Message from Metropolitan Alexios
My Beloved Ones,
When we contemplate our Lord’s ministry, one thing we think of are His parables, such as the Sower and the Seed: “A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.” As he said this, he called out, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” (Luke 8:5-8)
We ordinarily think of parables as a way Christ educated the faithful. The thing we forget is that Christ would often hide His meaning. After Christ says, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” He says something very different to the Disciples, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak in parables, so that ‘looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.’” (Luke 8:10)
From there He explains: “The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts... The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word…have no root… and in a time of testing fall away… among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” (Luke 8:12-15) A wonderful summary of how different hearts interact with the Word of God, but many stumble over our Lord saying, “…but to others I speak in parables, so that ‘looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.’” Why would Christ, the ever-compassionate Second Person of the Holy Trinity, say such a thing?
Christ, as both the inspiration for and a student of Scripture is quoting from the Book of Isaiah, when God tells the Prophet to preach to the people these words: “‘Listen carefully, but do not understand! Look intently, but do not perceive!’... Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and their heart understand, and they turn and be healed.” (Isaiah 6:10) God is not a tormenter. In His infinite mercy, He knows that our sinful nature is such that, often, we do not follow His will. The parable of the Sower & the Seed is no great mystery, but surely some who heard our Lord speak about the thorns went home and attended to their business or their pleasure. Indeed, many listened carefully, but their hearts did not understand.
When we hear this Gospel again, I hope that we can honestly discover what kind of ground are our hearts. Truly understanding with the heart, we can know if we live on the path, in the rocks, or among the thorns. Instead of despairing, all we must do is hold the Word, … fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.” In this way, our heart can produce the spiritual fruits we are all called to offer to God, and to our families and neighbors.
+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta
Orthodox Observer News
New York, NY – The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, wanting to strengthen the role of the largest Eparchy of the Mother Church with a new vision and a new Charter suitable for the evolving and changing modern pastoral needs of American society, decided to place the current Charter (2003) of the Holy Archdiocese of America into abeyance. Temporarily, until the issuance of the new Charter, the administrative structures of the Archdiocese, i.e., the Holy Eparchial Synod, the Executive Committee, the Archdiocesan Council, the Clergy-Laity Assembly, as well as the respective structures of the Metropolises will continue to function as they are.
Archbishop Elpidophoros commented on the decision of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
“We have just received a wonderful opportunity to rebuild the Church in America from the ground up. Over the past one hundred years, great hierarchs led the Archdiocese of America, of which the later Patriarch Athenagoras and Archbishop Michael stand out, who consolidated and strengthened our communities. Of course, Archbishop Iakovos was the one who, in his 37 years as Archbishop, transformed our Archdiocese, giving it a leading role in American society.
“Today we feel especially blessed, because with this decision, the Ecumenical Patriarchate gives us the great opportunity to envision and design our Church together in view of its 100th anniversary. All together, clergy and laity, we will participate in a joint committee with our Patriarchate, and we will develop and complete a new plan with new perspectives on Orthodoxy in America for the next 100 years.
“With the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we will establish a joint committee to study the current needs and the dynamics of our Archdiocese and prepare the plan for our new Charter.
“I consider this decision to be divinely inspired and auspicious, because it comes a few days before the name day of the ever-memorable Archbishop Iakovos, during which we recall the glorious past, and prepare for a new century with new visions to strengthen our ministry and renew Pan-Orthodox cooperation. We are all grateful to the leader of Orthodoxy and the Holy and Sacred Synod that is with him."
Finally, it is announced that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has convened an extraordinary teleconference of the Holy Eparchial Synod on Monday, October 12, 2020, in order to evaluate these new decisions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The full text of the Patriarchal Communiqué can be read at the following link:
https://www.goarch.org/-/ecumenical-patriarchate-communiqu--october-2020
Diakonia Retreat Center October Matching Campaign
We are overwhelmed by the response for our October Matching Campaign. Thank you to all those who have contributed.
We made great progress toward our goal of $25,000. We have a few more weeks to make this happen. Please consider making a gift now.
Your loving support helps us continue to pay our regular bills during this incredibly difficult season that we have had to close the DRC due to the pandemic.
As a reminder, if you would like to reserve a spot at the DRC for a weekend of prayer and relaxation, email diakoniaretreatoffice@yahoo.com for pricing and availability.
Thank you for supporting our Metropolis Diakonia Retreat Center- A place of life transformation which enables growth in faith, family and friendships.
Donate Now
COVID-19 Resources
How to Survive With 2020 Vision
2020 has been a very tough year!
~ a once in a lifetime deadly COVID-19 pandemic
~ forced isolation and separation from each other
~ a shutdown of our churches and businesses
~ the closure of schools
~ unprecedented health and financial difficulties
~ a very divided country
~ contentious elections and political climate
~ significant civil unrest
~ a polarizing press and media
~ negative and divisive social media attacks
~ disruptive mobs
~ higher depression, suicide and murder rates
~ increased despair
~ and the list goes on and on...
No one has escaped this unprecedented combination of horribly disruptive crises. Some believe that, from now on, "2020" will be used to describe something messed up or bad (e.g., "sorry you're experiencing a 2020").
However, this year has also allowed us to have 2020 “perfect” vision about many things. 2020 vision is the gold standard of absolute clarity of what is both near and far.
So, how can we make it through the rest of this difficult year and have a better life and attitude? When the COVID-19 pandemic is just the story that you tell, what will be the story that you tell?
We will discuss 3 practical, proven, and theologically supported things you can do right now in your life to make it better. We will also RESPECTFULLY discuss some of the "challenges" we are experiencing and must overcome with a "mistake maestro," someone who has done so many goofy things and made so many mistakes that his expertise is undeniable.
On Wednesday, October 7th, please join Stewardship Calling Live on Ancient Faith Radio by logging into: https://www.ancientfaith.com/radio/live starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern (7 Central – 6 Mountain – 5 pacific). These 3 answers on how to survive and thrive for the rest of this year as we acquire 2020 vision for a better tomorrow and 2021 are inspired by the Holy Gospel and have been validated by science and in real life.
You can also let your voice be heard by calling: 1-855-AFRADIO (1-855-237-2346) or by joining the chat room at: https://www.ancientfaith.com/radio/live
Please share the following flyer for this program with your family, friends, community or anyone who may need some help getting through these troubled times: 2020 VISION FLYER
Have a blessed day.
Bill Marianes
Bill@stewardshipcalling.com
www.stewardshipcalling.com
New OCAMPR website and COVID-19 Resources
Christ is in our midst! In response to the challenges we are facing in our communities, country, and worldwide, OCAMPR is reaching out to provide assistance to care professionals at this time. Please visit the new OCAMPR website and our COVID-19 Resources page: https://www.ocampr.org/covid-19-resources.html It contains links to the best resources for healthcare professionals as we serve our clients, patients, and parishes. Consider contributing useful information that you have found or developed. We are in the process of developing additional resources that might be useful.
We’re particularly interested in supporting the professionals on the frontlines, many of whom are carrying additional risks and burdens. It is easy to be overworked and isolated specifically as the stresses and complexities of care-providing increase.
Visit our Support for Frontline Professionals page:
https://www.ocampr.org/support-for-frontline-healthcare-professionals.html Here you may sign up for prayer support, receive a daily quote and reflection, or share your work experiences. Please share these resources with anyone whom you think might benefit.
We know that these are unique times for all of us, and we also know that we have been invited to provide important care at this time. OCAMPR seeks to support each healthcare professional because we do not need to respond alone. If you have any questions, comments, or specific needs that OCAMPR can assist you with at this time, do not hesitate to reach out to us at ocamprinfo@gmail.com. We seek to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) at this time as we offer our skills and services in faith and in love.
May our God of mercy, compassion, and love, through the prayers of His Most Holy Mother, Sts. Kosmas and Damian, St. Luke the Physician, and all the Saints be with all of you in the Lenten Season.
in Christ,
OCAMPR Executive Board
Important Metropolis Events
2020 HUMS Retreat Rescheduled (10/30/20 - 11/1/20)
While we pray for continued protection and permanent relief, we selected a new date for our 4th annual retreat to continue this precious tradition and to strengthen our spiritual health. 4Th ANNUAL RETREAT SPIRITUAL FORMATION OF THE HEALER Panagia Chapel Conference Area Diakonia Retreat Center. Retreat Leader is Fr. Dr. Gregory Georgiou ❖ Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision ❖ Holds a Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology ❖ Holds a Master of Art in Community Mental Health Counseling ❖ NC Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) & Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) ❖ Director of Pre-marital Programming for Metropolis of Atlanta. Fee for the retreat is $200/person and $225/couple. Please make your check to: Holy Unmercenaries Medical Society Checks can be mailed to: Holy Unmercenaries Medical Society c/o St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church 5108 Kuykendall Road Charlotte, NC 28270 Registration deadline is Oct 16th Please RSVP to Teresa at: teresa_jacob@icloud.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).
September 9, 2020
My Brothers in the Lord,
I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I pray that we all experienced a blessed and joyous feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos.
As we enter this period of the new Ecclesiastical Year, the Metropolis turns its attention to those beautiful events: the Winter Youth Rally & Hellenic Dance Festival. Both WYR and HDF remain committed to safe environments for our Metropolis faithful to come together in fellowship, worship, and dance. Indeed, the Metropolis continues to closely monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with CDC, State and Federal Guidelines.
Therefore it is with a heavy but clear heart that I write to inform you, based on the recommendation from both the WYR Committee & the HDF Executive Committee(in consultation with our Metropolis Administration, and the Clergy Syndesmos) we feel the safest and most prudent decision is to cancel this year’s Winter Youth Rally, and the Hellenic Dance Festival for 2021.
While this news must surely come as a disappointment, please know that your WYR and HDF teams are working diligently, in coordination with the Metropolis Youth Office, to prepare a few educational events, webinars and opportunities, which will allow us to celebrate our Hellenic Culture and Faith, while observing proper safety measures.
Thanking all the Metropolis faithful--grandparents, parents, and children--for theircontinued patience, and encouraging our continued prayerful intercessions to our Most-Holy Mother, I remain,
Paternally yours with love and blessings in the Lord,
+ A L E X I O S
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
➩ Updates to atlstrategicplan.org ⇦
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/
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Take a look at the online portal.
Vist www.atlstrategicplan.org/portal to view a list of the completed goals.
M
This year the state of California has sadly reached a devastating milestone of 4 million acres burned, with at least two months remaining in the fire season. The previous record was nearly 1.7 million acres during the fires in 2018. Over the past several weeks, the Metropolis has learned of 19 families who have faced significant loss as a result of the fires in California, Oregon and Washington.