Call for Nominations: Metropolitan Council and Pension Board Elections at the 21st All-American Council
At the upcoming 21st All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, to be held in Phoenix, AZ, July 14–18, 2025, delegates will be asked to elect individuals to fill critical leadership roles on the Metropolitan Council and the Pension Board.
The following positions will be open for election:
Metropolitan Council
3 Clergy Members
3 Lay Members
2 Alternates (1 Clergy, 1 Lay)
Pension Board
2 Clergy Members
2 Lay Members
2 Alternates (1 Clergy, 1 Lay)
Nominations are now being accepted by the Nominating Committee. Nominations may also be submitted in person at the Council, no later than Tuesday, July 15, at 5:00 PM.
The Metropolitan Council and the Pension Board hold essential roles in the governance of the Orthodox Church in America and the oversight of its Pension Plan. As outlined in the Statute, both bodies are entrusted with significant financial, administrative, and fiduciary responsibilities. The Pension Board, in particular, is charged with managing the Church’s official retirement plan, which provides long-term financial stability and dignity to clergy and lay employees who have served the Church faithfully.
Given the seriousness of these responsibilities, nominees should be individuals of proven integrity, sound judgment, and demonstrated commitment to the life of the Church. For the Metropolitan Council, experience in administration, finance, law, governance, business, or related fields is especially beneficial. With respect to the Pension Board, the Statute explicitly requires that elected members—both clergy and lay—possess relevant professional experience.
These are not honorary roles. They demand dedicated service, collaboration, and leadership for the good of the Church and its faithful.
To help delegates prepare to vote knowledgeably, the Preconciliar Commission strongly encourages nominations to be submitted in advance of the Council. A preliminary list of candidates, along with brief biographies, will be posted on OCA.org on Monday, July 7, with an updated list published on Wednesday, July 16.
Nominations will only be accepted when submitted with the completed nomination form (attached), which includes a brief biographical and professional summary of the nominee, and the episcopal blessing. Self-nominations are welcome, but verbal or written consent from each nominee must be received before their name will be added to the slate of candidates.
Statutory Guidelines:
As per Article III, Section 4(g) of the OCA Statute, members of the Metropolitan Council must be elected from among the registered delegates of the All-American Council. However, Section 4(h) does not require the same for nominees to the Pension Board; as such, they are not required to be delegates present at the Council sessions.
The elections for both bodies will take place during Plenary Session V on Thursday, July 17.
All who are considering nomination are strongly encouraged to review the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, especially Articles III and V, to understand the terms, duties, and expectations of these important offices. Prospective candidates are also encouraged to speak with current members of the Metropolitan Council and Pension Board to gain a better understanding of the nature of the work involved.
Nominations and questions may be submitted to:
Nominations and questions may be submitted to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The members of the Nominating Committee are:
Priest David Bozeman, Diocese of the South, CHAIR
Priest Andrew Nelko, Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania
Ray Steeb, Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania
Lori Kochan, Diocese of the Midwest
David Lane, Diocese of the West
Kevin Fritts, Archdiocese of Washington