Ten years ago the end of one
journey brought 2,000 American Christians to the
beginning of another. In a bold move, Metropolitan
PHILIP warmly received the 17 parishes of the
Evangelical Orthodox Church (EOC) into the Antiochian
Archdiocese. He told them, "Welcome home,"
and he commissioned them to bring all of America
home to the holy Orthodox faith. Since then, those
17 parishes have grown in size and devotion to
God, and more than 50 additional churches and
missions have been planted in the Antiochian Archdiocese
alone.
Highlights of the EOC's journey to Orthodoxy,
and of their chrismations were captured in a
short documentary video: "Welcome Home."
This video has become one of the most remarkable
and moving oureach tools used by all Orthodox
jurisdictions of the English-speaking world!
Thousands have seen this video, and the EOC's
pilgrimage has inspired many American Protestants
and Roman Catholics along the same path.
With the blessing of Metropolitan PHILIP, the
St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology
has made plans to produce a sequel to "Welcome
Home." The new video "Come Home, America,"
will chronicle the growth of the former EOC
within the Antiochian Archdiocese, and will
explore its impact on the Church and on America.
Former EOC members and others will reflect on
their decision to become Orthodox, and talk
about how their lives have changed as Orthodox
Christians.
Most importantly, the video will proclaim a
new call for all of America to explore and embrace
ancient Christianity -- the faith of Peter and
Paul.
Now, as part of our fundraising drive to
help produce the new video, we are selling copies
of the 1987 video, "Welcome Home,"
for just $19.95. All proceeds will go toward
that production.
