Publish-header
Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-25
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
Gadarene
Organization Icon
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 6th Sunday of Luke.

 ____________

 

This is Leadership 100 Sunday.  Please see the chart in the Event Flyers section to see how this dedicated group of men and women has made an immense impact on the ministries of our Archdiocese and Metropolises.  May they serve as an inspiration to each of us.  Working together we can advance the work of our Lord in our Saint Catherine parish.

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, wearing masks in church, 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 GOYA just met in person this weekend, observing wearing masks, Social Distancing and all necessary precautions.  

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 25

       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

     12:30 pm   HDF by Zoom

 

Monday, October 26 ~ Saint Demetrios

       9:00 am   Orthros - Link to the Orthros Service text
     10:00 am   Divine Liturgy - Link to the Divine Liturgy text

       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 is focusing on Saint Paul's letters to Timothy and his letter to Titus.

 

Tuesday, October 27

       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.  This is the 3rd of five sessions, each of which is a self-contained presentation.  You may join us on any session.  We repeat this program about three times each year.

 

Wednesday, October 28

       7:00 pm   Parish Council meeting by Zoom

 

Friday, October 30th

       6:00 pm   Greek School OXI Day Program by Zoom.  Everyone is invited to watch.  The video link will be on the Home Page of our website on Friday.

 

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

    Leadership 100 Sunday

    Leadership 100 Sunday

    Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, just two days after the feast of the “First Shepherd and Teacher of Jerusalem,” we celebrate one of the greatest legacies of the ever-memorable Archbishop Iakovos: the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund that bears his name. Now in its fourth decade of existence, we join together across our great Archdiocese for this twelfth commemoration, on the Sunday nearest to the Feastday of our late Archbishop Iakovos. We not only remember his visionary leadership that created the Endowment in 1984, but also the ongoing dedication and sacrifice of the founders and members of Leadership 100 that have enhanced and nurtured so many ministries throughout our Church. Leadership 100 is more than an organization; it is a movement based in the dream of Archbishop Iakovos to create an extraordinary level of stewardship within our Archdiocese. He foresaw the possibilities of our community, and together with leading members of our Church, he founded this organization that had a simple principle – to endow the work of the Church for future generations. Today, after thirty-six years of faithful service, nearly sixty million dollars has been distributed throughout the Archdiocese. Of this extraordinary amount, over twenty-five million dollars has gone to support Hellenic College and Holy Cross, to ensure highly qualified and educated candidates for the clergy. This fact alone demonstrates the wisdom, value, and foresight of the mission of Leadership 100. Like the Saint whose memory is commemorated on October 23rd, Leadership 100 was established to help shepherd and teach, and provide abiding stewardship for our Church. Let us all give thanks this Leadership 100 Sunday for its continuing ministry that honors its unforgettable namesake. With paternal love in our Lord Jesus Christ, † ELPIDOPHOROS Archbishop of America

    Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

    Southern Blvd Bridge Replacement Project

    A update from the city of West Palm Beach - It is anticipated that Flagler Drive by the church will reopen February 2021. The bridge is scheduled to be completed summer 2021.

    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 !!!

    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 . . .

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19.

Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.

Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Since he [the demoniac] received the healing of his mind, Christ commanded him to depart from the tombs and the graves and to return to that spiritual home. He who had in him the grave of the mind became a temple of God.
St. Ambrose
Exposition of the Gospel of Luke. 6.53. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Downer's Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2003, p. 141.

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Saints and Feasts

Gadarene
October 25

6th Sunday of Luke

Tabitha
October 25

Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter the Apostle

Allsaint
October 25

The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries

These Martyrs were disciples of Saint Paul the Confessor (see Nov. 6). Martyrius was a subdeacon, Marcian a chanter and reader. They were beheaded by the Arians in the year 346. Miracles were wrought at their tomb, and demons were cast out; Saint John Chrysostom began the building of the church in their honour in Constantinople, and it was completed by patriarch Sisinius.

Demetrio
October 26

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer

Saint Demetrius was a Thessalonian, a most pious son of pious and noble parents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, aquaintance of Demetrius', came to the Saint in the bath-house and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in the stadium, and said, "O God of Demetrius, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Demetrius was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bath-house, As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword.

Allsaint
October 26

Commemoration of the Great Earthquake in Constantinople

The great earthquake commemorated here took place in 740, during the reign of Leo the Isaurian, the first of the Iconoclast emperors.

Nestor
October 27

Nestor the Martyr of Thessaloniki

As mentioned in the account concerning Saint Demetrius (October 26), this Saint contested during the reign of Maximian, in the year 290.

Agiaskepi
October 28

The Holy Protection of the Theotokos

The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the tenth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.

In the Greek tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 28, while in the Slavic tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 1.

Eunice
October 28

Holy Martyrs Terrence and Eunice

Both the country and the time of the martyrdom of these holy Martyrs are unknown. All were beheaded, after having endured many bitter torments.

Allsaint
October 28

Our Righteous Father Steven the Sabbaite

Saint Steven passed his life in ascetical discipline in the Monastery of Saint Sabbas, from whence also he received the name Sabbaite. He was consecrated bishop and reposed about the year 790, bequeathing to the Church a number of melismatic troparia.

Allsaint
October 29

Anastasia the Martyr of Rome

Saint Anastasia, who was young in age and lived in a convent, was seized by the impious. Confessing Christ openly and with boldness and enduring manifold torments, she was beheaded in the year 256, during the reign of Valerian.

Allsaint
October 29

Our Righteous Father Abramius

Our Righteous Father Abramius, born in Edessa in Mesopotamia in 296, took up the monastic life and brought many pagans to Christ. Mary, his niece, upon the death of her parents, joined Abramius at his hermitage and under his guidance advanced swiftly in the love of God. Through the wiles of the evil one, however, she fell into sin, and falling from them into despair, she left her uncle and became a harlot. When he learned where his niece was, Abramius put on the clothes of a man of the world and went to visit her in disguise. Through his exhortations, Mary returned to her first hope in the mercy of God, was rescued from the life of harlotry, and ended her life in great holiness. He himself reposed in the year 366. Saints Abramius and Mary were friends of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, and it was he who wrote their account.

Zenobia
October 30

The Holy Martyrs Zenobius and His Sister Zenobia

These Saints were from Aegae in Cilicia, brought up in piety by their parents. Zenobius was a physician, and healed many freely by the power of God; because of his virtue he was consecrated Bishop of Aegae. With his sister he was taken by Lysias the Governor, and after many tortures they were beheaded, about the year 290, during the reign of Diocletian.

Allsaint
October 30

Cleopas and Artemas of the 70 Apostles

Allsaint
October 31

Amplias, Apelles, Stachys, Urban, Aristobulus & Narcissus of the 70

Of these holy Apostles, Stachys became the first Bishop of Byzantium, consecrated by the Apostle Andrew. Having shepherded his people for sixteen years, he reposed in the Lord. As for the others, each one shone forth in the episcopal see appointed to him: Apelles, Bishop of Heraclea; Amplias, Bishop of Odyssopolis; Urban, Bishop of Macedonia; Narcissus, Bishop of Athens; and Aristobulus, Bishop of Britain.

Allsaint
October 31

The Holy Martyr Epimachus of Egypt

The Martyr Epimachus, who was from Egypt, had lived the ascetical life on Mount Pelusium. He came to Alexandria during the reign of Decius, and was arrested by Apellianus the Governor. He suffered martyrdom in the year 251.
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Metropolis of Atlanta

 Message from Metropolitan Alexios  

My Beloved Ones,

This coming Sunday we are blessed to observe what our Archdiocese has called National Leadership 100 Sunday.  Many might wonder exactly what that means, for an organization like Leadership 100 is not especially well known by many of the laity in our church.

In 1984, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory established a special endowment fund, then known as Leadership 100 (later named the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, in his honor).  The stated goal of this fund was and is “…provide an opportunity for Greek Orthodox leaders to support the life-sustaining ministries of the Church.”  Since its creation thirty-six years ago, Leadership 100 has distributed “…$60 million in grants that have ranged from providing scholarship funds for individuals studying for the priesthood at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology to supporting a variety of National Ministries.”

In this Sunday’s Gospel according to St. Luke, we hear of the Gadarene Demoniac, an exile among his own family and neighbors, until Christ casts out the man’s many spiritual tormentors into a herd of swine.  And what does the Physician of our souls and bodies require for this miracle?  Only that the healed man, “‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’  So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:39).  Unlike the former possessed man, we are not called to declare the coming of the Kingdom of God.  With His Father’s will accomplished, the world knows of the great kindness of Jesus.  However, like the former demoniac, who begged to become His disciple, we do also have the same responsibility to declare how much God has done for us; and Leadership 100 is one of the many ways this task is practically accomplished.

Here, in our own Metropolis of Atlanta, Leadership 100 generously provides support to our yearly St. Stephen’s Summer Camp.  Through their gifts, those who take part in this fund, do so, not for their own glory, but to help the Gospel take root in the hearts and minds of our young people; and so that after they return from a week of fellowship and reflection at our beloved, Diakonia Retreat Center, they are strengthened in their faith, as well as their love and devotion to Christ’s Holy Church.

During challenging times such as those our world is presently experiencing, it brings me great joy to write such a message in steadfast support of Leadership 100, who are continuing to advance the cause of Orthodoxy and Hellenism, no matter the obstacles they encounter.

On this National Leadership 100 Sunday, may we offer up prayers for their good work, for continuing the legacy of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory, and for their unshakeable faith in the work of the Greek Orthodox Church here in the United States of America.

+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta

 

Diakonia Retreat Center October Matching Campaign 

Dear faithful friends of The Diakonia Retreat Center,

We have made terrific progress in our October Matching Campaign. With only one more week to go, we are only a few thousand dollars away from our goal of $25,000.  We can do this! Please consider making a gift now.

Thank you to all those who have already contributed.  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

Thank you for supporting our Metropolis Diakonia Retreat Center- A place of life transformation which enables growth in faith, family and friendships.

Donate Now 

Thank you for your constant expression of love toward our wonderful DRC.

With a grateful heart,

Mark G. Moraitakis
DRC Board Co-Chair

 

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

Archbishop Elpidophoros Announces Appointments to the 2020-2022 Archdiocesan Council

10/21/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has today announced his appointments to the 2020-2022 Archdiocesan Council.
https://www.goarch.org/-/2020-2022-archdiocesan-council

Archbishop Elpidophoros Appoints the National Philoptochos 2020-2022 Executive Board

10/19/2020

Today, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America in his capacity as Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society announced the appointment of the Executive Board Members for the 2020-2022 term.
https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-appoints-the-national-philoptochos-2020-2022-executive-board

Archbishop Elpidophoros Completes Visits to All Parishes, Chapels and Monasteries Within the Archdiocesan District

10/19/2020

On Sunday, October 18, 2020, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Silver Spring, MD. With this visit the Archbishop has been to all of the parishes, chapels and monastic communities located within the Archdiocesan District, which comprises the states of New York, Connecticut, Maryland, the District of Columbia and also the Bahamas.
https://www.goarch.org/-/elpidophoros-visits-all-2020

Panos Coufos Interviews With the Orthodox Observer on MBC's 2020 Fall Camp

10/19/2020

The Orthodox Observer sat down with the recently appointed Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Metropolis of Boston, Panos Coufos, about the Metropolis of Boston's Fall Camp programming in 2020 amid Covid-19.
https://www.goarch.org/-/mbc-fall-camp-2020
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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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