Source: Orthodox Church in America
SPRINGFIELD, VA [OCA]
The Orthodox Church in America has announced the opening of registration for the 21st All-American Council (AAC), which will take place from July 14-18, 2025, at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, AZ. All clergy and faithful are invited to participate with this year’s theme being “Gathered Together By Christ.”
The All-American Council is the highest legislative and administrative gathering of the Orthodox Church in America. It is a time for our Church to come together to focus on worship and engaging in the conciliar decision-making process. It is also our opportunity for spiritual renewal and strengthening relationships across North America by participating in the divine services, plenary sessions, and other events.
Delegate and Observer Registration
Registration for delegates and observers is now open and can be accessed through the official AAC website: oca.org/aac. The registration deadline is Friday, June 13th, 2025. Future delegates are, nonetheless, encouraged to register sooner and secure their hotel reservations.
Hotel accommodations must be reserved separately at the time of registration. The special Council Link is available here and on the AAC webpage. A special rate of $159.00 per night (including resort fees) is being offered for delegates. The hotel reservation deadline is also Friday, June 13th, 2025. Each room includes a separate living area and four complementary admissions to the waterpark. More information can be found on the hotel website here.
Delegates are reminded to review the procedures for selection in accordance with Article III, Sections 2 and 7 of the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America (Link). It is the responsibility of each diocese to collect and submit AAC assessments following their established procedures. These assessments cover AAC-related expenses for parish clergy and lay delegates, excluding travel, hotel, and meal costs. Observers may register with their parish rector’s approval, and they are responsible for their own expenses.
Observers have the option to attend for the entire week or selected days. Costs for observers, including optional attendance at the Grand Banquet, will be detailed during the registration process. Retired clergy and clergy widows are eligible for waived fees as at the previous Council.
Travel arrangements may be made through FOS Tours & Travel, Inc. (Lucy Morrone, 516-937-7757).
Registration Process
All registrants must provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Once registration is complete, it will be reviewed by the AAC team, and the names of delegates will be submitted to diocesan hierarchs for approval. Final confirmation emails with additional check-in instructions will be sent upon approval.
Observers must also receive approval from their parish priest and diocesan hierarch. Once approved, a confirmation email with detailed check-in instructions will be provided.
Registrants are encouraged to save their assigned registration numbers in order to log on to edit any information if needed.
About the Youth Program
This engaging week-long program, designed for students entering grades K-12 in fall 2025, offers an inspiring opportunity to deepen their faith, connect with other Orthodox Christian youth from North America, enjoy the exciting water park at the resort, visit one of the largest aquariums in North America, and participate in the indoor Orthodox Big Game Day!
“Gathering for All-American Councils has been life-changing for our family,” said Matushka Ashley, who is overseeing the program with her husband, Fr. Jason Foster. “Our children made memories they cherish and friendships that will last a lifetime,” added Matushka Ashley. Fr Jason commented, “The AAC is an opportunity for our children and youth to connect to our greater Church family and learn more about who we are as the Orthodox Church in America.”
In keeping with the All-American Council’s overarching theme of “Gathered Together by Christ”, educational events and interactive sessions will be explored daily. Moreover, the All-American gathering will be uniquely special this summer for our children and youth as they will have the opportunity to witness the ongoing canonization of Matushka Olga and the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon.
Families are encouraged to register early.
Meals: Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. Participants are responsible for breakfast and dinner arrangements.
Parent or Guardian Approval: All youth participants must have permission from their parent or guardian to attend. A signed consent form will be required as part of the registration process.
Youth Registration
Youth registration can be completed online here or via the official AAC website: oca.org/aac. Detailed instructions and additional program information are provided on the site. The registration deadline is Friday, June 13th, 2025.
Payment: Pay the registration fee here. Please add “Youth AAC” in the comment section of the payment page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Adults who wish to support the Youth Program are encouraged to volunteer. Interested individuals can sign up through the AAC website. All volunteers are subject to a criminal background check and successful completion of Child Safety Training.
Youth Staff and Volunteer Registration can be completed online here or by visiting the official AAC website: oca.org/aac.
Chaperone Information
Each parish is encouraged to send chaperones to accompany youth participants. Chaperones will help facilitate the program and ensure the safety and engagement of all participants. More details about chaperone responsibilities and requirements are available during the registration process.
Getting to Phoenix
Transportation to and from Phoenix, including hotel fees and meals outside of the Youth Program, are the responsibility of participants. Travel arrangements can be organized for individuals, families, or youth groups from parishes or deaneries.
For questions about the youth program please contact the Youth Program team at aacyouth@oca.org.
Hotel Information
This will be the first time that the All American Council will take place at a resort type location since 2002. The Arizona Grand Resort includes accents of the Mediterranean and the Southwest in its design and style. The luxurious holiday destination offers elegant suites, wonderful amenities and a host of recreational activities. The hotel also offers six pools and a 7 acre waterpark. On-site dining options include the Rustler’s Rooste steakhouse, Aunt Chilada’s for a spicy Mexican fare or the Hawaiian-themed Lobby Bar for light bites and cocktails. There is also onsite, the Arizona Grand Golf Course which compliments the grandeur of the spectacular Sonoran desert with stunning conditions.
For more details and news, please visit oca.org/aac.