- By Sara Tsugranis
- April 15, 2024
In this fourth episode of “The Black American Orthodox Experience” (season 2), a collaboration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Christian Network, Rev. Samuel Davis discusses with Rebecca Hernandez, a Native American from New Mexico that converted to Orthodox Christian and has become an advocate in the Native American community. Christianity is deeply rooted in their communities, whether forced upon them or embraced from the older times. Rebecca shared that being more welcoming as a parish creates a community that allows for more people to experience. She delves into the historical dynamics between Indigenous Americans and Christianity, shares her own journey of conversion, and emphasized the importance of respectful outreach efforts.
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. To watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovKWs00ful0
Categories
- 2025 Apostolic Visit
- Affiliates & Others
- AHEPA
- AI & Theology
- America at 250
- Archbishop Elpidophoros
- Archons
- Arts & Music
- Assembly of Bishops
- Byzantine Legacy
- Church Roadmap Podcast
- Clergy Perspectives
- Clergy-Laity Congress
- Community
- Culture
- Direct Archdiocesan District
- Disability, Accessibility & Inclusion
- Ecumenical & Interfaith Dialogue
- Ecumenical Patriarchate
- Education
- Environmental Ethics
- Guest Columns
- Heritage
- Holy Eparchial Synod
- Interviews
- Latest News
- Leadership
- Leadership100
- Letter to the Editor
- Ministry
- More Stories
- National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
- Obituaries
- Opinion
- Orthodox Traditions
- Orthodoxy Abroad
- Parish Life
- Reflections
- The Archdiocese
- Trending & Most Read Articles
- Voices
- Volunteering
- YAL
- Youth
Recent Articles
-
Community
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
- Sara Tsugranis
The law guides his decisions. Family and faith sustain him
-
- October 15, 2026
- Sara Tsugranis
A pharmacist-turned-parliamentarian visits the Archdiocese
-
- October 15, 2026
- Sara Tsugranis
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew explains spiritual significance of pilgrimage
-
- October 14, 2026
- Sara Tsugranis
Olympic leadership calls Greek Americans a source of strength for Team Hellas
-
- October 14, 2026
- Sara Tsugranis
Archdiocesan Psaltic Art Library launches with new Funeral Service book







