Reports

Reports and Publications (newest to oldest)

The reports #11 through #20 were created in my former capacity as a Research Coordinator for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. These reports belong to the Assembly, and they are available free of charge for download from the Research and Statistics page on the Assembly’s website.

1. A Unified American Orthodox Church: Do Parish Priests Want It?

Do American Orthodox clergy believe in Orthodox Church unity for the United States? Do they want to be part of one unified American Orthodox Church? According to data from February 2023 national survey of American Orthodox parish priests, the short answer to this question is: “Yes.” But the full reality is more nuanced and complex.

This short report discusses four major questions:

How parish priests of various Orthodox jurisdictions envision the future of the Orthodox Church in the USA
How priests’ personal backgrounds (age, religious upbringing) affect their preferences for the future of the American Orthodox Church
What has happened since 2015: how priests’ visions for Orthodox Church unity in America have changed
How US Orthodox clergy describe their major fears and concerns regarding Orthodox Church unity in America

To download the report, click HERE

2. The “New Traditional” in a Most Traditional Church: How the Pandemic Has Reshaped American Orthodox Christian Churches. What Do Lay People Think about It?

This is the second report from an ongoing study examining the lasting consequences of the pandemic for Orthodox Christian Churches in the USA. Its core question is: how has the pandemic transformed the Orthodox Church which many think of as “the original ancient Christian Church that never changes”? Based on an April, 2022, national survey of Orthodox Christian lay church members, the report addresses this question from a variety of perspectives.

Each chapter can be read separately depending on the particular interests of the readers. Among the major subjects discussed:

Possible future of the “online mode” in the lives of American Orthodox Christian parishes
Changes in members’ involvement in the parishes, their personal faith, and attitudes towards the Church.
Decline in participation in religious education for children and teenagers
Most common scenarios of upsurge and downfall in parish communities during the past two years
Greatest post-pandemic needs of the parishes and their major fears for the future
Changes in overall parish vitality and distinctive features of congregations which experienced a surge in vitality throughout the pandemic
Three different paths to powerful growth in congregational vitality despite, or even because of, the pandemic

To download executive summary (4 pages), click HERE

To download major findings and conclusions (10 pages), click HERE

To download full report, click HERE

3. The “New Traditional” in a Most Traditional Church: How the Pandemic Has Reshaped American Orthodox Christian Churches. What Do Clergy Think about It?

How has the pandemic transformed the Orthodox Church, the original Christian Church that “never changes?” Based on the national survey of the Orthodox Christian parish clergy conducted January 24 – February 10, 2022, the report answers this question. It examines both overall impact of the pandemic and the possible long-term consequences for American Orthodox Christian parishes. The report also discusses “mysteriously” strong growth in vitality that some congregations (12% of all American Orthodox parishes) experienced despite and even because of the pandemic.

Each chapter can be read separately depending on the particular interests of the readers. Among many subjects which are discussed:

The positives and negatives of switching to an “online mode” for church services, religious education and other ministries
Changes in membership, worship attendance, and involvement in religious education. The reasons for growth in some parishes against the backdrop of a general decline
Church closures and mortality rates among members
Internal conflicts within parishes and their disagreements with ruling bishops because of pandemic-related decisions
Changes in parish vitality. Distinctive features of the 12% of parishes manifesting strong growth in vitality throughout the pandemic
Greatest achievements of the parishes during the pandemic and their major fears for the future

To download the report, click HERE

To download executive summary, click HERE

4. Ten Questions and Answers about the Pandemic’s Impact on American Orthodox Christian Parishes

The COVID-19 pandemic will have many lasting consequences for all American religious congregations and for Orthodox Christian parishes in particular. Even if the disease no longer poses a threat, it will still leave some indelible imprints on Orthodox Church life in America. This short report addresses the questions arising from the changes and adaptations in American Orthodox Christian Churches triggered by the pandemic.

The report presents selected results of the survey of US Orthodox Christian parish clergy conducted July 1-15, 2021. Among many questions which are discussed:

How strong was the impact of the pandemic on members and clergy personal wellbeing?
Did the pandemic change the level of involvement of members in their parishes?
Which areas of church life were affected most strongly and negatively by the pandemic?
Did parishes make an effort to educate their members about COVID-19 and encourage them to get vaccinated?
How do parishes envision their future in the light of their experiences of the pandemic?
What were successful adaptations made by parishes in response to the pandemic?

To download the report, click HERE

5. Putting American Orthodox Churches on the Map: Geography of Parishes and Members 2010-2020

This report examines the geographic distribution of members and parishes of the various American Orthodox Christian Churches. As readers will find, the geography of American Orthodox Christianity is very different from the geography of the general US population. Three major questions are discussed in this article:

- - - - Where in America do Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians live and worship?
      - What cities and towns in America merit the title of being “Most Orthodox Christian”?
      - How has the geography of American Orthodox Christian Churches changed from 2010 to 2020?

To download the report click HERE

6. US Religion Census 2020: A Decade of Dramatic Changes in American Orthodox Churches (2021)

This report presents detailed information on parishes, membership, and rates of worship attendance of fourteen Eastern Orthodox and nine Oriental Orthodox Church-bodies. It also describes significant changes in American Orthodox Christianity that have occurred since the previous Census in 2010: membership decline in most Eastern Orthodox Churches, impressive growth of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the new parishes founded after 2010, and much more. The data were obtained directly from more than 3,000 US Orthodox Christian parishes.

To download the report click HERE

7. Holy Communion During the Pandemic in American Orthodox Christian Parishes (2020)

The spread of COVID-19 pandemic has made many church members apprehensive about the use of the common spoon and chalice as the traditional method of receiving Holy Communion. Consequently, some American Orthodox jurisdictions, dioceses, and parishes have introduced various changes in administering the Eucharist, while the other refrained from any adaptations. This report addresses many questions arising from the changes and innovations in offering Holy Communion through the eyes of Orthodox parish clergy. 609 Orthodox priests representing all American Orthodox jurisdictions and from all parts of the country participated in this study during July 21-30, 2020. Among the questions discussed in this report are:

How pandemic affected participation of parishioners in the Sacrament of Holy Communion
New practices of administering Holy Communion in various American Orthodox jurisdictions
Personal ideas of the priests about possible new ways of administering this Sacrament
How parishes distribute Holy Communion to parishioners who cannot attend worship services
Clergy’s (very different!) opinions about what is and is not acceptable with regard to various methods of offering Holy Communion

To download the report and executive summary click HERE

8. The Pandemic and American Orthodox Christian Parishes (phase 2 study, 2020)

This in-depth report examines numerous changes in American Orthodox parish life that were triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic. 234 parishes representing seven Orthodox Church jurisdictions and from all parts of the country participated in the study during May 4-9, 2020. Among the questions addressed in this report are:

How parishes are adjusting their liturgical services to the new circumstances
New practices and creative strategies developed by parishes which help them through this crisis
New ways of offering Sacraments and, especially, administering Holy Communion
How parish priests describe their physical, spiritual and emotional well-being, their major needs and sources of support
Changes in parish finances caused by the pandemic
Problem of “digitally disconnected” parishioners

To download the report and executive summary click HERE

9. On the Eve of Easter 2020: Coronavirus and US Orthodox Christian Parishes (phase 1 study, 2020)

This short report examines the sweeping changes in American Orthodox parish life that were triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic. The report is based on a survey of parish clergy representing eight Orthodox jurisdictions who completed questionnaires during April 6-13, 2020. Among the questions addressed in this report are:

How have parishes adjusted their liturgical services and small group ministries to the new circumstances?
What help is most needed by parish clergy?
What is the financial impact of the pandemic on Orthodox parishes?
Which parishes handle new circumstances better than others?

To download the report click HERE

10. Singing an Old Song in a New Land: Orthodox Christian Churches in the Twenty-First Century America (2020)

This is the chapter in the volume “Global Eastern Orthodoxy: Politics, Religion and Human Rights” (Springer: Cham, Switzerland). Based on a number of studies conducted by the author from 2010 to 2018, this article, first, focuses on the administrative structure, geography, parish, and membership data in various US Orthodox Churches. Secondly, the article explains the ongoing changes in Orthodox Church membership (influx of new immigrants, growing number of American converts to Orthodoxy, increasing number of religiously mixed families). Third, the strength of ethnic culture and identity in US Orthodox Churches is explored. Fourth, the article discusses the major (non-theological) differences between American Orthodox parishes and Protestant congregations. Finally, the article suggests the possible future developments and adaptations by U.S. Orthodox Churches to the mainstream American cultural and religious environments.

To download the article click HERE

11. Orthodox Christian Churches in 21st Century America: a Parish Life Study (2018)

This report offers a comprehensive picture of today’s lives of American Orthodox parishes, including such aspects as membership, worship, programs, religious education, youth, usage of electronic technologies, and much more. Of particular interest are subjects that have never been examined previously, such as:

The Vision of Parish Clergy for Orthodox Church Unity in America
Similarities and differences between American Orthodox parishes and Protestant congregations
The Use of Electronic Technologies in U.S. Orthodox Parishes

580 Orthodox parishes (about 30% of all U.S. Orthodox parishes) participated in this unique study. The study “Orthodox Christian Churches in 21st Century America” was part of a much larger national study of American religious congregations titled “Faith Communities Today” (FACT). One chapter of the report provides a glimpse into what are the most remarkable differences between Orthodox Christian parishes and the Mainline and Evangelical Protestant congregations.

To download executive summary, click HERE. To download full report, click HERE.

12. Young Adults and Young Adult Ministries in American Orthodox Christian Parishes (2017)

This report addresses our common concern about the engagement of youth and young adults in the lives of American Orthodox parishes. Examples of what the readers will find in the report include:

Which programs and activities are most crucial for attracting young adult church members?
Why it is important to have a designated young adult leader in a parish?
Which aspects of Orthodox worship are especially appealing to young adult church members?
How does a parish’s involvement with an Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) affect young adult parishioners and young adult ministries?

To download executive summary, click HERE. To download full report, click HERE.

13. Go and Make Disciples: Evangelization and Outreach in US Orthodox Parishes (2017)

This is the report from the national study on evangelization and outreach in Orthodox parishes in the United States. The report explores the practices and strategies developed by some Orthodox parishes that can be viewed as “exemplary” in their missionary and outreach efforts. Examples of what the readers will find in the report include:

The “secrets” of being a parish that attracts and welcomes new members;
Eight good practices of welcoming first-time visitors and inquirers about the Faith;
How do “exemplary” parishes achieve a high degree of involvement of their members in parish life;
Four distinct features of religious education in the “exemplary” parishes;
Six “lessons” that Church leadership (bishops) can learn from the “exemplary” parishes.

To download executive summary, click HERE. To download full report, click HERE.

14. Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes (2015)

The study discusses religious giving of Orthodox Church members to their home parishes and to wider religious causes. It also explores the differences in giving between members of various Orthodox jurisdictions and parishioners according to certain demographics. Based on study findings, the report provides suggestions as to how Orthodox parishes might increase the generosity of parishioners. More than 2,800 Orthodox Church members (lay parishioners) representing all Orthodox jurisdictions participated in this unique study.

To download executive summary, click HERE. To download full report, click HERE.

15. Twelve Facts About the Generosity of Our Church Members: Giving in US Orthodox Christian Parishes (2015)

This article offers numerous insights into how our Church members contribute to their parishes and what parishes can do to increase the generosity and donations of their members. Parish clergy and lay leadership will find this publication helpful when dealing with money matters in their parishes

To download article, click HERE

16. Orthodox Christian Fellowship on US College Campuses (2014)

This report is about Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), the official collegiate campus ministry program of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. For the study, student leaders were surveyed in 130 OCF chapters. What types of challenges do OCF chapters face? What are their needs? What does it take to be a successful and vibrant OCF chapter? The report answers these and other questions from the viewpoints of active student OCF leaders.

To download report, click HERE

17. Usage of English Language, Ethnic Identity and Ethnic Culture in American Orthodox Christian Churches (2013)

This report is based a national study of Orthodox parishes administered in 2011. Each canonical Orthodox parish in the US was asked to respond to four questions on English-language usage during Sunday services and parish’s ethnic culture and identity. 98.6% of all US Orthodox parishes participated in the survey. Results of this study are presented jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction and also state-by-state. Special attention was given to the question of measuring the strength of ethnic identity and ethnic culture in US Orthodox churches. The report also examines the correlation between ethnic identity/English language usage and regularity of church attendance. The report is accompanied by four maps.

To download report, click HERE

18. Ten Facts about Geographic Patterns of the Orthodox Church Life in the United States (2013)

In the US, there are approximately 800,000 Orthodox “adherents”— persons who participate (either regularly or occasionally) in the life of an Orthodox parish. This article provides detailed geographic information about Orthodox Church adherents, parishes, and monasteries in the US, including: geographic distribution of parishes and adherents by state and county; a state-by-state look at which jurisdictions have the largest numbers of adherents; and state-by-state and county-by-county growth in the number of Orthodox parishes between the period of 2000-2010. In addition this article offers discussion on possible regions for the future founding of new Orthodox parishes. The article is accompanied by six state and county-level maps.

To download article, click HERE

19. Eight Facts About Church Attendance in US Orthodox Christian Churches (2013)

In the US, there are approximately 800,000 Orthodox adherents, yet only 26% of them attend church on a regular weekly basis. This article explores regularity of church attendance by jurisdiction, state, and parish size. The article examines the correlation between parish size and frequency of church attendance. The article considers why some states have higher church attendance than others and suggests which states might make good “candidates” for new Orthodox parishes. The article is accompanied by three maps.

To download article from the website of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, click HERE

20. Holy Toll: The Impact of the 2008-2009 Recession on US Orthodox Christian Churches (2011)

This report examines the overall financial health of parishes in the three largest American Orthodox jurisdictions—Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA), Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese (AOCA), and Orthodox Church in America (OCA)—in the wake of the 2008-2009 recession. The report looks at the financial health of Orthodox parishes in 2000 vs. 2010; how the recession impacted parishes’ income, operations, and church members; and whether the three jurisdictions were equally affected by the recession. The report also compares the recession’s effect on Orthodox parishes versus Protestant congregations and Roman Catholic parishes. Findings are based on a 2010 survey in which 368 GOA, AOCA, and OCA parishes participated.

To download report, click HERE

21. The Orthodox Church Today: a National Study of Parishioners and the Realities of the Orthodox Parish Life in the USA (2008)

The Orthodox Church Today presents the findings from the national study of the lay church members in the two largest Orthodox Churches in the United States: the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) and the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). To a significant degree, this study reflects the profile of an entire Orthodox community in the United States. In particular, the study addressed four questions:

What is the “image” of the Orthodox clergy in the eyes of the ordinary “people in the pews?”
To what extent do the social and religious attitudes of the ordinary parishioners reflect attitudes and opinions of their parish priests?
What do church members think about their local parishes?
What do laity think about various issues dealing with “Democracy and Pluralism in the Church,” “Changes and Innovations in the Church,” and “Religious ‘Particularism’ and Ecumenism?”

Numerous comparisons with the US Roman Catholic and various Protestant Churches make “The Orthodox Church Today” study especially interesting to a wide non-Orthodox audience.

To download summarized highlights of the study, click HERE. To download foldable brochure, click HERE. To download full report, click HERE

22. The Power of Micro Theology: How “Liberal,” “Moderate,” “Traditional” and “Conservation” Eastern Orthodox Priests Shape the Lives of Their Parishes (2007)

To download this article, click HERE.

23. Satisfaction and Morale among Parish Clergy. What American Catholic and Orthodox Priests Can Learn from Each Other (2006)

This article describes and compares life and work experiences of the US Orthodox and Roman Catholic Clergy: their major sources of satisfaction and support, the problems that they face and their attitudes towards various aspects of church life

To download article, click HERE.

24. Evolving Visions of the Orthodox Priesthood in America” (2006)

This study focused on sources of satisfaction and major challenges in the lives of American Orthodox parish clergy. The “Evolving Visions of the Orthodox Priesthood in America” also examined clergy attitudes on four subjects that are frequently debated in Church today:

The Notion and Status of the Priest
Democracy and Openness in the Church
Changes and Innovations in the Orthodox Church life
Ecumenical Attitudes

To download executive summary, click HERE. To download highlights, click HERE. To download full report, click HERE

25. Eastern Christianity in North American Religious Landscape: Ethnic Traditionalism Versus Civic Involvement and Social Transformations (2003)

To download this report, click HERE.