The criteria used by the Diocese to determine if a mission community has matured to the point of being granted parish status is:

Criteria for Granting Parish Status to Missions

Overall Criteria -- Overall Health, Vitality and Permanence – To achieve the status of parish in this Diocese the mission community is expected to demonstrate that:

• It is a vibrant community of Orthodox Christians

• God willing, it will be a permanent Orthodox community.

• It can survive the loss of a number of key families.

• It can survive the loss of its current pastor and, in the case of such a loss, another pastor, compatible to the community, can be found that would be willing to accept the assignment.

• It can grow over the next 5-10 years to become a parish of at least 100 persons.

Specific Criteria – The following specific criteria are a part of assessing achievement of the above overall criteria:

• Membership – The community consists of 50 or more adults.

• Full Liturgical Cycle – Worship schedule in the community a supports a robust Resurrectional & Festal liturgical cycle.

• Facilities – The community has its own building which is owned or mortgaged.

• Clergy Compensation – The community provides salary, housing and benefits support to the priest according to a compensation package developed by the Dean and approved by the Diocesan Hierarch.

• Assessments - Diocesan and OCA Assessments are paid on all members per then current Diocesan assessment policies and guidelines. (i.e. currently $ per head on adult members.)

• By Laws - The community has adopted by-Laws which are consistent with Diocesan standards and which have been approved by the Hierarch.

• Parish Council - An elected parish council exists.

• Ministries - Ministry positions that meet the needs of the parish while vigorously reaching out to others in the Name of Christ have been filled and are actively working.
  

• Budget - An annual parish budget exists.

• Audited Statements - The financial statements of the parish have been audited per then current Diocesan Guidelines and found to be unencumbered.

• Misconduct Policy Compliance - Evidence exists that the community is aware of and follows the policy on Sexual Misconduct.

• Stewardship Effort - An active annual stewardship, (time talent and treasure) effort is a standard part of parish life.

• Stewardship Standards - Member donations average at least 5 % of the median annual family income of the county in which the parish resides.

• Recommendations of Dean – The status change is endorsed via a letter of recommendation from the local Dean.

Inputs to Evaluate the Above Criteria for Parish Status
As part of demonstrating achievement of the above general and specific criteria the mission will submit the following:

• Status Change Form – The mission will submit a form (to be designed) which reflects the above criteria and requests info relating to those criteria.

• Annual Budget – A copy of the then current budget.

• Audited financial statements (income and balance sheets) for past 2 yrs.

• Dean’s letter – A letter from the Dean indicating he has recently reviewed the mission’ status and recommends the status change.

Decision Authority
The decision to grant the status change belongs solely to the Diocesan hierarch. The Mission Development Committee and Dean will be asked for their input prior to the Hierarch’s decision.

Decision Process

1. Mission decides it is ready to apply for full parish status.
2. Mission informs Mission Coordinator and Dean of its decision to pursue full parish status.
3. Mission downloads application form from Diocesan website.
4. Mission fills out form and submits the form with necessary supporting documentation to the Diocesan Center.
5. The application is provided to members of the Mission Development Committee. They review the application, request and receive clarifications and ask for the dean’s recommendation.
6. The MDC provides its comments to the Hierarch, the Hierarch makes his decision and the decision is communicated to the community.
7. Diocesan records are updated if parish status is granted. Congratulations/Many Years to the community are offered in Diocesan communications and website.