Pictured above (clockwise from top left):

The Very Reverend Fr. Thomas Zain, Dean,

St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral

Rev. Fr. John Vlahos, Dean,

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Greek Orthodox)

The Right Reverend Archimandrite Father Christopher Calin,

Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection (Orthodox Church in America)

Fr. Gregory Saroufeem,

St. Mary and St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Manhattan

Don't forget to wish "Happy Christmas" to Christians today - that is, to the hundreds of millions of Orthodox Christians in the world who celebrate Christmas on January 7 (or in some cases, January 6). 

Orthodox Christianity is ancient - with some churches connecting their lineages back 2,000 years to particular disciples of Christ - and while various forms of Orthodox Christianity are prominent in Russia, Greece, Egypt, Syria and many other countries, there over a million followers in the United States, and around 200,000 here in New York City.

It is our NYC Orthodox Christian neighbors who are the focus of today's podcast episode, an interview with four leaders of communities in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  We learn from them how each community made its way into the United States, and settled in New York City, sometimes initially facing severe discrimination. 

We also examine the challenges the Orthodox Christian Churches face in New York when representing the history, tradition and values of an ancient faith, while ministering to people living in this modern, diverse city, and also welcoming new immigrants (and sometimes refugees) arriving with no familiarity with English language or American customs. 

This discussion is a rich and rewarding foray into Orthodox Christian life in New York City - so much so that we decided to present it in two parts.  Subscribe and watch your favorite podcatcher for the second episode to drop in a week or so, which will focus on the "sights and sounds" of Orthodox Christianity such as liturgical music, art and architecture - what you see & hear might be surprising!