19th All-American Council web site goes “live”

19th AAC

A special site featuring a wealth of information and resources related to the forthcoming 19th All-American Council [AAC] of the Orthodox Church in America went “live” on the OCA web site on Friday, July 14, 2017.

The AAC theme—“For the Life of the World”—is derived from Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann’s classic work of the same name.

“The web site will be of tremendous assistance in preparing the faithful, and especially AAC delegates and observers, for the gathering, which will convene in Saint Louis, MO July 23-27, 2018,” said Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, OCA Secretary.  “A new AAC Facebook page also has been launched.”

On-line registration for both the AAC and hotel will be available January 1, 2018 through a dedicated and secure section of the site.

“All AAC related resources—agenda, handbook, instructions and registration—will be available on the site, enabling participants to download and print out copies to bring with them to the Council,” Father Eric explained.  “Beginning January 1, the site will feature a dedicated section for submitting resolutions and Statute revisions for consideration by AAC delegates.”

Other AAC site highlights will include

  • an introductory video by His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest, who chairs the Preconciliar Commission.
  • articles on the history of the Orthodox Church in the Saint Louis area and the Kansas City Deanery of the Diocese of the Midwest.
  • a section dedicated to the AAC youth program, which will be available shortly.  Youth program volunteers may register through the site.  Beginning January 1, youth delegate registration also will be available on-line.  A separate posting on the AAC youth program, which will be directed by Priest Benjamin Tucci, will provide details on the youth program agenda, expectations, and costs and offer suggestions on how youth can raise funds to participate in the AAC.
  • a series of frequently asked questions about the AAC in general and the 19th AAC in particular, slated to be released in the fall.

“In the months ahead, the OCA web site will announce the latest updates, resources and information as they appear on the AAC site,” Father Eric added.  “In the meantime, we hope that all of the Church’s faithful take advantage of the AAC site for the latest information with regard to the 19th AAC in a Church-wide effort to expand the work of the Church ‘for the life of the world’ and its salvation.”