2021 Mission Planting Grant Recipients Announced
The Department of Evangelization of the Orthodox Church in America announces the 2021 Mission Planting Grant recipients:
Saint John the Merciful Mission in Kissimmee, FL is awarded a first-year matching grant of $24,000. Established in 2018, the city of Kissimmee is poised to see unprecedented growth over the next decade. Father Daniel Hickman is assigned as Priest-in-Charge of the mission and Dn Mark Buchman is also serving at the mission. In two years, they have increased their membership by 110%.
Archangel Gabriel Mission in Azle, TX is awarded a first-year matching grant of $24,000. Established in 2019, Azle is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Greater Fort Worth TX area and the job growth rate is projected to be 40% within the next ten years. Father Chrysostom Arthur is assigned as Priest-in-Charge of the mission. In one year, they increased their membership 150%.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Mission in The Woodlands, TX is awarded a second-year matching grant of $20,000. A prior grant recipient, they were awarded a first-year grant of $24,000 in 2020. The Woodlands is a new, growing community north of Houston. Father Benedict Crawford is assigned as the Priest-in-Charge. Despite the challenge of COVID restrictions in 2020, they have seen a promising increase in attendance.
“Each mission must submit to a rigorous application and review process as well as ongoing support provided by the Department of Evangelization. These missions are outstanding examples of bringing the fullness of the Orthodox faith to new areas, fulfilling the vision of St Herman and all of our missionary Saints,” said Archpriest Thomas Soroka, Project Manager for the Orthodox Church in America.
Grant applications are reviewed and approved by each mission’s respective diocesan bishop before they are submitted. After a review by the Department, recommendations for qualified missions are submitted first to the Metropolitan Council and then to the Holy Synod of Bishops for final approval. The Metropolitan Council approved these grants during its regular Fall 2020 Session, on November 4, 2020, and the Holy Synod confirmed this decision during its regular Fall 2020 Session on November 12, 2020. The grant money must be used solely to assist in providing a salary for a full-time resident priest and be matched by the qualifying mission, deanery, or diocese. Grants may be renewed for a maximum of three years. Over $1,000,000 in Church Planting Grants has been awarded to missions since the program was initiated two decades ago
Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, noted, “We are grateful for the generous support of programs like the Mission Planting Grant by the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America. Additionally, we received a generous anonymous gift which will allow us to consider extending the original vision of this program.”
The generous gifts of Stewards of the OCA fund the development of programs and resources to assist parishes, missions, and faithful thrive in effective ministry. Consider becoming a Steward today!