become a missionary
What is a missionary?
Who can become a missionary?
To serve as a Mission Center missionary, you must be a baptized and/or chrismated Orthodox Christian for at least three years. Families are welcomed and encouraged to apply, as they too are great witnesses of our faith. For clergy, specific coordination with your local hierarch is necessary to ensure alignment and permission for service.
Why serve with us?
Choosing the Orthodox Christian Mission Center means joining a community that has been deploying missionaries for nearly half a century. Our global support system of priests, hierarchs, and missionary specialists ensures you are never alone, providing guidance from training to field service and beyond. Plus, you benefit from health insurance plans tailored for expatriates, educational loan reimbursement, and other financial aids that ensure your focus remains on your mission.
The path to missions
- A written application
- Three letters of reference, one from your parish priest
- Relevant transcripts and certificates
- Background and psychological evaluations
Once your application is submitted, we conduct thorough background checks and follow up with your references. We also perform health screenings to ensure you are fit for the challenging environments you may face. Throughout this phase, we discuss potential field placements with you and begin introductions to field hierarchs (through virtual or in-person meetings), to find a suitable match for your skills and the needs of the mission field.
Upon acceptance, you’ll engage in our comprehensive training program, starting with a New Candidate Orientation. This is followed by a 12-week Reading Program designed to prepare you for cultural adaptation and effective mission work. During this time, you’ll begin fundraising efforts to support at least two years of service with guidance from our Missionary Department.
Once you’ve raised the necessary support and completed your training, we’ll help you to finalize your travel and legal arrangements, such as visas and work permits. Our team will support you in every step to ensure you’re ready and equipped to start your mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whether you’re curious about fundraising, the types of service opportunities available, or the impact you can make, the information below can help clarify and inspire.