History

SMOCH’s roots are ecclesiastical and global. It inherits the heritage of the Church of the East – tracing back to the early Christian Church and its disciples in the East – and channels that into a modern context. In Latin America, the Church of the East (Brazil) was established in the 20th century, and SMOCH functions as its medical outreach branch in the Americas.

In practice, our Church of Hope has grown out of grassroots healing ministries in the 2000s. Various priories (chapters) were founded by faith healers and health practitioners. Over time, these were unified under SMOCH’s charter, culminating in formal recognition by church and state. For example, our affiliated Order of St. John obtained official registration in Ecuador in 2007 (Registro No.074) , and SMOCH communities exist in Puerto Rico, Florida, and beyond.

Throughout this history, the symbolism and compassion of Saints Lazarus, John, and other healers have inspired us. We look back to the first Christian hospitals and to medieval nunneries that cared for the sick. In honor of that legacy, SMOCH priests use sacramental prayer alongside herbal remedies. We publish books on this tradition – one titled Health Sovereignty & the Medicine of Hope asks how the Church may “reclaim back our culture, tradition and rights” in healing . By these means, we strive to make SMOCH a living continuation of the Church’s healing mission.