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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-07-26
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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (781) 237-5561
  • Fax:
  • (781) 237-8612
  • Street Address:

  • 57 Brown Street

  • Weston, MA 02493


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Matins Sunday - 8:30 a.m. Weekdays - 9:00 a.m.

Liturgy Sunday - 9:30 a.m. Weekdays - 9:30 a.m.


Past Bulletins


St. Demetrios Calendar

9TH Sunday of Matthew, August 2

 - Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 8:30 am

MONDAY, August 3

- Paraklesis, 6 pm

WEDNESDAY, August 5

- Great Vespers at Holy Transfiguration, Lowell, 7 pm

THURSDAY, August 6, 2014

Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord

- Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 9am in the chapel

FRIDAY August 7, 2014

- Paraklesis, 6pm

10th Sunday of Matthew, August 9

- Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 8:30 am

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Parish News and Events

THE DORMITION FAST

Please join us throughout the first 15 days of August in celebrating our most Holy Lady, the Theotokos. Paraklesis will be offered on August 3, 7, 10 and 12 at 6pm in the Chapel and Divine Liturgy for the Dormition on Saturday, August 15th in the Church.

The service of Paraklesis is a Supplicatory Canon sung for the welfare and health of the living. It is addressed directly to the Most Holy Theotokos who we ask to intercede and come to us for deliverance of troubles, sickness and pain. The hymnography is incredibly poetic and beautiful Please join us for this special service.

PARAKLESIS, AUGUST 3RD

SPECIAL WELCOME TO OUR YOUTH!

Please join us for our first Paraklesis this coming Monday, August 3rd at 6 pm in the chapel.

All are welcome to attend, but we especially welcome all of our youth, GOYA and Church School, to sit together in the front right pews.  

We will have the Paraklesis books so we can chant together. 

DRIVERS NEEDED

We are currently looking for a few parishioners to donate their time and drive some of our parishioners in need to medical appointments. If you are interested and able to help, please call Cathy in the church office (781-237-5561) to coordinate. 

WWW.GOARCH.ORG

The webpage of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has a great amount of resources for anyone looking to learn more about the faith. You can find the daily readings of the church, information about saints, what we believe, and prayers for any occasion. Additionally, you can stay up to date with news that affects us as Christians. Be sure to check www.goarch.org regularly!

SUMMER HOURS

Beginning on June 22 and lasting throughout the summer, the Church Office hours will be from 9 am till 3 pm. Sunday Orthros and Divine Liturgy will remain at the same time: Orthros 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am with the hope that all will be complete by 11 am.

We look forward to your continued participation throughout the summer!

Have a blessed and relaxing summer!

SUMMER THOUGHTS

As summer finally arrives with longer and warmer days, our schedules and pace also change. Hopefully you will take time for family, fun and time to count your blessings. Slowing down, reading a good (spiritual) book and making time for the things that matter and  have often been neglected is a good start. Please remember to include your Church in your plans as well as God’s plan for you and your loved ones. If He is the way, the truth and the light, how can we not desire to include Him?

Make time to seek Him for His desire is to be with us always.

PHILOXENIA HOUSE

Located near HCHC in Brookline, the Philoxenia House offers a home and hospitality to patients and those who accompany them while they are undergoing treatment in the Boston area.  For several years a few of us visit the home twice a year to try to brighten their lives by planting flowers.  This is a joy for us.  For more information regarding this ministry please contact Betty Titus, 781.237.4748, or Eleanor Spiliakos, 978.443.3746.

WHAT IS THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

Being asked this during our festival a number of times — we as Orthodox Christians ought to respond:

“The Orthodox Christian Church is a worldwide body of believers who  confess and worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God, as Lord and Messiah. This body has a tangible and continuous history of Christian faith and practice from the time of Christ’s Apostles. The use of the adjective ‘orthodox’ to describe the Church dates back to the earliest centuries and was applied to those Christians who maintained the tradition transmitted by Christ’s Apostles (1 Thess 2:15)”

FR. MANIKAS LIBRARY

Come and visit the Fr. Manikas Library and check out one of our many books on a variety of different topics. After Divine Liturgy, please stop by the library and see what we have to offer.   See Cindi Dabrowski in the library for assistance on picking out a selection to take home and further your knowledge of our faith.

DAILY READINGS APP

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has developed and released a Daily Readings App for iOS and Android. It offers the daily Epistle and Gospel readings of the day as well as the saints that are commemorated on that day. Furthermore, it offers prayers,  dates of future Feast Days and fasting guidelines.

It’s a great resource that is offered by our Archdiocese. Sign into your app store and download it today!

BE THE BEE WEBSERIES 

The National Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries offers a weekly web video series on YouTube called “Be the Bee” each week a question or theme about our faith is answered in just 5 minutes! Check out this new and interesting approach to learning about our faith! Go to: www.youtube.com/user/y2am to see the entire series! 

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Readings and Information

Today’s Epistle Reading (Acts 6: 8-15, 7: 1-5, 47-60) is not found in your Red Liturgy Book.

Today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 14: 22-34) is found on page 78 in your Red Liturgy Book.

Resurrectional Apolytikion, “From On High” can be found on page 172 in your Red Liturgy Book.

Thanksgiving prayers, for after Communion, are found on page 40 in your Red Liturgy Book.

TODAY’S USHERS: Chris Pashos, Captain; Linda Theoharis; Chris Resmini, Steve Sotir, Laz Vekiarides, Nicholas Kourtis; and Arthur Stameris.

TODAY’S MEMORIAL: 40 Day for Bradner Littlehale.

TODAY’S GREETER: Cindi Dabrowski and Mary Stevenson.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5

BRETHREN, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.


Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:14-22

At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For being twelve, they had five loaves only and two fishes; so secondary to them were the things of the body: so did they cling to the things spiritual only. And not even that little did they hold fast, but gave up even it when asked.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century

The miracle of the bread revealed the One through Whom the soil, when planted with seed, multiplies. What was done invisibly, once brought to light, proclaimed Who it is that always works invisibly. It was not only at that time that Jesus with five loaves does many great things. In the world He was not idle or inactive but was always at work feeding everyone and taking nothing for Himself. Because He was unknown, therefore, He came feeding, eating and feeding, so that through those things that are seen, He Who was unseen might appear."
Eusebius of Emesa
Homily 8.12. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Matthew 14-28. Intervarsity Press, 2002, p. 9.

And another thing too we learn, the self-restraint of the disciples which they practised in necessary things, and how little they accounted of food.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Martyr Paraskeve in the First Tone

Showing a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness, thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O prizewinning Paraskeve. Hence, thou pourest forth healings and intercedest for our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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Saints and Feasts

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July 26

8th Sunday of Matthew


July 26

Moses the Hungarian


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July 26

Paraskeve the Righteous Martyr of Rome

Saint Paraskeve, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskeve), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (compare Matt. 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. During the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols, but she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jer. 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140. The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments.


July 26

Jacob Netsvetov the Enlightener of Alaska


July 26

St. Prisca, the Righteous Martyr


July 26

The Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus, and Hermocrates

Saint Hermolaus and those with him were priests of the Church in Nicomedia, living in hiding after the Emperor Maximian had burnt to death the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia (see Dec. 28). It was Hermolaus who converted Saint Panteleimon to Christ. When Saint Panteleimon was seized as a Christian and was asked by Maximian who it was that had turned him from the idols, the Saint, enlightened by God that the time of his teacher's martyrdom also was at hand, revealed to Maximian that it was Hermolaus the priest. Saint Hermolaus was taken with Saints Hermippus and Hermocrates, and when they had confessed Christ to be the only true God, they were beheaded in the year 305. Saint Hermolaus is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.


July 27

Anthoussa the Righteous Confessor


July 27

St. Nicholas of Novgorod, the fool-for-Christ


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July 27

Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer

This Saint, who had Nicomedia as his homeland, was the son of Eustorgius and Eubula. His father was an idolater, but his mother was a Christian from her ancestors. It was through her that he was instructed in piety, and still later, he was catechized in the Faith of Christ by Saint Hermolaus (see July 26) and baptized by him. Being proficient in the physician's vocation, he practiced it in a philanthropic manner, healing every illness more by the grace of Christ than by medicines. Thus, although his parents had named him Pantoleon ("in all things a lion"), because of the compassion he showed for the souls and bodies of all, he was worthily renamed Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful." On one occasion, when he restored the sight of a certain blind man by calling on the Divine Name, he enlightened also the eyes of this man's soul to the knowledge of the truth. This also became the cause for the martyrdom of him who had been blind, since when he was asked by whom and in what manner his eyes had been opened, in imitation of that blind man of the Gospel he confessed with boldness both who the physician was and the manner of his healing. For this he was put to death immediately. Panteleimon was arrested also, and having endured many wounds, he was finally beheaded in the year 305, during the reign of Maximian. Saint Panteleimon is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is held in special honor among them, even as Saint George is among the Martyrs.


July 27

Manuel the Righteous


July 27

853 Martyrs of Thrace who were drowned


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July 28

Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, & Parmenas the Apostles of the 70

These Apostles of the Seventy are mentioned in Acts 6:5. Saint Prochoros became Bishop of Nicomedia and reposed in peace. Saint Nicanor was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saint Timon became Bishop of Bostra in Arabia and ended his life in martyrdom by fire at the hands of the pagans. Saint Parmenas died in peace in Jerusalem.


Irenchry
July 28

Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou

Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael (842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day.


July 28

Our Righteous Father Paul of Xeropotamou


July 29

The Holy Martyr Callinicus

Saint Callinicus was from Cilicia. Because he preached Christ and turned many pagans away from the idols, he was seized by Sacerdon the Governor, who subjected him to many tortures, then had him shod with shoes in which nails had been fixed upright, and compelled him to run to the city of Gangra, where he was burned alive in a furnace.


July 29

Holy Virgin Martyr Theodota

Concerning Saint Theodota, little is known except that she was a virgin who was horribly tormented and slain for her confession of Christ.


July 29

Constantine III, Patriarch of Constantinople


July 29

Pious King Theodosius the New


July 29

Seraphima the Virgin-martyr of Antioch


July 29

Olaf of Norway


Silas
July 30

Silas, Silvan, Crescens, Epenetus and Andronicus the Apostles of the 70

Saint Silas was a companion and fellow labourer of the Apostle Paul: "And Paul chose Silas and departed...and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches" (Acts 15:40-41). He later became Bishop of Corinth, and reposed in peace. Saint Silvanos became Bishop of Thessalonica, and also reposed in peace. Saint Crescents, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Second Epistle to Timothy(4:10), became Bishop of Chalcedon, and brought many to the Faith. As for him whom the Apostle of the Nations praises as "my well-beloved Epenetus, the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ" (Roman 16:5), he became Bishop of Carthage, and after enduring many afflictions from the idolators, and bringing many of them to Christ, he departed to the Lord.


July 30

St. Julitta of Caesaria


Exaltation
July 31

Forefeast of the Precious Cross


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July 31

Joseph the Righteous of Arimathea


July 31

Eudocimus the Righteous of Cappadocia

Saint Eudocimus was from Cappadocia, the son of pious and most illustrious parents, patricians in rank. He especially cultivated chastity and mercy, the one by never meeting the gaze of a woman, the other by cheerfully providing the needs of the poor. When he was made military commander of Cappadocia, he continued in his righteous ways, showing mercy and uprightness in all his dealings. Having so lived in piety, quietly and without ostentation, he was called from this life at the age of thirty-three, about the year 840, during the reign of the Iconoclast Theophilus. Not long after his burial, his grave became a fountain of unending miracles, as God revealed the virtue that Eudocimus had striven to hide; when his grave was later opened, his body was found incorrupt. His holy relics were translated to Constantinople.


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August 01

Procession of the Precious Cross

Because of the many diseases that occur in the month of August, the custom prevailed of old in Constantinople to carry the precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and its deliverance from illnesses. It was brought forth from the imperial treasury on the last day of July and placed upon the Holy Table of the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom; and beginning today, until the Dormition of the Theotokos, it was carried in procession throughout the city and was set forth for veneration before the people.


August 01

The Holy Seven Maccabee Children, Solomone Their Mother, and Eleazar Their Teacher

The names of the Holy Maccabees are Abim, Anthony, Guria, Eleazar, Eusebona, Achim, and Marcellus. They were Jews by race and exact keepers of the Laws of the Fathers. They lived during the reign of Antiochus, who was surnamed Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), the King of Syria and an implacable enemy of the Jews. Having subjugated their whole nation and done many evil things to them, not sparing to assail the most sacred matters of their Faith, he constrained them, among other things, to partake of swine's flesh, which was forbidden by the Law. Then these pious youths, on being apprehended together with their mother and their teacher, were constrained to set at nought the Law, and were subjected to unspeakable tortures: wrackings, the breaking of their bones, the flaying of their flesh, fire, dismemberment, and such things as only a tyrant's mind and a bestial soul is able to contrive. But when they had endured all things courageously and showed in deed that the mind is sovereign over the passions and is able to conquer them if it so desires, they gloriously ended their lives in torments, surrendering their life for the sake of the observance of the divine Law. The first to die was their teacher Eleazar, then all the brethren in the order of their age. As for their wondrous mother Solomone, "filled with a courageous spirit, and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly wrath" (II Macc. 7:21), she was present at her children's triumph over the tyrant, strengthening them in their struggle for the sake of their Faith, and enduring stout-heartedly their sufferings for the sake of their hope in the Lord. After her last and youngest son had been perfected in martyrdom, when she was about to be seized to be put to death, she cast herself into the fire that they might not touch her, and was thus deemed worthy of a blessed end together with her sons, in the year 168 before Christ.


August 01

Timothy the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Priconissus


Stephen
August 02

Translation of the Relics of Stephen the Protomartyr

After the First Martyr had been stoned to death (see Dec. 27), Gamaliel, his teacher, encouraged certain of the Christians to go by night and take up the Saint's body and bury it in his field, which was at a distance of some twenty miles from Jerusalem and was called by his name, "Kaphar-gamala," that is, "the field of Gamala," where Gamaliel himself was later buried. About the year 427, a certain pious man called Lucian, who was the parish priest of a church near to that field, received from God a revelation in a dream concerning the place where the First Martyr was buried. He immediately made this known to John, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Thus, coming to the place indicated, and digging there, they found a box with the word "Stephen" in Aramaic letters. On opening it, they took these most sacred relics and transferred them to Jerusalem with great honor and in the company of a very great multitude of the faithful.


August 02

Holy Glorious New Martyr Theodore of Dardanelles


August 02

Phocas the Martyr


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Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston News

Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Church in Woburn, Massachusetts

03/17/2015

On Sunday, March 15, 2015 His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Church in Woburn, Massachusetts with the Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis, Pastor of the Church and the Rev. Theodore Barbas, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston. Below are beautiful pictures of Metropolitan Methodios tonsuring the altar boys of the parish.

Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Church in Burlington, Vermont

03/16/2015

On Sunday March 8, 2015 His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios made a pastoral visit to the Dormition of the Mother of God Church in Burlington, VT where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the Rev. Fr. Ephraim Ehrs, Pastor of the community. Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Methodios had the opportunity to talk with the Parishioners in the church hall.

Memory Eternal! Fr. Matthew Baker tragically passes away in a car accident this evening

03/02/2015

To the Faithful Stewards of the Metropolis of Boston, With a very heavy heart, His Eminence informs you of the untimely passing of the Rev. Fr. Matthew Baker, who tragically died in a car accident early this evening.

The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion

02/17/2015

Please click on the link titled: The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion: CLICK HERE


A New Book on Ecumenism

02/17/2015

To the faithful of the Metropolis of Boston, I am pleased to announce to you the publication of a new book on ecumenical theology, entitled For the Unity of All: Contributions to the Theological Dialogue Between East and West (with a foreword by His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew), which I highly recommend. Attached below you can find the flyer with the relative information. Fr. Panteleimon teaches at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. †Metropolitan Methodios

Metropolitan Methodios Attends the Inauguration of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito

01/21/2015

On, Thursday January 8, 2015 Metropolitan Methodios attended the Inaugartion of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito

Metropolitan Methodios Participates in the Interfaith Inaugural Prayer Service of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito

01/08/2015

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 – His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios participated in the Interfaith Inaugural Prayer Service on the eve of the Inauguration. His Eminence offered the benediction prayer.

2014 Christmas Reflection by Metropolitan Methodios

12/24/2014

Please click to view the 2014 Christmas Reflection by Metropolitan Methodios in English and Greek.

Metropolitan Methodios Shares Experience of Papal Trip with The Pilot Newspaper

12/15/2014

Please click on this link to view the article. http://www.thebostonpilot.com/article.asp?ID=172689#.VItDM6PcEig.facebook

Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the St. Luke Church in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts

12/09/2014

On Sunday, December 7, 2014, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated the Divine Liturgy and tonsured the altar boys of the parish at the St. Luke Church in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News

Archdiocese Co-Sponsors Event at U.N. for the 59th Commission on the Status of Women

03/23/2015

A panel discussion titled, Trafficking & Migration, Girls & Women: Human Rights Have No Borders, took place March 9, 2015, at the United Nations and brought together migration and trafficking experts. The event was co-sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council (the Greek Orthodox presence in the United Nations) and the Salesians of Don Bosco (Society of St. Francis de Sales, a Roman Catholic religious institute).

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Mar. 20 – April 2, 2015

03/20/2015

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day

03/19/2015

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, is a day when we celebrate a truly amazing and miraculous revelation. At the event of the Annunciation, the messenger of God appeared before Mary and announced the divine plan for our salvation through the birth of Christ. The words of the Archangel Gabriel revealed how God’s promises would be fulfilled and the ancient prophesies affirmed.

Archbishop's Encyclical for Greek Independence Day Parade

03/16/2015

Our annual gathering for the Greek Independence Day Parade is a celebration of our cherished ideals, a commemoration of those who sacrificed for the sake of liberty, and a witness of the strength of our faith and heritage. This year, as you probably know, our Parade will be held on Sunday, March 29, and I invite you to join with us as we march down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Mar. 12-17, 2015

03/11/2015

In Selma, A day of honor and tribute to the legacy of struggle and sacrifice, equality and freedom

03/09/2015

Thousands of people attended the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 National Voting Rights Act and “Bloody Sunday,” that concluded today, March 8, 2015, with a long service at the historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and a final march through the town of Selma and across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Archbishop Demetrios of America Crosses Edmund Pettus Bridge with President Obama

03/08/2015

Archbishop Demetrios of America, together with President Barack Obama and other major civic and religious leaders, walked today, March 7, 2015, the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.”

Archbishop Demetrios to travel to Alabama for the 50th Commemoration of the “March on Selma”

03/04/2015

Archbishop Demetrios, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America will take part in the events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Selma, led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America also participated, along with other civil rights leaders on March 15, 1965.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Mourns the Tragic Death of Fr Matthew Baker

03/02/2015

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the plentitude of the clergy and laity of the Archdiocese, expressed the deep sorrow and mourning of the Church for the untimely and tragic death of Rev. Fr. Matthew Baker, as a result of a car accident last night

NY GOYA Youth Present Donations for St. Nicholas and Assistance to Greece

02/27/2015

Representatives of the GOYA groups (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) in New York’s five boroughs visited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Feb. 24, at his office and presented a donation of $10,000 dollars as their contribution to the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas at the World Trade Center.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2015

02/20/2015

In the hymns and services of the Triodion period and at the entrance of this holy season of Great Lent, we are called to repentance. We are invited to come before God in the humility of the Publican. We are beckoned to return to His dwelling and His compassionate embrace as the Prodigal Son. We are confronted with the causes of our separation from God and our need for His great mercy. It is truly a time of repentance as we prepare to commemorate and contemplate all that has been done for us through Christ our Lord.

Archbishop Demetrios Offers Condolences on the Slaying of Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya - Archdiocese to Participate in a Special Prayer Service

02/19/2015

After learning about the recent brutal slaying of twenty-one Coptic Orthodox Christians from Egypt by the members of ISIS, Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, issued letters of condolences to the Coptic Orthodox Bishops in the United States. The Coptic Orthodox Christians were kidnapped in December and January from Libya and were held captive until their massacre.

FDF2015 - The largest gathering of Greek Orthodox Youth in the U.S.

02/16/2015

The 2015 Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF2015) just concluded another very successful year and its four-day weekend celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship. FDF is the largest gathering of Greek-Orthodox young people in the United States and arguably the largest youth festival of traditional Greek dancing in the world. Approximately 2,500 young people took part as dancers, musicians and singers, and more than 3,500 people attended in total, including parents, grandparents and friends.

Faith, Dance and Fellowship: 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival

02/12/2015

The 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival of the Metropolis of San Francisco begins today in Anaheim, California and will run through Sunday, Feb. 15. The renowned FDF event, now in its 39th year celebrates Faith, Dance and Fellowship and is the largest gathering of Greek Orthodox Youth in America, expected to surpass 3,000 people in attendance.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Feb. 12-23, 2015

02/10/2015

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Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day

03/19/2015

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, is a day when we celebrate a truly amazing and miraculous revelation. At the event of the Annunciation, the messenger of God appeared before Mary and announced the divine plan for our salvation through the birth of Christ. The words of the Archangel Gabriel revealed how God’s promises would be fulfilled and the ancient prophesies affirmed.

Archbishop's Encyclical for Greek Independence Day Parade

03/16/2015

Our annual gathering for the Greek Independence Day Parade is a celebration of our cherished ideals, a commemoration of those who sacrificed for the sake of liberty, and a witness of the strength of our faith and heritage. This year, as you probably know, our Parade will be held on Sunday, March 29, and I invite you to join with us as we march down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2015

02/20/2015

In the hymns and services of the Triodion period and at the entrance of this holy season of Great Lent, we are called to repentance. We are invited to come before God in the humility of the Publican. We are beckoned to return to His dwelling and His compassionate embrace as the Prodigal Son. We are confronted with the causes of our separation from God and our need for His great mercy. It is truly a time of repentance as we prepare to commemorate and contemplate all that has been done for us through Christ our Lord.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of St. Photios and Saint Photios National Shrine Day - February 6, 2015

02/03/2015

On this blessed Feast of Saint Photios, we offer our gratitude and support for our beloved Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida. For almost four decades, our National Shrine as been a place that honors the earliest roots of our Greek American experience, affirms the value of this experience and the role of our Hellenic heritage in this country, and offers a beautiful witness of the power and grace of our Orthodox faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day

01/26/2015

On this blessed Feast of the Three Hierarchs, we give thanks to God for the beautiful and faithful witness of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. Venerated on this day as great Teachers and Theologians, we also recognize them as representative of many great Saints of the Church who have conveyed truth, communicated divine wisdom, and offered an inspiring witness of the Gospel of love. For the depth of their teaching and their ardent defense of the faith, our hymns call all people to a universal celebration on this day.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Saint Basil and the New Year

12/29/2014

On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2014

12/16/2014

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Thanksgiving Day 2014

11/20/2014

These foundations of Thanksgiving Day, and its place within the history and life of this nation as a regular observance have made this a holiday shared by many as well as a time for families to gather in fellowship and gratitude. The focus on giving thanks to God, the attitude of gratefulness for the blessings in our lives, and the traditions centered upon the family resonate with our emphasis on the family as a dwelling of Christ and a witness of His Gospel.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2014

11/05/2014

The blessed ministry of the angels is also reflected in the quality of care and compassionate service offered by our beloved Saint Michael’s Home. On this feast we recognize the faithful service of the trustees, directors, and staff, affirming that in a sacred environment, filled with the presence of God, they are being faithful to His command to offer comfort, love, and healing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2014

10/28/2014

We are led in this effort by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society, and on Sunday, November 2, local chapters throughout our Holy Archdiocese will have a special offering for these ministries. I ask that you contribute generously to assist the work of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time when critical needs there and throughout the Middle East are growing. As we are witnessing, long established ministries are challenged for resources as new humanitarian crises and desperate pleas for assistance are growing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2014

10/21/2014

As we commemorate OXI Day on October 28 and remember the valiant stand of the people of Greece in 1940 against the advancement of the forces of Fascism, we are aware that struggles for freedom and peace and against tyranny are very much a part of our modern world. Just as some of us and most certainly our fathers and mothers saw and experienced the brutality and inhumane actions of an occupying force, so too we are witnesses today of persecution, violence, and death.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for National Leadership 100 Sunday - October 26, 2014

10/09/2014

On this Sunday, October 26, the Feast of Saint Demetrios and following the Feast of Saint Iakovos on October 23, we give thanks to God for the steadfast and abounding labor of the members of Leadership 100 and celebrate the great accomplishments of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, as its celebration of its 30th Anniversary comes to a close.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

09/10/2014

We lift up the Cross because while it was used as an instrument of torture and indignity, it brought honor and glory to God. It was used as a means of ending life, but it became entrance to eternity. It was used as a violent weapon, but for believers it became a weapon of true peace. The Cross, a symbol of suffering and defeat, through Christ it became a symbol of hope and victory. Instead of death, our Lord through the Cross brought us life and abundance of life.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/27/2014

As we commemorate this Feast of the Indiction, the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, we ask our great and merciful God to “bless the crown of this year which His goodness has allowed us to begin” (Hymn of Orthros). It is His goodness and grace that has brought us to the beginning of one more ecclesiastical year and to another blessed cycle of the feasts and observances of our Holy Orthodox Faith. In anticipation of the marvelous and wonderful things our Lord will accomplish in our lives, parishes, and families, we look forward to the blessings that will come through our worship, prayer, and service.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - August 15, 2014

08/11/2014

We commemorate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, honoring and celebrating her faith in God and the witness of the miraculous power of grace in her life through her willing obedience to His will. As a result of the amazing level of personal holiness and the abundance of grace, the Theotokos offers us a superb example of a relationship with God and a deep connection with Him that is essential for our lives and the sacred institution of the family.
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