| Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches | |
|---|---|
 Seal of the UCOC | |
| Abbreviation | UCOC |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Convergence |
| Polity | Episcopal |
| Structure | Communion |
| Archbishop | Emilio Alvarez |
| Region | International |
| Headquarters | Rochester, New York |
| Origin | 2019 |
| Congregations | 24 |
| Official website | theucoc.org |
TheUnion of Charismatic Orthodox Churches (UCOC) is apredominantly African American andHispanic/LatinoChristian denomination forming part of theConvergence Movement.[1] Established inPainted Post,New York, on July 31, 2019,[2] the UCOC describes itself as a union "embracing a multiplicity ofProtestant andcatholic expressions of worship and practice."[3] Most of its churches are located in theNorthern United States.
On July 31, 2019, the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches was formed inNew York State, with theEmilio Alvarez unanimously elected as interimprelate; on October 20, 2020 during its first synod, Alvarez was elected to lead the UCOC as itsprimate. In December 2020, Alvarez and the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches was hosted byArchbishop Elpidophoros of theGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.[4] In 2021, Alvarez was installed as thearchbishop and primate for the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches.[2]
As of 2020, the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches had approximately 24 churches spread throughout theNortheast United States.[5]
Within the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches, worship reflects the principles of theConvergence Movement. Its clergy dress investments andclerical garments, lead the faithful through the collect, and theEucharist.[5] Churches within the UCOC also follow a liturgical calendar;[6] accept theNicene,Apostles' andAthanasian creeds;[7] and worship has been structured with lessons from the1979Book of Common Prayer, alongsideEastern Orthodox andRoman Catholic liturgies.[8] In common with most Convergence Christian bodies except theCharismatic Episcopal Church, the UCOC affirms theordination of women.