Modern Missions

Modern Missions

In the Western world, Orthodox missions often focus on establishing parishes and building stable communities rather than primarily sending missionaries to entirely unreached people groups. A significant number of converts come from Protestant and Roman Catholic backgrounds, drawn by the ancient faith, unchanged liturgy, sacramental theology, and continuity with the early Church.

Jurisdictions such as the Orthodox Church in America and the Antiochian Archdiocese have emphasized making Orthodoxy accessible to English-speaking converts by translating services, catechizing converts, and planting mission parishes in regions without an established Orthodox presence.

At the same time, Orthodox missions continue globally through organizations such as the (OCMC), which sends clergy and lay missionaries to regions including Albania, Kenya, Indonesia, and Guatemala.

These missions typically aim to support existing Orthodox communities, establish new churches, train clergy, and provide humanitarian aid alongside evangelism.

The Orthodox approach to missions emphasizes the formation of eucharistic communities and the establishment of sacramental life rather than focusing solely on individual conversion. The goal is not simply to gain adherents, but to plant the full life of the Church wherever Orthodoxy takes root.