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.
NETWORKING EVENTS
At the heart of the Center is a vision of women as full participants in the life of the Church and the world. We want to lift 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. God willing, you will see us in Las Vegas, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Washington DC, and Chicago, among others.
TRAINING
One of the four pillars of the Axia Center is robust training programs—courses in leadership, spiritual care, and pastoral responsibilities. 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!
RESEARCH
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.
HEALING AND SPIRITUAL CARE
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!
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