USA: 250 years since the Declaration of Independence and the growing wave of conversions to Orthodoxytranslated

Every year on the 4th of July, the United States celebrates its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, which was adopted in 1776. The country's national holiday, known in English as “Independence Day” or “Fourth of July”, is traditionally accompanied by parades and impressive fireworks displays. In 2026, however, the celebration takes on special symbolism, as it marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the American state.

In this context, the Archbishop of America Mr. Elpidophoros issued a Circular for the 4th of July. Taking as a starting point the phrase of the Declaration, "we consider these truths to be self-evident", the Archbishop emphasizes that this year's anniversary concerns approximately ten generations of Americans. Some arrived in the country early and others immigrated much later, but, as he notes, all share "in the blessing of citizenship in this wonderful country."

Archbishop Elpidophoros acknowledges that there has never been a perfect country, society, empire or nation in history. But he points out that the United States has tried, through its generations, to remain faithful not only to the Declaration of Independence, but also to the principle that "life, liberty and...