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St. George Church
Publish Date: 2020-07-26
Bulletin Contents
News, Events and Announcements
GENERAL INFORMATION
Icons of St. George Church
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Metropolis of Boston News
26_paraskevi
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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

Parish Priest Fr. Leo Schefe

57frleo@gmail.com | 207 385-3000

Services Schedule

ORTHROS: 9:00

LITURGY:  10:00

Past Bulletins


News, Events and Announcements

Geo

WE ENCOURAGE THE PARISH FAMILY TO COME TO CHURCH If your heart longs to be in Church, to worship God and to receive Him in the Holy Eucharist, by all means come to church. There is room to social distance. Those who have been attending recently have found being together, at a distance, and receiving Christ to be supremely comforting.
We understand why some people have felt the need to remain absent but we hope those who have absented themselves will soon venture out and return. The Eucharist is central to our lives and on Sunday mornings it is offered here at St. George. That is the one thing—the most important thing--that is unavailable through an on-line church service. All are welcome at this point and we hope to see more parishioners each Sunday. God bless!

The Parish Council encourages you to review our Parish reopening guidelines as a PDF in the "insert" section.

COFFEE HOUR fellowship is suspended yet for a while. We hope it won’t be much longer. We all miss each other and pray that things will be back to normal before long—God grant it!

THE DORMITION FAST  The fast dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos begins Saturday, this August 1 and ends Saturday, August 15 with the commemoration of her repose and assumption.  Please keep the fast as though it were Great Lent—abstain from meat and dairy products on all days of the week.  Seafood is acceptable, but fish is restricted to the Feast Day of the Holy Transfiguration (Aug 6) only during the period.  We will also be praying the small paraklesis prayers to the Theotokos on Monday, Wednesday & Friday nights at St. George during the fasting period. More details in next week’s bulletin.

NEW ITEMS IN THE BOOKSTORE New icons and more. Special order icons are here and ready for pick-up this morning.

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION If you are unable to come to church on Sunday morning to receive Holy Communion and still desire to be Communed during this unprecedented time, please contact Fr. Leo to make arrangements to be Communed (207-385-3000).

THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING YOUR STEWARDSHIP during these past weeks of shut-down and, now, re-opening. As of 7/10/20, we had spent $191 more than we have received. This is largely due to your continued response to our parish's needs. Thank you very much and God reward your faithfulness to St. George! Please, if you are still choosing to stay at home for a while, we ask that you continue to keep the financial concerns of the parish in mind while we are yet physically separated. We’re grateful to each of you and Fr. remembers you in prayer daily.

PROSFORA BAKERS NEEDED Are you willing to bake prosfora once a week or once every two weeks? One or more breads per week is always greatly appreciated. Any excess breads the church receives are frozen for use in the near future. If you would like to make the prosfora and need a seal and/or some guidance, please let Fr. or Presbytera know.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE - Donations can be made online.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Apostoliki Diakonia
Diptixa 2020 PDF


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

26_paraskevi
July 26

Paraskeve the Righteous Martyr of Rome

Saint Paraskeve, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskeve), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (compare Matt. 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. During the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols, but she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jer. 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140. The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments.

Twoblindmen
July 26

7th Sunday of Matthew

July 26

The Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus, and Hermocrates

Saint Hermolaus and those with him were priests of the Church in Nicomedia, living in hiding after the Emperor Maximian had burnt to death the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia (see Dec. 28). It was Hermolaus who converted Saint Panteleimon to Christ. When Saint Panteleimon was seized as a Christian and was asked by Maximian who it was that had turned him from the idols, the Saint, enlightened by God that the time of his teacher's martyrdom also was at hand, revealed to Maximian that it was Hermolaus the priest. Saint Hermolaus was taken with Saints Hermippus and Hermocrates, and when they had confessed Christ to be the only true God, they were beheaded in the year 305. Saint Hermolaus is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Sixth Tone

Angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became like dead, and at Your grave Mary was standing, seeking Your most pure body. You plundered Hades, not being tempted by it; You encountered the virgin, granting life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to You!
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Martyr Paraskeve in the First Tone

Showing a diligence befitting thy calling, O namesake of preparedness, thou hast gained, as thy dwelling, a faith worthy of thy name, O prizewinning Paraskeve. Hence, thou pourest forth healings and intercedest for our souls.
Τήν σπουδήν σου τή κλήσει κατάλληλον, εργασαμένη φερώνυμε, τήν ομώνυμόν σου πίστιν εις κατοικίαν κεκλήρωσαι, Παρασκευή αθλοφόρε, όθεν προχέεις ιάματα, καί πρεσβεύεις υπέρ τών ψυχών ημών.

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. Fourth Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 67.35,26.
Θαυμαστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν τοῖς Ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ.
Στίχ. Ἐν Ἐκκλησίαις εὐλογεῖτε τὸν Θεὸν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Γαλάτας 3:23-29, 4:1-5.

Ἀδελφοί, πρὸ τοῦ δὲ ἐλθεῖν τὴν πίστιν, ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συγκεκλεισμένοι εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι. Ὥστε ὁ νόμος παιδαγωγὸς ἡμῶν γέγονεν εἰς Χριστόν, ἵνα ἐκ πίστεως δικαιωθῶμεν. Ἐλθούσης δὲ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκέτι ὑπὸ παιδαγωγόν ἐσμεν. Πάντες γὰρ υἱοὶ θεοῦ ἐστε διὰ τῆς πίστεως ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ· πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς εἷς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Εἰ δὲ ὑμεῖς Χριστοῦ, ἄρα τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ σπέρμα ἐστέ, καὶ κατʼ ἐπαγγελίαν κληρονόμοι. Λέγω δέ, ἐφʼ ὅσον χρόνον ὁ κληρονόμος νήπιός ἐστιν, οὐδὲν διαφέρει δούλου, κύριος πάντων ὤν· ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ ἐπιτρόπους ἐστὶν καὶ οἰκονόμους, ἄχρι τῆς προθεσμίας τοῦ πατρός. Οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς, ὅτε ἦμεν νήπιοι, ὑπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου ἦμεν δεδουλωμένοι· ὅτε δὲ ἦλθεν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου, ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, γενόμενον ἐκ γυναικός, γενόμενον ὑπὸ νόμον, ἵνα τοὺς ὑπὸ νόμον ἐξαγοράσῃ, ἵνα τὴν υἱοθεσίαν ἀπολάβωμεν.

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5.

Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9:27-35

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ δύο τυφλοὶ κράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες· ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυΐδ. ἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ τυφλοί, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· πιστεύετε ὅτι δύναμαι τοῦτο ποιῆσαι; λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· ναί, Κύριε. τότε ἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων· κατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν. καὶ ἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί· καὶ ἐνεβριμήσατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ γῇ ἐκείνῃ.

Αὐτῶν δὲ ἐξερχομένων ἰδοὺ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον· καὶ ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός, καὶ ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι λέγοντες ὅτι οὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως ἐν τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ. οἱ δὲ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον· ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.

Καὶ περιῆγεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας καὶ θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ λαῷ.

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Logo

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 2019 Yearbook Now Available Online

01/09/2019

Yearbook 2019
https://www.goarch.org/-/greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america-2019-yearbook-now-available-online

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.
https://www.goarch.org/-/archdiocese-unveils-new-youth-safety-videos-resources

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.
https://www.goarch.org/-/2019-09-05-policies-for-the-safety-of-children-and-youth
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Metropolis of Boston News

Cardinal Seán Expresses His Gratitude to Metropolitan Methodios and the Faithful of the Metropolis of Boston

07/04/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2161.html
His Eminence Cardinal Seán of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston expressed his thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and all the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston for their generosity in providing over 5,800 meals to brethren in need in the Greater Boston area. 

Join us for a #SummerToRemember!

07/02/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2160.html
We certainly wish we could have our traditional camp experience this summer! Unfortunately, our reality is that the Covid-19 pandemic has prohibited us from having camp as we know it. During these uncertain times, it is important for our youth to find a grounding and experience a sense of normalcy with things and individuals that are familiar to them.

Metropolitan Methodios Distributes Meals to Those in Need

07/01/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2159.html
On Tuesday, June 30, 2020 His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios delivered some of the over 5,800 meals which have been provided by the generous contributions of the faithful of the Metropolis of Boston to people in need. 

Official Announcements From The Ecumenical Patriarchate Regarding the Mode of Distribution of Holy Communion

07/01/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2158.html
Between​​ June 23 - 25 2020, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was convened for its regular meeting of the current month at the Orthodox Center of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambésy, Geneva. On the first day, the chairmen of the synodal committees were engaged in their cooperative work. Many of the Hierarchs of the Throne in Europe were present as well.

Announcement of Metropolitan Methodios

07/16/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2162.html
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios announced that Fr. Dionysios Papiris has requested to be released to the Archdiocesan District of New York for personal family reasons. The Metropolitan has granted his release effective immediately. We pray that the Lord guide his future service to our Church in America.

The Boston Pilot: BOSTON -- Cardinal, Metropolitan speak out on Hagia Sophia

07/25/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2168.html
BOSTON -- Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Methodios of Boston are joining their voices to those expressing opposition to use of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, as a mosque.

ROMFEA: Ο Βοστώνης Μεθόδιος και ο Καρδινάλιος Sean O’Malley για την Αγιά Σοφιά

07/24/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2167.html


Ο Βοστώνης Μεθόδιος και ο Καρδινάλιος Sean O’Malley - ΚΟΙΝΗ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΑΓΙΑ ΣΟΦΙΑ

07/24/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2166.html
Ὡς ἡγέτες τῆς Ρωμαιοκαθολικῆς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Βοστώνης καὶ τῆςἙλληνικῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Μητροπόλεως Βοστώνης θέλουμε νὰ ἐκφράσουμε ἐπὶ κοινοῦ τὴν ἰσχυροτάτην ἀντίδρασή μας πρὸς τὴν ἀπόφαση τοῦ Τουρκικοῦ Προέδρου Recep Tayyip Erdogan νὰ ἀναμετατρέψει τὴν Ἁγία Σοφία σὲ τζαμί.

This Truly Was A #SummerToRemember!

07/21/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2164.html
The Metropolis of Boston Camp concludes its Separate...But United! Virtual Camp experience. Thanks to the amazing creativity and energy of the Staff Team Virtual Camp was a great success - they both engaged and entertained all of the participants. Over the two one-week long sessions MBC was able to welcome over 175 youth and young adults from throughout New England, New Jersey, Chicago, Maryland, New York and even from as far as Russia! The Virtual Camp program closely modeled a normal day at camp...bringing a sense of normalcy and familiarity to our campers.

Joint Statement of Metropolitan Methodios and Cardinal Sean O'Malley Concerning Hagia Sophia

07/21/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2163.html
As leaders of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, we wish to voice our strong opposition to the decision of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to re-convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque. President Erdoğan’s decree undoes that of his predecessor, President Kemal Atatürk, who converted Hagia Sophia into a secular museum in 1935. This action alters the status quo that has existed for the last 85 years and causes great pain to many throughout the world.

Join us for a #SummerToRemember! - Session Two

07/21/2020

http://boston.goarch.org/news/metropolis_news/2020/2165.html
Session One of the Metropolis of Boston Camp’s - Separate...But United! Virtual Camp experience is coming to a close. The dedicated Staff Team has been working tirelessly to make Virtual Camp 2020 engaging and entertaining for all the campers. Every morning and evening, the Camp comes together to offer prayers and hymns that are familiar to the campers. The campers of our Metropolis have been participating in Orthodox Life Sessions, led by our wonderful Metropolis clergy, on topics that pertain to love, self control, prayer and joy - basic Christian themes that ignite thoughtful discussions and engaging questions.
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