Department of Christian Education
Support for the educational ministries of the clergy, Church school teachers, families, and others engaged in faith formation on every age level is the focus of the Department of Christian Education.
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Departments of the Orthodox Church in America
In addition to working within their respective areas of concern and expertise, The Orthodox Church in America’s departments provide a wealth of ministry resources.
In an effort to expand the Church’s efforts in the areas of communication, Christian education, youth and young adult ministry, missions, liturgical music and translations, evangelization, pastoral concern, lay ministry, stewardship, humanitarian aid and philanthropy, and other essential areas of Church life, the departments produce appropriate materials and resources, offer a wide variety of seminars and workshops, and serve as a clearing house for the implementation of new ministries and the expansion of those already in existence. The current system provides for greater accountability on the part of the Church Ministry personnel.
Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid
The Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid promotes the involvement of clergy and laity in caring for the needs of others according to the Gospel teachings and Tradition of the Church. Resources are developed for ministry programs by and for people of all ages.
Department of Evangelization
The Department of Evangelization combines the work of the former OCA Office of Church Growth and Evangelism and the former OCA Missions Ministries Unit, focusing its attention on studying and acting upon the Great Commission of Our Lord to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Department of Institutional Chaplaincies
The Department of Institutional Chaplaincies supports the ministry of full and part-time hospital, hospice, long-term care, prison, fire, police chaplains, and those in other settings. Institutional chaplains are theologically formed, clinically trained, formally endorsed, in many cases board certified, and serve in a variety of multi-faith institutional chaplaincy settings.
Department of Liturgical Music and Translations
The Department of Liturgical Music and Translations serves as an advisory body to the Metropolitan and the Holy Synod of Bishops in matters concerning liturgical translations and music, liturgics, and other matters affecting the liturgical life of the Church.
Department of Pastoral Life and Ministry
In recognition of the demands placed upon clergy in parish life and contemporary society, the Department of Pastoral Life and Ministry assists clergy in the fulfillment of their ministries through workshops, seminars, retreats, and publication of the “Pastors to Pastors” newsletter.
Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry
Recognizing that youth and young adults play a vital role in the present life of the Church, the Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry trains clergy, parents, and youth ministers in various aspects of ministry with, to, and by young people.