Eastern Liturgical Family Groups
Antiocean Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
A long process of development begun in 1892 led in 1975 to the establishment
of the Antiochean Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
In 1892 the Russian Orthodox Church began a Syrian Mission in the United
States for Orthodox Christians from the Eastern Mediterranean area and in 1904
consecrated a bishop for it. In 1925 an independent church was created.
In 1936 conflict over the election of the bishop resulted in a split that
lasted until 1975, when the present name was adopted and a bishop to head the
unified groups was elected.
In February 1987, the former Evangelical Orthodox Church (EOC) was received
as a whole into the Antiochean Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
The EOC had been formed in 1979 by former leaders of the Campus Crusade for
Christ. Those leaders had strong Evangelical understandings and identity, but
had come to question the Evangelical view that the early Church had become
corrupted under reformed by Evangelicals in modern times. There was a focus on
liturgy, episcopal orders, and the place of Mary in theology. After affirming
belief that Mary was the Mother of God, eventually the merger was able to be
arranged.
Membership
1997 membership in North America was 350,000.
There is a parish web site at:
http://www.maximus.com/St_Matthew/
Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, North American Diocese
This Church was originally centered in northern Kurdistan until attacked by
the Turks. Members began to arrive in the U.S. in the 1890s. The Church was
formally organized in the U.S. in 1940 when the patriarch at the time moved to
Chicago. International headquarters are in Iraq.
Membership
In 1989, there were reported to be 120,000 members in North America.
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
In 1933, the Armenian Church in America split after the Soviet absorption of
Armenia. The Armenian Apostolic Church of America was the faction advocating
for an independent Armenia. It received formal recognition in 1957 through the
catholicos of the See of Cilicia.
Membership
In 1996, the church reported 400,000 members in the United States.
Armenian Church of America
The Armenian Church of America is the American branch of the Armenian Church, less those who left the Church in 1933 after the Soviet absorption of Armenia to form the Apostolic Church of America. The Armenian Church of America is under the jurisdiction of the See of Etchmiadzin in Armenia.
Membership
In 1994 the Armenian Church of America reported 600,000 members in the United States, served by three dioceses in North America.
For further information, the following web site has been suggested:
http://www.100anniversary.com/Lookingback-home.htm
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America
General Notes
The Archdiocese was organized in 1918 and follows the Eastern Rite and the
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. However, traditionally the Orthodox liturgy has
followed the Julian calendar, which twentieth century liturgists have largely
replaced with the Gregorian. Many of those who have left the Greek Archdiocese
reject the use of the Gregorian calendar.
Specific Religious Practices
Holy days are Elevation of the Holy Cross (September 14), Christmas,
Epiphany, Palm Sunday, Holy Friday, Easter, Pentecost, Sts. Peter and Paul
(June 29), Transfiguration (August 6), and Dormition (literally the “falling
asleep”) of the Virgin Mary (August 15).
Sacraments are Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Unction, Holy Orders,
and Matrimony. At Baptism the Sacraments of Chrismation and Eucharist are also
administered. The usual preparation for Communion is Confession and abstaining
from meat, cheese, and milk products for at least one day prior to receiving
Communion. The requirement is lightened for those who are traveling or ill. The
sick may receive the Sacrament of Unction (Anointing) along with Confession and
Communion.
Understanding of Healing
Healing in the form of miracles has always been understood to be part of God’s
action.
Reproductive Issues
Genetics, birth control, and sterility testing are acceptable as part of
responsible family planning. Artificial insemination must use the sperm of the
husband.
Abortion
To end life by abortion is condemned. One source states that abortion to
protect the life of the mother is approved.
End of Life Issues/Terminal Care
Every effort should be made to preserve life. Euthanasia is not acceptable.
Transplantation/Organ
Donation
There is no objection to transplantation or donation.
A decision to donate the entire body for medical experimentation or research
is seen as not in keeping with traditional Orthodox practice and belief. An
autopsy involving dismemberment of the body is discouraged unless there are
compelling reasons. Cremation is not allowed. Specific burial rites are
prescribed for the funeral and graveside. Unbaptized infants or fetuses are not
given funeral rites because they are unbaptized, but are simply buried. A
service may be conducted if requested by the parents.
Special Treatment Issues (Blood,
drugs, dietary, etc.)
There is abstinence from some foods during Lent, and there are times of
fasting. Those who are sick are exempt.
Membership
In 1994, total membership was 2,000,000
Orthodox Church in America
General Notes
The Orthodox Church in America is the largest single Orthodox group in
America, and the first to arrive. Until fairly recently it existed under the
patronage of the Russian Orthodox Church. Difficulties following the coming of
Communism to Russia eventually led to the formation and new name of “Orthodox
Church in America.” Later, many independent groupings began as parishes or
dioceses within the Orthodox Church in America.
Membership
In 1995, total membership was 2,000,000.