Matushka Carrie Foley Appointed to Lead Clergy Wives Ministry

Logo of the OCA's Clergy Wives Ministry. Photo: Orthodox Church in America

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Office of Pastoral Life of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has announced the appointment of Matushka Carrie Foley as program lead of the Clergy Wives Ministry, effective November 1. In this role, she will guide the continued growth of the ministry, which provides encouragement, fellowship, and resources for clergy wives throughout the OCA.

Matushka Carrie succeeds the volunteer committee that has led the ministry in recent years. The Office of Pastoral Life expressed gratitude to Matushka Valerie Zahirsky, Matushka Alexandra Safchuk, Matushka Jennifer Levine, Matushka Wendy Cwiklinski, Matushka Miho Ealy, and Matushka Lela Powell for their vision and dedication in establishing and sustaining this important work.

A magna cum laude graduate of Piedmont University, Matushka Carrie studied cross-cultural missions, fine art, and literature. She played a founding role in establishing St. Timothy’s Orthodox Church in Toccoa, Georgia, and has served for nearly two decades at Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Kernersville, North Carolina, alongside her husband, Archpriest Christopher Foley. Her experience spans parish leadership, youth and sisterhood ministry, and choir service. Professionally, she has worked as a graphic designer, marketing director, and entrepreneur, and is also an accomplished writer and conference speaker.

“The work of a clergy wife is like that of a womb. It is often hidden, but it makes space for others to grow,” said Matushka Carrie. “It makes space for others to grow. It is a place of loving sacrifice, deep communion, and hidden wonder. And, with patience and humility, her mysterious work can become her deepest joy as she delivers Christ to this weary world.”

Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life, welcomed the appointment, noting, “Matushka Carrie Foley brings a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, women’s group leader, director, mother of four, and clergy wife that uniquely prepares her for this work. Her leadership will strengthen the Clergy Wives Ministry, ensuring that this vital expression of care, connection, and encouragement continues to grow and to support clergy families across the Church with intention.”

The Office of Pastoral Life invites the faithful to pray for Matushka Carrie, her family, and all clergy wives as this new chapter of ministry begins.

Previously, UOJ reported that the OCA had announced a significant reorganization of its Clergy Wives Ministry, now under the Office of Pastoral Life, to bolster support for clergy families.

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