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OCA Opens Applications for 2027 Church Planting Grants
OCA missions have until Sept. 15 to seek funding for full-time priests and continued parish growth.
SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Orthodox Church in America’s (OCA) Department of Evangelization is accepting applications for its 2027 Church Planting Grants, which are intended to help missions establish themselves as full parishes.
The grants are specifically designated for the salary and benefits of a full-time priest, including required contributions to the OCA Pension Plan. Funding is structured as a three-year program, with additional support provisionally available in 2028 and 2029 if participating missions continue to meet program requirements.
Missions that have previously received grants must also reapply and provide updated information about their growth, development, stability, and current status. Applications are competitive, with several factors considered when determining which missions will receive support.
Applications must first be approved by the mission’s diocesan bishop and submitted to the Department of Evangelization by Sept. 15, 2026. After review, recommended applications will go to the Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod of Bishops for final approval. Grants will fund ministry during the 2027 calendar year.
The program is supported in part by the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America. Additional information and application materials are available from the OCA.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a Texas Orthodox parish launched a $1 million expansion campaign.
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