Clergy & Parishes
The Life of the Church
The Church is lived locally through bishops, clergy, parishes, and faithful communities gathered around the Holy Eucharist.
The American Orthodox Catholic Church affirms both celibate and married clergy in accordance with Orthodox canonical tradition and pastoral wisdom.
The Episcopate
Bishops serve as guardians of the faith, teachers of doctrine, and shepherds of the Church. They exercise authority not as individuals, but as members of the synod.
Clergy
Priests and deacons serve the Church through preaching, sacramental ministry, and pastoral care. Their lives are rooted in prayer, discipline, and service to the people entrusted to them.
Parishes and Missions
Local parishes and missions are the heart of Orthodox life. They are places of worship, formation, and community, where the faith is lived across generations.
Chaplaincy and Public Service
The AOCC is in the process of applying for military chaplaincy endorsement to be recognized under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense [OUSD (P&R) MEP-AFCB] as a religious body with endorsement authority for military chaplaincy.
Our endorsed chaplains may serve in:
► Military chapels across all branches of the Armed Forces
► VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics
► Hospitals, hospices, and first-responder agencies nationwide
They provide religious ministry, spiritual support, moral guidance, and compassionate presence to all, regardless of faith or background, in full compliance with federal and institutional standards.
Our Commitment to Those Who Serve
We honor the sacrifice and calling of those in uniform, and we believe that those who serve deserve access to the spiritual care of their tradition. Our clergy are trained to minister in diverse, multi-faith environments, respecting the beliefs of others while faithfully representing the Orthodox Christian tradition.
We work in partnership with military commands, chaplain corps offices, and VA administrations to ensure that pastoral care is delivered with excellence, integrity, and compassion.
Multi-Cultural Ministry
We are intentionally present in communities that are often underserved by other Orthodox jurisdictions — African American, Afro-Latino, Native, immigrant, rural, and military populations.
Our clergy live and work in the places they serve, bringing the Gospel into neighborhoods, workplaces, bases, and hospitals.
A Church for All the Americas
From Alaska to Argentina, our clergy and faithful stand as witnesses to the ancient faith in the modern world.
We welcome those seeking the Orthodox Church and those seeking Christ Himself.
Whether you are looking for a parish, a chaplain, or a deeper understanding of the faith, the AOCC is here to walk with you.
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Preserving the ancient faith in the modern world. All are welcome to experience the beauty of Orthodox Christianity.