Springfield, Virginia, May 8, 2026
Photo: oca.org
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America adopted updated Social Media Guidelines for Clergy and Lay Leaders at its Spring 2026 session on April 28.
The revised guidelines apply to clergy, employees, and lay leaders serving in dioceses, parishes, monasteries, seminaries, and institutions of the Orthodox Church in America. They’re also recommended for all who participate in the pastoral life and public witness of the Church, including clergy wives, monastics, parish council members, youth leaders, and teachers, the OCA reports.
The document acknowledges that social media platforms often reward outrage and division, potentially drawing users toward behaviors contrary to the Gospel. Thus, the updated resource is presented as a compass for navigating digital communication in ways that strengthen Christian witness, protect communities, and reflect the peace of Christ.
The guidelines cover both personal use and official representation. Areas addressed include clergy identity and pastoral responsibility, transparency and accountability, standards of conduct, authorization for official representation, confidentiality, privacy, intellectual property, and proper use of Church systems and logos.
The guidelines include specific youth protection provisions requiring that all communications with minors be conducted transparently and in group settings, with at least two unrelated adults present and parents having full access to monitor sites. An opt-out form for photographs and video is also provided.
The Holy Synod commends the guidelines to the faithful as a pastoral and spiritual resource rooted in the Church’s understanding of speech, conduct, and Christian witness.
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