Fruitful 2021 OCMC Spring Board Meeting

Last week, OCMC staff and board members gathered virtually for the annual spring board meeting, which was highlighted by a healthy financial report and the adoption of a new strategic plan! Another highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Elaine Piniat, who will be one of our new missionaries to Sweden. Recently, Steve and Theophani Sarigianis deployed to Albania as our newest missionaries, and Joseph and Effy Candelario will soon be deploying, along with Ms. Piniat to Sweden. After delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is exciting to resume sending new missionaries into the mission field to fulfill Christ’s mandate to “make disciples of all nations.”

Each department presented their work and progress on the current strategic plan to the board, which has been successfully executed by overcoming disruptions caused by the pandemic. In addition to being in a positive financial situation and new missionaries deploying, virtual mission teams have conducted numerous trainings and retreats with 104 participants from the US interacting with Orthodox faithful in mission countries via online platforms. A New Candidate Orientation course was also conducted virtually for seven missionary candidates who will begin raising support to deploy to Fiji, Guatemala, and Mexico in the near future. And, finally, the board officially welcomed a new member, Mrs. Jeannie Arida from Westfield, New Jersey. Despite the many challenges faced these past twelve months, OCMC has continued to share the love and teachings of Christ with the world, thanks to the perseverance of our staff and board and the help of our many supporters!