Orthodox Christians in America (Religion in American Life)

Although there are more than 200 million Orthodox Christians worldwide—4 million of whom live in the United States—their history, beliefs, and practices are unfamiliar to most Americans. This book outlines the evolution of Orthodox Christian dogma, which emerged for the first time in 33 A.D., before shifting its focus to American Orthodoxy, tracing its origins back to the first Greek and Russian immigrants in the 1700s. The narrative follows the momentous events and notable individuals in the history of the Orthodox dioceses in the U.S., including Archbishop Iakovos' march for civil rights alongside Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Orthodox missionaries' active opposition to the mistreatment of native Inuit in Alaska, the quest for Orthodox unity in America, the massive influx of converts since the 1960s, and the often strained relationship between American Orthodox groups and the mother churches on the other side of the Atlantic. Erickson explains the huge impact Orthodox Christianity has had on the history of immigration, and how the religion has changed as a result of the American experience. Lively, engaging, and thoroughly researched, the book unveils an insightful portrait of an ancient faith in a new world. Religion in American Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamics of organized religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished religious historians, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the United States, from Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of America's diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and index. Although there are over 200 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, 4 million of whom live in the United States, their history, beliefs, and practices are unfamiliar to most Americans. This book outlines the evolution of Orthodox Christian dogma, which emerged for the first time in 33 A.D., before shifting its focus to American Orthodoxy--a tradition that traces its origins back to the first Greek and Russian immigrants in the 1700s. The narrative follows the momentous events and notable individuals in the history of the Orthodox dioceses in the U.S., including Archbishop Iakovos'march for civil rights alongside Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Orthodox missionaries'active opposition to the mistreatment of native Inuit in Alaska, the quest for Orthodox unity in America, the massive influx of converts since the 1960s, and the often strained relationship between American Orthodox groups and the mother churches on the other side of the Atlantic. Erickson explains the huge impact Orthodox Christianity has had on the history of immigration, and how the religion has changed as a result of the American experience. Lively, engaging, and thoroughly researched, the book unveils an insightful portrait of an ancient faith in a new world. Cover Page......Page 1 Acknowledgments......Page 2 Picture Credits, Text Credits......Page 3 About the Authors......Page 4 Title Page......Page 6 ISBN 0195108523......Page 7 Contents (with page links)......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 CHAPTER 1 An Ancient Faith in the New World......Page 14 CHAPTER 2 Entrepreneurs and Missionaries......Page 34 CHAPTER 3 A Church of Immigrants......Page 56 CHAPTER 4 The Ethnic Churches......Page 80 CHAPTER 5 The Quest for Unity......Page 106 APPENDIX The Orthodox Churches at a Glance......Page 132 E......Page 135 U......Page 136 Chronology......Page 137 Further Reading......Page 139 G......Page 142 R......Page 143 Z......Page 144 Back Page......Page 145 Traces the evolution of the Orthodox Christian faith in America from its origins in the late 1700s through the 1990s, highlighting notable events and significant individuals in the history of the religion.