April 11
Sunday of St. John Climacus
The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.
The Office of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce the winners of the “1821 Creative Expression and Research Contest” which was presented by The High Council for Greek Education.
On this week's exciting episode of "Live with the Louhs," a radio ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, hosts Fr. Nicholas and his wife, Dr. Roxanne, a Clinical Psychologist, discuss Religious Freedom and the Plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
After 5 years of service as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Metropolis of Denver, Jenny Stasinopoulos is moving on to her next role with the Tulsa Children's Museum. The Orthodox Observer caught up with Jenny to reflect on her time in youth ministry, the future of youth work, and her hopes for all the amazing youth and young adults she served.
For the Life of the World: Towards a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church is a powerful social document enriched by scriptural, patristic, theological, and spiritual references, to navigate through these often perplexing and difficult times, as Orthodox Christians, in a post-modern world.
We're halfway through Lent last Sunday! Check out our Family Connection from the Center for Family Care for some ideas on how to review your family's Lenten progress.
60% of young American Christians fall away from the tradition that raised them. We face the same problem in the Orthodox Church. In this talk, Steve presents three common ministry mistakes. And he explores how we can transform those mistakes into opportunities for transformational ministry that meets the needs of young people. This is the first of two talks that are part of the Lenten retreat titled: Authentic Christianity: Why Young People are Leaving the Church (and How We Can Inspire them to Stay) . The second talk was given by Father Andrew Stephen Damick. The retreat took place as a live, virtual panel discussion on April 3, 2021.
The Office of Greek Education is pleased to announce the return of the Archdiocesan District Children's Choir. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, expressed his desire to re-establish the youth choir program. With his spiritual guidance, his deep love for children and the Greek language, the Archdiocesan Youth Choir will return this Fall 2021. This program was made possible by the generosity of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Leadership 100.
"Grateful to the brilliant scientists and health care workers who, through hard work and by the Grace of God, produce and deliver life-saving vaccines. We have a moral obligation to make vaccines available to everyone in the world," said His Eminence.
On April 1, 2021, from the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros received a Proclamation from Mayor John Cooper celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821.