Divine Liturgy and Other Services
Orthos 8:45am (live streamed)
Divine Liturgy 10:00am (live streamed)
Week Day Liturgies:
Regular Vespers/Paracleseis Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm unless otherwise noted on the calendar.
Wednesday, November 9th at 5:45 pm for St. Nektarios
Wednesday, November 16th at 5:45 pm for Matthew the Apostle
Monday, November 21st at 8:00 am Entrance to the Temple
Friday, , November 25th at 8:00 am for St. Katherine the Great
Wednesday, November 30th at 5:45 pm for St. Andrew
Coffee Hour – the Metropolis has authorized the return of fellowship activities, St. Philothea has begun scheduling Coffee Hour again. Instructions / Responsibilities for hosting Coffee Hour are available on our website HERE. Please follow this LINK to check the date you are scheduled to host.
Youth News
The Sunday School director is Panayiota Damianeas. She is sending out emails each week to parents and instructors to see what is happening that week.
- If you have any questions about our Sunday School please reach out to Panagiota Damianeas.
- We are looking for parents who can help with the Nativity Pageant - we have costumes and a program, just need to organize and do one practice (at least).
OCMC Coin Boxes
11/03/2022
Coin boxes will be put out on November 13th for Advent and collected at the Parish Council Breakfast on Dec. 11th. The money will go to suppport a Mission Priest through Orthodox Christian Mission Center, a.k.a. OCMC.
Philoptochos
11/03/2022
The OCAF HOLIDAY MARKET FUNDRAISER IS December 2 - 4 in downtown Watkinsville. We will be selling Greek pastries as a fundraiser to help those in need. This is our biggest event of the year and we need Your help. Look over the list below and contact Presvytera Christine 706-340-6366 to volunteer.
- Come Bake with Us! Monday November 14 - Daytime and Evening workers needed to SCOOP, ROLL, EGG WASH, RUN OVENS, COOL & PACK. Philadelphia Hoages will be served (donations appreciated) in honor of their upcoming World Series Championship!
- Come Package with Us! Monday November 28 - 300 pieces of baklava need to be put in containers for sale on the weekend
- Come Sell with Us! Friday through Sunday Dec 2,3 & 4 - We will have 3 hour shifts for people to work the booth at the OCAF Holiday Market. It is a wonderful holiday event and always fun to be ther and teach people to say Kourambiedes.
https://ocaf.com/event/ocaf-annual-holiday-market-2022/
Christmas Card Sign Up
11/03/2022
Christmas Card sign up. Put your names in the annual Christmas card; donate whatever you feel led to. All donations will go to needy members in our local community. Click here to sign up on line, or sign up in church on Sunday until December 11th.
General Assembly
11/06/2022
Fall General Assembly: Sunday, November 6th following the Divine Liturgy.
The agenda includes the following:
- Vote on the 2023 budget
- Report on Marswood Hall.
- Explore long term goals and options regarding parish growth, stewardship, fundraising and our property.
- We will also nominate new members for the Parish Council, an Election Committee, and an Audit Committee.
- Stacey Cramer, Karen Kimbaris and Bobby Jones will be coming off Parish Council, thank you for your service.
Anyone in good standing, Orthodox for a year and a member of the Parish for 3 months can vote and can be nominated. All nominees must attend a Parish Council Training Seminar Monday December 5, from 5:30-7:00 pm to be eligible to stand for election. Elections will take place Sunday Dec. 11th.
Please put it in your calendar.
Your input on the vision and well-being of our church is important. We hope everyone plans to attend.
Greek Language Classes
11/06/2022
Greek Classes: Will meet following Divine Liturgy on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. November classes are Nov. 6th and 20th
Grief Support
11/07/2022
Grief Support Group will be held the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. The next meeting is Monday, November 7th and 21st from 7:00-8:00 pm.
OCF News
11/08/2022
OCF: "Chew and Chat” Will meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month.
Our schedule for the rest of the semester will be Tuesday, November 15th, and 22nd. Block out Tuesday, December 6th for the last meeting of the semester. We will have a paint and sip gift exchange at the church.
Fr. Anthony is icon painting on Campus Weekly Thurs. at Tate Center Plaza 11-3 p.m. Spread the word and stop by and say "Hello".
OCF DINNERS If you would like to host an OCF dinner this Semester we will be meeting outdoors or in the Social Hall the second and forth Thursdays of the month. You can either cook and deliver a meal or give $85 for takeout. We have a good group returning this year and have added new faces, and we thank you for your support. Sign-up online HERE or with Fr. Anthony if you would like to host a dinner.
Spaghetti Dinners
11/10/2022
Spaghetti Dinners on the second Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:00pm. Invite your friends for Thursday, November 2, 2022.
**Dinner includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert and drink. Marinara sauce is available on fasting days. Live entertainment. Our own Maimee Cannariatio.
Volunteers are needed and eat for free. If you would like to help please contact Kristopher Knisely at 229-854-0299
This fundraiser/outreach program features delicious food, free live entertainment and is open to the public.
Please join us and bring your friends. Adults $10.00
For more info visit our website HERE.
Archangel Michael Awards
11/12/2022
Archangel Michael Awards: This year’s recipients are Michael McClain, and Sarah Jones. We thank them all for their dedicated stewardship and wish them God’s blessings. The banquet will be Nov. 12 at 7:00 pm at the Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta. All past recipients are asked to wear their medals on Sunday Nov. 13th. Sta Anotera, to higher things!
Parish Council
11/16/2022
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING and Elections
Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00
Anyone sitting for Parish Council Elections must attend a Parish Council Training Seminar Monday Dec. 5 at 5:30 pm.
Bigger Vision
11/28/2022
Be a Blessing....Next Bigger Vision Meal: Monday, November 28th
Bigger Vision Our schedule continues to be the 4th Monday of the month. Each month we provide a meal for the homeless consisting of a protein, starch, vegetable, bread and dessert sufficient to serve 40 people. We have Prtotein and dessert for this month, we still need vegetable, starch and bread.
Your help is critical for those in need and greatly appreciated. Sign up here. Please contact Fr. Anthony if you would like to join the team. Drop off is at the Church at 4:30pm. Sign up here to serve from 5:30-7:00 pm
You do not have to commit to every month but together we can do this.
All contributions are appreciated!!
JAIL MINISTRY
12/03/2022
Every Saturday in December from 9:00 am-10:00 am. If you would like to be a part of this vibrant ministry see Fr. Anthony or Kate McClain.
You will need a free background check from the Oconee County Jail to participate.
Angel Tree
12/04/2022
Angel Tree Festival DECEMBER 4, 2022
Our Angel Tree Christmas Festival for children of incarcerated parents is Sunday, December 4 from 1:30 – 3:30. Planning is underway and here are ways you can be involved in this most worthwhile ministry.
** Donate Christmas gifts – look for the name tickets in the upcoming weeks during coffee hour to select a child or a family to shop for. The children are at the request of their incarcerated parent.
** Be an Activity Host - We will be throwing our Angel Tree party as an outdoor festival again this year. This worked very well the past two years. Assuming the weather cooperates, we are excited about this year. We ask for volunteers to lavishly decorate the trunk of their car and sponsor one activity our of their trunk, like hot chocolate or cookie decorating or a craft. Everyone is encouraged to brainstorm and be creative! We especially love interactive activities for all age groups. The children range from toddlers to high schoolers. We ask only that the activity be generally connected to keeping Christ in Christmas, rather than reindeer or snowmen or the like. Thus, a craft could be Christian-themed artwork or a tree decoration. We ask volunteers to supply the materials for their car/activity. We want to encourage interaction so set up a little table so the children can stop and decorate their cookies or make their crafts onsite, rather than take a kit to do at home.
** Volunteer - we need volunteers for all that is listed in the table below
** Call or Text Kate or Corie! Let them know what you want to do. Kate says: “one call from you saves me from an entire afternoon of calling and seeking volunteers. I have 35-40 children's families to contact, as well!
** Pray for these families and this festival we are offering
Kate McClain 706-248-7359 gillean@bellsouth.net
Corie Shields 706-410-5048 coriejohn.shields@yahoo.com
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR:
Registration -work at the check-in tables
Parking – direct cars during the event.
Set -Up – tables etc. for eating
Cookie Baking – need 200 sugar cookies beforehand
AND THESE ACTIVITY HOSTS:
host an activity from the boot of your car or work a booth:
Painting Craft- Fr. Anthony
Card Making
Bounce House
Ornament Craft
Inflatable Slide
Angel Kraft
Hot Chocolate
Photos w/ Santa
Cookie Decorating
Library –book giveaway
Nativity/Manger Scene
Gift Distribution
Basketball Net
Dealer’s Choice
Food Area – Prep, Serve, Clean Up
Inquirer's Class
INQUIRERS CLASS: We continue our journey through Introducing the Orthodox Church by Fr. Anthony Coniaris as our text book. December we will discuss Order of Services, Fasting, Almsgiving, Spirituality, Confession, Spiritual Fathers, The Philokalia, The Home Church, Orthodox Arts Icons, Hymns, Architecture, Vestments & Ecclesiastical Tools We will not meet the Third Wednesday of each month since it is a Parish Council meeting.
Please contact Fr. Anthony if you would like to participate. A Sign-up sheet is available, along with dates, and a syllabus.
For more information contact Fr. Anthony or email prchristine@ilicons.us
ACTS Food Bank
12/06/2022
Volunteer at the ACTS Food Bank: St. Philothea’s remaining date to volunteer this year is Tuesday, December 6th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Let Roy Stamey or Fr. Anthony know if you plan to work.
Any and all support is appreciated! (Area Churches Together Serving)
Stewardship
12/11/2022
Stewardship Sunday, will take place December 11— Prayerfully consider your family’s contribution of time, talent and treasurer for your 2023 Pledge Card to be turned in that day. When you turn your card in on time and indicate which ministries you would like to participate in, it is a great help in planning our budget and managing our ministries and obligations.
Stewardship payments Checks can be mailed directly to Kate McClain 1001 Kings Court, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Your donations are always confidential.
Family Life Ministry
Meal Train: As part of our Family Life Ministry we offer meals to those in need within our community due to illness, birth, death or any other need that may require the support of a meal. Regina Nasrallah will circulate a meal train when we have a need.
Current Neeed: Maria Ortez, our cleaner and MoD, is in need of support as she undergoes her final surgery for cancer. Maria has 6 children, and the need is great. You can sign up here.
Athens Nurses Clinic Toiletry Collection
The Athens Nurse’s Clinic provides low-cost medical care for under-insured or uninsured patients with chronic illnesses.
Once again, the Philoptochos is collecting items for the Athens Nurse’s Clinic. The Nurse’s Clinic has had their funding decreased and are in need of these basic items. We will be collecting these items through-out the Lenten period. Please bring one or more of the following items to Church and they may be left in Fr. Anthony’s office or contact Karen Kimbaris, kakimbaris@yahoo.com or 706-310-0022 and she can collect the items.
Items Needed:
Shampoo/conditioner Soap or Body Wash
Toothbrush and Tootpaste Chapstick or Vaseline
Deodorant Shaving cream and Razor
Body Lotion Wash cloths
Socks Comb
Facebook Marketplace
FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE - Online Garage Sale.
Thanks to Kosta Vavlas and several parishioners we have already made over $600! Clean out your home and help raise funds for the Parish. Kosta is overseeing this ongoing Face Book garage sale and will guide us through this process on what we are looking to sell and how to promote it and close the sale. Your item will be picked up and delivered at the Sheriffs office where there are video cameras. If you have an item of value (~$50 or greater) that you would like to contribute so that it can be sold to raise funds for the Church please contact Kosta Vavlas (DimitriosVavlas@gmail.com 727-424-2194) to arrange for pick up. Clean, sellable items in good condition only, please. All proceeds will go to St. Philothea's operating expenses.
Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour – We will be assigning hosts for Coffee Hour. Everyone will have an opportunity to serve. Keep it simple. Coffee will be made and provided by the Coffee Hour Committee. A simple cookie to go with coffee is sufficient for the host to provide. Then when coffee hour is winding down, the host will be responsible for cleaning up and putting things away.
The Coffee Hour schedule will be posted. If you can not make the date you have been assigned, please let Presvytera Christine know. Click here for details.
IF YOU WANT TO HOST A COFFEE HOUR CALL OR TEXT PRESVYTERA CHRISTINE 706-340-6366
Cleaning of Sanctuary
Cleaning in the Sanctuary – The Church will need cleaning aeach week including dusting, vacuuming and window cleaning. See Fr. Anthony or PR Christine if you would like to help with this important ministry. Volunteers are welcome. Questions, please contact Presvytera Christine - prchristine2@gmail.com
Marswood Hall
01/27/2023
Planning Committee Meeting: We will be Thursday, Jan 27 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
MoD Meeting
01/29/2023
MoD Meeting: Sunday, January 29th following the Divine Liturgy.
Book Store
10/07/2022
Book Store is open for business: We are suggesting the following book for the fall Fr. Arseny Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father, It is a great reads so put in your order with Steve Duke steveduke@charter.net by Oct. 7 and we will order it for you. If you have a great read to share, please contact Steve or Fr. Anthony.
The Life of St. Philothea a beautifully Illustrated hardback book about the life of our beloved patron, are available today in the book store. Get your copy for $26.
Offering books, CD’s, prayer ropes, gift items and more. Stop by and shop.