Office of Pastoral Life Launches First Cohort of Financial Health Initiative
On May 5, 2025, the Office of Pastoral Life (OPL) of the Orthodox Church in America officially launched the first cohort of its Financial Health Initiative (FHI), a program designed to support the financial well-being of parish priests and their families across the OCA.
The mission of the Office of Pastoral Life is to support the health, well-being, and ongoing formation of clergy in the Orthodox Church in America. In keeping with this mission, the newly launched Financial Health Initiative aims to strengthen the financial stability of clergy and their families—helping to reduce stress and free them to serve their communities more effectively.
Recent survey data gathered by the Office of Pastoral Life in 2023 sheds light on the financial realities clergy families face. When asked how often they worry about their financial situation, nearly 60% of priests reported at least moderate levels of stress. Comments revealed deep concerns about covering basic needs, unexpected medical expenses, and long-term security—especially regarding retirement and care for their families. As one priest put it, “Financial stress has been a steady part of daily life as a priest.” These findings underscore the urgent need for programs that strengthen financial stability and support clergy in their sacrificial and demanding work of pastoral care.
Father Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life, reflected on the heart of the program:
“The financial health of our clergy families has been overlooked for too long. With the Financial Health Initiative, I hope we give priests and their spouses the tools and confidence they need to feel less stress and pastor more freely. This is about supporting healthy clergy, strong families, and vibrant parishes—and encouraging honest, supportive conversations around real challenges.”
Funded in part by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the FHI centers on the Ramsey+ SmartDollar platform, which provides access to Financial Peace University, unlimited financial coaching, and a range of practical resources. These tools are designed to help clergy families reduce financial stress and build lasting security.
The first cohort includes clergy from across the OCA’s dioceses. The OPL intends to make the program available to all parish priests and their spouses in the Orthodox Church in America. The next cohort is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
One lay leader expressed the spirit of the initiative clearly: “It is my hope that all the priests are able to not worry about finances as they go about the work of the Lord in their parish communities. Lord have mercy!”
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For more information about the Office of Pastoral Life and its programs, visit opl.oca.org.