July 04
Andrew of Crete Author of the Great Canon
Saint Andrew was from Damascus; his parents' names were George and Gregoria. He became a cleric and secretary of Theodore and Patriarch of Jerusalem; from this, he is called "the Jerusalemite." He was present at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople, which was convoked in 680 during the reign of Emperor Constantine IV (668-685). He became deacon of the Great church in Constantinople, that is, the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God, then Archbishop of Crete. He reposed in 720 or 723. Beside his other sacred writings, he also composed various hymns, among which is the famous Great Canon, which is chanted during Great Lent (see the Thursday of the Fifth Week of the Fast).
This morning, Rev. George Livanos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family.
The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations is pleased to announce a new and simplified Greening the Parish Resource page. The page offers all the how-to videos in place, in addition to the Greening the Parish four-part webinar series, the history and work of the Green Patriarch, an Orthodox Creation Care toolkit, and further Orthodox and ecumenical resources.
This week we learn about our lifeguards, Saints Cosmas and Damian, the unmercenary physicians! To download the full family activity guide visit: https://www.goarch.org/-/soak-up-the-son-go-forth.
On Saturday, June 26, 2021, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America elevated Mr. Georgios Theodoridis, Master Chanter of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Washington, DC, to the rank of Archon Mousikodidaskalos (Music Instructor) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in recognition of his efforts and contributions toward the teaching and promotion of Byzantine Music in Washington, DC, over the past decade. Together with this special honor, His Eminence appointed Archon Georgios Theodoridis as the new Director of the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music, which he previously served in the capacity of music instructor.
On June 26, 2021, Rev. Michael Diamond was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia. AXIOS!
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in partnership with In Defense of Christians will co-host an Ecumenical Prayer Service lamenting the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque one year ago. The Ecumenical Prayer Service will take place on July 14th, 2021, at 6:30 pm EDT at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 2815 36th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Presvytera Melanie speaks with His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh on theological "whys" of disability, the need for all of us to learn an etiquette regarding disability, and his exhilarating experience on an OCF Real Break mission trip when visiting "The Four Homes of Mercy," a group home for persons with disabilities.
