Springfield, Virginia, November 10, 2025
Photo: stots.edu
The Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America has released a comprehensive report on clergy demographics, concluding that the Church is well-positioned to meet its pastoral needs in the coming years despite a convert boom and aging clergy population.
According to the report, the OCA currently has 502 active priests serving as rectors, priests-in-charge, or acting rectors of parishes. The data reveals that 25% of active priests are at or above the conventional retirement age of 65, while 21% of priests aged 55-64 will reach retirement age within the next decade. Meanwhile, only 20% of active priests are below age 44.
The largest age group among active priests is the 45-54 bracket with 162 priests, followed by 107 priests aged 55-64, 96 aged 65-74, 83 aged 35-44, 28 aged 75 and over, and 19 aged 34 or younger.
Despite the demographic challenges, the Chancery’s analysis indicates that current seminary enrollment and clergy transfers are sufficient to address future needs. St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries currently have 55 Master of Divinity students from the OCA who will graduate over the next three years, averaging 18 potential priests per year. Additionally, St. Herman’s Seminary in Alaska produces approximately one to two priests annually, while the Diocese of Mexico’s Colegio Pastoral San Basilio has eight ordination-track students.
The report also notes that the OCA has 319 deacons, 301 of whom are active, with 81 students currently enrolled in the Diaconal Vocations Program. Some of these deacons may eventually be ordained to the priesthood.
The Church has experienced net growth in recent years, opening 38 parishes between 2020 and 2024 while closing 18, for a net gain of 20 parishes. In 2025, eight parishes have opened with only one closure to date. Of the OCA’s 683 total parishes, 118 are currently without a rector.
Clergy transfers have also contributed positively, with more priests transferring into the OCA than out in both 2024 and 2025 year-to-date.
The report emphasizes that sustaining and increasing current efforts will be essential. The post-COVID period has seen rapid parish growth, with many communities welcoming significant numbers of inquirers, catechumens, and converts. The Chancery noted that many communities may benefit from assistant priests or seminary-trained deacons to maintain their liturgical and pastoral life under conditions of expansion.
The OCA encourages its faithful and parishes to continue supporting its seminaries, which the report describes as critical sites for the formation of bishops, priests, deacons, and lay leaders.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
