"Welcome to the Province of Southern Appalachia. Our community is built on the pillars of the Ancient Faith—Spirit, Word, and Sacrament."
— Abp. Brett Travis, Provincial Bishop
Abp. Brett is the Provincial Bishop of Southern Appalachia & Diocese of Knoxville and senior pastor of Emmaus Abbey Church of Knoxville, TN and Executive Director of Emmaus Center for Christian Counseling located in Karn’s, TN. On December 6th, 2024, Archbishop Roger Paul Willingham consecrated Fr. Brett Travis to serve as Bishop for the Diocese of Knoxville & Province of Southern Appalachia. He will assist the bishop by providing leadership and ministry beyond the local parish overseeing AOCC Military Endorsing Agency, church planting, commission on ministry, missions, evangelism and discipleship ministries.
The Ordinariate of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (OAFC) is the central unifying endorsing agency for the AOCC.
This site outlines the process and procedures for ecclesiastical endorsement for ministries in all six branches of the military and the VA / DOD civilian chaplaincy, specifically, pastoral counseling, and clinical education, by which the AOCC affirms and recognizes individuals who attain the necessary levels of theological and ministerial competence.
We are an sacramental, biblical, and liturgical Orthodox Church, that believes that the road to the future runs through the past. Our worship and spirituality are deeply rooted in classic Christianity– and we’re convinced that the faith and practice of the ancient Church will engage our culture more effectively and provide a way forward in a time of almost unbelievable transition and change.
Serving God Beyond Sunday Emmaus Abbey is engaged in community life well into the week and month. We provide weekday counseling services, inner healing services, mission work, and pastoral care to our member families and others.
