ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the factors that impact adjustment, specific both to the Orthodox churches and to the Swiss context. It provides a brief overview of the Orthodox presence in Switzerland, its history, geographical spread, social composition and also its activity. Orthodox believers have lived, worked in Switzerland since the eighteenth century in the persons of the Russian diplomats, aristocracy, and rich students, as well as Greek tradesmen. The way Orthodox migrants relate to host society and adjust to it differs with reference to migration context that generated these communities: political hostility, religious persecution, economic hardships. The orientation of the parish life is very important for the religious practice and also with regard to the impact the parish culture can have on immigrants' adjustment to the receiving society. The reflective positioning of contemplative parishes is thus situated in the area of theology and spirituality.
