Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) begins its 38th year as an independent movement, a catalyst, working in synergy with the hierarchy and clergy to develop a canonical self-governing church governed by a synod of all the canonical bishops of all jurisdictions presiding in the United States, which elects its head. OCL supports the work of the Assembly of Bishops, established in 2008, which has a similar goal. OCL believes that the clergy and laity must work synergistically with the hierarchy in church governance.
Many incredibly gifted hierarchs, clergy, and wives of clergy support the OCL movement. Some serve and continue to serve on the OCL advisory board. Their guidance has helped maintain balance and good order in this effort to communicate the necessity of canonical unity. The list of these foremost clergy thinkers/supporters of the OCL movement and wives of clergy is impressive. It starts with Metropolitan Philip, of blessed memory, of the Antiochian Archdiocese, who wrote in 1989 that if this lay movement survives, it will be a transformative event. Not only has it survived, but as it is described in The Greek Orthodox Church in America: A Modern History by Alexander Kitroeff, it has lived up to that expectation. Select OCL board members met with Metropolitan Philip on four different occasions in Englewood, New Jersey. One meeting with Patriarch Ignatius of Antioch discussed the future of Orthodox Christianity in the world. The OCL board also met with Patriarch Bartholomew in 1994 and presented him with its publication, Project for Orthodox Renewal. Select board members met and discussed issues with Archbishops Iakovos, Spyridon, Demetrios and Elpidophoros. Board members have also met formally with the Metropolitans of the OCA, including Theodosiu, Herman, Jonah and Tikhon.
The hierarch who has guided OCL since its inception is the retired Metropolitan Isiah. He has been our shepherd for 37 years, providing us with warnings, encouragement, discussions, hope, and meetings. He remains in our constant prayers. Archbishop Nathaniel also serves on our advisory board and has attended most of our meetings for 23 years. He is our hands-on guide and positive force. His wisdom has kept us in good order. His essay, “A Possible Scenario: The Celebration of the First Anniversary of the Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of the United States of America,” is a summary of OCL’s hopes and mission.
Other hierarchs who have served on the board are Archbishop Benjamin, retired, of San Francisco, and Archbishop Michael of New York. We are grateful for their participation and guidance. They have been presenters at OCL meetings.
Father Eusebius Stephanou, of blessed memory, remains a foremost thinker on Orthodox Christian Renewal. He has written volumes of books on our faith tradition, and the Renewal Center he established in Destin, Florida, still functions. He had a relationship with the early founders of OCL, joined them in this movement, and remained involved until his death.
The longest-serving clergy member on the advisory board is Father Steven Vlahos. He participated in writing the Project for Orthodox Renewal and remained involved all these years. He also recruited Mark Arey to assist him, and together, they put together the Chapter on Mission and Outreach. Father Michael Massouh, Father Chad Hatfield, and Father Timothy Cremeens have remained long-time advisory board members and participated as presenters in various OCL Annual meetings held in different cities in the USA. Each one has left a unique perspective on the movement toward unity. Father Nicholas Greanias and Father Dimitrie Vincent are our newest advisory board members who think outside the box. This characteristic is needed to move all of us within the life of the Church to be all we can be in fulfilling the mission of the Church.
Three truly memorable hands-on and active advisory board members were Father Thomas Hopko, Father Peter Gillquist, and Father Gordon Walker. These three were larger-than-life personalities, thinkers, activists, authors, and change agents. They challenged us and inspired us to think big and be bold. Each one had a different gift and personality, but together, they kept the board motivated. May their memories and works be everlasting
Matuska Ellyn Gvosdev, of blessed memory, served on the OCL Board, edited the Forum Newsletter, and finalized a study on the female diaconate. Khouria Frederica Mathewes-Green continues to serve on the advisory board and is a brilliant commentator and writer on the Orthodox Christian faith.
We need your thoughts and prayers as we move ahead in this new age and environment of social media and further fragmentations and babble.
George Matsoukas, Executive Director Emeritus