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In a larger sense, lay activists say the ongoing dispute is alienating rank-and-file parishioners. They also fear that concentrating power in Istanbul will stymie eventual plans for a self-governing Orthodox jurisdiction that would bind together the nine major ethnic Orthodox churches in the United States.

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America approved its own autonomy July 16. The vote in Pittsburgh preserves most decision-making in the United States but allows some input by the Syria-based mother church.

Marudas said his church runs the risk of being shut out from an eventual united church. "The concern is that the Greek Orthodox not be left behind," he said.

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In February, Weblog covered a lawsuit regarding the unification: Weblog: Greek Orthodox Group Power Battle Goes to Court | American Greek Orthodox sue archdiocese

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has news and events and Scripture readings.

More Christianity Today articles about Eastern Orthodoxy are available on our website.

Again Magazine, published by the publishing arm of The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, devoted a recent issue to the subject of self-rule.

Orthodox Christian Laity has questions and answers about unification and self-government.

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Diocese has information about its work and unification.

The Orthodox Church in America has information about its activities.

If you're unfamiliar with the Orthodox world, our sister publication, Christian History & Biography, devoted an issue to Eastern Orthodoxy.

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July (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48