The Orthodox Church in America Announces Restructuring and Expansion of the Clergy Wives Ministry
The Orthodox Church in America announces the reorganization and expansion of the Clergy Wives Ministry under the Office of Pastoral Life.
This transition affirms the Church’s ongoing commitment to supporting clergy wives and their families. It also brings the Clergy Wives Ministry into alignment with the other established programs of the Office of Pastoral Life and consistent with the structure of other departments and offices of the Orthodox Church in America. In this way, the ministry is being elevated to a higher and more intentional level, ensuring that it will continue with the same seriousness and stability as other vital Church ministries.
Building on the strong foundation laid by the original committee members—whose dedication, creativity, and advocacy have nurtured this ministry in recent years—the restructured ministry will now be guided by a dedicated director. This new position, which will carry a stipend, will be filled by an OCA clergy wife who will oversee the continued growth and ongoing impact of the program.
“The reorganization is not a turning away from what has been,” said Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life. “Rather, it is a way of building on the good work that has already been accomplished and ensuring that this vital ministry continues to flourish with clear leadership and strong support.”
The Clergy Wives Ministry was initially established under the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Alexei when he served as Chair of the Office of Pastoral Life and has since been housed and directed within the Office. Over the years, it has become a valued expression of connection, encouragement, and care for clergy families across the Church.
“Clergy wives carry a profound and often hidden ministry within the life of the Church,” said His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. “I am grateful for the original committee members who have faithfully nurtured this ministry since it was first established. With gratitude for what has been accomplished and with hope for what lies ahead, we now strengthen this ministry, ensuring that clergy wives are cared for and supported as they, in turn, support the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America.”
Further details about the appointment of the new director will be shared in the coming weeks.