Welcome to the website of the Orthodox Christian Attorney Network (OCAN)! We're a fellowship of Orthodox Christian attorneys (active and retired) and law students from across the country who share a desire to build relationships and learn to serve our Lord through the legal profession.
OCAN is not just another professional association. We'd like to help make your legal career a part of your life journey in Christ. As St. Paul said, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
We invite you to join us for what we hope will be a career-transforming journey. Check out our website to learn more about our history, mission, and purposes.
Sign up below to receive OCAN news, and become a member to take advantage of our resources and connect with other Orthodox attorneys. We look forward to your involvement!
Safeguarding the Parish: Church Safety, Risk Management, and Emergency Preparedness
Free Webinar
Friday, June 10, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm ET
As parishes grow in size complexity, the responsibility to safeguard parishioners and visitors becomes increasingly critical. Beyond pastoral care, parish leadership have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care in identifying, reducing, and managing safety and security risks.
This webinar brings together emergency management best practices and legal considerations to help faith-based organizations build resilient, well-prepared communities. Drawing from real-world experience in emergency management and parish safety leadership, this session will provide practical, actionable guidance on how to strengthen preparedness while supporting the mission and continuity of the Church. Topics will include:
- Foundational steps to establish or enhance a parish safety and emergency preparedness program
- Development of key plans, including Emergency Operations Plans (EOP), Continuity of Operations (COOP), and communication strategies
- Best practices for responding to common incidents such as medical emergencies, severe weather, evacuations, and security threats
- Structuring and training volunteer safety, medical, and response teams to act effectively during emergencies
- Designing meaningful training, drills, and exercises to improve readiness and reduce liability
Join us for this free talk with a safety and preparedness specialist to help your parish become a safer community. Feel free to invite others from your parish!
Speaker:
Ionela Manown, MPA - Emergency and Disaster Management Professional | Volunteer Leadership | Safety and Preparedness Specialist
Ionela is an accomplished emergency management and safety professional with over 12 years of experience in volunteer coordination, emergency planning, and training, holding a Master's Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management and a Bachelor's in Psychology. She played a key leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator, managing large-scale volunteer operations and supporting the deployment of over 3,000 volunteers and staff, earning multiple state and national recognitions. Throughout her career, she has supported Emergency Operations Centers, developed Emergency Operations and Continuity Plans, and led HSEEP-aligned exercises, strengthening organizational readiness and community resilience.
Ionela is a member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia.
OCAN national Attorney Retreat
"Law, Calling, & Renewal of the Soul"
St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Kansasville, WI
April 23-25, 2026
Orthodox Christian Attorney Network members came together for a weekend of spiritual renewal, rest, and fellowship at the peaceful St. Iakovos Retreat Center to learn together and reflect on our calling as attorneys and servants of Christ. Through thought-provoking sessions, worship, and time spent with colleagues of a common faith and vocation, this retreat offered an opportunity to (re)discover peace and joy in our work and careers.
Introduction to U.S. Immigration Law for Clergy and Laity
CLE Webinar
March 19, 2026
Recording Available through the OCAN Member Resource Library
In light of the needs of the Orthodox Church in the United States, this presentation will provide a basic introduction to the U.S. immigration system, specifically as it relates to the Orthodox Church. We will discuss the background and history of immigration law and policy, as well as the major agencies and components tasked with administering those laws and policies. Particular focus will be given to religious visas -- the R-1 visa for nonimmigrant religious workers and the EB-4 visa for special immigrant religious workers. Additionally, attendees will obtain a general understanding of the process to be pursued by those intending to be immigrants to the United States, including clergy members, as well as those seeking asylum, including based on religious persecution.
Legal Considerations for Security in Houses of Worship
Webinar
February 27, 2026
Recording Available through the OCAN Member Resource Library
In response to an increasing risk of threats against houses of worship, many Orthodox parishes are evaluating security measures such as engaging professional security personnel or establishing volunteer safety teams to monitor potential risks and maintain a secure environment. As part of these efforts, some parishes are considering whether, and under what circumstances, to permit the presence or use of firearms.
This webinar will examine the legal considerations associated with these decisions, including potential liability risks, regulatory compliance, and an overview of representative state laws governing firearms in houses of worship. The program will provide participants with a practical framework for assessing security policies while navigating applicable legal and risk management concerns.
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We invite all Orthodox attorneys (active and retired) and law students to join OCAN for spiritual growth, professional development, and building meaningful relationships with fellow Orthodox Christians in the legal field.
We greatly appreciate your support! Our work is supported entirely by members and others who believe in our mission. Your contribution is crucial for building our ministry as we inspire Orthodox attorneys to live out their lives and careers fully for Christ, serve the Orthodox Church, and make a positive impact on our nation and the world.
“The emergence of the Orthodox Christian Attorney Network is a long-awaited and happy development for Orthodox Christianity in the United States. Creating this national pan-Orthodox professional community will clearly enhance the presence of Orthodox Christianity in the legal and judicial systems of our culture, and reinforce the principles and values of our holy faith among an important and underserved portion of our faithful. Having Orthodox Christian leaders in the legal community will doubtless enhance the quality of legal thinking in the United States, and provide a much-needed support system for faithful lawyers around the country. We look forward to the many blessings that will emerge within and because of OCAN.”
- Eric S. Namee, Managing Member, Hinkle Law Firm and President, Virginia H. Farah Foundation
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All content on this site is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon without seeking legal advice from one’s own attorney. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and OCAN or any authors. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site are expressly disclaimed.