Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It is the largest Orthodox jurisdiction in the U.S.
- U.S. size
- ≈ 0.5–1 million (approx) (Estimates vary widely; see the Pew RLS and the archdiocese (approx, unverified))
- Founded
- 1921 (U.S. archdiocese)
- Church government
- Episcopal (hierarchical)
- Ordains women as pastors
- No
- Official website
- No verified official site link yet
- Statement of faith
- The Orthodox Faith (OCA, a sister Orthodox church)
Core beliefs
| Topic | What they teach | Scripture they cite |
|---|---|---|
| Scripture & authority | Scripture within Holy Tradition, guided by the seven Ecumenical Councils and the Church Fathers. | 2 Thess 2:15; Acts 15:28 |
| Salvation | Theosis: lifelong union with God by grace, through faith, the sacraments and ascetic struggle. | 2 Pet 1:4; Phil 2:12 |
| Baptism | A mystery (sacrament) of new birth by triple immersion, followed by chrismation. Infants are baptized and receive Communion. | John 3:5; Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38-39 |
| Lord's Supper | The Divine Liturgy offers the true Body and Blood of Christ. It is affirmed as a mystery without philosophical definition. | John 6:53-56; 1 Cor 10:16 |
| Worship | The ancient Divine Liturgy, with icons and chant. | Rev 4-5; Heb 12:22-24 |
| Mary & saints | Mary is honored as Theotokos (God-bearer) and ever-virgin. The saints are venerated and asked to pray. | Luke 1:43,48; Heb 12:1 |
| Spiritual gifts | The gifts continue and are often associated with holy elders and saints. | 1 Cor 12 |
About these numbers: figures are approximate and come from each body's own most recent report or the National Council of Churches' Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Bodies count members differently (baptized, confirmed, adherents, publishers), and some historically Black denominations have not published new figures in years. See also the Pew Religious Landscape Study and the ARDA. Belief summaries are our own short descriptions. Please read each church's own confession.