Publish-header
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-24
Bulletin Contents
01_firstlent1cp
Organization Icon
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Street Address:

  • 801 Montecito Drive

  • San Angelo, TX 76903


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Alternating Sundays:

9 AM Orthros Prayer Service & 
10 AM Divine Liturgy Communion Service

10 AM Typica Service

The 10 AM Sunday services are followed by Coffee Hour and Fellowship.


Past Bulletins


Calendar & Announcements

UPCOMING  SERVICES    

Sunday, March 24 - Sunday of Orthodoxy

  • 10:00 am -  Reader's Service

NOTE: Bring your icons from home to participate in the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy.  

Monday, March 25 - Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

  • 6:00 pm - Great Compline 

Saturday, March 30

  • 6:00 pm - Great Vespers and Holy Confession

Sunday, March 31 - Sunday of Gregory Palamas 

  •  9:00 am - Orthros 
  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Friday, April 5 

  • 6:00 pm - Salutations to the Theotokos

Saturday, April 6

  • 6:00 pm - Great Vespers and Holy Confession

Sunday, April 7 - Sunday of the Holy Cross

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, April 14 - Sunday of St. John Climacus

  • 10:00 am -  Reader's Service

Saturday, April 20

  • 6:00 pm - Great Vespers

Sunday, April 21 - Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Saturday, April 27 - Sunday, May 5 - Holy Week Services  - TBA

Sunday, May 12 - Sunday of Thomas

  • 10:00 am -  Reader's Service

Saturday, May 18

  • 6:00 pm - Great Vespers

Sunday, May 19 - Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, May 26 - Sunday of the Paralytic

  • 10:00 am - Reader's Service

~

GREAT  LENT 

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we prepare to enter the journey of Great Lent, we also prepare our bodies to fast, both physically and spiritually. Linked is an article for reflection and guidance on fasting, and below is pastoral guidance as we use this time of repentance, reflection and renewal to deepen our communion with God. 

For the Lenten Fast, please note the following guidelines: 

-Fasting should never jeopardize your health. If you are required to eat or abstain from certain foods as a medical/health necessity, please do what is necessary. Please speak with Fr. Nektarios if you need spiritual guidance for observing the Fast.

-Fasting is spiritual. It is about avoiding excess and time spent preparing food in order to commit time to prayer and contemplation.

-Fasting is giving our bodies the nutrition and sustenance needed, but lessening our focus on the desires of our physical body and seeking to commune more with God.

-Fasting is also diminishing the external influences of our fallen world and connecting more with the kingdom of God through prayer, worship, and spiritual reading.

-Fasting in personal. It is between you and God with the help of your spiritual father as needed. The goal is not to be perfect in fasting. The goal is to be nearer to the One who makes us holy because He is holy.

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 18.

-On the weekdays during Great Lent, fast from meat, fish, dairy, oil, and wine.

-Fish, oil and wine are permitted on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) and on Palm Sunday (April 28)

-Oil and wine are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays during Great Lent with the exception of Holy Saturday.

-Oil and wine are allowed on the following Commemorations during Great Lent:

 -Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel – March 26

 -St. Andrew of Crete – April 18

 -The Lenten Fast ends on Great and Holy Pascha, May 5, and there is no fasting from May 5 through May 12 in observance of Bright Week.

-Oil and Wine are permitted on Wednesdays and Fridays following Bright Week to Pentecost (June 23), with fish also permitted on the Feast of Mid-Pentecost (May 29) and the Leavetaking of Pascha (June 12)

~

STEWARDSHIP 

This is a prayerful encouragement to support our parish with a donation. 

You can give as your regular stewardship or as a special donation either at church in the offering or online through our website at https://orthodoxsanangelo.org/about/ways-to-give 

God continues to bless our Assumption Church and the witness of our Orthodox Christian faith, and your regular stewardship and special gifts help to support the growth of our Church and our fulfilling of the Great Commission through our worship and ministry.

~

NEW  PARISH  EMAIL 

Our new parish email is priest@orthodoxsanangelo.org

Please use this to communicate with Fr. Nektarios. 

If you have not visited our new website, please do so at http://orthodoxsanangelo.org  

 

RESOURCES  FOR  INQUIRERS 

If you are inquiring about the Orthodox Christian faith, please reach out to Fr. Nektarios for resources.Our faith is focused on our worship and participation in the Church, the Body of Christ, and in cultivating our communion with God. 

We can provide you with a prayer book to guide you in daily prayers, as well as a book and online resources that explain the Orthodox Christian faith and life.

Fr. Nektarios is also available to meet with you by phone, Zoom or in person to offer guidance as you follow God's guidance and seek your spiritual home in the Orthodox Church.

~

ONLINE  CATECHISM  CLASS   

Our next class will be on March 21, at 7:00 pm. 

Our focus between now and Holy Pascha (Easter) will be the book The Orthodox Faith, Worship, and LifeMost should have a copy of this book, as we used this same text in 2021, and it has been distributed to many of our catechumens and inquirers.  If you do not have a copy, please let Father Nektarios know. 

This book is very rich and substantive in its focus on the basic beliefs and practices of our faith. It is also a book that emphasizes worship and prayer as essential to living and learning our faith.  

Our weekly sessions will be on Zoom at the link below.  They will also be available livestream on our Assumption Facebook page, as well as on the YouTube Channel for St. Stephen Mission at https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephenorthodoxmission8116/streams

The sessions will also be archived at the same YouTube link in case you miss a session or would like to go back and listen to a specific week or topic. 

 
Meeting ID: 873 8452 7698

~

CARING  MEALS  MINISTRY 

If you know someone who needs meals due to illness, birth, etc., please see Kathy Baughman or Noelle Bartl. Thank you to everyone who volunteers for this ministry. You are being the hands of Christ!

~

HELP  FOR  THE  GARCIA  FAMILY

Joanna Garcia continues to go through a very difficult time with her ongoing illness. If you want to give a financial donation to help with medical expenses, etc., please make your check out to our church (Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, or AVMGOC for short), and make note that it's for the Garcias.
 
If you have any questions, please call or text Kathy at 325-277-0274.
~

COFFEE  HOUR

We have open slots on the sign up sheet for Coffee Hour, which can be found on the refrigerator in the church kitchen. Can you help host? It's okay to bring something simple, or even just one dish. Encourage others to sign up with you as co-hosts. "Many hands make the burden light." Thank you for your help!

~

SPECIAL  OCCASIONS  FROM  MARCH 24  THROUGH  MARCH 31

Birthdays: Jared Crusberg, Julietta Garcia

Anniversaries: none

Namedays: none

Memorials: Jimmy Dunias, Kanella Dunias

 

~

Check out the rest of the bulletin! See below for news from the world of Orthodoxy, online concerts and lecture series, and more.

~

AFTER  CHURCH

Please join us for refreshments in the Social Hall.

 

** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP

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. 4th Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."


BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Tone

Although your tomb was sealed with a stone, O Savior, and your most pure body was guarded by the soldiers, you rose on the third day giving life to all the world. Therefore O giver of life, the powers of heaven praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ. Glory to your kingdom. Glory to your saving wisdom. O only lover of mankind.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the 2nd Tone

Before your most pure image we bow down, O Good One, entreating you to forgive our sins, Christ our God, for you willingly ascended the cross in the flesh to deliver from the enemy those whom you had made. For this we thank you and we cry to you, O Savior: By coming to save the world you have filled all things with joy.

Apolytikion Hymn of Our Parish: for the Dormition of the Theotokos, in the 1st Tone

In giving birth you remained a virgin.  
And in your dormition, you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos.  
For as the Mother of Life, you have yourself passed into life.  
And by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 8th Tone

Victorious Lady, mighty champion, defending us, we, your servants, now inscribe to you this hymn of thanks, for you rescued us from suff'ring and tribulation. Theotokos, with your power that can never fail, keep us safe from ev'ry danger our whole life long, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

01_firstlent1cp
March 24

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.


Allsaint
March 24

Righteous Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia


Theonas
March 24

Our Holy Father Theonas, Archbishop of Thessolonica


Annunciation
March 24

Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos


Allsaint
March 24

Zachariah the Recluse


Annuncia
March 25

Annunciation of the Theotokos

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55)


Annuncia
March 25

Annunciation of the Theotokos

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55)


Allsaint
March 26

2nd Tuesday of Lent


Gabriel1
March 26

Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel

This festive Synaxis is celebrated to the glory of the Archangel Gabriel, since he ministered to the marvelous mystery of God's incarnate dispensation.


Allsaint
March 26

26 Martyrs in Crimea


Matrona
March 27

Martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki

This martyr was the servant of a certain Jewish woman named Pantilla, the wife of the Governor of Thessalonica. When Matrona refused to follow her mistress into the synagogue Pantilla beat her so severly that she died in a few days, and thus received the crown of her confession.


Allsaint
March 28

Hilarion the New

Saint Hilarion took up the monastic life from his youth and lived in seclusion. Later, as Abbot of the Monastery of Pelecete in Asia Minor (believed to be in Bithynia, not far from Triglia), he suffered much from the Iconoclasts, and reposed in the year 754.


Allsaint
March 29

Mark, Bishop of Arethusa

Saint Mark was Bishop of Arethusa in Syria. In the days of Saint Constantine the Great, Saint Mark, moved with divine zeal, destroyed a temple of the idols and raised up a church in its stead. When Julian the Apostate reigned, in 361, as the pagans were now able to avenge the destruction of their temple, Saint Mark, giving way to wrath, hid himself; but when he saw that others were being taken on his account, he gave himself up. Having no regard to his old age, they stripped him and beat his whole body, cast him into filthy sewers, and pulling him out, had children prick him with their iron writing-pens. Then they put him into a basket, smeared him with honey and a kind of relish of pickled fish, and hung him up under the burning sun to be devoured by bees and wasps. But because he bore this so nobly, his enemies repented, and unloosed him.


Allsaint
March 29

Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him

Saint Cyril was a deacon from Heliopolis in Phoenicia. During the reign of the Emperor Constantius, son of Saint Constantine, he had also broken the idols in pieces. When Julian came to power, Saint Cyril was seized by the idolaters and his belly was ripped open. The other holy Martyrs celebrated today, martyred in Gaza and Ascalon during the reign of Julian, were men of priestly rank and consecrated virgins; they were disemboweled, filled with barley, and set before swine to be eaten. The account of all the above Saints is given in Book III, ch. 3, of Theodoret of Cyrrhus' "Ecclesiastical History."


Allsaint
March 29

Jonah & Mark the Martyrs

As for the holy Martyrs Jonas and Barachesius, they were monks from Persia who lived in the reign of Sapor II, King of Persia from 325 to 379. These Saints found nine Christians in prison suffering for their faith, and comforted them, encouraging them to stand fast till the end, which they did, and received the crown of martyrdom. Because of this, Saints Jonas and Barachesius also were seized, and commanded to worship the fire, the sun, and the water. When they refused, Jonas, among other tortures, had his hands and feet cut off, was crushed in a device that broke his bones, and was sawn asunder. Barachesius was dragged naked over thorns, his whole body was pierced with sharp reeds and then broken in the same device employed upon Jonas, and when boiling pitch was poured down his throat, he gave up his soul into the hands of God.


Lastjudgement1
March 30

Second Saturday of Lent


Iconclimacus
March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.


Hypatius
March 31

Hypatios the Wonderworker

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.


Allsaint
March 31

Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska


02_palamas2
March 31

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

... while Nathanael, though he said the very same thing before seeing or hearing either miracles or doctrine, had no such word addressed to him, but as though he had not said so much as he ought to have said, is brought to things greater still.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

What can be the reason of this? It is, that Peter and Nathanael both spoke the same words, but not both with the same intention. Peter confessed Him to be "The Son of God' but as being Very God; Nathanael, as being mere man.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

And whence does this appear? From what he said after these words; for after, "Thou art the Son of God," he adds, "Thou art the King of Israel." But the Son of God is not "King of Israel" only, but of all the world.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Denver Metropolis News

Save The Date! 2024 Front Range Lenten Retreat

Ponderosa Retreat Center

15235 S. Furrow Rd

Larkspur, CO. 80118

Event Details

March 29, 2024 - March 31, 2024

2024 GOYA Texas Lenten Retreat


2024 Metropolis of Denver Oratorical Festival

2024 Camp Emmanuel

Event Details

June 23, 2024 - June 29, 2024

 

 

 


2024 Men's Retreat


BACK TO TOP

Archdiocese News

Women's History Month Highlight: Niki Devaris Morgulis, Founding Coordinator of the Archdiocese Program: GOA Girl Delegates to the United Nations

03/21/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Metropolis of Denver Texas Lenten Retreat Filling up Fast!

03/21/2024

Our Colorado retreat has officially sold out, but fear not-there's still time to secure your spot at our Texas retreat! Only twenty spots left! Don't miss your chance to join us for Texas Lenten Retreat. Reserve your spot today before they're gone!


Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta Invites Metropolis Chanters and Iconographers to Apply for the The Liturgical Arts Academy 2024 Session

03/21/2024

The Liturgical Arts Academy is now accepting applications for the 2024 session, August 18-24 for chanters and iconographers. This most beneficial training program offers a 1-week intensive, high quality curriculum. Held at the Diakonia Retreat Center, the chant program especially resounds at the Panagia Chapel, and I encourage you to send and support your chanters. In its sixth year, TLAA has earned national respect and has brought hundreds of faithful to our Retreat Center.


Women's History Month Highlight: Ruth Sencio, Director of Human Resources

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 


Women's History Month Highlight: Mari Diveris McMullen, Media Coordinator for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 


Women's History Month Highlight: Polexeni Maouris Hillier, Executive Director at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Nikie Calles, Chief Archivist Emerita of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week, we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Church Music Institute Workshops for Church Musicians Metropolis of Boston

03/20/2024

Please join us for our annual Church Music Institute (CMI) day of workshops of relevance to Church Musicians, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis Center in Brookline, MA.


Archdiocesan District Council Meet at Archdiocese Headquarters

03/20/2024

The Archdiocesan District Council met on March 19, 2024 at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America headquarters in New York. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed the group of clergy and lay members, wishing them a blessed, Great Lenten Season, and reminding all of our faithful that we have a calling to service and commitment to our Archdiocese, each of our parishes, and most especially to Christ. 


Metropolis of Pittsburgh New Metropolis Center Construction Progress March 14, 2024

03/20/2024

With better weather, and soil issues in the rearview mirror, progress has accelerated. We now have some of the first-floor flat concrete work in place along with foundation walls rising!


SATURDAY OF SOULS SERIES Kollyva is an Image of the Resurrection (St. Theodore the Tyro and the Kollyva Miracle) Part III: Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/20/2024

On the Saturday of Souls as well as other similar occasions, the faithful offer kollyva. Kollyva is a sort of sweet offering made primarily from wheat and includes some or all of the following: raisins, nuts, pomegranate, cinnamon and powdered sugar. It is often formed in the shape of a mound to resemble a grave and decorated with candy in the sign of a cross. The custom of preparing kollyva predates Christianity and is believed to have started in Ancient Greece, where a dish of wheat and nuts was offered to the dead.


Pilgrimage of Discovery 2024 Applications are Open

03/20/2024

The mission and vision of the Pilgrimage of Discovery is that every eligible Orthodox Christian young adult be given the opportunity to have a life-changing experience visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as important religious and historical sites in Constantinople to strengthen their Orthodox Christian identity.  The goal of the program is to bolster the future of the Orthodox Church in the United States by educating and inspiring future leaders through this life-long connection to the Mother Church of Constantinople.


Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Corona, NY Announces New Spanish-speaking Ministry

03/20/2024

With the vision and guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Corona, NY announced the launch of its new Spanish-speaking ministry whose goal it is to provide outreach out to the local Hispanic community. Fr. Pedro Gomez, who was recently ordained to the Holy Priesthood and assigned as an assistant priest at the parish, will lead the program alongside presiding priest Fr. Chrysostom Panos. The ministry's goal is to provide catechism and liturgical services in the Spanish language to the local Latino community.


Archpastoral Greeting Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the Meeting of the Archdiocesan District Council

03/20/2024

I welcome all of you with gratitude and appreciation to your Archdiocese today for this meeting of the Archdiocesan District Council. Each of you brings different talents to this Council, and our goal is to bring together all these gifts to work in unison for the good of our District.


First Ever Big Apple GOYA Dance Lights Up New York City

03/19/2024

New York City witnessed a spectacular event on March 16th as the first-ever Big Apple GOYA Dance took place at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Over 200 teens, aged between 12 to 18, representing more than 30 parishes from all five boroughs of the city, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, and New Jersey, gathered under one roof for a night of celebration and joy.


DID YOU KNOW? Clean Monday March 18

03/19/2024

Clean Monday (in Greek: Καθαρά Δευτέρα) is the first day of Great Lent and an official holiday in Greece. On this day, we ceremoniously leave behind all sinful thoughts and practices, “clean” out all non-fasting food and drink from our diet, and enter into the wilderness of repentance.


DID YOU KNOW? Lenten Prayer March 17

03/19/2024

Did you know the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is also called the “Lenten Prayer”?

The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is called the “Lenten Prayer” because it is a verbal icon and summation of the spirit of Great Lent — repentance, conversion, love of neighbor, and preparation for Pascha (Easter).


FOCUS Gateway City - Preparing for Life After Prison

03/19/2024

FOCUS Gateway City is on the near south side of downtown St. Louis. We are proud to face the needs of our neighbors by distributing food, clothing, and warm meals on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the month.


Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of Orthodoxy March 24

03/19/2024

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Christ revealing Himself to Apostle Nathanael. How is Jesus the Ladder that unites heaven and earth? Also, what do we learn about humans as icons of Christ? And what do icons have to do with God taking on human flesh?


Divine Liturgy for Cheesefare Sunday Celebrated at St. Mark Church in Boca Raton

03/18/2024

After the fruitful deliberations of the Holy Eparchial Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, together with His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, and His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos celebrated the Divine Liturgy for Cheesefare Sunday at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, FL on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

 


Archbishop Elpidophoros Welcomes the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the United Nations to Archdiocese Headquarters

03/13/2024

Today, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the United Nations were welcomed to Archdiocese Headquarters by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.  


Bishop Ierotheos of Eukarpia Falls Asleep in the Lord

03/13/2024

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, accompanied by the chancellor of the Archdiocese, V. Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, made a pilgrimage to the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou to offer memorial prayers for the repose of the soul of its late Abbot, Bishop Ierotheos of Eukarpia, who fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, March 11, 2024.


WELCOMING REMARKS By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the Meeting with GOA Girl Delegates during CSW68

03/13/2024

Dear sisters in the Lord,

I am so happy to welcome all of you here at our National Headquarters today so that I can personally tell you how very pleased I am to meet you – our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the UN, for the first time as an official program.

This program was started as a pilot program by Niki Devaris with the support and guidance of Rev. Nicolas Kazarian at the Ecumenical Department, two years ago with six self-funded participants from the Archdiocesan District, during the 66th Annual Commission on the Status of Women. This year, thanks to generous funding from a Leadership 100 Grant, we have been able to launch the National Program which has grown to twenty-four delegates from all over the United States, including California, Texas, Utah, Michigan, Florida, and Colorado, to name a few.


The Maliotis Cultural Center and the Anatoliama Inc. Present The Soul of Epirus

03/13/2024

The Maliotis Cultural Center and Anatoliama are honored to invite living legend of Greek traditional music Petroloukas Halkias for an upcoming concert on Friday May 10th, 7:00 PM at the Maliotis Cultural Center. Featuring: the New England Greek Orchestra, the St. Romanos the Melodist Byzantine Choir, Aimilia Chalkia vocals, Vasillis Kostas laouto, George Lernis on percussion and special guest Beth Bahia Cohen on violin.


The Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture Recycled Cities: Sardis and the Fortifications of Early Byzantine Anatolia

03/13/2024

The largest standing architecture at the ruined city of Sardis is not its famous Temple of Artemis, the fourth largest Ionic temple of antiquity, but is instead the massive but little-published fortification that sits on its Acropolis.


AHEPA Educational Foundation Announces Newly Established Scholarship

03/13/2024

Washington—George Vorkas, Chairman of the AHEPA Educational Foundation announced today that the Foundation has agreed to establish the Zavaras-Angelidou Scholarship for Greek Studies.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: An IOCC Frontliner Reflects

03/13/2024

Our US program focuses on disaster prep, response, and recovery, and we've done a lot the last few years to help communities impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Frontliner Fr. Stephen Mathewes recently shared his experience following an IOCC training in Florida, where participants also had a chance to help rebuild post Hurricane Ian.


Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp Staff Applications

03/13/2024

Apply to join us for another year of our exceptional Metropolis Summer Camp ministry for youth and young adults across the Metropolis and Archdiocese. We are looking for staff of all ages, from 19 to 35 years old. We love to have college students, teachers, grad students, young professionals, and more!


Metropolis of Pittsburgh Weekend of Service

03/12/2024

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Along with the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Society want to encourage all our parishes to participate in this year's annual weekend of service.


Women's History Month Highlight: Leah Kats, Administrator at the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation & Administrator at the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

03/12/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week, we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Hannah Williams, Operations Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Director of the Department of Religious Education at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

03/12/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This second week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Did You Know? Department of Religious Education (DRE) CHEESEFARE WEEK March 11

03/12/2024

Did you know that Cheesefare Week is the third week of the Triodion and the final week of preparation before Great Lent?


Did You Know? Department of Religious Education (DRE) KOLLYVA March 9

03/12/2024

Did you know that kollyva is an image of the resurrection and each ingredient has a special meaning?


SATURDAY OF SOULS SERIES Christ Offers Himself (Memory of the Holy Ascetics) Part II: Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/12/2024

Even before Christianity was established, it was common practice for various cultures in the Mediterranean world to hold commemorations for the dead, where sacrifices were offered, family get-togethers were organized, and petitions in favor of the spirits of those who had perished were made.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Celebrates the Tenth-Year Anniversary of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Williamsburg, VA

03/12/2024

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Williamsburg, Virginia celebrated the tenth-year anniversary as a parish Saturday, March 9, 2024. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined the St. Demetrios community to celebrate. His Eminence presided over Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Saturday morning and joined the parish for their community gala in the evening. 


2024 Metropolis of Boston Scholarship Program

03/14/2024

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is pleased to offer 2024-2025 academic year scholarshipopportunities for U.S. and Canadian students of Greekdescent entering their second, third, or fourth year of undergraduate studies. The annual scholarships are provided by endowments generously gifted by the Charles C. Condes Trust of Illinois (four scholarships) and the St. George’s Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamantas of Worcester, MA (one scholarship).


BACK TO TOP

Assembly of Bishops News

ANNOUNCEMENT: The North American Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Addresses Commonalities in their Respective Traditions on the Sacredness of Christian Marriage

02/29/2024

Christians from the Orthodox and Catholic Churches in the United States and Canada have engaged in dialogue for more than a half-century. Most recently, the representatives from the two faith traditions, announced the publication of new agreed statement on marriage, The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages: Neither Yours nor Mine – but Ours.

The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages: Neither Yours nor Mine—but Ours

02/29/2024

While commonalities exist between the two faith traditions, the Theological Consultation acknowledged that estrangement can often be seen when a Catholic and an Orthodox Christian enter into marriage. Instead of dividing the parties in a mixed marriage into “yours” and “mine,” the Consultation proposed that the parties begin with a joint solicitude for the spouses and embark on the pastoral care of each mixed marriage as “our” concern.
BACK TO TOP

Ecumenical Patriarchate News

Catechetical Homily at the Opening of Holy and Great Lent (2024) His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

03/18/2024

Most honorable brother Hierarchs and blessed children in the Lord,

The grace of our God of love has once again vouchsafed for us to enter the soul-benefiting period of the Lenten Triodion and arrive at Holy and Great Lent, namely to the arena of ascetic struggle replete with gifts from above and the joy of the Cross and Resurrection. During this blessed period, the spiritual treasure and dynamism of the ecclesiastical life as well as the soteriological reference of all its expressions are revealed with clarity.


BACK TO TOP