Orthodox Churches in Iowa

Orthodox Christianity in Iowa

Iowa has 2 Orthodox Christian parishes and missions in this directory, present in 2 cities and towns. That is roughly 0.3% of the 627 listed parishes in the United States, which places Iowa at number 37 among every state by parish count.

Among the 2 parishes in Iowa that publish a founding year, the earliest is St. Nicholas Church in Pella, Iowa (2003), and the most recent community to be established is Holy Transfiguration Mission in Ames, Iowa (2013) — a span of Orthodox presence still growing through new mission parishes.

Jurisdictions and dioceses in Iowa

Orthodox parishes in Iowa are organised under the following dioceses. The jurisdiction matters in practice: it determines whether a parish keeps the Julian (Old) or Revised Julian calendar, and therefore the civil dates of Nativity, Theophany and the fixed feasts.

• Bulgarian Diocese1
• Diocese of the Midwest1

Cities in Iowa with Orthodox churches

• Ames · 1
• Pella · 1

Attending a service in Iowa

Visitors are welcome at any Orthodox parish. Services follow the liturgical day rather than a fixed programme, so check the daily Scripture readings, the fasting rule for that date, and the saint commemorated before you go. On Sundays the Divine Liturgy is normally in the morning, preceded by Orthros; on the eve of a great feast most parishes serve Vespers or a Vigil.

Frequently asked about Orthodox churches in Iowa

How many Orthodox churches are there in Iowa?

This directory lists 2 Orthodox Christian parishes and missions in Iowa, spread across 2 cities and towns. That is about 0.3% of the 627 listed parishes in the United States, making Iowa the number 37 state by parish count.

Which cities in Iowa have Orthodox parishes?

The cities with the most Orthodox parishes in Iowa are Ames, Pella. Every listing includes the street address, phone number where published, and a link to the parish website.

Which Orthodox jurisdictions serve Iowa?

Parishes in Iowa belong to 2 listed dioceses: Bulgarian Diocese (1), Diocese of the Midwest (1). Jurisdiction affects the liturgical calendar a parish follows, so check whether yours keeps the Julian (Old) or Revised Julian calendar before planning feast days.

What is the oldest Orthodox church in Iowa?

Of the parishes in this directory that publish a founding year, the earliest in Iowa is St. Nicholas Church in Pella, Iowa, founded 2003. The most recently founded is Holy Transfiguration Mission (2013).

How do I find Divine Liturgy times in Iowa?

Service times change with the liturgical season, so call the parish or open its website from the listing above. Use the daily Orthodox calendar on this site to see the feast, fasting rule and Scripture readings for the day you plan to attend.

Other states

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho

See the full USA Orthodox parish directory or the Canada directory.