History

HISTORY

In 1927, Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky and many far-sighted laymen and clergy organized the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs as a national organization uniting Orthodox Christians in faith, fellowship and service. Throughout its history, the FROC served an important role in assisting in the work of the Church providing talent and resources in such areas as youth ministry, religious education, liturgical music and financial assistance for the seminaries, missionary work and countless special projects. Through the organization's network of chapters coast-to-coast, a multitude of religious, educational, cultural, social and athletic activities were organized to provide an ideal way to meet others within the faith, beyond the boundaries of the local parish. Over the years, many ideas have been shared, many dreams have become realties and many friendships have been developed into marriages. In 1994, the convention body of the FROC petitioned the Holy Synod of Bishops to be officially recognized by the Orthodox Church in America and at the 1998 National Convention the organization was renamed the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America.

STRUCTURE & NETWORK

The Fellowship is served by its organization of national, district and local chapter levels. The National Executive Board is elected each year by the national convention body and oversees the projects, communication administration of the Fellowship. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah is the Spiritual Leader of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America. To better serve its membership, the organization has two divisions: Senior division for ages 18 and beyond and a Junior division for youth ages 10-17. A present focus of the organization is to better serve and involve the youth of the Church at an earlier age.

The ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN JOURNAL is the organization's official magazine which is published six times each year. The magazine features articles on the organization's programs, activities, projects and goals, features on individual membership and contemporary topics on the Orthodox faith. Each member/family receives a complimentary subscription. 

MEMBERSHIP 

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America is open to all Orthodox Christians and also offers an associate membership to those outside the faith who are interested in the organization's activities, projects and goals. Membership is available through chapters, either already or newly-established. In areas where local chapter membership is not feasible, individuals may belong to a chapter-at large. Obligations of membership include an annual dues and a desire to support the activities and programs of the Fellowship. An important benefit of membership includes the opportunity to receive scholarships for higher education.

SERVICE

The major charitable effort of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America is its United Fund. To-date, nearly two million dollars in financial assistance has been raised and contributed to Orthodox Seminaries, missions, Alaska special needs, youth ministry, scholarships, International Orthodox Christian Charities and the Ohio District St. Vladimirs campground. In addition, Heartbeat Sunday is an annual project addressing special medical needs abroad.

Youth Ministry and Missions are two key areas of focus for service by the Fellowship. The organization's Junior division is a vital network of local chapters providing activities which are interactive, fun-filled and provide opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. The program has the potential of being an important vehicle for creating solidarity among our Churches youth in North America. The Fellowship and the Orthodox Church in America have a strong working relationship in coordinating youth ministry on regional levels. The organization annually provides financial assistance for OCA youth ministry internships. The missionary effort in America is assisted by the Fellowship through annual grants to the Mission Planting Program of the Orthodox Church in America and through the organizations Mission Hotline program. Many local chapters and districts assist mission parishes in their areas.

FELLOWSHIP

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America annually schedules a National Convention as well as National Basketball, Bowling and Golf Tournaments.  Each activity is generally sponsored by a district or local chapter. The National Convention is held in major cities and popular vacation destinations. Recent sites have included Orlando, Scottsdale, Minneapolis, Cleveland and Las Vegas. The Fellowships activities are family-oriented. Attending a national event is an ideal way to meet others within the faith. In addition, many districts and chapters sponsor a multitude of activities on a regional level.

INTO THE 21st CENTURY AND BEYOND

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America has the talent, resources and network to unite all Orthodox Christians in America in fellowship and service, from diocese-to-diocese to parish-to-parish. It is an ideal forum to meet others within the faith, and to work together for common goals.

FELLOWSHIP OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN AMERICA AN OFFICIAL ORGANIZATION OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA

FAITH FAMILY FELLOWSHIP