Saint Andrew's Orthodox Church

The 250th Anniversary of the United States of America

Issued at the 2026 Spring Session of the Holy Synod of Bishops April 30, 2026

To the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. GIVING THANKS TO GOD FOR THIS LAND

As the United States of America marks the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its founding, we, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, raise our hearts and voices in gratitude to God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, Who in His inscrutable providence has planted His Holy Church in this land and caused her to take root, grow, and flourish.

Recent sermons:

Fr. John’s sermon on Sunday June 28, 2026

Memory eternal: +Barbara Drillock

With sadness but with hope in the Resurrection, we share the news that +Barbara Drillock fell asleep in the Lord this morning, June 9, 2026. Barbara is the wife of Reader David, and many of us have come to know them as last year they relocated to a new home near St. Andrew’s, and have been attending services and singing in the choir at our parish. Shortly after Pascha, Barbara’s illnesses increased and she began hospice care. Fr. John was able to visit her on Sunday evening to pray with her and anoint her with Holy Unction.

Holy Pentecost: The Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit

Blessed art Thou O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fisherman as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit! Through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net! O Lover of man, glory to Thee!

–Troparion of the feast

The Feast of the Ascension

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!

– Troparion of the Feast

We will celebrate this feast with the Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 PM. See our full schedule.