FOCA Fruits

Beloved brothers and sisters of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America,

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the FOCA annual convention in Akron this Summer.  There was much prayerful discussion at that meeting about the organization's future.  I would like to update you on a project from the past, in hope it will inspire those members who worked so hard to bring it to fruition.

Several years ago, FOCA provided much of the funding to renovate the 'orphanage' at St. Tikhon's, turning it into four units of married student housing.  Many of FOCAs number will be aware of the difficulty that St. Tikhon's Seminary has faced in building housing for married students.  At this point, the seminary has only 7 units available for its married seminarians (including the orphanage), and a student body that is approximately 2/3 married folks.

In the 2023/24 academic year, Sarah and I were living 20 minutes away from campus, and paying over $2,000/month for rent and utilities.  Over the summer, the seminary blessed us with the opportunity to move into 'the orphanage'.  It has honestly changed our lives.  Not only are we paying less than half of what we were in monthly expenses, we are also able to be in deeper community with our brother and sister seminarians.

Yesterday, we were thawing some fish and had way too much to eat ourselves, so Sarah sent a message to the families that live on campus, inviting them to a 'porch party' at the orphanage.  Everyone brought a side and silverware, the kids played and the adults had the sort of deep and true Christian Fellowship that sustains faith in dark moments.  

We had families from the Diocese of the Midwest, Diocese of the South and Diocese the West.  Some, like Sarah, were 'FOCA kids', others were first years who might have never heard of FOCA, but all embodied the spirit of Christian Fellowship that FOCA has kindled and kept alive these many years.

With every fiber of my being, I thank you all for your efforts in supporting seminarians, not only with the student housing project, but also with your generosity at Christmas and by your prayer always.  I also encourage you to continue your efforts in all areas, they make all the difference.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:58).

With much love in Christ,

Cole Schlafer

STOTS Class of 2026