Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

a. Information You Voluntarily Provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:

• Name or username
• Email address
• Questions submitted through the Q&A feature
• Comments or feedback
• Communications sent to us via contact forms or email
• Donation-related information (processed through third-party payment processors)

You are not required to provide personal information to browse the website, but certain features may require limited information to function.

b. Automatically Collected Information

When you access the website, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• Date and time of access
• Pages viewed and referring URLs

This information is collected for administrative, security, and analytical purposes and does not, by itself, identify you personally.

c. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies or similar technologies to improve website functionality, understand usage patterns, and enhance user experience.

Cookies may be used to:

• Remember user preferences
• Analyze website traffic
• Improve performance and content delivery

You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may limit certain features of the website.

2. How We Use Information

Information collected by Orthodox Worldwide may be used for the following purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and improve the website
• To respond to questions submitted through the Q&A feature
• To communicate with users regarding inquiries or updates
• To process donations and acknowledgments
• To monitor and moderate content to preserve mission integrity
• To ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• To protect the security and integrity of the website

We do not use personal information for commercial advertising or data brokerage.

3. Q&A Submissions and Public Content

Questions submitted through the Q&A feature may be publicly visible, along with responses provided by Orthodox Worldwide or its contributors.

Users should not include sensitive personal, financial, medical, or pastoral information in Q&A submissions.

By submitting a question, you acknowledge and agree that:

• Your submission may be reviewed, edited, summarized, or declined
• Your question or portions of it may be published publicly
• Responses are educational and not personalized pastoral advice

4. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

Orthodox Worldwide does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With trusted service providers (e.g., website hosting, donation processing) who are contractually obligated to protect data
• When required by law, court order, or legal process
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of the Corporation, its users, or others
• In connection with a merger, restructuring, or dissolution, consistent with nonprofit law

All disclosures are limited to what is reasonably necessary for the stated purpose.

5. Donations and Payment Processing

Donations made through the website are processed by third-party payment processors. Orthodox Worldwide does not store full credit card or banking information on its servers.

Payment processors are governed by their own privacy policies, and we encourage donors to review those policies before submitting payment information.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Information may be retained for:

• Recordkeeping and accounting
• Legal compliance
• Security and fraud prevention
• Historical or archival purposes consistent with our mission

7. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to safeguard information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and users provide information at their own risk.

8. Privacy of Minors

This website may be accessed by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children beyond what is voluntarily submitted through normal website use.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for supervising the online activity of minors and determining the appropriateness of content.

If you believe that personal information of a minor has been submitted improperly, please contact us so we may address the issue.

9. External Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites or platforms. Orthodox Worldwide is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.

Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

11. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, you may contact us at: