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St. George Church
Publish Date: 2020-03-22
Bulletin Contents
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St. George Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (207) 945-9588
  • Street Address:

  • 90 Sanford St

  • Bangor, ME 04401
  • Mailing Address:

  • 90 Sanford St

  • Bangor, ME 04401


Contact Information




Services Schedule

ORTHROS: 9:00

LITURGY:  10:00


Past Bulletins


News, Events and Announcements

Geo

Dear St. George Family,

Please know we are here for you during this uncertain time in our nation.  Feel free to contact me or Presbytera to share any needs or prayer requests you might have while we are unable to meet at the church.  Here is how to reach us (as a quick reminder)

 

Fr. Leo           207 385 3000          57frleo@gmail.com
Pres.               207 949 2913          doxa141@gmail.com

If you want to take communion, we can arrange to meet at the church on an individual basis. It may be better that I not come to your home, so that we don’t introduce “all that I have” to your house.

I encourage you all to pray at home. Tonight (Friday, March 20), you can read the third stanza of the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos (download from here) http://www.stgeorge.me.goarch.org/Daily/AKATHIST_HYMN_eg.doc.  Please ask for this text if you would like to have it.  We can pray together (while yet apart) if we all start reading at 7PM.  This will be our offering this evening since we cannot conduct services at this time. 

We can also pray the Paraklesis to St. George at 7PM, Saturday evening. http://stgeorge.me.goarch.org/Daily/ParaklesisGeorge.html

On Sunday morning, we can read the Orthros and also the Typica (http://www.stgeorge.me.goarch.org/Daily/Sun.html) at home, beginning at 9AM.  Again we can offer this together, while we are yet apart.  Some might prefer to watch the church broadcasts suggested by the Archdiocese:  https://www.goarch.org/live-broadcasts.  If these churches are not able to broadcast at some point, we will still be able to offer prayers at home.  Remember that prayer is both a protection and a weapon—a weapon against sin and evil.  In a very real way we are soldiers in God’s army.  We have the imagery in the Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 6, verse 11 and following.

While we are not able to assemble physically, let us consider strongly assembling at home at common times with mutual spiritual goals.  This is not a requirement, but a suggestion and a help for our spiritual community.  Please consider taking part as you feel led.  We are going through an unprecedented time right now and this is an extraordinary suggestion to help ourselves and others spiritually through it.  You are welcome to participate, but it is not required that you do so.

It is easy to give way to fear in times of uncertainty. 
Let us not do that. 
Let us pray for one another, for our nation, our leaders, and our world.
Our prayers matter.

GOD IS WITH US.

This Sunday is Cross Veneration Sunday – the midpoint of Great and Holy Lent.  Honor the Holy Cross.  If you can, adorn your Cross at home.  Sing the troparion of the day, “Save O Lord, Thy People,” and remember our victory is in the Power of the Cross.  Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom to death that we might have life everlasting!  The Cross is our glory and protection.  It is our strength in times of weakness, our consolation when there is fear or sorrow.

If you want service texts, please let me know.  If you have other needs or want to otherwise reach out, we are here for you. 

I pray for all of you daily.

+Fr. Leo & Pres. Candace

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Apostoliki Diakonia
Diptixa 2020 PDF



FACEBOOK PAGE Pat Claus is happy to receive items you’d like to have posted on the church’s FB page. You can submit items to her at patclaus@roadrunner.com.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST VISIT TO ST. GEORGE? If you are visiting our parish this morning, welcome! Orthodox Church tradition encourages Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church to approach the Holy Chalice for Communion... however, if you are not Orthodox, we ask that you please refrain. All worshipers are welcome to receive antidoron (a piece of blessed bread) immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Please stay for fellowship hour that we might get to know you.

WORSHIPING THE TRUE & LIVING GOD Worshiping the Living God, the All-Holy Trinity, is a witness of our faith in and love for Him. The Divine Liturgy is the service of thanksgiving to God. The Divine Liturgy is also the service of particular nurture for the Orthodox Christian--Christ is Present in the elements of Holy Communion. He nurtures those who approach with fear (reverence), faith and love. Those who partake of Communion receive God within. This is a great Mystery, not to be taken lightly, but one that the Orthodox Christian is bid to COME. Please avail yourself of the opportunities to worship the Lord and to receive Him in faith.

JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP HOUR DOWNSTAIRS Everyone is encouraged to come downstairs after service for refreshments. If you’re visiting, please let us treat you. We’re a family here and we all contribute toward the table weekly. So, thank you to all who have made fellowship time possible again today!

VALET PARKING Some parishioners have difficulty walking distances and find it hard to park near enough to the church on Sunday mornings.  If this applies to you, please do the following: park in the loading zone in front of the church, and come indoors with your car key and ask in the office for someone to park the car for you and you will be assisted.  We are here to help one another.  Please ask for help if needed.  Thank you. 

ROUTINE SERVICE TIMES AT ST. GEORGE Orthros/Matins (morning prayers) 9AM; Divine Liturgy 10AM.

NAME DAYS If you would like to participate in a Divine Liturgy on your Name Day, please let Fr. Leo know to arrange this beforehand.

SPECIAL PRAYER SUPPORT WHEN NEEDED Fr. can meet you here at the church and offer particular prayers for you if you are going to be traveling or are preparing to have medical procedures done (hospitalization, etc.) He is available to make hospital visits and will routinely visit those in convalescent care. Please arrange with him according to need. Thank you.

OCN  Get to know the Orthodox Christian Network
http://myocn.net/

FR. LEO'S CONTACT INFORMATION 
cell: (207) 385-3000, call or text 
Mail: 252 14th St., Bangor ME 04401 
home: (207) 307-7852 
email: 57frleo@gmail.com, frleoschefe@mail.goarch.org
Personal website:glt.goarch.org
Church website & Newsletter: http://www.stgeorge.me.goarch.org/
Weekly Bulletin: http://www.bulletinbuilder.org/stgeorgebangor/current
I am available to parishioners whenever needed; please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you. +Fr. Leo

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Icons of St. George Church

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Saints and Feasts

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March 22

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


March 22

Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Basil strove in martyrdom during the short reign of Julian the Apostate, from 361-363. The Saint was denounced as a Christian to Saturninus, Governor of Ancyra, who, when Basil would not deny Christ, had him hanged from a post and scraped on his sides, then beaten, and cast into prison. A few days later, when Julian himself came through Ancyra, the Saint was brought before him and was asked to deny Christ, Whom he rather confessed the more. Julian then had strips cut in his flesh, so that they were left hanging from his body in front and in back. The valiant Martyr tore one of these strips off of his body and cast it into Julian's face. At this Julian commanded that iron spits be heated fiery hot; Saint Basil's belly, his back, and all his joints were pierced with them, and he received the crown of martyrdom.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Seventh Tone

By Your cross, O Lord, You shattered death; to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the Myrrhbearers' lamentation, and commanded Your Apostles to proclaim that You arose, Christ our God, granting to the world Your great mercy.
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Tone

To you, defender and commander in a time of war, I, your City, offer gratitude for victory, for you rescued me from suff'rings, O Theotokos. Since the power you possess is unassailable, from all dangers I entreat you to deliver me, that I may cry to you: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride.
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Προκείμενον. Sixth Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 4:14-16, 5:1-6.

Ἀδελφοί, ἔχοντες οὖν ἀρχιερέα μέγαν, διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις ἡμῶν, πεπειραμένον δὲ κατὰ πάντα καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας. Προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος, ἵνα λάβωμεν ἔλεον, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν. Πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεύς, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος, ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, ἵνα προσφέρῃ δῶρά τε καὶ θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν· μετριοπαθεῖν δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸς περίκειται ἀσθένειαν· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὀφείλει, καθὼς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ, οὕτως καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλὰ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ Ἀαρών. Οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτὸν ἐδόξασεν γενηθῆναι ἀρχιερέα, ἀλλʼ ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. Καθὼς καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει, Σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.

Prokeimenon. Sixth Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."


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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 2019 Yearbook Now Available Online

01/09/2019

Yearbook 2019

Archdiocese Unveils New Youth Safety Videos & Resources

07/10/2019

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.

Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth are Being Implemented Throughout the Archdiocese and in Every Metropolis

09/05/2019

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.

Phidippides Award Bestowed to Archbishop Elpidophoros

02/07/2020

NEW YORK – The 24th Phidippides Award was bestowed last night to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for his passionate advocacy of Hellenism and Orthodoxy during the 33rd Anniversary Gala Dinner of the Hellenic Public Radio COSMOS FM 91.5. The event was held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, NY.

Archbishop Elpidophoros Creates Five Archdiocesan Regions and Appoints Vicars

02/06/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the decision of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, after much consideration and in collaboration with His Eminences’ advisors, to create the following Archdiocesan Regions.

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for the Feast of St. Photios and the Saint Photios National Shrine (02/06/2020)

02/06/2020

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate Saint Photios the Great, Patriarch of Constantinople, throughout our Archdiocese, we also remember our first National Shrine, named in his honor. The Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, founded by Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory, commemorates the first known Greeks who came to America in the 18th century, long before their distant cousins would begin arriving nearly one hundred years later.

Responding to the Crisis of Homelessness in the New York Metro Area

02/05/2020

NEW YORK – On February 12, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will be hosting an event focused on homelessness at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (337 E 74th St, New York, NY 10021). The event will feature a panel, including His Grace Bishop ...

Archbishop Elpidophoros Meets Catholic University of America Officials

02/04/2020


Encyclical of Archbishop Elpidophoros for Holy and Great Lent 2020

02/26/2020

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today we commence our journey of the Great Lent that leads us inexorably to the Holy Passion of the Lord and the Pascha of unending joy. It is a time of determination and concentration, one in which we are encouraged to abstain from certain foods and drink, to practice more active charity and philanthropy, and to look within at the values and principles by which we live our lives.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Give Commencement Address at Notre Dame

02/25/2020

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America expressed his delight and pride that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will give the University of Notre Dame’s 175th commencement address on May 17, 2020, at the conclusion of his Apostolic Visit to the United States.

Visit of His Beatitude, Patriarch Irinej of Serbia at the Archdiocese Headquarters

03/04/2020

NEW YORK – On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, His Beatitude, Patriarch Irinej of Serbia visited the Archdiocese Headquarters. In his welcoming remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America expressed his joy in welcoming the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Serbia and highlighted the spirit of cooperation between the Churches, especially in the United States.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to Host First-Ever Spanish Outreach Conference in the United States

03/10/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will host its first-ever conference for the organization of outreach ministry to Spanish-speaking persons with a conference at Saint Photios National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, this April 28-30.

Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebrating Orthodox Unity and Diversity

03/10/2020

On March 8, 2020, eleven Orthodox hierarchs from various canonical jurisdictions concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the first Sunday of Lent, also known as the “Sunday of Orthodoxy,” at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, in New York City.

Archbishop Elpidophoros Announces the Creation of a New Vicariate in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

03/09/2020

On Monday, March 9, 2020, following approval of the Mother Church of Constantinople last November after the request of the Holy Eparchial Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, announced the creation of the Vicariate for the Orthodox Christian Communities of Slavic Tradition

Archbishop Elpidophoros Announces Further Measures To Protect The Faithful

03/16/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces today measures to protect the health of the Greek Orthodox Flock of America, and the health of the wider public. These decisions are being taken in light of the recommendations of Federal, State, and City officials and agencies, including the CDC.

Further Guidance From The Holy Eparchial Synod

03/15/2020

For the benefit and protection of the faithful, and taking into account the recent scientific findings, we advise our faithful not to be exposed in places of public assembly (including attending church) during the next few weeks.
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Metropolis of Boston News

2020 Triodion and Lenten Resource Guides

02/26/2020

The Triodion marks the beginning of a time of preparation for the spiritual journey of Great and Holy Lent, a time for Orthodox Christians to draw closer to God through worship, prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. The Triodion is the liturgical book that contains the services from this Sunday, the tenth before Pascha (Easter), to Great and Holy Saturday.

Catechetical Homily at the opening of Holy and Great Lent 2020 ✠ His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

02/26/2020

We offer hymns of thanks to the God of love as once again we enter Holy and Great Lent, the arena of ascetic struggle, fasting and abstinence, of vigilance and spiritual awareness, of guarding our senses and prayer, of humility and self-knowledge. We are commencing a new and blessed pilgrimage toward Holy Pascha, which has “opened for us the gates of paradise.” In Church and as Church, as we behold the Risen Lord of glory, we all journey together along the way of deification by grace that leads to the heavenly goods “prepared by God for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).

Metropolis of Boston Camp GOYA Winter Camp 2020 - A Great Success!

02/26/2020

From Friday, February 14 – Monday, February 17, 2020 the Metropolis of Boston Camp held its annual GOYA Winter Camp. The over 200 campers and staff were able to have a weekend retreat surrounded by the picturesque winter landscape on New Hampshire.

MYBL Awards Banquet - Canceled

03/10/2020

The directives, while suitable for Divine Services, would be difficult to follow during an event such as the MYBL Awards Banquet.  Therefore, out of an abundance of caution to keep everyone safe and healthy, the Awards Banquet scheduled for this Sunday afternoon in Peabody is canceled.

Μήνυμα του Παναγιωτάτου Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου Βαρθολομαίου προς το πλήρωμα της Εκκλησίας για την πανδημία από τον Κορονοϊό.

03/18/2020

Αδελφοί και τέκνα εν Κυρίω, Από το Φανάρι, από την καρδιά της Βασιλεύουσας Πόλης, από την πόλη της Αγιά Σοφιάς, της Μεγάλης Εκκλησίας, επικοινωνώ με τα προσφιλή προσωπά σας, με την κάθε μια και τον κάθε ένα, με αφορμή τις πρωτοφανείς συνθήκες, τη δοκιμασία, που διερχόμαστε ως ανθρώπινο γένος, εξαιτίας της παγκόσμιας απειλής που προκαλεί η πανδημία του νέου κορωνοϊου, γνωστού ως Covid-19.

Communiqué from the Ecumenical Patriarchate

03/18/2020

As this Coronavirus crisis continues to spread and intensify on a global scale, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is monitoring the situation with an urgent sense of responsibility towards its faithful and all people without exception, and, following the Communiqué of 11 March 2020, upon deliberation of its Hierarchs in the City, announces the following:

Letter of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios to the Clergy and Laity of the Metropolis of Boston concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

03/17/2020

The last few weeks have been particularly stressful to all Americans as well as citizens throughout the world as we face together the deadly pandemic known as the Coronavirus. Based on stringent restrictions on gatherings of more than 250 individuals placed in Massachusetts by Governor Baker and his fellow New England governors,
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