The Axia Center for Training, Research, and Healing is a vibrant, first-of-its-kind hub that brings together education, spiritual formation, and community connection for Orthodox women and the leaders who work with them. Designed as a catalyst for change across jurisdictions, the Center will equip laywomen with the practical tools and thoughtful guidance we need to strengthen our ministries in every corner of the Church.
At the heart of the Center is a vision of women as full participants in the life of the Church and the world. To that end, we embrace storytelling and aesthetics as integral to our mission—lifting up the beauty of Orthodoxy while creating spaces where women can connect, heal, and flourish. To help make that happen, we have set a goal of hosting at least six networking events in cities across the US in 2026 — and double that if we can find the funding. God willing, you will see us in Las Vegas, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Washington DC, and Chicago, among others.
That leads us to robust training programs—courses in leadership, spiritual care, and pastoral responsibilities, which form the first pillar of the center. We want to give all of us the foundation to serve the Church with even greater confidence, compassion, and cultural understanding. You may have seen or taken part in our Women Sharing the Good News: Preaching and Teaching courses. We’ll be adding a new multi-month initiative for spiritual wellness facilitation and coaching certification in 2027!
The Center’s research division, our second pillar, has been breaking new ground by documenting Orthodox women’s lived experiences and service. With your help we’ve gathered primary research, surveys, and first-person narratives–and we’re partnering with St. Vladimir’s Seminary to discover prayers by Orthodox women past and present. These initiatives lay a foundation for the first comprehensive database illuminating women’s contributions across parishes and jurisdictions.
The third pillar of the Center’s mission is healing and spiritual care. Together with you, we want to create a place where Orthodox women from diverse traditions can gather to rest, learn, and build the sustaining relationships that cross jurisdictional borders, creating a broader sense of belonging. Alongside these retreats, we plan to partner with other Orthodox organizations to offer service projects as a way for women to connect and grow together. This year saw our first Myrrhbearing Women Pilgrimage Retreat this October. Next year: a Healing Beauty retreat on the West Coast and our long-delayed Jerusalem Pilgrimage (Lord willing) in 2026!
To scale up our vision, we need to have the essentials fully funded and stable. If these plans spark something in you, please consider donating here and being a part of making the Center come to life. Any amount can make a big difference–and till December 19, every donation will be matched up to $22,500; a gift of $50 or more will find you entered into our raffle!
And if you want to hear more, please don’t hesitate to sign up for our weekly newsletter or reach out to us at axia@axiawomen.org.