Christian media outlet theDove featured Priest Peter Runyon in a discussion about the surge of interest in Orthodox Christianity and other topics. Father Peter made an appearance on theDove TV’s Focus Today with host Perry Atkinson earlier this fall.
Watch the full interview below.
Atkinson asked Fr. Peter about the growth at Fr. Peter’s parish, Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church in Ashland, OR.
“[We’re seeing] a lot of young people coming in, middle-aged people,” said Fr. Peter. “It's a pretty broad demographic, but we're seeing probably the largest group are young people coming in. ... Our parish has been growing phenomenally. We're outgrowing our space.”
Fr. Peter also spoke more generally about the significant increase in seekers and catechumens seen in Orthodox parishes nationally and globally, and he also discussed other topics related to the Orthodox faith including liturgy, icons, and confession.
The Rev. Peter Runyon is a priest of the Orthodox Church in America. He graduated from St. Vladimir’s Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in 2021. In addition to his ministry as rector of Archangel Gabriel, he is a member of Seminary staff, serving as Systems Engineer.
Fr. Peter and Matushka Sophia after Divine Liturgy on the day of the Seminary’s commencement exercises in May 2021.
