The Orthodox Church is the modern outgrowth of the early churches founded by the original Apostles of Christ in places like Jerusalem, Antioch and Greece. It has had a continuous, unbroken existence in these places since the First Century A.D.
For the first thousand years of Christianity, Eastern and Western Christians were united in one Church. Cultural and political differences led to increasing conflicts between East and West, especially over the issues of Church governance and the procession of the Holy Spirit. A major split between the two halves of Christianity occurred in 1054 A.D. (“The Great Schism”), eventually creating the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Five centuries later, the Protestant Reformation emerged from an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church.
Today, Orthodox Christianity constitutes the second largest Christian faith community in the world, with over 250 million adherents, located largely in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Brought to America by missionaries, emigrants and political refugees, Orthodoxy has roughly three million members here, making it as large as the Episcopalian Church.
We invite you to “come and see” – to learn more about the ancient and unchanging faith that is the principal glory and joy of our community! Who knows? You could find that this community is your community!
- You may call our church at (585) 244-1976 to schedule a meeting with our parish priest, or for a tour of the church facility.
- Please consider joining us on Sunday mornings for Divine Liturgy, starting at 10:00 (9:00 during July and August).
- During our annual Greek Fest (late August each year), church tours are offered several times a day.
- A series of four inquirer’s classes are held each year following the Greek Fest – check our Calendar for upcoming dates. Anyone interested in exploring Orthodox Christianity are invited to attend.
- The iconography of our church can provide much useful information about Orthodox theology, worship and practice.
We recommend the following books, if you would like more in-depth information about the Orthodox Church. These can be purchased on-line or in our parish bookstore on Sunday mornings.
The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware
The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware
Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective by Daniel B. Clendenin
Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition by James R. Payton Jr.
