95th National FOCA Convention Recap

The 95th National Convention of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) convened in Baltimore, MD from July 15-18, 2022, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel.

On Saturday morning, members of the Board of Trustees and Past National Presidents followed the American Flag and the Icon of All Saints of North America as they processed into the ballroom to the singing of the Troparion-O Lord Save Thy People.  National Spiritual Advisor, V. Rev. Nicholas Wyslutsky and CP&O Director, Dn. Peter Ilchuk led the opening prayer service followed by a Panikida for all the departed members of the Fellowship.  Beloved hierarchs, clergy, and members of the FOCA, who have passed since the last convention in 2019, were remembered individually.  

Plenary sessions were called to order by National President, Allison Steffaro followed by the singing of the National Anthem and FOCA Anthem.  Recommendations, questions, and updates to the reports of the executive board, district governors, department directors, and committee chairs were addressed.  The rest of the morning was dedicated to an open forum entitled, “Navigating our Future.” 

Three topics were presented for discussion:   Virtual Outreach headed by Fr. Wyslutsky; FOCA Proposal to the Holy Synod on Youth and Young Adult Programs presented by Vice President, Basil Kochan; and Reimagining the National Convention led by Past President, Michael Steffaro.  Following the forum, Kenneth Kidd, FOCUS Executive Director, updated the body on the work of FOCUS.  He also passed along a message from a previous seminary family Christmas gift recipient who asked that he be sure to send thanks to the FOCA for the wonderful Christmas gifts.  He said that he had to manage his family’s expectations because future Christmases would never be that grand.

On Saturday evening, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, several members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, and FOCA convention participants attended Great Vespers in the ballroom of the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel, which was transformed into a beautiful chapel for the week. The hotel was also the site of the 20th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America, which formally opened on Monday evening, July 18.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and members of the Holy Synod concelebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning along with other clergy, and deacons. Juliana Woodill directed the choir and The Right Reverend Gerasim, Bishop of Fort Worth, Auxiliary to the Diocese of the South, delivered the homily. 

This year, the convention Grand Banquet was a Sunday afternoon event.  Members of the Holy Synod were intermixed at the various tables which provided the opportunity for them to interact with all in attendance. Toastmaster Basil Kochan orchestrated the brief program.  During her Presidential Address, Allison Steffaro thanked the members of the board and especially Father Nicholas Wyslutsky, National Spiritual Advisor, for guiding the organization through difficult times created by the pandemic - finding innovative ways to continue to come together in prayer and fellowship while also helping those in need.

She briefly highlighted the successes of each of these programs, emphasizing the organization’s ability to answer the call for support.  In just a few short weeks, a Gifts of Love campaign raised over $8,000 to provide the AAC youth program T-shirts, backpacks, water bottle sleeves, classroom necessities, snacks, and more.

Concluding her address, she announced four scholarship recipients who will each receive a $1,000 award.  Next Father Nicholas made a very special presentation awarding Life Member designation to V. Rev. Daniel (Reposed) and Matushka Theodora Ressetar, in honor of their long history of dedicated service to the FROC/FOCA.

Following the presentation, Dn. Peter Ilchuk intoned Many Years.  His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon addressed the group and remarked “how beautiful the Liturgy was this morning.”  He referred to the Life Member designation granted to the Ressetars as something truly inspiring for all to see; the faithful service of those who have labored for so many years for the Church and the FOCA. 

After citing several FOCA initiatives and the work that FOCA has done for so many years, His Beatitude commented on the proposal saying that he “prays that the spirit of generosity and of service that is found here in FOCA will spread even more throughout the dioceses and parishes of our Orthodox Church in America so that we may fulfill our apostolic commandment to spread the gospel and to do it by supporting our brothers and sisters in need.”  His Beatitude ended his address by saying he is “grateful to all of you for your support of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America and your support of the Orthodox Church in America.”

Plenary sessions reconvened on Monday morning with a good portion of the time focused on rewording and finalizing the youth proposal.  The final product highlighted the founding of the FROC by Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky with the primary goal of keeping youth active in the Church.  With the guidance of Metropolitan Tikhon and Archbishop Michael, the FOCA drafted a proposal that offered us up to "create activities, programs, and retreats open to all youth of the OCA". 

The targeted age groups are from toddler through college age. Following the motion to submit that proposal to the Holy Synod, the convention body approved moving $50,000 from the Building Maintenance Fund to be used for youth ministries. 

The 96th National Convention, to be held in 2023, was awarded to the South River, New Jersey chapter and the 97th, to be held in 2024, was awarded to the Akron, Ohio chapter.  2025 will be an AAC year and the location has not yet been identified by the OCA. The Summer Sports Tournaments were awarded out to the year 2025.

Nominations were held and the entire Executive Board was reelected for another term and duly installed during a service led by Archbishop Michael.  Many Years was intoned for Matushka Theodora Ressetar and Marge Kovach who both celebrated birthdays that day.  Sessions ended with the traditional hand clasp and reciting of the FOCA motto.  Singing of the FOCA anthem followed, and the President gaveled the 95th National FOCA Convention closed.

Social events for the weekend started with a welcome reception on Friday evening which provided a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.  Saturday activities included tours of the Charm City in the afternoon and group access to the National Aquarium in the evening. 

On Sunday evening, the group enjoyed private access to the B&O Railroad Museum and indulged in a spread of decadent desserts.  Fabulous acoustics in the roundhouse inspired an impromptu performance of the FOCA anthem.

Details about the 20th All American Council may be found on the OCA website and Facebook page.  Key takeaways, as they relate to the FOCA, include the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America canonically electing Bishop Daniel, Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest as well as appointing Bishop Andrei and Bishop Gerasim as liaisons to the FOCA. Work has already begun on finalizing a Youth and Young Adult Programs proposal with plans for it to be presented to the Holy Synod.