Genuine Orthodox Church of America
The Genuine Orthodox Church of America (GOCA) is an independent Old Calendarist jurisdiction based in Buena Vista, Colorado, which sees itself as the only legitimate Orthodox church in America. It is not in communion with any Orthodox body. However, it has in the past claimed to maintain communion with the Genuine Orthodox Church of Greece, headed by Abp. Makarios of Athens. Both Archbishop Makarios himself and his synod have repeatedly stated in official documents that they have no association whatsoever with this group. The GOAC is headed by Abp. Gregory (George) of Denver.
The GOAC was formed out of a group originally under the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, which later joined one of the Greek Old Calendarist jurisdictions (1995), followed by the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church (ROAC) (2000), and is now independent following the ROAC's deposition and excommunication of Abp. Gregory (2004).[1][2] With its history of being a part of various jurisdictions, the Genuine Orthodox Church of America tends to be in a constant state of hostility toward its former affiliations.
The jurisdiction's bishop, Gregory (George) of Denver (born an Antiochian), who was consecrated to the episcopacy in the ROAC, claims to be "the only hierarch in the United States who has remained free of any communion or union with this heresy of Ecumenism who has valid apostolic succession," and thus claims "to be truly canonical."[3]
The jurisdiction is supported mainly by profits from the iconography and publishing work of its two monastic centers, Dormition Skete and Holy Apostles Convent, both in Buena Vista.
References
- ↑ ROAC: Protocol № 48 July 2/15, 2004, accessed 28 July 2007
- ↑ ROAC: Ukaz № 130
- ↑ Genuine Orthodox Church of America: History & Canonicity, accessed 28 July 2007
External links
- Official website
- Other GOCA websites
