Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America
http://www.orthodoxfellowship.org/
Who are we? What do we do? What do we stand for? These are some of the questions that may come to your mind when you hear F.O.C.A.
FELLOWSHIP
· Established in 1927, the FOCA has continually provided opportunities for fellowship for Orthodox Christians coast-to-coast through its social, athletic, educational and religious activities on a local, regional and national level. FOCA activities are often fun-filled and creative, with national events held in major cities and popular vacation destinations.
OUTREACH
· Service projects of the FOCA include seminarian family assistance, youth ministry, and humanitarian aid. Annual FOCA fundraising drives include "Gifts of Love" for a selected special project, the seminarian children's Christmas gift program, providing a monetary gift for every child of a seminarian at St. Herman, St. Tikhon, St. Vladimir and Christ the Savior Seminaries and the FOCA United Fund, which supports missions/outreach programs, Orthodox seminaries, scholarships and ministry grants.
COMMITMENT
· The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America is a national organization of Orthodox Christians. Our mission is to proclaim, share and reveal our Orthodox Christian Faith through service, fellowship and example.
ATHLETICS
· FOCA National Sports Tournaments are held annually in bowling, basketball and golf. Events are sponsored by local parish chapters or FOCA districts and include athletic competition, fun-filled activities and worship.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?
· You will meet others within the faith, form enduring friendships. Many marriages have occurred through FOCA membership.
· You can serve the Church by participating in the FOCA's outreach program.
· You can participate in all FOCA social, athletic, educational and religious activities.
· Students can receive scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study.
• You will receive the Orthodox Christian Journal with your membership.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
· Our parish has a chapter, Chapter 30. Our monthly meetings are generally held on the first Saturday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Center Lounge. Please join one of our meetings and see what we're all about (check your weekly bulletins for any changes).
WE EVEN HAVE AN OFFICIAL WEBSITE!
· Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America www.orthodoxfellowship.org
OUR CHAPTER
Over the years ...
· Some of our chapter members have gone on to serve on the District level; Matushka Audrey Havriliak - Governor; George Hetzer - Lt. Governor; Dennis Havriliak Jr. - Sports Director. George also served for many years on the FROG Journal art staff.
· Our Juniors have won numerous awards and trophies playing basketball. Our Senior members excelled in bowling.
· We have sponsored both district and national basketball tournaments; also district and national conventions.
· We have hosted various Vesper Services (St. Nicholas/St. Andrew, Palm Sunday, etc.)
· We updated our Cultural Center kitchen with new stoves, ovens, refrigerator and freezer.
· We purchased computer systems and all the necessary equipment for our church office.
· In addition to our annual Christmas and Easter donations, we have donated money for all major projects, including roof restoration and interior restoration and annex.
· Many of our parish youth have benefited on the district and national levels, having earned scholarship money for college.
· We donate to the service projects of the Outreach Program.
· Our chapter assists two seminarian families at Christmas time, providing a few extra gifts under their Christmas trees.
· ... and much more
Our members work very hard whenever we sponsor an event — before, during and after. But the results are worth it. It enables us to be charitable with the profits, but more importantly, it encourages our sense of fellowship. Thank you all for supporting our efforts.
Eileen M. Telischak, President
