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Line 3: − − Primate: Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch − Primate: Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa − Primate: Patriarch of Antioch and All the East − Primate: Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine+ − This Church you already know the early history of. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchs, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in Israel and the Muslims in Palestine. The liturgy is served in Hebrew and in Arabic. This is also the Only one of the Orthodox Churches still serving the Liturgy of St. James, our oldest and longest liturgy. − Primate: Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia+ − − Primate: Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia − Primate: Archbishop of Pech, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch+ − − Primate: Archbishop of Bucharest, Metropolitan of Hungro-Vlachia, − Locum Tenens of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Patriarch of Romania − Primate: Metropolitan of Sofia and Patriarch of Bulgaria+ − − Primate: Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus − Primate: Archbishop of Athens and All Greece+ − Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius who was converted by St. Paul. − Primate: Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania+ − − Primate: Metropolitan of Warsaw and All Poland+ − − − Primate: Metropolitan the Czech Lands and Slovakia+ − − − + − Archbishop of Washington and New York, & Metropolitan of All America and Canada + −
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== The Autocephalous Churches==
== The Autocephalous Churches==
'''Church of Constantinople'''
'''Church of Constantinople'''
This church which had always had a strong missionary zeal has suffered greatly under the heel of Islam. Also, the effect Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox patriarch. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured it’s missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and South America. The Church of Constantinople also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by St. Andrew but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until St. Constantine moved the capitol of the Roman Empire to this city and the Council of Nicea gave the Church there second place after Rome.
This church which had always had a strong missionary zeal has suffered greatly under the heel of Islam. Also, the effect Roman Catholic invasion of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade can not be overstated. That event saw most of the relics carted away or destroyed, and a Roman Catholic pretender put in the place of the Orthodox patriarch. Nevertheless, in the last hundred years this Church has recaptured it’s missionary heritage, establishing churches in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and South America. The Church of Constantinople also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. This Church was established by St. Andrew but was a very small and almost insignificant Church until St. Constantine moved the capitol of the Roman Empire to this city and the Council of Nicea gave the Church there second place after Rome.
'''Church of Alexandria'''
'''Church of Alexandria'''
Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the Roman schism, south into territory lost to the Coptic schism, and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of Africa. Alexandria is one of the three ancient Petrine Sees, having been established by St. Mark on the instructions of St. Peter.
Having been devastated first by schism, and then by Islam, and also by European colonial powers, this church languished as a diaspora church for Greek speakers for a thousand years. It is only now making remarkable strides to regain its lost footing, having expanded west into territory lost to the Roman schism, south into territory lost to the Coptic schism, and even beyond that all the way to South Africa, establishing new dioceses in Madagascar, Kenya, Congo, South Africa and many other countries and regions of Africa. Alexandria is one of the three ancient Petrine Sees, having been established by St. Mark on the instructions of St. Peter.
'''Church of Antioch'''
'''Church of Antioch'''
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church also was much hindered by schism and Islam. First they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to Nestorian heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. Antioch is one of the three ancient Petrine Sees.
Like the Church of Alexandria, this Church also was much hindered by schism and Islam. First they lost all of the Persian, all of the Indian, and most of the Assyrian dioceses to Nestorian heretics. Then Islam invaded. Nevertheless, this church never lost its missionary zeal. Even while persecuted they continued to send out missionaries, reestablishing the Church in all of the countries it lost. The Church of Antioch also provides arch-pastoral services for some Orthodox in the U.S. who are not part of the Orthodox Church in America. Antioch is one of the three ancient Petrine Sees.
'''Church of Jerusalem'''
'''Church of Jerusalem'''
The early history of this church is related in the Book of Acts in the New Testament. It too has been plagued by Islam and crusaders. Though its missionary activity is circumscribed by its being surrounded by other Patriarchates, it does engage in missionary activity to the Jews in Israel and the Muslims in Palestine. The liturgy is served in Hebrew and in Arabic. This is also the only one of the Orthodox churches still serving the Liturgy of St. James, the oldest and longest liturgy of the Orthodox Church. (Only a small part of the liturgy was actually written by St. James.)
'''Church of Russia'''
'''Church of Russia'''
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though Viking traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade-route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also Mongol conquest and most recently, severe persecution under the Communists. This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy martyrs.
Though there were already Orthodox Christians in some of the Black Sea ports, and though Viking traders had become Christians in Constantinople and had built some churches along their Volga river trade-route, and though the Polish had begun some missionary activity along the western frontier of Kievan state, the year conventionally recognized as the establishment of the Church of Russia is 988 when St. Prince Vladimir decreed Orthodox Christianity as the state religion. This church, like many of the Orthodox Churches suffered from Islamic invasion, but also Mongol conquest and most recently, severe persecution under the Communists. This last persecution produced more than 50 million holy Martyrs.
'''Church of Georgia'''
'''Church of Georgia'''
This is the only of of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.
This is the only of of the Local Orthodox Churches to have been established by a woman, St. Nina. In the 4th century she traveled around Georgia preaching and baptizing. Priests followed after her organizing parishes and administering the other Holy Mysteries. In the 18th century the Russian Emperor folded this Church into the Russian Church, but since the dissolution of the Soviet Empire the Georgian Church has reclaimed its autocephalous status.
'''Church of Serbia'''
'''Church of Serbia'''
This church was devastated by communism, and later confused by the nationalist movement of Slobodon Milosivic. Though the bishops did not fall for his “Orthodoxy is Nationalism” heresy many of the poorly-prepared Orthodox laity did. The results were devastating. The spiritual heartland of this Church is Kosovo where Muslim Albanians are waging a terrible war against the Orthodox Serbs. Many centuries old monasteries and churches have been destroyed.
This church was devastated by communism, and later confused by the nationalist movement of Slobodon Milosivic. Though the bishops did not fall for his “Orthodoxy is Nationalism” heresy many of the poorly-prepared Orthodox laity did. The results were devastating. The spiritual heartland of this Church is Kosovo where Muslim ethnic Albanians are waging a terrible war against the Orthodox Serbs. Many centuries old monasteries and churches have been destroyed.
'''Church of Romania'''
'''Church of Romania'''
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of Russia, it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, ascetics, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.
Though this Church is second in size to the Church of Russia, it is probably 1st in zeal and active membership. The contributions of the Romanian Church can not be overstated. Martyrs, ascetics, monastics, theologians, hymnographers, missionaries, and spiritual warriors abound in this Church.
'''Church of Bulgaria'''
'''Church of Bulgaria'''
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century this ancient patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, Romania, and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.
Established by the brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius this Church in the 9th century this ancient patriarchate was suppressed and was made a part of the Church of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th Century. (They did not like the idea of more than one Patriarch in their empire.) Missionaries from Bulgaria were key in the evangelization of the lands of Serbia, Romania, and Montenegro. Only in the 1870s did the Church of Bulgaria regain its autocephalous status.
'''Church of Cyprus'''
'''Church of Cyprus'''
Established by St. Lazarus (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this church never did much in the way of missionary work. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying “clay stealing clay” and that he always served something sweet at every meal.
Established by St. Lazarus (the one Jesus raised from the dead) this church never did much in the way of missionary work. It has been autocephalous since the Council of Ephesus made it so A.D. 431. Nevertheless, it is an important pilgrimage site since the relics of St. Lazarus are there. Two stories about St. Lazarus still circulate on the island. One that he laughed aloud at a man who stole a clay pot saying “clay stealing clay” and that he always served something sweet at every meal.
'''Church of Greece'''
'''Church of Greece'''
Though part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history, this Church emerged from the 19th and 20th century struggle for Greek independence from the Turks. Probably, the most famous bishop of Athens is St. Dionysius who was converted by St. Paul.
'''Church of Albania'''
'''Church of Albania'''
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim government. Oddly, the primate of this church, Archbishop Anastasios is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and for prayers when they are sick.
This Church is the only Church in Europe that has to deal with a Muslim government. Oddly, Archbishop Anastasios is one of the most loved people in Albania. Even Muslims come to him for blessings on their marriages and prayers when they are sick.
'''Church of Poland'''
'''Church of Poland'''
This Church has existed since the 9th Century when it was established by Saints Cyril and Methodious but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of the Orthodox in Poland fell away into Roman heresy and formed one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of Rome. In 1924 this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.
This Church has existed since the 9th Century when it was established by Saints Cyril and Methodious but was part of the Church of Constantinople for most of its history. In the 15th century most of them fell away into Roman heresy and became one of the Eastern-Rite Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope of Rome. In 1924 this much diminished Church was granted autocephaly. After WWII part of western Byelorussia was added to Poland. With the territory came many Orthodox Christians. Most Orthodox in Poland are descendants of these former Byelorussians.
'''Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia'''
'''Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia'''
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius estabished this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave the Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There , due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan state the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921 many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. On of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the Nazis and the communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as autocephalous sby the other autocephalous churches in 1998.
The brothers St. Cyril and St. Methodius this Church in the Czech region of Moravia in the 9th century. But when the brothers died Pope Stephen V of Rome ordered that their mission be destroyed, and forced all of the people who converted under the Sainted brothers to leave the Moravia and settle in what is now Slovakia. There , due to the influence of the nearby Orthodox Poles and the Kievan state the Orthodox were able to survive, barely. In 1921 a many people began leaving the Roman Catholic Church and converting to Orthodoxy under a Serbian Bishop. On of them was a Roman Catholic priest who took the name Gorazd upon his conversion. A few years after his conversion he was consecrated Bishop of Moravia. Under his apostolic ministry the Church Bohemia and Moravia, as well as Slovakia experienced tremendous growth. He was martyred by the Nazis in 1942. The Church suffered greatly under the Nazis and the communists and is only now regaining its footing. It was officially recognized as autocephalous since 1998.
Orthodox Church in America
'''Orthodox Church in America'''
See history of the Orthodox Church in America below
See history of the Orthodox Church in America below