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# New Review Challenges OCA Report on Priest Availability
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86812-new-review-challenges-oca-report-on-priest-availability/
- Published: 2026-03-27T12:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:11:06.000Z
- Description: A new critique challenges optimistic claims that the OCA can avoid a looming clergy shortage.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, OCA, Clergy shortage, Fr. Alessandro Margheritino

**SYOSSET, NY —** The Orthodox Studies Institute has published a [detailed critique](https://orthodoxstudies.substack.com/p/does-the-oca-have-a-priest-shortage?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=android&r=1udnl3&fbclid=IwY2xjawQzBrBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmNUhjMGpQQ2dDa3VCREdUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgbh6xT0F4sWzQI2XX5Phs5WNMDVl9STga2CFNaxu-o0rCi8lblDZ75zCWPs%5Faem%5FrvsBkBl1bEJTsxtWOxId4g&triedRedirect=true) of a November 2025 report from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Chancellor’s Office, challenging its conclusion that no acute clergy shortage is imminent.

The Chancellor’s report, authored by Fr. Alessandro Margheritino, marks a shift from a 2020 warning that a priest shortage was likely. Reviewer Matthew Namee notes the newer report omits reference to that earlier assessment despite using similar data.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/03/86863-metr-tikhon-urges-support-for-clergy-retreats-image-a44638bac7cd.jpg)On this topicOCA Launches Program to Strengthen Financial Stability of Clergy Families](https://uoj.news/news/86651-oca-launches-program-to-strengthen-financial-stability-of-clergy-families/)

The report cites 502 active priests serving 683 parishes, with 118 lacking rectors. It also highlights aging clergy—25% are 65 or older—while only 102 are under 44\. Seminary enrollment has grown to 55 students, though Namee questions whether that pace can sustain expanding parish numbers.

Namee also pointed to continued parish growth and unanswered questions about ordinations, retirements, and vacancies, with a new study expected after Pascha.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/84402-oca-synod-confirms-archpriest-alessandro-margheritino-as-chancellor/) that the OCA Synod confirmed Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino as Chancellor.