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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-18
Bulletin Contents
This Week and Upcoming Events
Event Flyers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Metropolis of Atlanta
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Assembly of Bishops News
Hellenic College Holy Cross News
Lukeevng
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Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (561) 833-6387
  • Fax:
  • (561) 833-6391
  • Street Address:

  • 110 Southern Blvd.

  • West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Contact Information

Father Andrew Maginas


FrAndrewMaginas@mail.goarch.org | (561) 313-0654

Services Schedule

Sunday Services:

  8:45 am     Orthros

10:00 am     Divine Liturgy

 

Past Bulletins


This Week and Upcoming Events

Christ is in our midst!  He is and ever shall be! 

 Our services are streamed live on the internet.
at our Saint Catherine website - www.stcatherine-wpb.org 

Join us for Orthodox Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

  

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 feastday of Saint Luke.

Saint Luke was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul.  He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia.  He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district.  His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

 ____________

 

This Sunday is Godparents Sunday.  Some godparents and godchildren will be attending in person, others will be on the live stream.  I will be addressing both at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy just prior to communion.

This Sunday we are using the side doors only for entrance to the church because of construction work at the front steps.  Please follow the directions of the ushers.

COVID-19 has had a major impact on the lives of our faithful.  It has severely affected the operations of our parish.  Though we may now meet for church worship, we do so with restrictions on attendance numbers and with distancing requirements.  By abiding with these we express our love for one another in every sense of the word.  

We are slowly resuming some of our youth activities in-person with limited small groups.  Our church finances are greatly suffering.  We are thankful for all our parishioners who have continued to offer their financial support.  Stewards thank you!  Please join our 2020 stewards in supporting our parish ministries.  The Donate buttons here and on our website lead to our online giving site.  Again, thank you for your support!

We continue to safely accomodate the number of parishioners who attend while maintaining the six foot 'social distancing' requirement.  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.

Holy Communion is offered in the traditional manner at the conclusion of the Liturgy.  Everyone is to approach by the center aisle pew-by-pew, maintaining 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.  Please do not touch the red communion cloth; it will be held underneath your chin.  Those not receiving Holy Communion are in the same line and will not stop for Holy Communion but continue to the Antidoron by the side exit door.

Our church sanctuary is sanitized between services.  Please faithfully observe all precautions as we continue to protect our parish family from the coronavirus.

                                                               ____________

 

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

 

This Week at Saint Catherine

Sunday, October 18 ~ Saint Luke

       8:45 am   Orthros - Link to the Orthros Service text
     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy - Link to the Divine Liturgy text

     11:00 am   Sunday School by Zoom

     12:00 pm   GOYA by Zoom

 

Monday, October 19

       8:00 to 9:00 pm   Bible Study by Zoom Video.  

The video link will be on the Home Page of our website on Monday.  This October Bible Study will focus on Saint Paul's letters to Timothy and his letter to Titus.

 

Tuesday, October 20

       6:30 to 7:30 pm   Discover Orthodoxy by Zoom Video.  

The video link will be on the Home Page of our website on Tuesday.  Discover Orthodoxy is for those who are seeking the Orthodox Church and for those who wish to learn more about their Church.

 

Wednesday, October 21

       7:00 pm   Parish Council meeting by Zoom

 

Thursday, October 22 ~ Saint Iakovos (eve of the feastday)

       5:00 pm   Orthros - Link to the Orthros Service text
       6:00 pm   Divine Liturgy - Link to the Divine Liturgy text

 

Friday, October 23rd

       5:30 - 8:30 pm   GOYA Movie Night

 

Parish Financial Summary

Parish Financial Summary for Eight (8) Mos. Ended August 31, 2020:
 
Income:                    $ 365,742
Expenses:                 $ 427,861
Net Income (Loss):   ($  62,118)

 

2020 Stewardship  We thank those who have fulfilled - or are continuing to fulfill - their financial pledge for this year.   We respectfully ask that those who have yet to begin their financial support to please do so.  


Youth Safety Resources
We’re committed to connecting young people with Jesus Christ. To do that, we need to create ministry environments that are safe and health. For more on how you can help, please visit our new Youth Safety website: goarch.org/safety.

 

YouTube Logo  Many of our Divine Liturgies have been recorded and can be viewed at www.youtube.com.  Subscribe to our 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.

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Event Flyers

    Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth

    Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth

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

    A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

    A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

    The Stewardship of Time. Our 2020 Stewardship Campaign.

    New Website for our Diakonia Retreat Center

    New Website for our Diakonia Retreat Center

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

    Cyber Security Bulletin !

    Cyber Security Bulletin !

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

    Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

    Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

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

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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. Plagal Fourth Tone. Psalm 18.4,1.
Their voice has gone out into all the earth.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18.

Brethren, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one. Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you of everything that has taken place. Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippos, "See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord." I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my fetters. Grace be with you. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Luke the Evangelist
The Reading is from Luke 10:16-21

The Lord said to his disciples, "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

As the beloved physician and disciple, O Luke, heal with thy mystical surgery the passions of both my soul and body, and grant that I may enjoy complete health, and may honour thine all-lauded festival with gladness, and may shower thine august and most precious body with a rain of tears instead of myrrh; for like an inscribed monument of life in the wondrous temple of the Apostles, it crieth out unto all, even as thou didst before, when thou didst write the divine Gospel of Christ God.
Oikos for the Feast of St. Luke, October Menaion, p.115
Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA

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Saints and Feasts

Lukeevng
October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

Allsaint
October 19

Varys the Martyr

Saint Varys contested for the sake of Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304. He was a soldier in the service of the Emperor Maximian, and held in honour for his courage. While in Egypt, he visited the Christians held in prison and comforted them. Among them, he visited seven monks imprisoned together; when one of them died from his torments, Saint Varys took his place. When this became known to the governor, Saint Varys was arrested and tortured to death.

St_john_of_kronstadt_2
October 19

John the Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Saint John of Kronstadt was a married priest, who lived with his wife in virginity. Through his untiring labours in his priestly duties and love for the poor and sinners, he was granted by our Lord great gifts of clairvoyance and miracle-working, to such a degree that in the last years of his life miracles of healing--both of body and soul--were performed countless times each day through his prayers, often for people who had only written to him asking his help. During his lifetime he was known throughout Russia, as well as in the Western world. He has left us his diary My Life in Christ as a spiritual treasure for Christians of every age; simple in language, it expounds the deepest mysteries of our Faith with that wisdom which is given only to a heart purified by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Foreseeing as a true prophet the Revolution of 1917, he unsparingly rebuked the growing apostasy among the people; he foretold that the very name of Russia would be changed. As the darkness of unbelief grew thicker, he shone forth as a beacon of unquenchable piety, comforting the faithful through the many miracles that he worked and the fatherly love and simplicity with which he received all. Saint John reposed in peace in 1908.

Johnrila
October 19

John of Rilas

Saint John of Rilas founded the renowned monastery of that name in Bulgaria in the tenth century. Over the centuries, great and wondrous healings have flowed from his holy relics.

Allsaint
October 19

Joel the Prophet

The Prophet Joel, whose name means "Yah is God," was of the tribe of Reuben, the son of Bathuel, and lived from 810 to 750 B.C. (but some say in the 7th century B.C.). His book is divided into three chapters, and is the second in order of the minor Prophets. He foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Joel 2:28, and quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:17), and the saving power of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Joel 2:32).

Artemios
October 20

Monday of the 5th Week

Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great, and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was finally beheaded.

Gerasimoskephalania
October 20

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.

Allsaint
October 21

Hilarion the Great

This Saint was born at Tabatha, near Gaza in Palestine, of pagan parents. Sent as a young man to Alexandria to be educated, he learned the Christian Faith and was baptized. While in Egypt he heard the fame of Saint Anthony the Great, and upon meeting that truly great man, the Father of monks, Saint Hilarion determined to devote himself also to the ascetical life. He returned to Gaza, when, he gave himself over to extreme fasting and unceasing prayer. Because of the miracles which he soon began to work, he found himself compelled by his growing renown to leave Gaza, to escape from the throngs of people coming to ask his prayers. In his journeys he visited Egypt, and came again with longing to the place where Saint Anthony had lived; but he was not able to remain in any one place for long, since despite all his attempts to conceal himself, the light of the grace that was in him could not be hid. After passing through Egypt and Libya, and sailing to Sicily, he came at last to Cyprus, where he ended the course of his life at the age of eighty, in the year 372.

Christodulos
October 21

Our Righteous Father Christodoulus, the Wonderworker of Patmos

Averkygregoryclement
October 22

Abercius, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Wonderworker of Hierapolis

Saint Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia in the times of Marcus Aurelius, was adorned with the grace of wonderworking and with apostolic zeal. During a festival in honour of Apollo, the chief deity of Hierapolis, the holy bishop was instructed in a revelation to destroy the idols. He went to the temple by night and overturned the statues of Apollo and the others. When this was discovered, the Saint boldly cried out that the gods, becoming drunk from the wine of the libations offered them, had struck one against another in their confusion. A multitude of furious pagans came to avenge the insult to their gods, but when the Saint cast the demons out of three afflicted young men, fear fell upon the idolaters and they with the whole city became Christian. After many labours, and afflictions, Saint Abercius reposed in peace about the year 167 (or, according to some, 186).

Sevensleepers
October 22

Seven Holy Martyred 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.

Iakovbro
October 23

James (Iakovos) the Apostle, brother of Our Lord

According to some, this Saint was a son of Joseph the Betrothed, born of the wife that the latter had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin. Hence he was the brother of the Lord, Who was also thought to be the son of Joseph (Matt. 13: 55). But some say that he was a nephew of Joseph, and the son of his brother Cleopas, who was also called Alphaeus and Mary his wife, who was the first cousin of the Theotokos. But even according to this genealogy, he was still called, according to the idiom of the Scriptures, the Lord's brother because of their kinship.

This Iakovos is called the Less (Mark 15:40) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from Iakovos, the son of Zebedee, who was called the Great. He became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, elevated to this episcopal rank by the Apostles, according to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist., Book II: 23), and was called Obliah, that is, the Just, because of his great holiness and righteousness. Having ascended the crest of the Temple on the day of the Passover at the prompting of all, he bore testimony from there concerning his belief in Jesus, and he proclaimed with a great voice that Jesus sits at the right hand of the great power of God and shall come again upon the clouds of heaven. On hearing this testimony, many of those present cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." But the Scribes and Pharisees cried, "So, even the just one hath been led astray," and at the command of Ananias the high priest, the Apostle was cast down headlong from thence, then was stoned, and while he prayed for his slayers, his head was crushed by the wooden club wielded by a certain scribe. The first of the Catholic (General) Epistles written to the Jews in the Diaspora who believed in Christ was written by this Iakovos.

Allsaint
October 24

Arethas the Great Martyr & Syncletiki and her two daughters

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in the year 524 in Najran, a city of Arabia Felix (present-day Yemen). When Dhu Nuwas, ruler of the Himyarite tribe in south Arabia, and a Judaizer, took power, he sought to blot out Christianity, especially at Najran, a Christian city. Against the counsels of Arethas, chief man of Najran, the city surrendered to Dhu Nuwas, who immediately broke the word he had given and sought to compel the city to renounce Christ. Led by Saint Arethas, hundreds of martyrs, including women, children, and babes, valiantly withstood his threats, and were beheaded and burned. After the men had been slain, all the free-born Christian women of Najran were brought before the tyrant and commanded to abjure Christ or die; yet they rebuked the persecutor with such boldness that he said even the men had not insulted him so contemptuously. So great was their faith that not one woman was found to deny Christ in all Najran, although some of them suffered torments more bitter than most of the men. In alliance with Byzantium, the Ethiopian King Elesbaan liberated Najran from Dhu Nuwas soon after and raised up churches in honour of the Martyrs. Najran became a place of pilgrimage until the rise of Islam a century later. At the end of his life King Elesbaan, who was also called Caleb, retired into solitude as a hermit; he sent his crown to Jerusalem as an offering to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He also is commemorated on this day as a saint. Saint Arethas' name in Arabic, Harith, means "plowman, tiller," much the same as "George" does in Greek.

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Metropolis of Atlanta

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/

_________________

Take a look at the online portal.

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

 

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Tornado Hits Ionian Village

10/16/2020

Ionian Village, the Archdiocese’s summer camp site in the northwestern Peloponnese, sustained damage on Monday, October 13, 2020. A tornado ripped through the facility, causing most significant damage to the cafeteria (“Trap”) and the pool. Several trees behind the cabins were uprooted and launched hundreds of feet. No one was on site during the tornado, and no one was injured.
https://www.goarch.org/-/tornado-iv-2020

WABC Radio To Air Live With The Louhs

10/15/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh and his wife, Dr. Roxanne Louh, as the hosts of a new radio program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese on 77WABC Talk Radio. The program, Live with the Louhs will broadcast each week beginning Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 6:00am ET in the NY Metro area.
https://www.goarch.org/-/louh-podcast-2020

Archbishop Elpidophoros Meets With Metropolitan Evangelos of Sardes

10/14/2020

Today, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros received Metropolitan Evangelos of Sardes, and congratulated him on his election to this historic Metropolis of the All-Venerable Ecumenical Throne.
https://www.goarch.org/-/evangelos-sardes-2020

Resource Center on Responding to Anti-Semitism

10/14/2020

In October 2020, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America released a resource page in response to anti-Semitism. This page explores the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and Judaism through the centuries and today.
https://www.goarch.org/-/resource-center-on-responding-to-anti-semitism

Metropolis Council Appointments for the Metropolis of New Jersey

10/14/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, in his role as Patriarchal Vicar of the Eparchy of New Jersey, announced the composition of the new Metropolis Council for the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. Along with the appointment of the V. Rev. Archimandrite Constantine Moralis as Metropolis Chancellor, the members of the Metropolis Council are as follows:
https://www.goarch.org/-/council-appointments-nj

Introducing “Time Out for Marriage" a New Ministry of the GOA Center for Family Care

10/14/2020

The Center for Family Care is pleased to introduce the new video series “Time Out For Marriage”featuring Presvytera Kerry Pappas. Concise 2 to 3 minute messages will offer encouragement for couples drawn from the wisdom of Holy Scripture, saints’ teachings, and contemporary marriage literature. Each “Time Out” will present an exercise or challenge for couples to engage in as they seek to grow in their union with Christ and one another.
https://www.goarch.org/-/time-out-for-marriage

Archdiocese Announces COVID-19 Parish Recovery Initiative

10/13/2020

Following the prolonged COVID-19 shutdown, many parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have reported declines in weekly giving and long-term stewardship donations, significantly lowered attendance at holy services and ministries, and technological challenges associated with delivering services and ministries virtually.
https://www.goarch.org/-/parish-recovery-initiative
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Assembly of Bishops News

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

08/06/2020

http://www.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://www.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.

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

06/16/2020

http://www.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://www.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://www.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.

Learn About the Assembly of Bishops Live on Ancient Faith Radio

05/28/2020

http://www.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.

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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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.'

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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