Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America celebrates 99th Convention in Cleveland, OH
Delegates from across the United States gathered in Cleveland, OH from July 24th through the 27th for the 99th Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s (FOCA) annual convention. Preparing for the centennial celebration of the organization, Cleveland was selected as the site of the 99th convention due to its historical significance for FOCA.
Archpriest Vladimir Prislopsky, founder of the FOCA, originally known as the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs, served for 37 years as rector of Archangel Michael Orthodox Church in Cleveland. Fr. Vladimir founded the organization in Pittsburgh in 1927, and the second convention was held at Archangel Michael Church in 1928. The parish contributed extensively over the years, including providing local district governors through numerous executive offices.
The convention opened on Friday evening with a social event at Archangel Michael Orthodox Church. More than 100 participants gathered for an evening of fellowship and conversation about the future of the organization. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest, and His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South and Episcopal Liaison to the FOCA, were also present for the evening.
On Saturday morning, youth participants took part in a FOCA-sponsored “mini-camp” led by Deacon Dan and Matushka Katrina Kovalak. The day included crafts, sports, and other activities for the children.
The adult delegates met throughout the day for convention business, including discussion of operations and governance matters. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon joined the convention in the afternoon and offered words of encouragement to the delegates. The day continued with Great Vespers, at which Archpriest John Memorich, Rector of Archangel Michael Church, wore the vestments of Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky in honor of his memory. The evening concluded with an outing to the Cleveland Zoo and the Asian Lantern Festival.
On Sunday, July 26, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Beatitude were His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, His Grace Bishop Gerasim, and several clergy, including past and present National Spiritual Advisors of the FOCA.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Nicholas Resetar, on behalf of Matushka Theodora Resetar, daughter of Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky, presented Archangel Michael Church with Fr. Vladimir’s gold pectoral cross. The cross, given to Fr. Vladimir by the parish at the time of his elevation to the rank of archpriest, was received with gratitude as a memorial to his priestly ministry and his foundational role in the life of the FOCA.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a Grand Banquet was held at Woodside Banquet Center, with nearly 200 people in attendance. During the banquet, a fund drive was held to benefit the Shrine to St. Olga of Kwethluk, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Alaska. Through the FOCA Gifts of Love campaign, nearly $4,500 had already been collected for the project, and the banquet raised an additional $2,300.
The convention concluded on Monday, July 27, with the election of officers, further deliberation on governance matters, and the awarding of future events to various FOCA chapters. During the elections, Nicholas Resetar was elected to serve as president during the FOCA’s centennial year.
The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America gives thanks to God for the blessings of the 99th Annual Convention and asks the prayers of its patron, the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, as the organization prepares to celebrate 100 years of service to the Church.