Publish-header
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta
Publish Date: 2017-05-05
Bulletin Contents
05_irene
Organization Icon
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 404-634-9345
  • Fax:
  • 404-634-2471
  • Street Address:

  • 2480 Clairmont Rd. NE

  • Atlanta, GA 30329


Past Bulletins


Message from Metropolitan Alexios

My Beloved Ones,

Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!

As we continue through the beautiful Paschal period, this Sunday’s Gospel returns us to the public ministry of Jesus; He has not yet been crucified and not yet resurrected. In fact, the Evangelist John tells us that the subject of this week’s Gospel was one of the many instances which set the Pharisees and elders against Jesus; for He chose to perform this miracle on the Sabbath.

We read that Christ encounters a paralyzed man lying near the pool of Bethsaida, a pool which is occasionally visited by an angel, granting health to the first person who enters its waters. This man, whose condition had afflicted him for 38 years, is seen by Christ, lying on his bed. Christ naturally asks the man if he wishes to be made well. The man, not realizing who he is speaking to, answers that he would—only he has no way to enter the pool, and when he tries others enter the water before him.

Christ however, is not simply content to offer this man assistance. He does not, for example, ask if the paralyzed man wishes to be brought into the pool; for surely this lonely individual could have been assisted by any number of the disciples who were with Jesus at that moment. Instead, Christ is speaking of a miracle greater than the passing blessing from one of God’s angels. For with seven simple words, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” the man experiences the reality of coming face to face with God.

My brothers and sisters, much has been made of the physical reality of the miracle, but this story has a message for those who are able-bodied as well. Christ asks the paralytic, “Do you wish to be made well?” In this way, he speaks not simply to the person for whom the miracle is performed, but those who are paralyzed: paralyzed by grief; by fear; by loneliness; by sadness, or even indecision. The pools of Bethsaida are like the creations of men: however blessed some of these technologies, therapies and pursuits may be (the passing of an angel to trouble our waters) they do not come from God alone. Only by entrusting our worries and cares to God, do we fully allow ourselves to be shaped and transformed through the peace which comes from knowing Him.

Another crucial aspect of this passage then is in the formulation of Christ’s words. He does not say, “You are healed!” When He says, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” He does so, not only for the benefit of His disciples and the crowds that have gathered; He says this to demonstrate that after we have given our troubles and passions to God, we are called upon to carry on His work. We are meant to go forward and live our lives, as best as we are able; secure in our faith and belief in Jesus Christ. 

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

BACK TO TOP

From the Chancellor's Desk

Christ is Risen! Good morning, Nick. Can you confirm you received my message for MM? Thanks! +Fr. George

This week, Presbytera Marinda and I are traveling. In reflection, I want to share a parable I discovered about five cities.  

A certain young lady began a journey that led her to five cities in quest of her one true love. She found him in the first city and fell completely in love with him, but she was wrong and he left her in the City of Disappointment.

Her journey took her to the next city, where she again thought the ideal was at hand; but, in this city called Rebellion, she found only bitterness.

Once again she set forth and found a beautiful love called respect. This was the City of Dignity.

Again she set forth to find her true love and there she found some happiness in the City of Adventure and, when this love faded, she finally arrived at the city of her fulfillment, which was named Partnership.

The young lady thought she found love in the cities of Disappointment, Rebellion, Dignity and Adventure, but it was in the City of Partnership that she found her fulfillment.

While St. Paul wrote a beautiful chapter of love to the Corinthians, he cautioned, "If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Cor. 13:1) 

Further, St. Paul expanded his statement by explaining that "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (verses 4-8)

St. Paul knew that love is the "greatest of all" the gifts of God... He taught us that we are meant to keep its quest alive, though our journeys lead us to many cities.  "And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." (verse 13) 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we live and journey through life, may we all be blessed to share God's love with all. Amen.

+Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor

BACK TO TOP

Reflections from Fr. James Rousakis

CHRISTOS ANESTI!  When I went to college, Wayne State University, in Detroit, I was pursuing a theatre career, until the Lord changed my plans.  I’ve always had an interest in the stage and now that I’m semi-retired, with more free time, I was encouraged to audition for a role in a world premiere play, “Libertaire, The Play”, the story of how the Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States.  The playwright, who serves with me on the American Federation of Greek Language and Culture board was convinced I would be perfect for an important role in the play.   With His Eminence’s blessing, I accepted the challenge and was cast as the character of Edouard Laboulaye, a French statesman and poet, who was the inspiring mentor to the sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi.  After working with the other actors in this show, I realize how much we need each other, to be a caring and supportive friend, a team, in order to have a successful and cohesive performance. 

A star of stage, screen and TV is Barbara Streisand, a most talented performer, singing one of her best songs in the production of “Funny Girl”. The line “People, who need people, are the luckiest people of all”, reminds me that actors must work together, interacting with each other, no matter if the role played is major or minor.  Having been involved with Arthur Miller’s “The Death of a Salesman”, I recall that the lead character, Willy Loman was depicted by his wife, when she tells the son to be kind to his father, as “a small boat looking for a large harbor.”  He’s a person who needs people and real friendship.  Even God, when He created the perfect place, Paradise, realized that He lacked fellowship, and created Adam and Eve.

In the Gospel lesson of the Paralytic, which is read on the third Sunday following Pascha, the paralytic is lonely waiting by the Pool of Bethesda for someone to help him.  “People, who need people…”  He was not “the luckiest people of all”!  When Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be healed?” he replied, “I have no man to put me into the pool.”  Just think 38 years of loneliness, without a friend!  No team work!

There are many ways to experience loneliness.  There is loneliness of losing a loved one, of the sick room, of dying, of divorce, of the self-centered;  the loneliness of non-conformity, of standing by a conviction, of strained relations, of having to make an important decision;  the loneliness of adolescence, of older people;  and the loneliness of those who do not believe in God.         

Can anything be done about loneliness, is there a cure?  Actually, there are two cures, false and real.  A false cure can destroy us and leave us alone again.  There was an advertisement placed in a newspaper which read:  “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without interruption for $10.00.”  It may sound like a scam, but the person was serious. He began receiving 10 to 20 calls a day.  The pain of loneliness is so terrible that people are willing to try anything for a half hour of companionship.  We ask, therefore, who was lonely;  the person placing the advertisement or the people who called?  “People, who need people…”

What then is the real cure?  There are many steps that can be taken to help loneliness.  If you are lonely, could you be the cause of your loneliness, because of self-pity and self-centeredness?  Pray to be in the companionship of Christ and listen to what He may be saying to you through your loneliness.  Participate in the sacramental life of the Church and deal a death blow to loneliness.  Then, begin to build bridges to other people.  Speak to a special friend about your loneliness. Today, Presvytera received a call from a lonely lady friend, elderly and mostly home-bound, crying because her grandson, who was with her for some time, had left two weeks ago on an extended business trip expecting to return this week, but called her saying that it would be another week before he would return;  she would continue to be without fellowship and lonely.     How many people do we know like this?  What can you do?  Simple, make time to make a visit or use the ministry of the phone, it still works.  Reach out to touch someone, helping them into the symbolic Pool of Bethesda;  developing a relationship of friendship. “Be like the redwood tree and don’t stand alone.”

Allow me to end with another song:   “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high…You’ll never walk alone.”  There are times when we must walk alone or meet some situation alone, but at such times we will not feel alone when we realize that God is with us, at all times, in all places, through every experience as our Savior, our guide and our loving counselor.  Know that you do not walk alone, but walk with your best friend, who befriended the Paralytic in the Gospel, healing him and giving him friendship, Jesus.  I hope that during the play, if I forget a line, and let’s hope I don’t, my fellow cast member show me I’m the “luckiest person of all”!

BACK TO TOP

The Strategic Plan

Strategic_plan_logo_final

Strategic Plan Updates

After many months of hard work and much anticipation, the first goals of the Metropolis of Atlanta Strategic Plan are complete and there is content on the Web Portal for download. Parishioners are invited to use the new content found at www.atlstrategicplan.org/portal to enhance their efforts working for the Church and its many ministries. The completed Goals include: 1.1 Parish Strategic Planning, 3.3 Communications Director, 5.4 Seniors Program, 10.1 Metropolis Website and 10.3 Best Practices Metropolis Resource Center Portal. In addition to the first content, the website has been redesigned for ease of use. For more information please visit www.atlstrategicplan.org. If you have questions, contact your Parish Champion or communications@atlmetropolis.org.


BACK TO TOP

Family Life Ministry

The Metropolis of Atlanta’s Family Life Ministry (www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org) strengthens individuals, families and church families through adaptable programs, blogs and educational materials as a means of fostering connection within our homes and our parishes. 

In this third episode of the “Family Insights” Podcast , Paula Marchman (Managing Director of FLM) and Eleni Alexiou (Managing Director of OCN) continue the discussion of how we all make mistakes and how struggles can be good. Together these counselors will walk you through the important topics so that you can gain insight into your family. Sit back today, listen, and find your deep breathe.

To listen, visit the podcast’s page HERE.

Journey of Marriage (Pre-Marital Seminar)

All couples marrying in the Metropolis must attend a Metropolis-sponsored Journey of Marriage seminar prior to their wedding. The couple will present their certificate of completion to their parish priest after the seminar. 

  • May 6, 2017 - West Palm Beach, FL
  • May 13, 2017 - Atlanta, GA
  • May 20, 2017 - Tarpon Springs, FL
  • June 17, 2017 - New Port Richey, FL

To see the full list of seminars through 2017, and to register, please visit:http://www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org/upcoming-events-2/

BACK TO TOP

Save the Dates

    We're Getting Social

    We're Getting Social

    Fellow us @atlmetropolis


     The Panagia Chapel Furnishings project

    The Panagia Chapel Furnishings project

    The Panagia Chapel at the Diakonia Retreat Center depicts different designs that derive from the Byzantine era. It will allow visitors to connect with a civilization that dates back over a thousand years. By connecting with our roots and tradition through the design of the chapel we are engaging our “Ellinochristianikos Politismos,” or our “Helleno-Christian Civilization.” The Panagia Chapel Furnishings project has been undertaken by several different communities and individuals in our Metropolis. By sponsoring different parts of the furnishings to be placed into the Panagia Chapel at the Diakonia Retreat Center, you, or your family, or your community can be a part of this lasting legacy. For more information please visit: http://www.atlmetropolis.org/panagia-chapel-doors-windows .


    Shop with Amazon, donate to the DRC

    Shop with Amazon, donate to the DRC

    Amazon Smile is a program that allows for 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to be donated to the Diakonia Retreat Center. To find our Amazon Smile page, visit https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-2187047.


    Annual Metropolis Pascha Picnic

    Annual Metropolis Pascha Picnic

    Saturday April 22 - Agape Service at 11 AM Followed by Pascha Picnic Diakonia Retreat Center - 455 Quail Ridge Rd. Salem, SC 29676 864 - 944 - 6788 diakoniaretreatoffice@yahoo.com


    St. Stephen's Camp - Update

    St. Stephen's Camp - Update

    Summer camp sign-ups went quick! There are still some spots left for boys in Weeks 1, 3, and 4! Sign up today: http://app.campdoc.com/register/st.stephens


    Christ the Good Shepherd - Family Camp for Special Needs

    Christ the Good Shepherd - Family Camp for Special Needs

    This is our third Special Needs Camp and we are limiting the session to 10 families to accommodate the physical, social/emotional, spiritual and dietary needs of all. contact Despina Koulianos: dkoulianos1@gmail.com 251-454-5657


BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.

IN THOSE DAYS, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

When we converse of spiritual things, let there be nothing secular in our souls, nothing earthy, let all such thoughts retire, and be banished, and let us be entirely given up to the hearing the divine oracles only. For if at the arrival of a king all confusion is driven away, much more when the Spirit speaketh with us do we need great stillness, great awe. And worthy of awe is that which is said to-day...And the "life" of which He speaketh is not life merely, but the excellent life; for that He spake not simply of life, but of that glorious and ineffable life, is clear from this.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 47 on John 6, 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

05_irene
May 05

Irene the Great Martyr

Saint Irene was the daughter of a princelet called Licinius; named Penelope by her parents, through a divine revelation she was brought to faith in Christ and at Baptism was renamed Irene. In her zeal for piety she broke in pieces all the idols of her father, who commanded that she be trampled underfoot by horses. But while she remained unharmed, one of the horses rose up and cast down her father, killing him. By her prayer she raised him to life again, and he believed and was baptized. Afterwards, in many journeyings, Saint Irene suffered torments and punishments for her faith, but was preserved by the power of God, while working dread miracles and converting many thousands of souls. At last she came to Ephesus, where she fell asleep in peace, in the first half of the fourth century. Two days after her death, her gravestone was found lifted off, and her grave empty. At least two churches were dedicated to Saint Irene in Constantinople, and she is also the patroness of the Aegean island of Thera, which is commonly called Santorin (or Santorini), a corruption of "Saint Irene."


Allsaint
May 05

Neophytos, Gaius, & Caianus the Monk-martyrs


Allsaint
May 05

The Righteous Martyr Ephraim the Younger


Allsaint
May 05

Euthymios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Madytos


Allsaint
May 05

3rd Friday after Pascha


BACK TO TOP