Explosive growth of Orthodoxy in the U.S.: in one PCA diocese, more than 1,100 people are preparing to be baptized

In the United States, there has been an unprecedented increase in interest in the Orthodox faith. Helleniscope reports that in the Midwestern diocese of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) alone, there are currently more than 1,100 oath-takers preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation.

According to an official statement from the diocese, this phenomenon is part of the «amazing growth» of Orthodoxy in America and other diaspora countries that has been increasingly reported on in recent years by both church and secular media. One of the fastest growing communities has been the parish of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. James, Missouri. Many parishes have already welcomed hundreds of people into the fold of the Church, but the number of people wishing to join the community continues to grow.

Right now, during the season of Lent, the ovangelized are undergoing intensive spiritual training. «The desire of these men and women to embrace the fullness of the Christian faith is a sign of hope and renewal for the whole Church,» noted representatives of the diocese. Clergy and parishioners are urged to intensify prayers for those preparing for full reunion with the Church on the feast of Holy Pascha.