Recipients Announced for 2027 Church Planting and Growing Spaces Grants

The Department of Evangelization of the Orthodox Church in America is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2027 Church Planting Grants and the inaugural Growing Spaces Grants . A total of seven mission communities will receive $242,600 in financial assistance through these two programs during the coming year.

The grants were approved by the Metropolitan Council during its Fall 2026 Session , held October 14–15, and subsequently confirmed by the Holy Synod of Bishops at its Fall Session.

2027 Church Planting Grants

Four missions have been approved to receive Church Planting Grants in 2027:

First-year grants:

St. Stephen Mission, Lima, OH St. Paisios Mission, Nacogdoches, TX

Second-year grants:

St. Catherine Mission Station, Columbus, MS St. Nina Mission, Azalea Park, FL

The Church Planting Grant Program provides financial assistance toward the salary and benefits of a full-time resident priest, helping mission communities establish a stable pastoral presence as they develop toward full parish status.

The program provides support over a three-year period, with decreasing levels of assistance as participating missions assume a greater share of their…