Statement of the Executive Committee on the Proposed Equality Act

We are deeply concerned about the proposed federal “Equality Act,” which would erode religious liberty for both individuals and organizations, including Orthodox Christian jurisdictions, parishes, and faithful. The supporters of this Act, in their desire to promote equality, ultimately infringe upon the religious liberty of Americans to live according to their faith – a right protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Prayer for the Youth

Formulated by the Committee for Liturgy and approved by the Executive Committee, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is proud to release its Prayer for the Youth. The Prayer for the Youth is intended for use in various instances and services, especially this year, the Year of the Youth.

Sunday of Orthodoxy 2021 - Recitation of the Synodkion of the 7th Ecumenical Council

The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America recite the Synodikon of the 7th Ecumenical Council for the occasion of the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

Hunger & the Public Good: Restoring the World by Living the Faith

This three part Lenten webinar series explores Orthodox Christian perspectives on the intersections between Hunger and the Environment, Hunger and Racial Equity, and Hunger and Homelessness. In dialogue with members of Bread for the World, Orthodox Christians will share how the spiritual practices of fasting, prayer, and engagement can help us overcome societal shortcomings in these three timely issues.

Announcement: Assembly of Bishops Seeking Part-Time Programs Coordinator for Task Force on Mental Health

In September 2019, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America created a Task Force on Mental Health to address mental health needs of the faithful. In order to maintain existing projects and manage new projects of the Task Force, the Assembly of Bishops is seeking a part-time Programs Coordinator.

Announcement: Year of the Youth Activities

The Assembly of Bishops will also be hosting a variety of exciting events and opportunities that will uplift all of us as we celebrate together the Year of the Youth, including a series of online gatherings and webinars; article and video submissions; a video series; and an increased social media presence. We pray all our planned activities will help our youth, youth workers, and parents witness to their faith as we celebrate their good works in Christ.

2021 Scouting Sundays Encyclical

This year the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, in tandem with American Scouting organizations, celebrates February 7th and March 7th, 2021 as Scouting Sundays. As Orthodox Christians across the country participate in The Year of the Youth, proclaimed by the Assembly of Bishops, special focus is placed on positive and tangible ways to encourage our young people to follow the right path, the path that leads them ever closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Recognized by the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) in 1955, the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS) remains an official Commission of the Assembly of Bishops, providing opportunities for our young people to live by the precepts of their faith through Scouting.

2021 Mission Sunday Encyclical

Despite the anxieties, disruption, loss and grief imposed by the pandemic of these past, long months, we know that in our Savior and Healer we have no need to fear. Indeed, proclaiming this Good News is as important, if not more important, now than ever. The Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States are committed to this mission, and one means we do so beyond our borders is our support of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) on which we specially focus on Mission Sunday, March 14 of this year.

Assembly of Bishops Endorses Alternatives to Women in Crisis Pregnancies

When the burden is too heavy, we, the Church, must be there to lift the burden and open the door to other, more perfect solutions. Otherwise, we too are missing the mark. With this mission, the Assembly of Bishops’ Affiliate Ministry Zoe For Life! “affirms the value of all life by helping women in a confidential manner during and after crisis pregnancies.”

2021: The Year of the Youth

Statement Regarding Developments in Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccines & Immunizations

Scripture encourages us to respect and protect the body as the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19). At the same time, it discourages us from either tempting or testing the Lord (Matt. 4:7). And as your spiritual shepherds, we affirm and assure you that it is neither wrong nor sinful to seek medical attention and advice. In fact, we welcome interventions that provide us more time for spiritual renewal and repentance.

Share the Light Sunday 2021

This year marks a great milestone in our history as we celebrated 25 years since the Orthodox Christian Network's founding. There is no more important time than now to “Let the Word of Christ dwell within us richly” to give us the courage and strength we all desire to meet the challenges we all face.

Assembly of Bishops Announces New Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals

he Mental Health Task Force of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America accomplished its first major task by publishing a comprehensive and unified Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals.

Consider Supporting the Assembly of Bishops this Giving Tuesday

His Eminence Archbishop David Reposes in the Lord

On November 27, 2020, Archbishop David, a well respected Hierarch of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and active member of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (Assembly of Bishops), fell asleep in the Lord.

Assembly of Bishops Launches New Website

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is pleased to announce the release of its new website. The website provides historical and current information about the Assembly of Bishops, including financial and annual reports. It features directories, ministries, and resources, and aims to be a communication hub between the Assembly of Bishops and the clergy and laity.

Assembly of Bishops Agrees on a New Common Vision

After a second day of productive deliberations, the Assembly of Bishops agreed on a Common Vision that commits themselves to work together toward Orthodox Christian Unity and Outreach, Common Orthodox Witness, Ministries and Initiatives, and Organizational Excellence.

A Message of Hope from the Assembly of Bishops

In our present circumstances, trying to hold a sensible middle ground between opposing forces of faithless reason on the one hand and spiritualized folly on the other is the greatest challenge of our time. As Orthodox Christians we are called to follow the “road, I will turn aside neither to the right nor to the left” (Deut. 2:27).

Closing Remarks of Archbishop Elpidophoros at 2020 Assembly Meeting

We have now concluded this tenth anniversary meeting of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the USA. I believe we can say, with the Psalmist, that it has been good and joyous for us, the brothers of the Hierarchy, to be together in the unity of the faith

Assembly of Bishops Convenes Digitally, Declares “2021 the Year of the Youth”

A strong majority, thirty-eight, of the fifty-one canonical Orthodox Bishops in the United States of America began their two-day meeting today to discuss Orthodox Christian Unity in the country. The meeting, which took place online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, was the first since the transition of the chairmanship to Archbishop Elpidophoros.