Holy Protection Universalist Orthodox Community

Holy Protection Universalist Orthodox Community Holy Protection is an inclusive and affirming community practicing the ancient Eastern Orthodox Christian faith.

We welcome and and affirm all people regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Holy Protection is a growing affirming and inclusive Orthodox Christian community rooted in ancient Christian tradition and the radical love of Jesus Christ. We seek to be a sheltering veil for the vulnerable —especially those who have been harmed by or separated from traditional faith commun

ities—offering spiritual care, liturgy, and companionship on the margins. We are fully Eastern Orthodox in our practice, as well as in patrimony with our apostolic succession coming from the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. Although we are not part of mainline Orthodoxy, we practice the fullness of the ancient traditions of the Eastern Orthodox faith, without the judgement and exclusionary behaviors frequently found there. We believe that everyone is created in the image of God and that the human experience is far too beautiful and complex to be forced into ill-defined boxes. We hold fast to the ancient rhythms of prayer and sacrament while walking alongside the outcast, the q***r, the poor, and the wounded, bearing witness to the God who came in poverty to dwell in the wilderness. Through our ministry, we hope to unite all people who are searching for an inclusive and Orthodox home. We welcome you and hope that here, you may find rest.

02/12/2026
02/11/2026
Beloved in Christ,Some months ago, after much prayer, reflection, and wise counsel, I discerned that it was time for the...
08/04/2025

Beloved in Christ,

Some months ago, after much prayer, reflection, and wise counsel, I discerned that it was time for the ministry of Holy Protection to step away from the Convergent Catholic Communion (CCC). This decision was not made in haste, nor out of any conflict, but purely in the hope of better serving those whom God has entrusted to our care.

We give thanks for the season we spent within the CCC, and for the friendships and partnerships that continue even now. In particular, I am grateful to His Eminence Metropolitan John-Gregory, whose kindness and pastoral care have deeply shaped my own journey. The clergy of the CCC remain beloved colleagues and friends, and I am touched by their continued support and encouragement as we move forward in ministry.

This step of faith—while not without uncertainty—has created space for Holy Protection to grow into the ministry God is calling us to become. It is with great excitement that I share with you that Holy Protection has found a new ecclesial home.

Following months of prayerful conversation with Fr. Micah Lazarus of Saint Photini Universalist Orthodox Church and Bishop Kristina Rake of the Catholic Church in Exile, we are pleased to announce the revitalization of the Universalist Orthodox Church, originally founded by Metropolitan Olga in 2017. Holy Protection will now serve as a ministry within the Universalist Orthodox Church, under the omophorion of Her Excellency Bishop Kristina Rake, who has graciously accepted our request to serve as presiding bishop.

Bishop Rake has long supported our work, participating in the consecration of Metropolitan Olga, and her heart for unity, compassion, and inclusion reflects the very spirit of what we hope to build. Our shared vision is one of East and West walking side by side—not blended or diminished, but distinct and whole, allowing the Church once again to breathe with both lungs.

There is still much discernment ahead and many details to be thoughtfully and prayerfully ironed out, yet we all stand in the common purpose of spreading the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ to the Orthodox world and beyond.

Please keep Bishop Rake and Father Micah in your prayers as we walk forward together into this next chapter, and know that we carry each of you in ours as we move forward—always, always—with love.

Yours in Christ,

-Hilaria

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Glens Falls, NY
12801

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