Antiochian Metropolitan speaks about growth of Orthodoxy in USA

Metropolitan Saba of Antioch. Photo: Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America

On November 7, 2025, at the 14th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, Metropolitan Saba of the Antiochian Archdiocese delivered a report on the rapid increase in conversions to Orthodoxy in North America. According to the hierarch, American Orthodoxy is experiencing “a new stage”, in which the migrant character of the parishes is being replaced by a missionary dimension, reports the UOJ site in America.

The Metropolitan noted that by the end of the 20th century, it became clear that Orthodoxy was no longer a "mystery" known only to ethnic communities. More and more people from different cultures and denominations are coming to the Church in search of spiritual wholeness and continuous apostolic tradition. A special group among the newly converted is the youth aged 15 to 30.

The bishop gave the example of the Antiochian Cathedral in Brooklyn, where today there are more than fifty young people undergoing catechism. Many of them, emphasized Metropolitan Saba, came to the Church "from various religious and non-religious contexts" and found in Orthodoxy a "genuine spiritual life."

At the same time, the head of the archdiocese drew attention to the serious difficulties arising against the backdrop of such growth. Historically, Orthodox peoples lived under persecution, making survival and preservation of faith the main priority rather than a large-scale mission. Therefore, many communities today are not prepared for a large number of converts: some churches are overcrowded, and priests complain of burnout.

Separately, the Metropolitan warned of the danger of "Internet fundamentalism", calling this phenomenon a "new heresy". According to him, mentorship and the formation of an Orthodox mindset cannot be reduced to classroom learning alone – it requires participation in worship, fasting, confession, and personal spiritual guidance.

In closing, Met. Saba called the present moment a providential opportunity for the Orthodox Church in America: “The hardships of history forced us, as Orthodox, to forget the basic commandment: 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all people' (Mark 16:15). But the Holy Spirit reminds us today that, in this blessed land, we now have the freedom and the means to accomplish what the Lord asked of us – what centuries of persecution prevented us from doing."

As reported by UOJ, a priest from the USA spoke about the unprecedented growth of interest in Orthodoxy.

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