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St. George Church
Publish Date: 2020-04-05
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

PRAYERS ARE BEING OFFERED DAILY for all our parish families. Fr. sees it as a sacred duty to pray for us all daily and we thank him for that. Please keep him in your prayers, too.

PRAYER SUPPORT APPRECIATED We have a number of physicians and other health care workers in our congregation. Let us pray for the health of all who are involved in the care of others in these days of uncertainty. They routinely take on an extra risk by exercising their God-given talent and skill. God grant all our health care workers health, safety, and discernment to make wise decisions for those entrusted to their care. May each of them and their families be preserved from illness and adversity. On behalf of all, thank you for remembering them in prayer.

WHEN WILL THIS BE OVER? Let us ask God to hasten the end to the seeming scourge of the covid-19 virus. Let us boldly ask God for His blessing to celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Holy Pascha together in our church this year. God grant it!

PARISH COUNCIL REQUEST: PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR STEWARDSHIP during these weeks of uncertainty due to Covid-19 concerns. Without the weekly stewardship or tray donations and candle sales, our ability to continue to meet our standing obligations for bill paying is hampered. Please, either mail your stewardship by post or use the Paypal or credit card option (call either Lee or Ambrose for how-to details if you’ve not used this method in the past). We hope and pray that we will be able to worship again in our beloved St. George Church. In the meantime, we only ask that you keep the financial concerns of the parish in mind while we are yet physically separated. Thank you! Special thanks to all who have already responded to this call—God bless you and reward your faithfulness!

WHAT? NO RED EGG DYE FOR PASCHA? Possibly not. Our source in Greece is not able to ship due to irregular or non-existent flights. SO…what to do? There is at least one time honored way to dye eggs without packaged dye. That is to use onion skins—in quantity. Please check this link for details: https://www.lenten-season.com/onion-skin-dyed-pascha-eggs/. Christ’s Holy Resurrection will be celebrated with the breaking of the red eggs even in the time of the covid-19 because God is great and we are not left without resources.

CANDLE LIGHTING AVAILABLE Fr. is willing to light a candle(s) for your prayer intentions during his morning prayers. It would be as though you had lit them yourself. See the candle lighting option below the bulletin text.

WAYS TO NOURISH YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY AT HOME Use your prayer book regularly, read both morning and night time prayers. After morning prayers, have a little holy water, a piece of dried antidoron (if you have kept some on hand) and anoint yourself with holy oil if you have some. This will help you meet the demands of the day with greater serenity. Read the Scriptures for the day (daily readings app here: https://www.goarch.org/-/daily-reading-app) or find readings at GOA On-line Chapel: https://www.goarch.org/chapel/.

In times of distress, it’s recommended to read the book of Psalms aloud. We should also use the Jesus Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” throughout each day. Go before the icons and offer this prayer, quietly, for 10 or 15 minutes and put yourself and all that concerns you into the Lord’s care. One of the consistent messages of Great Lent is “God is with us,” as noted in the Great Compline prayers. Indeed, He is. Have no worry or despair—and if you do, actively turn each worry into a prayer you lift up to God. As a result, your faith will be more grounded in reality as, in challenging times, we learn that God is there for us in ways we might not otherwise realize.

WANT TO KNOW SOME NEAT PLACES TO GET EDIFYING SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT AT HOME? Send Pres. Candace an email and she can send you a list of some great blogs you can visit during these stay at home days. Here’s how to reach her: doxa141@gmail.com

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

I encourage you all to pray at home. We can pray together (while yet apart) at coordinated times. 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

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

Psalm 150 - LORD OF THE POWERS, from Great Compline
Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Verse: Praise God in all his Holies; praise him in the firmament of his might.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse: Praise him in his sovereign Powers; praise him in the multitude of his greatness.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse: Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse: Praise him with drums and dancing; praise him with string instruments and organ.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Verse: Praise him with sweet sounding cymbals; praise him with cymbals of joy. Let every breath praise the Lord.
Lord of the Powers, be with us....
Praise God in his Holies.
Praise him in the firmament of his might.
Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Lord, if we did not have your Saints as intercessors, and your goodness feeling compassion for us, how would we dare, O Savior, to sing hymns to you, whom the Angels unceasingly bless? O you who know our hearts, spare our souls.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages amen. Theotokion.
Great is the multitude of my errors, O Mother of God; to you have I fled, O Pure one, seeking salvation; visit my ailing soul, and intercede with your Son and our God, to grant me forgiveness for all the evils I have done, O only blessed one.

 

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE - Donations can now be made online.

If you want Fr. Leo to light a candle for you, as though you lit it, during his daily reading of Orthros, click on the candle below.

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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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April 05

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone

Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Eighth Tone

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.
Ἐν σοὶ Μῆτερ ἀκριβῶς διεσώθη τὸ κατ' εἰκόνα, λαβοῦσα γὰρ τὸν Σταυρόν, ἠκολούθησας τῷ Χριστῷ, καὶ πράττουσα ἐδίδασκες ὑπερορᾶν μὲν σαρκὸς παρέρχεται γάρ, ἐπιμελεῖσθαι δὲ ψυχῆς, πράγματος ἀθανάτου· διὸ καὶ μετὰ Ἀγγέλων συναγάλλεται Ὁσία Μαρία τὸ πνεῦμά σου.

APOLYTIKION FOR ST. GEORGE in the Fourth Tone

Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής,
καὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής,
ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός,
βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος,
Τροπαιοφόρε Μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε,
πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ,
σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

AS the Liberator of captives,
and the protector of the poor,
a physician for the ill,
he defender of rulers,
O great Martyr, Saint George, victorious,
pray for us to Christ our God
to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Προκείμενον. First Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1.
Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 9:11-14.

Ἀδελφοί, Χριστὸς δὲ παραγενόμενος ἀρχιερεὺς τῶν μελλόντων ἀγαθῶν, διὰ τῆς μείζονος καὶ τελειοτέρας σκηνῆς, οὐ χειροποιήτου, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, οὐ ταύτης τῆς κτίσεως, οὐδὲ διʼ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων, διὰ δὲ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια, αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος. Εἰ γὰρ τὸ αἷμα ταύρων καὶ τράγων, καὶ σποδὸς δαμάλεως ῥαντίζουσα τοὺς κεκοινωμένους, ἁγιάζει πρὸς τὴν τῆς σαρκὸς καθαρότητα, πόσῳ μᾶλλον τὸ αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου ἑαυτὸν προσήνεγκεν ἄμωμον τῷ θεῷ, καθαριεῖ τὴν συνείδησιν ὑμῶν ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων, εἰς τὸ λατρεύειν θεῷ ζῶντι;

Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 10:32-45

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παραλαβάνει ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητάς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἤρξατο αὐτοῖς λέγειν τὰ μέλλοντα αὐτῷ συμβαίνειν, ὅτι ἰδοὺ ἀναβαίνομεν εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσι καὶ γραμματεῦσι, καὶ κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτὸν θανάτῳ καὶ παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσι, καὶ ἐμπαίξουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ μαστιγώσουσιν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐμπτύσουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται. Καὶ προσπορεύονται αὐτῷ ᾿Ιάκωβος καὶ ᾿Ιωάννης υἱοὶ Ζεβεδαίου λέγοντες· διδάσκαλε, θέλομεν ἵνα ὃ ἐὰν αἰτήσωμεν ποιήσῃς ἡμῖν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί θέλετε ποιῆσαί με ὑμῖν; οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· δὸς ἡμῖν ἵνα εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν σου καὶ εἷς ἐξ εὐωνύμων σου καθίσωμεν ἐν τῇ δόξῃ σου. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· οὐκ οἴδατε τί αἰτεῖσθε. δύνασθε πιεῖν τὸ ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω, καὶ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθῆναι; οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· δυνάμεθα. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τὸ μὲν ποτήριον ὃ ἐγὼ πίνω πίεσθε, καὶ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐγὼ βαπτίζομαι βαπτισθήσεσθε· τὸ δὲ καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου καὶ ἐξ εὐωνύμων οὐκ ἔστιν ἐμὸν δοῦναι, ἀλλ᾿ οἷς ἡτοίμασται. Καὶ ἀκούσαντες οἱ δέκα ἤρξαντο ἀγανακτεῖν περὶ ᾿Ιακώβου καὶ ᾿Ιωάννου. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς προσκαλεσάμενος αὐτοὺς λέγει αὐτοῖς· οἴδατε ὅτι οἱ δοκοῦντες ἄρχειν τῶν ἐθνῶν κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν καὶ οἱ μεγάλοι αὐτῶν κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν· οὐχ οὕτω δὲ ἔσται ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ᾿ ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ γενέσθαι μέγας ἐν ὑμῖν, ἔσται ὑμῶν διάκονος, καὶ ὃς ἐὰν θέλῃ ὑμῶν γενέσθαι πρῶτος, ἔσται πάντων δοῦλος· καὶ γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου οὐκ ἦλθε διακονηθῆναι, ἀλλὰ διακονῆσαι, καὶ δοῦναι τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν.

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


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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.

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.

Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church Document Now Available Online

03/27/2020

For the Life of the World presents a way of reaching out across social distancing at a time of global calamity – as our faithful are either self-isolated and quarantined (a term that literally refers to a period of forty days and reflects the church’s struggle during Great Lent) – in order to address the role of the Church at a time of spiritual crisis, challenge, and concern.

Archbishop’s Encyclical for the Feast of the Annunciation and the Day of Greek Independence (2020)

03/24/2020

Freedom of movement and freedom of association are being reasonably restricted, as we seek to slow the spread and preserve the health of our communities. Thus, we must remember that our most precious liberty is that of conscience, our God-given right to think and believe freely. This freedom of the inner person can never be taken away by any external conditions.

Ionian Village Cancels Summer 2020 Programs

04/01/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Office of Ionian Village regretfully announce today the cancellation of all Ionian Village Summer 2020 programming due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. This includes IV Next as well as both sessions of the Archdiocese’s annual summer camp in Greece.

Communique of the Holy Eparchial Synod

04/01/2020

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Holy Eparchial Synod convened via teleconference, in order to be informed and to discuss significant matters that affect the Archdiocese of America, and unanimously decided the following.

Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch to the United States Postponed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic

03/30/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announced today the postponement of the Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
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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,

Metropolis of Boston - Divine Services Live Stream

03/27/2020

With the recent pandemic that has plagued our world the need for parishes to broadcast services has become a very important means of participation for all the faithful. Many parishes are broadcasting their services with Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and other services.

Ministry Resources and Initiatives During the Pandemic of COVID-19

03/27/2020

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios in reviewing the many creative initiatives that have been launched by parishes throughout New England has requested our Clergy to share their new ministry initiatives with all their brother Clergy for the benefit and edification of the faithful. The Metropolis of Boston has created an online platform for the Clergy and Lay Leaders of our parishes to share their best practices and outreach ministries. 

Do the Sacraments Prevent Illness? A Survey of Liturgical Sources by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Denysenko

03/24/2020

The global COVID-19 crisis has ignited a number of difficult discussions among Christians. The method used to distribute Holy Communion is fiercely debated. In the Churches that remain open, many Protestants and Catholics are withholding the cup, so faithful are receiving in one kind only, the body of Christ. In Orthodox communities, clergy and laity are discussing the possibility of trying new methods for distributing Holy Communion that prevents the spread of disease through a common spoon.

Metropolis of Boston Announces Major Donation to Many Parishes to Assist During The COVID-19 Crisis

04/02/2020

Metropolitan Methodios informed many small and mid-sized communities throughout the Metropolis that they will be the recipients of a gift of love in the form of a financial donation by the well-known philanthropists and dedicated lay leaders, John and Effie Lagadinos and their family. Mr. Lagadinos contacted Metropolitan Methodios and offered this extraordinarily generous manifestation of true Christian stewardship. 

MBC Paraklesis Live Stream This Wednesday at 6 PM!

03/31/2020

We as a Camp end our nights by singing "Lord of the powers be with us; for in times of distress, we have no other help but You! Lord of the powers be with us!" Therefore, in this time of distress we MUST turn to the Lord of the Powers and ground our hope in Him! Let us join together in prayer this Wednesday evening...with one voice...with one heart...as one Camp Family.

A Letter to Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Chapter Presidents

03/30/2020

Chapters throughout the Metropolis of Boston are reaching out to their Parishes, contacting the elderly and homebound, and trying to provide assistance to those in immediate need.  Please continue checking in on your neighbors and church community in any way that you can, as social distancing may increase feelings of loneliness.

Summary of Important Information regarding the Recently Passed Government CARES Act and Its Potential Significant Impact to our Parishes

03/30/2020

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios together with the Metropolis Finance Team presented to the Clergy and Parish Council leaders the results of an Archdiocesan comprehensive study of the CARES Act, which the Federal Government recently passed.
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