Orthodox Family Center
A Department of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
“In accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod of Antioch, held in Balamand on October 3-10, 2019, and building [on] its discussion of the topic ‘the concept of the family, its situation, and its needs’ as a primary concern because of the worries, difficulties, and challenges affecting the family today. The Holy Synod recommended the establishment of “Family Guidance Centers for supporting marriage and providing family guidance and social assistance…” especially pre- and post-marital programs. (Patriarch John X)
In response to this resolution, the ORTHODOX FAMILY CENTER (“OFC”) has been working to implement the desire of the Holy Synod of Antioch here in North America.
METROPOLITAN SABA ENDORSEMENT
OFC MISSION
The OFC is a department of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. that was
created with Metropolitan SABA’s blessing and in collaboration with the Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS), is ready to implement a unified and approved marriage and family curriculum that reflects the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church based on the Antiochian Tradition.
Further, the OFC will provide consistent educational and spiritual programs with the goal of building and sustaining healthy Orthodox relationships, marriages, and families for the Kingdom of God and the Antiochian Archdiocese.
OFC programs, as mandated by the Metropolitan, will be a valuable resource for families throughout the Archdiocese by initially creating approved pre and post marital programs, materials and seminars.
Programs
SEMINARS & RESOURCES
Family Seminars
• Dynamics (in depth decision-making, etc.) • Retreats
Contemporary Moral issues
• Cohabitation • Gender Identity • Crisis Pregnancy • Addiction • Domestic Violence • Divorce • Adoption
Pastoral Counseling & Spiritual Theropy- AHOS
Resource Library
MEMBERS OF THE OFC ADVISORY AND EDITORIAL BOARDS
Members of the OFC Advisory Board and Editorial Board are as follows:
ADVISORY
BOARD
- Fr. Fadi Rabbat, PhD – Dean of AHOS
- Fr. John Shalhoub, PsyD
- Fr. Isaiah Gillette, D.Min
- Fr. Paul Olson, BA
- Fr. John Fenton, M.Div, STM
- Fr. George Morelli, PsyD (deceased)
CURRICULUM EDITORIAL
BOARD
CONSULTANTS
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We have engaged with other experts in the field to augment the deep resources
of the OFC.
- Fr. Hans Jacobse, Founder of the American Orthodox Institute, Author, Seminar presenter
- Fr. Philip LeMasters, Ph.D, Professor, Author
- Kh. Deborah McNary, Masters’ candidate. Counselor, teacher
- Erik Hadden, Master Therapist
- Summer Kinard, M.Div, Th.M, Special Needs family expert, author
And others who are in the process of joining the OFC Boards.
Additionally, we will train other regional facilitators