Ghana - Accra Clergy Retreat Orthodox Mission Team

“It is very easy to provide material goods meant to improve life here, but the main concern of all missionaries is the spiritual cultivation of the souls of men.” - His Eminence Narkissos, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria (Metropolitan of Accra 2016-2019)

ACCRA, Ghana -- Are you interested in helping the clergy of Ghana navigate the challenges they face in building vibrant, worshipping communities of faithful Orthodox? The 2022 Ghana Teaching Team has been invited to teach at a clergy retreat at St. Peter College in Larteh, Ghana. The main topic is parish ministry. The retreat will offer an opportunity for the clergy to be inspired and challenged as they offer the beauty of Orthodoxy to those who seek the truth of Orthodoxy.

This five-day retreat will focus on the role of the priest, building vibrant communities, development of parish ministries and stewardship as well as developing a self-sustaining Church. The retreat will be a time of learning and fellowship for the clergy who come from diverse backgrounds. Through the theological knowledge and experience, Team members will share in matters of parish organization, inform how they can raise the spiritual level of their Parish, and how they can benefit the faithful through their discreet life and proper conduct. Particular emphasis needs to be the responsibility for evangelism.

Ghana is home to a wide diversity of people groups, rapidly entering a modern and fast paced world. People may still be seen in traditional clothing and adhering to the old traditions, but many now have access to cell phones and internet. Ghanaians are divided into 75 different ethnic groups. Although the 2010 census reported that over 70% of Ghanaians are Christian, Islam (in the north) and traditional religions are second and third in percentage of adherents. The Orthodox Church is one of the few faiths not associated with colonialism in Ghana. Thousands of Orthodox Christians from among the local population are served by 18 dedicated (and 5 retired) priests that minister to the spiritual needs of 22 parishes and 4 mission posts. They are assisted by numerous catechists and lay leaders.

In 1971, the establishment of the Church of Ghana was advanced when a youth movement desiring renewal, uniform doctrines and liturgical practices and a sense of a larger global Orthodox family was begun. The youth were dedicated to search for a canonical Church, and numerous events and visits by the Patriarchate of Alexandria proved to be turning points for the reception of the Ghanaian church into the canonical Orthodoxy in 1982. Orthodox clergy visiting from Greece and Finland completed the catechism of almost 3,000 Ghanaians who were received into Orthodoxy. The Cathedral of the Holy Transfiguration was constructed in 1989 with the aid of an OCMC Mission Team and the Diocese of Ghana was created by a Patriarchal and Synodal decree in 1997. The diocese was elevated to Archdiocese of Accra by a Patriarchal decree in 2009, and His Eminence Petros was elected Metropolitan of Accra on 9 October 2019. The Archdiocese of Accra includes the parishes and missions located in the nations of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Share the teachings of the Orthodox faith and be a part of laying the foundation of the Faith for many. Be a part of this essential ministry of the Church in Ghana. Clergy and theologically trained individuals are requested.

Dates:  July 26 – August 6, 2022

Cost:  $1,270 (+airfare)

Travel – Team Members must fly on the international travel itinerary OCMC will provide to and from the project destination. Team Members are responsible for all air travel: one-way domestic flight to Jacksonville, FL (JAX) Monday July 26 (by 4 pm for orientation) and an international segment from JAX to Accra, Ghana on Wednesday July 28, returning home on Friday August 6. Airfares are not included in participant cost.

Fund raising – Each Team Member is responsible for the participant cost and airfares associated with this Team. Team Members are encouraged to invite others to participate in this effort through prayer and tax-deductible donations. Participant cost includes room and board, local transportation, orientation costs, ministry expenses, excursion and materials.

If you would like to contribute to this Mission Team project - the clergy retreat in Ghana - we are grateful for your support.  This is optional and it is not included in the participant cost. 

Share in a journey of faith… Orthodox Mission Team members are challenged to view the world with God's eyes and seek how He wants to use them to fulfill His plans. This cross-cultural experience, combined with outreach, offers participants a life-changing learning experience. This experience is about people, culture and missions. It is also about prayer, for you and others; it is about God, those you serve, and about yourself, as you serve Him.