FOCA 2005 “Gifts of Love” Drive to Benefit Winnipeg’s Blessed Arseny Institute

— The Blessed Arseny Institute of Winnipeg, MB, Canada has been chosen to receive funds contributed to the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America’s [FOCA] 2005 “Gifts of Love” project.

The annual fundraising drive is launched in mid-February, in conjunction with Valentine’s Day.

“Delegates to the FOCA’s 78th national convention earmarked the drive’s proceeds for an Orthodox Canadian institution,” said Mr. John Kruchok, FOCA public relations chairperson. “The national executive board selected the Blessed Arseny Institute as this year’s recipient.”

In 2003 and 2004, the drive netted nearly $30,000.00, enabling the FOCA to purchase a new vehicle for Saint Herman’s Seminary, Kodiak, AK.

Established by the Orthodox Church in America’s Archdiocese of Canada with the blessing of the Holy Synod of Bishops, the Blessed Arseny Institute opened in Septmeber 2003 as a center of theological study. The institute is housed on the grounds of Winnipeg’s Holy Trinity Sobor. It’s programs, which aim at the training of singers, readers, subdeacons, and deacons for the Archdiocese of Canada and at the general education of the laity, are under the direction of His Grace, Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada.

“Funds raised through the ‘Gifts of Love’ drive will help to expand the institute’s library facilities,” Mr. Kruchok added. “The gift will be presented to Bishop Seraphim and institute leaders during the OCA’s 14th All-American Council, slated to convene in Toronto, ON July 17-22, 2005.

For more information on the 2005 “Gifts of Love” drive and recipient, log on to the FOCA web site at www.orthodoxfellowship.org. Contributions may be sent to the drive’s chairperson, Ms. Margaret Hopkosky, at 6474 State Road #I-16, Parma, OH 44134.