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"Christ is in Our Midst - He is and Always Shall Be"

MEMORIAL DAY-REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023

Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day in the USA...Take time to remember those who put on a uniform and fought for our country.

"Christ is Risen from the Dead!  -  Indeed He is Risen!"

Welcome to the Orthodox Church of America and Dependencies...throughout the world.....a member Jurisdiction of the CATHOLIC ORTHODOX APOSTOLIC CHURCH!......WE PROFESS there is only...ONE "Body of Christ" only...ONE "TRUE CHURCH" that gloriously exists since Apostolic times!...And, that the Devil has NOT PREVAILED AGAINST the Church Jesus Christ founded!!.....This Church remains as the authentic & genuine EARLY CHURCH that Holy Martyrs gave their lives for.....the UNDIVIDED CHURCH of the Seven Ecumenical Councils...the Church of the original Nicene Creed without the "filioque" addition... the ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC & APOSTOLIC CHURCH...the Church that existed before the Roman Catholic Schism and before the Protestant Reformation!.....It is THE CHURCH that IS and ALWAYS has remained "ORTHODOX in Faith" & "CATHOLIC in Communion!"......There is only ONE UNDIVIDED "CATHOLIC CHURCH"...as it was called by St. Ignatius of Antioch in the Second Century!......WE PROFESS that all those who hold Valid Orders and Canonical Apostolic Succession...receive the same Immaculate Body & Precious Blood in Holy Communion....having THE SAME BLOOD OF CHRIST flowing in our veins!!......WE PROFESS that No Patriarch, No Pope, No Ecumenical Council, No Mandate can unite us any further then what Almighty God, HIMSELF, has already done through HIS VERY BODY AND BLOOD!!!......It is past time for Spiritual Leaders to follow the COMMAND, the MANDATE of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, "THAT ALL MAY BE ONE!!!"......WE MUST ALL PRAY FOR UNITY......UNITY OF FAITH....UNITY OF LOVE....UNITY OF HEARTS....UNITY FOR A COMMON CELEBRATION DATE OF HOLY PASCHA/EASTER.........UNITY OF THE CHURCH!!!

 
"Slava Isysy Xristy! - Welcome..."
from "Old Country" roots we are rightly the
​ORTHODOX CHURCH OF AMERICA
...and Dependencies
~ "ORTHODOX" in Faith and "CATHOLIC" in Communion ~

Let us earnestly ask for the world's prayers at this time for our brothers
and sisters in the Ukrainian & Russian Homelands to maintain the True Faith...and for our brothers and sisters in the United States...for a spirit of peace & calm!  
~ MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, PRAY FOR US ~

ORTHODOXY was the first Christian Faith to arrive in the Americas nearly 1,000 years ago!  The Vikings in Newfoundland came with Missionaries from the "Old World" years before the Great Schism between East & West - when the Church was still the One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church..."Orthodox" in Faith and "Catholic" in Communion." This fact contradicts the often held belief that Roman Catholicism was the first to arrive when Christopher Columbus landed in the West Indies.

However one may look at it, the fact remains that the first Christians in North America came from Scandinavia at a time when Scandinavian Christians were an integral part of Orthodox Christendom.  It is up to us to take up the mission begun in this land by Lief Ericsson and his Orthodox descendants!

Diverse spiritual heritages were planted throughout North and South America with a team of Russian Missionaries arriving on Kodiak Island. Father Herman of Alaska became America's first Glorified Orthodox Saint while St. Innocent was consecrated as first Orthodox Bishop for the New World. The Orthodox Faith was further planted throughout North America by missionary efforts of St. Tikhon (Bellavin), who later became the Patriarch of Russia; He called for the establishment of an "American Orthodox Church."  Great cities from New York to Chicago, Toronto to San Francisco were blessed by holy Bishops such as St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn and St. John (Maximovitch) of San Francisco; everywhere, Communities abounded, rich in Faith and ethnic traditions, by Greeks, Lebanese, Ukrainians, Serbians, Macedonians, Albanians, Romanians, Russians and many more.

In the mid 1920's, at the request of Ukrainian Bishop Palladios (Rudenko), seminarists were summoned to New York to serve the Faithful, among them was the energetic, Peter Andreas Zhurawetzky, ordained to the Priesthood by Greek Archbishop Athenagoras (Spyrou), who later became the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.  Accompanying Father Peter were his Ukrainian classmates Andrei (Kuschak), Bohdan (Shpylka) and Mstyslav (Skrypnyk), who later became the Patriarch of Kyiv in the Ukraine. 

Through the brotherly efforts of Archbishop Peter (Zhurawetzky), with that of Bishops Christopher (Contogeorge) & Arsenios (Saltos) for Alexandria, Theophanies (Noli) for Albania, Joachim (Souris) & Konstantin (Jaroshevich) for Greece, and Nicholas (Kedroffsky) & Joseph (Klymowycz) for Russia... the foundation of a unified organization to serve the Americas began to flourish.

By 1951, as reported in The New York Times, the Hierarchs met, and, although wanting to establish an American Patriarchate, their efforts eventually evolved into what the Russian Patriarch St. Tikhon (Bellavin) had envisioned decades earlier while serving as a bishop in America...the Orthodox Church of America.

Many theologians and church historians today would describe the church of the early Christians not as a single, unified structure, but as a communion or family of local churches...having their own local customs and distinctive ways of worshiping.  They did not insist on uniformity, but at the same time they were insistent and united in their sacramental life--above all in Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.

Though scattered throughout the world, they regarded themselves as making up the same, ONE, BODY OF CHRIST, which they demonstrated whenever they received Holy Communion in the Holy Eucharist.  They were also united in the same Apostolic Faith & valid Canonical and Apostolic Succession, which meant that they claimed to hold the same True Faith that was preached by the Apostles, the men whom Jesus Christ had appointed to be witnesses to His saving work.
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With the establishment of the SEC, Standing Episcopal Conference of Orthodox Bishops, in 1951, we are an integral part of that same Body, comprising many difference ethnic cultures and traditions, but sharing a common Faith, a common way of life, and, to a high degree, a common history that distinguishes us from other Christians.

​Now, in 2022-2023, the Orthodox Church of America reaches, with its Dependencies throughout all the world, via our Provinces in Africa, Australasia, Europe and in America...and continues to welcome Brothers & Sisters embracing the authentic Orthodox Western Rite through our USA based Western Rite Vicariate and Anglican Rite Metropolia and Brethren of the Syro Malabar Rite in Catania, Italy...all "holding fast" to the same Apostolic Doctrine and Faith of the Early Undivided Church of the Seven Ecumenical Councils...being "Orthodox" in Faith and "Catholic" in Communion...witnessing Jesus Christ into all the world.

It must also be noted, regarding the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, of which the OCA-UAOC and Autonomous Synod of Bishops - Apostolic Orthodox Church (COAC) is a part, that on November 2, 2018, the Ecumenical Patriarchate declared that it recognized the sacraments as performed by the UOC-KP (Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate) and UAOC (Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church) as valid.  It was further stated from this meeting that "when there is some talk about the non-canonicity of the Holy Sacraments celebrated by the clergy of these churches, the Holy Mother Church has answered.  These Sacraments and clerical actions are canonical." 

(QUICK REFERENCES..."Church Timeline" - "Apostolic Succession")

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"Declaration for the Revival of Orthodoxy"

The Orthodox Church of America is a missionary arm of the Autonomous Synod of Bishops - Apostolic Orthodox Church (COAC) and Holy Synod in North America, an independent self-governing association of bishops, clergy and laity, having preserved intact the grace of valid Apostolic Succession and based their existence on the canonical foundation of the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church Regulations 1917- 1918 Decree of His Holiness Patriarch St. +Tikhon of November 7/20, 1920, as well as the ancient (doimperskoy) tradition of church government based on the principle of autocephaly (self governance) of each bishop. The Apostolic Orthodox Church [which name was changed to Catholic Orthodox Apostolic Church (COAC) by the Holy Synod meeting in Moscow in 2018] officially became "autocephalous" from the Russian Orthodox Church in 2000. 

To further the rich Rus-Ukrainian heritage of the OCA-UAOC, the Standing Episcopal Conference of Orthodox Bishops is blessed to be under the Canonical Protection of His Beatitude +DMITRY (Ignatov), who is Chairman of the Synod of Bishops and Primate of the Church.
 
The Apostolic Orthodox Church (COAC) grew from a true "Revival of Russian Orthodoxy" which began organizing in 1992 to unite people who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - The Savior of the world. And, to be free from the influence of the secular state, free from any and all government control or manipulation, free from hypocrisy and free from simony (buying) ecclesiastical positions! 

​The Autonomous Synod of Bishops - Apostolic Orthodox Church (COAC) professes the Apostolic and Nicene Creed, and Orthodox Faith, based on Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition (the teaching of the Apostles, the Holy Fathers, the Holy Seven Ecumenical Councils and Local Councils). We profess Seven Sacraments (Holy Mysteries), we do not recognize obligatory or forced celibacy of the clergy, we commune the laity under both forms and allow the practice of the traditional Western Rite Liturgy (Mass) with addition of the essential Orthodox Epiclesis, proper commemorations and removal of the "filioque" clause from the Creed.  We are not in communion with Rome and do not recognize the dogma of infallibility ex cathedra...but believe and accept what existed before the separation of the Eastern and Western Churches.  From the beginning, the Pope of Rome, Patriarch of the West, enjoyed universal Primacy over the other Eastern Patriarchates of the Church...being "First Among Equals"... but NEVER universal jurisdiction.

We try to follow the path that we have received from Our Blessed Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ: the way that elected His closest Disciples - the Twelve Apostles. His life and that of the Apostles left us an example to be followed by every Christian to spread the Gospel "...into all the world."  (St. Mark 16:15)

The One True Church, the Orthodox Church, is "Apostolic" because all she has: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and her Life of Grace - all this, she received from Christ through the Apostles. Our Church encourages its members to continue to live as Christ lived with the Apostles, in humility, simplicity, holiness, joyful, confident and with the unconditional love of God for all His people.

The Deposit of Faith, the Faith of the Apostles, the Apostolic Doctrines held by the COAC, were not invented by people, but literally heard from the lips of the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, and preached by them, due to the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost.

​We cherish the Orthodox Faith and the tenets of the first Seven Ecumenical Councils, but allow valid changes & interpretation the Holy Canons and ritual diversity...if it is for the best preaching of the Gospel and, ultimately, for the salvation of souls.

Recognizing both the Western and Eastern Christian heritage, the richness of theological thought and liturgical traditions, we are ready to work together and to pray with other Christian churches, to welcome and build up the Body of Christ!

True unity of the Church cannot be found in organizational structures, but in the spirit of brotherly love and unity in AUTHENTIC FAITH and the SACRAMENTS.

The Apostolic Orthodox Church (COAC) is built on Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Holy Canons of the Universal Church and interpreted for the pastoral needs of today. In the event of a conflict between the Holy Canons and the Word of God and between any Sacred Traditions and the Proclamation of the Gospel in terms of modernity, the COAC considers it absolutely necessary and permissible to change the Holy Canons and develop a tradition strictly liable to the spirit and letter of Divine Revelation.

Our Bishops, priests and laity, in observance of Our Lord's words, saying, "Who wants to be great among you, shall be servant of all" (St. Matthew 20:26) consider it necessary to build a Christian life with respect for the needs of Orthodox believers and all Christians and to safeguard the Bishop and Priest, in their obligations, to preserve and teach the truths of the authentic and genuine Orthodox Faith; with prayer and with viable, organized congregations, unconditional love for all, showing mercy and service to others.

Both the Apostles and the very words of Sacred Scripture confirm, that, "no doubt there will be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval" (1 Corinthians 11:19); therefore, the Autonomous Synod of Bishops - Apostolic Orthodox Church (COAC) permits and encourages diversity of liturgical structure and principles of community life...while maintaining unity and a spirit of brotherly love...calling for the spread of ecumenical communion among all Brothers & Sisters with Faith in Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

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"The Ancient Faith" video dedicated to the Memory of Metropolitan +PHILIP (Saliba) Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese

+ NEWS FROM OCA-UAOC +
The OCA-UAOC is firm on its stand that Holy Matrimony is a Blessed Union between one man and one woman. The practice of homosexuality is a grievous sin!

The Orthodox Church of America condemns the actions of Patriarch +KYRIL, the Russian Orthodox Church and President Putin, which have betrayed Holy Orthodoxy, and we support Ukrainian President Zelinskyy and for our Brethren in Ukraine and Russia for PEACE and for an end to the war.

We welcome all clergy, and those desiring to be clergy, wanting to serve in the OCA-UAOC, to contact the Vocations Office. There are many opportunities to serve Holy Orthodoxy either in the traditional EASTERN RITES or in the WESTERN RITES of Holy Orthodoxy.

The OCA-UAOC prays for UNITY between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches..."that all may be One"...to answer the Mandate of Our Blessed Lord. All Clergy of our Parishes and Religious Institutions pray daily for reunion of the Holy Church of Christ!

The OCA-UAOC prays for President Biden, his family and for the Administration, asking Almighty God to send angels for protection and courage to bring the United States back as "One Nation Under God" and for helping to bring real peace into the World.

We are pleased to announce that the OCA-UAOC have aligned with the Hierarchs of the Catholic Orthodox Apostolic church under His Beatitude Metropolitan +DMITRY who is Current Chairman of the Synod of Bishops.

OCA-UAOC boldly affirms that words added to "Nicene Creed" alter the Symbol of Faith and makes for a new religion! The "filioque" clause is not to be used...See UKASE on new Authorized Liturgical Texts

The OCA-UAOC decries ISIS martyrdom of our Coptic Orthodox Brothers and Sisters on Palm Sunday 2017 and all Martyrs of terrorism in the Middle East and throughout the World!

The SEC celebrated 70 years of service to the Orthodox Church. The Standing Episcopal Conference of Orthodox Bishops was founded Ten years before SCOBA (the current Episcopal Assembly of Orthodox Bishops). All Bishops and Jurisdictions who possess the CANONICAL or Valid Apostolic Succession are invited to be a part of our historic fellowship.

"Christ is in Our Midst! - He is and Always Shall Be" As of 2 August 2017 we are under the OMOPHORION and Canonical Protection of the Apostolic Orthodox Church - APC Holy Synod in Moscow!

The SEC and Orthodox Church of America and Dependencies welcomes all Orthodox Christians, both Eastern and Western Rite, to be a part of our family.

An "OFFICIAL NOTICE" has been posted most especially for all Hierarchs/Clergy...and a good idea for the Faithful as well...of the OCA-UAOC, SEC and APC Holy Synod regarding our stand against all activity which is contrary to the Holy Church of Christ!

WE EARNESTLY PRAY FOR ALL MANKIND IN REFERENCE TO THE SPREAD OF THE HORRIBLE CHINA CARONAVIRUS THAT IS INFECTING ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD! MAY ALMIGHTY GOD KEEP US SAFE AND PRAY EARNESTLY FOR ALL OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FOR GOOD HEALTH AND MANY HAPPY YEARS!

"Link" for a Beautiful Orthodox Journey

"Link" to the COAC and Holy Synod - The "Mother Church" of our Jurisdiction

"Link" to Ancient Faith Radio

"Link" to Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

"Link" to Orthodox WIKI Information

"Link" to our Glorified Saints including two newly Canonized on Nativity 2022

"Link" to Orthodox Times News

READ the Book for FREE!

"Link" for Great Orthodox Sources

"Link" for the Virtual Tour of St. Sophia

YES! We can take you to see a TRUE Miraculous Weeping Icon of the Theotokos in Elmwood Park, Illinois

Learn About Holy Orthodoxy

"Link" to Apostolic Orthodox Church in Kyiv, Ukraine

Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration

"Link" to Daily Orthodox Happenings

"Link" to Orthodox Church Goods

"Link" to download the MENOLOGION for your PC...gives New or Old Calendar with daily readings for the Divine Liturgy and Holy Icons for the Saint of the Day.

Public Service by Rt. Rev. Michael

"Link" to a tremendous source of Orthodox History

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God Bless America, God Bless our Freedom of Religion!
God Bless our Presidents who have worked with the Orthodox for decades.
God Bless all who are affiliated with us in our witness to Jesus Christ!

President Harry S. Truman with Ecumenical Patriarch +ATHENAGORAS 1948

President Donald J. Trump with Rt Rev +MICAEL, Primate of OCA-UAOC 2015

We Pray that Almighty God Will Bless President Joseph R. Biden
And Continue to Bless the United States of America!
The Orthodox Church of America is a Faith Based Certifying Organization
for the President's Volunteer Service Award

OFFICIAL NOTICE
Members of the Orthodox Church of America, Standing Episcopal Conference of Orthodox Bishops and our Blessed Jurisdiction - the Apostolic Orthodox Church of Russia - Shall not be involved in Occultism, Esotericism, Gnosticism, Wicca, Kabbalah, Symbology, Divination, Reiki, Scientology, Yoga, Numerology, Transcendental Meditation, Theosophy, Clairvoyance, Astrology, Freemasonry, Seances or any Clandestine Activity.

"With God there is no space or time....from our home in a Free Country, 
may He Bless our Beloved Brethren in the Rus-Ukraine"

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The Orthodox Church of America is a member Jurisdiction of 
the Standing Episcopal Conference of Orthodox Bishops