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Abp. Mark Reflects on Orthodoxy's Place in America at 250 Years
As America marks its 250th year, the OCA hierarch urged Orthodox Christians to remember the saints who helped root the Church in North American soil.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Abp. Mark of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania has issued an archpastoral message for the Synaxis of All Saints of North America, linking the feast with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and reflecting on the growth of Orthodox Christianity across the continent.
In his message, Abp. Mark emphasized that the history of Orthodoxy in North America reveals God's providential work through missionaries, native converts, immigrants, and generations of faithful Orthodox Christians. He pointed to the Church's expansion from Alaska to communities throughout the continent, noting that believers established parishes, built churches, transmitted the Faith to future generations, and brought the Gospel to new peoples.
The archbishop also highlighted the significance of the Orthodox Church in America's autocephaly, granted in 1970. He said the recognition affirmed the existence of a local Church called to proclaim Christ to the people of North America. According to Abp. Mark, Orthodox Christians are not merely visitors in the land, but are firmly rooted in it and entrusted with the responsibility of bearing witness to the Gospel in contemporary society.
Calling on the faithful to remember the Saints of North America, Abp. Mark urged gratitude for the sacrifices of previous generations. He concluded by praying for the preservation of the Church, wisdom and peace for the nation, and continued faithfulness among Orthodox Christians as they carry forward the mission entrusted to them.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a Pennsylvania parish marked 110 years with a festal celebration.
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