Distance shouldn’t keep you from Orthodoxy. That’s the short answer. But let’s talk about what “too far” means and what your options are.
There’s no magic number. The Church doesn’t say “thirty miles is fine but forty is too much.” People drive different distances depending on where they live. Out here in Southeast Texas, someone in Jasper or Silsbee might face an hour’s drive. Someone working offshore might be gone for weeks. The question isn’t really about miles, it’s about how you stay connected to the Church when geography makes things hard.
Go to the nearest Orthodox parish
If there’s another Orthodox church closer to you than St. Michael’s, go there. We’re talking about Greek Orthodox, OCA, Russian, Serbian, whatever canonical Orthodox parish is nearest. Yes, the languages might be different. The coffee hour might serve different food. But it’s the same faith, the same sacraments, the same Church.
This isn’t betraying St. Michael’s or the Antiochian Archdiocese. We’re all Orthodox. A Greek Orthodox priest can hear your confession just as well as an Antiochian one. The Eucharist at an OCA parish is the same Body and Blood. If you’re an inquirer, introduce yourself to that priest and tell him you’re learning about Orthodoxy. He’ll help you.
Some folks feel weird about this because they started their journey at St. Michael’s or because they like the Antiochian approach. That’s fine, you can still consider yourself connected to St. Michael’s and visit when you can. But don’t skip Liturgy for months because the “right” parish is two hours away when there’s an Orthodox church twenty minutes down the road.
Make the drive when you can
If St. Michael’s is the nearest Orthodox parish and it’s far, come when you’re able. Some people make it every Sunday. Others come twice a month. A guy working a rotating shift at the refinery might make it once a month during certain rotations and not at all during others.
That’s not ideal, but it’s reality. The Church has always had people in hard circumstances. Talk to the priest about your situation. He’s not going to tell you that missing Liturgy is no big deal, because it is a big deal. But he’ll work with you. He’ll help you figure out what’s possible and how to stay connected when you can’t be there.
If you’re still an inquirer and not yet Orthodox, the distance question matters differently. You need instruction. You need to build a relationship with a parish community. That’s harder to do from far away, but people manage it. You might come for Liturgy when you can and meet with the priest before or after. You might do some reading and learning on your own between visits. Ancient Faith has podcasts and articles that can help fill in gaps.
What about becoming Orthodox?
You can’t become Orthodox by yourself at home. Baptism and chrismation happen in a parish, with a priest, in the context of the Church’s life. So if you’re serious about joining the Church, you’ll need to work out how to connect with a parish even if it’s far.
That might mean making the drive to St. Michael’s regularly for a season while you’re being catechized. It might mean connecting with a closer Orthodox parish of another jurisdiction and being received there, then transferring to St. Michael’s later if circumstances change. Talk to a priest about what makes sense.
The Antiochian Archdiocese has people who can help figure this out. If you’re in a really remote situation, they might know of mission efforts or visiting clergy in your area. They might connect you with resources for distance learning. Don’t assume you’re stuck just because the nearest parish is far.
Keep a prayer rule at home
This matters whether you’re far from church or not, but it matters more when you can’t get to services often. Get an Orthodox prayer book. Learn the morning and evening prayers. Keep the fasts as best you can. Read the Gospels. This isn’t a substitute for the Liturgy and the sacraments, but it keeps you connected to the rhythm of Orthodox life when you’re not physically in church.
Fr. Thomas Hopko used to say that the Christian life is about showing up. Sometimes showing up means driving an hour each way. Sometimes it means praying at home when you can’t make the drive. Both matter.
The Church is worth the drive
Here’s the thing. If you’ve encountered Orthodoxy and recognized it as the Church Christ founded, distance is an obstacle but not a dealbreaker. People have always traveled for the faith. The Liturgy is worth getting up early for. The Eucharist is worth the gas money. Community with other Orthodox Christians is worth the effort.
But be realistic about what you can sustain. A two-hour drive each way every single Sunday might not be sustainable long-term, especially with kids or work schedules. Figure out what’s actually possible, talk to a priest, and go from there. The Church has been dealing with geography for two thousand years. You’re not the first person to face this, and there’s wisdom available to help you navigate it.
