Divine Liturgy and Other Services
Orthos 8:45am (live streamed)
Divine Liturgy 10:00am (live streamed)
Week Day Liturgies:
Regular Vespers/Paracleseis
Wednesdays of Lent, Pre-Sanctified Liturgies on April 5, at 5:30 pm
Liturgical Services for April:
Sat. April 8 7;30am Orthos
Sat. April 8 8:30am Lazarus Saturday Liturgy/Baptisms followed by Lenten breakfast, Confessions,
Palm folding and church cleaning
Sun. April 9 8:45am Orthos/Matins
Sun. April 9 10:00am Palm Sunday Liturgy Theme: Christs Entry into Jerusalem
Sun. April 9 7:00pm 1st Bridegroom Service Start of Holy Week
Theme: Wise Joseph & the Fig tree
Mon. April 10 7:00pm 2nd Bridegroom Service Theme: Parable of the Ten Virgins
Tue. April 11 8:00am Pre-Santified Litergy
Tue. April 11 7:00pm 3rd Bridegroom Service
Theme: Deeds of Mary Magdelene contrasted with Deeds of Judas
Wed. April 12 5:15pm 4th Bridegroom Service
Wed. April 12 6:00pm Sacrement of Holy Unction (until 7:30pm)
Thur. April 13 8:00am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
Thur. April 13 6:00pm The Reading of the 12 Gospels
Themes: The Last Supper, The Betrayal an The Crucifixion
Fri. April 14 8:30am Great Hours, being vigilant at the Cross
Fri. April 14 10-2pm Decorate the Brier of Christ
Fri. April 14 3:00pm Apokathilosis, The Taking Down of Christ from the Cross
Fri. April 14 7:00pm Lamentations, following by an All-night Vigil by the Tomb of Christ
Sat. April 15 9:00am Vesperal Divine Liturgy
Sat. April 15 11:15pm Holy Pascha Orthos & Divine Liturgy
Sun. April 15 2:00pm Agape Vespers and Feast
JAIL MINISTRY
04/01/2023
JAIL MINISTRY:
St. Philothea has April every Saturday 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.
Greek Language Classes
04/02/2023
Greek Classes:
Will meet following Divine Liturgy on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month offering 45 minute classes. April classes will meet on the 2nd and 23rd.
*Please speak with Nicholas or Thirimachos if you would like to join the class.
Easter Donations
04/02/2023
EASTER DONATIONS:
Donations are needed for flowers for the Kouvouklion, the meats for the Agape Feast and other expenses of Holy Week, like Easter Lilies in honor of your loved ones. Click here and then on the DONATE button.
Youth News
04/02/2023
Holy Week Schedule: Please print out and reference the enclosed schedule.
Holy Week Youth Events:
- Jr. and Sr. High School students will have a sights and sounds presentation following the Divine Liturgy on April 9th.
- Friday April 7, 4:00-6:00 pm Baking lazarakia cookis, cleaning the church, setting up for Holy Week.
- Lazarus Saturday Liturgy (April 8) and youth confessions followed by Lenten breakfast and palm folding, and Baptisms.
- Good Friday – School excuse forms will be available in the Narthex. Children are encouraged to attend morning and afternoon services.
- Good Friday Vigil—the all-night reading of the Psalter in the church as we await the Resurrection of our Savior. Volunteers are needed for organizing the light snacks and readers’ schedule.
- 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).
Philoptochos
We are wrapping up our 2023 Philoptochos Membership Drive.
Haven't joined? It's easy and fun. We get together socially during the year and plan fundraisers to raise money for National and local communities in need. You can be an active member or a silent member! Philoptochos does not collect money for a service or a fee -- 100% of fees do go to help! We have a Sip and Paint Get together coming up, May social, and will help serve coffee hour on Father's Day! Come join us. See the application online or Christina White to join!
Grief Support
04/03/2023
Grief Support Group Will meet Monday, April 3rd and April 17 at the church from 7:00-8:00 pm. Meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. All are welcome.
ACTS Food Bank
04/04/2023
Volunteer at the ACTS Food Bank: St. Philothea’s remaining date to volunteer this year is Tuesday, April 4th 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)
OCF News
04/04/2023
OCF: "Chew and Chat” will meet April 4th (picnic on campus) and 18th at 6:30-8:30 pm. April 18th will be the final meeting for the year at Fr. Anthony’s house (begins at 6:30 pm). We will share a meal and elect new officers for next year.
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 for our College Students please see Fr. Anthony or sign up here.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12Hhf_y4SYpVD9QYLjYI7YZ-NeF0u35G7bRrcgEtLisk/edit
Thank you for your support.
Council of Ministries
04/06/2023
Council of Ministries Chairs Do not forget to schedule and or participate in your ministry group meeting this spring. Sacramental and Liturgical will meet Thursday April 6 at 6:30 pm at the church.
Check out our Council of Ministries chart see if you would like to get involved in a ministry of St. Philothea Orthodox Church www.stphilothea.org/ministries/council-of-ministries
Cleaning of Sanctuary
04/07/2023
Cleaning in the Sanctuary and other help needed during Holy Week – The Church will need cleaning ahead of Holy Week and each week there after including dusting, vacuuming and window cleaning see Fr. Anthony or Lambrini if you would like to help with this important ministry, or sign up here. Volunteers are welcome. Questions, please contact Presvytera Christine - prchristine2@gmail.com
OCMC Coin Boxes
04/09/2023
Coin Boxes we will be receiving them as an offering on Palm Sunday April 9th and offering them to God.
Tsoureki
04/02/2023
Tsioureki for Pascha! Straight from the kitchen at St. Philothea. This delicious bread is a must for your Easter Table. Available for pick-up following all services beginning April 9th or local delivery in the Watkinsville/Athens area. *Pre-orders will be taken now through April 2nd*
Order from Sarah Jones 1 loaf: $12 3 or more loaves: 20% discount
Proceeds to benefit St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church. For any questions or to help contact Sarah Jones (e-mail) wardlawjones@gmail.com or (mobile) 706-410-5204
Parish Council
04/19/2023
Parish Council Meeting:
April 19 at 7:00 pm.
Spaghetti Dinners
04/20/2023
Will be Thursday April 20
Live Entertainment: TBA.
**Dinner includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert and drink. Marinara sauce is available on fasting days. Live entertainment.
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.
Adults $10.00
For more info visit our website HERE.
Stewardship
04/22/2023
Stewardship payments: Checks can be mailed directly to Kate McClain 1001 Kings Court, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Your donations are always confidential.
Please consider Post dated Checks or setting up on-line payments for your monthly giving if you will be away this summer. This will help Kate pay the bills through the summer.
If you like to pledge your donation online, please click HERE
Bigger Vision
04/24/2023
Be a Blessing....Next Bigger Vision Meal: Monday, April 24th
Next Bigger Vision Meal Special thanks to everyone who has selflessly served to date at the Bigger Vision Homeless shelter.
Our next meal will be served Monday, April 24. Providing a meal for the homeless is a monthly event on the 4th Monday of the month, and we need to provide a protein, a starch, a vegetable, bread and dessert each month. Drop off is at the church at 4:30pm the Monday of the meal and Fr. Anthony will deliver it.
Sign up online HERE. 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. Please let Fr. Anthony know if you would like to join the team.
All contributions are appreciated!!
Finance Committee
04/27/2023
Finance Committee Meeting will be Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 pm
Book Store
FREE LENDING LIBRARY
The Life of St. Philothea is a beautifully illustrated hardback book about the life of our beloved patron. Available today in the bookstore $26. In addition to books we offer CD’s, prayer ropes, gift items and more.
The St. Philothea Lending Library is now accessible online for at-home browsing. Volunteers continue to refine the categories and subject tags for the 700 plus holdings. Please take advantage of this wonderful resource. librarycat.org/lib/St.Philothea.Library
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.
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
Family Life Ministry
Meal Train:
Occasionally we have people in our community that need a little extra help with meal support during challenging times. In those cases a Meal Train Announcement will be emailed out by Regina Nasrallah. It is an easy and convenient way to provide very helpful support when a meal could really help out a family. Anyone can sign up.
We are looking for support for Maria Ortes, our MoD/Cleaning lady as she has 10 cancer treatnents left.
Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour – due to water damage in the social hall, we are currently having coffee hour in the narthex. The names and dates will remain as listed.
The 2023 Coffee Hour Hosting Schedule is available online. Everyone will have an opportunity to serve. Keep it simple. Coffee will be made 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.
Lacas Coffee is available for purchase for $10 a bag. It is what we are serving at coffee hour and the proceeds from the coffee sales will help subsidise coffee hour.
Click here for Hosting Schedule and let Presvytera know if you can host that day or need to change. 706-340-6366
Annual Golf Classic
05/08/2023
Golf Classic Tournament Planning Meeting is Monday, May 8 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.
This helps raise funds to support the mission and ministry of St. Philothea and Bread for Life.
Save the Date: The Golf outing will be Monday, September 11, 2023
Marswood Hall
05/19/2023
Planning Committee Meeting: We will be May 19th at 7:00 pm
MoD Meeting
05/28/2023
MoD Meeting: Sunday, May 28, following the Divine Liturgy.
LEGACY/PLANNED GIFT
03/05/2023
LEGACY / PLANNED GIVING
Thank you to these families who have committed to including St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church either in their will or in a life insurance policy. New member inductions will be in May. Please contact Fr. Anthony if you want to be included.
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