The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.
The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.
Yearbook 2019
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is announcing a new ten-episode video series introducing the faithful to the new Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth. These new resources also include step-by-step checklists designed to help parishioners and communities follow the new guidelines.
The implementation and enforcement of the Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth take another step forward towards the goal of ensuring that every ministry and event is physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe and healthy for the children of all Greek Orthodox Churches in America.
WASHINGTON – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended tonight a State Department reception in honor of the Prime Minister of Greece, His Excellency Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The 8th annual celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance, PARATHOSI 2020, of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, will take place on Saturday January 11th, 2020 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY.
NEW YORK – Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo officially welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to New York and announced plans to resume the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center. This was the Governor's first meeting with His Eminence since the Archbishop was elected by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as Archbishop of America to succeed Archbishop Demetrios in May. The project will be driven by a new non-profit organization with an independent, 13-member board - the Friends of St. Nicholas. The new entity has been formed to ensure that the sacred space is completed as expeditiously as possible and can begin welcoming visitors from around the world. The Friends of St. Nicholas will aim to resume construction with a two-year target to complete the church
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, presided for the first time since he became Archbishop last year, at the annual 114th celebration of Theophany (Epiphany), the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing Service of the Waters and the Dive for the Cross in Spring Bayou, while many thousands of pilgrims and visitors attended the festivities.
NEW YORK – In commemoration of the Holy Three Hierarchs (Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint John Chrysostom), on January 30th, the Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America organizes the following events to celebrate Greek Letters and Arts:
NEW YORK – Today, January 30, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America officiated over the Divine Liturgy of the feast of the Three Hierarchs at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America together with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and the Greek Orthodox Community of Charlotte welcomed last night, Tue., Jan. 28, 2020, His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus, who is visiting the United States for medical reasons.
Ἐπί τῇ ἀφίξει τῆς Α. Μακαριότητος, τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Κύπρου κ.κ. Χρυσοστόμου Β’ εἰς Ἀμερικήν πρός περαιτέρω περίθαλψιν τῆς κλονισθείσης ὑγείας Αὐτοῦ, ἡ Α. Θ. Παναγιότης, ὁ Οἰκουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ.κ. Βαρθολομαῖος, τό ἀπόγευμα τῆς Τετάρτης,
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day attended last night, Jan. 27, 2020, a commemoration event at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto, CA.
Clergy, counselors, pastoral care workers and lay persons from across the United States gathered here Jan. 22-25, to share insights, tools and resources for strengthening marriages and ministering to married couples in times of challenge and crisis. Keynote speakers set the tone for daily workshops, which focused on a variety of marital challenges set in the context of Kairos and Chronos time. Keynote speakers included Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt, Dn. Stephen Muse, PhD, and Carrie Frederick Frost, PhD.
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America today announced that attorney George A. Tsougarakis has joined the Archdiocese as General Counsel. As the Archdiocese’s chief legal officer reporting directly to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Mr. Tsougarakis will work closely with the Holy Eparchial Synod and Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council.