This July there are many saints days remembered: Sts. Kyrikos & Julitta (July 15), St. Marina (July 17), St. Makrina (July 19), Prophet Elias (July 20), St. Mary Magdalene (July 22), St. Anna (July 25), St. Christina (July 24), St. Paraskevi (July 26), St. Panteleimon (July 27), St. Irene Chrysovalantou (July 28), just to mention a few! Happy name to those who celebrate. For the ones in bold, we will have an Orthros/Liturgy. Please join us on these days.
Special Outdoor Liturgy – July 26 (weather permitting)!
There have been several requests for an outdoor Liturgy. This makes it easy to social distance while wearing a mask. God willing the weather will be pleasant. We will set up at the back of the parking lot behind church facing east. This requires a great deal of help setting up and returning many items to church after the service. Please let me know if you are able to lend a hand. The services will start at the normal times and we can visit afterwards!
Our Panagia
During the 15 days at the beginning of August, we have a fast in honor of our Panagia, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary. Each night we have a beautiful Paraklesis dedicated to the Theotokos. This year we will alternate between the Small and Great Paraklesis. The dormition of the Theotokos completes the fast on August 14/15. Please join us as often as possible. In addition to this feast day, August 5/6, we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord. There is also the blessing of the grapes. The great Vespers of both feast days will be celebrated with an Artoklasia!
Our Panagia is the most fervent intercessor to our Lord and her Son, Jesus Christ. Join us each evening during the first 14 days to commemorate the life of the Virgin Mary and the wondrous blessings and miracles from her intercessions. Let us join in chanting “Most holy Theotokos save us!” Let us sing the Kontakion together:
A fervent prayer and a wall unshakeable,
Intercessor to our holy Maker unwavering,
Reject not, the prayerful cries of those who are in sin.
Instead, come to us for You are good,
Your loving help bring unto us,
Who are crying in faith to you.
Hasten to intercede,
And speed now to supplicate.
As a protection for all time,
Theotokos for those who honor you.
Love always,
Fr. Jon