Assembly of Bishops Signs on to Amicus Brief Supporting the Freedom of Religion in the USA
09/21/2021
2021 College Student Sunday Encyclical
09/23/2021
NOTICE: IRS Sending Letters to Parishes
09/01/2021
Assembly of Bishops Announces 10th Anniversary Meeting
08/19/2021
Assembly of Bishops Joins Other Christians in Filing Amicus Brief in Major Abortion Case before the U.S. Supreme Court
07/29/2021
Members of the Assembly of Bishops Participate in Religious Freedom Summit in Washington D.C.
07/23/2021
Assembly of Bishops Extends Mental Health Assessment Deadline
07/19/2021
Encyclical for Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday 2021
06/24/2021
VIDEO: Assembly of Bishops' 2021 Paschal Message
05/01/2021
The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America's video message for Easter 2021.
Year of the Youth – Meet Your Bishop: Townhalls Successfully Launched!
04/22/2021
The first of six Meet Your Bishop: Townhalls was hosted on April 13, 2021. Nearly 60 participants joined in to listen to and dialogue with Assembly Hierarchs.
The Assembly of Bishops Launches Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey
04/07/2021
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA asks all Orthodox Christian clergy and faithful to participate in a Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey.
Attention Youth! Meet Your Bishop at Regional Townhalls
03/31/2021
Statement of the Executive Committee on the Proposed Equality Act
03/26/2021
We are deeply concerned about the proposed federal “Equality Act,” which would erode religious liberty for both individuals and organizations, including Orthodox Christian jurisdictions, parishes, and faithful. The supporters of this Act, in their desire to promote equality, ultimately infringe upon the religious liberty of Americans to live according to their faith – a right protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Prayer for the Youth
03/26/2021
Formulated by the Committee for Liturgy and approved by the Executive Committee, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is proud to release its Prayer for the Youth. The Prayer for the Youth is intended for use in various instances and services, especially this year, the Year of the Youth.
Sunday of Orthodoxy 2021 - Recitation of the Synodkion of the 7th Ecumenical Council
03/19/2021
The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America recite the Synodikon of the 7th Ecumenical Council for the occasion of the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
Hunger & the Public Good: Restoring the World by Living the Faith
03/18/2021
This three part Lenten webinar series explores Orthodox Christian perspectives on the intersections between Hunger and the Environment, Hunger and Racial Equity, and Hunger and Homelessness. In dialogue with members of Bread for the World, Orthodox Christians will share how the spiritual practices of fasting, prayer, and engagement can help us overcome societal shortcomings in these three timely issues.
Announcement: Assembly of Bishops Seeking Part-Time Programs Coordinator for Task Force on Mental Health
03/12/2021
In September 2019, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America created a Task Force on Mental Health to address mental health needs of the faithful. In order to maintain existing projects and manage new projects of the Task Force, the Assembly of Bishops is seeking a part-time Programs Coordinator.
Announcement: Year of the Youth Activities
03/02/2021
The Assembly of Bishops will also be hosting a variety of exciting events and opportunities that will uplift all of us as we celebrate together the Year of the Youth, including a series of online gatherings and webinars; article and video submissions; a video series; and an increased social media presence. We pray all our planned activities will help our youth, youth workers, and parents witness to their faith as we celebrate their good works in Christ.
2021 Mission Sunday Encyclical
02/16/2021
Despite the anxieties, disruption, loss and grief imposed by the pandemic of these past, long months, we know that in our Savior and Healer we have no need to fear. Indeed, proclaiming this Good News is as important, if not more important, now than ever. The Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States are committed to this mission, and one means we do so beyond our borders is our support of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) on which we specially focus on Mission Sunday, March 14 of this year.
2021 Scouting Sundays Encyclical
02/16/2021
This year the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, in tandem with American Scouting organizations, celebrates February 7th and March 7th, 2021 as Scouting Sundays. As Orthodox Christians across the country participate in The Year of the Youth, proclaimed by the Assembly of Bishops, special focus is placed on positive and tangible ways to encourage our young people to follow the right path, the path that leads them ever closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Recognized by the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) in 1955, the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS) remains an official Commission of the Assembly of Bishops, providing opportunities for our young people to live by the precepts of their faith through Scouting.
Assembly of Bishops Endorses Alternatives to Women in Crisis Pregnancies
01/29/2021
When the burden is too heavy, we, the Church, must be there to lift the burden and open the door to other, more perfect solutions. Otherwise, we too are missing the mark. With this mission, the Assembly of Bishops’ Affiliate Ministry Zoe For Life! “affirms the value of all life by helping women in a confidential manner during and after crisis pregnancies.”
2021: The Year of the Youth
01/27/2021
Statement Regarding Developments in Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines & Immunizations
01/22/2021
Scripture encourages us to respect and protect the body as the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19). At the same time, it discourages us from either tempting or testing the Lord (Matt. 4:7). And as your spiritual shepherds, we affirm and assure you that it is neither wrong nor sinful to seek medical attention and advice. In fact, we welcome interventions that provide us more time for spiritual renewal and repentance.
Share the Light Sunday 2021
01/08/2021
This year marks a great milestone in our history as we celebrated 25 years since the Orthodox Christian Network's founding. There is no more important time than now to “Let the Word of Christ dwell within us richly” to give us the courage and strength we all desire to meet the challenges we all face.
Assembly of Bishops Launches New Website
11/03/2020
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is pleased to announce the release of its new website. The website provides historical and current information about the Assembly of Bishops, including financial and annual reports. It features directories, ministries, and resources, and aims to be a communication hub between the Assembly of Bishops and the clergy and laity.
Statement of the Chairman of the Assembly of Bishops On the Tragic Explosions in Beirut, Lebanon
08/06/2020
We express our deep sorrow at the devastation created by the explosions in Beirut. We mourn for the people of Lebanon, who now face an additional challenge in this time of great crisis.
Statement on the Tragic Conversion of Hagia Sophia from Museum to Mosque
07/10/2020
We, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, protest the decision of the civil courts in Turkey, as well as the clear direction of their government, to re-convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque. As citizens of the United States of America, we implore our government to intervene for the reversal of this decision. Furthermore, we urge the Turkish government to return to the status quo whereby Hagia Sophia remains a museum, respecting both its origins and history.
Assembly of Bishops Releases Guidelines and Considerations for Safer Orthodox Church Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
06/16/2020
As parishes open their doors, and faithful around the country return to church, the Assembly of Bishops' COVID-19 Task Force - comprised of priests, public health professionals, risk management experts, and lawyers - has produced updated Guidelines and Considerations for Safer Orthodox Church Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA Continues to Minister to the Incarcerated through Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry During Covid-19
06/11/2020
Despite the unprecedented challenges caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, has maintained its ministerial connection to Orthodox men and women in jails and prisons across the United States.
Assembly of Bishops’ Executive Committee Calls All to Prayer for Justice and Peace during Nationwide Civil Unrest
06/02/2020
We stand in unequivocal solidarity and peaceful protest with all those who condemn racism and inequality, which betray the spirit of democracy in our nation, i.e. “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. At the same time, we denounce all expressions of violence and revenge, including those despoiling and detracting from peaceful demonstrations.
Learn About the Assembly of Bishops Live on Ancient Faith Radio
05/28/2020
Tune in to a live interview with the current Secretary, Metropolitan Gregory, the initial Secretary, Mary Arey, and the Director of Operations, Nicholas Anton, to learn about the past, present, and future of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.
A Nationwide Approach of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA for the Staged Reopening of Churches during the COVID-19 Pandemic
05/14/2020
We have heard the pained cry of the Faithful who, although faithful in their devotion, as witnessed by virtual participation in broadcast services and their continuing stewardship support of the Church, have felt an intense separation from Holy Eucharist and their Communities.
A Video Compilation of Pascha (Easter) from Home During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
04/21/2020
During a painful time of forced separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Orthodox Christians united as the one Body of Christ worshiping from home. This short compilation highlights creative ways the faithful celebrated Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) in 2020!
ACOB-USA Releases a Video Message of Solidarity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
04/10/2020
Unable to gather in person for Holy Week, the heads of jurisdictions joined together to send you a message of solidarity from their homes to yours!
Statement of the ACOB-USA Executive Committee Concerning Holy Week and Pascha (Easter)
04/04/2020
After consultation with public health officials, law enforcement, theologians, and pastoral care professionals, we, members of the Executive Committee, have reached a consensus concerning Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) and strongly encourage all Bishops of the Assembly to implement the following recommendations
Assembly of Bishops USA Announces COVID-19 Resource Center for Orthodox Christians
03/27/2020
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA announces a resource center for clergy and faithful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statement to the Faithful On Church Attendance and Best Practices during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic
03/17/2020
Responding to the rapid spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and as your Bishops and Spiritual Fathers, we must be very clear and emphatic about one thing: it is not a sin to refrain from church services or sacraments during this time of pandemic.
Encyclical for the Sunday of Orthodoxy
03/05/2020
While we process with the icons in our churches, our celebration should not be merely a remembrance of a past event with significance only for those who inherited it as a cultural tradition. We must remember that the valiant martyrs and confessors that struggled in defense of the icons did not do so to defend an esoteric theological formula but to proclaim the Faith that 'established the universe.'
Executive Committee of the Assembly of Bishops Recommits to Orthodox Unity in the USA
09/18/2019
The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met today, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Elpidophoros, to discuss the state of Orthodox Christian unity in the USA. Recognizing the challenges in global Orthodoxy, the jurisdictional representatives reiterated their commitment to the local faithful of America and rededicated themselves to fulfilling the call for canonical normalcy and pastoral unity on contemporary issues.
The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Releases New Agreed Statement on the Vocation and Mission of the People of God
08/06/2019
More than five years in the making, this new text takes a different approach to ecumenical dialogue: instead of addressing together an issue that has prevented full communion between the churches, here the Catholic and Orthodox theologians examine together challenges that affect both churches, in this case the role of the laity in the two traditions and the problem of clericalism.
North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Convenes for 96th Meeting
05/29/2019
The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation commenced its 96th meeting today at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. The high-level consultation is the oldest and longest-running in the world and meets biannually to discuss theological differences and commonalities between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The agenda will address vocation and ministry, inter-Christian marriage, Synodality, and respective Church updates.
Fast Questions and Fast Answers about American Orthodox Christian Monasteries
03/04/2019
There are eighty Orthodox Christian monasteries in the USA which represent great variety of ethnic and liturgical traditions. In fact, America is, probably, the only place in the world where - within the same country - one can visit Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian Orthodox monasteries and experience their different 'ethnic' liturgical styles, worship practices, church architecture, musicology and iconography.
Statement on the Sanctity of Life
01/31/2019
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America affirms the sanctity of life based on the firm conviction that life begins at the moment of conception. The Assembly remains steadfast in its conviction that any interference in the development of life is a serious issue, and therefore it regularly participates in a variety of relevant events and also releases pertinent statements on the topic.
Fast Questions and Fast Answers about the Geography of Orthodoxy in America
12/05/2018
Fast Questions and Fast Answers about the Geography of Orthodoxy in America is the second essay in a group of mini-reports about Orthodox Church life in America. Surprising, stimulating, and, at the same time, important facts about the geographic distribution of Orthodox parishes and church members in America are discussed in this essay.
Fast Questions and Fast Answers about American Orthodox Bishops
09/25/2018
Based on questions that American Orthodox hierarchs often receive from clergy and parishioners, this essay offers readers plenty of interesting facts about their lives as Bishops, as well as who they are as people.
New Map of Bishops and Parishes Available on the Assembly Website
08/07/2018
A new map, Orthodox Bishops and Parishes in the United States, is now available on the Assembly's website. The updated map shows: a) locations, names and jurisdictions of all active Orthodox bishops in the United States and b) the total number of Orthodox parishes in each county.
Orthodox Christian Churches in 21st Century America: A Parish Life Study
01/30/2018
The study 'Orthodox Christian Churches in 21st Century America' offers a comprehensive picture of the lives of local American Orthodox parishes, including such aspects as membership, worship, programs, religious education, youth, usage of electronic technologies, and much more. In addition, the study also addressed the crucial question: 'How are Orthodox Christian parishes faring today among the many other American local religious communities?'