OCA Hosts Inaugural Retreat for Clergy Wives

BOLIVAR, PA — Thirty-three clergy wives from eight dioceses and stavropegial institutions of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) gathered at Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania July 27–30 for the inaugural Clergy Wives Retreat organized by the OCA's Office of Pastoral Life.

Held under the theme, "Come Away and Rest: Blueprint for Renewal and Resilience in Our Journey with the Lord," the retreat offered participants an opportunity to step away from the demands of parish, family, and professional life for prayer, reflection, and fellowship.

The program was led by Dr. Ioana Popa, an Orthodox Christian spiritual coach and physician-psychiatrist, who guided participants through presentations, group discussions, journaling, and personal reflection focused on recognizing chronic stress and developing healthy practices for long-term spiritual and emotional renewal.

One of the retreat's central themes was learning to care for others without becoming overwhelmed by their emotional burdens. Organizers said many participants described the insight as one of the most meaningful takeaways from the gathering.

"The retreat was an opportunity for clergy wives to step away, cultivate inner stillness, and reconnect with the Lord," said Matushka Carrie Foley, who leads the Office of Pastoral Life's Clergy Wives Ministry. "... We shared prayers, tears, a-ha moments, laughter, hugs, and amens. The Lord was surely with us."

The retreat also included the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, fellowship among clergy spouses from across the OCA, walks along Antiochian Village's Meditation Trail, and veneration of the relics of St. Raphael of Brooklyn.

"For the first time in 17 years of being a clergy wife, I actually had the opportunity to connect with and learn from other women who understand this life and its challenges," said Matushka Jenn Franchak of St. Basil the Great Church in Simpson, Pennsylvania, describing the gathering as "such a blessing."

The retreat is part of the Office of Pastoral Life's broader effort to support clergy families through programs promoting spiritual, relational, vocational, and financial well-being. Organizers said the event is expected to become an annual offering, with additional initiatives planned through the Clergy Wives Ministry to encourage fellowship and mutual support among clergy spouses throughout the OCA.

Previously, the UOJ reported that 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.