Source: Orthodox Church in America
SPRINGFIELD, VA [OCA]
OPL Leaders Gather at The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration
The well-being of our clergy is essential to the health of the Church. Strong, supported clergy lead vibrant, thriving parishes, creating communities where faith can flourish. The Office of Pastoral Life (OPL) exists to ensure that those who serve the Church—priests, clergy wives, and clergy families—receive the care, resources, and encouragement they need.
On February 18-19, 2025, OPL leaders gathered for an
in-person retreat at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Elwood City, PA. The retreat was a time for deep reflection, strategic planning, and reaffirming OPL’s mission. At the heart of the discussion was a central question: How can we better support our clergy so they can, in turn, strengthen the Church?
Clarifying the Mission
“Many of our clergy and clergy wives are already gifted in their ministry, but they seek opportunities to grow and become even more effective in their service,” said Fr. Nicholas Solak, Director of the Office of Pastoral Life. “OPL exists to provide those opportunities—through peer learning, financial education, and pastoral resources—so they can continue to strengthen their parishes and the Church as a whole. Strong clergy lead to strong communities, and that is essential for the growth and mission of the Church.”
Fr. Nicholas also emphasized the importance of parishes understanding their role in sustaining clergy well-being. “Clergy don’t serve in isolation. They are part of a community, and that community—parish leaders, parishioners, fellow clergy—has a responsibility to care for them. Our goal at OPL is to foster that awareness and provide the tools needed to make it happen.”
Additionally, OPL is working to unify its many programs under a strong, recognizable identity. Whether through clergy peer learning groups, financial assistance programs, clergy wives support, or retreat opportunities, every initiative shares the same goal: equipping clergy and their families with the tools they need to serve well.
Supporting Clergy Through Key OPL Programs
Two of OPL’s cornerstone programs, Thriving in Ministry and the Financial Health Initiative, are made possible through generous grants from the Lilly Endowment. These programs directly address the unique challenges clergy and their families face, providing essential resources for both spiritual and financial well-being. Thriving in Ministry fosters peer learning groups for clergy and clergy wives, creating spaces where they can share experiences, find encouragement, build skills, and support one another in the joys and struggles of ministry. These relationships help strengthen not only individual clergy families but also the parishes they serve.
The Financial Health Initiative focuses on improving financial literacy and stability for clergy and their families. By offering financial education, resources, and support, this program helps alleviate some of the financial pressures that can weigh heavily on those in parish ministry.
Both of these initiatives are sustained through a grant model that includes a matching funds requirement, reinforcing the idea that clergy well-being is a shared responsibility. Just as clergy dedicate their lives to serving the Church, it is important for the Church to invest in their long-term health—spiritually, emotionally, and financially.
At its core, OPL exists to serve those who serve the Church. The retreat was a reminder that this work is not just about structure and management—it is a shared effort that involves all parts of the Church, working together to support and strengthen our clergy and their families.
To learn more about OPL’s work and how you can support it, visit opl.oca.org/.