OCA Offers Dedicated Retreat for Priests’ Wives and Widows

OCA Matushki Meet-Up 2026. Photo: oca.org

BOLIVAR, PA — The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) is set to host its first in-person Clergy Wives Retreat from July 27 to 30 at the Antiochian Village, offering a dedicated space for priests’ wives, deacons’ wives, and clergy widows to connect deeply with one another. The retreat, led by licensed counselor and Orthodox coach Dr. Ioana Popa, will focus on the theme Come Away and Rest, encouraging participants to bring the principles of rest and renewal into parish life, family, and personal spiritual growth.

Clergy wives often contribute quietly behind the scenes through hospitality, discernment, and faithful service, yet opportunities for meaningful connection with peers are rare. The retreat aims to create intentional gatherings where relationships can mature, reflections on parish and family life can be shared, and burdens can be carried collectively, strengthening both clergy families and parish communities.

Parishes are asked to support travel and registration costs, and donors can sponsor individual participants or provide travel scholarships. Such investment emphasizes that nurturing clergy families supports the long-term health of parish life.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Matushka Carrie Foley was appointed to lead the clergy wives ministry.

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