Who are we?
The Convergent Catholic Connexion of St. Maria Skobtsova is a visible expression of our commitment to the convergence of ancient faith and living tradition. Rooted in the richness of the Byzantine Rite, our Connexion seeks to make manifest a truly American Orthodox Catholic witness—free from the confines of ethnic or national identities, yet deeply faithful to the Spirit-filled legacy of the undivided Church.
Inspired by the vision of Metropolitan Platon in 1927, who once dreamed of a unified and indigenous Orthodox presence in North America, we honor and renew that vision within the framework of Convergent Catholicism. While we do not claim lineage from the remnant bodies of the American Orthodox Catholic Church or its successor jurisdictions—and maintain no affiliation with so-called “canonical” bodies—we affirm the spirit of that early vision: to plant and nurture a tradition that speaks to the American soul with Eastern Christian depth, sacramental beauty, and Gospel-centered inclusion.
Guided by the witness of our patron, St. Maria Skobtsova—a theologian, monastic, mother, and martyr whose life bridged contemplation and action—we embrace a faith that is both mystical and practical. Her example calls us to a Eucharistic life rooted in justice, hospitality, and deep compassion for the suffering Christ in our neighbor.
As part of the broader Convergent Catholic Communion, the St. Maria Skobtsova Connexion offers a home for those called to Eastern Rite liturgy, theology, and praxis—without the burdens of jurisdictional competition or exclusion. We stand as an intentionally inclusive community, affirming the full dignity and participation of all people in the life of the Church. Our liturgical life is rooted in the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, expressed in English and shaped by the pastoral realities of our time and place.
Our History
The Connexion of St. Maria Skobtosva Chrysostom (CSMS) was formed under the Apostolic Authority of the Convergent Catholic Communion (CCC) under the Omophorion (Episcopal Protection) of His Beatitude, Metropolitan JOHN GREGORY on July 5, 2021.
As per the Metropolitan's proclamation, this Connexion was created by the intercession of the Holy Spirit to be “a hub for Eastern Rite Catholics that desire full participation in our communion yet wish to retain their Eastern traditions and customs.”
Connexional Eastern Catholicism
Unlike in more traditional Diocesan and Eparchial models found in mainline and canonical churches, our Communion does not assign episcopal oversight through geographic means. In June of 2021, our governing Councils approved a transition to a charism-based model. We chose to use ‘Connexion’ because it was an organizing form not historically tied to geography (like those listed above). As in early Methodism, our Connexions reflect a charism-based model (i.e., when Methodism was still part of the Church of England), with a key differentiation in our use of the historic episcopacy. In this form of governance, the fullness of the church (both lay and ordained) work in concert to achieve the work of Christ. Additionally, the term ‘Connexion’ further stresses the interconnectedness of the various parts of our Communion.
Why We Call Ourselves "Catholic" Rather Than "Orthodox"
At the Convergent Catholic Connexion of Maria Skobtsova, we honor the fullness of the Church’s ancient faith—a faith that is at once catholic and orthodox. So why do we choose “Catholic” as the name we lead with?
The word catholic (from the Greek katholikos, meaning “universal” or “according to the whole”) is the name used by the early Church Fathers in the Nicene Creed, when they confessed belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” This name speaks not simply of institutional belonging but of a universal, inclusive communion—a Church that transcends geography, ethnicity, and culture, gathering all people into Christ’s Body.
While “Orthodox” beautifully proclaims right belief and true worship, it historically became associated with a particular branch of Christianity after the East-West schism. We hold deep respect for the Orthodox tradition, and our theology, liturgy, and spirituality are enriched by its beauty and wisdom. Yet we believe that “Catholic” better captures the breadth of our identity—a Church committed to the wholeness of the faith, reaching across historical divisions to embrace the fullness of Christ’s Gospel.
We also recognize that the name “Christian” was first given externally, as Acts 11:26 tells us: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” While we joyfully claim the name Christian, we find that the early Church, through its Creed, intentionally described itself as catholic—a universal communion anchored in apostolic faith.
Today, we call ourselves Catholic because:
-
We are rooted in the ancient, apostolic faith of the undivided Church
-
We embrace a universal communion that values diversity without division
-
We are committed to creating an inclusive spiritual home for those who have felt excluded by institutional churches
-
We seek to practice a catholicity that welcomes the marginalized, uplifts the oppressed, and bridges divides
-
We are building a Church that is both ancient and contemporary, honoring tradition while engaging the realities of the modern world
We see “Catholic” not as a denominational label but as a vision of wholeness—a Church open to all who seek Christ, committed to justice, mercy, and reconciliation. We remain joyfully connected to the Orthodox tradition, the Catholic tradition, and the broader Christian family, offering a convergent space where ancient faith and modern inclusivity meet.
In calling ourselves Catholic, we affirm our identity as a Church with open doors, open hearts, and open hands—welcoming all into the universal love of God.
Our Ministries
We offer online as well as in-person worship services at multiple mission plants throughout the United States. It is our fervent prayer that our ministry will continue to grow and serve our communities in peace, health, and happiness.
Eastern Rite Missions & Parishes
Our Leaders
His Beatitude, the Most Reverend Metropolitan JOHN GREGORY serves our Connexion as Eparch, assisted by Archpriest COLUMBA.
the Most Reverend Metropolitan
JOHN GREGORY
(Kenneth von Folmar)
Connexional Eparch
the Very Reverend Archpriest
COLUMBA
(Kevin Daugherty)
the Reverend Canon
IAKOVOS ATHANOSIOS
(Jake Miller)
Vocations
Our Members
The Episcopate (Order of Bishops)
Metropolitan JOHN GREGORY (Kenneth) von Folmar - Eparch (Glendale, AZ)
The Presbyterate (Order of Priests)
the Very Rev. Father COLUMBA (Kevin Daugherty)- Archpriest (Phoenix, AZ)
the Rev. AGAPIOS (Thomas) Artist (Chapmanville, WV)
the Rev. Canon IAKOVOS ATHANASIOS (Jake) Miller (Phoenix, AZ)
the Rev. Presbyter MAXIM (Davi) Hayes (Frederick, MD)
SOLOMON'S PORCH
Phoenix, Arizona
Cathedral Parish
ST. THOMAS WELLER ECM
Chapmanville, WV
Mission Plant
Become a Member
All applicants must submit an application and pass a background check prior to being considered for membership. Each applicant will be interviewed by Archpriest Basil and may be interviewed by Bishop John Gregory . During this consideration period, our leaders review their findings and make a decision for membership. During deliberations, a decision is made in light of the Ordained Ministry Candidate Standards as adopted by our Bishops Council. The candidate may expect a determination to be made within 60 days of receiving the application. If membership is approved, additional training may be assigned to the new member. All new members are admitted as provisional members for a period determined by the Bishop, with approval from the Presiding Bishop. For those located outside of the United States, your application will only be consider if there are independent methods for verifying the information submitted.
The key to attaining membership in our Communion is found in building meaningful relationships with our members and leaders. You can begin that process now by joining our Facebook Group.
All applicants are required to complete a criminal background check, including a check of the US Department of Justice Sexual Offender Registry.
Your application will not be considered until this item is completed. The cost of the background check is approximately $26.95 (Basic Package) and can be accessed above.