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!
OCAN national Attorney Retreat
"Law, Calling, & Renewal of the Soul"
St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Kansasville, WI
More Information & Registration
Join fellow Orthodox attorneys for a weekend of spiritual renewal, rest, and fellowship. Come to 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 who share your faith and vocation, this retreat offers an opportunity to (re)discover peace and joy in your work and career. The retreat center is in a rustic spot between Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport. (Ride-sharing will be coordinated.)
Sessions
"Remember, Reveal, Renew: Toward a Sacramental Understanding of Our Calling"
"Putting First Things First: Developing an Ascetically-Minded Vocation"
Revised topic: "Apostolic Affiliates - Considerations in Forming Church-Affiliated Entities" (CLE)
“Fireside Chat: Stories from the Trenches”
Orthodox Attorney DC-area Gathering
Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 6:00 pm ET
Join OCAN for a relaxed evening to get to know other Orthodox attorneys in the region and enjoy fellowship with colleagues who share the Orthodox faith! Fine food appropriate for Lent, as well as alcoholic and soft beverages will be provided.
Fr. Patrick Viscuso, canon law expert and President of the Orthodox Canon Law Society, will be our special guest.
The event will be at the home of an OCAN member in the Hawthorne neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC near Rock Creek Park. (Note: Parking is on a street with a hill and stairs to the home.)
Please invite any other Orthodox attorneys (active or retired) and law students who you know. We look forward to seeing you there!
Introduction to U.S. Immigration Law for Clergy and Laity
CLE Webinar
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 12:00pm ET
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
CLE Webinar
February 27, 2026
Recording Available Soon!
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.
Sign up for our newsletter to learn about upcoming OCAN activities and stay informed on the work being done to serve Orthodox attorneys, the Orthodox Church, and our world.
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.