This document summarizes statistics and survey results about Orthodox Christianity in America, particularly the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA). It finds that while the GOA has over 500,000 members, only about 23% attend services regularly. While many parishioners value the ethnic heritage, most clergy and laity are now born in America. Views on social issues are often more liberal than other Christian denominations. Retaining youth and developing clergy standards were top concerns.

1. Alexei Krindatch, SCOBA (Akrindatch@aol.com) Orthodox Reality in America St.Tikhon Monastery (est. 1903), South Canaan, PA St.Nicholas Cathedral, Tarpon Springs. FL St.Gregory Theologian Church, Tampa, FL Panagia Vlahernon Monastery, Ocala, FL

3. Where are Orthodox Christian Churches?

5. Some Orthodox Churches in US become “All American” and some remain “ethnically based”

7. Average proportion of Greek and English used in GOA parishes as the language of sermon, liturgy and church choir:

8. A significant number of converts (29%) among GOA lay members but much less among GOA parish clergy (12%)

9. The good message: GOA members have a very strong religious identity and clear Church preference % who agreed with following statements

11. Please, indicate if you think a person can be a good Orthodox Christian without performing these actions: % GOA members saying that one still can be a good Orthodox Christian without doing the following 4% Without believing that in Eucharist, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus 30% Without donating time and money to help parish 35% Without having marriage being approved by Church 56% Without observing Lent and fasting on certain days 31% Without donating time and money to help the poor 3% Without believing that Jesus rose from the dead 56% Without obeying the priest 67% Without going to church every Sunday

12. Not all GOA clergy and laity are equally “Orthodox” in their personal “micro-theologies” When you think about your theological position and approach to church life, which word best describes you?

13. Generally, GOA clergy and laity DO NOT support the idea of ordination of women % of those who would support women in following roles

14. GOA men and women have similar opinions on ordination of women % of male and female GOA members who would support women in following roles

15. GOA members are divided among themselves on teaching of evolution versus creationism in the schools.

16. An overwhelming majority of GOA laity and especially clergy DO NOT support secularity of education in the public schools.

17. The subject of “Orthodox unity” in America has been discussed for a long time. What do you think about current situation and possible future developments?

18. In GOA, more clergy than laity support faster movement towards united Orthodox Church

20. What are most urgent issues in the Church life from the perspective of GOA clergy and laity?

21. 57% 23% Family problems of Orthodox priests 47% 25% Process of selecting bishops 38% 32% Sharing ministry with laity 33% 28% Lack of clear professional standards for priests 10% 13% Ordination of women 29% 32% Recruiting priests from converts to Orthodoxy 43% 45% Issue of “ethnic” versus “American” parishes 45% 46% Representation of the local parish at decision making on the diocesan and national level No data 52% Issue of interfaith and inter-Christian marriages 43% 63% Relationship between mainstream American culture and traditions and requirements of the Orthodox Church 80% 84% Issue of youth and young adults leaving Orthodox Church GOA clergy GOA laity % of laity and clergy saying that the following subjects are “VERY IMPORTANT” to be discussed in Church

22. GOA clergy and GOA laity have somewhat different opinions on how parish life should be organized % of laity and clergy who agreed with following statements

23. Priestly vocation is viewed quite positively by both GOA laity and clergy

26. In terms of total membership, GOA is larger than all other US Orthodox Churches combined

27. The average size of GOA parishes is also larger than in all other US Orthodox Churches

28. However, compared to some other Orthodox Churches, smaller proportion of GOA members attend church regularly

32. American Orthodox Christians have higher income level than Roman Catholics and Protestants

33. Which is not surprising, because American Orthodox Christians also have higher education level than Roman Catholics and Protestants

34. American Orthodox Christians are more “liberal” in their political preferences than Roman Catholics or Protestants

35. In their attitudes towards abortion, 62% of American Orthodox Christians are “pro choice” and only 30% “pro life”

36. Vast majority of American Orthodox Christians are quite flexible in interpreting official Church teachings

37. Compared to Roman Catholics and Protestants, Orthodox Christians in the US are LESS likely to see God as a person and MORE likely as an impersonal force

38. Orthodox Christians DO NOT practice their faith in a particularly strong manner: they attend Church less frequently than Roman Catholics or Evangelical Christians