Departments & Organizations
Much of the work of our Archdiocese is accomplished by dedicated ministry staff and volunteers, laboring in a wide range of departments and organizations seeing to the needs of our communities. From sacred music to Christian education, from care for aging priests to missionary work, our Archdiocese benefits from the work of those who choose to serve.
Antiochian Archdiocese Syrian Relief Program
A special donation mechanism has been set up so that Antiochian Orthodox Christians and anyone else concerned about the suffering of the Syrian people can donate directly to the relief efforts through the Patriarchate of Antioch's humanitarian non-governmental organization, the Department of Ecumenical Relationships and Development (DERD).
Ancient Faith Ministries
Ancient Faith Ministries, a department of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, exists to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ through accessible and excellently-crafted publications and creative media that educate, edify, and evangelize, leading to a living experience of God through His Holy Orthodox Church.
Antiochian Heritage Foundation
The Foundation supports carefully structured planned giving programs that are aimed at preserving the Antiochian heritage for future generations.
Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS)
AHOS offers distance-learning programs of theological study, including: two Master's degree programs—the M.Th. in Applied Orthodox Theology and the M.Th. in Pastoral Care and Counseling; the non-degree St. Stephen's Certificate program; and a Ph.D. in Orthodox Studies, which is a hybrid (rather than distance-learning) program.
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America
Antiochian Women is an organized sisterhood of women meeting in parish chapters for the purposes of fellowship and charitable outreach.
Antiochian Village
A conference and retreat center, as well as the home of a dynamic camping ministry, the Village is maintained and operated under the jurisdiction of the Antiochian Archdiocese in the scenic Laurel Highlands region of western Pennsylvania.
Becoming Truly Human
The Becoming Truly Human Department, with Director Fr. Michael Nasser, offers those outside the Church a comfortable, inviting and gentle introduction to the fullness of our human lives, as offered within Orthodox Christianity.
Camping
Encompassing eight accredited camping programs, each unique in geography and emphasis, Camping seeks to provide young people with a living experience of the Orthodox faith in the context of fellowship and fun.
Chaplain and Pastoral Counseling Ministry
This ministry undergirds the chaplains and counselors of the Archdiocese through retreats, workshops, courses, and ongoing support
Christian Education
Through resources and networking, Christian Ed supports clergy, church school directors, teachers, and parents, in their work on the parish level. It also provides resources for the yearly Creative Arts Festivals.
Committee for Syrian Relief
The Archdiocesan Committee for Syrian Relief coordinates and assimilates all efforts across the Antiochian Archdiocese to assist the victims of violence and war in Syria.
Convent of St. Thekla
The Convent of Saint Thekla, the first female monastic community of the Archdiocese in North America, was founded at the Antiochian Village in July of 2009. The monastery was relocated to Glenville, Pennsylvania briefly, but is in the process of being planted anew at Antiochian Village, the place in America most associated with its patroness St. Thekla.
Conventions and Conference Planning
This team oversees all of the conventions of the Archdiocese, including regional Parish Life Conferences and the Archdiocesan Convention.
Food for Hungry People Program
For over 40 years, this program has concentrated on a single goal: to feed the hungry, according to our Lord's command. The Food for Hungry People program encourages participation in prayer, fasting and almsgiving, particularly during fasting seasons.
Homeschooling
This department was created in 2015 and is staffed by volunteers who are grateful for the Metropolitan's support for this growing educational option. The primary goal of the Department of Homeschooling is to promote and support and unite homeschooling throughout the Archdiocese. Secondarily, we seek to remind all parents that their children's education is their responsibility, whether or not they outsource this task.
Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Faith Relations
The department represents the Archdiocese in ecumenical dialogue within the Orthodox context and throughout the broader Christian world.
Internet Ministry
Serving the online communication needs of the Antiochian Archdiocese through administrative, technical, design, and editorial oversight of the antiochian.org website, social media, and more.
Lay Ministry
The Department of Lay Ministry engages Archdiocesan clergy and laity in strategic and structured conversations within seminars, consultations, and workshops that enable them to build up the Body of Christ as stewards and leaders of their Orthodox Christian dioceses, parishes, missions, and other communities.
Liturgics
Working closely with the Department of Sacred Music to provide parishes with approved liturgical texts, this department provides an Online Liturgical Guide, and offers education and guidance as to most appropriate practice of liturgics.
Marriage and Parish Family Ministries
This ministry develops resources, offers enrichment, and encourages networks of support to foster healthy Antiochian Orthodox families and marriages.
Missions and Evangelism
Aids our existing parishes, equipping them with resources and training for the strengthening of the Laity, Readers, Chanters, and Clergy, as well as assisting in the establishment of new mission parishes.
Order of St. Ignatius
Order members underwrite the work of the Archdiocese with clergy and lay members who make a lifetime financial commitment, pledging to work together for the good of all the supported ministries.
Orthodox Center for the Advancement of Biblical Studies (OCABS)
OCABS exists to develop, promote and publish research in the areas of Biblical studies, homiletics, and religious education.
Prison Ministry
This department ministers to adult and juvenile offenders and their families and provides assistance to at-risk youth who are often on a path to incarceration.
Publications
Supplies service books in Arabic and English, music books, regular book titles, Christian Education curriculum, children's books, items for home worship, catechism materials, periodicals, and audio/visual materials.
Sacred Music
By publishing music and organizing workshops, the department supports mission parishes and provides a positive influence towards the creation of new works of liturgical music. The online music library is managed by Sacred Music as well.
SOYO: Society of Orthodox Youth Organizations
SOYO is comprised of organized teen groups who are working together in service and for the sake of the spiritual development of all members.
Statistics and Credentials
Critical data about missions and parishes are gathered by this department, in order to determine the voting rights and standing of each community. Additionally, it manages special offering trays and supervises the vote tally at each national convention.
Stewardship
To help parishes manage according to best practices, Stewardship offers resources for parish council members and other parish financial managers.
St. Athanasius Academy of Theology
This Academy is an academic community offering correspondence programs for prisoners, a literature program, and audio and video resources for the faithful.
St. Stephen’s Program: See Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS)
The Word Magazine
Founded in 1905, The Word is the official magazine of the Archdiocese and circulates to all Antiochian households as well as other subscribers such as libraries and seminaries. It is published monthly, with the exception of the summer months.
Western Rite Vicariate
The Vicariate is composed of over 20 churches who celebrate the divine services using Western European forms, while holding the full Orthodox faith in common with their brethren of the Eastern Rite.
Young Adult Ministry
The Department of Young Adult Ministry (formerly known as the Department of College Ministry) oversees the ministries to our young adults ages 19-35 and helps provide a consistent program as our young people transition from Teen SOYO to young adulthood.
Youth and Parish Ministries
This department seeks to integrate the whole spectrum of archdiocesan programs for youth, including Camping, SOYO, and College Ministry. It also oversees the annual Bible Bowl and Oratorical Festival.