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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-11-11
Bulletin Contents
Goodsamaritan
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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (561) 833-6387
  • Fax:
  • (561) 833-6391
  • Street Address:

  • 110 Southern Blvd.

  • West Palm Beach, FL 33405


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sunday Services:

  8:45 am     Orthros

10:00 am     Divine Liturgy

 


Past Bulletins


This Week and Upcoming Events

 Christ is in our midst!  He is and ever shall be!

Our services are streamed live on the internet.
at our Saint Catherine website - www.stcatherine-wpb.org

Click Here for the Live Stream during scheduled services! 

 
 
-- -- -- This past weekend, an issue with our hosting provider caused the Listserv to go offline.  Here is our eBulletin for this week --  --  --
 
This Week at Saint Catherine
Sunday, November 11 ~ 8th Sunday of Luke
       8:45 am   Orthros        Download the Orthros Service
     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy
     10:00 am   Sunday School

Monday, November 12
       6:00 pm   Great Vespers for St. John Chrysostom in Hobe Sound

Tuesday, November 13 ~ Saint John Chrysostom
       9:00 am   Orthros
     10:00 am   Liturgy
     AHEPA / Daughters of Penelope
       6:00 pm   Refreshments
       7:00 pm   Meetings

Thursday, November 15 ~ Nativity Fast Begins
       9:30 am-11:00 am   Orthodoxy Today
       7:00 pm   Parish Council Meeting

Saturday, November 17 ~ Saint Catherine 65th Anniversary Dinner-Dance
       6:30 pm   Appetizers
       7:30 pm   Dinner


Highlights of Upcoming Services and Events
Sunday, November 18 ~ 9th Sunday of Luke
       8:45 am   Orthros
     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy
     10:00 am   Sunday School

Tuesday, November 20
     Philoptochos
     10:30 am   Board Meeting
     12:00 pm   Lunch and Meeting

Wednesday, November 21 ~ Entrance of the Theotokos
       9:00 am   Orthros
     10:00 am   Liturgy

Thursday, November 22 ~ Thanksgiving Day
     10:00 am-3:00 pm   Saint Catherine and AHEPA
     Feeding Those In Need

Saturday, November 24    
       7:00 pm   Saint Catherine Great Vespers
       and Reception by Philoptochos

Sunday, November 25 ~ Saint Catherine Feastday

________________________
 
 
◦  2018 Stewardship Reminder ~ Have you sent us your Stewardship gift this year?  With only two months remaining till year end, we would appreciate your taking the time to do it now.  Thank you.
 

◦  We are now accepting donations for our Saint Catherine / AHEPA Chapter 18 Thanksgiving Ministry.  Please label your donations “Thanksgiving Ministry” and send them to the Church office.

 

New Logo for YouTube done In-house  Many of our Divine Liturgies have been recorded and can be viewed at www.youtube.com.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Saint.Catherine.Greek.Orthodox.Church

 

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.


Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

The sign that thou lovest God, is this, that thou lovest thy fellow; and if thou hatest thy fellow, thy hatred is towards God. For it is blasphemy if thou prayest before God while thou art wroth. For thy heart also convicts thee, that in vain thou multipliest words: thy conscience rightly judges that in thy prayers thou profitest nought.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
ON ADMONITION AND REPENTANCE.

He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Fr. Matthew the Poor
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century

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Saints and Feasts

Goodsamaritan
November 11

8th Sunday of Luke


Menas
November 11

Menas of Egypt

Saint Menas, who had Egypt as his fatherland, contested in Cotyaeion of Phrygia in 296 during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian. A soldier distinguished for his valour in war, he renounced his rank and withdrew to devote himself to ascetical struggles and prayer in the mountains. Filled with zeal and more than human courage, he presented himself in the midst of a pagan festival in Cotyaeion and declared himself to be a Christian. After terrible torments which he endured with astonishing courage, he was beheaded. His martyrium in Egypt became a place of universal pilgrimage; evidence of ancient journeys to his shrine have been found as far away as Ireland. The glory and refuge of the Christians of Egypt, he has been revealed to be a worker of great miracles and a swift defender for all who call on him with faith; besides all else, he is also invoked for help in finding lost objects.


Victor
November 11

Victor and Stephanie

Saints Victor and Stephanie contested in Damascus in 160, during the reign of Antoninus Pius. The pagans arrested Saint Victor as a Christian and cut off his fingers, put out his eyes, and beheaded him. As Saint Stephanie, the wife of a certain soldier, and a Christian, saw Victor's nobility in his sufferings, she loudly cried out to call him blessed and to say that she saw two crowns prepared, one for him, and one for herself. She also was taken, and was tied to two palm trees which had been bowed down; when they were released, she was torn asunder.


Allsaint
November 11

Holy Martyr Vincent

Saint Vincent is the most illustrious of the Martyrs of Spain. Because of his virtue, he was ordained deacon by Valerius, Bishop of Saragossa, who, because of his advanced age and an impediment in his speech, commissioned Vincent to be preacher of the Gospel. In 303, the impious Emperors Diocletian and Maximian sent Dacian to Spain as governor, with an edict to persecute the clergy. Saint Vincent was brought with Bishop Valerius to Valencia; the bishop was sent into exile, but the holy deacon was tortured on a rack, and after suffering other cruel torments, gave up his soul into the hands of God on January 22 in the year 304.


Allsaint
November 11

Theodore the Studite

Saint Theodore the Studite was born in Constantinople in 759; his pious parents were named Photinus and Theoctiste. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth, at the monastery called Sakkoudion, and became abbot there in 794. About the year 784 he was ordained deacon, and later presbyter by the most holy Patriarch Tarasius. On joining the brotherhood of the Monastery of Studium (which was named after its founder Studius, a Roman consul), the Saint received the surname "Studite." He proved to be a fervent zealot for the traditions of the Fathers and contested even unto death for the sake of his reverence for the holy icons. He endured three exiles because of his pious zeal. During the third one, to which he was condemned by the Iconoclast autocrat, Leo the Armenian, he endured courageously - being beaten and bound and led from one dark dungeon to another - for seven whole years. Finally he was recalled from exile by Michael the Stutterer. Receiving thus a small respite from his labours of long endurance, he reposed in the Lord on November 11, 826, a Sunday, while his disciples, who stood round about him, chanted the 118th Psalm. Some say that after receiving the immaculate Mysteries, he himself began chanting this psalm. And on reaching the verse, ' I will never forget Thy statutes, for in them hast Thou quickened me" (Ps. 118:93), he gave up his spirit, having lived for sixty-seven years. In addition to his other sacred writings, he composed, with the collaboration of his brother Joseph, almost the whole of the compunctionate book of the Triodion (see also July 14).


Johnmerciful
November 12

John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

Saint John was born in 555 on the island of Cyprus in the city of Amathus; his father, Epiphanius, was a ruler of Cyprus. The Saint was consecrated Archbishop of Alexandria in 608. A man of exemplary uprightness, in his zeal for Orthodoxy he strove mightily to fight the many heresies among the Christians in Egypt; but above all, he was famous for his singular generosity, humility, and sympathy towards all, especially the poor. His mercy was so great that the report of it reached the Persian invaders of Jerusalem, who desired to see him because of it. Saint John reposed in 619, at the age of sixty-four.


Allsaint
November 12

Martin, Bishop of Tours

Saint Martin, the great luminary of Gaul, was the son of pagan parents. When he was still quite young he became a catechumen; at the age of twenty-two he received Holy Baptism. Then he undertook the labours of a monk, and was afterwards consecrated Bishop of Tours, renowned as an ascetic and wonderworker, a faithful shepherd of Christ's flock. He converted many both from paganism and heresy, cast out demons and raised the dead, and while undertaking all the apostolic burdens of a bishop, he never ceased to be a simple monk and man of prayer. His monastery became a center of monasticism not only for Gaul, but for all of Western Europe. A widely celebrated incident of his life took place when he was still a catechumen, fulfilling his military service. Seeing an ill-clad beggar asking alms at the gate of the city of Amiens and being overlooked by passersby, Saint Martin, having nothing else to give, rent his military cloak in two with his sword and gave half to the beggar, so that he might cover himself in the cold. That night, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him, clothed with the half of the cloak he had given to the beggar. Saint Martin's cloak - capella in Latin - was kept in a sanctuary which came to be called capella, from which the word "chapel" is derived; and they under whose care it was kept were called cappellani, from which "chaplain" is derived. Saint Martin reposed in peace in the year 397.


Allsaint
November 12

Nilus the Ascetic of Sinai

Saint Nilus, who had Constantinople as his homeland, was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom. He had formerly been an eparch of the city, then became an ascetic on Mount Sinai. He wrote epistles and various ascetical works, and reposed about 451.


Johnchry
November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.

At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.


Philipapostle
November 14

Philip the Apostle

This Apostle, one of the Twelve, was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was a compatriot of Andrew and Peter. He was instructed in the teachings of the Law, and devoted himself to the study of the prophetic books. Therefore, when the Lord Jesus called him to the dignity of apostleship, he immediately sought out and found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1.45). Having preached Jesus the God-man throughout many parts of Asia Minor, and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he was finally crucified upside down in Hierapolis of Phrygia.


Gregpala
November 14

Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica.

Constantinenewmartyr
November 14

Holy Great New Martyr Constantine of Hydra

Constantine was born on the island of Hydra in the 18th century. Born to a pious Orthodox Christian family, he left the island to the city of Rhodes in order to find work. There he worked for the Turkish governer and converted to Islam. He soon repented and returned to his Christian faith and lived on Mt Athos for a period of time as a monastic.  He returned to Rhodes to confront the governor and confess his Christian faith. He died the death of a martyr by being beheaded on November 14, 1800.


Allsaint
November 15

Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.


Allsaint
November 15

Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa

Of these most illustrious Martyrs of the city of Edessa in Syria, Guria and Shamuna contested during the reign of Diocletian, in 288; after many tortures, they were cast into prison, then beheaded. Saint Habib, a deacon, contested in the days of Licinius, in the year 316, and was burned alive; he was buried with Saints Guria and Shamuna. The three have one common feast, and it is always together that they are portrayed in icons and invoked by the faithful.On account of a renowned miracle they worked, they are invoked for help in marital difficulties. A certain Goth had come with the Roman army to Edessa and was quartered in the house of a pious widow named Sophia. The Goth asked Sophia for the hand of her daughter, Euphemia; after resisting for a long time, Sophia at last agreed. When it was time for the army to return home, Sophia made the Goth vow by the power in the holy Martyrs Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, to keep Euphemia as the apple of his eye. As he was nearing his home, however, the treacherous man revealed to Euphemia that he already had a wife. Euphemia was compelled to serve the Goths wife, who dealt with her mercilessly. After extreme sufferings, which included being sealed alive in a tomb and left there to die, Euphemia was miraculously conveyed to Edessa, to the very shrine of the holy Martyrs whose surety they had taken, and was reunited with her mother through their holy prayers.


Mattevng
November 16

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.


Gregwonderjohnmercy
November 17

Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).


Allsaint
November 17

Righteous Mother Hilda of Whitby

Our righteous Mother Hilda was of noble birth, being a kinswoman of Saint Edwin, King of Northumbria (celebrated Oct. 12). At the age of thirty-three she renounced the world, and lived another thirty-three years as a nun and abbess. The last six years of her life she suffered a burning fever with patience and nobility, and reposed in peace in the year 680.


18_lukewriting
November 18

9th Sunday of Luke


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Metropolis of Atlanta

Message from Metropolitan Alexios

My Beloved Ones,

This week, the Metropolis of Atlanta was blessed to observe its Name Day on November 8th, the Feast of the Archangels, whose help we invoke, as we prepare to observe our annual Archangel Michael Feast and Honors. I am always so pleased to have the opportunity to spend time with such devoted servants of God, as we not only use the occasion to honor these worthy “Michaels”, but also plan for the future of our Holy and God-Protected Metropolis.

The Angels and Archangels were spirits created by God, not only before the creation of Man but the universe itself. They exist to do the work that is pleasing to Him: praising Him, bearing His messages for humanity, and protecting all of His Creation. Our Lord Jesus Christ attested to the existence of the angelic host when he rebuked Peter for trying to prevent His arrest in Gethsemane. Christ explains that “…do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)

There are many churches and places in Greece which are dedicated to the Archangels. On the island of Lesvos, there is an icon of the Archangel Michael written with mud and the blood of monks who had been martyred by the Turks. The pilgrims who come to venerate this icon of Taxiarchis proclaim that many times throughout the year, the icon is blank, which we understand to mean that the Archangel has left his place to minister to the needs and prayers of the faithful throughout the world.

Therefore, it is no accident that we choose to celebrate the Patronal Feast of our Metropolis of Atlanta by honoring those persons who exhibit the same spirit as the Archangel Michael. Though we human beings are higher than the Angels, on account of our free will, we are blessed to use this gift the Archangels do not have, in order that we may become more angelic than human. Those we shall honor this weekend are therefore messengers; they are messengers whose “wings” are a joyous enthusiasm, and a desire to serve our Lord and His Holy Church.

May the Lord our God, with the protection of the Bodiless Powers of Heaven, keep us all safe, including our Honorees, their families and friends; as well as our Metropolis Council, Metropolis Philoptochos Board, Vicars, Archons, Endowment Foundation Board, and HDF Committee members, who are travelling to be with us this weekend.  

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

From the Chancellor's Desk

Today, I am proud to write a joyful message of welcome to all who are travelling to be with us for the annual Metropolis of Atlanta Archangel Michael Feast and Honors, including not only the honorees and their loved ones, but also, all those who are meeting with us this weekend: the Metropolis Council, Metropolis Philoptochos Board, Vicars, Archons, Endowment Foundation Board, and HDF Committee members. 

I always consider this blessed event a highlight--if not the high point--of our year here at the Metropolis. Of course, our beloved youth activities have a special significance for all, but Archangel Michael weekend is unique in that it is as close to a family reunion as we have here in our region. We gather together, irrespective of parish and distance, to honor those who uphold the traditional Orthodox Christian values of our Metropolis.

In coming together, we realize that, regardless of whether we may see each other only this once a year, or at other events, Archangel Michael allows us to reinforce the bonds of joy and affection we have towards one another as Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Guided by our commitment to our Lord, we can be strengthened in looking over the faces of all those who, like you and me, care enough about the future of their Church to make the time to attend weekend meetings and workshops that will help shape all our futures. And then, when this fruitful work is done, we are blessed to able to break bread, as we pay tribute to those people whose zeal for our Lord serve as beacons of true Christian living!

For those of you who will be joining us, we are glad to have you! May this weekend--from the meetings, to the banquet, to worshipping as one family in this Sunday's liturgy be a blessing for all our Metropolis!

+Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor

 

Youth, Education & Hellenic Culture

 The 44th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress unanimously passed the NEW Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children!  There is a great article on page 12 of the July/August Orthodox Observer explaining the Next Steps in Youth Safety.  Please take time to read the article and the new policies since they affect everyone involved in all youth programs.

In Christ,

Monica

 

The Strategic Plan

Strategic_plan_logo_final                                                FAITH FORUM

Want to learn the latest best practices on how to grow your parish?

How about learning to create a plan for the future of your parish?

How do I fund the essential ministries of my parish and become less dependent on fund raisers?

Have I covered all the significant risks to my parish and what risks go beyond insurance coverage?

Are my religious education programs covering all that they should and are they effective?  Is leadership training important to my role in the parish?

If you and your fellow parishioners have ever discussed these topics and you want to learn more, then …

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH 9, 2019 FROM NOON TO 5PM AT ST. NEKTARIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CHARLOTTE, NC

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

 

Take a look at the online portal.

Vist www.atlstrategicplan.org/portal to view a list of the several goals completed in 2017.

 Family Life Ministry

The Metropolis of Atlanta’s Family Life Ministry (www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org) strengthens individuals, families and church families through adaptable programs, blogs and educational materials as a means of fostering connection within our homes and our parishes.

 Join Paula and Edna as they discuss the latest book from with FLM, “Woven: An Interactive Book for the Modern Teenage Girl on Orthodox Christianity” with Bobby Maddex from Ancient Faith Ministries.

 For more information, or to order "Woven" please visit, woveninhislove.org

 We also share with you helpful links from the OCN and the Family Life Ministry of the Metropolis of Atlanta.

 

Journey of Marriage (Pre-Marital Seminar)

 All couples marrying in the Metropolis must attend a Metropolis-sponsored Journey of Marriage seminar prior to their wedding. The couple will present their certificate of completion to their parish priest after the seminar.

  • January 19, 2019 - St. Catherine - West Palm Beach, FL
  • May 4, 2019 - St. Andrew - Kendall, FL

 To see the full list of seminars in Florida and in our entire Metropolis as more seminars are scheduled please visit: http://www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org/upcoming-events-2/

 Registration is online.  Materials costs are included in the registration.

 

Shop with Amazon, donate to the DRC

 Amazon Smile is a program that allows for 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to be donated to the Diakonia Retreat Center (No Added Cost To You). To find our Amazon Smile page, visit  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-2187047.

 

 

 

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Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for the Feast of the Holy Archangels, Nov. 8, 2018

11/06/2018

Today as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Archangels and give thanks to God for these holy messengers and protectors, we also continue our celebration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of Saint Michael’s Home. Through the vision and leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Michael together with the efforts and donations of faithful from throughout our Holy Archdiocese, the doors of Saint Michael’s Home were officially opened on May 25, 1958. On this day, a sacred work began through a facility and ministry that has continued to offer compassionate and quality care to Greek Orthodox elderly.
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop Demetrios' Statement on the Pittsburgh Massacre

10/29/2018

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, expresses the disbelief, outrage, pain and sorrow of all Greek Orthodox people in America at the horrendous terrorist and racist attack against innocent people attending their religious services at the “Tree of Life” Synagogue in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD

10/19/2018

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was convened for its regular fall meeting at the Synodal chamber of the Holy Archdiocesesan headquarters in New York City on October 17 and 18, 2018 and was presided by his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America with the participation of all the Metropolitans members of the Synod.
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Assembly of Bishops News

Statement on the Recent Attack in Thousand Oaks, California

11/08/2018

Deeply saddened and profoundly concerned, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America condemns the heinous and murderous shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. Regrettably, it has become all too common for peace to be broken by bloodshed.

Statement on the Recent Attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA

10/31/2018

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America expresses its deep sympathies as we mourn the loss of innocent lives and pray for the speedy recovery of those wounded in the recent attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Remembering the Message from our Assembly meeting just last month, we reiterate our 'denunciation of all violence, whether caused by senseless acts related to weapons and shootings or instigated by abhorrent acts of discrimination and prejudice.'

Message of the 9th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America

10/04/2018

We, the members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, gathered in Cleveland, Ohio, for our ninth annual meeting on October 2-3, 2018, greet you all with love in Christ as we offer glory and gratitude to Him.

Orthodox Christian Hierarchs Gather for Second Day of Annual Meeting

10/04/2018

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is committed to encouraging spiritual unity, communication, and cooperation among the parishes of various jurisdictions situated in the same geographic areas. The work of local clergy brotherhoods is a critical part of this process of achieving greater unity.

Address of the Chairman His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America

10/03/2018

The door is open, but here are many adversaries for us, too. Many challenges. This is why it is vitally important to be together, to act together, to strengthen the work of this Assembly. Here we have the opportunity to discuss strategies for offering our Orthodox witness, to deal with problems that we face as churches, as well as problems that we may face with one another.

Ninth Annual Assembly Convenes in Cleveland

10/03/2018

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America convened its ninth annual meeting today in Cleveland, Ohio. The day began with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio.

2018 College Student Sunday Encyclical - October 7, 2018

10/01/2018

We are asking that a special collection be taken on College Student Sunday in support of the good work of OCF, and we encourage the entire faithful family – clergy, parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, and friends of our treasured college students – to be generous in your offering of support to this ministry on their behalf.

Fast Questions and Fast Answers about American Orthodox Bishops

09/25/2018

Based on questions that American Orthodox hierarchs often receive from clergy and parishioners, this essay offers readers plenty of interesting facts about their lives as Bishops, as well as who they are as people.

New Map of Bishops and Parishes Available on the Assembly Website

08/07/2018

A new map, Orthodox Bishops and Parishes in the United States, is now available on the Assembly's website. The updated map shows: a) locations, names and jurisdictions of all active Orthodox bishops in the United States and b) the total number of Orthodox parishes in each county.

Directory of Pan-Orthodox Clergy Brotherhoods and Associated Pan-Orthodox Organizations

07/20/2018

The first-ever national state-by-state directory of the active local and regional Orthodox Clergy Brotherhoods and associated Pan-Orthodox laity organizations has been published by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. Thirty-six local or regional Orthodox Clergy Brotherhoods and nine Pan-Orthodox laity organizations are listed in this directory.

Orthodox Christian Churches in 21st Century America: A Parish Life Study

01/30/2018

The study 'Orthodox Christian Churches in 21st Century America' offers a comprehensive picture of the lives of local American Orthodox parishes, including such aspects as membership, worship, programs, religious education, youth, usage of electronic technologies, and much more. In addition, the study also addressed the crucial question: 'How are Orthodox Christian parishes faring today among the many other American local religious communities?'
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Hellenic College Holy Cross News

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HCHC Students Again Participate in Concordia Annual Summit

09/27/2018

For the second year in a row, a group of Hellenic College and Holy Cross students joined Rev. Fr. Christopher Metropulos, HCHC President, at the Concordia Annual Summit, which was held in New York City September 24-26.

HCHC Appoints New Director of CrossRoad Summer Institute

09/18/2018

Hellenic College Holy Cross is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyra Limberakis as Director of the CrossRoad Summer Institute.
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