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Religion in America Before European colonization, Native Americans (Indians of different groups, as well as Eskimos) adhered to the various local cults. Among the many Indian nations retained totemic beliefs. Prominent role played by the magical views. There was also a belief in some impersonal force, reminiscent of the Melanesian mana. However, the most characteristic of pre-Columbian America was a belief in souls and spirits. Considerable widespread among the Indians of the cult of nature, the various cults associated with their business activities, as well as ancestor worship. In Native American peoples who created the class societies (Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, etc.), there were higher forms of religious beliefs. Among the spirits and deities have to distinguish between higher and lower. Much development has been the priesthood. From the time of European colonization (r is the end of the XV century.) In America has been slowly penetrating Christianity. In Central and South America, where most were active Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors, Christianity penetrated in the form of Catholicism in North America is under the control of the British, French and Dutch, along with Catholicism and Protestantism are being introduced. Currently, the vast majority of American Christians. In South America, Catholics predominate. They are the majority population in all countries except the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), where common Protestantism, as well as Guyana and Suriname, distinguished by the variety of religious composition. Catholicism is the main religion as in all the countries of Central America and Mexico. In the West Indies from island to island religious composition varies considerably. In countries that formerly belonged to Spain and France (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, etc.), as well as in the present French colonies (Guadeloupe, Martinique), most people adhere to Catholicism, in the same long-Naho divshihsya under the domination of Great Britain (Jamaica, Barbados, etc.), the bulk of the inhabitants - the Protestants.

The unofficial name - the American Orthodox Church. Autocephalous Church of America, not recognized by all Orthodox Churches.

The question of the special status of Orthodox parishes in North America rose more in the beginning of the XX century Archbishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Tikhon (Bellaavinym), the future Patriarch of All Russia. In its proposals for the Presence Preconciliar he proposed to convert the existing North American diocese in the Exarchate. It was connected with what is actually in the diocese run by the Russian Church parishes were other Orthodox churches - Syrian, Serbian, Greek, etc., which naturally leads to the canonical controversy. The idea of granting broad autonomy support in 1916 and Archbishop Evdokim (Meshchersky). But this question has remained unresolved since the October Revolution in Russia in 1917 the leadership of the diocese are having problems communicating with the church authorities in Moscow. In 1927 the Orthodox Church in America headed by Platon Rozhdestvensky headed for independence, severing relations with both the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.

In 1947, the Moscow Patriarchate has made an attempt to bring back under its jurisdiction so-called North American metropolis, but the management refused to meet the metropolis, after which the Synod of the Orthodox Church has imposed its ban on priestly hierarchy. April 9, 1970 the ban was lifted, communication is restored. The next day, the Orthodox Church in America was granted autocephaly. In the jurisdiction of the ROC were 44 parishes, united in the Patriarchal parishes in the United States.

Non-canonical religious organization, known by the name of "Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in America", was proclaimed in the beginning. 1934 by the former priest of the Patriarchate of Constantinople Christopher (Kontogeorgiosom). Despite its name, "Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria" had no relation to the Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Moreover, the activities of the priest Christopher did not have the endorsement of its immediate high priesthood and had a divisive character.

February 10, 1934 Christopher Priest (Kontogeorgios) non-canonical way was ordained, "the archbishop Pontikopeyskogo". It was attended by the Primate to ordain "American Orthodox Catholic Church," "Bishop" Sophronius (Bishara) and the hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Albania Duressky Metropolitan Theophan (Noli).

The head of the Orthodox Church in America, led the celebration in Moscow in honor of the 15th anniversary of the opening of the representative of the Church. Metropolitan Jonah of All America, who arrived in the Russian capital, made the night before a festive all-night vigil in the courtyard. It is located in the heart of Russian capital in the temple on Ordynka Catherine the Great. Today, he and the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill performs solemn liturgy, ITAR-TASS reported.

U.S. Compound in Moscow provides a spiritual connection between the two continents. At the anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York September 11 memorial services are here to attend the diplomatic corps of the U.S. Embassy in Russia. Compound is a center for the dissemination of humanitarian and charitable assistance from Orthodox Americans. Here - the only place in Moscow, where you can buy the Orthodox theological literature and video in English. Young parishioners involved in the art studio.

Non-canonical religious organization, known by the name of "Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in America", was proclaimed in the beginning. 1934 by the former priest of the Patriarchate of Constantinople Christopher (Kontogeorgiosom). Despite its name, "Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria" had no relation to the Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Moreover, the activities of the priest Christopher did not have the endorsement of its immediate high priesthood and had a divisive character.

February 10, 1934 Christopher Priest (Kontogeorgios) non-canonical way was ordained, "the archbishop Pontikopeyskogo." It was attended by the Primate to ordain "American Orthodox Catholic Church," "Bishop" Sophronius (Bishara) and the hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Albania Duressky Metropolitan Theophan (Noli).

Archbishop Christopher (Kontogeorgios) with the followers of the Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in America