Is it possible for a church to be non-canonical? Here we are at Igreja Catolica Apostolica Ortodoxa do Brasil. It is one of a number of churches in Brazil that call themselves Orthodox, but are not in communion with the Orthodox Church. They are not in communion with Oriental Orthodox Churches or Veterocalendarist Synods.
Let’s delve deeper into the world of Orthodox Christianity in Brazil. Its story began with immigrants arriving in the late 19th century. Many were of Arab origin. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in São Paulo in 1897. By 2010, Brazil was home to over 130000 Orthodox Christians.
Orthodox churches in Brazil fall under various jurisdictions. These include the Patriarchates of Antioch. Also the Russian and the Ecumenical Patriarchates. Further churches include Polish and Serbian. Until 2007, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad also had a presence. A schism occurred when it united with the Moscow Patriarchate.
The Antiochian Orthodox Church was the first to establish itself in Brazil. They celebrated their first Divine Liturgy in 1897. The first parish was the Igreja da Anunciação à Mãe de Deus. It was built in São Paulo in 1904 by the Syrian-Lebanese community.
The church’s history is complex. It involves various patriarchates and jurisdictions. The Vicariato Patriarcal do Rio de Janeiro is subordinate to the See of Antioch. It is not subject to the Archdiocese of São Paulo and Todo o Brasil. The current patriarchal vicar is Bishop Teodoro Gandur.
Other Orthodox communities exist. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and South America has churches in Rio de Janeiro. The Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of South America also has a presence. It is subject to the Patriarch of Constantinople.
The Igreja Ortodoxa da Polônia also ministers to parishes in Rio de Janeiro. These parishes have Brazilian clergy and faithful. These members are converts or descendants of Orthodox families. The Igreja Sérvia is represented by parishes under the Diocese of Buenos Aires.
Not all Orthodox churches in Brazil are in communion with each other. Veterocalendarist churches maintain Orthodox dogmas. However they reject the revised Julian calendar. They are not in communion with churches that use it.
Some churches use the name Orthodox but are not canonical. These churches are not in communion with the Orthodox Church. Neither are they with the Oriental Orthodox Churches or Veterocalendarist Synods. The Igreja Catolica Apostolica Ortodoxa do Brasil is one such church.
Despite the complex history the Orthodox faith continues in Brazil. The faith has spread from its immigrant roots to Brazilians of all backgrounds. It shows the enduring appeal of this ancient Christian tradition. As we stand here at Igreja Catolica Apostolica Ortodoxa do Brasil, consider the many paths of faith. Think about how people seek spiritual connection in diverse ways.