Alexei Krindatch ) Ten Facts about US Eastern Orthodox Churches from the FACT study

FACT Survey of US Eastern Orthodox Churches  US total: about 1,900 Eastern Orthodox parishes (congregations) with 817,000 adherents. They belong to 15 national Orthodox Church bodies (“denominations”)  45% of all adherents of US Eastern Orthodox Churches live in 5 states: NY (14%), CA (10%), IL (8%), PA (6.5%), MA (6%  Three major Orthodox Church bodies participated in FACT survey: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA), Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese (AOCA)  GOA, OCA and AOCA account for 70% of all US Orthodox parishes and for 80% of all US Orthodox Church adherents  FACT surveys were sent to all GOA, OCA, AOCA parishes 370 parishes completed questionnaires – 30% return rate

Fact 1 Orthodox parishes are much more “urban” than Roman Catholic parishes and Protestant congregations Fact 1 Orthodox parishes are much more “urban” than Roman Catholic parishes and Protestant congregations “How would you describe the location of your church building?”

Fact 2 Other than English languages are still much more present in Eastern Orthodox than in Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches

Fact 3 Compared to Protestant congregations and Roman Catholic parishes, demography of Eastern Orthodox parishes is different:  Members of Orthodox churches are better educated (% of persons with college degree)  Members of Orthodox churches spend longer time commuting to their churches  Eastern Orthodox parishes are less “female” than Roman Catholic parishes or Protestant congregations  There are fewer senior (65+) members among Orthodox parishioners than among Roman Catholics or Oldline Protestants  Surprisingly high % of converts from other religions

“Of your total regular participants estimate the percent who are…” (median %) Category of members East. Orth. Rom. Cath. Oldln. Prot. Evng. Prot. Senior adults, age 65 and older Female 5560 College graduates Living within 15 minutes of parish’s church building Live-long members of denomination

Fact 4 Theologically Orthodox Christians are much more conservative than Roman Catholics or Oldline Protestants Fact 4 Theologically Orthodox Christians are much more conservative than Roman Catholics or Oldline Protestants “How would you describe theological outlook of the majority of your regularly participating adults?”

Fact 5 Being theologically conservative, Eastern Orthodox parishes are “technologically” – at least - as advanced as their Western Christian counterparts.

“Which of the following technologies does your congregation use on a regular basis?” (%)

Fact 6 The Eastern Orthodox Christians do not communicate much with religiously “others:” the level of ecumenical involvement of Eastern Orthodox parishes is significantly lower than among Roman Catholic parishes or Protestant congregations

“During past 12 months, has your parish / congregation been involved in any of the following ecumenical or interfaith activities?”

Fact 7 Reportedly, worship in Eastern Orthodox parishes is more “powerful” than in Roman Catholic and Protestant churches Fact 7 Reportedly, worship in Eastern Orthodox parishes is more “powerful” than in Roman Catholic and Protestant churches % of parishes / congregations reporting that following describe their week-end worship service “very well”

Fact 8 In their worship services Eastern Orthodox parishes sing a lot, but they don’t use musical instruments or “video effects” Fact 8 In their worship services Eastern Orthodox parishes sing a lot, but they don’t use musical instruments or “video effects” % of parishes / congregations reporting that following is “often” or “always” a part of their regular worship services

Fact 9 Financial health of Orthodox Parishes is worse compared to Catholic parishes and Protestant Congregations “How would you describe current (2010) financial health of your parish / congregation?”

Fact 10 Good news to conclude: Eastern Orthodox parishes grow in attendance more rapidly than Evangelical Protestant congregations Fact 10 Good news to conclude: Eastern Orthodox parishes grow in attendance more rapidly than Evangelical Protestant congregations Change (%) in median average attendance:

New Source of Information on US Orthodox Churches (available on Amazon.com)

Look for more information on Orthodox Church life in US at: or write me to Now is time for difficult questions: please, ask!