Assembly of Bishops releases study on the Geography of Orthodoxy in America

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“Fast Questions and Fast Answers about the Geography of Orthodoxy in America”, the second essay in a group of mini-reports concerning Orthodox Church life in America, was released by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.

The report offers interesting facts about the geographic distribution of Orthodox Christian parishes and Church members in America and answers a variety of questions, including

  • Is there is anything unique about the geographic distribution of Orthodoxy in America as compared to other Christian groups?
  • How evenly are the parishes and members of the Orthodox Christian Churches distributed throughout the United States?  Are there any “geographic pockets” where especially many Orthodox Church members live?
  • How easy (or difficult) is it to find an Orthodox parish which is geographically close to the place where I live?
  • Are the Orthodox Church jurisdictions currently expanding their geographic presence throughout the USA?  That is, are they establishing parishes in new places and becoming geographically more widespread?
  • Are American Orthodox jurisdictions growing in members?

The study is illustrated with 12 geographic maps in color.  Its author, Alexei Krindatch, may be contacted at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Future mini-reports will delve into such topics as ecumenical attitudes and Church attendance among American parishes and faithful, young adult parishioners, and Orthodox students in American colleges and universities.