Your Beatitude, dear brother and concelebrant in the Lord’s Mysteries,

Christ is in our midst!

It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the recent attack on the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the danger and suffering inflicted upon this sacred monastery, which is sacred to all Orthodox Christians throughout the world.

On behalf of the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, I extend to Your Beatitude, to the flock entrusted to your pastoral care, and to all the people of Ukraine, our heartfelt prayers and fraternal support. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is one of the great spiritual treasures of the Orthodox world, sanctified by the prayers and witness of countless saints. Any act of violence directed against such a holy place is a cause of grief and indignation for Orthodox Christians everywhere.

Since the outbreak of this devastating war, the Orthodox Church in America has consistently prayed and labored for peace, condemning violence, bloodshed, and the suffering inflicted upon innocent people. We condemn the continued military attacks of the Russian Federation upon the sovereign territory of Ukraine, which have brought immeasurable suffering to countless innocent people and have now further endangered and damaged the sacred Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra itself. We pray that these hostilities may cease without delay and that a just and lasting peace may soon be restored.

Your Beatitude, we know the great weight you carry in shepherding your beloved flock through this time of pain, beset by sorrows on every side. Be assured that you are not forgotten in our prayers. May the saints whose relics rest in the Caves of Kyiv intercede for your suffering people, and may the God of all consolation grant peace speedily to His afflicted servants, “for the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all.”

With fraternal love in Christ,

+TIKHON
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada

With less than three weeks remaining before registration closes, 25 clergy wives have already signed up for this first Orthodox Church in America-wide, in-person gathering of its kind. The early registrations reflect broad representation across the Church, with participants from a range of dioceses, ages, life stages, and ministry settings, including wives of parish priests, retired clergy, and clergy widows.

Reflecting on the early registrants, Matushka Carrie Foley, Director of Clergy Wives Ministry said, “We are excited to see the response. With such a wide range of ages and experiences represented, the stage will be set for rich conversation and organic mentorship.”

The Office of Pastoral Life is encouraging parish councils to help make attendance possible for clergy wives who wish to come. Supporting registration and travel expenses is a concrete way for parishes to care for their clergy families and to affirm the vital role clergy wives play in parish life. Some registrants have been sponsored by a family in their parish, while others signed up only after being approached by a parish council member who let them know the funds were already allocated.

This was the case for Matushka Ruth Lopez, whose husband graduated from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary this May. The Lopezes and their four young children arrived at their first parish assignment two weeks ago. “I was so touched and overjoyed when I found out I would be able to go to the clergy wives retreat this year! I know it will be a beautiful time full of building community and of rejuvenation,” said Matushka Ruth.

At Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Detroit, Michigan, Andrew and Danielle Bresinski found a creative way to send their priest’s wife to the retreat despite a tight church budget. Explaining the parish council’s decision to pay for Matushka Karina York’s registration, Andrew said, “Holy Trinity is not a rich parish ... we scrape by. Even with that being said, it was a no brainer. We did our research and we saw that it’s supported by His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel and His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. It’s our job to support the family, our rector and his wife. She is the mother of our congregation. It’s such a huge choice to become a priest. And a lot of people don’t think about Matushka…she makes that choice, too. How often does she get a chance to unburden herself?”

When Andrew returned home after the meeting and told his wife, the sisterhood treasurer, about the vote, Danielle took it upon herself to support Matushka Karina further. She mentioned the opportunity to the parish sisterhood at their meeting the following week. Andrew said, “All were supportive. Everyone was on board. It was unanimous,” and in this way, travel expenses to the retreat will not be a burden, either. Andrew was grateful to help, saying, “She gets to go now and talk…with people who understand her like no one else can.”

The 2026 Clergy Wives Retreat is part of the Office of Pastoral Life’s broader effort to strengthen clergy families and support healthy pastoral life throughout the Orthodox Church in America.

Registration information is available here

About the Office of Pastoral Life

The Orthodox Church in America’s Office of Pastoral Life supports the well-being of clergy and their families, the foundation of parish life across North America. Believing the health of the Church is inseparable from the health of her clergy, the Office offers programs that build resilience, connection and pastoral joy. Programs include Thriving in Ministry peer-learning groups, Financial Health Initiatives, quarterly Synaxis Gatherings, Retreats and Clergy Wives Ministry. In partnership with bishops, dioceses, parishes and our generous donors, the Office of Pastoral Life helps create sustainable conditions in which priests, deacons and their families of the Orthodox Church in America can flourish spiritually, vocationally and personally through every season of parish ministry.

On June 9–10, representatives from across the Orthodox Church in America gathered in Springfield, VA, for a two-day planning meeting as part of the Church’s participation in the Lilly Endowment’s New Churches Initiative.

Earlier this year, the Orthodox Church in America was invited to apply to this national initiative, which seeks to support the establishment of new worshiping communities and help Christian organizations develop sustainable models for church planting and long-term growth. The invitation itself is a recognition of the Orthodox Church in America’s organizational health and demonstrated capacity to undertake significant initiatives.

The invitation also comes at a providential moment. Across North America, many parishes and missions are experiencing significant growth, while increasing numbers of inquirers and catechumens continue to seek the Orthodox faith.

The planning process began earlier this year with a series of interviews involving clergy, lay leaders, seminary representatives, mission priests, diocesan administrators, and other stakeholders from throughout the Church. The June gathering brought many of those voices together for a period of reflection, discussion, and discernment.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth were joined by diocesan chancellors, treasurers, representatives of the seminaries, experienced mission priests, and other leaders from across the Church. Drawing upon their experience in parish life, theological education, administration, and mission work, participants considered both the opportunities and challenges facing the Church as it seeks to bring the Gospel to new communities throughout North America.

“The growth we are witnessing throughout the Orthodox Church in America is not ultimately the result of our own efforts, but a sign of God’s continued work among His people,” said His Beatitude. “This initiative invites us to consider carefully how we can be faithful stewards of that blessing—strengthening existing missions, planting new communities, and ensuring that those who are seeking Christ are welcomed into the life of the Church and formed as His disciples for a life of holiness.”

Throughout the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning in the establishment of new churches. Particular attention was given to the formation of clergy, the indispensable role of lay ministry, and the need to ensure that new communities are built upon strong spiritual and financial foundations.

Discussion repeatedly returned to the importance of supporting full-time clergy ministry in mission settings. Participants noted that mission communities are best positioned for healthy growth when priests are able to devote themselves fully to the liturgical, pastoral, educational, and evangelistic work entrusted to them. Participants further affirmed that the growth of the Church must be accompanied by the careful formation of future clergy through our seminaries, whose work remains essential in preparing priests capable of serving the complex pastoral and missionary needs of contemporary parish life. The importance of dedicated lay ministry was likewise emphasized, including the service of catechists, choir directors, treasurers, church musicians, and many others whose ministries contribute to the health of parish communities.

A central focus of the Lilly Endowment initiative is sustainability. Much discussion was devoted to reflecting not only on the opportunities before the Church, but also on the practical and pastoral foundations necessary for lasting growth. While there was great enthusiasm for the continued expansion of mission work throughout North America, there was also broad agreement that healthy church planting requires patience, thoughtful planning, well-formed clergy and lay leaders, and a commitment to providing the support necessary for new communities to flourish over the long term.

The planning meeting represents an important step in the development of the Church’s proposal, which is scheduled to be submitted to the Lilly Endowment later this summer. In the months ahead, the Orthodox Church in America will continue refining its vision and priorities for this initiative, drawing upon the insights shared by participants and the experiences of dioceses, parishes, seminaries, and mission communities across the Church.

As the Orthodox Church in America continues this planning process, the faithful are encouraged to keep this work in their prayers and to support the Church’s missionary efforts through their generosity. Those wishing to contribute may do so through the Orthodox Church in America’s online giving page.

The Church also encourages all of the faithful to prayerfully consider how the Lord may be calling them to participate in this missionary work. Some may be called to ordained ministry and theological education through one of the Church’s seminaries. Others may discern a vocation through the Diaconal Vocations Program or through service as catechists, choir directors, church musicians, parish administrators, treasurers, youth workers, and in countless other ministries that sustain and strengthen parish life. The growth of the Church is the work of the whole People of God, and each member has a role to play in building up the Body of Christ.

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan, Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Michael, Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Rector of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, together with clergy and pilgrims.

The meeting took place at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon in Gorno Nerezi, a 12th century monastery on the outskirts of Skopje. Archbishop Michael was accompanied by Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, Archpriest Daniel Degyansky, Archpriest Josiah Trenham, Archpriest John Vitko, Deacon Ephraim Rivers, and 26 additional pilgrims.

Archbishop Stefan offered generous words of welcome to the pilgrims, including a brief reflection on the history of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and the apostolic roots of Christianity in the region. Gifts were exchanged, and the pilgrims were welcomed to hospitality at the monastery. Archbishop Michael extended the greetings of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, who is eagerly anticipating a future time he will be able to visit the Macedonian Church.

During the visit, Archbishop Stefan and Archbishop Michael spoke about the growth of the Church, seminary life, and the work of forming clergy and faithful for service in the Orthodox Church. Archbishop Stefan also recalled with gratitude his concelebration with Metropolitan Tikhon at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC. “We know one another when we visit one another, especially when we pray the Liturgy together,” he said.

At the conclusion of the visit, Archbishop Michael, clergy, and pilgrims gathered for a group photo inside the 12th century church. At the request of Archbishop Stefan, “Many Years” was intoned for Metropolitan Tikhon.

The pilgrimage, sponsored by St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, is taking place from June 2–13 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the repose of St. Nikolai Velimirovich. The journey traces the life, ministry, and legacy of St. Nikolai, who spent the final years of his life at St. Tikhon’s Seminary in South Canaan, PA, where he served as professor and rector.

On Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon traveled to Cincinnati to preside at the 50th Anniversary celebration of Christ the Savior–Holy Spirit Orthodox Church. Upon arrival in Cincinnati, His Beatitude was greeted at the airport by His Eminence and Archpriest Herman Kincaid, Chancellor of the Diocese of the Midwest. Also accompanying His Beatitude was Protodeacon Peter Ilchuk.

His Beatitude then traveled to Christ the Savior–Holy Spirit Orthodox Church where he presided at Great Vespers. Following the service, a light reception was held in the church hall.

On Sunday, June 7th, 2026, His Beatitude presided at the celebration of the hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Beatitude was His Eminence, His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, Archpriest Steven Kostoff, Parish Rector, Fr. Herman Kincaid, Archpriest Alexander Rentel, and Archpriest Dennis Buck.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, His Eminence warmly greeted his Beatitude and His Eminence and welcomed them to the parish and the Diocese.

A festive banquet was held at the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati to conclude the weekend’s celebrations. At the banquet, remarks were given about the history of the parish and greetings to the faithful of the parish. His Beatitude then returned to Washington, DC.

The Office of Pastoral Life of the Orthodox Church in America has launched the second cohort of the Financial Health Initiative, a program designed to support the financial well-being and stability of its clergy households.

Cohort 2 began June 1, 2026, with 36 clergy households participating from across the Orthodox Church in America. Forty-five households applied for the second cohort, exceeding the program’s original capacity of 30 households. Additional fundraising allowed the Office of Pastoral Life to expand the cohort and welcome six more households, while nine households remain on the wait list.

The Financial Health Initiative, or FHI, is part of the broader work of the Office of Pastoral Life to strengthen and support clergy and their families. Through the program, participating clergy households receive structured financial education, budgeting tools, access to financial coaching, and a $5,000 incentive grant. The program is intended to help clergy households develop stronger financial practices, increase clarity around household finances, and take practical steps toward long-term financial stability.

“Clergy households carry real responsibilities, both in the parish and at home,” said Father Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life. “The Financial Health Initiative is one way the Church can offer practical, concrete support that touches daily life. Financial health is not separate from pastoral life. When clergy households are more stable, more confident, and better equipped to make faithful decisions, that strengthens the priest, the family, and the parish community they serve.”

The launch of Cohort 2 follows lessons learned during Cohort 1, which began in 2025. Feedback from the first cohort helped the Office of Pastoral Life and the Financial Health Initiative team refine the program and continue developing a model of support that is both practical and responsive to the realities faced by clergy families.

The strong response to Cohort 2 reflects the importance of this work and underscores the value of practical formation in financial literacy, planning, and household money management.

“We are grateful that we were able to include more households than originally planned,” Father Nicholas said. “That is a sign of good stewardship and of the generosity of those who believe in this work. At the same time, the remaining waitlist reminds us that this need is real and that continued support for clergy households remains an important part of the Church’s life.”

Father Stephen Vernak, Director of the Financial Health Initiative, noted that the program is designed to provide both structure and encouragement.

About the Office of Pastoral Life
The Orthodox Church in America’s Office of Pastoral Life supports the well-being of clergy and their families, the foundation of parish life across North America. Believing the health of the Church is inseparable from the health of her clergy, the Office offers programs that build resilience, connection and pastoral joy. Programs include Thriving in Ministry peer-learning groups, Financial Health Initiatives, quarterly Synaxis Gatherings, Retreats and Clergy Wives Ministry. In partnership with bishops, dioceses, parishes and our generous donors, the Office of Pastoral Life helps create sustainable conditions in which priests, deacons and their families of the Orthodox Church in America can flourish spiritually, vocationally and personally through every season of parish ministry.