Orthodoxy in America
Like all immigrant stories, the story of how Orthodoxy came to America is an interesting one, influenced by historical and political events and the cultural heritage of those who brought their Faith to America. Understanding how the Orthodox Church was established in this country helps us to understand the varied expressions of Orthodoxy that we encounter here.
Missionaries
In the late 18th century, Orthodox Christian missionaries came from Russia to Alaska to share the Faith with the native people there. Among these missionaries are our first American saints: St. Herman and St. Innocent. While many of the native people accepted the Faith and there is still a strong Orthodox presence in Alaska today, the efforts of the Russian Church were hindered by the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Immigrants
Meanwhile, immigrants were flooding into America on the East Coast and many of them were from traditionally Orthodox countries such as Greece, Romania, Serbia and Palestine. They brought their Faith and their clergy with them and began establishing churches to serve their communities. This is why you will find Greeks, Russians, Serbians, Romanians and Arabs with their respective Orthodox churches in America. Many people are surprised to find out that despite their separate buildings, these groups ascribe to the same Faith–they are ‘in communion.’ Churches that are ‘in communion’ recognize the validity of each other’s sacraments, their clergy can serve together, and their people can participate in sacraments at each other’s churches. By God’s grace, the majority of Orthodox Christian jurisdictions are in communion with one another.
Jurisdictions
To say that one is Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, etc., gives an indication of the dominant cultural influence of one’s expression of Orthodoxy or of one’s jurisdiction. It does not mean that a parish is made up exclusively of Russians, Greeks, or Serbs. It may mean that parts of the service are done in that language, that the music or vestments are of a specific style or that certain cultural traditions are in practice there. The three largest jurisdictions in America are the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOA), the Orthodox Church of America (OCA) and the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese (ANT), which are all in communion with one another. In less populated parts of the country, these jurisdictions will generally work together to plant one church in that area that serves all Orthodox Christians there, whereas in larger cities, there may be multiple churches of the same jurisdiction to serve the needs of a large and diverse Orthodox population.
Converts and the Use of English
The Orthodox Christian faith is one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the United States. Through "mixed marriages" (Orthodox marrying non-Orthodox), as well as through conversion, the Orthodox Church is welcoming thousands of individuals and families into her arms. Though the Orthodox Church has her roots in the United States through those who initially immigrated to this country, she has found her growth through the conversion of those seeking the Church of the New Testament. In the early years Liturgical Greek was used, as well as other native languages (Russian, Serbian, Arabic, etc.). Today, however, due to the rate of conversion, English is often the primary language used so that the faithful (including 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation ethnics) may comprehend and benefit from the ancient hymns, which are pedigocial in nature. Of what benefit are the hymns of Christ, the Mother of God, the Saints, if they are incomprensible? How can one learn and be inspired? Contained in the hymns is the theology of the Church, and therefore, they are of profound significance. The hymnographers of the Church over the centuries wrote the hymns of the Church for the purpose of instructing the faithful, just as Iconography has been used over the centuries to remind the faithful of the events of Christ, and His saving works. Though in many Orthodox Churches, of all jurisdictions, some of the "original" languages are still used, most have chosen to use English as the primary language for reasons already mentioned.
For Further Reading
▪ http://orthodoxyinamerica.org, a Parish Locator for North America
▪ Orthodox Alaska, by Fr. Michael Oleksa
▪ Facing East, by Frederica Mathewes-Green