Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America holds 98th Convention concurrent with 21st AAC
On July 15-17, 2025, delegates from across the United States gathered in Phoenix, AZ for the 98th Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s (FOCA) annual convention, concurrent with the 21st All-American Council, held in the same location. With the concurrence of the AAC, the typical schedule of business sessions was adapted to prioritize the canonization of St. Olga and address the ongoing efforts to redefine the mission of the FOCA.
On Tuesday evening, the FOCA welcomed over 200 people to the opening reception that was highlighted by the viewing of “Sacred Alaska.” Following the screening, a question and answer session was led by the producer and co-creator of the documentary, Silas Karbo. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon offered a welcome to all in attendance that truly captured what the FOCA is all about; “The FOCA is not a fraternal organization. It is not a club that works for its membership. You have dedicated yourselves to the whole needs of the Orthodox Church in America.”
His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, the Holy Synod liaison to the FOCA, attended the opening that evening and addressed the convention on Wednesday, encouraging fruitful discussion that occurred for the duration of the meetings. His invitation to Dallas for the 22nd AAC was well received. Over half of the FOCA delegates were in attendance as AAC clergy and lay delegates.
“The connection with the OCA cannot be overstated. Without the Church, we do not exist,” said Basil Kochan, National FOCA president. “As we move forward from this convention, we will immediately be addressing initiatives of assisting OCA seminarians and OCA camps and campers. Our assistance to the 21st AAC Youth Program was a blessing beyond belief. The appreciation for our efforts was humbling to all of our members present at the Grand Banquet. The Gifts of Love campaign totaling $10,000.00 for St. Theodosius Restoration Fund was warmly received by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, Diocese of the Midwest in which the cathedral resides. We are doing good work.”
Key results from discussions at the convention included:
- The Fellowship moving away from dues and toward a donation plan for the works of the FOCA to be presented at the FOCA 99th Convention in July 2026 in Cleveland, OH.
- The Scholarship and Grant committee to immediately develop a plan for the distribution of awards to OCA camps and campers for the 2026 season.
- Further development and implementation of the Emergency Assistance Fund to help OCA seminarians falling into financial distress.
Presenting at the AAC and the viewing of “Sacred Alaska” brought new interest from non-members to the works of the FOCA. There is interest in becoming members of the organization from areas in which the FOCA has never existed. As shared with the closing session of the FOCA convention, President Kochan said, “...if we want to be connected beyond our own parishes, we must build on what we have always been and what the Holy Synod has recognized us to be. We all must pray even more to find the best path for each of us to share the true meaning of the FOCA and bring others to our understanding of who we are, what we are, and why we do it. This will improve the spiritual health of all of us.”
Through the prayers of the FOCA’s patron, St. Andrew the First-Called, may God bless and strengthen all its members in their work serving the Church.