Orthodox Church in America Publishes Service in Thanksgiving to Almighty God on the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America

The Orthodox Church in America has published a new Service of Thanksgiving to Almighty God on the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America in response to the Holy Synod of Bishops ’ Statement on the Occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America , issued during the Holy Synod’s Spring 2026 Session .

Prepared for use throughout the anniversary year, the service is offered to the dioceses, parishes, monasteries, seminaries, and institutions of the Orthodox Church in America as a means of giving thanks to Almighty God for His abundant blessings and providential care, while also praying for the continued well-being of the nation and all who dwell within it.

The service booklet includes the Holy Synod’s statement marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. In that statement, the Holy Synod called upon the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America to observe this historic milestone through prayer, gratitude, repentance, charitable works, and renewed dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The text of the service itself has been adapted from a service published by the Orthodox Church in America in 1976 on the occasion of the bicentennial of…