Orthodox Presence at Association of Religious Endorsing Bodies Meeting

Orthodox Presence at AREB Meeting In January

The Association of Religious Endorsing Bodies (AREB) met in Alexandria, Virginia on January 10th and 11th. Fr. Steven Voytovich, currently chair of AREB, welcomed Protopresbyter William Bartz, Chancellor of the Detroit Metropolis of the Greek Archdiocese. The Greek Archdiocese recently adopted formal endorsement for institutional chaplains, and Fr. William, in participating in the preparation for this action, represented the Greek Archdiocese at the AREB meeting as well as at the COMISS Meeting (Commission on Ministry in Specialized Settings, now known as COMISS Network). Fr. William is a former Navy Chaplain. You can also click here to see Fr. Bartz photographed standing with Metropolitan TIKHON and Fr. Boback, our OCA Military Endorser during Military Endorsing Meetings following Institutional Chaplaincy meetings in Virginia.

It was wonderful to double the Orthodox Christian presence at these institutional chaplaincy meetings! Fr. Steven

OCA Chaplain Commissioned

On January 13th Anna Nikitina was commissioned a chaplain at St. Nicholas of Japan Orthodox Mission, Redding, CA. Fr. Ian Burgess celebrated the Commissioning Service with the congregation gathered. Anna is currently serving as Chaplain at Mercy Medical Center, also in Redding California. Anna is currently seeking certification as a Board Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. May God grant Chaplain Anna, Fr. Burgess and the faithful of St. Nicholas Mission many blessed years!

Welcome to the website of Institutional Chaplaincy within the Orthodox Church in America. Utilize this website to learn more about institutional chaplaincy in the Orthodox Christian Tradition and credentialing bodies in the greater pastoral care and counseling community, and be apprised of current events within the chaplaincy community.

OCA Mission Statement for Institutional Chaplains

The Mission of Institutional Chaplains of the OCA is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to love our neighbor as He has loved us:

To bring spiritual nourishment through sacraments, prayer, and presence to those who are sick, hungry, estranged, poor, naked, dying, and in prison unto the healing of mind, soul, and body.
To bear witness to the Holy Orthodox Faith within the greater pastoral care and counseling community in this country and throughout the world.

In the words of St. Tikhon: It is our obligation to share our spiritual treasurers, our truth, our light and our joy with those who do not have these gifts. And this duty lies not only on pastors and missionaries, but also on lay people, for the Church of Christ, in the wise comparison of St. Paul, is a body, and in the life of the body every member takes part.