• By Department of Communications/Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations
  • March 31, 2026

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Orthodox Observer and the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations are pleased to announce a special media initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America: “America at 250: Orthodoxy in a New Homeland.”

Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City, 2023. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

Orthodox Christianity has been woven into the fabric of American life for much of this nation’s history. The U.S., as a land of opportunity and religious liberty, has provided the conditions for Orthodoxy to take root and flourish—allowing our faithful to pursue their vocations, preserve their religious and cultural traditions, and bear witness to the Gospel within a pluralistic society. Countless Orthodox Christians have been able to live out their faith, celebrate their heritage, and build lives of meaning and purpose on these shores. This journey has not been without its trials, yet the Church and its members have met each generation’s challenges with perseverance, creativity, and an abiding trust in God’s providence.

Epiphany celebrations in Tarpon Springs, Florida, 2025. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

In this spirit, the America at 250 initiative will present informative and engaging articles exploring the history, contributions, and lived experience of Orthodox Christian communities across the U.S. Together, these pieces will form a repository of collective memory—honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us, giving voice to the work of the Church today, and reflecting on the responsibilities we carry for future generations. In the coming weeks and months, the Orthodox Observer will publish a range of articles under the tag “America at 250,” examining with depth and breadth the many ways the Orthodox faith has been lived in its American context.

U.S. hierarchs celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego, California. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

We invite you to join us by following the Orthodox Observer and the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations on Facebook and Instagram (@orthodoxobserver and @goa.ecumenical).

Parishioners watch an Independence Day fireworks display, 2024. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman