OCA Marks 250th Anniversary of the United States

His Beatitude Metr. Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America. Photo: oca.org

SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) issued a statement marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, offering thanksgiving to God for the nation and its religious freedom. The statement was issued during the Synod's spring session on Thursday.

"We give thanks to Almighty God for the United States of America — a nation that has, by the grace of God, afforded its people the freedom to worship, to follow the way of Jesus Christ, and to bear witness to the Gospel without fear or compulsion," the encyclical reads. "We do not take these gifts for granted."

The Synod also spoke of the Orthodox faithful's participation in modern American society:

"In a moment of rapid and, at times, unsettling change, we offer the unchanging Christ—the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Our parishes are to be places of genuine welcome, of profound worship, and of selfless love where our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is always manifested. Our contribution to America is not power, not politics, but the presence of the living God among His people."

The Synod called the anniversary a moment for humility and repentance, urging faithful to serve society through prayer, charity, and witness to Christ while acknowledging national failures and the need for continued moral renewal in Christ.

The encyclical closed with a prayer, "offered in both gratitude and penitence — that this nation, conceived in aspiration toward freedom and formed through the struggles and sacrifices of many generations, may yet heed the ancient call to humility before God, and so continue to be a place where the Church of Christ flourishes, where the Gospel is proclaimed, and where all people are able to seek the face of God without fear."

Dioceses, parishes, monasteries, and institutions of the OCA were also called to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary with special services of thanksgiving, educational programs, civic engagement, and acts of charity.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA Synod had accepted the retirement request of Abp. Alexander of the Diocese of the South.

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