Divine Services for The Nativity of the Holy Theotokos

The major Feast Day for The Nativity of the Holy Theotokos is Tuesday, September 8th -The Orthros/Preparatory Service begins at 9:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

The Procession for the Feast Day of the Elevation of the Venerable Life-Giving Cross will be offered on Sunday, September 13th

For this year (2026), the Feast Day of The Elevation of the Holy Cross falls on Monday, the 14th. Thus, the procession with the Cross on a tray of fresh basil will be offered on Sunday the 13th so our Sunday School children, their teachers, their parents, and all those present can witness and experience this wonderful Tradition of the Church.

Office Update

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.

Online Version of the September Shepherd Newsletter

https://www.theshepherdnews.com/

A Message from the Parish Council

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all who worship at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, the Parish Council, in collaboration with the Security Committee, has approved the addition of a licensed professional security officer during Sunday Divine Liturgy, beginning in September.

The security officer will work in coordination with our Narthex Ministry Team and will conduct routine patrols of the church campus throughout worship services. This additional layer of security is intended to enhance the safety and well-being of our parish family while preserving the warm spirit of hospitality and fellowship that has always defined our parish community.

We want to reassure everyone that there have been no recent threats or incidents involving our parish or the surrounding community. This decision is purely a proactive measure and reflects the Parish Council's commitment to prudent planning and responsible stewardship in today's environment.

In addition to the security officer, several other security enhancements have been implemented. Keypad-controlled access has been installed on most exterior gates to help prevent unauthorized entry to the campus. The Parish Council has also approved the installation of eleven (11) high-definition, motion-activated security cameras strategically positioned throughout the church grounds to further strengthen campus security.

The safety of our parishioners, guests, clergy, staff, and children remains one of our highest priorities. These measures are intended to provide peace of mind while allowing everyone to worship, participate in ministries, and enjoy fellowship with confidence.

We are grateful for your continued support, understanding, and trust as we faithfully fulfill our responsibility to care for all those whom God has entrusted to our parish family.

With gratitude,

The Parish Council of Saint Spyridon

Church Parking

We respectfully ask that you please adhere to these guidelines when using the church parking lot:

Please do not park in handicap spaces unless your vehicle displays a valid handicap placard or license plate.
Please ensure that no vehicles are blocked in from any side. Blocking someone in is not only a big inconvenience to them, but damage to your vehicle is very possible.
Please park only in marked spaces. If there is no line marking a parking spot, please do not park there.
To ensure Emergency Vehicle access, please do not park in the red-painted driveway onto Indiana Street.
Please ensure that no Entrances or Exits are blocked by your car.
Please be mindful not to mistakenly take up two spots with your car.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our parking area safe and accessible for all parishioners.

Philoptochos Decorated Icons for September

Commemorate a Feast Day by offering a decorated icon to be venerated in the Narthex. The suggested donation is $85 to: Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. Call the church office at 619-297-4165 to reserve.

Icons available:

9/16: St. Euphemia the Great Martyr

9/17: St. Sophia and her 3 Daughters: Hope, Faith and Love

9/26: Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian

Fellowship and Coffee Hour

We invite you to consider offering a future Sunday Fellowship Hour with your family or friends by providing simple refreshments such as donuts or bagels, fruit, and juice. This is a meaningful way to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion. To sign up, please contact the Fellowship Coordinator, Olympia (Debbie) Kyriakidis at 619-507-6521 or [email protected].

Available Sundays:

September 13th

September 27th

October 18th

November 15th

With appreciation,

Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

Photos & Memorabilia Needed for Our Centennial Celebration

As we look back on our 100-year history, we want to ensure everyone's story is told. If you have any old photos, programs, or memorabilia from past events, milestones, or gatherings, please drop them off at the Church Office or call the Historical Committee through the Hellenic Cultural Society at 858-755-2017. Thank you for helping us honor our shared journey!

Young at Heart Seniors

Monthly meetings resume Tuesday, September 8th, with lunch, bingo, and a chance to reconnect with friends. We’ll share details regarding our October 17th day trip to the St. Nicholas of Temecula Valley Greek Festival. Alexandra Mouzas will highlight plans for St. Spyridon’s 2027 Centennial Celebration, including our ministry’s sponsorship of a recorded video with members’ treasured memories of St. Spyridon through the years. Look for more details in upcoming bulletins, The Shepherd, and email blasts.

Women of the Word Bible Study

Begins for the new year on Saturday, September 12! Look for us at our table in the hall this Sunday and see our “landing site” for more information and registration: https://wowsandiego.carrd.co. You may also contact Kay Harkins at [email protected].

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

New Class Announcement - Young Adult Beginner Greek

We are pleased to announce that our School now offers a Beginner Greek class for young adults (ages 14–18), every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30pm. Join us to build a strong foundation in Modern Greek language and culture in a welcoming, engaging environment!

Greek Dance and Choral School

This week's Dance and Youth Choir classes will be cancelled in honor of the Labor Day weekend. Classes will resume their regular schedule next Sunday, September 13th.

Sunday, September 13th:

3:00 pm: Parea (High School Grads + Adults) will start their dance practices in the Church Hall

Thursday, September 17th:

6:00 pm: Beginner Adult Dance Classes (6 week program) will start their dance practices.

For more information, please email [email protected].

HOPE and JOY

Holy Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE) and Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) is returning to St. Spyridon! Our HOPE and JOY Youth Groups are for kids in grades Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. We will be kicking off the new school year with brand new programming from the Archdiocese! Save the date on September 26th for our HOPE and JOY kick-off activity! If you have a child in TK-5th grade and are not on our email list, email Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, at [email protected].

Little Angels Playgroup

Next playgroup is September 16th from 9:45-11:00am. This is for babies and toddlers and parents! We play, sing songs, and do fun activities in our St. Spyridon Playroom (Lower Education Building). If you have any questions, please contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, at [email protected].

Upcoming Memorials in September

9/20: Anastasios Miserlis - 40 days

9/20: Stamatela Avlonitou - 1 year

9/20: Christiana Harrison - 6 years

9/20: Reveka Kotselas - 2 years

9/20: Ioannis Kotselas - 20 years

9/27: Marina Pegas - 1 year

9/27: Emmanuel Pegas - 4 years

Men’s Ministry

Meets on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Church Hall at 6:30 pm. We invite every man—young and old—to join us as we grow stronger in faith, love, and responsibility. During our meetings, we share specific Scripture and teachings from the Church Fathers, connecting the topics we discuss to how we should live in the world today. Our goal is to strengthen ourselves as: men, fathers, husbands, brothers, and, above all, how to better serve our Lord and our church community.

Each month, we average around 30 participants, with ages ranging from 18 to 90 - and we always welcome new faces. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting! Questions? Contact: John Georges - jhgeorges58@gmail.com, text: 951-536-1217.

Pilgrimage to Constantinople - Save the Date

From Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23, 2026, the faithful are invited to join His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as he leads a historic pilgrimage commemorating the 35th anniversary of the enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Joined by National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Plans for this special pilgrimage are currently being finalized, with additional details to be announced in the coming weeks.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

Cardiff Greek Festival 2026

Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th. Get ready for a weekend filled with authentic flavors, vibrant music, and unforgettable culture. For more information, please visit: https://www.cardiffgreekfestival.com/

St. Nicholas Ranch Fall Harvest Retreat 2026

Ranch Fall Harvest Retreat - October 3, 2026: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center invites families, friends, and individuals of all ages to join us for a special day of hands-on learning, creativity, and fellowship as we celebrate the abundance of God’s creation. Participants will enjoy classes and demonstrations on making and canning jam, the science of yogurt making, growing and harvesting edible flowers, and creating beautiful botanical products, along with crafting, family games, and fellowship. Whether you are an experienced gardener or simply curious to learn something new, come enjoy a day of learning, creating, and celebrating the harvest in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills. Registration is now open and space is limited! Visit stnicholasranch.org and click on “Events” to register.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

Orthodox Parish Leadership Monthly Webinar Series

Monday, September 21, 2026 • 5:00 p.m. Pacific. Conflict: Using the Right Approach and Strategy for Success. Conflict is an unavoidable part of life. This webinar equips participants with practical strategies for navigating conflict effectively while strengthening trust and collaboration across teams. Attendees will leave with the tools to manage conflict without personalizing it, apply practical conflict‑triage techniques, and approach difficult conversations with greater clarity and confidence. Register here: https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/orthodox-parish-leadership-2026-webinar-series-conflict-using-the-right-approach-and-strategy-for-success?date=2026-09-21

Strengthen Your Relationship with Eight Dates

Join the Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry for Eight Dates, a relationship series based on the book by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.

When: Thursdays at 6:30 PM (Pacific) via Zoom

Dates: September 10 – December 10.

Topics: Trust, Conflict, Intimacy, Family, Spirituality, and more!

Open to all couples—married or not—who want to improve communication and connection. Register today: familywellnessministry.org/eight-dates

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat: “Food as Medicine”

Registration is now open for the 2026 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat, taking place October 22–25, 2026, at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. Orthodox young adults ages 18–35 from all Orthodox jurisdictions—including those who are new to Orthodoxy or simply exploring the Orthodox faith—are warmly invited to join us for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, hiking, meaningful discussion, service, and spiritual renewal in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. Register here: https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/2026-metropolis-young-adult-fall-retreat-food-as-medicine?date=2026-10-22

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

The Nursery and Cry Room

A nursery and cry room is available in the Narthex behind the candle box, offering a quiet space (with toys, books, changing table) for parents with young children. The room is equipped with both video and audio, allowing you to follow the Divine Liturgy. For assistance, please speak with a member of the Narthex Team.

Agape Meals

Our Philoptochos Agape Meal program provides meals to our St. Spyridon community members who may need help with a meal(s) during a time of need. If you are interested in preparing a home-cooked meal for our parishioners, please reach out to Marian Dougenis at [email protected] or mobile 619-520-3660. Thank you!

Your Legacy and Your Church

...to whom much is given; from them much more is required (Luke 12:48).

Please remember to include your Saint Spyridon parish in your estate plan and bequest.

V. Rev. Arch. Stephanos enthroned as the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios’s new abbot

09/04/2026

ROSCOE, NY – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Divine Liturgy and the Enthronement of the Very Reverend Archimandrite Stephanos as Abbot and Elder of the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios in Roscoe, New York, opening a new chapter for the monastery and marking a significant moment for Orthodox monasticism in the United States.

The Archbishop was joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia. Also present were numerous abbots, abbesses, monks, and nuns from monasteries throughout the United States and Canada, together with clergy, pilgrims, benefactors, and faithful.

Photo by Orthodox Observer/Yannis Malevitis

The two days of prayer and celebration unfolded within the joy of the Feast of the Translation of the Holy Relics of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker, the heavenly patron and protector of the Monastery. The feast was marked by a solemn Vigil, during which Great Vespers and Orthros were celebrated. The divine services were adorned by the beautiful chanting of the monastic choirs, whose prayerful voices filled the katholikon and gave expression to the profound spiritual character of the occasion. Thus, the tonsure and enthronement of the new Abbot were embraced by the liturgical life of the Church and placed beneath the intercessions of Saint Nektarios, whose presence and protection have accompanied the Monastery throughout its life and ministry.

The brotherhood of Saint Nektarios elected Archimandrite Stephanos to succeed its founder and first Abbot, the ever-memorable Elder Joseph, who fell asleep in the Lord earlier this year. The election carries profound meaning within the life of a monastic brotherhood. Every monk who entered Saint Nektarios Monastery had personally received Elder Joseph as his Abbot and spiritual father, entrusting to him his spiritual life and obedience. Following his repose, and after a period of mourning, prayer, and discernment, the fathers chose Father Stephanos as the one to whom they would now entrust that same spiritual care and obedience.

> Previously: Archbishop Elpidophoros presides over funeral for Archimandrite Joseph of St. Nektarios Monastery

The events surrounding the enthronement began on Wednesday, September 2, when Archbishop Elpidophoros tonsured Fr. Stephanos to the Great and Angelic Schema, the fullness of the monastic profession in the Orthodox Church. The Great Schema expresses the monastic’s complete dedication to Christ through prayer, obedience, repentance, and ascetic struggle, together with a renewed embrace of the Cross at the heart of the monastic vocation.

Its celebration immediately before the enthronement carried particular significance: before Fr. Stephanos received the obedience of his brotherhood and responsibility for its spiritual care, he first renewed his own offering and obedience to Christ. The service also marked the first time in the history of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that an Archbishop of America presided over a tonsure to the Great and Angelic Schema.

The enthronement represents an important point of transition for the monasteries established under the spiritual guidance of the ever-memorable Elder Ephraim of Arizona. Elder Ephraim contributed profoundly to the growth of Orthodox monasticism throughout North America, establishing monasteries and appointing the first generation of Abbots and Abbesses entrusted with their spiritual direction.

Elder Joseph was among that generation. He founded Saint Nektarios Monastery in 1999 and served as its first Abbot, carrying with him the spiritual inheritance of Mount Athos. His ministry was devoted to establishing the monastery and forming its brotherhood, while offering prayer, Confession, spiritual counsel, and consolation to the countless faithful who came to its doors.

With the election of Fr. Stephanos, the monastery now enters a new generation of spiritual leadership while remaining firmly rooted in the inheritance it received. As Archbishop Elpidophoros observed in his remarks, “The first generation planted. Now another generation is called to cultivate.”

Addressing the newly-enthroned Abbot, His Eminence emphasized the spiritual weight of the brotherhood’s choice.

“By their vote, they have not simply chosen someone to occupy the Abbot’s throne,” the Archbishop said. “They have said to you: ‘Be our Elder. Be our spiritual father. Guide us. Correct us. Pray for us. Walk before us on the road that leads to Christ.’ They have freely chosen to place their obedience in your hands.”

In his own remarks, Fr. Stephanos spoke with particular gratitude of the relationship between the monastery and the Archbishop, emphasizing that Orthodox monastic life is never separated from the canonical and sacramental life of the Church.

“A monastery is not outside the Church. It is within the Church,” Fr. Stephanos said. “It is the heart within the body of the Church, and the heart cannot live separated from the body.”

Addressing Archbishop Elpidophoros directly, the new Abbot noted the particular significance of receiving the blessing of a hierarch who himself has known the responsibilities of monastic leadership through his former service as Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery of Halki.

“You served as the Abbot at the Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity in Halki; you know what it means to carry a brotherhood in your heart,” Fr. Stephanos said, thanking His Eminence for his paternal care of Saint Nektarios Monastery, his pastoral presence, and the confidence he has placed in its brotherhood.

Fr. Stephanos further pledged that the monastery would continue to live faithfully within the canonical order of the Church, “with obedience, sincerity, and trust toward its canonical Shepherd,” adding: “Obedience is not a chain. It is freedom. And ecclesiastical order does not restrict the monastery. It protects it.”

The Archbishop likewise emphasized that the continuity represented by the enthronement is not simply institutional, but deeply spiritual: the preservation of a living monastic inheritance within the life and order of the Church, passed from spiritual father to spiritual son and received anew by each generation.

His Eminence encouraged Fr. Stephanos and the brotherhood to carry forward the prayer, ascetical life, spiritual ministry, and work begun by Elder Joseph, trusting that their departed Elder’s prayers and blessing remain with them.

A particular emphasis of the Archbishop’s remarks was the monastery’s vocation to remain a place of spiritual refuge for those burdened by the pressures and restlessness of contemporary life.

“Let this monastery always be a refuge for the human person,” His Eminence said. “Let the pilgrim who enters Saint Nektarios feel that he has stepped out of the turbulence of the world and into a place where eternity has come a little closer.”

Fr. Stephanos echoed this understanding of the monastery’s mission, describing monasteries as “the spiritual lungs of the Church,” places where the prayer of the monastic community continues even when the world sleeps and where the invocation, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,” remains at the heart of monastic life.

He also spoke movingly of the spiritual inheritance entrusted to the brotherhood, from Saint Joseph the Hesychast, through Elder Ephraim of Arizona of blessed memory, and through the ever-memorable Elder Joseph, and expressed his desire not simply to occupy the place of his predecessor, but to continue his love for the brotherhood and his ministry to the faithful.

Turning directly to the fathers of Saint Nektarios, Fr. Stephanos asked them to help him remain first and foremost a monk and a servant of his brothers. “I do not want to be above you,” he said. “I want to be with you and, if God gives me strength, to be before you only when it is necessary to carry the cross first.”

The gathering of hierarchs, monastic superiors, monastics, clergy, spiritual children, and faithful from throughout the United States and Canada reflected the significance of the occasion for Saint Nektarios Monastery and for the wider Church.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Archbishop Elpidophoros charged the new Abbot:

“Receive this brotherhood. Become their father. Guard their unity. Carry their burdens. Open the doors of this monastery to the weary. Preserve the inheritance you have received. And lead this sacred community, not toward yourself, not simply toward the memory of any human person, however holy or beloved, but always and only toward Christ,” His Eminence said.

Taken together, the Great Schema tonsure and the enthronement expressed both continuity and renewal: the personal offering of a monk more completely to Christ, the entrusting of a brotherhood to its new spiritual father, and the continuation of a monastic inheritance lived faithfully within the canonical life of the Church.

The celebration concluded with the joyful proclamation: ΑΞΙΟΣ! He is Worthy!

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You’re invited: Saint Anastasia Fellowship webinar on faith and addiction support

09/04/2026

NEW YORK, NY — The Archdiocesan District Philoptochos is proud to announce an upcoming webinar taking place on Saturday, October 3rd, offering essential guidance and spiritual support for Orthodox Christians navigating the complex journey of supporting loved ones experiencing addiction.

Supporting a family member or friend through addiction can feel isolating and overwhelming. For Orthodox Christians, a pressing question often arises: How do we do this while keeping Christ at the center of our lives?

Through this collaborative event, the Archdiocesan District Philoptochos shines a vital spotlight on these challenges, continuing its unwavering commitment to supporting families, strengthening communities, and serving those in need. The Saint Anastasia Fellowship (SAF) is actively working to provide education and reduce stigma by informing the faithful about addiction, recovery, and the Orthodox Church’s theological perspective. By blending modern clinical approaches with ancient healing modalities from our faith, the Fellowship seeks to meet people in their suffering and invite Christ through the intercessory prayers of Saint Anastasia for their healing.

This special online event provides a compassionate space to address these challenges. Participants will hear directly from Fr. Nikolas Delaveris, Director of Development of the SAF, an addiction counselor for more than a decade, and parish priest at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. The Archdiocesan District Philoptochos will moderate the discussion and present the most common questions submitted by registrants about how to navigate this path with faith and strength.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 3rd

Host: Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos

Featured Speaker: Fr. Nikolas Delaveris, Director of Development, Saint Anastasia Fellowship

Call to Action: Sign up and submit your questions today through the official Zoom Registration Link.

All faithful and families seeking comfort, community, and practical spiritual guidance are encouraged to register and participate in this vital conversation.

About the Saint Anastasia Fellowship

The Saint Anastasia Fellowship—a ministry of the Direct Archdiocesan District—offers a uniquely Orthodox Christian approach to addiction recovery. By combining contemporary clinical practices with Scripture, Tradition, and the wisdom of the Orthodox Church Fathers, the Fellowship provides vital education, outreach, intercessory prayer, and peer-based group support to individuals and their families navigating addiction. This ministry is made possible through a generous grant from Leadership 100.

The post You’re invited: Saint Anastasia Fellowship webinar on faith and addiction support appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

https://orthodoxobserver.org/youre-invited-saint-anastasia-fellowship-webinar-on-faith-and-addiction-support/

NEW YORK, NY — The Archdiocesan District Philoptochos is proud to announce an upcoming webinar taking place on Saturday, October 3rd, offering essential guidance and spiritual support for Orthodox Christians navigating the complex journey of […]

The post You’re invited: Saint Anastasia Fellowship webinar on faith and addiction support appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reflects upon 65 years of ministry

09/03/2026

During the Holy Fast for the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in the company of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa and His Beatitude Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, traveled back to the island of Imvros, where he was born on February 29, 1940. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, His All-Holiness observed the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate and offered a series of reflections on his remarkable lifetime of service to Almighty God and His Holy Church.

Before the dismissal of the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, over which he presided at the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated a Trisagion for the repose of his elder and benefactor of blessed memory, Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon. 65 years ago, on August 13, 1961, His Eminence Meliton, then the Metropolitan of Imvros and Tenedos, ordained the 21-year-old Dimitrios Archontonis to the sacred diaconate, and gave him the ecclesiastical name Bartholomew.

Recalling his ordination to the diaconate, His All-Holiness stated that he remembered in particular the words “Jesus only,” from the account of the Transfiguration in the Gospels: “And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only” (Matthew 17:8). These words, he explained, have guided him throughout his lengthy and remarkable lifetime of diakonia.

According to Orthodox Times, the Ecumenical Patriarch “spoke warmly of the formative influence of both Imbros and the Theological School of Halki, where his faith, love of learning and appreciation for Orthodox liturgical and theological tradition were cultivated. He also paid tribute to the people of Imbros who remained on the island through difficult decades and preserved its churches, language and identity. Expressing optimism about the island’s future, he encouraged younger generations to contribute actively to maintaining a sustainable Greek Orthodox presence there.”

His All-Holiness spent eight years as a deacon; Metropolitan Meliton ordained him to the holy priesthood on October 19, 1969, and Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios of blessed ministry consecrated him as a bishop on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, December 25, 1973. On October 22, 1991, the Holy and Sacred Synod unanimously elected him as the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch. He was enthroned on November 2, 1991.

On Imvros on August 13, His All-Holiness gave thanks to God for the “supreme gift of the priesthood.” He noted that in his service to the Holy Orthodox Church, his efforts had been “devoted to pan-Orthodox cooperation, inter-Christian and interreligious dialogue, peace and solidarity, the protection of the natural environment, and engagement between the Church and the contemporary world.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch stated: “My entire journey has been a ‘life in dialogue.’” He stressed “that he has always regarded introversion, isolation, self-sufficiency and ‘sterile monologue’ as incompatible with the Orthodox faith.” He explained that as Ecumenical Patriarch, he had always emphasized that Orthodoxy is “fundamentally a call to communion, encounter with others, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.” He added that these convictions “have inspired initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation in addressing the major challenges of the contemporary world.”

The extraordinary 35-year ministry of His All-Holiness as Ecumenical Patriarch has indeed been marked by remarkable initiatives to in building bridges with Christians of other faith traditions, as well as with non-Christians. In his address, His All-Holiness “also emphasized the wider mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, insisting that the Church cannot remain detached from the challenges facing humanity.” Throughout his tenure as Ecumenical Patriarch, His All-Holiness has consistently and courageously raised a prophetic voice to meet those challenges, calling upon humanity to care for the natural environment, and to recognize that war causes incalculable loss of lives and property while solving nothing.

His All-Holiness said that “the Ecumenical Patriarchate has never been a spectator of the course of human affairs,” while “rejecting the notion that engagement with the world necessarily leads to the secularization of the Church.”

His All-Holiness also recalled the Lord’s words, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:13-14). He declared: “We cannot journey toward God while turning our backs on our fellow human beings.”

That is the ethos that has characterized this holy man’s selfless 65 years of service to the Holy Orthodox Church. We are immensely blessed that his ministry continues. Eis polla eti, Despota!

See the original article here.

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What graffiti taught me about ancient manuscripts

09/03/2026

After moving to Athens when I was 15, I found myself surrounded by graffiti on a scale I had not seen in New York, covering entire walls of neighborhoods, highways and even monuments. This made me wonder what impulse leads people throughout history to mark surfaces and leave a trace? Now, graffiti is illegal and considered damage to public and private property, yet it continues. My interest in graffiti on the streets of Athens intensified and brought me to the Iviron Monastery library at Mount Athos.

Delving into “Silk Road Graffiti” by Dale Johnson, a Syriac Orthodox monk and linguist who documented writings at the margins of ancient scrolls (marginalia) was illuminating. He described marks of children practicing their letters, travelers leaving messages that were sometimes answered decades later, as well as doodles and notes accumulated over hundreds of years. It irked me that historians often treat marginalia as secondary, even distracting. The more I researched, the more I realized the margin is often where the reader becomes present, visible, uncertain, and curious. And marginalia are also the graffiti which cover the walls of Athens today.

In December 2025, I made the long trek to the Holy Monastery of Iviron on Mount Athos to look for marginalia in medieval manuscripts. Coming from Greece’s mainland. I arrived at Mount Athos as a pilgrim would: slowly and tired but with intention. Once there, my visit was a medieval experience: Time moved differently even though church bells rang loudly to mark the functions of the day. The architecture, the communal life of the monks, and the natural setting were more vivid than I had expected.

View of Iviron library. Photo courtesy of Ari Antelman

A dark doorway took me into the library, a vaulted space with brick arches and ceiling-high shelves on either side. From there I saw a series of corridors lined with more wooden shelves and glass cabinets. Monk Theologos Iverites, the librarian, guided me through the collection.

Manuscript cloth casing with the ink drawing of the insect that infested the manuscript. Photo courtesy of Ari Antelman

The wrapping of the manuscripts struck me first. Most volumes were covered with white cloth cases to protect the books from insects. Each had a small, inked symbol alongside a number followed by geometric marks, below which a beetle or other bug had been drawn. This was to indicate which type of insect had infested that manuscript.

Deteriorated manuscripts destroyed by insects. Photo courtesy of Ari Antelman

It saddened me to see so many of the shelved manuscripts with disintegrating bindings and covers, due to infestation. Entire collections are disappearing slowly, eaten away. I closed one book as carefully as if it were an eggshell that could crack, yet a small cloud of dust rose from the eroding pages. The earthy smell of the old paper made me feel I was on an archeological dig. It moved me to holding a book from the 9th century.

Ari handling manuscripts at Iviron Library. Photo courtesy of Ari Antelman

Monk Theologos Iverites has spent years scanning manuscripts before they are all lost. As I assisted him in this preservation work, he helped me identify and translate the marginalia we came across in the many layers that exist in a single manuscript. The notes on the Ottoman invasion to Greece, historical remarks, signatures, drawings, and senseless doodles captivated me. On the inside cover of one manuscript, multiple writers had left their marks across centuries, with crosses, names, and dates all crowded together, each person annotating the previous message. In another manuscript, I spotted a blank end leaf with just two series of a strange, code-like text. In some volumes, I saw signatures rewritten, layers of the same names. The impulse that Johnson had documented was not specific to one culture nor one road but omnipresent in a world of readers. It thrilled me to find that each manuscript had at least three stories or layers: the literal meaning of its text, the journey it has taken over centuries, and the notes and marks in its margins. I had become part of a chain of people discovering them and then helping to restore these unique books before passing them on. The manuscripts have survived Ottoman invasions, insect damage, centuries of handling and I want them to live on.

My dyslexic mind leads me to read around edges before focusing on centers. To me, the margins are the most honest part of the page. The text of a book conveys what is required and expected while the margins express the irrepressible. This understanding took me from New York City and then Athens to one of the most sacred libraries of Orthodox Christianity in Northern Greece. What looked like peripheral noise near the main event became a valuable archive. The margin is not an accidental holding bin but an oasis for scribes in need of more space.

Ari Antelman is a senior at Moraitis School in Athens. He grew up in New York City and is currently conducting independent research on language and memory in Greek American communities.

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After moving to Athens when I was 15, I found myself surrounded by graffiti on a scale I had not seen in New York, covering entire walls of neighborhoods, highways and even monuments. This made […]

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Ecumenical Department holds panel on environmental stewardship, announces new creation care initiative

09/03/2026

On the eve of the Feast of Indiction, the Service of Great Vespers for the Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment was celebrated at St. Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church in New York City by Fr. Nicolas Kazarian, St. Eleftherios parish priest and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Director of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations. The hymns for the Service of Great Vespers were chanted by Master Chanter of St. Nicholas National Shrine, Dimitrios Katsiklis.

Attended by faithful from the NYC area, the service was followed by dinner and an ecumenical panel discussion on the importance of environmental stewardship in the Christian life.

The Great Vespers for the Preservation of Creation was composed on Mount Athos by Monk Gerasimos of the Skete of Saint Anne—who was a hymnographer of the Great Church of Christ. The service, especially composed to celebrate the Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment proclaimed in 1989, heavily integrates themes of repentance for humanity’s destruction of nature, cosmic renewal through Christ, and Old Testament readings (like Leviticus and Isaiah) that link human righteousness with the fertility of the earth.

> Previously: Cosmic worship, cosmic witness: Orthodox Vespers for the Preservation of Creation

“Put an end, O Savior, to the evil designs which are being devised against us by senseless intent, and turn aside from the earth every destructive action of the works of human hands which contrive corruption leading to perdition.”

> Read the full service here.

Panelists Lily Kerhulas, Christina Leano and Dr. Chris Durante speaking at St. Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church (left to right at table). Lily Talmers guided the discussion as moderator (far left). Photo by Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations/Margaret Parks

This celebration of the Day of Prayer for Creation marked the start of the Archdiocese’s new Green Church Initiative. The initiative, managed by Lily Talmers within the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations, will develop resources and programs to support efforts by parishes to embrace the environmental theology of the Orthodox Church and undertake steps to integrate environmental sustainability practices into parish life.

Following Great Vespers, a panel discussion was held in the community hall and featured three notable speakers—Dr. Chris Durante from St. Peter’s University; Lily Kerhualas, a Ph.D. candidate from Fordham University; and Christina Leano, the Associate Director of the Laudito Si Movement in New York. As Project Manager of the Green Church Initiative, Lily Talmers moderated the discussion.

The panelists examined the relationship between Christian faith and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the role of humanity as stewards called to care for God’s creation. They discussed the importance of appreciating and being connected to creation within the spiritual life and the responsibility of Christians to approach the natural world with gratitude and reverence.

“Our encounter with Christ has to lead us deeper into our relationship with creation,” Christina Leano said. “So to care for creation is not an extra thing, an add-on, but actually a constitutive dimension of what it means to follow Christ.”

The discussion also considered how the natural world alludes to God’s presence in the world and has long been the site of revelation.

“That takes us actually going outside and turning our attention towards the environment, to the natural world,” said Lily Kerhulas. “Thinking from a Christian standpoint opens up the possibility of revelation.”

The panelists also addressed the challenges in bridging the gap between public awareness and collective action around climate change and environmental degradation, particularly amid frequent reports of environmental disasters and growing feelings of hopelessness in mitigation pollution and environmental destruction.

Leano spoke of the importance of acknowledging the suffering associated with environmental degradation rather than becoming indifferent to it.

“We need to hold the suffering in our hearts,” Leano said. “We can’t ignore it. And that’s part of our work is to allow our hearts to be broken.”

Dr. Chris Durante approached environmental stewardship through the question of human flourishing, asking what conditions allow individuals, families, and communities to live well. He contrasted that understanding with a culture increasingly shaped by the pursuit of material accumulation and consumption.

“We want a life lived well, we want well-being, happiness, and prosperity for our kin and our children going into the future. Look towards the book of nature, towards what that flourishing actually is,” Durante said. “The good life in the terms of a holistic understanding that isn’t just buying into some corporation’s version of it they’re advertising to you.”

Kerhulas further connected the Christian pursuit of theosis with environmental stewardship, describing creation as a means through which humanity can enter into deeper communion with God. Leano encouraged an approach to environmental work rooted in gratitude, hope, and community, describing creation as a “joyful mystery to be contemplated.”

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St. Romanos the Melodist Medallion awarded at Clergy-Laity Congress

09/03/2026

The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians awarded the prestigious Saint Romanos the Melodist Medallion to two deserving individuals at the 2026 Clergy Laity Congress, with the award presented by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

As is tradition, the National Forum awards the medallion at each biennial Clergy Laity Congress. The medal is awarded to musicians in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America who have made significant and exemplary national contributions to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and its music ministry.

We are pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2026 Saint Romanos the Melodist Medallion recipients:

Fr. Michael Palad
Nicholas (Nick) Chimitris

Fr. Michael Palad has composed, arranged and published music for church choirs including an English Doxology, choral music for the Sacrament of Mariage in the Eastern Orthodox Church and has published the well-known Greek folk song “Snow on the Bell Tower”. In conjunction with Narthex Press, Father Michael started publishing weekly Sunday Orthros music supplements which also include audio recordings.

In 2018, Fr. Michael conceived the idea of gathering Orthodox musicians from all jurisdictions in the Phoenix, Arizona and beyond to sing and enjoy fellowship. Orthodox Christian Choral Fellowship (OCCF) was established and incorporated in 2018. The theme “One Day, One Hymn, One Church” was created and received with great enthusiasm and participation. This resulted in a video posted on social media for all to enjoy. OCCF created a website where the music could also be purchased. In 2020, during the COVID outbreak, “OCCF” went virtual which allowed participation to reach Orthodox musicians nationally and internationally.

He is a National Forum Honorary Life Member, has received the Patriarch Athenagoras Award for distinguished metropolis service, the San Francisco Federation St. John Damascus and St. Cosmas the Melodist awards and has received the Folk Dance and Choral Festival Director Award.

Fr. Michael has served and the Spiritual Leader of the San Francisco Church Musicians Federation and has led chant groups during federation conference Vespers and Orthros services. He currently serves as Presiding Priest at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, Arizona where he has served for 32 years. Axios!

Nick Chimitris poses with Barb Minton and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos

The medallion was also awarded to Nicholas (Nick) Chimitris. Nick has provided transformative national leadership through his service as National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians Chairman since 2020. His work has reshaped the infrastructure, visibility and national reach of Orthodox church music within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

During his three terms as National Chairman, Nick has revitalized the National Forum, accomplishing numerous programmatic and organizational advancements. Under his leadership, the National Forum has become a 501C3 non-profit organization. He was instrumental in scheduling annual audiences for the National Forum Council of Presidents with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, increasing the National Forum’s national recognition and open communication with His Eminence. He is currently spearheading the National Forum’s Anastassiou project, publishing the Diatonic and Enharmonic liturgies in the approved English translation.

Another major program conceived by and being led by Nick is the Saint Romanos Church Music Festival, a national music competition and educational program for youth. This new youth initiative has been enthusiastically approved by the Holy Eparchial Synod for Archdiocesan implementation.

Nick has energized the Council of Presidents to implement his vision for the 50th Anniversary of the National Forum, aligning the National Forum as a full partner in the 2026 Clergy Laity Congress creating a National Forum musicians registration track.

Nick has championed the use of technology to reach church musicians, developing a ground breaking on-line training platform for clergy, church musicians and youth, the Parish Music Leadership Initiative or commonly known as the “MELI” project.

He has increased accessibility of the National Forum’s “Liturgical Guidebook” by creating and offering the option of either a digital or print format.

In 2003, Nick was awarded the Patriarch Athenagoras medal for his contributions to the Chicago Metropolis and the Chicago Metropolis Church Musicians Federation which he led as its longest-serving president for nine terms. He continues to serve on the Federation Board. Through various commendations and awards, his service has been recognized by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America; His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America; Metropolitan of Chicago Iakovos of blessed memory; and His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago.

Nick has been involved with church music for sixty years and served as choir director for over forty of those years. He is currently the choir director at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Hammond, Indiana. Axios!

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The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians awarded the prestigious Saint Romanos the Melodist Medallion to two deserving individuals at the 2026 Clergy Laity Congress, with the award presented by the Archbishop of the […]

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Archbishop Elpidophoros approves ordinations to the diaconate, priesthood

09/01/2026

In his sacred responsibility as described in the Charter of our Sacred Archdiocese, and in his pastoral oversight and fatherly care, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has approved the following ordinations:

Mr. Douglas Kasten to the Holy Diaconate, whom he assigned to serve at Saint Catherine Church in Greenwood Village, Colorado, in the Holy Metropolis of Denver.

Mr. Savvas Eleftheriou Savvidis to the Holy Diaconate, whom he assigned to serve in the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta.

Mr. Nicholas Schwarz to the Holy Diaconate, whom he assigned to serve in the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey.

The Rev. Deacon Andreas Constantinou to the Holy Priesthood, whom he assigned to serve at Saint Vasilios Church in Peabody, Massachusetts, in the Holy Metropolis of Boston.

The Rev. Deacon George Miller to the Holy Priesthood, whom he assigned to serve at the Assumption of the Theotokos Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the Holy Metropolis of San Francisco.

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Read Archbishop Elpidophoros’s message for the New Ecclesiastical Year

09/01/2026

This morning, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America marked the Feast of the Indiction, the New Ecclesiastical Year, and the Day of Prayers for the Protection of the Natural Environment with the following social media post:

Marking the New Ecclesiastical Year, September 1st, is a most significant day for our Church and the entirety of humanity. Our Ecumenical Patriarchate, and especially His All-Holiness Bartholomew, for decades have been emphasizing our relationship with the Earth and all creation, as the God-given environment in which the human family is called to serve as stewards of creation. This contains all that we hold dear on our “Big, Blue Marble” – the land and the seas, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the creatures with whom we share this planet.

We are indeed blessed that we have a “Green” Patriarch who understands the sacred nature of creation, which we celebrate and acknowledge in every icon fashioned for the sanctification of the Faithful. His All-Holiness has been leading the way for a truly Patristic and theological ecology that applies not only across the Christian world in all its diversity, but throughout the interfaith and interspiritual communities as well.

The devastating fires across North America and the recent tragedy in Nepal, where a glacial collapse unleashed a catastrophic cascade of ice, rock, mud, and floodwaters, are stark reminders of the intensifying consequences of climate change, the fragility of our common home, and our sacred responsibility to care for it.

As we commence this New Ecclesiastical Year, may we each pause for a moment to remember the created order with which God has graced our lives, and may we each, in our own way, commit to protecting, enhancing, restoring, and safeguarding the precious gift of the created universe, beginning with our Mother Earth, above whom “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims the work of His hands” (Psalm 18:1 LXX).

See the original post on Facebook and Instagram.

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Read His All-Holiness’s message for the Ecclesiastical New Year, Day of Prayers for the Natural Environment

08/31/2026

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew issued the following message on the occasion of the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year and the Day of Prayers for Natural Environment, September 1, 2026. See the original message here.

† B A R T H O L O M E W

BY THE MERCY OF GOD

ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE–NEW ROME
AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH

GRACE, PEACE, AND MERCY
UNTO THE ENTIRE PLENITUDE OF THE CHURCH
FROM THE FASHIONER OF ALL CREATION

OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST

Most Reverend and Right Reverend Brother Hierarchs, and blessed children in the Lord,

By the grace of God, the giver of all good things, we enter today into the new ecclesiastical year, honouring and celebrating at its commencement, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, the “Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment.”

The multidimensional contemporary ecological crisis is a crisis of human freedom, of our religion and philosophy, of our ethos and our culture. What comes first is the “harmful alteration” of our freedom — our severance and alienation from the Source of Life; what follows is conduct destructive of the natural environment. We feel profound gratitude that the pioneering initiatives and interventions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, carried out without interruption since 1989 have not only revealed the spiritual aspects of the ecological problem, but have also opened new paths and prospects for addressing it. The ecological symposia, the related inter-Christian and interreligious dialogues, the specific recommendations of the Great Church concerning environmental matters, the emphasis placed upon the social dimensions and consequences of the ecological crisis, and other such efforts together constitute a robust environmental proposal, which emphasizes the imperative need for a “Copernican Turn” in our understanding of the idea of progress and in humanity’s attitude towards nature, as well as in the actions of those engaged in political, economic, and social life, of the Churches and religions, of science and technology, and of those responsible for the education of the younger generation.

We shall continue, in word and deed, to promote the ecological vision of the Holy Great Church of Christ and the eco-friendly dynamism of the eucharistic, ascetic, and doxological relationship with creation, always underscoring that careful theological work is needed for the elucidation of the authentic ecological message of our Orthodox faith and tradition, for the benefit of creation, which is “very good.”

We are convinced that highlighting the religious and ethical dimensions of the ecological threat will lead to an awareness of the pivotal importance of “ecological responsibility.” Humanity must at last cease acting as though it does not know and definitively cast aside the illusion that planet Earth can in perpetuity withstand the burdens and destruction caused by human activity, or that nature has the power to renew itself of its own accord. The ethos of responsibility for the protection of the natural environment must find expression at the global, national, local, and personal levels. We reiterate once again that the cultivation of ecological responsibility is a “categorical imperative” for humanity as it confronts the greatest threat it has ever been called to face throughout the entire course of its history.

It is abundantly clear that, so long as the dominant anthropological model is represented by the “foolish rich man” of the Gospel (Luke 12:17–21), with his declaration, “I will pull down my barns and build greater; and there I will store all my crops and my goods,” and his words, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry,” humanity will continue to undermine its future and annihilate its own “home.” The “sins of modernity” have created—and continue to create—new divisions and ruptures between humanity and nature. The contemporary “man-god” persists in geocide, disregarding every measure and limit in the name of geopolitical designs and economic interests, of consumerism and of the satisfaction of essentially insatiable needs, but also, on a deeper level, because of an overturning of inner lived experience and values. The consequences of the global dominance of the desire to manipulate, instrumentalize, and exploit nature will prove to be tragic for life on our planet.

The growing acceptance and official establishment of 1 September as the Day for the Protection of the Natural Environment throughout the Christian world bears particular significance today as a symbol and practical promotion of the unity of Christians. Moreover, the glorification of the “Fashioner of all creation” at the beginning of the Indiction in our liturgical tradition constitutes a precious inheritance, as an invitation and exhortation to respect creation, which suffers the consequences of an unseemly, human-caused assault.

Most Honourable Brethren and dearly beloved children,

Respect for the core pillars of ecological civilization can restrain environmentally destructive tendencies and open the “sole ecological path,” that of sustainable development. More broadly, humanity needs to reach agreement upon a body of common fundamental values which, in a world marked by conflict and polarization, will serve as a compass for the journey towards the future. We regard the principle of solidarity as the central axis of this body of values: solidarity as a source of shared responsibility, dialogue, and sincere reciprocity, together with collective responsibility for the protection of the natural environment. Respect in practice for the sacredness of the human person and care for the integrity of creation are, from a Christian perspective, vital manifestations of the eucharistic realisation of the Church and of human being’s call to become the “priest” of creation.

In this spirit, as we pray that the new ecclesiastical year may be favourable and fruitful in works that are good and pleasing to God, we invoke upon all of you, through the intercessions and mediation of the Most-Holy Theotokos Pammakaristos—whose most sacred icon we reverently keep in the Venerable Patriarchal Church and embrace “with mouth and heart and will”—the grace and mercy of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Whose All-Holy Name be blessed and glorified, now and ever, and unto the endless ages. Amen!

1 September 2026

† Bartholomew of Constantinople

Your fervent supplicant before God

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Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat: “Food as Medicine”

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Diakonia Newsletter

Archdiocese News

V. Rev. Arch. Stephanos enthroned as the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios’s new abbot

09/04/2026

You’re invited: Saint Anastasia Fellowship webinar on faith and addiction support

09/04/2026

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reflects upon 65 years of ministry

09/03/2026

What graffiti taught me about ancient manuscripts

09/03/2026

Ecumenical Department holds panel on environmental stewardship, announces new creation care initiative

09/03/2026

St. Romanos the Melodist Medallion awarded at Clergy-Laity Congress

09/03/2026

Archbishop Elpidophoros approves ordinations to the diaconate, priesthood

09/01/2026

Read Archbishop Elpidophoros’s message for the New Ecclesiastical Year

09/01/2026

Read His All-Holiness’s message for the Ecclesiastical New Year, Day of Prayers for the Natural Environment

08/31/2026

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Apolytikion for Miracle of Michael in Colossae in the Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Saints and Feasts

The Miracle at Colassai of Archangel Michael

Sozon the Martyr

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs

Theodora the Martyr of Alexandria

Autonomos the Martyr