Orthodox Christianity has become the second-largest Christian denomination in Austria by number of adherents, according to data released by Statistik Austria.

Results of the 2021 national census show that around 4.9% of Austria’s population—approximately 436,000 people—identify themselves as Orthodox Christians. Observers note that interest in Orthodoxy in the country continues to grow.

As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, Orthodoxy in Austria is no longer viewed solely as the religion of migrant communities. Its presence in the country has deep historical roots: the first Orthodox parishes appeared as early as the 17th century during the Habsburg monarchy, primarily in Vienna. The Church’s modern legal status is regulated by the federal Law on Orthodox Churches, which has been in force since 1967.

Today, seven canonical Orthodox jurisdictions are represented in Austria. Since 2010, they have been united within a single Orthodox Bishops’ Conference. These include the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as the Russian, Serbian, Romanian, Bulgarian, and Georgian Patriarchates, and the Antiochian Orthodox Church. In addition, parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Macedonian Orthodox Church also operate in the country.

The growth in the number of Orthodox believers is linked both to migration and to conversions among Austrians themselves. A significant factor has been the arrival of believers from Ukraine after 2022, many of whom joined existing parishes. At the same time, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has begun establishing its own communities abroad, including in Vienna.

Another important element of integration has been the development of Orthodox religious education. Since the early 1990s, Orthodox religious instruction has been taught in Austrian schools, and since 2005 it has been coordinated by a dedicated Orthodox school authority. German-language Orthodox parishes have also been established, making church life more accessible to young people and converts.

Orthodox communities are actively involved in social work as well, participating in charitable programs, assisting the homeless, and supporting humanitarian projects both within Austria and internationally. In recent years, new Orthodox churches have been built and consecrated in various regions of the country.

Experts say that the combination of migration trends, missionary activity, and growing interest among the local population points to a continued and steady increase in the influence of the Orthodox Church in Austrian society.