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

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 is the 10th Sunday of Saint Matthew. August 15th we celebrated the Dormition of the Theotokos. Through this entire week we continue the celebration of the Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens.

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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 16 ~ 10th Sunday of Matthew
8:45 am Orthros - Link to the Orthros Service text
10:00 am Divine Liturgy - Link to the Divine Liturgy text

Wednesday, August 19
7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting by Zoom

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

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. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16.

Brethren, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 17:14-23

At that time, a man came up to Jesus and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day."

Wisdom of the Fathers

At this point he is referring to the faith required for signs, and mentions a mustard seed is small in size, yet it is more potent than all others in its effects. So to bring out that the least degree of genuine faith is capable of great things, he mentioned the mustard seed.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 56 (PG 58, 549-50) Translated by Robert Charles Hill in "Spiritual Gems from the Gospel of Matthew", 4th Century

Here Christ is not speaking of that faith which believes in Him undoubtingly and knows Him to be true God, but of the faith (needed) to work miracles. If ye have faith, He said, so exceedingly warm and burning as a grain of mustard seed (for these are its qualities), and if it is believed without a doubt that ye will perform signs, then ye will receive such power, that if ye desire to move the very mountains, ye will move them.

St. John Chrysostom

The Gospel Commentary, edited by Hieromonk German Ciuba, 2002, 4th Century

Saints and Feasts

August 16

10th Sunday of Matthew

August 16

Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ

When the fame of our Lord Jesus Christ came to Abgar, the ruler of Edessa, who was suffering from leprosy, Abgar sent a messenger named Ananias, through him asking the Savior to heal him of his disease, while bidding Ananias bring back a depiction of Him. When Ananias came to Jerusalem, and was unable to capture the likeness of our Lord, He, the Knower of hearts, asked for water, and having washed His immaculate and divine face, wiped it dry with a certain cloth, which He gave to Ananias to take to Abgar; the form of the Lord's face had been wondrously printed upon the cloth. As soon as Abgar received the cloth, which is called the Holy Napkin (Mandylion), he reverenced it with joy, and was healed of his leprosy; only his forehead remained afflicted. After the Lord's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, the Apostle Thaddaeus (see Aug. 21) came to Edessa, and when he had baptized Abgar and all his men, Abgar's remaining leprosy also was healed. Abgar had the holy image of our Savior fixed to a board and placed at the city gate, commanding that all who entered the city reverence it as they passed through. Abgar's grandson, however, returned to the worship of the idols, and the Bishop of Edessa learned of his intention to replace the Holy Napkin with an idol. Since the place where it stood above the city gate was a rounded hollow, he set a burning lamp before the Holy Napkin, put a tile facing it, then bricked up the place and smoothed it over, so that the holy icon made without hands was no longer to be seen, and the ungodly ruler gave no further thought to it.

With the passage of time, the hidden icon was forgotten, until the year 615, when Chosroes II, King of Persia, was assaulting the cities of Asia, and besieged Edessa. The Bishop of Edessa, Eulabius, instructed by a divine revelation, opened the sealed chamber above the city gate and found the Holy Napkin complete and incorrupt, the lamp burning, and the tile bearing upon itself an identical copy of the image that was on the Holy Napkin. The Persians had built a huge fire outside the city wall; when the Bishop approached with the Holy Napkin, a violent wind fell upon the fire, turning it back upon the Persians, who fled in defeat. The Holy Napkin remained in Edessa, even after the Arabs conquered it, until the year 944, when it was brought with honor and triumph to Constantinople in the reign of Romanus I, when Theophylact was Ecumenical Patriarch. The Holy Napkin was enshrined in the Church of the most holy Theotokos called the Pharos. This is the translation that is celebrated today.

August 16

Diomedes the Physician & Martyr of Tarsus

The holy Martyr Diomedes was from Tarsus in Cilicia, a physician who treated bodies with his healing art and souls with his piety. In the days of the Emperor Diocletian, about the year 288, Diomedes left Tarsus and came to Nicaea, where he benefited many both as a physician and as a preacher of the Faith. He was accused to Diocletian, who sent men to fetch him. When they arrived, although finding that he had already given up his soul to the Lord, they cut off his head to take it to the Emperor, and because of their inhumanity were stricken with blindness. When Diocletian saw the Saint's head, he commanded them to take it back and put it on the body in its place; when they had done so, they received their sight again. Saint Diomedes is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

August 16

Gerasimus of Cephalonia

Saint Gerasimus was from the Peloponnesus, the son of Demetrius and Kale, of the family of Notaras. He was reared in piety by them and studied the Sacred writings. He left his country and went throughout various lands, and finally came to Cephalonia, where he restored a certain old church and built a convent around it, where it stands to this day at the place called Omala. He finished the course of his life there in asceticism in the year 1570. His sacred relics, which remain incorrupt, are kept there for the sanctification of the faithful.

August 16

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

August 17

Myron the Martyr of Cyzicus

Saint Myron was a priest during the reign of Decius, when Antipater was ruler of Achaia. On the day of our Lord's Nativity, Antipater entered the church to seize the Christians and punish them. Saint Myron, kindled with holy zeal, roundly insulted Antipater, for which he was hung up and scraped, then cast into a raging furnace, but was preserved unharmed. When Myron refused to worship the idols, Antipater commanded that strips be cut in the Saint's flesh from his shoulders to his feet; the Saint took one of the strips of his flesh and flung it in the tyrant's face. He was beaten, and scraped again upon his beaten flesh; then he was thrown to wild beasts, but when Antipater saw them leaving off their fierce nature and protecting the Saint from harm, he was overcome with unbearable shame and slew himself. The Saint was then sent to Cyzicus, where the proconsul had him beheaded, about the year 250.

August 17

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

August 18

Floros & Lauros the Monk-martyrs of Illyria

These Martyrs were twin brothers, and stonemasons. After the martyrdom of their teachers Proclus and Maximus, they left Byzantium and came to the city of Ulpiana in Illyricum, where a certain Licinius hired them to build a temple for the idols. The wages he gave them, they distributed to the poor, and when the temple was built, Floros and Lauros gathered the paupers, and with their help put ropes about the necks of the idols, pulled them to the ground, and furnished the temple as a church. When Licinius learned of this, he had the paupers burned alive in a furnace. Floros and Lauros were tormented, then cast into a deep well, where they gave up their souls to the Lord. When their holy relics were recovered years later, they poured forth myrrh and worked many miracles; they were enshrined in Constantinople.

August 18

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

August 19

Andrew the General & Martyr & his 2,593 soldiers

During the reign of Maximian, about the year 289, Antiochus the Commander-in-Chief of the Roman forces sent Andrew with many other soldiers against the Persians, who had overrun the borders of the Roman dominion. Saint Andrew persuaded his men to call upon the Name of Christ, and when they had defeated the Persians with unexpected triumph, his soldiers believed in Christ with him. Antiochus, learning of this, had them brought before him. When they confessed Christ to be God, he had Andrew spread out upon a bed of iron heated fiery hot, and had the hands of his fellow soldiers nailed to blocks of wood. Antiochus then commanded some thousand soldiers to chase the Saints beyond the borders of the empire. Through the instructions of Saint Andrew, these soldiers also believed in Christ. At the command of Antiochus, they were all beheaded in the mountain passes of the Taurus mountains of Cilicia.

August 19

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

August 20

Samuel the Prophet

This most holy man, a Prophet of God from childhood, was the last judge of the Israelite people, and anointed the first two Kings of Israel. He was born in the twelfth century before Christ, in the city of Armathaim Sipha, from the tribe of Levi, the son of Elkanah and Hannah (Anna). He was the fruit of prayer, for his mother, being barren, conceived him only after she had supplicated the Lord with many tears; wherefore she called him Samuel, that is, "heard by God." As soon as Hannah had weaned him, she brought him to the city of Silom (Shiloh), where the Ark was kept, and she consecrated him, though yet a babe, to the service of God, giving thanks to Him with the hymn found in the Third Ode of the Psalter: "My heart hath been established in the Lord . . ." Samuel remained in Silom under the protection of Eli the priest. He served in the Tabernacle of God, and through his most venerable way of life became well-pleasing to God and man (I Kings 2: 26). While yet a child, sleeping in the tabernacle near the Ark of God, he heard the voice of God calling his name, and foretelling the downfall of Eli; for although Eli's two sons, Ophni and Phineas, were most lawless, and despisers of God, Eli did not correct them. Even after Samuel had told Eli of the divine warning, Eli did not properly chastise his sons, and afterwards, through various misfortunes, his whole house was blotted out in one day.

After these things came to pass, Samuel was chosen to be the protector of the people, and he judged them with holiness and righteousness. He became for them an example of all goodness, and their compassionate intercessor before God: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; yea, I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way" (ibid. 12:23). When he asked them -- having God as witness -- if he ever wronged anyone, or took anyone's possessions, or any gift, even so much as a sandal, they answered with one voice: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nor afflicted us, neither hast thou taken anything from anyone's hand" (ibid. 12:4). When Samuel was old, the people asked him for a king, but he was displeased with this, knowing that God Himself was their King. But when they persisted, the Lord commanded him to anoint them a king, saying, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them" (ibid. 8:7); so Samuel anointed Saul. But Saul transgressed the command of God repeatedly, so Samuel anointed David. Yet, since Samuel was a man of God, full of tender mercy, when the Lord told him that He had rejected Saul, Samuel wept for him the whole night long (ibid. 15:11); and later, since he continued to grieve, the Lord said to him, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?" (ibid. 16:1). Having lived blamelessly some ninety-eight years, and become an example to all of a God-pleasing life, he reposed in the eleventh century before Christ. Many ascribe to him the authorship of the Books of judges, and of Ruth, and of the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings (I Samuel).

August 20

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

August 21

The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

The Apostle Thaddaeus was from Edessa, a Jew by race. When he came to Jerusalem, he became a disciple of Christ, and after His Ascension he returned to Edessa. There he catechized and baptized Abgar (see Aug. 16). Having preached in Mesopotamia, he ended his life in martyrdom. Though some call him one of the Twelve, whom Matthew calls "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus" (Matt. 10:3), Eusebius says that he is one of the Seventy: "After [Christ's] Resurrection from the dead, and His ascent into Heaven, Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles, inspired by God, sent Thaddaeus, one of the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa as a preacher and evangelist of Christ's teaching" (Eccl. Hist. 1: 13).

August 21

The Holy Martyr Bassa and Her Sons: Theognis, Agapius, and Pistus

The Martyrs were from Edessa of Macedonia. Bassa was the wife of a certain Valerian, a priest of the idols, to whom she bore three sons and raised them in piety. She was betrayed with her sons to the proconsul by her own husband; each of her sons was tormented before her and beheaded. For refusing to worship the idols, she was imprisoned, cast into water and then fire, was stoned, and remaining unharmed, was brought to the temple to worship the idols. Laying hold upon the idol of Zeus, she overturned it and broke it to pieces. After being preserved through further torments, she was beheaded, about the year 290, in the reign of Maximian.

August 21

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

August 22

The Holy Martyr Agathonicus

The Martyr Agathonicus, because he converted pagans to Christ, was seized in Nicomedia, violently beaten, haled about in bonds, and beheaded in Selyvria, during the reign of Maximian, in the year 298.

August 22

The Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God of Prusa

The wonderworking icon of the Mother of God of Prusa was saved from destruction at the hands of the Iconoclasts in the ninth century, when a certain nobleman of Prusa (near Constantinople) brought it secretly to Greece. There he lost the icon, but it miraculously appeared in a cave in the area of Litza and Agrapha, where the monastery and the shrine of the icon are presently found. The feast today was established in commemoration of the many signs and healings that the holy Theotokos has wrought through the icon.

August 22

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Metropolis of Atlanta

Message from Metropolitan Alexios

My Beloved Ones,

When our Lord entrusted the care of His mother to John the Beloved Disciple, she followed John to minister to the Church in Ephesus, before returning to Jerusalem, where she also supported the early Christians with love and wisdom.

Just as an angel foretold Christ’s Incarnation at the Annunciation, when the time came for her Dormition, the Theotokos was again greeted by a heavenly messenger. Filled with joy knowing that she would see her Son and her God, she went to pray at the Mount of Olives. When she returned home, the power of the Holy Spirit brought to her all the Apostles, who were then preaching throughout the world. The Apostles did not understand the reason they had come together, but they were sad when they saw the Theotokos on her deathbed. Mary consoled them, praying for the peace of the world, and offered her spirit to God, just as she had offered her life.

The circumstances of her burial—how she was discovered to have been taken bodily into heaven—are known to Orthodox Christians. Indeed, they point the way to the Resurrection of the Dead: we must pass from this world to the next, but Mary was given a foretaste of how we shall all be raised bodily to life, when we stand before Christ.

My brothers and sisters, as we prepare to celebrate the Feast, I ask you to think of two important lessons our beloved Mother has taught us: to put God and the concerns of others before our own lives. She was greeted by angels both at the Annunciation, and before her Dormition; and both times, she accepted the Will of God, as should we all, if we are to live in Communion with Him.

As we continue to live through a pandemic which has changed how we live, work and worship, we are blessed to have in our Ever-Virgin Mary a loving Mother, who—despite our own physical distance from her heavenly dwelling place—hears our cries, and always seeks to intercede on behalf of all her spiritual children. May we continue to speak to her, as we seek to grow closer to her, the saints, and her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

+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).

July 27, 2020

My beloved in the Lord,

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served. But to serve,
and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:45)

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As we continue through the remainder of what has been a unique summer, it seems especially appropriate to express my gratitude and appreciation those who faithfully served our youth through this year’s Summer Reset Program.

Though we all were saddened that current pandemic prevented St. Stephen’s Summer Camp from taking place, this did not stop our Metropolis Youth Department and our Camp Directors from finding unique and beautiful ways to bring our children together, even when they were physically apart. I am therefore even more pleased that this year’s new experiment was a great success in attendance, and that so many of our youth seemed truly engaged with the videos and the discussions that took place.

I am sure that all our volunteers learned a great deal throughout the week; as did our youth, who were once again able to strengthen their Orthodox faith.

May our Lord bless us always, bestowing upon us, good health, wisdom, patience, and joy. I remain,

With paternal blessings and with much love in our Lord,

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan 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: 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

Official Statement of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee

08/12/2020

The Archdiocese Benefits Committee (ABC) expresses its deepest gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod for addressing the challenges to “The Pension Plan for Clergymen and Lay Employees of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.” His Eminence affirmed that which we all have known that it is a divine privilege of the church to allow those who have dedicated their whole lives to the Lord to have dignified retirements.

https://www.goarch.org/-/pension-statement-archdiocese-benefits-committee

Archbishop Elpidophoros Convenes National Clergy on Pension Plan

08/11/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros convened the Clergy of the entire Archdiocese today in order to discuss the current status Archdiocese Pension Plan. Over 350 members of the clergy attended the webinar regarding the Pension Plan which covers both the clergy and the lay employees of the Archdiocese. Following his prepared remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros answered questions of the clergy for over three hours.

https://www.goarch.org/-/elpidophoros-pension-plan-townhall

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Pension Plan Virtual Town Hall

08/11/2020

The primary reason that I have asked to speak with you about the Pension Plan is that, even as I have continued to urge the Archdiocese Benefits Committee, your ABC, to address this ongoing crisis, recently a number of Syndesmoi of the Metropolis Clergy have expressed their concerns publicly, either to me, or to the ABC and the APC. Rather than address these concerns one by one, I thought it more equitable to convene as many of the clergy as possible in order to have an open and frank discussion.

https://www.goarch.org/-/pension-plan-virtual-town-hall

Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities Summary Chart

08/11/2020

Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities Summary Chart

https://www.goarch.org/-/pension-plan-chart

From One Spoon to Many

08/05/2020

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Orthodox Church has found itself in an existential crisis. The situation has challenged our traditions and even the way that we receive Holy Communion. One of the points of disagreement that has arisen concerns the manner in which Holy Communion is distributed to the faithful from the common cup by means of a common spoon.

https://www.goarch.org/-/one-spoon-to-many

Assembly of Bishops News

Statement of the Chairman of the Assembly of Bishops On the Tragic Explosions in Beirut, Lebanon

08/06/2020

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/2020-beirut-tragedy

We express our deep sorrow at the devastation created by the explosions in Beirut. We mourn for the people of Lebanon, who now face an additional challenge in this time of great crisis.

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?'

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

This Week and Upcoming Events

Event Flyers

A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

New Website for our Diakonia Retreat Center

Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth

Cyber Security Bulletin !

Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Saints and Feasts

10th Sunday of Matthew

Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Diomedes the Physician & Martyr of Tarsus

Gerasimus of Cephalonia

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Myron the Martyr of Cyzicus

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Floros & Lauros the Monk-martyrs of Illyria

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Andrew the General & Martyr & his 2,593 soldiers

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Samuel the Prophet

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

The Holy Apostle Thaddaeus

The Holy Martyr Bassa and Her Sons: Theognis, Agapius, and Pistus

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

The Holy Martyr Agathonicus

The Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God of Prusa

Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Metropolis of Atlanta

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Official Statement of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee

08/12/2020

Archbishop Elpidophoros Convenes National Clergy on Pension Plan

08/11/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Pension Plan Virtual Town Hall

08/11/2020

Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities Summary Chart

08/11/2020

From One Spoon to Many

08/05/2020

Assembly of Bishops News

Statement of the Chairman of the Assembly of Bishops On the Tragic Explosions in Beirut, Lebanon

08/06/2020

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