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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-06-23
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
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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 Week at Saint Catherine
Sunday, June 23 ~ All Saints Sunday
       8:45 am   Orthros  -  Link to the Orthros Service
     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy

Monday, June 24 ~ Nativity of John the Baptist
       9:00 am   Orthros
     10:00 am   Liturgy
     Fast of the Holy Apostles Begins

Saturday, June 29 ~ Saints Peter & Paul
       9:00 am   Orthros
     10:00 am   Liturgy

June 26-29 ~ Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly and
                     Philoptochos Conference, Jacksonville, FL
                    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros will be at the banquet on Friday


Highlights of Upcoming Services and Events
Sunday, June 30 ~ Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles
       8:45 am   Orthros
     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy

Thursday, July 4
     Independence Day ~ office closed

________________________
 
Youth Safety Resources
We're committed to connecting young people with Jesus Christ. To do that, we need to create ministry environments that are safe and health. For more on how you can help, please visit our new Youth Safety website: goarch.org/safety.
 

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

 

Shop with Amazon, donate to Saint Catherine

Amazon Smile is a program that allows for 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to be donated to our Saint Catherine Church (No Added Cost To You). To sign-up visit Sign up for Amazon Smile and press "Select" next to our church name.  Then remember to log in to "smile.amazon.com" when you shop.

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Event Flyers

    AXIOS! Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is Enthroned

    AXIOS! Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is Enthroned

    Excerpts from the Enthronement Address of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.


    Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Enthroned June 22, 2019 in New York

    Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Enthroned June 22, 2019 in New York

    The Enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros attracted worldwide interest and was attended by hierarchs from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops; dignitaries from the political, diplomatic, academic and business world; religious leaders, community and organization representatives; and clergy and laity from around the country and around the world.


    Why Do Archbishops Get Enthroned?

    Why Do Archbishops Get Enthroned?

    An enthronement places a bishop or archbishop in the area he oversees. When Archbishop Elpidophoros comes to America, the first thing that’s going to happen is his enthronement on June 22.


    Metropolis Clergy-Laity Workshops open to All Parishioners !

    Metropolis Clergy-Laity Workshops open to All Parishioners !

    Please note, that all of the listed workshops are not only free of charge, but also open to all members of our Metropolis parishes, whether or not they are registered for the Clergy Laity. This was done so that all our parishioners might participate in these workshops, for the growth of your spiritual homes, for the greater glory of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


    Youth at the Metropolis Clergy Laity in June

    Youth at the Metropolis Clergy Laity in June

    'Bring Your Youth' is the name of the program of meaningful fun activities for youth in Jacksonville at the Clergy Laity Assembly of our Metropolis.


    Stewards of the Faith

    Stewards of the Faith

    All Things are Possible to the One Who Believes in Jesus Christ


    Building for Tomorrow with IOCC

    Building for Tomorrow with IOCC

    Making education more accessible is just one way your gifts and prayers reach around the world.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."


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 Letter to the Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2.

Brethren, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.


Gospel Reading

The Sunday of All Saints
The Reading is from Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30

The Lord said to his disciples, "Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny him before my Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Then Peter said in reply, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Peter ... put to Him this question in behalf of all the world ... For He had required of the rich man these two things, to give that he had to the poor, and to follow Him. ... For the forsaking was done for the sake of following, and the following was rendered easier by the forsaking.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 64 on Matthew 19, 4th Century

But He seems to me here to intimate also the persecutions. For since there were many instances both of fathers urging their sons to ungodliness, and wives their husbands; when they command these things, said He, let them be neither wives nor parents, even as Paul likewise said, "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 64 on Matthew 19, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
June 23

The Sunday of All Saints

Honouring the friends of God with much reverence, the Prophet-King David says, "But to me, exceedingly honourable are Thy friends, O Lord" (Ps. 138:16). And the divine Apostle, recounting the achievements of the Saints, and setting forth their memorial as an example that we might turn away from earthly things and from sin, and emulate their patience and courage in the struggles for virtue, says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every burden, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

This commemoration began as the Sunday (Synaxis) of All Martyrs; to them were added all the ranks of Saints who bore witness (the meaning of "Martyr" in Greek) to Christ in manifold ways, even if occasion did not require the shedding of their blood.

Therefore, guided by the teaching of the Divine Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition, we the pious honour all the Saints, the friends of God, for they are keepers of God's commandments, shining examples of virtue, and benefactors of mankind. Of course, we honour the known Saints especially on their own day of the year, as is evident in the Menologion. But since many Saints are unknown, and their number has increased with time, and will continue to increase until the end of time, the Church has appointed that once a year a common commemoration be made of all the Saints. This is the feast that we celebrate today. It is the harvest of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world; it is the "much fruit" brought forth by that "Grain of wheat that fell into the earth and died" (John 12:24); it is the glorification of the Saints as "the foundation of the Church, the perfection of the Gospel, they who fulfilled in deed the sayings of the Saviour" (Sunday of All Saints, Doxasticon of Vespers).

In this celebration, then, we reverently honour and call blessed all the Righteous, the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Shepherds, Teachers, and Holy Monastics, both men and women alike, known and unknown, who have been added to the choirs of the Saints and shall be added, from the time of Adam until the end of the world, who have been perfected in piety and have glorified God by their holy lives. All these, as well as the orders of the Angels, and especially our most holy Lady and Queen, the Ever-virgin Theotokos Mary, do we honour today, setting their life before us as an example of virtue, and entreating them to intercede in our behalf with God, Whose grace and boundless mercy be with us all. Amen.


Allsaint
June 23

Agrippina the Martyr of Rome

This Martyr was from Rome and lived in virginity, having Christ alone as her Bridegroom. Of her own accord she courageously presented herself to the pagans as a Christian, and was tortured to death, according to some, in the reign of Valerian (253-260). Her holy relics were then taken to Sicily, where they immediately became a source of great miracles.


24_stjohnb
June 24

Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist

He that was greater than all who are born of women, the Prophet who received God's testimony that he surpassed all the Prophets, was born of the aged and barren Elizabeth (Luke 1: 7) and filled all his kinsmen, and those that lived round about, with gladness and wonder. But even more wondrous was that which followed on the eighth day when he was circumcised, that is, the day on which a male child receives his name. Those present called him Zacharias, the name of his father. But the mother said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." Since the child's father was unable to speak, he was asked, by means of a sign, to indicate the child's name. He then asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And immediately Zacharias' mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed from its silence of nine months, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he blessed the God of Israel, Who had fulfilled the promises made to their fathers, and had visited them that were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and had sent to them the light of salvation. Zacharias prophesied concerning the child also, saying that he would be a Prophet of the Most High and Forerunner of Jesus Christ. And the child John, who was filled with grace, grew and waxed strong in the Spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel (Luke 1:57-80). His name is a variation of the Hebrew "Johanan," which means "Yah is gracious."


Elizabeth
June 24

Elizabeth, Mother of the Forerunner


Nativity_baptist
June 25

Leavetaking of the Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist


Febronia
June 25

The Righteous Martyr Febronia

This Martyr practiced the ascetic discipline in Nisibis of Mesopotamia; she was of such great beauty that the report of her came to the persecutor Selenus, and every attempt was made to make her deny Christ. After many horrible tortures, she was cruelly dismembered by the executioners, then beheaded, in the year 310 (or, according to some, in 302, during the reign of Diocletian).


Allsaint
June 25

Dionysius & Dometios the Righteous of Mount Athos


Tikhvin
June 26

Appearance of the Icon of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos of Tikhvin

According to one tradition, this icon was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. It was formerly situated in the famous Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it appeared upon the waters of Lake Ladoga, whence it travelled miraculously through the air to the city of Tikhvin; there, it remained by the River Tikhvinka, and a monastery was built to shelter the icon. In 1613-14 this monastery miraculously withstood the many attacks of the Swedish invaders. In the early twentieth century it was brought to America and was returned to Russia in 2004. The holy icon is renowned for a great many miracles wrought through it by the all-holy Mother of God, especially for the healing of children.


Pachomiusdavidthess
June 26

David the Righteous of Thessalonika

Saint David, who was from Thessalonica, lived a most holy and ascetical life. For some years, he took up his dwelling in the branches of an almond tree, exposed to all the elements and extremes of the weather. He reposed in peace during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great, in the sixth century.


Allsaint
June 27

Samson the Hospitable

Saint Samson was from Rome and flourished during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great. Being a physician, he came to Constantinople, where he so distinguished himself for his virtue and his love for the sick and the poor that Patriarch Menas ordained him priest. The Emperor Justinian was healed by him, and out of gratitude built him a large hospital, which was afterwards known as "The Hospice of Samson." Saint Samson is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.


Unmercenaries
June 28

Finding of the Relics of Cyrus and John the Unmercenaries

These Saints lived during the years of Diocletian. Saint Cyrus was from Alexandria, and Saint John was from Edessa of Mesopotamia. Because of the persecution of that time, Cyrus fled to the Gulf of Arabia, where there was a small community of monks. John, who was a soldier, heard of Cyrus' fame and came to join him. Henceforth, they passed their life working every virtue, and healing every illness and disease freely by the grace of Christ; hence their title of "Unmercenaries." They heard that a certain woman, named Athanasia, had been apprehended together with her three daughters, Theodora, Theoctiste, and Eudoxia, and taken to the tribunal for their confession of the Faith. Fearing lest the tender young maidens be terrified by the torments and renounce Christ, they went to strengthen them in their contest in martyrdom; therefore they too were seized. After Cyrus and John and those sacred women had been greatly tormented, all were beheaded in the year 292. Their tomb became a renowned shrine in Egypt, and a place of universal pilgrimage. It was found in the area of the modern day resort near Alexandria named Abu Kyr.


Allsaint
June 28

Synaxis of the Icon of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos

The great defender of the Orthodox Faith against the Iconoclasts, our righteous Father John of Damascus (See Dec. 4), was slandered to the Caliph of Damascus by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Isaurian (reigned 717-741). Saint John was accused of sedition and his right hand was cut off. Having asked for the severed hand, Saint John passed the night in great pain, praying for the aid of the most holy Theotokos. Awaking from sleep, he found that his hand had been miraculously restored, with only a red scar about the wrist where it had been severed, as a testimony to the wonderous healing. In thanksgiving, he had a silver hand attached to the icon to commemorate this great miracle. On becoming a monk in the lavra of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in the Holy Land, John brought the icon with him. There it remained until the thirteenth century, when it was given to Saint Sabbas of Serbia (see Jan. 14), who brought it to Serbia, where it remained for a time. Later, it was miraculously transported by an unguided donkey that carried it to the Serbian Monastery of Hilandar on the Holy Mountain, Athos, where it remains to this day.


Allsaint
June 28

Righteous Fathers Sergius and Herman, Founders of Valaam Monastery

By their life and teachings, our righteous Fathers Sergius and Herman did much to spread and confirm Orthodoxy among the Karelian Finns, who had suffered much oppression at the hands of Swedes of the Latin creed. They founded on Lake Ladoga the renowned Monastery of Valaam, which later became one of the chief centers of the monastic life. Both Saints reposed about 1353.


29_petepaul
June 29

Peter and Paul, the Holy Apostles

The divinely-blessed Peter was from Bethsaida of Galilee. He was the son of Jonas and the brother of Andrew the First-called. He was a fisherman by trade, unlearned and poor, and was called Simon; later he was renamed Peter by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who looked at him and said, "Thou art Simon the son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter)" (John 1:42). On being raised by the Lord to the dignity of an Apostle and becoming inseparable from Him as His zealous disciple, he followed Him from the beginning of His preaching of salvation up until the very Passion, when, in the court of Caiaphas the high priest, he denied Him thrice because of his fear of the Jews and of the danger at hand. But again, after many bitter tears, he received complete forgiveness of his transgression. After the Resurrection of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit, he preached in Judea, Antioch, and certain parts of Asia, and finally came to Rome, where he was crucified upside down by Nero, and thus he ascended to the eternal habitations about the year 66 or 68, leaving two Catholic (General) Epistles to the Church of Christ.

Paul, the chosen vessel of Christ, the glory of the Church, the Apostle of the Nations and teacher of the whole world, was a Jew by race, of the tribe of Benjamin, having Tarsus as his homeland. He was a Roman citizen, fluent in the Greek language, an expert in knowledge of the Law, a Pharisee, born of a Pharisee, and a disciple of Gamaliel, a Pharisee and notable teacher of the Law in Jerusalem. For this cause, from the beginning, Paul was a most fervent zealot for the traditions of the Jews and a great persecutor of the Church of Christ; at that time, his name was Saul (Acts 22:3-4). In his great passion of rage and fury against the disciples of the Lord, he went to Damascus bearing letters of introduction from the high priest. His intention was to bring the disciples of Christ back to Jerusalem in bonds. As he was approaching Damascus, about midday there suddenly shone upon him a light from Heaven. Falling on the earth, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And he asked, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And that heavenly voice and brilliance made him tremble, and he was blinded for a time. He was led by the hand into the city, and on account of a divine revelation to the Apostle Ananias (see Oct. 1), he was baptized by him, and both his bodily and spiritual eyes were opened to the knowledge of the Sun of Righteousness. And straightway- O wondrous transformation! - beyond all expectation, he spoke with boldness in the synagogues, proclaiming that "Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 9:1-21). As for his zeal in preaching the Gospel after these things had come to pass, as for his unabating labors and afflictions of diverse kinds, the wounds, the prisons, the bonds, the beatings, the stonings, the shipwrecks, the journeys, the perils on land, on sea, in cities, in wildernesses, the continual vigils, the daily fasting, the hunger, the thirst, the nakedness, and all those other things that he endured for the Name of Christ, and which he underwent before nations and kings and the Israelites, and above all, his care for all the churches, his fiery longing for the salvation of all, whereby he became all things to all men, that he might save them all if possible, and because of which, with his heart aflame, he continuously traveled throughout all parts, visiting them all, and like a bird of heaven flying from Asia and Europe, the West and East, neither staying nor abiding in any one place - all these things are related incident by incident in the Book of the Acts, and as he himself tells them in his Epistles. His Epistles, being fourteen in number, are explained in 250 homilies by the divine Chrysostom and make manifest the loftiness of his thoughts, the abundance of the revelations made to him, the wisdom given to him from God, wherewith he brings together in a wondrous manner the Old with the New Testaments, and expounds the mysteries thereof which had been concealed under types; he confirms the doctrines of the Faith, expounds the ethical teaching of the Gospel, and demonstrates with exactness the duties incumbent upon every rank, age, and order of man. In all these things his teaching proved to be a spiritual trumpet, and his speech was seen to be more radiant than the sun, and by these means he clearly sounded forth the word of truth and illumined the ends of the world. Having completed the work of his ministry, he likewise ended his life in martyrdom when he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero, at the same time, some say, when Peter was crucified.


30_12apost
June 30

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9).


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Metropolis of Atlanta

Message from Metropolitan Alexios

June 21, 2019
 
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
 
I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray that this summer season will be a blessed one for you and your families!

I am so very pleased to write to you today, for I have received word that Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will be making His first pastoral visit to the Metropolis of Atlanta, when He joins us at the Grand Banquet of our 2019 Clergy-Laity Assembly, at the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville, FL. 

I encourage all our parishes to participate in our Clergy-Laity Assembly, including its many workshops and offerings, and to then welcome His Eminence on this very historic occasion! 

I know that like myself, all of my Metropolis family awaits the arrival of our Archbishop Elpidophoros with true zeal and enthusiasm! Therefore, I hope to see many of my Metropolis brothers and sisters celebrating this historic and joyous event in the life of our Holy and God-Protected Metropolis of Atlanta. I remain, 
 


+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

_____________________________________________

 

My Beloved Ones,

I greet with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as our Archdiocese prepares for an important event in the history of Hellenic Orthodoxy in America: The Enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

I consider myself very blessed to have been able to accompany His Eminence from the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Archdiocese here in New York. Truly, the welcome His Eminence received from the members of the clergy and laity who had gathered together on Wednesday night to greet Him was a profound moment of spiritual joy.

I also consider it no accident that His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew has, in the person of Archbishop Elpidophoros brought us hope. Indeed, Elpidophoros means “Bringer-of-Hope”. Neither is the election of this Elpidophoros a signifier of wishes—as our people come to know His Eminence and His Ministry, they will understand that this hope is an active promise.

For those who wish to view His Eminence’s Arrival into JFK Airport, you may find the video here. However, I wish to quote from His English remarks below.

“I come to this Archdiocese to be your servant, and the true servant of Lord. I come to shoulder the responsibilities of the heavy office and to share them with you, for I know that you are worthy co-workers in Christ. We shall work openly with each other, with transparency, honesty, clarity – speaking the truth in love, that we may rebuild the confidence of the beloved people of our Archdiocese in its institutions.

I come to this Archdiocese to serve, and not to be served, even as our Lord came to minister and not to be ministered unto, and to give his life as a ransom for many (cf. Matthew 20:28). Those of us who lead must be the first ones to serve many (cf. Matthew 20:27). I also pledge to you that I shall give my life, my energy, my utmost for the highest goals of this noble Eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

That we should preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ – in season and out of season.

That we should share the love of God without reservation and without limitation with all people.

That we should embrace every corner of our Archdiocese – every young person, every senior, every marriage, every hurt, every lack, every doubt. And I especially want to draw closer to our fellow Orthodox Christians in the United States. We have so many Orthodox communities that live in isolation from one another, but we are all brothers and sisters of the same family and we share the same Holy Flesh – the Body of the Lord, and the same Holy Blood that we drink from the Sacred Chalice in unity of faith and love. Should we not be closer in every way? I look forward not only to working with my fellow Bishops in the Episcopal Assembly, but also to getting to know and engage with all the Orthodox Christians of America – to know their hopes and their dreams.

Let no one feel excluded from the Chalice of Faith! We must work together to build an Archdiocese that values excellence more than habit, transparency more than isolation, and dignity more than expediency.

I arrive on these blessed shores full of hope – all of you are my “Elpidophoroi” – my bearers of hope and of the high expectation that this Holy Archdiocese of America will progress from “glory to glory,” as the Apostle says, and as I say – that we shall do it together. Besides, on this journey we have the souls of all our ancestors at our side; for they came to this, their “undiscovered country,” succeeded beyond expectations, and today we have their resting places, from which we yet take strength and hope, for “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the “oikoumene” and all who dwell therein” (Psalm 23:1, LXX).

In my mind and heart, I firmly believe that His Eminence will offer a great deal to this lofty and demanding ministry of the Archdiocese of America, in which the Church has elected him. As a shepherd, imitating Christ’s example, and in a God pleasing way, he will minister to all the People.

In closing, I want to ask from all of you the pious people of Atlanta Metropolis to pray for the stability of the Orthodox Church in America for the Clergy and the People and that God will enhance the work we do all together, as we serve in the vineyard of the Lord.

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

 

Youth, Education & Hellenic Culture

St. Stephen’s Summer Camp 2019 Summer 2019 Dates are:

Week 1: June 23 -June 29

Week 2: June 30 - July 6

Week 3: July 7 - July 13

Week 4: July 14 - July 20

Week 5: July 21 - July 27

For more news, activities, and upcoming events, please click this link!

 

2019 OCAMPR Conference

"The Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion, an international, pan-Orthodox organization endorsed by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, welcomes presentations of Workshops and Papers at its Annual Conference, " Isolation. Violence. Hope and Communion" which will be held November 7 -9 at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL (Chicago area). 

The Annual Conference offers a unique opportunity for Orthodox clergy, theologians, and healthcare professionals to come together for fellowship and to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. OCAMPR requests that proposals for presentations reflect professional, academic discussion on critical issues regarding the helping professions and pastoral care, specifically as it relates to our Orthodox Christian faith."

For more submission infornation please click here.

 

Family Life Ministry

A growing branch of Family Life Ministry and generously powered by Leadership 100, Engage Orthodoxy is a place for anyone to find Orthodox Christian Content curated by a thoughtful and intentional administrative team.

“Engage Orthodoxy” is not only the name of this new site, but it is also the name of a movement away from division and towards unity. Engage Orthodoxy is a movement towards community, involvement, Orthodox friendships, and relationships. EO seeks to bring the the faithful, the curious, the lost, and the searching TOWARDS their faith and Christ and in turn, towards each other. Engage Orthodoxy is a movement forward into the future of the faith. Join us as we move toward Christ, toward each other, and toward the church.

For more information, or to order “Woven: An Interactive Book for the Modern Teenage Girl on Orthodox Christianity” 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.

  • Sep 07, 2019 - St. George, Hollywood, FL

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

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

 

 The Strategic Plan

 Clergy-Laity Workshops (6/27 & 6/28/19)

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 …

PLAN TO PARTICIPATE AT THIS YEAR'S METROPOLIS CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY, THURSDAY JUNE 27 and FRIDAY JUNE 28.

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW   -   Click here for the online portal.

Visit Click here to view a list of the completed goals.

 

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Enthronement Luncheon Remarks

06/22/2019

Your love and welcome are truly overwhelming, and I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. So many expressions of appreciation, so many warm words of greeting. From the Enthronement Ceremony in the Cathedral to this festive and magnificent luncheon – a fellowship meal of faith and love. You will forgive me if I say that I am truly overcome by your kind and generous reception of my humble person. I truly thank you all for such a glorious day!

Enthronement Address of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros

06/22/2019

Indeed, my heart, soul, and mind are ready and eager to embark on this great challenge and charge that our Thrice-Holy God has granted to me by His grace, with my election, at the recommendation of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, by the most reverend members of the Holy and Sacred Synod, in order that I might serve you, the beloved faithful of America, as your spiritual father and pastor, the seventh Archbishop of the Holy Archdiocese of America.

Remarks of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros at Reception and Dinner with Priests and Presvyteres of the Direct Archdiocesan District

06/21/2019

I stand here before you this evening, and I think about all that has transpired in just the past few weeks, and I have to say that I am so happy when I reflect upon my first interaction with the clergy of the Archdiocese, in the phone call of Thursday May 16th, just five days after my election as Archbishop of America.

The First Day of a Long and Fruitful Ministry

06/20/2019

“This is the first day of a long and fruitful ministry,” said His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America shortly after he arrived today at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. He was welcomed by the Hierarchs, the clergy and the lay staff, who joyfully anticipated the moment they would see and meet their new Archbishop and spiritual father.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex. M. Azar II to Attend Enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros

06/20/2019

NEW YORK – Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar II will represent the President of the United States at the Enthronement Ceremony of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00 am, at the Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral.

Orthodox Faithful Welcome with Love and Enthusiasm Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

06/20/2019

Archbishop Elpidophoros received an enthusiastic welcome upon his arrival in the United states as hundreds of faithful from various New York area parishes gathered today June 19, 2019, in the arrival hall of Terminal One, at John F. Kennedy International Airport to welcome their new spiritual leader.

Arrival Remarks of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros

06/19/2019

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Arrival Remarks on June 19, 2019 at John F. Kennedy Airport, New York.

Archbishop Elpidophoros arriving today, June 19 in New York

06/19/2019

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is arriving today June 19, 2019 at 5:25 p.m. at New York’s JFK International Airport. He will be welcomed by Hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, dignitaries, clergy and faithful of the New York Area parishes.

Archdiocese is Committed to Full Transparency

06/19/2019

As previously communicated to the Faithful by the Archdiocese, after becoming aware of financial irregularities in late 2017, the Archdiocese self-reported its discoveries to governmental authorities in the State of New York. In the Spring of 2018, the Archdiocese was contacted by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Since that time, the Archdiocese has worked cooperatively with their offices.
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Assembly of Bishops News

North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation and Joint Committee of Orthodox-Catholic Bishops Concludes Productive Spring Meetings

05/31/2019

The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation’s 96th session was held at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contookook, NH, from May 28-31, 2019. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin chaired the meeting. The membership, eighteen theological scholars of varying disciplines, contributed to discussions on pastoral, theological, and practical matters.

North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Convenes for 96th Meeting

05/29/2019

The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation commenced its 96th meeting today at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. The high-level consultation is the oldest and longest-running in the world and meets biannually to discuss theological differences and commonalities between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The agenda will address vocation and ministry, inter-Christian marriage, Synodality, and respective Church updates.

Fast Questions and Fast Answers about American Orthodox Christian Monasteries

03/04/2019

There are eighty Orthodox Christian monasteries in the USA which represent great variety of ethnic and liturgical traditions. In fact, America is, probably, the only place in the world where - within the same country - one can visit Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian Orthodox monasteries and experience their different 'ethnic' liturgical styles, worship practices, church architecture, musicology and iconography.

Statement on the Sanctity of Life

01/31/2019

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America affirms the sanctity of life based on the firm conviction that life begins at the moment of conception. The Assembly remains steadfast in its conviction that any interference in the development of life is a serious issue, and therefore it regularly participates in a variety of relevant events and also releases pertinent statements on the topic.

2019-2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships Available from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

01/29/2019

Applications for two scholarships administered by the Department of Philanthropy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America are now available to students from Orthodox Churches affiliated with the Assembly of Bishops.

Fast Questions and Fast Answers about the Geography of Orthodoxy in America

12/05/2018

Fast Questions and Fast Answers about the Geography of Orthodoxy in America is the second essay in a group of mini-reports about Orthodox Church life in America. Surprising, stimulating, and, at the same time, important facts about the geographic distribution of Orthodox parishes and church members in America are discussed in this essay.

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.

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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