Calling on all communities of the Orthodox Church in America

UPDATE: Deadline Announced for Call for Reflections: February 18, 2025.

All parishes, missions, monasteries, and institutions of the Orthodox Church in America are reminded that the deadline to submit reflections for the 21st All-American Council is Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The Call for Reflections is an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the Church’s efforts in mission, education, finance, and philanthropy in preparation for the upcoming All-American Council in Phoenix, AZ.

Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected]. Communities are encouraged to utilize the provided study guide (link below) to structure their reflections and ensure every voice is included.

His Beatitude recently gave an interview explaining his vision for the Call to Reflection.

Read the original Call to Reflections Announcement below:

“In preparation for the upcoming 21st All-American Council in Phoenix, AZ, July 14-18, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon is calling on all communities of the Orthodox Church in America—parishes, missions, seminaries, monasteries, and all institutions—to submit reflections on this moment in the life of the Church: whence we have come, where we are now, and whither the Spirit may be calling us.

As a Church, we have passed through seasons of inner struggles and, even today, we face any number of difficulties; yet, by the grace of God, the Orthodox Church in America finds herself today in a place of stability and great opportunities. As the Primate of the Church for close to 12 years, I possess the conviction that this is no mere ephemeral phase but rather a firm foundation upon which we can not only weather external storms but, more importantly, build further.

I ask that communities join in helping us as a Church reflect on the possibilities of the present moment by focusing on one or more of these four areas: mission, education, finance, and philanthropy. These reflections should be the product of communal effort. Your community’s reflection process should be geared to include all members of the Body of Christ, from the youngest child to the most elderly shut-in. I encourage you especially to consider your community’s own initiatives and activities that might inspire activity on the part of the whole Church. Here, it is useful to think about the past, present, and future: what has been tried? What is succeeding? What is next?

It is my hope that these reflections can become the basis of a major resolution, an invitation to address the life and future of the Orthodox Church in America. In one accord, guided and inspired by heavenly Spirit, let us reflect and discern how God is calling us to use this moment to act as Church for the sake of his kingdom and his glory.”

Excerpts from the letter sent out by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon.

Archbishop of Washington

Metropolitan of All America and Canada

A companion study guide has also been made available to help guide these discussions.