On July 21, 2022, during the fourth meeting of the 20th All-American Council of clergy and laity of the OCA, Archbishop Michael (Dahulich) of New York and New Jersey made a statement on behalf of the Holy Synod regarding the continual rise of views on human sexual and gender identity, such that contrary to the view of Orthodox Christianity. This was reported on the OCA website.

“Quoting multiple Biblical passages, he emphasized that the Church teaches that God has created human beings as male and female — a reality that cannot be altered. Furthermore, human sexuality can only be blessed within a Christian marriage of one man with one woman. Archbishop Michael also cited previous official statements of the Orthodox Church in America and affirmations of pan-Orthodox statements as evidence that the teaching of the Church has not changed or can be contravened. He then warned that any clergy or laity who publish or teach opinions not aligned with Orthodoxy on human sexuality or gender identity will be disciplined. His Eminence received a standing ovation from the assembly,” the message says.

Earlier, Kinot of Athos stated that a same-sex couple cannot be a family and adopt children.