05/03/2026
Christianna Roy has been studying the Greek Orthodox Church, drawn by its emphasis on humility, worship and reverence.
“It wasn’t about me feeling good,” Roy said. “It was about humbling myself before Christ.”
Learning more about the Orthodox understanding of communion — known as the Eucharist — changed the way she viewed faith.
“I always grew up thinking it was symbolic,” she said. “Thinking about it as the literal body and blood of Christ who died for me was really powerful.”
Dean Athens, a member of Salt Lake City’s Greek Orthodox community who teaches adult education classes, said the church has seen a steady stream of newcomers in recent years — including many young adults.
Some began exploring the faith through family connections or marriage. Others arrived after researching early Christian history and discovering Orthodoxy’s connection to the ancient church.
“A lot of them start studying the early church fathers,” Athens said. “They see a direct link between the early church and the Orthodox Church today.”
“Christianity isn’t just a set of rules,” Athens said. “It’s an encounter with the living God. People are looking for wholeness. They see fragmentation in the world around them — politically, socially and culturally — and they want something that brings stability and healing.”
Even as fewer young Americans identify with religion, some leaders say members of Gen Z are exploring church, asking deeper spiritual questions and looking for purpose in their lives.
