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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-05-14
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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (242)326-0850
  • Fax:
  • (242)326-0851
  • Street Address:

  • 11 West Street

  • Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas,
  • Mailing Address:

  • 1811 NW 51st Street

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Sundays:

Orthros 9:00 a.m. 

Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m.

 

 


Past Bulletins


Parish News

CHOIR MINISTRY

PARISH NEWS:

Stewardship:  A few parish members are now making

regular monthly contributions to stewardship. This helps greatly in managing the monthly expenses. 

We encourage all of our parish members, to make their
stewardship contribution monthly and in this way work with the parish council to better manage the budget. 

We thank all our dedicated parish members who each week
contribute also their time and talents to our beloved Church and its service in Christ's mission. 

 

Our Choir Ministry:  The Choir needs your time and talents. We are looking for an Assistant Choir Director and a Full Time Organist, as well as Singers for our beautiful Choir.

If you can not commit as a Full Time Organist, once or twice a month for Sunday Liturgy would be much appreciated. Anyone interested please contact Maria Wilson at 327-4760 or mariawilson1214@gmail.com. Thank you. 

 

THE LORDS KITCHEN:The lords kitchen prepares meals every Friday

 evening and on Saturday morning for distribution to the poor and hungry.

 Mission Statement: “To feed the whole person,physically (with food) and spiritually(with Holy Scripture)”

Under the Spiritual leadership and Guidance of The Reverend Irenaeus and his wife Presvetera Alexandra Cox

Please see ArtemissiaZervos at (242) 426-6127 to volunteer or donate to the mission."

 

As all of you know, we have ministries in the Church that help those in need:

1. The St. Nicholas Corner provides a food and clothing pantry for the poor or needy. This is a form of outreach that, when well stocked, is available at a moment’s notice for any who might come to us in need of those basic survival necessities.

2. We also have the Agape Fund which supports occasional acts of mercy provided that we have the proper documentation for the need. This also is an outreach ministry.

3. In addition, we have an in-reach ministry called St. Luke's Medical Fund. This Fund provides financial support to our members for their medical care. 

If anyone would like to contribute and be involved in any of these important ministries of the Church, please contact George Maillis.

 

COFFEE HOUR: Please help and sponsor coffee hour, in memory of your loved one, or celebration of a birthday, anniversary, or just by way of contribution to community fellowship. Contact Althea at the office Monday - Thursday -at Tel 326-0335 or 326-0850 to reserve the date.

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Ladies are kindly asked to make prosfora

for the Divine Liturgy services each week.

Thank you

 

 

Events:

Please help and sponsor coffee hour In memory of your loved one, or celebration of a birthday, anniversary, or just by way of contribution to community fellowship. Contact Althea at the office Monday - Thursday - at Tel 326-0335 or 326-0850 to reserve the date.

 

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Bulletin Inserts

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Saints and Feasts

Jcsamwom
May 14

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

One of the most ancient cities of the Promised Land was Shechem, also called Sikima, located at the foot of Mount Gerazim. There the Israelites had heard the blessings in the days of Moses and Jesus of Navi. Near to this town, Jacob, who had come from Mesopotamia in the nineteenth century before Christ, bought a piece of land where there was a well. This well, preserved even until the time of Christ, was known as Jacob's Well. Later, before he died in Egypt, he left that piece of land as a special inheritance to his son Joseph (Gen. 49:22). This town, before it was taken into possession by Samaria, was also the leading city of the kingdom of the ten tribes. In the time of the Romans it was called Neapolis, and at present Nablus. It was the first city in Canaan visited by the Patriarch Abraham. Here also, Jesus of Navi (Joshua) addressed the tribes of Israel for the last time. Almost three hundred years later, all Israel assembled there to make Roboam (Rehoboam) king.

When our Lord Jesus Christ, then, came at midday to this city, which is also called Sychar (John 4:5), He was wearied from the journey and the heat, and He sat down at this well. After a little while the Samaritan woman mentioned in today's Gospel passage came to draw water. As she conversed at some length with the Lord and heard from Him secret things concerning herself, she believed in Him; through her many other Samaritans also believed.

Concerning the Samaritans we know the following: In the year 721 before Christ, Salmanasar (Shalmaneser), King of the Assyrians, took the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel into captivity, and relocated all these people to Babylon and the land of the Medes. From there he gathered various nations and sent them to Samaria. These nations had been idolaters from before. Although they were later instructed in the Jewish faith and believed in the one God, they worshipped the idols also. Furthermore, they accepted only the Pentateuch of Moses, and rejected the other books of Holy Scripture. Nonetheless, they thought themselves to be descendants of Abraham and Jacob. Therefore, the pious Jews named these Judaizing and idolatrous peoples Samaritans, since they lived in Samaria, the former leading city of the Israelites, as well as in the other towns thereabout. The Jews rejected them as heathen and foreigners, and had no communion with them at all, as the Samaritan woman observed, "the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans" (John 4:9). Therefore, the name Samaritan is used derisively many times in the Gospel narrations. After the Ascension of the Lord, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the woman of Samaria was baptized by the holy Apostles and became a great preacher and Martyr of Christ; she was called Photine, and her feast is kept on February 26.


Allsaint
May 14

Isidore the Martyr of Chios

This Saint was a soldier from Alexandria. He came with the Roman fleet to Chios, where he was betrayed as a Christian to Numerian, Commander of the Fleet. Because he boldly pro-fessed himself to worship Christ as God and refused to worship any other, he was tormented and beheaded in 251, during the reign of Decius.


Therapon
May 14

Holy Hieromartyr Therapontus


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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2016

03/08/2016

The spiritual impact of this sacred time of year is tremendous if we dedicate our full being—heart, body, soul and mind—to God. This transformation in our lives and the witness of life and faith we offer others through Great Lent is affirmed in the opening of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Archbishop Demetrios' 10 Suggestions for Lent

03/18/2016

Archbishop Demetrios offered ten suggestions for each Orthodox Christian to strive for during the Lenten season, during his homily at the annual Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Clean Monday Retreat, March 14, at the Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline, Mass. Below is an edited excerpt of these ten suggestions.

Patriarchal and Synodical Encyclical on the Convocation of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church

03/18/2016

Our holy Orthodox Church, adorned in purple and fine linen by the blood of her martyrs, the tears of her Saints, and the struggles and sacrifices of her confessors of faith, celebrates today her nameday. Following a century-long struggle, this day was appropriately identified as the Sunday of Orthodoxy, marking the day in which truth shone and triumphed over falsehood through the veneration of holy icons as the bearers of the personal presence and divine grace of the incarnate Son and Logos of God and of His saints.

Patriarchal Homily on the Occasion of Holy and Great Lent

03/10/2016

Beloved and blessed brethren and children in the Lord, Yet again this year, through the God-inspired words, the holy Psalmist ushers the Orthodox faithful into the “mystery” of Holy and Great Lent, pointing out the benevolence of the Lord and the workings thereof as he cries out, the Lord works mercy and righteousness for all the oppressed (Psalm 102,6). For the Lord satisfies our desire with good things so that our youth is renewed like that of the eagle (c.f. .5).

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day

03/24/2016

On this holy and beautiful Feast of the Annunciation we celebrate the astonishing announcement by Archangel Gabriel to our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos, about the coming of the Holy One, the Son of God, who would bring salvation and an eternal kingdom of peace. In proclaiming this message of hope and grace, Gabriel states the miraculous manner by which God will enter our humanity: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you (Luke 1:35). And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus (Luke 1:31).

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Offers Prayers Following the Terrorist Attack in Brussels

03/23/2016

Following the most horrific, deplorable, and senseless acts of violence and terror in Brussels, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expresses its solidarity with the people of Belgium and extends heartfelt prayers to the families of our brothers and sisters who were killed or injured as a result of the attack. Our hearts and minds are prayerfully also with the emergency responders, law enforcement agents, and security officers.

President Obama Hosts White House Annual Greek Independence Day Celebration

04/06/2016

President Barack Obama hosted yesterday April 4, 2016 at the White House, the Annual Greek Independence Day celebration and reception for the 30th consecutive year, honoring the 195th Anniversary of the start of the Greek War for Independence of March 25th, 1821.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis and Archbishop Ieronymos to Visit the Island of Lesbos

04/07/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has received the following announcement from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and forwards it to the faithful and the media.

Archbishop Demetrios Calls on the Greek-American Community to Support the Petition of the Pan-Macedonian Association for the Name of FYROM

04/07/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America met with the representatives of the Executive Committee of the Pan-Macedonian Association in the United States and discussed with them issues relevant to the national concern of the name of FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Registration Open and On-line

04/19/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the opening of the on-line registration process for the 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, to be held July 3-8, 2016 at the at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress to Convene in Nashville, July 3-8

04/19/2016

The 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will convene in Nashville, Tennessee, July 3-8, 2016, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy Pascha 2016

04/27/2016

Announcement of the Holy Eparchial Synod

04/15/2016

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular spring meeting at the Synodal Chamber of the Archdiocesan headquarters in New York on April 13th and 14th 2016. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America presided at the meeting with the participation of the Members of the Synod.

Patriarchal Encyclical for Holy Pascha 2016

04/27/2016

We wholeheartedly address you from the See of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the joyous greeting “Christ is risen!” The resurrection of Christ is the center of our Orthodox faith. Without the resurrection, our faith is “in vain” (1 Cor. 15:14). Through His resurrection, the divine Word rendered humanity – created in the image of God but wounded and stained by sin – incorrupt and deified, granting us once again the possibility of achieving divine likeness, of which we were deprived through disobedience.

Orthodox Christians to Observe Pascha (Easter) May 1st

04/26/2016

More than 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide will celebrate Pascha (Easter) Sunday, May 1, 2016. This year Orthodox Pascha is celebrated almost a month after the celebration of the Western Easter, while next year it will fall on the same day. The Orthodox date for Easter is based on a decree of the Council of Nicaea, Asia Minor, held in 325 A.D. According to this decree, Easter must be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon of the vernal equinox but always after the Hebrew Passover to maintain the Biblical sequence of events of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. The Orthodox Christian churches have adhered strictly to this formula.

Holy Week and Pascha Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios April 23- May 8, 2016

04/22/2016

Holy Week Liturgical Schedule of Bishops Andonios of Phasiane, Sevastianos of Zela and Metropolitan Philotheos of Meloa (April 23 – May 1, 2016)

04/22/2016

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, April 21-23, 2016

04/20/2016

Archdiocese Expresses Sympathy and Concern upon the Fire Destruction of St. Sava Cathedral

05/03/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expresses deep sorrow, concern and sympathy to our Serbian Orthodox brethren for the massive fire that destroyed yesterday evening the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sava in lower Manhattan.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for AHEPA Sunday - May 15, 2016

05/10/2016

On this day we also recognize the members of our beloved AHEPA family, as they are inspired by the power of the faith that we share and their love for humankind to offer service and resources in many ways. For over ninety years the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association has promoted the ideals of philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through many programs and special efforts, including assistance to Greek immigrants, scholarships for youth, housing for senior adults, relief funds following major tragedies, and activism on a wide range of issues.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, May 7-15, 2016

05/06/2016

Archbishop Demetrios Visits Fire Ravaged St. Sava Cathedral

05/04/2016

As an expression of the support and concern of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America visited yesterday afternoon the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sava in lower Manhattan, which was destroyed by a catastrophic fire on the evening of Pascha Sunday, May 1, 2016.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, May 17-28, 2016

05/17/2016

Archdiocesan Council Spring Meeting Convened in Pittsburgh

05/14/2016

The Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for its regular spring meeting May 12-13 in Pittsburgh, Pa., under the chairmanship of Archbishop Demetrios of America.

Ecumenical Patriarchate Provides Resources for Holy and Great Council

05/20/2016

An historic gathering for the Orthodox Christian Churches, the first of its kind in 1200 years, is being supported with both digital communications and a multilingual team of experts.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, May 31 – June 12, 2016

05/26/2016

Contact: Stavros Papagermanos Tel.: 212-570-3530 Email: pressoffice@goarch.org

Announcement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the Holy and Great Synod

06/06/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has received today the text of an important announcement from the Ecumenical Patriarchate about the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church, which is presented below:

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, June 4 – July 8, 2016

06/03/2016

Metropolitans Ambrosios of Korea and Nathanael of Kos and Nisyros to represent Ecumenical Patriarch at the 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress

06/02/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America was informed yesterday by a letter from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew that Metropolitans Ambrosios of Korea and Nathanael of Kos and Nisyros will represent His All Holiness and the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, to be held July 3-8, 2016 at the at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Επίσκεψη του Δημάρχου Θεσσαλονίκης Γιάννη Μπουτάρη στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Δημήτριο

05/31/2016

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος δέχθηκε σήμερα στο γραφείο του στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, τον Δήμαρχο Θεσσαλονίκης κ. Γιάννη Μπουτάρη και την αντιπροσωπεία του Δήμου που τον συνοδεύει στο ταξίδι του στην Αμερική.

Ecumenical Patriarch and Primates of the Orthodox Church Ready to Begin Deliberations of the Holy and Great Council in Crete

06/17/2016

The people, the island and the Church of Crete welcomed warmly His-All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who arrived in Chania International Airport yesterday, June 15 to convene the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, which will take place June 19-26.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Condemns the Terrorist Attack in Orlando

06/13/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is saddened and appalled by the latest senseless mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, in which 49 people lost their lives and many more were injured.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Protests the Reading of Koran in Hagia Sophia

06/10/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America expresses its deepest regret for the unexpected and continuing daily reading of the Koran in Hagia Sophia.

Archbishop Demetrios of America Visits USS TRUMAN in Souda Bay Naval Base

06/23/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America visited yesterday, June 22, the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, the largest US Supercarrier of the Nimitz class, which has docked for a few days in Souda Bay Naval Base.

Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church Proceeds in the Spirit of Unity, Despite Absences

06/24/2016

The work of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church convened June 20, 2016, the Feast of the Holy Spirit, at the Orthodox Academy of Crete after almost a thousand years and despite the decision of four Churches not to participate.

43rd Clergy-Laity Congress Officially Opens with Archbishop Demetrios' Keynote Address

07/05/2016

In a Fourth of July festive atmosphere, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America declared the official opening of the 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and delivered the Keynote Address on the theme of this year’s Congress, You are the voice of Christ in a changing world – As the Father has sent me, so I sent you (John 20:21).

Keynote Address By His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America - 43rd Clergy Laity Congress

07/04/2016

By the grace of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ we are together again as Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at our 43rd Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville, Tennessee.

The 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Begins in Nashville with Divine Liturgy

07/04/2016

The Archbishop, in his homily, said that the theme of the Congress “You are the voice of Christ in a changing world” coincides perfectly with the Gospel reading of today’s Liturgy (Matthew 4:18-23) in which the Lord called his first four disciples to become “fishers of men” and apostles. Likewise, said His Eminence, we have been called to be apostles, to be on a mission for Christ and be the voice of Christ in our lives and in the world that is not simply changing but is a wounded, confused and tormented world. In closing, the Archbishop expressed the wish for “this 43rd Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville to be an occasion to enjoy the abundant unlimited blessings of the love and grace of God.”

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Independence Day - July 4, 2016

06/30/2016

This is the voice that must be our voice. His words must be heard and the Gospel communicated in all that we do. Now is the acceptable time for us to be the voice of Christ and to use our liberty in Him to offer truth, grace, and eternal life in a changing world.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, July 2-16, 2016

06/30/2016

Unity in Harmony and Peace, from the 43rd Biennial Clergy Laity Congress in Nashville

07/10/2016

The 43rd Biennial Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America concluded Thursday, July 7, 2016, with the plenary session and the traditional Grand Banquet at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. A total of 1,197 registered participants were in attendance including 396 delegates to the National Philoptochos Convention.

Archbishop Demetrios Delivers Invocation at the Democratic National Convention

07/28/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, offered the Prayer of Invocation today, Thursday July 28, at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pa.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, July 31 – Aug. 15, 2016

07/28/2016

Archbishop Demetrios Visits Camp Saint Paul

07/27/2016

Archbishop Demetrios of America visited today July 26, 2016, Camp Saint Paul, the Direct Archdiocesan District’s youth camp in Connecticut’s scenic Berkshire Hills.

Archbishop Demetrios delivers benediction at Republican National Convention

07/21/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, offered the Prayer of Benediction last night, Wednesday July 20, at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, July 20-28, 2016

07/20/2016

A day in the life of Ionian Village 2016

08/02/2016

Ionian Village, the summer camp ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Greece, is having another very succesful year and the campers report they “are having the best summer of their life.”

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition - August 15, 2016

08/11/2016

The Virgin Mary knew the voice of Christ because she shared a unique relationship with Him as His mother. She heard His voice from birth throughout His life and ministry; she heard His words as He grew; she marveled at His wisdom as a youth; she listened to His teaching; she was burdened with great sorrow when He cried out from the Cross; and she was filled with great joy following His resurrection and hearing His promises.

2017 Parish Ecclesiastical Calendars Offered - Online Ordering Now Available

08/22/2016

Calendar orders can now be placed online at www.goarchprinting.org. This new online ordering system will speed up the ordering process and provide for a timely delivery of calendars. The web site provides the opportunity to customize the parish and sponsor backer information, view a proof and submit payment. All parishes were sent a packet with a username and password for the online ordering site. If this was not received please contact the Department of Communications.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/31/2016

We give thanks to our merciful and holy God for this blessed opportunity to begin another ecclesiastical year, and we anticipate the witness of His presence and power in our lives and in our worship and work of spreading His Gospel. In addition to the observance of this day as the beginning of a new liturgical cycle, it has also been designated by our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2016

09/13/2016

Public Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Sept. 11-30, 2016

09/09/2016

Massive Damage at Ionian Village, Archdiocese Begins Rebuilding Campaign

09/09/2016

Following the initial news of destruction at the Ionian Village Camp facilities, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces today with sadness, that in the early morning of Thursday, September 8th, the campus of the Ionian Village Camping Program in Vartholomio, Greece, sustained massive damage from fierce tornadoes that hit the area in and around the camp.

Ionian Village Sustains Extensive Damage from Tornados

09/08/2016

The site of Ionian Village in Vartholomio, Ilia, Greece, sustained extensive damage from fierce tornados that went through that location and the wider area of the prefecture of Ilia, earlier today. Ionian Village is the international Summer Camp ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Greece.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Commemoration of the Asia Minor Catastrophe - September 18, 2016

09/16/2016

In recognition of this and many related tragic events of that era, I ask the parishes of our Holy Archdiocese to have special observances and memorial services on Sunday, September 18. Together, let us remember our forbearers who perished and commemorate the valor shown by those who survived. Let us honor the memory and sacrifice of those who suffered. As we are confronted by the crises in our contemporary world, let us find strength and guidance in our Orthodox faith, just as many did in those dark days, placing their hope for deliverance and salvation in Almighty God.

Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Mike Pence Visits Archbishop Demetrios

09/15/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America received today in his office at the Headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the Vice-Presidential nominee of the Republican Party.

President Nicos Anastasiades and Archbishop Demetrios of America talk about the Cyprus issue

09/23/2016

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nicos Anastasiades visited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America today, September 23, 2016. President Anastasiadis is in New York participating in the United Nations General Assembly.

Ο Πρωθυπουργός της Ελλάδος κ. Αλέξης Τσίπρας επισκέφθηκε τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο

09/22/2016

Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος υποδέχθηκε σήμερα στην έδρα της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής στη Νέα Υόρκη τον Πρωθυπουργό της Ελλάδος κ. Αλέξη Τσίπρα ο οποίος βρίσκεται στη Νέα Υόρκη στα πλαίσια της συνόδου του Οργανισμού Ηνωμένων Εθνών.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Donates 5 Million Dollars for the Rebuilding of Saint Nicholas at the WTC

09/21/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces with great joy that the Stavros Niarchos Foundation fulfilled last week, its noble pledge of five million dollars to the Fund for the rebuilding of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2016

10/25/2016

On October 28, 1940, and in the hard days, months, and years that followed, the cry of “OXI” resonated in the hearts and minds of the people of Greece. They made a choice. They remembered their blessed heritage of freedom and the centuries of hardship when liberty was lost. They chose timeless ideals over temporal threats. They chose courage over fear, faith when the immediate future was unknown, and resolve when asked to willingly acquiesce to a stronger, ruthless power. When many others were submitting to false ideologies and regimes of tyranny, the leaders and people of Greece chose to stand and show to the world the true nature of heroism.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Mourns the Passing of George S. Coumantaros

10/24/2016

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America mourns the passing of George S. Coumantaros, an internationally renowned businessman and veteran ocean racer, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, philanthropist and great benefactor of the Church, who passed away peacefully in Athens, Greece on October 17, 2016. He was 94 years of age.

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Holds "Topping Out Ceremony"

11/28/2016

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine held a “topping out ceremony" this morning at its construction site at Greenwich and Liberty Streets in New York City.  This traditional construction ceremony, marking the raising of the highest structural element, was led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and attended by representatives of the Port Authority and SKANSKA, as well as the Consul General of Greece, major donors and contributors to the project and members of the original Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church community.

The 9th century Greek Manuscript of the Complete New Testament (Codex 1424) is returned during Magnificent Ceremony and Vespers Service

12/04/2016

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America returned yesterday, Saturday Dec. 3, 2016, a rare ninth century Greek manuscript of the complete New Testament known as Codex 1424, to its rightful owners: the Holy Metropolis of Drama and its Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Pavlos of Drama; and the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa from which the manuscript had been stolen by the Bulgarians in 1917.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2016

12/19/2016

Today, we know Him as the Christ child, the hope for all humanity, and the fulfillment of divine promises. He is the dayspring from on high (Luke 1:78), the Anointed One, who has come to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to give sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).

Patriarchal Encyclical for Christmas 2016

12/19/2016

We praise and glorify the God in Trinity, who deemed us worthy once again this year to reach the great feast of the Nativity in the flesh of the Son and Word of God the Father in “little Bethlehem.”

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to Continue Successful Fellowships at the UN

02/07/2017

The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is inviting graduate and recent post-graduate students to apply for its fellowships at the United Nations.

Thirty Dance Groups Expected to Participate in "Parathosi 2017" Dance Festival

02/06/2017

PARATHOSI 2017, the annual celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, now in its fifth year, is expected to host about 30 dance groups, Sat. Feb. 11, 2017 at Lefrak Concert Hall at Queens College.

41st Annual FDF Brings Together Faith, Culture and Philanthropy

02/13/2017

he sights and sounds of the 41st Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) will fill the Town and Country Resort in San Diego from February 16 – 19, 2017. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America will once again join this celebration of faith and culture. This exceptional ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, will bring together over 3,000 people in celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship...

“All for One” in the 41st Folk Dance and Choral Festival, FDF 2017

02/20/2017

he 41st Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF 2017) a four day celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship of the Metropolis of San Fransisco, culminated yesterday Feb. 19, 2017 with the Archieratical Divine Liturgy in the morning, the Finals of the Advance Senior Division and the Awards Ceremony, all taking place at Town and Country Resort Hotel here in San Diego.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 11:19-30.

IN THOSE DAYS, those apostles who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians. Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabos stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world; and this took place in the days of Claudius. And the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea, and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 103.24,1.
Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου Κύριε, πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας.
Στίχ. Εὐλόγει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 11:19-30.

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, διασπαρέντες οἱ Ἀπόστολοι ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ διῆλθον ἕως Φοινίκης καὶ Κύπρου καὶ Ἀντιοχείας, μηδενὶ λαλοῦντες τὸν λόγον εἰ μὴ μόνον Ἰουδαίοις. Ἦσαν δέ τινες ἐξ αὐτῶν ἄνδρες Κύπριοι καὶ Κυρηναῖοι, οἵτινες εἰσελθόντες εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν, ἐλάλουν πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς, εὐαγγελιζόμενοι τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν. Καὶ ἦν χεὶρ κυρίου μετʼ αὐτῶν· πολύς τε ἀριθμὸς πιστεύσας ἐπέστρεψεν ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον. Ἠκούσθη δὲ ὁ λόγος εἰς τὰ ὦτα τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις περὶ αὐτῶν· καὶ ἐξαπέστειλαν Βαρνάβαν διελθεῖν ἕως Ἀντιοχείας· ὃς παραγενόμενος καὶ ἰδὼν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐχάρη, καὶ παρεκάλει πάντας τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας προσμένειν τῷ κυρίῳ· ὅτι ἦν ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς καὶ πλήρης πνεύματος ἁγίου καὶ πίστεως· καὶ προσετέθη ὄχλος ἱκανὸς τῷ κυρίῳ. Ἐξῆλθεν δὲ εἰς Ταρσὸν ὁ Βαρνάβας ἀναζητῆσαι Σαῦλον, καὶ εὑρὼν ἤγαγεν αὐτὸν εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν. Ἐγένετο δὲ αὐτοὺς ἐνιαυτὸν ὅλον συναχθῆναι τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ καὶ διδάξαι ὄχλον ἱκανόν, χρηματίσαι τε πρώτον ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τοὺς μαθητὰς Χριστιανούς. Ἐν ταύταις δὲ ταῖς ἡμέραις κατῆλθον ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων προφῆται εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν. Ἀναστὰς δὲ εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν ὀνόματι Ἄγαβος, ἐσήμανεν διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος λιμὸν μέγαν μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι ἐφʼ ὅλην τὴν οἰκουμένην· ὅστις καὶ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου Καίσαρος. Τῶν δὲ μαθητῶν καθὼς εὐπορεῖτό τις, ὥρισαν ἕκαστος αὐτῶν εἰς διακονίαν πέμψαι τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ἀδελφοῖς· ὃ καὶ ἐποίησαν, ἀποστείλαντες πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους διὰ χειρὸς Βαρνάβα καὶ Σαύλου.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
The Reading is from John 4:5-42

At that time, Jesus came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?" Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband; this you said truly." The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and you say that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he comes, he will show us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he."

Just then his disciples came. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but none said, "What do you wish?" or, "Why are you talking with her?" So the woman left her water jar, and went away into the city and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" They went out of the city and were coming to him.

Meanwhile the disciples besought him, saying "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought him food?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony. "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard ourselves, and we know that this is indeed Christ the Savior of the world."

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 4:5-42

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας λεγομένην Συχάρ, πλησίον τοῦ χωρίου ὃ ἔδωκεν Ἰακὼβ Ἰωσὴφ τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ· ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ πηγὴ τοῦ Ἰακώβ. Ὁ οὖν Ἰησοῦς κεκοπιακὼς ἐκ τῆς ὁδοιπορίας ἐκαθέζετο οὕτως ἐπὶ τῇ πηγῇ· ὥρα ἦν ὡσεὶ ἕκτη.

Ἔρχεται γυνὴ ἐκ τῆς Σαμαρείας ἀντλῆσαι ὕδωρ. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· δός μοι πιεῖν. οἱ γὰρ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἀπεληλύθεισαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν ἵνα τροφὰς ἀγοράσωσι. λέγει οὖν αὐτῷ ἡ γυνὴ ἡ Σαμαρεῖτις· πῶς σὺ ᾿Ιουδαῖος ὢν παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ πιεῖν αἰτεῖς, οὔσης γυναικὸς Σαμαρείτιδος; οὐ γὰρ συγχρῶνται ᾿Ιουδαῖοι Σαμαρείταις. ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· εἰ ᾔδεις τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ λέγων σοι, δός μοι πιεῖν, σὺ ἂν ᾔτησας αὐτόν, καὶ ἔδωκεν ἄν σοι ὕδωρ ζῶν. λέγει αὐτῷ ἡ γυνή· Κύριε, οὔτε ἄντλημα ἔχεις, καὶ τὸ φρέαρ ἐστὶ βαθύ· πόθεν οὖν ἔχεις τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ ζῶν; μὴ σὺ μείζων εἶ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν ᾿Ιακώβ, ὃς ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν τὸ φρέαρ, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἔπιε καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ θρέμματα αὐτοῦ; ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· πᾶς ὁ πίνων ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος τούτου διψήσει πάλιν· ὃς δ᾽ ἂν πίῃ ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος οὗ ἐγὼ δώσω αὐτῷ, οὐ μὴ διψήσῃ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἀλλὰ τὸ ὕδωρ ὃ δώσω αὐτῷ, γενήσεται ἐν αὐτῷ πηγὴ ὕδατος ἁλλομένου εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. λέγει πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡ γυνή· Κύριε, δός μοι τοῦτο τὸ ὕδωρ, ἵνα μὴ διψῶ μηδὲ ἔρχωμαι ἐνθάδε ἀντλεῖν. 

λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ὕπαγε φώνησον τὸν ἄνδρα σου καὶ ἐλθὲ ἐνθάδε. ἀπεκρίθη ἡ γυνὴ καὶ εἶπεν· οὐκ ἔχω ἄνδρα. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· καλῶς εἶπας ὅτι ἄνδρα οὐκ ἔχω· πέντε γὰρ ἄνδρας ἔσχες, καὶ νῦν ὃν ἔχεις οὐκ ἔστι σου ἀνήρ· τοῦτο ἀληθὲς εἴρηκας. λέγει αὐτῷ ἡ γυνή· Κύριε, θεωρῶ ὅτι προφήτης εἶ σύ. οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν ἐν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ προσεκύνησαν· καὶ ὑμεῖς λέγετε ὅτι ἐν ῾Ιεροσολύμοις ἐστὶν ὁ τόπος ὅπου δεῖ προσκυνεῖν. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· γύναι, πίστευσόν μοι ὅτι ἔρχεται ὥρα ὅτε οὔτε ἐν τῷ ὄρει τούτῳ οὔτε ἐν ῾Ιεροσολύμοις προσκυνήσετε τῷ πατρί. ὑμεῖς προσκυνεῖτε ὃ οὐκ οἴδατε, ἡμεῖς προσκυνοῦμεν ὃ οἴδαμεν· ὅτι ἡ σωτηρία ἐκ τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων ἐστίν. ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, καὶ νῦν ἐστιν, ὅτε οἱ ἀληθινοὶ προσκυνηταὶ προσκυνήσουσι τῷ πατρὶ ἐν πνεύματι καὶ ἀληθείᾳ· καὶ γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ τοιούτους ζητεῖ τοὺς προσκυνοῦντας αὐτόν. πνεῦμα ὁ Θεός, καὶ τοὺς προσκυνοῦντας αὐτὸν ἐν πνεύματι καὶ ἀληθείᾳ δεῖ προσκυνεῖν. λέγει αὐτῷ ἡ γυνή· οἶδα ὅτι Μεσσίας ἔρχεται ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός· ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος, ἀναγγελεῖ ἡμῖν πάντα. λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ λαλῶν σοι. καὶ ἐπὶ τούτῳ ἦλθον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐθαύμασαν ὅτι μετὰ γυναικὸς ἐλάλει· οὐδεὶς μέντοι εἶπε, τί ζητεῖς ἢ τί λαλεῖς μετ᾽ αὐτῆς; ᾿Αφῆκεν οὖν τὴν ὑδρίαν αὐτῆς ἡ γυνὴ καὶ ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν, καὶ λέγει τοῖς ἀνθρώποις· δεῦτε ἴδετε ἄνθρωπον ὃς εἶπέ μοι πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησα· μήτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός; ἐξῆλθον οὖν ἐκ τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἤρχοντο πρὸς αὐτόν.

 

 

᾿Εν δὲ τῷ μεταξὺ ἠρώτων αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ λέγοντες· ῥαββί, φάγε. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἐγὼ βρῶσιν ἔχω φαγεῖν, ἣν ὑμεῖς οὐκ οἴδατε. ἔλεγον οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ πρὸς ἀλλήλους· μή τις ἤνεγκεν αὐτῷ φαγεῖν; λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἐμὸν βρῶμά ἐστιν ἵνα ποιῶ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με καὶ τελειώσω αὐτοῦ τὸ ἔργον. οὐχ ὑμεῖς λέγετε ὅτι ἔτι τετράμηνός ἐστι καὶ ὁ θερισμὸς ἔρχεται; ἰδοὺ λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐπάρατε τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὑμῶν καὶ θεάσασθε τὰς χώρας, ὅτι λευκαί εἰσι πρὸς θερισμὸν ἤδη. καὶ ὁ θερίζων μισθὸν λαμβάνει καὶ συνάγει καρπὸν εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον, ἵνα καὶ ὁ σπείρων ὁμοῦ χαίρῃ καὶ ὁ θερίζων. ἐν γὰρ τούτῳ ὁ λόγος ἐστὶν ὁ ἀληθινός, ὅτι ἄλλος ἐστὶν ὁ σπείρων καὶ ἄλλος ὁ θερίζων. ἐγὼ ἀπέστειλα ὑμᾶς θερίζειν ὃ οὐχ ὑμεῖς κεκοπιάκατε· ἄλλοι κεκοπιάκασι, καὶ ὑμεῖς εἰς τὸν κόπον αὐτῶν εἰσεληλύθατε. ᾿Εκ δὲ τῆς πόλεως ἐκείνης πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτὸν τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν διὰ τὸν λόγον τῆς γυναικός, μαρτυρούσης ὅτι εἶπέ μοι πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησα. ὡς οὖν ἦλθον πρὸς αὐτὸν οἱ Σαμαρεῖται, ἠρώτων αὐτὸν μεῖναι παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς· καὶ ἔμεινεν ἐκεῖ δύο ἡμέρας. καὶ πολλῷ πλείους ἐπίστευσαν διὰ τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ, τῇ τε γυναικὶ ἔλεγον ὅτι οὐκέτι διὰ τὴν σὴν λαλιὰν πιστεύομεν· αὐτοὶ γὰρ ἀκηκόαμεν, καὶ οἴδαμεν ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ἀληθῶς ὁ σωτὴρ τοῦ κόσμου ὁ Χριστός.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

THE persecution turned out to be no slight benefit as "to them that love God all things work together for good." (Rom. viii. 28.) If they had made it their express study how best to establish the Church, they would have done no other thing than this--they dispersed the teachers.[*] Mark in what quarters the preaching was extended. "They travelled," it says, "as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch; to none however did they preach the word but to Jews only." Dost thou mark with what wise purposes of Providence so much was done in the case of Cornelius? This serves both to justify Christ, and to impeach the Jews. When Stephen was slain, when Paul was twice in danger, when the Apostles were scourged, then the Gentiles received the word, then the Samaritans. Which Paul also declares: "To you it was necessary that the Word of God should first be spoken; but since ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy, lo, we turn unto the Gentiles." (ch. xiii. 46.)..."And the hand of the Lord," it says, "was with them," that is, they wrought miracles; "and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." (v. 21.) Do you mark why now also there was heed of miracles (namely) that they might believe? "Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch." (v. 22.) What may be the reason that, when such a city received the word, they did not come themselves? Because of the Jews. But they send Barnabas. However, it is no small part of the providential management even so that Paul comes to be there. It is both natural, and it is wisely ordered, that they are averse to him, and (so) that Voice of the Gospel, that Trumpet of heaven, is not shut up in Jerusalem..."And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch." (v. 26.) Verily this is the reason why it was there they were appointed to be called Christians, because Paul there spent so long time!
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 25 on Acts 11, 4th Century

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

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Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2016

03/08/2016

The spiritual impact of this sacred time of year is tremendous if we dedicate our full being—heart, body, soul and mind—to God. This transformation in our lives and the witness of life and faith we offer others through Great Lent is affirmed in the opening of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Patriarchal Homily on the Occasion of Holy and Great Lent

03/10/2016

Beloved and blessed brethren and children in the Lord, Yet again this year, through the God-inspired words, the holy Psalmist ushers the Orthodox faithful into the “mystery” of Holy and Great Lent, pointing out the benevolence of the Lord and the workings thereof as he cries out, the Lord works mercy and righteousness for all the oppressed (Psalm 102,6). For the Lord satisfies our desire with good things so that our youth is renewed like that of the eagle (c.f. .5).

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day

03/24/2016

On this holy and beautiful Feast of the Annunciation we celebrate the astonishing announcement by Archangel Gabriel to our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos, about the coming of the Holy One, the Son of God, who would bring salvation and an eternal kingdom of peace. In proclaiming this message of hope and grace, Gabriel states the miraculous manner by which God will enter our humanity: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you (Luke 1:35). And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus (Luke 1:31).

Archbishop Demetrios Calls for full participation in NYC’s Greek Independence Parade, April 10, 2016

04/01/2016

On March 25th we celebrated the beautiful and holy Feast of the Annunciation and the commemoration of Greek Independence Day. In following the worship of our Lord and the honoring of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos, as well as the legacy of March 25th for the people of Greece and the world, we gather again this Sunday, April 10, in New York City for our Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy Pascha 2016

04/27/2016

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for AHEPA Sunday - May 15, 2016

05/10/2016

On this day we also recognize the members of our beloved AHEPA family, as they are inspired by the power of the faith that we share and their love for humankind to offer service and resources in many ways. For over ninety years the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association has promoted the ideals of philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through many programs and special efforts, including assistance to Greek immigrants, scholarships for youth, housing for senior adults, relief funds following major tragedies, and activism on a wide range of issues.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Independence Day - July 4, 2016

06/30/2016

This is the voice that must be our voice. His words must be heard and the Gospel communicated in all that we do. Now is the acceptable time for us to be the voice of Christ and to use our liberty in Him to offer truth, grace, and eternal life in a changing world.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition - August 15, 2016

08/11/2016

The Virgin Mary knew the voice of Christ because she shared a unique relationship with Him as His mother. She heard His voice from birth throughout His life and ministry; she heard His words as He grew; she marveled at His wisdom as a youth; she listened to His teaching; she was burdened with great sorrow when He cried out from the Cross; and she was filled with great joy following His resurrection and hearing His promises.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/31/2016

We give thanks to our merciful and holy God for this blessed opportunity to begin another ecclesiastical year, and we anticipate the witness of His presence and power in our lives and in our worship and work of spreading His Gospel. In addition to the observance of this day as the beginning of a new liturgical cycle, it has also been designated by our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2016

09/13/2016

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Commemoration of the Asia Minor Catastrophe - September 18, 2016

09/16/2016

In recognition of this and many related tragic events of that era, I ask the parishes of our Holy Archdiocese to have special observances and memorial services on Sunday, September 18. Together, let us remember our forbearers who perished and commemorate the valor shown by those who survived. Let us honor the memory and sacrifice of those who suffered. As we are confronted by the crises in our contemporary world, let us find strength and guidance in our Orthodox faith, just as many did in those dark days, placing their hope for deliverance and salvation in Almighty God.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2016

10/25/2016

On October 28, 1940, and in the hard days, months, and years that followed, the cry of “OXI” resonated in the hearts and minds of the people of Greece. They made a choice. They remembered their blessed heritage of freedom and the centuries of hardship when liberty was lost. They chose timeless ideals over temporal threats. They chose courage over fear, faith when the immediate future was unknown, and resolve when asked to willingly acquiesce to a stronger, ruthless power. When many others were submitting to false ideologies and regimes of tyranny, the leaders and people of Greece chose to stand and show to the world the true nature of heroism.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2016

12/19/2016

Today, we know Him as the Christ child, the hope for all humanity, and the fulfillment of divine promises. He is the dayspring from on high (Luke 1:78), the Anointed One, who has come to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to give sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).

Patriarchal Encyclical for Christmas 2016

12/19/2016

We praise and glorify the God in Trinity, who deemed us worthy once again this year to reach the great feast of the Nativity in the flesh of the Son and Word of God the Father in “little Bethlehem.”
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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fifth Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.
Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Mid-Pentecost in the Eighth Mode

At Mid-feast give Thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of piety; for Thou, O Saviour, didst cry out to all: Whosoever is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Wherefore, O Well-spring of life, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.
Μεσούσης τῆς ἑορτῆς, διψῶσάν μου τὴν ψυχήν, εὐσεβείας πότισον νάματα ὅτι πᾶσι Σωτὴρ ἐβόησας· ὁ διψῶν, ἐρχέσθω πρός με καὶ πινέτω· Ἡ πηγὴ τῆς ζωῆς, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς δόξα σοι.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Eighth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.
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