Giving Tuesday: Continuing the Mission
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon often reflects on “How to Expand the Mission,” noting the Apostolic work we are called to do is not just a theory, or an idea, but the present reality of our lives as Orthodox Christians in North America.
The mission we have received from St. Herman, St. Tikhon, and the other saints of North America is unambiguous and unequivocal: It is nothing less than proclaiming the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the peoples of this land.
Over the past two decades the Orthodox Church in America has invested over 1 million dollars to mission communities across this continent. These grants provide salaries for full-time pastoral care for fledgling missions. “Receiving the OCA Church Planting Grant has made it possible for me to devote the time and energy necessary for developing our mission while strengthening its relationship with the wider community,” said Archpriest Mikel Bock of Saint Juvenaly and His Companion Mission, Wasilla, AK,
Father Mikel’s words echo through each of the communities which have received planting grants over the years.
As Orthodox Christianity begins its 225th year in North America, our mission has never been more clear — bring the Orthodox Faith to a people eager to receive the Good News of the Gospel.
From this day, from this hour, from this minute, let us follow the life and labors of Saint Herman and those early missionaries by investing in our parishes, seminaries, and most importantly, in those who are planting mission communities throughout North America.
On this Giving Tuesday, prayerfully consider how you can contribute to the OCA’s commitment to bring North America to Orthodoxy through the Parish Planting Grant Program.
Learn more about the work of the Department of Evangelization.