The American Orthodox Catholic Church

Ancient Faith In A Modern World

Welcome to the American Orthodox Catholic Church

Rooted in the timeless faith of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, the American Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC) serves as a united Orthodox jurisdiction for the people of North, Central, and South America.

We are a fully Orthodox, multi-cultural body, preserving the beauty of both Eastern and Western rites, and ministering in the languages and traditions of the communities we serve. Our mission is simple: to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to preserve the sacred tradition of the Orthodox faith, and to bring the presence of Christ into every place where people live, work, serve, and heal.

Who We Are

We are clergy and faithful from every background — American-born, immigrant, first-generation, and multi-generational — united in the Orthodox Christian faith.

Our parishes are diverse in language, worship style, and culture, yet one in the Body of Christ.

From ancient liturgies sung in traditional chant to services prayed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, we are a living witness to the universality of Orthodoxy in the Americas.

Our Mission

We are called to serve God and neighbor without distinction.

In the parish, in the community, in the hospital, in the field — wherever people are in need — our clergy bring the hope of the Gospel, the comfort of prayer, and the dignity of pastoral care.

We believe the Church is not bound by walls but is sent into the world, carrying light into the darkest places and peace into the most challenging situations.

Chaplaincy and Public Service

The AOCC is a recognized religious body with endorsement authority for chaplains serving in the United States Armed Forces, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal, state, and local institutions.

Our endorsed chaplains 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.

Partnering with Institutions

The AOCC maintains a professional endorsement and ecclesiastical accountability process for all chaplains and clergy serving in institutional settings.

We meet all federal requirements for chaplain endorsement, including:

Good standing in the AOCC

Ecclesiastical training and pastoral experience

Compliance with Department of Defense and VA chaplaincy standards

Our aim is to be a trusted partner for institutions while remaining faithful to our Orthodox calling.

Eastern and Western Rites

The AOCC safeguards the treasures of both the Eastern and Western liturgical traditions.

Eastern Rite: Divine Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, and St. James, celebrated with full Orthodox theology, music, and ceremonial.

Western Rite: The Divine Liturgy of St. Gregory and other authorized Western liturgies, faithfully Orthodox yet accessible to those from Western Christian backgrounds.

In both expressions, Christ is at the center, and the fullness of the Orthodox faith is proclaimed.

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.