Message from Metropolitan Alexios
My Beloved Ones,
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
I give thanks to our Lord, for having allowed us to celebrate Mid-Pentecost this week, as we continue to observe our Lord’s Resurrection, while looking ahead to His Ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This week’s Gospel offers a unique glimpse, as our Lord shares the reality of the Holy Spirit with the Samaritan Woman.
For us to understand the importance of this event, we must first know the difference between Jews and Samaritans during Christ’s ministry. Each group thought about and worshipped God in different ways. Jews, of course, worshipped Him in the Temple, but Samaritans worshipped Him on Mount Gerizrim. It is for this reason, and many others, that the Jews and Samaritans considered each other an anathema. This is why the Parable of the Good Samaritan makes such a strong point; Jesus uses the Levite and the Priest, as examples of Jewish people who fail to demonstrate God’s mercy to the wounded man. Instead, it is an enemy of this individual, who shows us how to act towards our brothers and sisters in need.
Jesus demonstrates this openness personally, when, sitting alone at midday near a Samaritan well, he greets a passing woman, by asking her for a drink. Knowing only that He is a Jewish stranger, she answers, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (John 4:9). Jesus responds with a beautiful figure of speech, that He is the living water, and “…whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
Now, thinking as a person, she asks, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw” (John 4:15). He reveals His knowledge of her life as a sinner, but speaks His Word to her compassionately, “The hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:21; 23-24).
Here we have a woman, who, like the Myrrh Bearers and so many saints throughout the ages, believes in our Lord, and testifies to the Truth of the Divine Law, rather than the earthly Law. She returns to her home, and to her village, enthusiastically preaching His Gospel. The people were so moved and amazed, that they forget about her sinful life, and instead came to Him. Here we are shown yet another group of people, strangers and outcasts, who are brought together as one by the Word of God.
I hope and pray that this message serves as an example that we as believers, also have an obligation to share the Good News with others; and not only our non-Orthodox brothers and sisters, but even our Orthodox friends who need understanding and support as well. I greet you once again with Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! wishing you all health, peace and safety, during the happiest time of our Ecclesiastical year!
+ALEXIOS Metropolitan of Atlanta
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 * Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0237
www.goarch.org - Email: communications@goarch.org
Contact: PRESS OFFICE
pressoffice@goarch.org
212-570-3530
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020
Holy Eparchial Synod Communique
NEW YORK – On Thursday, May 7, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America convened the Holy Eparchial Synod via videoconference, in order to discuss and decide on a process for the reopening of parishes. During the meeting, the Hierarchs expressed solidarity and empathy for the pain and loss felt by the Faithful of late, especially the loss of a traditional Holy Week and Pascha.
Based on the current reopening plans that are being executed around the country, it was decided that each Metropolitan would be responsible for the reopening of his local parishes in accordance with local health and public safety mandates, which might vary significantly within an individual Metropolis. Noting the importance of recommencing with Holy Communion, each Hierarch will make determinations for parishes in accordance with local guidelines for social distancing, preparation of the churches and attendant facilities, and any and all best practices for the local clergy to observe.
It was further decided that the celebration of Sacraments and other services would be allowed in accordance with the same local health and public safety mandates.
Commenting after the Meeting, the Archbishop said:
“We are all deeply concerned, not only for the health of our Faithful, but for their morale and their spiritual life. We know that re-opening the Churches with attention to nuance of the facts on the ground and deference to the judgment of local authorities is the best way to proceed. As Shepherds of our flocks, we are committed to safely reopening, and with an abiding sense of responsibility for the spiritual and physical health of the Faithful.”
FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARIAT
COVID-19 Resources |
New OCAMPR website and COVID-19 Resources
Christ is in our midst! In response to the challenges we are facing in our communities, country, and worldwide, OCAMPR is reaching out to provide assistance to care professionals at this time. Please visit the new OCAMPR website and our COVID-19 Resources page: https://www.ocampr.org/covid-19-resources.html It contains links to the best resources for healthcare professionals as we serve our clients, patients, and parishes. Consider contributing useful information that you have found or developed. We are in the process of developing additional resources that might be useful.
We’re particularly interested in supporting the professionals on the frontlines, many of whom are carrying additional risks and burdens. It is easy to be overworked and isolated specifically as the stresses and complexities of care-providing increase.
Visit our Support for Frontline Professionals page:
https://www.ocampr.org/support-for-frontline-healthcare-professionals.html Here you may sign up for prayer support, receive a daily quote and reflection, or share your work experiences. Please share these resources with anyone whom you think might benefit.
We know that these are unique times for all of us, and we also know that we have been invited to provide important care at this time. OCAMPR seeks to support each healthcare professional because we do not need to respond alone. If you have any questions, comments, or specific needs that OCAMPR can assist you with at this time, do not hesitate to reach out to us at ocamprinfo@gmail.com. We seek to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) at this time as we offer our skills and services in faith and in love.
May our God of mercy, compassion, and love, through the prayers of His Most Holy Mother, Sts. Kosmas and Damian, St. Luke the Physician, and all the Saints be with all of you in the Lenten Season.
in Christ,
OCAMPR Executive Board
Stewardship Calling in the era of COVID-19
I just wanted to make available to you a very extensive set of resources I offered on my last AFR podcast with a lot of specific suggestions for parishes to consider in 10 strategic areas as a result of COVID-19 as well as a lot of other online resources they could access.
The podcast was over 2 hours given all of the content and resources, and I have also provided two written transcripts, once of the entire show, and a second one that just featured all of the ideas in the 10 areas and resources. I also encouraged those people who can afford to do so to accept the Coronavirus Contribution Challenge by taking their government check they will receive and contributing it to their local church, ministry or charity.
The podcast is free and can be shared and used with no conditions or restrictions. The specific podcast “Spread The Word Not The Virus” can be accessed here: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/stewardshipcalling/spread_the_word_not_the_virus
The printed resources can be downloaded here https://stewardshipcalling.com/internet-radio/, by scrolling down to the April 1, 2020 program notes.
Feel free to use or share what you want on the Metropolis communications or wherever. Thanks again for all you do and stay safe.
Have a blessed day.
Bill Marianes
www.stewardshipcalling.com
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).
May 4, 2020
To the faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Having been found worthy to once again witness our Lord’s life-giving Resurrection, I pray that you and your families are healthy and safe during this holy season.
I come to you all today with an important announcement for the life of our Metropolis. Our Diakonia Retreat Center (DRC) is a special place where we all find God’s presence, and where our lives, both young and old, are transformed as we grow in our Orthodox faith. Though I know how much we look forward to the opportunities that our DRC gives to all of us, I regret to inform you that, due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DRC shall remain closed until further notice.
This careful decision was agreed upon by the DRC Board, the Executive Committee of the DRC, and our clergy, who considered not only the directives given to us by our Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, but also contemplated the different States orders from across our Metropolis, including that of the State of South Carolina. Of course, when the CDC and the State of South Carolina determine that it is safe to reopen such spaces, we shall comply with proper processes and procedures to ensure the safety of our faithful.
Following this, the closure of our beloved Retreat Center also means the cancellation of this year's St. Stephen's Summer Camp,which is a decision that was not made lightly.
I would like to speak now directly to our young people. Over the last months, you have seen so many changes to your life, that this decision to forego St. Stephen's is surely a disappointment. Even so, I hope you understand that this was done for the health and safety of yourselves, your families, and your peers. However, even with this precaution in place, know that your Metropolis will continue to minister to you. We are currently creating a variety of virtual opportunities that will allow you to come together with your fellow campers, counselors and clergy during summer 2020. Please continue to await further emails from the Youth Department as details are finalized.
Allow me to commend you all--grandparents, parents and children--for your continued patience and faithfulness as we navigate through these uncertain times. Continuing to pray for that day when we shall be able to gather together once more in our beloved Diakonia Retreat Center, I remain, Paternally yours with love in the Risen Lord, + A L E X I O S Metropolitan of Atlanta |
|
|
April 24, 2020
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
"Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted."
– Matthew 5:4
The American Red Cross states that, " Stress is a normal response to a challenging physical or emotional situation. It can come from an event that makes you feel frustrated, angry or nervous. It is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. Toxic stress occurs when demands are out of balance with our resources for coping."Ask yourself something, are you stressed? The world is shut down, you have been in quarantine for over a month. You cannot go into work, school, your friend’s house or even church. You cannot enter a grocery store without the fear of getting a loved one sick, or becoming sick yourself. You might even be one of the heroes working in the medical field, a first responder, a member of a delivery service, a grocery store worker, or, in our world, our clergy. Church communities especially are looking to clergy for guidance, live streams and answers to difficult questions, as we all mourn the lives we had just months ago.The better question is, how are you handling your stress? Did you know that some people are better at handling stress than others? There is no right or wrong way to handle stress, which comes in all shapes and sizes. Stress does not have an age requirement, and it affects everyone’s physical and mental health. We need to bring a mental health conversation into our communities, and more importantly into our households. For the past few months, Metropolises across the Archdiocese have been researching resources to bring Mental Health awareness to our youth. We have found a great resource in the American Red Cross, whose class Mental Health First Aid, has now added models about COVID- 19. The class is currently FREE and is accessible by clicking the link here. Please remember, that your personal mental health is truly the most important aspect of daily life. If you can recognize your own thoughts and feelings, you will be better equipped to help others, especially during events such as the pandemic. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity, by also taking this class, and sharing this information with your local community.In His Service,Monica GjerdeYouth, Education & Hellenic Culture CoordinatorMetropolis of Atlanta
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.
To see the full list of seminars in Florida and in our entire Metropolis for 2020 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.