President's Commentary

In mid-February, the Executive Board and Board of Trustees met halfway between Ohio and New Jersey at a Hampton Inn just off Interstate 80 in Lamar, Pennsylvania. Thankfully, the winter weather cooperated long enough for us to carry out the business of the Fellowship by means of very productive Spring Board meetings. 2018 Gifts of Love donations, designated for IOCC’s hurricane relief efforts, have surpassed $11,000 and that amount continues to grow. Future plans extend well into 2020 with several new and renewed events in the development stages, such as a Leadership Conference, Choir Conference, and Pan Orthodox Youth Rally. Plans for 2018 national events are being finalized and members of the Ohio District are busy preparing to host all three of our National Sports Tournaments as well as Junior Olympics. Whether you prefer to bounce, putt, or roll, sign up for a weekend of friendly competition and share in fun, fellowship, and worship.

Most importantly, I hope you will meet me in St. Louis! Okay, not very original but a genuine invitation nonetheless. Register now to be part of the 92nd National FOCA convention at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Once again, the FOCA Convention will be held in conjunction with the 19th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America. In addition to a traditional convention schedule consisting of Business Sessions, Great Vespers, and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the convention committee has organized several evening events. Fellowship opportunities start with a good old fashion St. Louis welcome on Friday, followed by an opportunity to ”Dine under the Stars” on Saturday, and leading up to the grand finale banquet and dance on Sunday. Whether you come to this great city as a delegate, alternate, member, or guest, you are sure to enjoy the weekend festivities.

A lot of positive things are happening around the Fellowship. Don’t simply reminisce about wonderful experiences you had at an FOCA tournament, camp, or convention -- create some new memories by participating in upcoming events.

May you have a meaningful Lenten Journey and a joyous Pascha!

Marge Kovach, 44th National FOCA President