How the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church works to spread Western Rite Christianity in the United States

 By Mor Abdiel Theophorus Tikhon, Bishop of the Diocese of Florida

Abstract

There are many different ethnic jurisdictions of Orthodox churches in the United States, but the Orthodox Church of America-Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (OCA-UAOC) stands out as the best place to find Western Rite Orthodoxy that is true to itself. This article looks at the history of the OCA-UAOC, its autocephalous position, and its dedicated Western Rite Vicariate. It makes the case that the OCA-UAOC is the best choice for Western Rite practitioners in the United States because it is independent, adaptable to different cultures, and devoted to pre-Schism Western traditions. By comparing it to other groups, like the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, this study shows that the OCA-UAOC is better at promoting an authentically American Orthodox identity while also protecting the ancient Western liturgical heritage.

Introduction

Western Rite Orthodoxy is an important part of the Eastern Orthodox faith because it connects the ancient undivided Church to current Western culture. It includes ritual practices from Western rites that came before the Schism of 1054, which have been changed to fit Orthodox theology and church history. Examples include the Liturgy of St. Gregory the Great, Saint Tikhon's or Sarum usages. By adding Western Rites, non-Byzantine Christians can become Orthodox without giving up their liturgical tradition. This is especially true in the United States, where Orthodox communities often reflect racial backgrounds.

The Orthodox Church of America-Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (OCA-UAOC) is the Apostolic Orthodox Church's leader in the United States at this time. Its history goes back to the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church's 1924 Tomos of Autocephaly. This area is run by Metropolitan Archbishop +MARTIN and has a dedicated Western Rite Vicariate that puts a lot of value on its Catholic faith and purpose. This article argues that the OCA-UAOC is the best way to practice Western Rite Orthodoxy in the United States because it is historically true, has a concentrated vicariate structure, and is flexible enough to fit American conditions.

Western Rite Orthodoxy and the History of the OCA-UAOC

The OCA-UAOC began as the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC), which set up its own independent church identity based in the Kyiv Metropolitanate after becoming autonomous in 1924. As a local, autonomous Orthodox Church, the OCA-UAOC brings the Ukrainian Orthodox heritage to people who have left Ukraine and now live in the United States. The goal of setting up this autocephaly was to keep it separate from Russian control. The OCA-UAOC stresses its ties to early 20th-century autonomous groups and claims a unique Ukrainian ancestry. This is different from the main Orthodox Church in America (OCA), which received autonomy from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1970.

Western Rite Orthodoxy, on the other hand, is not a new idea but rather a renewal of old traditions. Before the Great Schism in 1054, the Church as a whole used a lot of different practices, some of which were Western styles like the Sarum, Gallican, Celtic, and Roman rites. Every one of these Divine Liturgies were always united in their faith and led by the Holy Spirit. In the 1800s and 1900s, famous people pushed for these traditions to be brought back into Orthodoxy in order to help Western Christians return to the Orthodox Church. The Western Rite Vicariate of the OCA-UAOC is an important part of this restoration.

The main benefits of the OCA-UAOC for Western Rite Expression

1. Independent self-reliance and an American view

One of the best things about the OCA-UAOC is that it is autocephalous, which means that it can adapt to American life without being directly watched by patriarchates in other countries. The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese is still under the Patriarchate of Antioch, or ROCOR, which is connected to the Moscow Patriarchate. The OCA-UAOC, on the other hand, is a truly American church. Its existence around the world, especially in Michigan, USA, under Metropolitan +MARTIN, shows that its freedom lets it prioritize Western Rite goals. This freedom lets people be creative in their religious practices and makes sure that Western Rites are seen as equal expressions of Orthodoxy, not as inferior to Byzantine standards.

2. Committed to the Western Rite Vicariate and On Purpose

The Western Rite Vicariate of the OCA-UAOC is made up of groups like the Holy Face of Jesus Skete and the Little Brothers & Sisters of Jesus of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Its main jobs are to give Western Christians a place in Orthodoxy and prove that the Church is Catholic. This vicariate helps with both public and private services, such as the Western Rite Mass and Divine Liturgy. It is also possible to help missionary churches that use Western Rites, like the ones in the Philippines. Instead, the Antiochian Vicariate is made up of about twenty congregations, but it works within a larger Byzantine context that might make it more difficult for the Western Rite to grow. The OCA-UAOC's targeted approach makes sure that Western Rites are an important part of its character and not just on the edges or a stepping stone to the Byzantine Rite, which is what the other jurisdictions have become.

3. Trust in Faith and History

The OCA-UAOC supports the return of Western Rites as a way to bring the church back together, as it was before the Schism. They do this by using decrees that allow Western Christians to be accepted while still supporting the Orthodox faith. In order to help converts who find Eastern rites tough, it includes routines that keep well-known traditions alive, such as vesting and private services. This dedication is also shown in educational programs that change the lessons to fit Western practices while still following Orthodox rules. The OCA-UAOC is a better choice for people who want to show themselves in a truly Western way, as other groups, like the mainstream OCA, do not have any Western Rite churches.

4. Comparative Superiority Over Other Jurisdictions

Even though the Antiochian Archdiocese was the first in North America to restore the Western Rite, its foreign ties could keep it from becoming completely Americanized. The ROCOR Western Rite congregations are smaller, and the bigger Orthodox society sometimes looks askance at them. There are other groups that aren't connected to the UAOC, but the OCA-UAOC is more connected to the UAOC's past with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, so it is seen as more legitimate. Its focus on purpose and unity is also in line with the Church's spiritual calling. This makes it perfect for promoting Western Rite Orthodoxy in the diverse United States.

That being said

The Orthodox Church of America-Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church is the best example of the Western Rite in the United States. It is autocephalous, has a committed vicariate, and works hard to restore past events. The OCA-UAOC brings people of different races and backgrounds together and supports a truly American Orthodoxy by giving Western Christians a place that fits their culture while still being an Orthodox Catholic. It gives us the best way to practice the old faith in modern Western ways, and it guarantees that the Church is open to everyone, for both practitioners and scholars.