On 10/11, we welcome Fr. Anastasios Phyrillis serving Liturgy, assisted by Deacon John Pantelis. 

Fr. Andrew Lentz will returns on 10/17. Please contact Eleni in the office with any pastoral emergencies this week. 

10/11:

1 year for Irma Souris,  mother of Rena and George. 

 Coffee hour is hosted by the Souris family

12 years for James Coutris, husband of Janet, father of Maria, John, and Michael

Coming up…11/29: Pete Gastis    12/13: Dean Paras

Bread of Life next service date: Saturday, Nov 7. Volunteers also needed for Jan. 2. 

Contact  Christina (440) 665-1494 

Philoptochos’ next service date: Tuesday, Oct 13 .                                    

Contact Joanne Harootunian (440) 353-0910.     

Wed., Oct. 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. Create your own piece of  art with a Mediterranean theme while enjoying wine & cheese. $15 per person includes painting materials and refreshments.  RSVP to Eleni [email protected] to ensure materials. Sponsored by Daughters of Penelope  to benefit the Greek Cultural Garden.

Oct. 14-Nov. 4   The Daughters of Penelope’s annual collection gently used purses/totes and personal hygiene items will take place from in the lower Narthex. Collected items will be distributed the week before Thanksgiving to women living in shelters in northeast Ohio.

Fri., Oct. 30, at Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Our Spiritual Life ministries (Book Study, Prayer Group, Movie Monday, Yassou Club)  invite you on a road trip to see a live musical production about the Old Testament Prophet Elijah (Elias.) We will leave St Demetrios in the morning, have lunch in Amish County, enjoy the 1 p.m. matinee and return by early evening. Those interested, please contact Eleni in the church office by Oct. 16.  $46 for show only; $68 for show + buffet lunch. 

Sun., Oct. 18 immediately following Liturgy, in the church. Single agenda item: approval of 2026 Board of Elections. Need quorum of 30 members in good standing.

~ Sun., Oct. 18: Regional GOYA Bonfire  at 6 p.m. at St. Paul Church, 4548 Wallings Rd., North Royalton. Bring a lawn chair & a jacket. RSVP to [email protected] by Oct 14.

~Nov 20-22: Fall Retreat at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. for campers in 7th-12th grade. Camper registrations and staff applications now open at Y2AM.Pittsburgh.goarch.org/retreats

Tue., Oct. 20,  11:30 a.m. in the hall. Seniors from St. Demetrios & St. Paul invited. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. RSVP to [email protected]

Wed., Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Cultural Hall. Adults (18-99!) from all the NE Ohio parishes  are welcome to learn / rehearse Greek dances. No previous knowledge necessary and performances based on each person’s availability.

Thu., Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. in the Zapis Activity Center. Parish children invited (in costume)  for pizza, beverages, and decorated tables with treats. Those able to decorate a table and provide candy for distribution,  RSVP to [email protected] by Oct. 11.

~Sun., Oct. 25,  6:00 p.m. Vespers, followed by receiption, hosted by Philoptohcos.

~Mon., Oct. 26,  8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, followed by feastday luncheon in the hall, sponsored by Philoptochos. $18/adult; $10/child. Tickets available during coffee hour or contact Litta Klidas (216-978-5396) or Pela Telidis (440-590-0704)

Wed., Oct 28, we remember Greece’s courageous “No” to the Axis Powers during WWII, with a screening of the film “The Angry Hills” about an American journalist working with the Greek resistance against the Nazis. Filmed in Greece with English dialogue. 6 p.m. in the Cultural Hall. Free and open to all.

Thu., Oct 29 5:00 p.m. Our Greek School will parade around the church and lay a wreath at the flag pole, followed by a short program in the Cultural Hall. free and open to all.

Sun., Nov. 8, at 2:00 pm in the Cultural Hall. A traditional English Tea featuring a presentation by Janet Weir Creighton, Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, who will recount the decades of beautiful holiday decorations and ornaments at the White House. Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets early. $50/person. On sale during coffee hours or at  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/holiday-tea-3

Sun., Nov. 8, we hope to once again deliver meals to the Rocky River Police and Fire Departments on the Synaxis of the Archangels, patron saints of the armed forces and first responders.  To volunteer to cook, deliver meals, and/or to donate toward the cost of ingredients, please contact Eleni at [email protected]

Thu., Dec. 31 in the Cultural Hall. Groove your way into 2027! We are now accepting donations of baskets and items for the fundraiser. Ticket details coming soon. Contact Kelly (216-410-2068) or Lilly (440-477-1237)

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel.

Contact Diakonissa Amy ([email protected] or 330-519-3100) to join, or to submit names for whom we can pray. 

We meet on Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Library. We are starting Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite Tikhon. It is available in The Catacomb Bookstore (open Sundays after church and weekdays  during office hours.)

ORTHODOX CHARITIES FUNDRAISER Thu., Oct. 15 at Holy Trinity Church, 6822 Broadview Rd, Parma. $20 /adult; $10 / child (6-12 years); Children under 5 FREE. Doors open at 6 p.m. for auction gift baskets.7 p.m. Dinner. RSVP to Irene Georgantas (585-703-5005) by Oct. 8. All proceeds will go to Orthodox charities (See the full list at www.eowgcle)

‘LIGHT STREAMS IN’ Sat., Oct. 17, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., fall retreat at Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Hts. Keynote speaker is  author & podcaster Elissa Bjeletich Davis on how we can let Christ’s light stream into the world. $15/adult includes breakfast & lunch; free for students. Register at https://pci.jotform.com/form/262124886813159

TOP GOLF FUNDRAISER Sat., Oct .17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Top Golf, 35343 Chester Rd., Avon. $60/person for 3 hours of golf; $25 for non-golfers. All tickets include breakfast buffet. Sponsored by AHEPA #144 Lorain-Elyria. RSVP by Oct. 8 to Nick Stamatis (440-785-2981.)

WONDERFULLY MADE Sat., Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Retreat for the Metropolis of Pittsburgh’s youth & young adults with disabilities. Hosted by Holy Cross Church, 123 Gilkeson Rd., Pittsburgh, PA. For more info, contact Alyssa Kyritsis ([email protected])

HELLENIC HERITAGE & FAITH AWARD Thu., Oct. 22 at Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon. 6 p.m. social hour; 7 pm dinner, blessing by His Eminence  Metropolitan Savas. Presentation of the Greek Garden Association's inaugural award to Archon Carl R. Hollister, Executive Director of St. Photios Shrine, AHEPAn, and proud Ikarian.  $75/person. For reservations contact Gary Thomas ([email protected]) 

YOUNG ADULT FALL RETREAT Oct. 23-25 at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. For Young Adults (18-35 years of age) led by Fr. Stephen Loposky speaking on “Spiritual Fathers and the Mystery of Confession”    Register at tinyurl.com/smxbprrp

BUCKEYE CLAMBAKE Sat., Nov 7 at St. Nicholas Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain. Clambake + Watch party for Oregon Ducks vs. OSU. Doors open 90 minutes before kick off. $50 full clambake, $35 chicken dinner; $15 kids’ meal. Cash bar https://square.link/u/Rr98b4xS

A PATH OF PROGRESS Mon., Nov 9, 6 p.m. at St Mary Romanian Orthodox Church, 3256 Warren Rd., Cleveland. FOCUS Cleveland presents a panel discussion of current and former residents of St Herman’s House share their journey. $35/person. Tickets available at the door but advance purchase appreciated at: FocusCleveland.org/MyJourney

ST. PAUL CHURCH ANNIVERSARY Sat., Nov. 14, 6 p.m. St. Paul Greek church, 4548 Wallings Rd., N. Royalton, celebrates its 60^th anniversary with a Night of Music thru the Decades with Tony Quarles & the Discovery Band. Food stations and open bar. $75/adult; $40/child (ages 4-10.) Tickets at tinyurl.com/StPaul60years   or call Pres. Nicole Keares (440-409-1673)

“Opening The Scriptures” Orthodox Bible Study via Zoom. Thursdays,  7-8 p.m. led by Rev. Dr. Eugen Pentiuc of Holy Cross. Recurring Zoom link: https://hchc-edu.zoom.us/j/84399084787?pwd=sxU3jn3SdX2lsMLJI55aQkiKX0PnmB.1

Fre

"EXPANDING THE LIVING PARISH" WEBINARS   Mondays at 8 p.m. 

OCTOBER 19:  Welcoming & Engaging Seekers

NOVEMBER 16:  Healthy Catechism for Newcomers

DECEMBER 14:  Building the Orthodox Mindset

Register for FREE Zoom link at https://tinyurl.com/385needb

The National Hellenic Museum invites you to free online discussions, facilitated by their knowledgeable staff , bringing together philhellenes from around the U.S. 

To receive the Zoom link for any event, reserve your FREE tickets at nationalhellenicmuseum.org/online

“Women In Homer”  Tuesday, October 13,  8:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Explore the unforgettable women of Homer, from Helen to Penelope, and how they shape epic, memory, power, and the ancient world. This discussion examines how Homer portrays women as political actors, moral voices, and agents of both destruction and restoration. We will consider their influence on the heroes around them, the expectations placed upon women in the ancient Greek world, and why these remarkable figures have continued to inspire readers, artists, and writers for nearly three thousand years. No previous study needed.

NHM Online Book Club:  on  the 3rd Thursday of the month,  8-9 p.m.

October 15 :  Aivali: A Story of Greeks and Turks in 1922

This graphic novel by Soloúp reconstructs the population catastrophe, drawing on memoirs, oral histories and intertwined memories of Greeks and Turks forced from their homes during the collapse of the Ottoman world.

NHM Online Film  Club:  Monday, October 26 at 8 p.m. 

Join us for an engaging online film club discussion on the classic musical My Fair Lady (1964)  which is based on the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion. This event is perfect for adults interested in classic myths and cinema, musicals, literary adaptations, and character-driven storytelling. Please note: There will not be a screening of the film during the session. Please watch the film in advance to fully participate.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following the 15th Assembly meeting of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the U.S.A., hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met in Pittsburgh, PA, under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Fourth Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the U.S.A. 12 hierarchs attended the gathering, representing the various eparchies under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the U.S.A., namely the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the American Carpatho-Russian OrthodoxDiocese of North America, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, and the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of the Americas. 

In his message to the Hierarchs, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew underscored: “The development of fraternal relationships among the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate also strengthens their common contribution to the work of the Assembly of Bishops there and to broader cooperation with the other Orthodox communities throughout the country. The unity of the Church constitutes a lofty and abiding responsibility of the local Orthodox Hierarchs. For the Hierarchs of the First Throne of Orthodoxy, the guarantor of unity, this constitutes a sacred obligation and duty. Every step toward cultivating mutual trust, every common effort to address pastoral concerns, and every tangible expression of love, strengthen our witness to the world.” 

In his opening address to the Synaxis, Archbishop Elpidophoros noted that “First of all, thanks to all of you for making the effort to participate in this Fifteenth Assembly of Bishops Meeting. As Bishops of the Mother Church of Constantinople, we have a duty and a responsibility to uphold the decisions that have been inaugurated and effectuated by the Great Church. One can wonder about the effectiveness of certain Assemblies worldwide, but one thing is sure, our Assembly in the United States is deeply engaged in the lives of our Faithful, through a whole host of ministries and services. I hope that each of us takes full advantage of this multifaceted diakonia, for it can only enhance our Archpastoral efforts.”

Following the opening remarks, hierarchs discussed and shared information about their respective eparchies and other ministries. The Vicariate for the Palestinian/Jordanian Orthodox Christian Communities was represented by Rev. Protopresbyter George Jweinat. His Grace Bishop-Elect Alexander of Nicopolis presented the latest developments in the life of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate. V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostom Onyekakeyah gave an update on the Mission and Outreach Ministry towards African-Americans. 

The following hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate participated in the Synaxis: His Eminence (H.E.) Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, H.E. Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, H.E. Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, H.E. Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey, H.E. Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon, H.E. Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, His Grace (H.G.) Bishop Spyridon of Amastris, H.G. Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, H.G. Bishop Theophan of Philomelion, H.G. Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, H.G. Bishop Anthony of Synada, and H.G. Bishop-Elect Alexander of Nicopolis. 

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The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met in Pittsburgh, PA from October 3-6, 2026, for the 15th convening since its formation. The Assembly expressed sincere gratitude to Metropolitan Savas for hosting the meeting at the new Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Center, as well as the Pittsburgh pan-Orthodox community for hosting public events.

The weekend began with Vespers at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church on Saturday, October 3 and a concelebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sunday, October 4.

Assembly XV focused primarily on the ongoing effort to create a Common Catechesis. After reviewing the work of the Theological Education Committee, the Assembly reaffirmed the mandate to the Committee to formulate a classical catechetical text.

> Read His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s closing remarks here. 

The Assembly approved additional work on catechesis that engages many of the Assembly’s committees and new working groups.  This comprehensive approach is unique in its inclusion of many voices and crucial in its collaborative nature for the teaching of the Orthodox faith in English. This represents a significant and distinctive undertaking which received the blessing and full support of all the Hierarchs present during the Assembly. Inspired by Saint Paul’s words: “and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2), this collaborative project will be a unique offering to the entire Orthodox Church.

Additionally, the Assembly of Bishops approved the American Sign Language Lexicon of Orthodox Christian Terminology as presented by the Assembly’s sign language lexicon team.  The lexicon team members present included Presbytera Karen Bartz (Interpreter), Greg Coogan, Hannah Mann, and Lola Lee Beno, accompanied by Savannah Foster, President of the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA). Deacon Tigran Khachikyan, Emily Hart (Interpreter) and Mah-Rya Proper (Interpreter) were also present digitally.

During their time together, the Hierarchs of the Assembly reaffirmed their calls for a peaceful and just ending to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East. Reiterating earlier statements, the Assembly continues to call for “an immediate cessation of hostilities wherever war persists.” They urged the governments engaged in these conflicts to end the suffering of the people. Also, the Hierarchs grieved the dangers that Orthodox Christians face daily, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the diminishing populations of Christians there. The Hierarchs urge their flocks to offer assistance through charitable giving to those agencies working to alleviate the suffering of people, as especially through the various programs of the Assembly’s Humanitarian Agency: International Orthodox Christian Charities. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

The Hierarchs of the Assembly discussed the growing effects of artificial intelligence. Both positive and negative concerns were expressed that call for greater discernment and discussion. It was noted that the Assembly’s Affiliated Ministry, Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion (OCAMPR), will examine the topic at their 2027 conference.

On the tenth anniversary of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in Crete in 2016, the Hierarchs are reminded anew of the vital importance of pan-Orthodox cooperation and collaboration as an essential expression of the unity of the Orthodox Church and a faithful witness to the Orthodox Christian faith in today’s world.

With thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the unity and cherished brotherhood of the Assembly of Bishops of the United States of America, the Assembly appeals to the wisdom of our Mother Churches to encourage the active cooperation of all Hierarchs in the United States without exception.

The next Assembly meetings will be hosted by the Metropolitan Nathanael (Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago) October 23-26 in Chicago, Illinois, and the following Assembly meeting will be hosted by Metropolitan Saba (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) in Houston, Texas in October 2028.

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Following a successful inaugural gathering in Boca Raton this past March, The Chant Stand will host its second annual Young Aspiring Chanters (YAC) Conference October 23–25, 2026 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. 

Open to all Orthodox Christians ages 18–35, regardless of jurisdiction or prior experience, YAC offers three days of instruction in Byzantine chant, worship and fellowship. Participants will study under Protopsaltes Samuel Herron, Joshua Boyd and Peter Elgohary. 

On Saturday evening, The Chant Stand and the Holy Trinity Young Adult League will host a Glendi of dinner and dancing, open to participants and Orthodox young adults from the wider community. 

The weekend will conclude Sunday, October 25, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Constantine of Denver and chanted entirely by conference participants. 

The inaugural conference, held at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, drew more than 40 young men and women from across the country, many of whom had never chanted before. The conference was held under the spiritual guidance of Father Mark Leondis of Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church. Since then, several participants have returned to their home parishes inspired to take their place at the analogion and to continue growing in this tradition. 

“Boca exceeded everything we hoped for,” said Sam Atalis, co-founder of The Chant Stand. “We’re finding that young Orthodox Christians want to take part in this tradition, and to do it alongside others who share that desire. YAC is meant to be that first step — but also a community to keep coming back to, whether you’re just beginning or continuing to grow in this art form.” 

For those who wish to continue their education, YAC also serves as a gateway to more advanced study through programs including the Trisagion School of Byzantine Music, among others. 

Registration for YAC is $200 and closes October 18. Glendi tickets are available as an add-on at registration. Register now at thechantstand.org/yac/register. 

About The Chant Stand 

The Chant Stand is an Orthodox Christian nonprofit co-founded by Sam Atalis and Andreas Stamatakis, members of Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida. Dedicated to preserving the sacred art of Byzantine chant and passing it on to the next generation, The Chant Stand serves as an accessible entry point for young Orthodox Christians who feel called to this tradition. The Chant Stand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit thechantstand.org or email [email protected]. 

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On Sunday, October 4^th, the community of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, PA welcomed Hierarchs from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America for a reception and performances spotlighting local cultural dance troupes and choirs along with testimonies highlighting the work of the Assembly’s agencies. The Hierarchs were welcomed by Rev. Fr. Michael H. Kallaur, Presiding Priest of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, the Parish Council, and faithful. 

During the reception which was hosted by the parish community, the Orthodox Volunteer Corps, in partnership with Neighborhood Resilience Project, organized a food assembly station for their backpack feeding program. The Hierarchs and faithful were entertained by performances from several dance troupes and choirs, including:

• Saint Constantine School of Pittsburgh Students, a Pan-Orthodox school in Bellevue, PA;
• Otets Paissii Performing Folk Ensemble from the Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center in West Homestead, PA;
• St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral Byzantine Choir of Pittsburg from the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in Pittsburgh, PA;
• St. Nicholas Serbian Tamburitzans from St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville, PA;
• Slavjane Folk Ensemble from St. John the Baptist American Carpatho-Russian Church in Allison Park, PA; 
• Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie, PA;
• Saint Miriam Byzantine Choir, a Pan-Orthodox choir in Pittsburgh, PA; and,
• Grecian Odyssey Dancers from Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in East Pittsburgh, PA.

Spyridoula Fotinis, Director of Inter-Parish Associations for the Assembly, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Short testimonials from the Assembly’s six Agencies were read by:

• Fr. Paul Abernathy, Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries
• Natalya Delsante, Orthodox Volunteer Corps
• Dominic, Orthodox Christian Fellowship
• Victoria Dionisos, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry
• Presbytera Theophani Sarigianis, Orthodox Christian Mission Center
• Archon Nicholas Terezis, International Orthodox Christian Charities

At the conclusion of the reception, Fr. Nicholas Anton, Assembly of Bishops’ Director of Operations, thanked the dancers for their lively performances and the faithful of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church for their hospitality.

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