2026 Parish Development Forum 

1:00 PM CDT Thursday July 9, 2026 thru Noon Saturday July 11

For Orthodox clergy and laity the Parish Development Forum is a conference which encourages discussion of timely topics and discovery of practices used by healthy, vibrant Orthodox parishes in America.

Sponsored by the Midwest Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, the 2026 Forum will be held at the St Luke's Orthodox Church 10700 S Kean Ave, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

Theme: St. Tikhon's Vision for the American Church:

An Experiment for Parish Life  

St. Tikhon was a transforming figure for Orthodoxy in America.

Following his arrival in America in 1898, he found a fledgling Church operating under significantly different conditions than in historically Orthodox countries. What he encouraged was, in many ways, an ecclesial experiment — faithful to Orthodox Tradition, yet, adapted to a radically new social environment. His vision and important contributions included an emphasis on English language worship, active lay ministry, conciliar parish and Church governance and leadership, a missional expansion of Orthodoxy through extensive parish planting, an emphasis on adult faith education and laying a foundation for a unified, local, self-governing Church in America. Principles that continue to be significant for today’s American parishes.

At this the twelfth Parish Forum, attendees will face forward -- actively considering how the foundation provided by St Tikhon over a century ago can be used to continually build bright parish futures. 

Attendees will collaborate to discover the key behaviors, skills and "new muscles" parishes will need to thrive in the future.

Forum Goals

 The goals for the 2026 Parish Development Forum are:

1. To understand St Tikhon's Orthodox Vision and to be better prepared to implement this vision and its foundational practices in your parish.
2. To explore the individual skills and abilities and "corporate" competencies needed for an Orthodox parish to flourish in the future.
3. To renew efforts for a unified Church in America

Content

In depth discussions and presentations will include:

• The Legacy of St Tikhon: Vision & Guidance for the Contemporary American Parish
• Orthodox Unity: St Tikhon and a Careful Assessment of Autocephaly
• Challenges of Developing Parish Leaders
• Six Good Practices for Parish Councils
• Parish Education: Catechesis for Catechumens: A Panel Discussion
• Understanding Our Culture: The Church and Technology-- Encouragement and Caution
• Interjurisdictional Cooperation - Interparish Associations
• The Healthy Orthodox Parish in America: A St. Tikhon Inspired Inventory

Why "In-Person" Matters

The Parish Development Forum is an in-person conference event. Much of the most significant learning happens beyond the presentations. It is immersive, relational and deeply practical.

• Conversations begun in break-out sessions continue in hallways, over meals, and between sessions
• Questions are shaped by real‑time dialogue with peers.
• Encouragement comes from engaging people who understand the opportunities of church leadership
• Relationships form that continue long after the conference ends.

Attendees step away from daily demands, reflect on the bigger picture, and return home with renewed confidence, clearer direction, and a stronger support network.

“This conference is the best actual conference I have been to in terms of helping parishes grow and become healthier... a really tremendous job.” Orthodox Priest Past attendee

Space is Limited

To maintain an intimate setting for thoughtful exchange among attendees the 2026 Forum attendance will be limited to 80 persons.  

Early Bird Registration/Fees

An Early Bird registration Fee of $100 per attendee (a $40 savings) is available until midnight Friday June 26. After June 26 registration is $140. Registration closes Saturday July 6.

Your registration fee includes conference materials, two lunches, two dinners, one breakfast and one social reception and supports speaker stipends and travel.

Parish Group Discount

Parishes sending four or more attendees can receive a 30% rebate on all attendees. Payable at end of event. For more info send email with "group discount" in subject line

Cancellation

Cancellations received before July 1 will be eligible for a full refund (less credit card fees.)

Cancellations received before July 6 will be eligible for a $50 refund. No refunds available after July 6.

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 “A wonderful conference and well worth the investment”. 

Past Lay Attendee

“a marvelous, useful, and fulfilling conference. Our group of four from our Church are rarin’ to go, and now we have lots of tools as well as hope.”  Past Attendee