About the Webmaster

I am a convert to Orthodoxy from a varied Protestant background (in the final stages, "Reformed Episcopalian") and a Reader in the Orthodox Church. I am a member of the Serbian Orthodox Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church in The Dalles, Oregon. (The material on this site, however, is not associated with any particular jurisdiction. Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox— it is all the same Faith.)

My academic credentials include a B. S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U. S. Naval Academy and a Licentiate in Orthodox Theological Studies from the Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies. I am also the author of The Non-Orthodox: The Orthodox Teaching on Christians Outside of the Church, published by Regina Orthodox Press (1999), and in Romania in 2005.

I started this Web site in early 1996. With no small amount of help from numerous supporters — both clergy and lay people — the OCIC has grown to be one of the most popular and complete Orthodox sites on the Internet. According to Google Analytics, the site receives an average of over 33,000 "Absolute Unique Visitors" each month (as of March, 2008). Glory to God for all things!

If you think I have posted something that is not in keeping with the site's "Mission Statement" (on the Home page), please contact me and I will prayerfully consider your comments.

Please pray for the continued success of this Web site—for the Glory for of God—and for the salvation of my soul.

—Patrick Barnes