Second Episode of the Black American Experience on OCN

In this second installment, Fr. Samuel Davis speaks with Subdeacon Loveday Michael Okafor about effective outreach to communities that are currently underserved by Orthodox outreach in America, incorporating cultural traditions, how to create a truly welcoming parish, meaningful dialogue, tensions between African-American and African communities, and his observations as an experienced missionary in both the US and Nigeria. In the next episode, we'll speak with Rock Blackwell about his conversion to the Orthodox Church, his experiences as a Black husband and father, his life in the Church, and the rich history of Black Church traditions in the West. Subdeacon Loveday Okafor is the son of a priest with a lifelong dedication to service in the Church. He holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Lagos Nigeria, a certificate in Orthodox Theology from St. Stephen’s College of Orthodox Theology, and a Masters in Divinity from St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary.

The Black American Orthodox Experience is a program co-organized by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) which focuses on Orthodox missions in America—insights, challenges, and how we can reach (and are reaching) members of Black, Indigenous, and other communities with the Church of Jesus Christ. The goal is to feature honest and informative conversations about what the Great Commission looks like in modern America within a historical and cultural context.

To watch the second episode of this series please, click here: Subdeacon Loveday Okafor—Culture, Outreach and Welcome | The Black American Orthodox Experience - YouTube

The first episode is available here.