The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania is a Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America. 

The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

The Orthodox Church in America traces its roots to 1794, when eight Orthodox missionaries arrived in Kodiak, Alaska, bringing the Christian faith to native Alaskans. The mission expanded under key figures like Father John Veniaminov (St. Innocent), who translated Scripture into native dialects. By the early 1900s, Orthodox communities across North America, initially established by immigrants, unified under a single diocese. However, following the Russian Revolution, ties with the Russian Orthodox Church were severed, leading to a more independent North American Orthodox Church.

In 1970, the OCA, formerly known as the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America, achieved autocephaly (administrative independence) from the Russian Church, marking a significant milestone in its history. The OCA now encompasses parishes across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with a strong commitment to Orthodox unity in North America. It participates in pan-Orthodox initiatives and serves as a full member of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. The Church continues to grow, with many parishes serving non-ethnic communities and conducting services primarily in English.

The Orthodox Church in America operates as a self-governing, "autocephalous" body, which means it has the authority to elect its own Primate, or presiding hierarch, without requiring approval or ratification from any external ecclesiastical body. This independence is foundational to the OCA’s mission of maintaining autonomy while promoting unity within the Orthodox Christian community across North America. His Eminence Archbishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania was elected as the 7th Primate of the OCA at the 17th All-American Council in 2012. He was enthroned on January 27, 2013, at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

As the Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presides over the Holy Synod of Bishops, the Church's highest canonical authority, guiding its decisions on doctrinal, liturgical, and administrative matters. The Metropolitan serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Synod, and in his absence, a Chairman is elected from among the diocesan bishops present. In addition to presiding over Synod meetings, Metropolitan Tikhon performs essential functions such as consecrating Holy Chrism and providing spiritual guidance to the faithful. His leadership plays a crucial role in advancing the OCA's mission of preserving its independence while fostering greater Orthodox unity in North America.

The Holy Synod of Bishops consists of all the diocesan bishops within the OCA, including His Eminence Archbishop Mark, and serves as the governing body of the Church. It makes decisions on doctrinal, liturgical, and administrative matters, ensuring that the Church’s actions align with its spiritual and canonical responsibilities. The Metropolitan, as Chairman, guides the Synod's work, promoting unity and coherence in the Church’s decisions. If the Metropolitan is absent, the Synod elects a temporary Chairman from among the diocesan bishops. This collaborative structure reflects the OCA’s commitment to inclusive leadership and democratic principles, ensuring that decisions are made with broad representation and unity.

The OCA is committed to the unity of Orthodox Christianity across North America and actively participates in various pan-Orthodox initiatives. It supports and collaborates with organizations like International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and the Orthodox Christian Education Commission. Through these partnerships, the OCA works to promote the teachings of Orthodoxy, serve those in need, and strengthen the bonds of unity among Orthodox Christians in North America. Additionally, the OCA engages with Orthodox media and communications outlets to ensure the Church’s message reaches a broader audience. The OCA’s continued emphasis on unity, mission, and outreach reflects its dedication to living out the canonical principles of a single, united Church within the geographic boundaries of North America.

To learn more, visit oca.org.