The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America approved and issued a revised Policy, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct at their Fall 2013 Holy Synod meeting. This policy is now in force in the Church. It is the goal of the entire Church to provide a safe and healthy environment for all of the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America. The Church laments the sin of sexual misconduct, and will not tolerate sexual misconduct by its clergy or any layperson.
In an effort to prevent sexual misconduct, the Holy Synod has approved the company Protect My Ministry to be used by parishes, dioceses, and institutions in the United States to process criminal background checks. To further the prevention of sexual abuse of children, a comprehensive child training program called Child Safety Training is available through Protect My Ministry.
To confidentially report a case of misconduct please use the toll-free number 855-398-2600. All calls will be confidential.
Policies
- Policies, Standards, and Procedures of the Orthodox Church in America on Sexual Misconduct
Approved by the Holy Synod of Bishops, Spring 2014 meeting
- Guidelines on Background Checks
Issued by the Holy Synod of Bishops, Spring 2014 meeting, Updated March 2023
- Charter of the Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee (SMPAC)
Reviewed and approved by the Holy Synod of Bishops, Fall 2013 meeting
Frequently Asked Questions on the new OCA Policies, Standards and Procedures (PSPs)
Forms
- Annual Parish Compliance Report
- Annual Institution Compliance Report
- Youth Volunteer Application Packet
Updated August 2015
Helpful links
- Synodal Letter on PSP Compliance
- When the Unspeakable Happens
by Ellen Gvosdev
- Safety Issues
from The Hub by the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries
- Dealing with Internet Pornography
by Dr Albert Rossi
Office of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations (ORSMA)
The Office of Review of Sexual Misconduct Allegations is responsible for assisting the Holy Synod of Bishops and the Church with matters concerning allegations of sexual misconduct. The Office shall be under the authority of the Office of the Metropolitan, who shall report to the Holy Synod of Bishops. ORSMA shall be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America.
Contact Information
Archpriest Alexander Rentel
Chancellor
Phone: (516) 922-0550 ext. 130
Email: chancellor@oca.org
Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino
Secretary
Phone: (516) 922-0550 ext. 129
Email: secretary@oca.org
Sexual Misconduct Policy Advisory Committee (SMPAC)
SMPAC is under the authority of the Holy Synod and is chaired by the Chancellor of the Church, who is the day-to-day supervisor of the Office. The Committee operates in an advisory capacity only and does not assume any responsibility for the handling of sexual misconduct allegations, because that responsibility properly belongs to the Diocesan Hierarchs and the Office, according to the revised Policies, Standards, and Procedures on Sexual Misconduct. Committee members are appointed by the Holy Synod of Bishops.
Current Membership of SMPAC: Archpriest Alexander Rentel (ex officio, Chancellor, Chair), Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino (ex officio, Secretary), Archpriest David Mezynski, Archpriest Justin Patterson, Protodeacon Peter Danilchick, Mr. Robert Koory, Esq.
The clergy of the Orthodox Church in America are responsible to their diocesan Bishop for implementing the PSPs and following the procedures. By the end of each calendar year, they will complete the compliance form and submit it to their diocesan Bishop in time for reporting at the Spring Holy Synod meeting.