- By Corinna Robinson
- February 26, 2025
In the first episode of “The Black American Orthodox Experience” (season 3), a collaboration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Christian Network, Rev. Samuel Davis introduced the new season with a deep dive into the life and the legacy of Archimandrite Raphael Morgan, the first Black Orthodox priest in America. Rev. Samuel explores Archimandrite Morgan’s continued impact on Orthodox Christianity and his role in bridging faith and identity within the Black American community. As an assistant priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in NYC, Rev. Samuel brings a unique perspective, shedding light on the historical and spiritual contributions of Black Orthodox Christians.
The Black American Orthodox Experience is a program focused on Orthodox missions in America—insights, challenges, and how we can reach (and are reaching) members of Black, Indigenous, and other communities with the Church of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to feature honest and informative conversations about what the Great Commission looks like in modern America within a historical and cultural context.
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From left to right: Athena Iliou, Judge John Iliou, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and Tom Iliou at the Archdiocese headquarters. Photo by Orthodox Observer4 min read- October 15, 2026
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