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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-01-26
Bulletin Contents
Luke
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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, January 26 ~ 15th Sunday of Luke

       8:45 am   Orthros

     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy

     10:00 am   Sunday School

 

Monday, January 27

       9:30 am   Coffee & Discussions with Fr Andrew (The Stewardship Presentation from the Clergy Laity Assembly in Jacksonville last summer)

 

Wednesday, January 29

       9:30 am   Philoptochos Festival Baking (koulourakia)

 

Thursday, January 30 ~ The Three Hierarchs

       9:00 am   Orthros

     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy

     12:00 pm   Pan Orthodox Clergy Meeting

 

Saturday, February 1

       6:30 pm   Apokries - dinner...music...dancing…for the whole family

 

Highlights of Upcoming Services and Events

Sunday, February 2  ~ Presentation of our Lord

       8:45 am   Orthros

     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy

     10:00 am   Sunday School

 

Monday, February 3

       9:30 am   Coffee & Discussions with Fr Andrew (The Outreach Presentation from the Clergy Laity Assembly in Jacksonville last summer)

 

Tuesday, February 4

     11:30 am   Seniors Lunch Meeting

       7:00 pm   Parish Council Meeting

 

Wednesday, February 5 ~ Saint Photios

       9:00 am   Orthros

     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy

       9:30 am   Philoptochos Festival Baking

 

2020 Stewardship
The theme of our 2020 Stewardship program is A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven: The Stewardship of Time.  We invite you to become sustaining stewards of our Saint Catherine ministries!


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.

 

YouTube Logo  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

    Apokries 2020

    Apokries 2020

    Join us for dinner...music...dancing...fun for the whole family!


    45th Annual Greek Festival

    45th Annual Greek Festival

    Saint Catherine Greek Food Wine Fest - - - - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - - - - February 14, 15, and 16


    Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth

    Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth

    Creating healthy, Christ-centered ministry environments. ------------ As an Archdiocese, we're ready to take the next step in youth safety. ------------ The new Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth is how we'll do it. ------------ Ministry heads check this out! We must prepare and follow all the steps for the safety of our children. Our Archdiocese requires this in order to participate in any youth events !!!


    Mommy & Me   (Dec-Feb)

    Mommy & Me (Dec-Feb)

    We invite children from 0-3yrs old to join us in the small hall, followed by church with Father! . . . . All are welcome, this is not exclusive to mommies. . . . . The more people in a child’s life that bring them close to Christ the stronger their faith will be.


    A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

    A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

    Resetting Our Priorities - - - we can re-set our allocation of time. We can live each day anticipating the opportunities God places in our path to offer our gift of time.


    Kostas Go Fund Me

    Kostas Go Fund Me

    Kostas Iliopoulos has undergone numerous surgeries. He and his family are faithful in the Liturgy when he is here for treatments and surgery. Please learn how you can assist him.


    New Website for our Diakonia Retreat Center

    New Website for our Diakonia Retreat Center

    The Metropolis is pleased to announce a new and updated website for our beloved Diakonia Retreat Center: thediakoniaretreatcenter.com. Truly, it is only appropriate that such a place, which has seen much growth over the past few years, receive a brand new website that shall include even more information about the activities of the jewel of our Metropolis. The DRC is the home of Saint Stephen's Camp, the annual weekend for special needs families, our fruitful candle ministry, retreats for clergy and laity, and much more!


    Cyber Security Bulletin !

    Cyber Security Bulletin !

    CYBER CRIME HAS BEEN INFILTRATING OUR LIVES FOR YEARS. More recently, parishes and religious communities around us are being targeted by a phishing scam . . .


    Follow the Metropolis on Social Media

    Follow the Metropolis on Social Media

    See Metropolis events on your favorite Social Media site.


    Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

    Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

    Flagler Drive by the church will be closed through next summer. The bridge is scheduled to be completed after Pascha 2021.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15.

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.


Gospel Reading

15th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

In this reading we note Zacchaeus' sense of eager expectation, the intensity of his desire to see our Lord, and we apply this to ourselves. If, as we prepare for Lent, there is real eagerness in our hearts, if we have an intense desire for a clearer vision of Christ, then our hopes will be fulfilled during the fast; indeed, we shall, like Zacchaeus, receive far more than we expect.
Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia
The Meaning of the Great Fast from the Lenten Triodion

For Christ's presence is like that of some life-giving, scented balsam which restores health, enriches life and gives savor to the soul, the thoughts, the words of a man. In brief, distance from Christ means corruption and death, and closeness to Him means salvation and life.
Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic
Prolog, 4 February

Christ is the salvation that comes, and Zacchaeus is the house to which He comes.
Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic
Prolog, 4 February

He saw Zacchaeus high up, for he already stood out in loftiness of faith amid the fruits of new works as if at the top of a fertile tree. . . He was at the top of the tree, because he was above the law. Already beyond the law, he abandoned his treasures and followed the Lord.
St. Ambrose of Milan
The Orthodox New Testament, The Holy Gospels, Volume 1

As long as he is in the crowd, Zacchaeus does not see Christ; he climbs above the crowd and sees Him, namely, having transcended base ignorance, he deserved to perceive Him for Whom he longed.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
The Orthodox New Testament, The Holy Gospels, Volume 1

He who lately was a tax collector, or rather the chief of the tax collectors, gives up covetousness. He becomes merciful and devoted to charity. He promises that he will distribute his wealth to those who are in need, that he will make restoration to those who have been defrauded
St. Cyril of Alexandria
The Orthodox New Testament, The Holy Gospels, Volume 1

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Saints and Feasts

Luke
January 26

15th Sunday of Luke


Xenophon
January 26

Xenophon & his Companions

This Saint, a wealthy nobleman of Constantinople, was filled with piety toward God. He had two sons, Arcadius and John, whom he sent to Beirut to study law. But they were shipwrecked during their voyage; barely saved, they forsook all things and departed for Palestine. Saint Xenophon and his wife Mary, ignorant of what had happened, went in search of their sons. On finding them in Jerusalem, dressed in the habit of monks, they also took up the monastic life. And thus, having completed their lives in holiness, they departed for the Lord about the beginning of the sixth century. Saint Xenophon and his sons reposed at Saint Sabbas Monastery, and Mary at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius.


Johnchry
January 27

Removal of the Relics of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This event took place on this day in the year 438, when Saint Theodosius the Younger had been Emperor for thirty years; he was the son of Arcadius, and Eudoxia, who had exiled Saint John. The Archbishop of Constantinople at that time was Proclus, who had been the Saint's disciple (see Nov. 13 and Nov. 20).


Isaacsyria
January 28

Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Ninevah

The great luminary of the life of stillness, Saint Isaac, was born in the early seventh century in Eastern Arabia, the present-day Qatar on the Persian Gulf. He became a monk at a young age, and at some time left Arabia to dwell with monks in Persia. He was consecrated Bishop of Nineveh (and is therefore sometimes called "Saint Isaac of Nineveh"), but after five months received permission to return to solitude; he spent many years far south of Nineveh in the mountainous regions of Beit Huzaye, and lastly at the Monastery of Rabban Shabur. He wrote his renowned and God-inspired Ascetical Homilies toward the end of his long life of monastic struggle, about the end of the seventh century. The fame of his Homilies grew quickly, and about one hundred years after their composition they were translated from Syriac into Greek by two monks of the Monastery of Mar Sabbas in Palestine, from which they spread throughout the monasteries of the Roman Empire and became a guide to the hesychasts of all generations thereafter.

28_ephraim1
January 28

Ephraim the Syrian

Saint Ephraim was born in Nisibis of Mesopotamia some time about the year 306, and in his youth was the disciple of Saint James, Bishop of Nisibis, one of the 318 Fathers at the First Ecumenical Council. Ephraim lived in Nisibis, practicing a severe ascetical life and increasing in holiness, until 363, the year in which Julian the Apostate was slain in his war against the Persians, and his successor Jovian surrendered Nisibis to them. Ephraim then made his dwelling in Edessa, where he found many heresies to do battle with. He waged an especial war against Bardaisan; this gnostic had written many hymns propagating his errors, which by their sweet melodies became popular and enticed souls away from the truth. Saint Ephraim, having received from God a singular gift of eloquence, turned Bardaisan's own weapon against him, and wrote a multitude of hymns to be chanted by choirs of women, which set forth the true doctrines, refuted heretical error, and praised the contests of the Martyrs.

Of the multitude of sermons, commentaries, and hymns that Saint Ephraim wrote, many were translated into Greek in his own lifetime. Sozomen says that Ephraim "Surpassed the most approved writers of Greece," observing that the Greek writings, when translated into other tongues, lose most of their original beauty, but Ephraim's works "are no less admired when read in Greek than when read in Syriac" (Eccl. Hist., Book 111, 16). Saint Ephraim was ordained deacon, some say by Saint Basil the Great, whom Sozomen said "was a great admirer of Ephraim, and was astonished at his erudition." Saint Ephraim was the first to make the poetic expression of hymnody and song a vehicle of Orthodox theological teachings, constituting it an integral part of the Church's worship; he may rightly be called the first and greatest hymnographer of the Church, who set the pattern for these who followed him, especially Saint Romanos the Melodist. Because of this he is called the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." Jerome says that his writings were read in some churches after the reading of the Scriptures, and adds that once he read a Greek translation of one of Ephraim's works, "and recognized, even in translation, the incisive power of his lofty genius" (De vir. ill., ch. CXV).

Shortly before the end of his life, a famine broke out in Edessa, and Saint Ephraim left his cell to rebuke the rich for not sharing their goods with the poor. The rich answered that they knew no one to whom they could entrust their goods. Ephraim asked them, "What do you think of me?" When they confessed their reverence for him, he offered to distribute their alms, to which they agreed. He himself cared with his own hands for many of the sick from the famine, and so crowned his life with mercy and love for neighbor. Saint Ephraim reposed in peace, according to some in the year 373, according to others, 379.


Theodosiostotma
January 28

Theodosius of Totma


Ignatiosgodbearer
January 29

Removal of the Relics of Ignatius the God-bearer

Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian, and a successor of the Apostles, and he became the second Bishop of Antioch, after Evodus. He wrote many epistles to the faithful, strengthening them in their confession, and preserving for us the teachings of the holy Apostles. Brought to Rome under Trajan, he was surrendered to lions to be eaten, and so finished the course of martyrdom about the year 107. The remnants of his bones were carefully gathered by the faithful and brought to Antioch. He is called God-bearer, as one who bare God within himself and was aflame in heart with love for Him. Therefore, in his Epistle to the Romans (ch. 4), imploring their love not to attempt to deliver him from his longed-for martyrdom, he said, "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."

Saint John Chrysostom has a homily in honour of the translation of the Saint's relics (PG 50:587).


Unmercenaries
January 31

Cyrus & 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.


02_presentation2
February 01

Forefeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple


Triphon
February 01

Trypho the Martyr

The Holy Martyr Trypho was from Lampsacus in Phrygia, and as a young man he tended geese. Being filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he also healed sufferings and cast out demons. During the reign of the Emperor Decius, about the year 250, he was betrayed as a Christian and taken to Nicaea, where he was beaten, bound to horses and dragged over rough ground, then dragged naked over nails; his sides were burned with torches; finally he was sentenced to beheading, but gave up his holy soul in his torments before the stroke of the sword. Saint Trypho is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is also invoked for the protection of gardens from insects and pests.


Allsaint
February 01

Bridget of Ireland

When Ireland was newly converted to the Christian Faith, the Holy Abbess Bridget devoted herself to the establishment of the monastic life among the women of her country, and founded the renowned convent of Kildare-Kil "Cell (or Church)" Dara "of the Oak." She was especially renowned for her great mercifulness, manifested in her lavish almsgiving and in miracles wrought for those in need. The Book of Armaugh, an ancient Irish chronicle, calls Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget "the pillars of the Irish" and says that through them both, "Christ performed many miracles." She reposed in peace about the year 525.


Preslord
February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.


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Metropolis of Atlanta

Message from Metropolitan Alexios

My Beloved Ones,

This Sunday’s Gospel tells of our Lord’s encounter with Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of the city of Jericho.  As we prepare to begin the Triodion on February 9th, “Zacchaeus Sunday” demonstrates the importance of repentance, as we look to that season that will bring us Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha.

In the Holy Land of the 1st Century, as in our year of 2020, tax collectors were not particularly well loved.  During Christ’s ministry, however, these feelings were more negative, since tax collectors, as Jews, extorted money from their fellow citizens to pay their Roman masters.  Even so, Zacchaeus, like most of the citizens of Jericho, wished to see Jesus.  However, the Gospel tells us that Zacchaeus “could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature” (Luke 19:2).  Being a clever man, Zacchaeus decided to climb into a sycamore tree, in order to give himself a better view.

Jesus, knowing all things, stopped as He was passing by the tree, looked up, and said, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:6).  Zacchaeus was naturally very happy to hear that Jesus wished to visit him, but the crowd was, of course, scandalized, saying to one another, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner” (Luke 19:7).  Though Zaccheus knew what his neighbors thought of him, he was so moved, he was immediately inspired to change his ways, telling Jesus, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold” (Luke 19:8).  Zacchaeus obviously understood that his practice of extorting his neighbors was wrong, and so he decides to begin the process of true and sincere repentance.

Christ, knowing the hearts of all Zaccheus’ shocked neighbors, demonstrates His purpose, when He says, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10).  As we prepare for a solemn season of reflection, prayer and fasting, my hope is that we to look to Christ, who continues to ask that we allow Him to come dwell within our hearts.  We must consider the ways in which we will purify our hearts, in order to welcome Him, both during our Church’s holiest season, and always.

+ALEXIOS                
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

Youth, Education and Hellenic Culture

For information on Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children, please click this link! Please remember that all parishes must comply and sign their parish contracts by December 1 to host any youth ministry programs or events on the parish level (Sunday School) or to participate on a District or Metropolis Level Events (Retreats, WYR & HDF).

For Youth activities like Winter Youth Rally, HDF, or the Connect Conference, click this link!

 

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.

  •  Saturday, Feb 8   - Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, NC
  •  Saturday, Feb 22 - Holy Trinity Church, Orlando, FL

To see the full list of seminars in Florida and in our entire Metropolis for 2019 and beyond, and to register, please visit: http://www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org/upcoming-events-2/

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

 

 The Strategic Plan

Have you gone to the atlstrategicplan.org website to find completed materials covering Stewardship or Outreach, Best Educational Materials or Youth Worker Training?

Now you can watch videos in each of these 4 areas to learn from the experts!

Workshops at the 2019 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly in Jacksonville, Florida on these topics were videotaped to provide additional materials to help parishes in these areas.

The Stewardship Training video can be found here: https://atlstrategicplan.org/home/completed-goal-materials/9-1-comprehensive-stewardship-program

 The Best Education Materials Training video can be found here: https://atlstrategicplan.org/home/completed-goal-materials/4-1-best-education-materials/

The Outreach, Evangelism, and Philanthropy Training video can be found here: https://atlstrategicplan.org/home/completed-goal-materials/7-1-outreach-evangelism-and-philanthropy

The Youth Worker Program Training Video can be found here: https://atlstrategicplan.org/home/completed-goal-materials/11-2-youth-worker-program/

_________________

Take a look at the online portal.

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

 

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for the Feast of the Three Hierarchs (2020)

01/23/2020

This spirit of equality is the way of Christ. It is the life of the Holy Trinity. It is the everlasting glory of the Three Holy Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers. Through their intercessions, may Christ our God bless us with the same spirit of humble brotherhood that inspired their holy festival.
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Assembly of Bishops News

Assembly of Bishops Delegation Participates in March for Life

01/24/2020

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America sent a delegation to the annual March for Life in the nation’s capital on Friday, January 24, 2020. The event marks the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

Orthodox Scouting Sunday - February 9, 2020

01/21/2020

Scouting gives us all of the good behaviors we aspire our children to have, while minimizing the bad ones. In Scouting, all youth are taught the Scout Oath, which ends with this phrase, 'To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.' Each and every Scout lives by this code in every aspect of their life.

Share the Light Sunday 2020

01/15/2020

Together let’s celebrate OCN media ministry missions as an official agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. The 3rd Sunday of January each year has been declared by the Assembly of Bishops as OCN Sunday.

Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert 2019

12/09/2019

In the midst of this Christmas season, on December 8, 2019, professional choirs of the families of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches came together in concert to bear witness to their respective spiritual traditions, interpreting a selection of ancient and beautiful hymns portraying the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and the Lord’s Nativity.

Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Launches National Search for Executive Director

12/06/2019

OCPM seeks a highly motivated and purpose-driven leader as Executive Director. The mission of the OCPM is to serve those who are incarcerated and their families, and provide resources, training and support to our ministry partners. 

Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert - Dec 8, 2019

12/04/2019

A Showcase of the beautiful and spiritual sacred hymns of the Christmas Season as presented by professional choirs of the families of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. The concert will portray the ancient apostolic tradition of the Holy Incarnation and Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Concludes Fall Meeting

10/29/2019

The Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation met from October 24-26, 2019 in Maryland to continue its work on marriage. Members of each delegation delivered papers on the rite, theology, and practices concerning marriage as understood in each respective tradition.

Assembly of Bishops of the USA and the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches Revive the Joint Commission of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches

10/08/2019

Representatives of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christian churches met today at the Armenian Cathedral of St. Vartan for the first meeting of the joint commission in nearly a decade. The meeting began with a common prayer service followed by open discussions.

Executive Committee of the Assembly of Bishops Recommits to Orthodox Unity in the USA

09/18/2019

The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met today, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Elpidophoros, to discuss the state of Orthodox Christian unity in the USA. Recognizing the challenges in global Orthodoxy, the jurisdictional representatives reiterated their commitment to the local faithful of America and rededicated themselves to fulfilling the call for canonical normalcy and pastoral unity on contemporary issues.

The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Releases New Agreed Statement on the Vocation and Mission of the People of God

08/06/2019

More than five years in the making, this new text takes a different approach to ecumenical dialogue: instead of addressing together an issue that has prevented full communion between the churches, here the Catholic and Orthodox theologians examine together challenges that affect both churches, in this case the role of the laity in the two traditions and the problem of clericalism.

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.

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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