What is COROS?

COROS is the acronym for The Collectors of Religion on Stamps; a non-profit philatelic society dedicated to the study and collection of postal material that has some element of religious significance.

COROS was founded in 1943 by a group of stamp collectors who realized that Religion on Stamps was becoming so large that it required its own study society to keep up with new issues and report details of older ones. COROS is the oldest topical stamp society in the United States.

COROS is non-denominational and contains members from all faiths.

Why Collect Religion on Stamps?

• It takes stamp collecting out of the class of just hoarding bits of colored paper and makes it an educational and inspirational hobby.
• For religious persons it can be a real spiritual experience.
• It can be tailored to any budget.
• It gives the collector a chance for originality in arranging his or her collection.
• It offers glimpses of religion, great art, and history.
• It offers almost unlimited opportunities for original research.
• It supplements any study of religion or art with tangible, graphic illustrations - helping to fix historical facts and spiritual or artistic beauty in the memory.

What is a Religious Stamp?

Religion differs from other topicals in that the topical significance of the stamp is not always immediately apparent. While many religious stamps are obvious, many others show clergymen or theologians, for example, honored for accomplishments other than religion. Or the religious connotation may be hidden in another language on the stamp - or may be so small as to go unnoticed. The topic of religion is thus truly unique and cannot be enjoyed to its fullest potential without the aid of a society such as COROS.

Membership and Affiliations

Who belongs to COROS?

Men and women from all walks of life, including many clergymen and nuns, teachers, students, business and professional people, housewives, etc.

With whom is COROS Affiliated?

• The World Union of St. Gabriel, which is a federation of religious philatelic societies in Europe and various other countries of the world.
• The American Topical Association
• The American Philatelic Society

For questions or more information on joining COROS send an email to corosec@sbcglobal.net.

Everything you've wanted to know

about Religion on Stamps....

Can be found in The COROS Chronicle

The COROS Chronicle is the official journal of The Collectors of Religion on Stamps Society. Issued four times per year, each well-illustrated issue contains articles by leading writers, checklists, new issues news, Christmas Parade, and important studies.

It is the official publication of the North American Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) Philatelic Circle. For more information contact cmfourl@vbe.com 

Additional Pages:

Subjects Covered/Available Literature

For More Information/Joining COROS

Links:

Go to the American Philatelic Society web page

Go to the American Topical Association web page

Last Updated 11/27/03