97th FOCA National Convention Recap
/The 97th FOCA Convention was a wonderful gathering of its members and guests in Mogadore (Akron), Ohio from July 26th through the 29th. As glad as we were to see all participants make it to the event safely, we were just as happy to hear no issues for the safe returns home.
Beginning with simply a social gathering on Friday night, over eighty people spent over two hours reacquainting with old friends and welcoming new ones. Saturday brought a beautiful opening service and panihida followed by inspiring words from Archbishop Daniel, Diocese of the Midwest and Bishop Gerasim, Bishop of Dallas and Ft. Worth. The afternoon brought fruitful discussion on a few specific topics. Ultimately, nearly unanimous voting support was accepted to hold the 2025 FOCA Convention imbedded within the schedule of the All American Council. CP&O for the AAC, Protodeacon Peter Ilchuck, noted that it was very feasible to be included in the agenda as the planning was moving forward. Everyone is encouraged to go to Phoenix next year. All of our meetings are inside!
Afternoon activities for youth provided a fun trip to the Akron Zoo with no issues for all to return in time for Great Vespers. Metropolitan Tikhon arrived in the afternoon as he modified his schedule just returning from personal time overseas to join us for prayer and encouragement. He was inspirational on both counts. Saturday evening had nearly 70 people attend the Akron Rubber Ducks AA baseball game that concluded with fireworks. To say that the kids and adults had a great time would be a monumental understatement.
Sunday began with a glorious celebration of Hierarchical Divine Liturgy that allowed St. Nicholas’ a full church. The Grand Banquet that followed brought nearly 150 people together and more inspiring words from our three hierarchs that were important for our non-FOCA members to hear of our good works. A planned visit to the ProFootball Hall of Fame went very well as many were pleasantly surprised by the engaging atmosphere of the hall.
Highlights from the hierarchs' words to us focused on His Beatitude imploring us to be patient in continuing to discern what is good for us to do. Archbishop Daniel focused on the good works that the FOCA continues to do, including recognizing a floor drive that brought in over $3,000.00 for the St. Theodosius Fire Restoration Project. Bishop Gerasim brought us reflection on our own motto as we were encouraged to continue to toil, understanding that the results of that toil are not always seen immediately.
Monday provided great discussion and momentum for the FOCA. Continuing from Saturday’s sessions, consensus of the attendees led to charging the executive board with developing a plan to better organize the national body into more practical districts as the membership continues to evolve. Key results include:
Membership moving away from dues and towards a pledge system similar to the model instituted by the OCA.
FOCA Executive Board charged with chairing the 2025 FOCA Convention.
Bylaws committee to prepare new bylaws for 2025.
Scholarship and Grant committee to develop a plan for the distribution of awards to OCA camps and campers.
Development of Emergency Assistance Fund to help OCA seminarians falling into financial distress. Funded by the former Building Maintenance Fund.
Contribute $1,540.00 earmark toward purchase of OCA Chaplain Award Crosses as presented by the Metropolitan of the OCA.
The OCA website will be posting a summary of the weekend as well. Look at the website soon for that summary.
Concluding, this convention brought us to a renewed sense of commitment to the works of the FOCA. We seemed to have further developed our focus on assisting those in need within the Church that, in turn, improves the spiritual health of all of us. Continue to pray for all of the members of your organization and plan now to join us in Phoenix in July of 2025.