Welcome to the Office of Pastoral Life!
At the heart of every thriving parish is a healthy and supported clergy family. The Office of Pastoral Life (OPL) is here to serve the priests, deacons, clergy wives, retired clergy, and clergy widows of the Orthodox Church in America—because when they flourish, so do the faithful they lead.
Our mission is simple but vital: to provide the resources, encouragement, and community that clergy and their families need to serve with strength, joy, and resilience. Through education, peer support, financial guidance, and retreat opportunities, we are
committed to walking alongside those who dedicate their lives to the Church, both in active ministry and in retirement.
Clergy care and clergy health are not just the responsibility of bishops or church offices—they are the responsibility of the entire Church, including the faithful in every parish. By supporting and uplifting our clergy and their families, we strengthen the Body of Christ as a whole.
We invite you to explore this website, a central hub for our initiatives and programs, and to join us in fostering a culture where clergy and their families feel valued, supported, and connected. We look forward to serving our faithful clergy families!
Father Nicholas Solak
Chair, Office of Pastoral Life
WHAT WE OFFER
Our Programs
Clergy Wives Ministry
Financial Health Initiative
Synaxis
Thriving in Ministry
Emphasizing the Joy of Ministry
Our Mission
At the heart of our work is a simple yet profound goal: to help clergy and clergy wives remain connected to the deep joy of their calling while honoring the sacrificial work of parish ministry. Serving the Church is both a profound blessing and a tremendous responsibility. The Office of Pastoral Life is committed to ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to ministry—both clergy and their families—have the support, resources, and community they need to thrive in their vocations with joy, strength, and purpose.
Building Connections, Strengthening Ministry, and Cultivating Growth
We invite you to explore how the Office of Pastoral Life is supporting clergy and clergy families—and how you can be part of this vital work. Whether you are a priest, deacon, clergy wife, or someone who cares deeply about the well-being of our Church’s spiritual leaders, there are many ways to connect and contribute.
Through in-person gatherings, virtual programs, educational initiatives, and online resources, OPL is fostering a strong network of support, encouragement, and pastoral excellence. Your engagement—whether by participating, spreading the word, or offering financial support—helps ensure that our clergy receive the care, resources, and community they need to thrive in their sacred calling.
Healthy Clergy, Happy Family
Our Vision
The Office of Pastoral Life envisions a Church where clergy and their families are deeply supported, spiritually nourished, and meaningfully connected, allowing them to serve with strength, joy, and resilience.
Ministry is both a sacred calling and a lifelong journey—one that requires continuous growth, encouragement, and renewal. We believe that healthy clergy create thriving parishes, and that no clergy family should feel isolated or overwhelmed in their service to Christ and His Church.
Our vision is to foster a culture where:
- Clergy and clergy wives have trusted spaces to share wisdom, find support, and grow together.
- Clergy families receive the resources and care they need to flourish in their vocations.
- Parishes recognize their role in uplifting and sustaining their spiritual leaders.
- The entire Church values and invests in the well-being of its clergy—spiritually, emotionally, and practically.
Through education, peer connections, financial support, and retreat opportunities, OPL seeks to strengthen those who serve, ensuring that they can lead with confidence, creativity, and joy. When clergy thrive, the whole Church flourishes.
Empowering Spiritual Caregivers
Upcoming Events and Gatherings
Stay connected and engaged with our calendar of events. Explore workshops, retreats, and community gatherings tailored to support your spiritual journey and professional development provided by our programs and ministries.
Join Us on the Journey
Building Connections, Finding Support, and Cultivating Growth
We invite you to connect with us and explore how the Office of the Pastoral Life can support you in your journey. Whether through in-person meetings, virtual programs, or online resources, we’re dedicated to fostering a community of support and growth for pastoral excellence.