Head of ROCOR: Number of parishioners growing at our churches in the U.S.

Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York. Photo: UOJ

The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, stated in an interview with UOJ in America that he is observing growth in church communities across the United States.

“I see that there is growth, many are coming to the faith. Many who are [already] attending the parishes are attending even more so, they're becoming even more fortified in their faith. And this is something that's very pleasing to me, it warms my heart, and I pray that this growth continues.,” said the Metropolitan.

He also addressed the issue of language use in ROCOR services, particularly the balance between Church Slavonic and English.

According to him, Church Slavonic is part of ROCOR’s heritage. However, as a missionary Church, English is also widely used.

“We preach in English, where needed, or have some of the services in the English language. This is seen and felt across the South, as you mentioned earlier, within our diocese and other parishes and other dioceses. Some parishes are serving solely in Slavonic, and many are attending. Some are serving solely in English, many are attending; and some have the services partially in Slavonic, partially in English, and you see attendance at both, where people come to pray because they want to be Orthodox, that is first and foremost,” the First Hierarch emphasized.

He also spoke about the liturgical practices at the Synod’s cathedral and chapel.

“On Sundays, we have the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral in Slavonic, the English mission serves in the St Sergius chapel. However, some of the Russian people will attend the English mission, and a good number of the American speakers want to and attend the Slavonic liturgy, something to just be aware of,” shared Metropolitan Nicholas.

Earlier, the UOJ published an article by American priest John Whiteford on the topic of liturgical language in the Orthodox Diaspora.

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