FOCA Celebrates 99th Convention in Cleveland as Centennial Anniversary Approaches

CLEVELAND — The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) held its 99th Annual Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, July 24–27, bringing together clergy and lay representatives from across the country as the organization looks ahead to its 100th anniversary.

The choice of Cleveland carried special significance for FOCA, whose roots are closely connected to Archangel Michael Orthodox Church. The parish was once home to Archpriest Vladimir Prislopsky, who founded FOCA in 1927 under its original name, the Federated Russian Orthodox Clubs. Fr. Vladimir’s 37 years of service as the parish rector and his role in establishing the organization were honored throughout the weekend.

The convention began with an evening reception at Archangel Michael Church, where more than 100 participants gathered for fellowship and conversation about FOCA’s continued mission. Among those attending were Abp. Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest and Bp. Gerasim of Fort Worth, who serves as Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South and as FOCA’s Episcopal Liaison.

While adult delegates addressed organizational matters and future plans, younger participants took part in a FOCA-sponsored mini-camp featuring activities, crafts, and sports under the direction of Dn. Dan and Matushka Katrina Kovalak.

Metr. Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), joined the convention on Saturday, encouraging delegates as they prepared for the organization’s next chapter. The day concluded with Great Vespers at Archangel Michael Church, where Archpriest John Memorich honored Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky by wearing his former vestments.

Sunday’s celebrations centered on the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Metropolitan Tikhon and concelebrated by Archbishop Daniel, Bishop Gerasim, and clergy associated with FOCA’s spiritual leadership.

During the service, Archangel Michael Church received a personal memento of its former rector when Nicholas Ressetar presented the parish with Fr. Vladimir’s gold pectoral cross on behalf of Fr. Vladimir’s daughter, Matushka Theodora Ressetar. The cross, originally gifted to Fr. Vladimir by the parish upon his elevation to archpriest, now serves as a reminder of his pastoral legacy and his contribution to FOCA’s founding.

The convention banquet, held at the Woodside Banquet Center, gathered nearly 200 guests and included a fundraising effort for the Shrine to St. Olga of Kwethluk, a project supported by the Archdiocese of Alaska. FOCA’s Gifts of Love campaign had already raised nearly $4,500, with the banquet bringing in an additional $2,300.

The gathering concluded Monday with elections, organizational discussions, and planning for future FOCA events. Nicholas Ressetar was elected to lead the organization during its centennial year.

As FOCA approaches a century of service, the organization expressed gratitude for the blessings of the convention and asked for the prayers of its patron, the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, as it continues its work within the Orthodox Church.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA's Romanian Episcopate had blessed a troparion to Fr. Roman Braga.