Message from Metropolitan Alexios
My Beloved Ones,
Nearly two weeks ago, the United States celebrated the secular holiday known as Memorial Day. This day includes the solemn practice of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to commemorate all those who gave their lives in the service of something greater than themselves. In a way, this national celebration resembles the upcoming final liturgical celebration of the Paschal season, the Sunday of All Saints.
Arriving on the first Sunday after Pentecost, the placement of this day on the liturgical calendar is full of meaning. The feast of Pentecost welcomed the Holy Spirit to the Church Militant, and in doing so, the fervor of God has been given to all, thereby increasing the number of His saints.
The Greek word for Saint, Ἁγία literally means, “Separate from the earth”. We are asked during each Divine Liturgy to “put aside all earthly cares”, and indeed, this is a struggle that is central to our identities as Christians. For this reason, we have the saints as models, as pillars, to help strengthen us on our journey towards unification with our Creator.
While many saints who have witnessed for their faith are commemorated with specific feast days, the Church recognizes that there are numerous unknown holy persons who gave their lives to, and for, Christ, up to the present day. Indeed, it is a sober realization to see that the persecution of Christians has continued, especially across the Middle East.
Surely, we shall never know the identities of all the martyrs and saints—both past and present; and for this reason, the Church seeks to honor the “Unknown Saints”, as well as the known. Perhaps these saints do not have relics, or have not had miracles attributed to them. Even so, these saints are meant to inspire us.
They themselves have achieved reunion with God, whether as martyrs, or otherwise. Look to them in times of distress. Look to them in times of joy—for they are all present with us invisibly, whenever we gather together for Liturgy.
This Sunday, I pray that we will all take time to honor the saints. For whether they are known or unknown to us, they will continue to show us the way, so long as we are willing to listen, learn, and pray.
+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta
From the Chancellor's Desk
Many labor under the wrong concept of success. This is the idea of achieving possessions, status, and power. A person’s self-image is measured by what he or she earns or possesses, by what he or she socially can do or economically control. However, the Saints teach another radically different concept of success based on faithfulness and discipleship. True success is measured by the depth of one’s personal communion with God, concern for the salvation of souls, and the advancement of the Kingdom. A truly successful person is a saint – one who seeks wholeness in God, who strives to grow in the image of Christ . . . who finds fulfillment and happiness in loving God and mankind, and serving others for God’s glory.
This Sunday is All Saints Sunday; let us consider the exemplary efforts of the countless saints that God has given us in each generation to witness His love and mercy and to help us reach His Kingdom. “…Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, Who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
+Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor
The Panagia Chapel Roof Tiles Campaign: Our opportunity to place the names of our loved ones in the Holy Altar of the Panagia Chapel.
April 24, 2017
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in our Resurrected Lord
I greet you all with a joyful heart as we live in the renewal of our Lord’s Resurrection. I come before you today, to encourage all of us to work together hand in hand for the completion of the Panagia Chapel, which is the jewel of our Metropolis at the Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, SC, through the Roof Tiles Campaign.
As someone who fervently prays for the spiritual lives of all our faithful, I believe that the Panagia Chapel allows all of us—including our young people—to feel inspired, as we work towards that common goal when we are able to gather together and worship as the Body of Christ.
I am asking each faithful household of our Holy Metropolis to participate by submitting names of both living and departed loved ones (even if you are not financially able to contribute to the Roof Tiles Campaign). I do not want anyone to miss the blessing to submit names, for it is a great one; because not only will the list of names be sealed within the Holy Altar and with Holy Relics during the consecration of our Chapel, but the names will be commemorated at all the services throughout the year and the years to come.
I thank you for your continued support. I pray that during this season of renewal, we will all be uplifted by our communal vision, as we seek to create an environment which will ensure that our children, grandchildren, and countless future generations always have a place which reflects God’s glory and the living presence of the Saints. On behalf of the faithful souls in our Metropolis, I remain,
With paternal blessings and with much love in our Risen Lord,
+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta
The Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan Updates
The 2017 Clergy-Laity Assembly in Raleigh, NC is in a month!
If you have not already planned on coming to attend one of our Faith Forums during the day on Friday, June 23, you will not want to miss out! The Faith Forums is where the 28 specific new programs and ministries developed to aid you and your parish community come to life with guided workshops to teach the content and answer your questions.
As a Metropolis family, together we are stronger and more capable. It is in this spirit that your Metropolis invites ALL laity and clergy from EVERY parish (regardless if you are a delegate or not) to join with us to explore exciting and positive best practices to help us on our journey as Christians and to make disciples of ourselves, our families, and our communities. We are excited to announce the following topics for the Inaugural “Mini” Faith Forums:
- Parish Strategic Planning
- Seniors Program
- Risk Management
- Council of Ministries
- Comprehensive Stewardship
- Orthodox Leadership Training
- Newly Married Couples Mentoring
- Spiritual Growth Resources
- Religious Education
- Early Parentening
- Best Education Materials
For more information on each of the above sessions visit: http://atlstrategicplan.org/home/completed-goal-materials/faith-forums/
If you have any questions or wish to attend, please contact our Communications Director, Zoe Kafkes, at communications@atlmetropolis.org.
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After many months of hard work and much anticipation, the first goals of the Metropolis of Atlanta Strategic Plan are complete and there is content on the Web Portal for download. Parishioners are invited to use the new content found at www.atlstrategicplan.org/portal to enhance their efforts working for the Church and its many ministries. The completed Goals include: 1.1 Parish Strategic Planning (including the addition of customizable templates), 3.3 Communications Director, 5.4 Seniors Program, 10.1 Metropolis Website and 10.3 Best Practices Metropolis Resource Center Portal. In addition to the first content, the website has been redesigned for ease of use. For more information please visit www.atlstrategicplan.org. If you have questions, contact your Parish Champion or communications@atlmetropolis.org.
Family Life Ministry
The Metropolis of Atlanta’s Family Life Ministry (www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org) strengthens individuals, families and church families through adaptable programs, blogs and educational materials as a means of fostering connection within our homes and our parishes.
As a Christian, the most important thing we want to teach our children is Jesus’ love, but how do we ensure our children learn His love?
Reading Bible stories to your children, role playing, talking about creation, praying together, and enlisting the help of others are all great ways to ensure your children learn about Jesus’ love. Most importantly, tell your children that who you believe Jesus is makes all the difference in the world to you in good times and bad, joy and sorrow.
Join us today as we discuss the importance of teaching your children who Jesus is and what He means to you.
Journey of Marriage (Pre-Marital Seminar)
All couples marrying in the Metropolis must attend a Metropolis-sponsored Journey of Marriage seminar prior to their wedding. The couple will present their certificate of completion to their parish priest after the seminar.
- June 17, 2017 - New Port Richey, FL
- Sept 9, 2017 - Hollywood, FL
To see the full list of seminars through 2017, and to register, please visit:http://www.familylifeministry.atlanta.goarch.org/upcoming-events-2/
When you shop with Amazon, you can donate to the Diakonia Retreat Center
Amazon Smile is a program that allows for 0.5% of your eligible Amazon purchase to be donated to the Diakonia Retreat Center. To find our Amazon Smile page, visit https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-2187047.