History of the Archangel Diocese

True Orthodox Church of the Diaspora

The Archangel Diocese stands as one of the historic centers of the True Orthodox Church of the Diaspora, rooted in the Old Calendar tradition and shaped by decades of pastoral labor, missionary work, and fidelity to the Holy Orthodox Faith. Its history is inseparable from the witness of its founding hierarch, His Eminence, Archbishop Philip, and the continued archpastoral leadership of His Eminence, Archbishop Alexios.

 

Foundations in the West (1970s–1980s)

The origins of the Archangel Diocese trace back to the missionary efforts of Archbishop Philip, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1972 and consecrated to the episcopacy in February 1977 in Los Angeles, California. During his early episcopal ministry, he established four parishes across Los Angeles County, laying the groundwork for a stable Old Calendar Orthodox presence on the West Coast.

His ministry was marked by a steadfast commitment to the patristic and canonical tradition, the integrity of the liturgical year, and the pastoral care of the faithful during a time of ecclesial fragmentation and confusion in the Orthodox world.

 

Relocation to the East Coast (1986)

In 1986, Archbishop Philip relocated to the East Coast, continuing his pastoral ministry while working in New York City. His move marked a new chapter in the life of the diocese, bringing the Old Calendar witness to the Mid‑Atlantic region.

During this period, he founded and built the Chapel of the Archangels in Weatherly, Pennsylvania—a humble yet spiritually vibrant center that would become the heart of the Archangel Diocese. The chapel quickly grew into a place of prayer, teaching, and community life for Orthodox Christians seeking traditional, uncompromised Orthodoxy.

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Growth, Ministry, and Community Service

Over the decades, the Archangel Diocese expanded its spiritual and charitable work. Among its notable contributions:

• Founding the Chapel of the Archangels, the spiritual home of the diocese

• Publishing The Voice, an Old Calendar Orthodox periodical (12 volumes, 66 issues)

• Co‑chairing the Archangels Memorial Park, a place of remembrance and prayer

• Leading Helping Hands Food Pantry, overseeing 28 food pantries in Carbon County

• Supporting families, the elderly, and the poor through ongoing charitable outreach

• Establishing mission communities and strengthening Orthodox identity in the region

These ministries reflect the diocese’s commitment to living the Gospel through service, compassion, and fidelity to the Orthodox way of life.

 

A Diocese Rooted in Tradition

Throughout its history, the Archangel Diocese has remained steadfast in:

• The Old (Julian) Calendar

• The patristic and canonical tradition

• The unbroken Apostolic Succession

• The integrity of Orthodox worship

• The witness of the New Martyrs and Confessors

This fidelity has shaped the diocese into a spiritual refuge for those seeking the fullness of the Orthodox faith in the modern world.

 

The Leadership of Archbishop Alexios

Under the archpastoral care of His Eminence, The Most Reverend Archbishop Alexios, the Archangel Diocese continues to grow in stability, clarity, and mission. Archbishop Alexios has strengthened the diocese through:

• Pastoral care for clergy and faithful

• Theological clarity in times of ecclesial confusion

• Preservation of the liturgical and ascetical life

• Charitable outreach and community service

• Teaching, writing, and catechetical formation

• Renewed connection with the broader True Orthodox Church of the Diaspora

His leadership ensures continuity with the legacy of Archbishop Philip while guiding the diocese into a new era of spiritual growth and ecclesial maturity.

A Living Witness in the Diaspora

Today, the Archangel Diocese stands as a beacon of traditional Orthodoxy—faithful to the Fathers, rooted in the Old Calendar, and committed to the pastoral and sacramental life of the Church. Through its parishes, missions, and ministries, the diocese continues to proclaim the Gospel, sanctify the faithful, and preserve the ancient faith for future generations.