Clergy wives across the Orthodox Church of America are deeply woven into the fabric of parish life. They participate in the liturgical rhythm of the Church, remain closely connected to the daily realities of their communities, and quietly serve in ways that often go unnoticed. Much of what they contribute happens behind the scenes—through steadiness, hospitality, discernment, adaptability, and faithfulness over time.
Yet meaningful connection with other clergy wives is often limited.
When connection does occur, it is usually incidental and episodic. Clergy wives may see one another at periodic national or diocesan events, at occasional deanery gatherings, or through chance reunions with friends from seminary days. These moments can be warm and encouraging, but they are brief. They rarely provide the time needed for deeper conversation, shared reflection, and mutual strengthening.
The Office of Pastoral Life wants to offer something different. Building on their clergy wives peer groups, they want to host gatherings that will create spaces for clergy wives and widows to connect not merely in passing, but with purpose. In these settings, relationships can form and mature. Conversations can move beyond surface exchange to thoughtful reflection on the realities of parish life, family life, and personal spiritual growth. Wisdom forged through lived experience can be shared freely, and burdens can be carried together.
Such purposeful gatherings cultivate genuine companionship and shared learning. They allow clergy wives to sharpen one another through conversation and attentive listening. Over time, this kind of relational depth strengthens not only each woman, but the entire clergy family.
Healthy clergy families contribute to flourishing parishes. When clergy wives are strengthened in their own faith, clarity, and resilience, what they bring to parish life becomes steadier and more life-giving. Strengthening clergy wives through intentional connection strengthens clergy families—and thriving clergy families contribute to flourishing parishes.
2026 OCA Clergy Wives Retreat Announced
This summer, for the first time, the Office of Pastoral Life will host an in-person Clergy Wives Retreat from July 27 to July 30 at the Antiochian Village in Bolivar, PA. Priests’ wives, deacons’ wives and clergy widows from across the Orthodox Church in America will gather for focused conversation, reflection, and fellowship in a setting designed specifically for them. Physician-psychiatrist educator, Orthodox Christian spiritual care executive coach, trainer and speaker, Dr. Ioana Popa will lead the retreat. She will invite participants to explore how to incorporate the theme of this year’s retreat, Come Away and Rest, into their lives beyond their three days at Antiochian Village so that rest might bear fruit in their hearts, marriages, and ministries, for years to come.
Parishes are asked to support travel and registration costs to enable the clergy wives and widows in their parish to attend. This shared commitment reflects an understanding that investing in clergy families is an investment in the long-term health of parish life.
Those who wish to further strengthen this effort are invited to consider a donation toward the cost of the retreat. Your gift of $650 will underwrite the full cost of room and board for three days of rest and connection for one clergy wife or widow. $500 will create a travel scholarship. No donation is too small. In building intentional spaces for connection, the Church takes a practical step toward sustaining those who quietly sustain so much.
To learn more or to sponsor a clergy wife in full or in part, visit our sponsorship menu.
Clergy wives and widows interested in attending the retreat who are not already in the Orthodox Church in America’s Clergy Wives Directory will need to add themselves prior to the launch of registration in late April. Click here to update or add your contact information in the directory.
Written by Archpriest Nicholas Solak.
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