“Responding to Racism: The Orthodox Witness in America” – Episode 4 

In commemoration of Black History Month, throughout the month of February, the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations will release a weekly video presented by Rev. Samuel Davis, acting rector of St. Simon of Cyrene Orthodox Mission in New Brunswick NJ of the Orthodox Church in America. Each episode will highlight one important leader of the Orthodox Church in the history of its presence in the country, a presence who broke through racial tensions and redefined Orthodox missionary work. This project proposes to share a message of hope and healing towards reconciliation. It was made possible by the generosity of The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund Inc. 

The fourth and final video in this series highlights Rev. Moses Berry, who has a remarkable vision of missionary work in America focusing on reconciliation. With his family roots beginning in slavery, Fr. Moses founded a black history museum and an Orthodox church, the Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” Orthodox Church, on his family land in Ash Grove, Missouri. The work that Fr. Moses has done and continues to do has inspired the lives of many people who joined their voices with gratitude. 

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8JRN2M-tNo 

The series is also available on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese YouTube channel.