Orthodox Church Quotes

The Russian Orthodox Church has a long-standing legacy of service and missionary work. Its power lies in its spiritual strength.

After the fall of tsarist rule, the Russian Orthodox Church experienced a brief revival. Unfortunately, political rulers sought to undermine its power by undermining its authority.

History

The Russian Orthodox Church is an important branch of Eastern Christian tradition, grounded in liturgy, prayerfulness, icons and monastic life.

The Church has a rich and varied history, beginning with Kievan Rus’. It was an influential force in Russia’s spiritual development; however, political rulers sought to undermine it.

After a brief respite following the 1917 Russian revolution, Stalinist Russia unleashed relentless persecution on the Church – with many priests being executed. Despite this, Russian Orthodox spirituality survived and thrived.

Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy, commonly referred to as Eucharist, is the central service in Orthodox Church. It’s a communal activity in which believers join their hearts, minds and bodies in celebration.

The Liturgy is traditionally observed on Sundays and Holy Days, though special services may also take place throughout the week with Bishop’s blessing.

Russian Orthodox church Boston emphasizes the communal aspect of worship by having an assigned priest conduct Divine Liturgy in front of the congregation. This serves to underscore the central role community plays in Eastern Christianity’s services.

In the early twentieth century, many Eastern Christians from various countries settled in Boston. Drawn by their Orthodox faith, they began organizing and worshipping together within separate churches.

Music

Russian Orthodox church Boston boasts an impressive selection of both traditional and contemporary liturgical music – an incredible accomplishment for any parish.

Music selections available include settings of hymns and songs from Russian Orthodox church vespers and orthros services, as well as selections from Matins chant and Divine Liturgy services.

These collections are published as a series of books to meet the needs of Orthodox choirs in North America that sing worship services in English.

In the early 20th century, a group of choirmasters and singers founded the Summer Octets to promote Orthodox church singing in English. Their efforts helped raise the visibility of Russian Orthodox church singing in America, attract students, and provide an outlet for public performance of music that wasn’t often heard on concert stages. These choirs had a significant impact on American choral singing today.

Fellowship

The Russian Orthodox Church in Boston is a caring community of Orthodox Christians who cherish their faith. They strive for an intimate connection with Christ through prayer, divine services, reading the Bible, receiving sacraments and acts of charity.

Parishioners from Ukraine, Russian and other ethnic backgrounds make up the parish population. Many were baptized into the Orthodox Church during its early days and remain committed to growing in faith today.

Recently, some parishioners have become engaged in anti-racist activities and other social justice campaigns, as well as helping combat white supremacy. Some of these initiatives were initiated by the fellowship itself or with its leaders’ support.

Orthodox Christianity is an ancient Christian belief system that originated in Greece and Russia. In the 19th and 20th centuries, a large influx of immigrants brought Orthodoxy to North America.

Orthodox parishes have spread throughout the nation and into new regions, but now a growing number of conservative converts are rewriting the faith according to their own standards and making it a haven for white nationalist and nativist ideologies.

About Us

The Russian Orthodox Church is the world’s largest religious denomination. It has a rich and complex history that few are familiar with, from its Eastern roots to political and military contexts.

For centuries, the Orthodox Church has been a champion of peace and reconciliation. It is dedicated to upholding the Ecumenical Movement – an uncompromising campaign against division within Christianity.

Faith in Islam emphasizes respect for every human person, regardless of color, race, gender, nationality or language. It strongly condemns discrimination based on these principles and calls for the removal of all forms of fanaticism which weaken inter-religious and interethnic relations while denial peoples’ rights to freedom, brotherhood, peace and true freedom.

In 1932, a group of Russian immigrants in St. Helena, Pender County, North Carolina founded Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church on land purchased from Wilmington real estate promoter Hugh MacRae. At that time, 15 charter members and their families worshiped at this small red brick temple.

Services

Orthodox worship is an inspiring experience of praise and thanksgiving. Its liturgical texts, chants and rites draw from Christian tradition to enliven our senses and help us gain deeper insights into our faith.

Orthodoxy’s small presence in the United States is primarily due to a decline in multigenerational families. However, an increasing number of converts are bringing new members to Orthodox communities throughout North America. Some scholars and historians have expressed concern that these new believers are promoting white nationalist and nativist views under the banner of their faith.

Riccardi-Swartz conducted a study of American converts who joined the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) in West Virginia and found they held strong nativist, racist and anti-American opinions. She believes some have even formed networks with outside extremist groups in an effort to spread these views. Her actions pose an imminent danger for one of America’s oldest religious traditions.

Parish Life

Russian Orthodox Church Raleigh North Carolina is a family-oriented congregation of Orthodox Christians dedicated to living a life of devotion and service. We strive to give our parishioners every opportunity to grow spiritually.

Orthodox parishes maintain a tradition that dates back centuries. The worship order of the Church ensures continuity with its past while also providing flexibility to adjust according to changing circumstances.

Traditional Orthodox Churches are distinguished by their worship services, which often take place in an antique setting and feature icons. They are led by ordained clergymen or deacons.

Orthodox churches across North America are increasingly becoming part of a broader cultural movement, realizing their responsibility to serve society through Orthodoxy. We encourage those interested in becoming members to explore the parishes closest to them for further involvement.

Contact Us

Our mission is to meet the spiritual needs of Orthodox Christians of the Russian tradition in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill-Burlington-Greensboro, North Carolina. We believe in sharing the treasure of Orthodox Christian Faith with those seeking a more meaningful way of living their lives.

Our priests and parishioners travel throughout North Carolina to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his Church. Many have families or are employed full-time, yet they remain dedicated to serving our communities.

One of the most intriguing findings we’ve made is that some clergy within ROCOR denomination have taken to social media to promote their political opinions. These channels tend to center around themes like antisemitism, xenophobia and support for white nationalists.

These fringe groups, often located within newly established ROCOR churches, have caused much controversy and academic research to investigate their activities.

Saint George Russian Orthodox Church in Howell, New Jersey provides spiritual support to 300 parishioners and houses a parochial school, choir and sisterhood.

Recently, the parish unveiled a monument commemorating the Reunification of Russian Orthodox Church. It depicts Patriarch Alexey II and Metropolitan Laurus holding Christ the Savior Cathedral in their hands.

History

The Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Howell, New Jersey is a cathedral under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. It features frescoes in a Byzantine style design.

The church operates a small bookstore that offers an assortment of books and souvenirs to parishioners and visitors alike. Most recently, the church launched a website to advertise its offerings worldwide.

The bookstore’s remarkable achievement lies in their ability to supply these items to a broad audience while still maintaining excellent customer service – an accomplishment that takes the hard work of many staff members and volunteers. Furthermore, the church operates a large parochial school which educates over 90 boys and girls in religion, history and Russian language instruction.

Liturgy

St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ is an elegant Russian Orthodox church open Wednesday through Saturday from 10-3 for visits and prayers, as well as before, during, and after scheduled services.

On Thursday, August 31, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy. His Eminence was joined in worship by diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan and clergy from Diocese and Patriarchal Parishes in America.

At the service, Metropolitan Hilarion remembered Patriarch Alexey II and Metropolitan Laurus. He encouraged both clergy and faithful to appreciate the monumental contributions these two saints had made towards unification and brotherly unity within Orthodox Christianity around the world.

Confession

Orthodox pastors strive to fulfill the role of father-confessor, healing souls through confession. As such, their primary responsibility is helping their parishioners grow in faith and devotion to both Christ and each other.

Pastors have the responsibility of not only aiding the faithful in their spiritual growth, but also offering catechetical instruction to those newcomers or those baptized but unsure about Orthodox belief systems.

Protopriest Valery Lukianov, Rector emeritus of St Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, New Jersey is widely recognized as one of the finest pastoral priests of the Russian Church Abroad. He received his theological training at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY and was ordained to both diaconate by Metropolitan Philaret and priesthood by Archbishop Laurus.

Ushers

By rotation, ushers assist parishioners in seating pews and maintaining order in the church and narthex during Divine Liturgy or other services. They also distribute Holy Communion during these celebrations.

The Russian Orthodox Church Howell, New Jersey is part of the Eastern American Diocese of ROCOR (Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia). Led by Rector Mitred Archpriest Serge Lukianov and serving over 300 members spiritually, this congregation strives to maintain Orthodoxy within America.

The parish has a parochial school which imparts religious education and church traditions to students from Pre-K3 through high school. Furthermore, it has both a sisterhood and church council which oversee the administration of the parish.

Church Bookstore

Church bookstores provide parishioners with books, Bibles and other religious items. Additionally, they serve as a great source for gifts and decorations for special events like weddings, funerals and confirmations.

Nevsky’s Books, the church bookstore at Russian Orthodox church in Howell, NJ, opened its doors in 1994 and continues to serve a diverse community of Christians with spiritual and devotional items.

The Russian Orthodox Church in Howell, NJ is part of the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, with parishes throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York City. Metropolitan Hilarion serves as its head and is overseen by him – ruling hierarch and head of all Russian Orthodox Churches in America.

The Russian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest religious communities in history. It thrived under tsarist rule while facing numerous political difficulties; however, communist regimes eventually brought about relentless persecution against it.

Many Old Believers, known as the Starovery, refused to accept the 17th century reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church and either burned themselves alive, fled east or fled altogether.

History

The Russian Orthodox Church of Portland Oregon is the oldest Orthodox church in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1851 near the end of the Oregon Trail, it’s now situated on Mallory Ave in West Portland.

In the 1920s and 1950s, the church’s doctrine became increasingly Russified, leading many non-Russian Orthodox to leave its fold.

However, in the 1970s a new generation of Russian-American priests helped revitalize the church. Nowadays it is an active community and is building a new church in West Portland.

The Old Believers in Oregon have a fascinating history. These communities come from many places: some emigrated from Turkey, others from Brazil, some from South America and even other parts of the United States.

Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is the centerpiece of Orthodox worship. This form of service has evolved through centuries, incorporating prayers, hymns and gestures that reflect God’s will for us as believers.

At the core of Orthodox worship is the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion. This act of grace from Christ and His Church is an invaluable blessing to its members.

Celebration of the Divine Liturgy can be an opportunity to unite people as a community, reconnect with God and each other, as well as deepen faith.

The Russian Orthodox Church in Oregon began with an Alaskan of mixed Russian and Native American heritage founding the first Orthodox chapel in North Portland. Soon after, another Russian chapel was constructed east of downtown, as well as Greek, Syrian and Ukrainian parishes.

Worship

Worship is an integral component of Orthodox Christian life. It serves to amplify and convey the teachings of the Church, while offering opportunities for fellowship and socialization.

At worship services, a priest or deacon leads the congregation in prayer and may distribute Eucharist (Bread and Wine) to those who demonstrate faithfulness to their faith.

Orthodox Christians hold Communion in high regard, as it symbolizes Christ’s Body and Blood. Therefore, Orthodox must make regular confession before receiving Holy Communion.

Education

Orthodox churches are traditional and faith-based institutions. Many Orthodox schools in the United States combine a traditional curriculum with religion classes and chapel services for an enjoyable spiritual experience.

Agia Sophia Academy in Portland, which opened its doors this fall with preschool and kindergarten programs, is one such school. It’s the first Orthodox school to open in Oregon and one of fewer than three dozen Eastern Orthodox schools nationwide.

Old Believers in Oregon have managed to preserve their culture while adapting it to American life. This is especially true for Russian and Turkish Old Believers who reside in the northwestern part of the state.

Social Activities

Many Russian-speaking migrants in Oregon make church their hub of social activity. Congregations provide a variety of services and events for their members to enjoy, such as a two-day bazaar featuring various kinds of Russian pastries.

They organize catechism classes, a parish school and library on site. Ethos bookstore – located within the church grounds and open seven days a week – rounds out these services.

Though still small, the Slavic community in Oregon has become increasingly engaged with American culture and politics. Recently, these Slavic-speaking immigrants have formed an anti-gay coalition in Salem that has participated in rallies and protests. No longer a marginal group, this community will continue to have an increasing impact on regional politics going forward.

Are you searching for a church home in Atlanta, Georgia? Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) is an excellent option. There are numerous Russian churches throughout metro Atlanta.

What sets ROCOR apart? ROCOR is a community of nativists, white nationalists and pro-authoritarians that adheres to the same traditions as its parent church: Russian Orthodox Church.

Orthodox Church

Orthodoxy is the continuation of early Eastern Christianity, distinct from the dominant Protestant and Catholic forms. Those who practice Orthodoxy believe their beliefs to be accurate reflections of Scripture and early Church teachings.

Orthodox Christianity in America has had a lasting influence for over two hundred years, growing from its original Greek Orthodox settlement near St. Augustine, Florida in 1768. One of the buildings where they held religious services still stands today.

Orthodoxy now encompasses more than a dozen ecclesiastical jurisdictions with over 5 million followers, the largest being the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with around 500 parishes in America.

Despite many challenges, the Orthodox Church continues to grow and prosper. Its followers are spread across numerous nations and cultures, sharing their faith through various practices.

The Orthodox Church is an international confederation of patriarchal, autocephalous, and autonomous churches united by their common faith and order. The Patriarch of Constantinople serves as its head and spiritual heir to the early apostles; he is recognized as “first among equals” within Orthodoxy and receives special honor.

Eastern Catholic Church

The Eastern Catholic Church of Russia is the most visible Russian Orthodox presence in Atlanta, Georgia. Its members have an intense devotion to their Lord and King, with a vibrant spiritual tradition and liturgical practice that showcases their devotion to Mary and other saints.

Like all autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches, the church is overseen by a synod of bishops. Its theology is founded upon Nicaea (A.D. 325) and Chalcedon (A.D. 451).

Like many Eastern Orthodox churches, the parish blends traditional Liturgy with mystical spirituality and saintly intercession. Additionally, they emphasize veneration of Mary as Mother of God and communion with other Christians through ecumenical worship.

The church’s history is marked by various processes, such as Christianizing Iberia and Colchis, converting Armenians to Christianity, and founding a national church with autocephaly in the 11th century. Its governing body is the holy synod of bishops that meets twice annually to discuss issues regarding Church governance and doctrine. As an affiliate of Ecumenical Patriarchate, this Orthodox congregation is widely considered one of the most authentic Eastern Orthodox churches today.

Melkite Church

The Melkite Church of Russia is an Orthodox branch, with its own patriarch and numerous churches and chapels throughout North America.

The Melkite faithful in twenty-one states, none outside the U.S., are under its jurisdiction. There are also several missions and “outreaches” spread throughout America for their spiritual care and welfare.

Archbishop Joseph (Tawil) leads this eparchy, located in Newton, Massachusetts near Boston. It features a seminary and several religious orders serving as auxiliary priests and sisters.

Additionally, the eparchy has an office of educational services which offers catechetical materials and training programs for parishes. Sophia Press publishes liturgical and prayer books as well as biographies, histories, and other texts relevant to Melkite believers.

For assistance researching your family’s history, reach out to a nearby FamilySearch Center or church staff member. It is best to do small searches at once – such as one birth record or marriage record – for quicker results.

In Damascus, the Melkite Patriarchate operates a Faculty of Theology led by a dean and professor. Here they teach both Russian language and culture while also publishing Sophia magazine quarterly.

Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church is a beacon of faith and home for many in America, having its roots in an influx of immigrants from Russia, Greece, and the Balkans who came in search of freedom and opportunity.

Today, the parish is a vibrant gathering of believers who share a common heritage and spiritual devotion. As the first Orthodox parish chartered in Bergen County, its congregation continues to grow and thrive.

Our History

At its height, Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church boasted a membership base of over 1,000 families. As the church expanded, so too did its responsibilities; a new building, cultural center and clergy team were needed to accommodate the ever-expanding congregation. With modern technologies and an influx of foreign visitors necessitating more modernization of the structure became necessary. For directions to Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church on foot, bike or bus using Moovit – a mobile app that will find the optimal route tailored specifically towards your needs – whether that means taking public transportation by foot, bike or bus!

One of the key characteristics for any successful mobile app is its user-friendliness. Moovit boasts a robust set of features designed with this goal in mind – making it effortless for users to locate the best way to get to Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church without breaking a sweat. Their apps are available on both iOS and Android, offering an intuitive user interface that makes navigating Garfield, NJ or any other location around the world a breeze.

Our Mission

The mission of Russian Orthodox Church Garfield Nj is to serve the people of Garfield and Bergen County by spreading knowledge of Orthodox faith. As a spiritual home for our parishioners and friends, we strive to live according to Jesus’ teachings in Spirit and Truth.

This church has become a landmark on Outwater Lane and an emblem of our community’s deep Russian heritage. Its golden domes and majestic interior are an amazing sight as you drive through Garfield.

Today Three Saints parish is a bustling hub, boasting both first and second generation members as well as new immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe. According to Sudol, around 100 parishioners attend services each Sunday.

According to him, the church was founded by Russian immigrants as well as people from Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. While some of its original founders still attend services, it primarily has a traditional congregation feel.

Our Services

Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church was established by immigrants from Eastern Europe during the early 1900s, as economic conditions forced many Russians to flee their homeland for a better life in America.

They achieved this through hard work and saving. After some time had passed, they were rewarded with a higher standard of living as well as the freedom to practice their faith freely.

Parishioners voted to construct a larger church and relocate the parish to 9 1/2 acres at 464 Outwater Lane in Garfield.

The old church on Cambridge Ave in Garfield was too small to meet the worship needs of its parishioners. Sunday school programs required rental space, the parish hall no longer served as a venue for social activities and youth programs were often curtailed or severely limited due to limited space.

In 1958, during a celebration of their 60th anniversary church, parishioners unanimously decided to build a new facility to meet the growing needs of their growing congregation. The new structure was dedicated on October 5, 1958.

Our Calendar

The Russian Orthodox Church of Three Saints, situated in Garfield’s heart, was Bergen County’s first parish chartered by the Moscow Patriarch. It boasts an impressive collection of icons, stained glass and religious art.

North Jersey’s oldest church was established in 1898 by Slavic immigrants from Poland, Ukraine and Hungary. Today it serves a diverse community of Slavic descent – both descendants of its original organizers as well as recent immigrants to the area.

Our calendar offers a wide range of events, from holiday services to social gatherings and community outreach. We hope that you will join us in celebrating our faith and all it stands for.

Our Russian Orthodox Church is situated in San Francisco’s historic Richmond District. With a long and fascinating history, it has become a landmark for the city’s Russian community.

The parish was established by Russian emigrants who settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fr. Constantine Tsapralis, its first priest, immigrated from Sanga, Greece in 1903.

History of the Church

Five miles west of downtown San Francisco, five gilded onion domes rise against an angular skyline. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and its Russian church has served as a spiritual anchor for local Russians since the 1960s.

The parish began as a refugee settlement of Russians and Serbians who had fled the Soviet regime, who relied on visiting priests from Russia for their worship services. In 1952, these same Russian-speaking immigrants purchased a house at 12th Avenue and Anza Street to house their headquarters.

The church’s founding story mirrors that of many Russian Orthodox churches in San Francisco: it was established by refugees from Siberia and Manchuria who were forcibly relocated after their homelands were taken by Soviet government troops in 1931. With the construction of Golden Gate Bridge in 1937, many new Californians made their way across to the San Francisco Bay Area where they established Holy Trinity Cathedral as a community.

Services

The church provides a range of services. Popular ones include Holy Week and Christmas services.

At this church, liturgical services are similar to those found throughout Russian Orthodox Christianity; they include a Great Litany, Troparia, Kontakia and Antiphons.

These prayers emphasize the central role of Orthodox faith in daily life, emphasizing topics like salvation, peace and forgiveness.

In addition, a priest or lay leader provides a homily that provides brief commentary on the readings. This provides believers with an opportunity to ask questions and gain further insight into the Gospel message.

Each year, the church hosts a variety of social events for members and other Orthodox communities in San Francisco. These gatherings can be fun and festive – there’s even one just for kids!

Confessions

Confession is one of the sacraments offered by the Orthodox Church. It serves to restore union between God and man through genuine repentance, assurance of change, and bearing witness to that change.

In a confession, the penitent confesses their sins to God and to the priest listening, admitting they have offended God and regretting them. The prayer of absolution is also read by the priest in order for God to forgive and grant pardon for the sinner.

Confession is usually held in a parish church, but in certain situations the priest may reach the person wherever he or she is located. This is especially true for those who may be in danger or facing an emergency.

Social Events

The church hosts numerous social events throughout the year. These include a Christmas Cookie Sale, Old Calendar New Year’s Eve and performances by both choirs and dancers.

On the Old Calendar, the parish also hosts a Christmas pageant for children. This annual event draws many members of the community and has become an iconic tradition.

Additionally, the church organizes numerous cultural and athletic activities for youth in the community. These include field trips to Fort Ross – the first Russian settlement on North America’s Pacific coast – as well as Corbel Vineyard.

The church also encourages its members to stay fit by volunteering at the soup kitchen and playing in a local basketball league. This teaches children the value of living a healthy lifestyle and allows them to form friendships within their community.

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a small group of American Orthodox converts has made headlines in an area known for its conservative Christian roots. According to Sarah Riccardi-Swartz who conducted research on this community of Orthodox Americans in West Virginia, these converts are displaying white nationalist and nativist views.

History

In 1920, Russian Orthodox communities outside Communist Russia formed the Metropolia Church to challenge the authority of Moscow Patriarchate. They believed that by accepting their authority under Bolshevik rule, the Patriarchate had lost its independence.

In 1950, the Synod of Bishops of the Church Abroad established a jurisdiction in New York City and soon after secured Oyster Bay Cove on Long Island as its chancery office. Here he had access to records that could be archived and maintained as well as spending quality time with parishioners.

Long Island was home to the first immigrants from Byelorussia, now called Belarus. Soon a church was established with parishioners from various backgrounds including peasants, factory workers and blue collar workers seeking economic opportunity in America. For much of the 20th century this congregation flourished under the leadership of Rev. Alexeev – an inspiring priest who helped many adjust to life here in America.

Liturgy

Orthodox Church liturgy, which has its origins in Christ’s time and that of His apostles, continues to develop and grow. It is not simply a text but an active experience of fellowship with God through prayer, music, gestures, material creation, art and architecture.

The Divine Liturgy is an integral part of Russian Orthodox parishes in North America, celebrating Christian faith with special emphasis on the Eucharist that expresses both the importance of Jesus’ Resurrection for Christian living and our joy at having found salvation.

The priest begins the Liturgy by donning his vestment and taking his place at the Proskomide Table to the left of the Altar in the Sanctuary. There he prepares bread and wine that are placed on the altar before beginning to read prayers and hymns from the service, before distributing Holy Communion to those present.

Confessions

For centuries, the Eastern Orthodox Church has insisted upon confession as a vital aspect of spiritual progress towards unity. Confession is not an isolated event but an ongoing act of devotion which helps people remain faithful to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Confession is more than a private act; it creates an intimate bond between the confessor and their client. Confession also serves to remind one of one’s sins, repent, and demonstrate an eagerness to change one’s ways.

Since the turn of the twentieth century, Russian emigrants have flocked to America in search of work. Unfortunately, over time their numbers have diminished in some regions.

Social events

Throughout Great Lent, Holy Trinity Church hosts a range of social events to mark the season, such as a Lenten potluck supper and Paschal breakfast. Additionally, they hold their annual picnic.

Sea Cliff’s Holy Trinity Church, one of the oldest Russian-speaking communities in America, has a remarkable history. It was constructed by Russian emigrants during the early twentieth century as part of their ROCOR migration from Russia.

Many of these immigrants remained in the community as it provided them with a safe haven. Nowadays, it’s comprised of second-generation Russian-Americans who uphold their ethnic traditions through church schools and summer camps for children.

But even within the church there are extremists. Orthodox blogger Olga Zezulin reports that many conservative converts in American ROCOR parishes hold xenophobic and nativist views; she even cites one woman, Alexandra Witzke, who supports white nationalist America First movement and displays a Confederate flag on her social media profile.

The Russian Orthodox Church can trace its heritage back to the original 12 apostles, and today is the world’s largest Christian denomination with an estimated 1.2 billion members across 100 countries.

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, commonly referred to as ROCOR, is an autonomous branch of the Russian Orthodox Church headquartered in New York City. After unification with Moscow Patriarchate in 2007, ROCOR once again became part of its parent church.

Origins

The Russian Orthodox Church in America (ROCOR) is one of the largest churches in America and is the sole American jurisdiction that falls under Moscow’s authority.

In Russia, the Orthodox Church is hierarchical and divided into several levels: a local parish (Russian: prikhod), an eparchy, and a bishop. All these are governed by the Holy Synod chaired by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

In the nineteenth century, Russian Orthodox thought was often marked by anti-Western and nationalistic sentiments. Under Emperor Alexander I, Catholicism and Protestant mysticism were often condemned as heresy.

Russia’s Orthodox Church experienced a major revival and rose to become an important element of national life. Unfortunately, it also endured persecution and schism, with many Old Believers being exiled or killed. Despite these setbacks, however, the Russian Church continued to thrive under tsarist rule until 1917.

Services

The Russian Orthodox Church Orange County is home to a vibrant community of worshipers with one shared goal: keeping the Orthodox Faith alive. Our congregation includes families and individuals from various backgrounds who come together to uphold and spread this tradition, passing it down through generations.

The Church is organized around a series of services offered on Sundays and other holy days. These include Divine Liturgy and Vespers, as well as Sunday School.

Many services are held in a rented facility that features an elegant chapel, classrooms, fellowship hall and kitchen. Over time, the parish community has blossomed into an inviting hub where people from all backgrounds can find spiritual guidance, friendships and a sense of family.

The church’s primary service is the Divine Liturgy, consisting of an hour-long Matins (or Orthros) followed by a three-hour Eucharist. This is preceded by brief preparatory services.

Education

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) provides Christian education to its parishioners. Most members are ethnic Ukrainians and Belarusians who have immigrated from Soviet-controlled countries, though some American converts have also joined this congregation.

The ROCOR is divided into four divisions, each with its own set of parishioners. Overall, there are just under 24,000 parishes across America under this system.

Throughout the Soviet era, an array of repressions and persecutions against Orthodox Christianity targeted them, leading to the closure of many churches and executions of hundreds of clergy. These practices continued into the 1950s and 1960s.

After 1988, when Mikhail Gorbachev’s government allowed parishioners to return and restore many older buildings, the ROCOR began rebuilding churches again. In 2007, they were finally reunited with Moscow Patriarchate in full communion – freed from persecution and able to celebrate full church life once more.

Outreach

Outreach Ministries

Our parish offers various ministries and programs to aid those in need. There is a food pantry, assistance to those with financial difficulty, as well as support for those recovering from alcoholism.

Outreach is one of the best ways to demonstrate Christ’s love. It also teaches us about compassion and responsibility.

The Orthodox Church has a long tradition of outreach to the poor. Many members of our parishioners are actively involved in this ministry.

Moreover, we have a dedicated group of volunteers that focus on outreach and community projects. These efforts are essential in helping the church grow and serve its surrounding area.

As part of its outreach to the community, Russian Orthodox church orange county hosts several special events throughout the year. These include a Christmas party for elderly attendees, fundraisers and Share the Love events with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). What an incredible way to give back and have fun!

The Russian Orthodox Church, one of the largest autocephalous (ecclesiastically independent) Eastern Orthodox churches, has long been at the forefront of ecumenical dialogue.

The Russian Orthodox Church has an office in Rome, where it maintains relations with Pope John Paul II and his curia. Pope John Paul II has visited Orthodox churches across Georgia, Greece and Ukraine as well as in the Holy Land to foster ecumenical understanding.

The Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church is the largest Christian denomination in Russia and one of the biggest worldwide, boasting more than 60 million members.

On the contrary, the Catholic Church in Russia is much smaller. There are only around one and a half million Catholics across Russia, most of whom reside in Moscow.

Though there has been progress made in relations between Christianity and Islam, Fidel Castro still managed to greet Pope John Paul II on his plane ride to Cuba during the 1990s.

However, the relationship between the Catholic Church and Russian Orthodox Church remains strained. While officially acknowledging them, they do not always adhere to this recognition in practice.

The Russian Orthodox Church has had a turbulent past. Throughout its existence, it has suffered multiple persecutions and repressions, including under Joseph Stalin.

The Russian Orthodox Patriarchate

The Russian Orthodox Patriarchate, as it exists today after the collapse of the Soviet Union, is an intricate and confusing entity. It consists of multiple church communities spread out over Western Europe and North America that have developed overlapping jurisdictions.

Ecclesiastically, all Russian Orthodox Churches–parishes (Russian: prikhod, prihod) and eparchies (Russian: eparkhiia–are organized under the leadership of bishops (Russian: episkop, episcop or arkhierei; archiereus).

The Roman Catholic Church (ROC) is divided into 261 eparchies around the world, each headed by a bishop. These are mostly located in Western Europe and North America but there are also ROC-affiliated eparchies in Central Asia and Kazakhstan that fall under its authority.

The Russian Orthodox Archdiocese

The Russian Orthodox Archdiocese (ROC) is a self-governing church with its headquarters in Moscow. It consists of various autonomous and semiautonomous churches such as Ukrainian, Chinese, Japanese, Estonian, Latvian and Moldovan congregations as well as exarchates in Belarus Western Europe and Southeastern Asia.

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is an integral part of the global Eastern Orthodox Church with an estimated 150 million members. It is led by Patriarch Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’.

Contrary to Roman Catholic church practice, the Reformed Orthodox Church does not recognize Pope Paul as its leader. Nonetheless, they do acknowledge Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I as its legitimate head; these two have met multiple times and enjoy a close working relationship.

The Russian Orthodox Autonomous Churches

The Russian Orthodox Church does not have a Pope, but instead elects a Patriarch for life who must be at least 40 years old, possess a higher theological education, and be well-respected within the church.

Contrary to the Roman Catholic Church, many priests in Russian Orthodox churches are married and not required to abstain from sexual activity. This allows them to have families and reduces the temptation for immoral behavior.

In the Russian Orthodox Church, there are various eparchies organized hierarchically.

In some former Soviet Union states, such as Ukraine and Belarus, there are autonomous Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) jurisdictions operating independently from the Moscow Patriarchate. Although these eparchies have official recognition by those countries’ governments and peoples, they do not enjoy the same level of ecclesiastical autonomy as their Russian counterparts.