1. Alexei Krindatch (akrindatch@aol.com ) Ten Facts about US Eastern Orthodox Churches from the FACT study

2. 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

3. 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?”

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

5. 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

6. “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 20253417 Female 5560 College graduates 6040 25 Living within 15 minutes of parish’s church building 40838560 Live-long members of denomination 70805040

7. 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?”

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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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”

13. 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

14. 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?”

15. 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: 2005- 2010

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

17. Look for more information on Orthodox Church life in US at:www.orthodoxreality.org or write me to Akrindatch@aol.com Now is time for difficult questions: please, ask!