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

Sunday, August 2nd, we are not having DIVINE LITURGY due to Hurricane Isaias which will be just offshore in the morning. Please make all necessary preparations and stay safe. Join us for the PARAKLESIS on Monday afternoon at 6:00 pm.

Light a candle and offer a prayer at Saint Catherine (click above). The online form sends the names of your family and friends direct to Father Andrew at the altar; prayers are offered during at the Proskomidi in preparation for the Divine Liturgy!

Click above to place a Saint in a Pew at Saint Catherine

This Sunday 8th Sunday of Saint Matthew. Today we celebrate the Translation of the relics of Saint Stephen the protomartyr.

After the First Martyr had been stoned to death (see Dec. 27), Gamaliel, his teacher, encouraged certain of the Christians to go by night and take up the Saint's body and bury it in his field, which was at a distance of some twenty miles from Jerusalem and was called by his name, "Kaphar-gamala," that is, "the field of Gamala," where Gamaliel himself was later buried. About the year 427, a certain pious man called Lucian, who was the parish priest of a church near to that field, received from God a revelation in a dream concerning the place where the First Martyr was buried. He immediately made this known to John, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Thus, coming to the place indicated, and digging there, they found a box with the word "Stephen" in Aramaic letters. On opening it, they took these most sacred relics and transferred them to Jerusalem with great honor and in the company of a very great multitude of the faithful.

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We continue with Sunday services for the entire congregation. During the summer we have been able to safely accomodate the number of parishioners who attend while maintaining the six foot 'social distancing' requirement without the attendance groups we used the first three Sundays after our reopening. Should our attendees exceed the capacity which we can accomodate, the church will remain open for a brief time following the Divine Liturgy to commune the faithful who were not able to be present in the church proper.

Please follow the directions of the Parish Council and Ushers for receiving communion - maintain your distance in the line using the designated social distancing X's that have been placed in the center aisle. You may remove your masks momentarily to receive Holy Communion. Holy Communion will continue to be distributed in the traditional manner. You may not touch the red communion cloth, it will be held underneath your chin by the assigned adult helper.

Our church sanctuary is sanitized between services. Note that there is an increase in coronavirus cases in Palm Beach County and observe all precautions.

Please read the COVID-19 Update from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios in the Metropolis section of this bulletin.

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CDC Website for current Coronavirus updates: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

This Week at Saint Catherine
Sunday, August 2 ~ 8th Sunday of Matthew
No Services due to Hurricane Isaias

Monday, August 3
6:00 pm Paraklesis

Thursday, August 6 ~ The Transfiguration of our Lord
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Saturday, August 8
Baptism

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.

Many of our Divine Liturgies have been recorded and can be viewed at www.youtube.com. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for 2020:

Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church (2020 services)

Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church (2015-2019 services)

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.

Event Flyers

A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

The Stewardship of Time. Our 2020 Stewardship Campaign.

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!

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 !!!

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 . . .

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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that He had said these things to her.

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 the Corinthians 1:10-17.

Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:14-22

At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

Wisdom of the Fathers

The miracle of the bread revealed the One through Whom the soil, when planted with seed, multiplies. What was done invisibly, once brought to light, proclaimed Who it is that always works invisibly. It was not only at that time that Jesus with five loaves does many great things. In the world He was not idle or inactive but was always at work feeding everyone and taking nothing for Himself. Because He was unknown, therefore, He came feeding, eating and feeding, so that through those things that are seen, He Who was unseen might appear.

Eusebius of Emesa

Homily 8.12. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Matthew 14-28. Intervarsity Press, 2002, p. 9.

And another thing too we learn, the self-restraint of the disciples which they practised in necessary things, and how little they accounted of food.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century

For being twelve, they had five loaves only and two fishes; so secondary to them were the things of the body: so did they cling to the things spiritual only. And not even that little did they hold fast, but gave up even it when asked.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century

Saints and Feasts

August 02

8th Sunday of Matthew

August 02

Translation of the Relics of Stephen the Protomartyr

After the First Martyr had been stoned to death (see Dec. 27), Gamaliel, his teacher, encouraged certain of the Christians to go by night and take up the Saint's body and bury it in his field, which was at a distance of some twenty miles from Jerusalem and was called by his name, "Kaphar-gamala," that is, "the field of Gamala," where Gamaliel himself was later buried. About the year 427, a certain pious man called Lucian, who was the parish priest of a church near to that field, received from God a revelation in a dream concerning the place where the First Martyr was buried. He immediately made this known to John, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Thus, coming to the place indicated, and digging there, they found a box with the word "Stephen" in Aramaic letters. On opening it, they took these most sacred relics and transferred them to Jerusalem with great honor and in the company of a very great multitude of the faithful.

August 02

Phocas the Martyr

Saint Phocas was a gardener in a small village on the south coast of the Black Sea. He lived a simple life, carrying out acts of piety and love for all around him, even serving the pagans of the village, some of who left their ways and followed Christ. The local governor heard of this and sent soldiers to kill him. The saint stumbled upon these very soldiers and, without disclosing his name, ministered to them by receiving them into his home, feeding them, and giving them rest. That night he dug a grave for himself in his garden and prepared for all his possessions to be given away after his death.

The next morning, Phocas disclosed to the soldiers that it was he whom they were seeking to kill. The soldiers were distraught, not wanting to kill the saint who had shown them so much kindness. Phocas insisted that they must carry out their mission as he willingly laid his head beneath the sword. They proceeded to execute him and then bury him in the grave he dug in his garden. The site later became a source of miracles, and eventually a Church was erected upon it. Saint Phocas is frequently invoked for those who travel by sea. His life was recorded by Saint Asterius of Amasia (see October 10^th).

August 03

Isaacius, Dalmatus, & Faustus, Ascetics of the Dalmation Monastery

Of these, Saint Isaacius is celebrated also on May 30. He became a monk at an early age and was a worker of every virtue; a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, he was also deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy. The Saint dwelt in a small hut near Constantinople. When Valens the Arian marched against the Goths, who were at the Danube River, this righteous one went out himself to meet the Emperor and, taking in hand the reins of the Emperor's horse, said to him with boldness that God had incited the barbarians to come against him, since he himself had incited many to speak against God in blasphemy, and had driven God's true worshippers out of the divine houses of prayer. Furthermore, he told him, if he ceased fighting against God by means of heresy and returned the good shepherds (that is, the Orthodox bishops) to the flock of Christ, he would easily gain the victory over his enemies. However, if he did not desist from these things, nor have God as his ally, at the very outset of the battle both he and his army would certainly be destroyed. "Learn from experience," he said, "that it is hard to kick against the pricks. Thou shalt not return, and this expedition will be destroyed." But the Emperor became angry and had the righteous one locked in prison that he might punish him and put him to death on his return after he conquered the barbarians. But he was utterly defeated and was burned alive in a certain village in the year 378 (Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Eccl. Hist., ch. 4: 31-32). When his surviving soldiers returned from the war, wishing to tempt the Saint, they came to him and said, "Prepare to make thy defense before the Emperor, who is coming to fulfil what he spoke against thee." But the Saint answered, "It has already been seven days that I smelled the stink of his bones, which were burned in the fire." Thus the righteous one was released from prison. All marveled because of his prophecy, and he became even more wondrous by means of the zeal he displayed in behalf of Orthodoxy in 381, when the Second Ecumenical Council was convoked. After this, a monastery was built in Constantinople for him, and he piously shepherded those struggling with him in asceticism. Having served as an example of the monastic life for them, he reposed in peace about the end of the fourth century, leaving Dalmatus as his successor.

As for Saint Dalmatus, he was at first a soldier in the second division of the soldiers known as the Scholarii. Later, however, he forsook all things and taking his son Faustus, went to the above-mentioned monastery of Saint Isaacius, where he donned the monastic habit. Through his virtue he became venerable in the sight of all. He was present at the Third Ecumenical Council that was convoked in Ephesus in 431, and there displayed his zeal for Orthodoxy against Nestorius. The Council elected him Archimandrite of the monasteries in Constantinopie. Having lived for more than eighty years, he reposed in the Lord.

August 03

Salome the Holy Myrrhbearer

August 04

Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus

The Seven Youths hid themselves in a certain cave near Ephesus in the year 250, to escape the persecution of Decius. By divine grace, a sleep came upon them and they slept for 184 years, until the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger, when the doctrine of the resurrection was being assailed by heretics. They then awoke, that is, were resurrected, confirming in the sight of all the bodily resurrection; and again after a short time, by divine command, they reposed in the Lord in the year 434.

August 05

Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

August 05

Eusignius the Martyr of Antioch

This Martyr was from Antioch, and had been a soldier from the time of the reign of Constantius Chlorus (the father of Saint Constantine the Great) to that of Julian the Apostate. He censured Julian's ungodliness and reminded him that he was the nephew of Saint Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor. He reminded him further, that from his tender youth he had been nourished on the milk of piety and instructed in the Faith of Christ, had been a fellow student of Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, had been a reader of the Church of Nicomedia, and that he had set all these things at nought and become a transgressor of the promises made in his divine Baptism, and had offered to the idols the adoration that is due to God alone. Reminding the Apostate of all these things and reproving him, he was beheaded in the year 361, having lived altogether 110 years, and been a soldier for more than sixty.

August 06

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).

Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.

August 07

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

August 07

The Holy Righteous Martyr Dometius

This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour.

August 08

Emilian the Confessor & Bishop of Cyzikos

This Saint was one of the illustrious Orthodox Bishops called to Constantinople by the holy Patriarch Nicephorus to defend the veneration of the holy icons against Leo the Armenian (see Mar. 8). Saint Emilian was sent into exile by Leo about the year 815, and gave up his soul to the Lord amidst many afflictions and sufferings for the sake of his confession.

August 08

Holy New Martyrs Triantaphillus of Zagoras and Anastasius of Thessolonica

Metropolis of Atlanta

Message from Metropolitan Alexios

My Beloved Ones,

This Sunday’s Gospel presents to us the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. However, I would like to explore how the miracle was in fact a lesson for all Disciples of Christ. How can such a miracle be a lesson? The Gospel begins with Christ healing a crowd so large, that by the evening, the Disciples say to the Lord, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” (Matthew 14:15) The Twelve are small compared to the five thousand, which, as the Gospel says, are “…five thousand men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:21) From a human perspective, the Disciples’ concerns are understandable: they have also been with the Lord all day, attending to the needs of the crowd; surely, they are also tired and hungry.

So, when we hear Christ say, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat” we hear the compassionate God-Man who loves and pities His Creation. (Matthew 14:16) However, the Disciples hear something so astonishing it makes them frustrated! They have spent all day working, and now the Master expects them to feed this crowd? “They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’” (Matthew 14:17) In this moment their exhausted hearts are hardened; they cannot hear what the Lord tells them, and they forget that even the small number of loaves and fish are still a blessing from God.

Therefore, our Lord begins His lesson to His Disciples by demonstrating how to serve others. First “…he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.” Here, we see our Lord as perfect God, who is always in control. Further, He demonstrates a true type of the Eucharistic act when, “Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves…” (Matthew 14:19) This He does toremind the Disciples that “…for God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) Having demonstrated the need for compassion, our Lord completes the action, giving the loaves, “…to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.” (Matthew 14:19)

My beloved, there are many astonishing things about this miracle, but the most important to remember is even if God alone can perform miracles, He undertakes them through His servants. The true lesson is our Lord calls us to imitate His compassion, acting the service that He demonstrates with gratitude and humility, and with repentance when we fall.

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

COVID-19 Resources

Supplemental letter for re-opening churches

May 22, 2020

I greet you my beloved with love and joy in the name of our Resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray that this message finds you well, as we prepare to re-open our churches.

This past week we hosted conference calls via Zoom with all the parishes in our God protected Metropolis. I offer my sincere gratitude to all who participated in these meetings as they were very beneficial, not only for those who attended, but for myself as well. In those meetings, we were able to review, assess the regulations of each State and see how we can best celebrate our Church Services in each location. From our discussions, we received valuable information to share with all of you.

Therefore, in addition to the guidelines stated in the letter dated May 13, 2020, please consider these supplementary guidelines as well.

To read the rest of His Eminence's letter and review the Metropolis protocols, please click here.

New OCAMPR website

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 https://atlmetropolis.org/policies-for-the-safety-of-youth-and-children! 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).

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: https://atlmetropolis.org/pre-marital-seminars-journey-of-marriage

Registration is online. Materials costs are included in the registration. The seminars are currently being conducted by Zoom meeting.

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.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

A Message from the Department of Religious Education

07/29/2020

There is a great deal of uncertainty about what parish life will look like this fall because of the pandemic. In particular, what might happen to traditionally in-person programs? Over the next weeks, I’ll be offering some ideas for your religious education program. They will offer some basic strategies that you might consider implementing for a virtual religious education program.

https://www.goarch.org/-/message-dre-2020

Archdiocese Concludes Initial Phase of COVID-19 Fund

07/29/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the completion of Phase One of the COVID-19 relief fund, which was created to assist with the living expenses of those facing financial hardship as a result of the current pandemic.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archdiocese-concludes-covid-19-fund

Archbishop Elpidophoros on the Passing of Arthur C. Anton, Sr.

07/29/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros notes with great sadness and with equal appreciation and gratitude the life and legacy of Archon Depoutatos Arthur C. Anton, Sr. who fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, July 26, 2020. The Founder and former Chairman of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund was legendary in the life of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, inasmuch as he served the Church so faithfully for his entire life.

https://www.goarch.org/-/arthur-anton-death-2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros BBC Interview Transcription

07/27/2020

Huge crowds attend the first Friday prayers at Istanbul’s Agia Sophia Mosque for more than 80 years, but one Greek Orthodox Archbishop weeps, “This day is for us a mourning day. Its the day we grieve this decision of the Turkish government.”

https://www.goarch.org/-/bbc-interview-transcription

Assembly of Bishops News

Statement on the Tragic Conversion of Hagia Sophia from Museum to Mosque

07/10/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/tragic-converstion-of-hagia-sophia

We, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, protest the decision of the civil courts in Turkey, as well as the clear direction of their government, to re-convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque. As citizens of the United States of America, we implore our government to intervene for the reversal of this decision. Furthermore, we urge the Turkish government to return to the status quo whereby Hagia Sophia remains a museum, respecting both its origins and history.

Encyclical for Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday 2020

07/07/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/ocpm-sunday-2020

The Holy Orthodox Church, through Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, brings the mercy, forgiveness, and love of Christ to those people who need hope and healing living in the darkness of prison.

Assembly of Bishops Releases Guidelines and Considerations for Safer Orthodox Church Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

06/16/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid-19-reopening-service-guidelines

As parishes open their doors, and faithful around the country return to church, the Assembly of Bishops' COVID-19 Task Force - comprised of priests, public health professionals, risk management experts, and lawyers - has produced updated Guidelines and Considerations for Safer Orthodox Church Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA Continues to Minister to the Incarcerated through Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry During Covid-19

06/11/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/ocpm-covid19

Despite the unprecedented challenges caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, has maintained its ministerial connection to Orthodox men and women in jails and prisons across the United States.

Assembly of Bishops’ Executive Committee Calls All to Prayer for Justice and Peace during Nationwide Civil Unrest

06/02/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/2020-civil-unrest-statement

We stand in unequivocal solidarity and peaceful protest with all those who condemn racism and inequality, which betray the spirit of democracy in our nation, i.e. “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. At the same time, we denounce all expressions of violence and revenge, including those despoiling and detracting from peaceful demonstrations.

Assembly of Bishops’ Mental Health Task Force Premiers Mini Series

05/30/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/assembly-of-bishops-mental-health-task-force-premiers-mini-series

The Assembly of Bishops’ Mental Health Task Force presents a 6-episode miniseries on Mental Health and Orthodox Christianity. Check out the flyer below for more details!

Learn About the Assembly of Bishops Live on Ancient Faith Radio

05/28/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/may-2020-ancient-faith-radio

Tune in to a live interview with the current Secretary, Metropolitan Gregory, the initial Secretary, Mary Arey, and the Director of Operations, Nicholas Anton, to learn about the past, present, and future of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.

Leadership of Assembly of Bishops Appeals for Equitable Treatment of Religion in Reopening of States

05/22/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid-19-equal-treatment

Today, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met via video conference and determined that a direct appeal to several Governors be made to insist on the equitable treatment of religion in the reopening of certain States.

A Nationwide Approach of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA for the Staged Reopening of Churches during the COVID-19 Pandemic

05/14/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid19-reopening

We have heard the pained cry of the Faithful who, although faithful in their devotion, as witnessed by virtual participation in broadcast services and their continuing stewardship support of the Church, have felt an intense separation from Holy Eucharist and their Communities.

A Video Compilation of Pascha (Easter) from Home During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

04/21/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/pascha-2020-video

During a painful time of forced separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Orthodox Christians united as the one Body of Christ worshiping from home. This short compilation highlights creative ways the faithful celebrated Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) in 2020!

ACOB-USA Releases a Video Message of Solidarity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

04/10/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid19-solidarity-video

Unable to gather in person for Holy Week, the heads of jurisdictions joined together to send you a message of solidarity from their homes to yours!

Statement of the ACOB-USA Executive Committee Concerning Holy Week and Pascha (Easter)

04/04/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/pascha-2020

After consultation with public health officials, law enforcement, theologians, and pastoral care professionals, we, members of the Executive Committee, have reached a consensus concerning Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Pascha (Easter) and strongly encourage all Bishops of the Assembly to implement the following recommendations

Assembly of Bishops USA Announces COVID-19 Resource Center for Orthodox Christians

03/27/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid19-resource-center-news

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA announces a resource center for clergy and faithful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement to the Faithful On Church Attendance and Best Practices during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

03/17/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid-19-coronavirus

Responding to the rapid spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and as your Bishops and Spiritual Fathers, we must be very clear and emphatic about one thing: it is not a sin to refrain from church services or sacraments during this time of pandemic.

Encyclical for the Sunday of Orthodoxy

03/05/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/encyclical-sunday-of-orthodoxy-2020

While we process with the icons in our churches, our celebration should not be merely a remembrance of a past event with significance only for those who inherited it as a cultural tradition. We must remember that the valiant martyrs and confessors that struggled in defense of the icons did not do so to defend an esoteric theological formula but to proclaim the Faith that 'established the universe.'

Assembly of Bishops Executive Committee Appoints New Committee Chairs and Director of Operations

03/05/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/new-committee-chairs-director-of-operations

During their February 27th meeting, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops USA (ACOB) appointed Metropolitan Tikhon as Chair of the Committee for Monastic Communities and Archbishop Benjamin as Chair of the Committee for Liturgy. Additionally, the Executive Committee appointed Nicholas Anton as ACOB’s first Director of Operations (DO).

Executive Committee meets to Prepare for 10th Anniversary Celebration

02/27/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/executive-committee-prepares-for-10th-assembly

On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America convened at the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America to discuss the 2020 and 2021 budgets, ongoing projects, and the upcoming 10th Anniversary of the Assembly, to be held May 2-5 in Washington, DC.

Mission Sunday 2020

02/25/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/mission-sunday

Sunday, March 1st, has been designated Mission Sunday by the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. Missions lies at the very core of our Orthodox tradition. The Church was founded on a spirit of sharing the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection with the world so that all people, in every nation, may partake of salvation and restoration through Him.

Assembly of Bishops Delegation Participates in March for Life

01/24/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/march-for-life

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

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/orthodox-scouting-sunday-february-9-2020

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/ocn-sunday-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

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/pan-orthodox-christmas-concert

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/ocpm-executive-director-search

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

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/christmas-concert

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

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/orthodox-catholic-consultation-fall-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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/2019-10-08-assembly-scooch-meeting

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/executive-committee-recommits-to-orthodox-unity-in-the-usa

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/orthodox-catholic-consultation-agreed-statement-vocation-mission-people-of-god

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/orthodox-catholic-consultation-and-committee-of-bishops-meetings

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/orthodox-catholic-theological-consultation

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/fast-questions-fast-answers-monasteries

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/statement-on-the-sanctity-of-life

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2019/scholarships-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/fast-questions-fast-answers-geography

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/assembly-second-day

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/address-his-eminence-archbishop-demetrios-of-america

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/fast-questions-answers-american-orthodox-bishops

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/map-bishops-parishes

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/directory-clergy-brotherhoods

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

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2018/study-orthodox-christian-churches-21st-century

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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Wisdom of the Fathers

Saints and Feasts

8th Sunday of Matthew

Translation of the Relics of Stephen the Protomartyr

Phocas the Martyr

Isaacius, Dalmatus, & Faustus, Ascetics of the Dalmation Monastery

Salome the Holy Myrrhbearer

Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus

Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Eusignius the Martyr of Antioch

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

The Holy Righteous Martyr Dometius

Emilian the Confessor & Bishop of Cyzikos

Holy New Martyrs Triantaphillus of Zagoras and Anastasius of Thessolonica

Metropolis of Atlanta

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

A Message from the Department of Religious Education

07/29/2020

Archdiocese Concludes Initial Phase of COVID-19 Fund

07/29/2020

Archbishop Elpidophoros on the Passing of Arthur C. Anton, Sr.

07/29/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros BBC Interview Transcription

07/27/2020

Assembly of Bishops News

Statement on the Tragic Conversion of Hagia Sophia from Museum to Mosque

07/10/2020

Encyclical for Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday 2020

07/07/2020

Assembly of Bishops Releases Guidelines and Considerations for Safer Orthodox Church Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

06/16/2020

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA Continues to Minister to the Incarcerated through Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry During Covid-19

06/11/2020

Assembly of Bishops’ Executive Committee Calls All to Prayer for Justice and Peace during Nationwide Civil Unrest

06/02/2020

Assembly of Bishops’ Mental Health Task Force Premiers Mini Series

05/30/2020

Learn About the Assembly of Bishops Live on Ancient Faith Radio

05/28/2020

Leadership of Assembly of Bishops Appeals for Equitable Treatment of Religion in Reopening of States

05/22/2020

A Nationwide Approach of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA for the Staged Reopening of Churches during the COVID-19 Pandemic

05/14/2020

A Video Compilation of Pascha (Easter) from Home During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

04/21/2020

ACOB-USA Releases a Video Message of Solidarity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

04/10/2020

Statement of the ACOB-USA Executive Committee Concerning Holy Week and Pascha (Easter)

04/04/2020

Assembly of Bishops USA Announces COVID-19 Resource Center for Orthodox Christians

03/27/2020

Statement to the Faithful On Church Attendance and Best Practices during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

03/17/2020

Encyclical for the Sunday of Orthodoxy

03/05/2020

Assembly of Bishops Executive Committee Appoints New Committee Chairs and Director of Operations

03/05/2020

Executive Committee meets to Prepare for 10th Anniversary Celebration

02/27/2020

Mission Sunday 2020

02/25/2020

Assembly of Bishops Delegation Participates in March for Life

01/24/2020

Orthodox Scouting Sunday - February 9, 2020