The American Orthodox Catholic Church was founded in 1924 by Aftimios Ofiesh and it was originally established by the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. The movement gained popularity and within four years had consecrated four Bishops, with a charter granted from the ROC in 1927. Later that year, a constitution was drawn up for the Church. 59% of the clergy and 51% of the parishioners in the Orthodox Church of America are converts.