The many Greek Orthodox churches, for the most part, are independent from each other, but are united under the same faith and spirituality.   In many of these churches, there are basic services available for members and followers.  Some of these services include marriage, baptism, confession, blessing, divorce, and funeral.  The churches operate under very similar beliefs and, if ever a situation rises, the universal episcopate discusses those beliefs.

Narrowing in on Astoria, Queens, one of the more highly concentrated areas of Greek culture, researchers and outsiders alike see that many Greek Orthodox churches exist.

One known church is the St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria.  In addition to the basic services mentioned before, the St. Demetrios Cathedral has other skill building programs and activities for the community.   For example, they have a sports team called GOYA.  Additionally, there is a charity organization which is part of the church known as Philoptohos.  Furthermore, both boy scout and girl scout programs, as well as sunday school classes are offered in this church1.

Image taken by: Lawrenzo Lue

The St. Demetrios Cathedral is only one of many Greek Orthodox churches offering a wide variety of services.  Find a list of other churches, along with their contact information here.