2026 Pastoral Conference

The faithful of Holy Cross are pleased to welcome all our diocesan clergy and their matushki to Kernersville, NC for this year’s pastoral conference!

Below, you will find the schedule for this year’s conference, including times for various meetings, such as the Bishop’s council and Diocesan council, as well as information about our guest speakers, our new Matushki Meet-up track, and Hierarchical Liturgy. Visit Holy Cross’ Pastoral Conference event page to register here.

Mastushki Meet-up Track – New in 2026

The new Matushki Meet-Up track offered this year is designed to complement the theme of our Pastoral Conference and intersperse moments of refreshment and fellowship for our wives. The expanded programming incorporates pieces of the conference as well as matushki-only chats and excursions. There are only 20 spots for this track designed to both strengthen clergy marriages through a shared sense of mission as well as foster new and deeper relationships amongst sister matushki. There is no cost for the Matushki Meet-Up beyond travel and hotel expenses. Please share https://opl.oca.org/clergy-wives-matushki-meetup/ with your wife, so she can learn more.

Registration

Please register for this year’s Pastoral Conference. Register through our private event link on EventBrite: conference registration here. This link has also been made available on the Matushki Meet-Up landing page (be sure not to double-book; each couple should only submit ONE registration containing both of their details). Onsite conference registration tables will be open on Wednesday, February 4th, in the parish hall between 12pm-2pm for both clergy and matushki in the Narthex, at which time you will receive a welcome packet. If you are traveling with your wife, be sure to arrive early so she can participate in the Welcome Reception. May God bless your travels and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Hotel

The host hotel we have selected is Embassy Suites in Winston Salem located at: 460 N Cherry St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. You can book your room(s) here using our special conference rate. This link has also been made available on the Matushki Meet-Up landing page (again, be sure not to double-book). Holy Cross is located approximately 10-15 miles away, or about a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. Holy Cross is located at: 1320 Masten Dr, Kernersville, NC 27284.

Airport Transportation

PTI airport in Greensboro is about 30 minutes from the host hotel, Embassy Suites in Winston-Salem, while RDU and CLT are both approximately 1.5 hours away from the host hotel. Clergy usually self-coordinate via carpooling, sharing an Uber, etc. If you are in need of airport transportation special assistance, please email our event hospitality team at office@holycrossoca.org.

Questions?

Reach out to our event hospitality team at Office@HolyCrossOCA.org with any event registration questions.

Please reach Fr Christopher Foley frc@holycrossoca.org or Mka Carrie Foley clergywives@opl.oca.org with conference event questions.

Conference Schedule

Please note that the schedule below may have slight adjustments. We will provide any updates closer to the Conference.

NOTE: The schedule above may be adjusted. We will provide updates in the event of any changes. We ask all Clergy to arrive between noon and 2 on Wednesday, February 4th, and leave only after the travel blessing on Friday, February 6th.

Our Speakers

The Harvest Before Us: Understanding the Convert Surge and Preparing for the Next Fifteen Years, Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin

Session Summary: The Orthodox Church in America is experiencing an unprecedented influx of converts, but who are they, where are they coming from, and what do they need from us? This presentation examines the two waves of the convert surge, their distinct demographics and formation backgrounds, and the unique catechetical challenges each presents. Dcn. Seraphim Rohlin will share a detailed 15 year forecast for the Diocese of the South, identifying where mission planting is most urgent, how evangelistic efforts can be strategically focused, and what adjustments to catechetical practice will be required to receive and retain the faithful God is sending us. The goal is to equip our clergy with a shared understanding of the landscape ahead.

Bio: Rev. Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin brings nearly two decades of experience in data science and analytics to his role as Director of Analysis for the Orthodox Studies Institute (OSI), where he designs research instruments, builds data pipelines, and authors reports on critical trends facing American Orthodoxy, including the convert surge, clergy pipeline challenges, and demographic shifts. His analytical work combines rigorous quantitative methods with accessible storytelling, producing visualizations and briefings for both public audiences and Church leadership. A deacon in the Orthodox Church in America serving in the Diocese of the South, Dcn. Seraphim is uniquely positioned to translate complex data into actionable insights for parish and diocesan planning.

Beyond his analytical work, Dcn. Seraphim serves as Chief Operating Officer of Symbolic World Press and is an active writer, speaker, and podcaster. He co-hosts The Great Tales Podcast and Medieval Universal History and has spoken at conferences including the Touchstone Conference, the CiRCE National Conference, and the Symbolic World Summit. His co-authored book The Wolf and the Cross: An Orthodox Christian Pilgrimage to Lithuania was published by Ancient Faith in 2025. He holds expertise in medieval literature, symbolism, and universal history, and resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with his family.

Navigating Bioethics in Pastoral Life, Dr. Ana Iltis

Session Summary: Many difficult questions about bioethics topics, including reproduction, end of life care, and sexuality, arise in parish life. Clergy may be asked to guide individual parishioners, couples, and families on a wide range of ethical questions related to health and healthcare. This presentation will explore contemporary issues in bioethics as they arise in parish life. It will equip clergy to address some of the challenging and critical issues they face as they counsel and educate their parishioners.

Bio: Ana S. Iltis, PhD, is the Carlson Professor of University Studies, Professor of Philosophy, and Director, Center for Bioethics, Health and Society at Wake Forest University. She holds an appointment in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy at Wake Forest School of Medicine. She is a Past President of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, a Fellow of the Hastings Center, and a Non-Resident Fellow in the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Dr. Iltis is Founding Co-Editor of Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics, Associate Editor of the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, and Associate Editor of Christian Bioethics. She earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy at Rice University in Houston, Texas under the direction of Dr. H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr. (Rdr. Herman). She and her husband, Steven, are members of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Kernersville, North Carolina. She teaches Bioethics in the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Seminary.

Legal Essentials for Today’s Clergy: Protecting Your Ministry in a Changing World, Genevieve Lyday, Esq

Session Summary: From mandatory reporting to artificial intelligence, today’s clergy face new challenges with real legal consequences. This session will equip priests with the knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate confidentiality, child protection policies, artificial technology risks, and other legal responsibilities with confidence.

Bio: Jennifer B. Lyday, J.D. (Genevieve), is a partner at Waldrep Wall Babcock and Bailey PLLC in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Genevieve focuses her legal practice on Chapter 11 bankruptcy representations and related state court debtor-creditor representations. In addition to her legal practice, Genevieve currently serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, chairing the Board’s Legal Committee and holding a seat on the Board’s Executive Committee. Genevieve also currently serves as the lay representative of the Diocese of the South to the Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America. Finally, Genevieve has served on the Parish Council of Holy Cross Orthodox Church since 2019, holding the office of Treasurer for several of those years.