Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

The Orthodox Church today, numbering over 300 million worldwide, is a communion of self governing Churches, each administratively independent of the other, but united by a common faith and spirituality. Their underlying unity is based on identity of doctrines, sacramental life and worship, which distinguishes Orthodox Christianity.

All recognize the spiritual preeminence of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople who is acknowledged as primus inter pares, first among equals and all share full communion with one another. In all other matters, the internal life of each independent Church is administered by the bishops of that particular Church.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is composed of an Archdiocesan District -- New York and eight Metropolises: New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Boston and Denver. It is governed by the Archbishop and the Eparchial Synod of Bishops. The Synod of Bishops is headed by the Archbishop and comprised of the Bishops who oversee the ministry of the Metropolises. It has all the authority and responsibility which the Church canons provide for a provincial synod.

There are 540 parishes, 800 priests and approximately 1.5 million faithful in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Archdiocese is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian Faith, to energize, cultivate, and guide the live of the Church in the United States of America according to the Orthodox Christian Faith and Tradition.

The Archdiocese serves as a beacon, carrier, and witness of the message of Christ to all persons who live in the United States of America, through divine worship, preaching, teaching, and living of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

With respect to interfaith involvement they are active participants in: the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative For Peace in the Middle East, the Interfaith Relations Commision of the National Council of Churches of Christ, International Interfaith Conferences convened by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the NYC Council of Religious Leaders, and are members of Religions for Peace - USA and Religions for Peace - International.