion for thanksgiving for the enduring Christian heritage of the Georgian people and for the witness of the Georgian Orthodox Church throughout its history.

Bishop Vasily’s participation on behalf of Metropolitan Tikhon reaffirmed the fraternal relations between the Orthodox Church in America and the Georgian Orthodox Church, as well as the bonds of unity shared by the Local Orthodox Churches.

Photo credit: Georgian Orthodox Church

Listings in the “Pastoral Changes” appear after they have been submitted to the OCA Chancery by their respective dioceses.

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary began its 2026–2027 academic year on Monday, September 7, welcoming thirty-three new students. Twenty-four of the incoming students are enrolled in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program, seven in the Master of Arts (M.A.) program, and two as non-degree students.

The incoming class includes both single and married students and represents eight Eastern and Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions. Thirteen students are from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and ten from the Orthodox Church in America, with additional students from the Armenian Apostolic Church, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Moscow Patriarchate in the USA, American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America, Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, Malankara Archdiocese, and Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

With the incoming class, St. Vladimir’s has a total student body of ninety-eight. An additional eight students have entered the Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, while many others are studying through the St. Vladimir’s Online School of Theology, including eighty-nine students enrolled this fall in its Catechist Certification Program.

Seminary Dean Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie welcomed the new students and their families following a Moleben in Three Hierarchs Chapel and reflected on the changing pastoral needs facing the Orthodox Church in North America and the sacrifices made by seminarians and their families as they prepare for service in the Church.

The Seminary has also undertaken several initiatives in response to its growing student body and the needs of seminarians and their families. Construction is underway on three new apartments in the Seminary’s Bazil Building, expanding available housing particularly for the increasing number of married students and families.

St. Vladimir’s has also expanded its Spiritual Formation Program and Clinical Pastoral Education offerings. The program now includes peer learning groups, sessions with experienced pastoral leaders, youth ministry training, financial management, and programs focusing on relationships and communication. The St. Juliana Society is also being renewed to provide additional formation, fellowship, and support for student spouses and other women in the Seminary community.

Several new faculty and staff members have joined the Seminary for the academic year, including Archpriest David Alexander as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, and Archpriest Philip LeMasters as Professor of Christian Ethics.

St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary began the 2026–2027 academic year by welcoming eighteen new seminarians to its residential program in South Canaan. The incoming class represents the Orthodox Church in America’s Dioceses of the Midwest, New England, New York and New Jersey, the South, and the West, as well as the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America.

This fall also marks the beginning of St. Tikhon’s new Chicago M.Div. program, which opened with twelve seminarians from the OCA Diocese of the Midwest. With the incoming classes in South Canaan and Chicago, St. Tikhon’s begins the academic year with sixty seminarians.

Orientation Week began with an orientation for seminarians and their families, giving incoming spouses and children an opportunity to meet returning members of the Seminary community and learn about family life at St. Tikhon’s. Students were also introduced to the Seminary’s revised curriculum by Academic Dean Archpriest Paul Witek.

The Seminary also welcomed Professor Justin Smith as Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology.

Orientation Week concluded on Friday, September 4, with a visit by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. His Beatitude blessed the cassocks of the incoming seminarians and offered words of encouragement as they began their studies and formation for service in the Church.

St. Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

St. Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary welcomed new and returning seminarians to Kodiak in August for the beginning of the 2026–2027 academic year. The Seminary’s annual orientation provided an opportunity for students to prepare for the coming semester of study.

During orientation, His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska invited Deacon Andrei Mesak, Pavel Mesenbrink, Vasily Nicholai, and John Amik to reflect on their recent travels to Russia. The seminarians spoke about their encounters with Orthodox life there and considered how practices of prayer, preparation for the Holy Mysteries, attentiveness in worship, and the formation of children in the life of the Church might further strengthen Orthodox life in Alaska.

The beginning of the academic year also included the ordination of Pavel Mesenbrink to the subdiaconate by His Eminence. As part of his continuing formation, Mr. Mesenbrink is expected to travel to Unalaska for an introduction to the Aleutian Deanery and the possibility of future summer service among the faithful of the Aleutian Islands.

Among those beginning their studies at St. Herman’s this year are Sarjus Moonin of Nanwalek, Alaska, and Andrew Bramlett of Missouri. Sarjus was raised in the Orthodox Church in rural Alaska and hopes, God willing, that his formation at the Seminary will prepare him for future service to his home community. Andrew comes to Kodiak from the continental United States, drawn in part by the distinctive missionary and spiritual inheritance of Orthodoxy in Alaska, and hopes to serve the Church particularly through the formation of young Orthodox Christians.

Through its academic, liturgical, and pastoral formation, St. Herman’s Seminary continues the work of preparing faithful servants of the Church within the missionary tradition established in Alaska by St. Herman, St. Innocent, St. Jacob, and generations of Indigenous Orthodox Christians.

Support for Seminary Education

As the seminaries begin another year of forming men and women for service in the Church, the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America are reminded of the resolution of the 16th All-American Council, which called on every parish to designate 1% of its annual budget to support the work of the three OCA seminaries.

The faithful are also encouraged to pray for vocations and for the students, faculty, staff, and families whose lives are dedicated to theological education and formation for service in Christ’s Church.

For more information about the seminaries, their programs, and opportunities to support their work, please visit:

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary: svots.edu
St. Herman’s Orthodox Theological Seminary: sthermanseminary.org
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary: stots.edu

May the intercessions of St. Vladimir, St. Herman, St. Tikhon, and all the saints of North America support the seminarians, faculty, staff, donors, and their families at the start of the new academic year!