Sept 27, the Georgantas – Khoury family & friends invites you to coffee hour.

We still need groups or families to host coffee hour on Oct. 4 and  Nov. 1. Please contact the office.

Sept 28 at 6 p.m. in the hall. We continue our tribute to our country’s 250^th anniversary with Part II of  America America  (1963.) A Greek Orthodox man living in the Ottoman Empire of the 1890s, enduring ethnic and religious persecution by the Turks, is desperate to get to America. Academy Award-winning director Elia Kazan based a novel and this English-language movie on the real-life experiences of his uncle. The beautiful soundtrack is by Manos Hadjidakis.  Free and open to all. 

Thu., Oct 1, 8:20 am Orthros; 9:30 am Liturgy in St. Philothei Chapel. Please note that this feastday is being celebrated now instead of ‘OXI’ Day.

Thu., Oct 1  6:30 p.m. in the Board Room. Representatives from all the Greek clubs welcome to come plan the 2027 Greek Independence parade.

Bread of Life next service date: Saturday, Oct 3

Contact  Christina (440) 665-1494 

Philoptochos’ next service date: Tuesday, Oct 13                                          

Contact Joanne Harootunian (440) 353-0910.     

Oct. 4, we honor our Choir & Cantor, and remember our parish’s deceased musicians.

Special Movie Monday musical film on Mon., Oct. 5^th at 6 p.m. in the hall, The Von Trapp Family: A Life of Music. Free and open to all.         

10/11: Irma Souris    11/29: Pete Gastis     12/13: Dean Paras

Sun., Oct. 18 immediately following Liturgy, in the church. Single agenda item: approval of 2026 Board of Elections. Need quorum of 25 members in good standing.

Tue., Oct. 20,  11:30 a.m. in the hall. Seniors from St. Demetrios & St. Paul invited. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. RSVP to [email protected]

As always, fall is a busy time for Philoptochos. We look forward to hosting you at the following events celebrating St Demetrios' feastday:

 Sunday,  October 25, 6:00 p.m.  Vespers, Reception to follow

Monday, October 26, 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, followed by St. Demetrios Feast Day Luncheon .   Adults: $18    Children: $10

 Sunday November 8 Holiday Tea at 2:00 pm in the Cultural Hall.

·         A traditional English Tea featuring a presentation by Janet Weir Creighton, Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs,  who will recount the decades of beautiful holiday decorations and ornaments at the White House.   Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets early. $50 

Tickets for the lunch and tea on sale during coffee hours

Happy Fall to All!

Wed., Oct 28, we remember Greece’s courageous “No” to the Axis Powers during WWII, with a screening of the film “The Angry Hills” about an American journalist working with the Greek resistance against the Nazis. Filmed in Greece with English dialogue. 6 p.m. in the Cultural Hall. Free and open to all.

Thu., Oct 29 5:00 p.m. Our Greek School will parade around the church and lay a wreath at the flag pole, followed by a short program in the Cultural Hall. free and open to all.

We meet on Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Library. We are starting Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite Tikhon. It is available in The Catacomb Bookstore (open Sundays after church and weekdays  during office hours.)

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel.

Contact Diakonissa Amy ([email protected] or 330-519-3100) to join, or to submit names for whom we can pray. 

Thu., Dec. 31 in the Cultural Hall. Groove your way into 2027! We are now accepting donations of baskets and items for the fundraiser. Ticket details coming soon. Contact Kelly (216-410-2068) or Lilly (440-477-1237)

EASTERN ORTHODOX WOMEN’S GUILD Sat., Sept. 26, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 6822 Broadview Rd., Parma. Fellowship, new year blessing, refreshments and door prizes. Learn about the events for this year and assemble IOCC Kid’s School Kits for students affected by war.

ANCIENT PAINTERS AS STORYTELLERS Sun., Sept. 27, 2:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The  Collis Lecture presents Mark Stansbury-O'Donnell, Professor Emeritus at Univ. of St. Thomas.  FREE tickets: https://ticketing.clevelandart.org/18989/19046?promoapplied=true

CRAFT FAIR Sat., Oct. 3, at St Paul Hellenic Center, 4548 Wallings Rd., N. Royalton. Vendors can still request a booth (8x10’ space + 2 chairs; supply own table) for $75; limited tables for rent at $10; limited spaces with electricity $5.  Contact  [email protected]

MEN WHO COOK Sat., Oct. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. at Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Hts. An evening of delicious food prepared by local cooks showcasing their culinary talents & specialties Taste & vote for your favorites. $35 presale; $40 at the door. Proceeds to benefit Sts. Constantine & Helen Philoptochos.

 HELLENIC DANCE Sat., Oct 3, 7 p.m.-midnight, at the Sterea Hellas Foundation, 7890 Brookside Dr., Olmsted Falls. Music by Karizma. Full cash bar & mezedakia platters. $20 donation; children under 13 free. For tickets, call Nick Tsengas (330-998-8837)

‘LIGHT STREAMS IN’ Sat., Oct. 17, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., fall retreat at Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Hts. Keynote speaker is  author & podcaster Elissa Bjeletich Davis on how we can let Christ’s light stream into the world. $15/adult includes breakfast & lunch; free for students. Register at https://pci.jotform.com/form/262124886813159

WONDERFULLY MADE Sat., Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Retreat for the Metropolis of Pittsburgh’s youth & young adults with disabilities. Hosted by Holy Cross Church, 123 Gilkeson Rd., Pittsburgh, PA. For more info, contact Alyssa Kyritsis ([email protected])

HELLENIC HERITAGE & FAITH AWARD Thu., Oct. 22 at Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon. 6 p.m. social hour; 7 pm dinner & program. The Greek Garden Association presents its inaugural award  to Archon Carl R. Hollister, Executive Director of St. Photios Shrine. $75/person.

YOUNG ADULT FALL RETREAT Oct. 23-25 at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. For Young Adults (18-35 years of age) led by Fr. Stephen Loposky speaking on “Spiritual Fathers and the Mystery of Confession”    Register at tinyurl.com/smxbprrp

BUCKEYE CLAMBAKE Sat., Nov 7 at St. Nicholas Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain. Clambake + Watch party for Oregon Ducks vs. OSU. Doors open 90 minutes before kick off. $50 full clambake, $35 chicken dinner; $15 kids’ meal. Cash bar https://square.link/u/Rr98b4xS

ST. PAUL CHURCH ANNIVERSARY Sat., Nov. 14, 6 p.m. St. Paul Greek church, 4548 Wallings Rd., N. Royalton, celebrates its 60^th anniversary with a Night of Music thru the Decades with Tony Quarles & the Discovery Band. Food stations; open bar. Stpaulgoc.org

NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, to the Archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 24. The minister is in New York as part of Greece’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Archbishop Elpidophoros congratulated Minister Papastavrou on what he called a marathon of service in government, in which the minister plays a key role. “The Greek-American community, follows your work and knows how to recognize what truly matters,” His Eminence said. He thanked the minister on their behalf.

Minister Papastavrou accepted the words on behalf of the government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and in turn thanked the Archbishop for the work of the Church. “At a time of so many changes in our lives and of geopolitical turbulence, I believe the Church is an anchor for Hellenism,” he said. “This is a time when we all need spiritual guidance,” he added.

Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke about this summer’s 48th Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland, the biennial national assembly of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which reaffirms the close partnership of clergy and laity. Lay members take the lead in the Church’s administration and finances, he explained. Lay representatives serve alongside clergy in the Clergy-Laity Congress and Archdiocesan Council, helping ensure transparency and sound stewardship.

His Eminence presented the minister with an icon of the Holy Trinity, a copy of the one at the Theological School of Halki, which stands on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Monastery. The Archbishop served there as abbot for eight years.
Minister Papastavrou invited His Eminence to pay an official visit to the Ministry of Environment and Energy on his next trip to Greece.

Before leaving New York, the minister asked to visit St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center on Friday morning. It will be his first time at the shrine, and the name carries personal meaning for him: his late father and his son are both named Nikos.

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Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is a year-long immersive program for young adults ages 21-29 to serve with our most vulnerable neighbors. Corps Members live in community with other young adults, explore topics of the faith and leadership, and root themselves in the Church. Housing, transportation, and food are 100% covered. OVC began programming in Pittsburgh in fall 2022 with 6 participants, expanded to Boston in 2024, and by 2026 had over 100 participants across four programs.

OVC is now pleased to announce expansion to a third city: Phoenix, Arizona, beginning in Fall 2027.

Applications are now open for the 2027-28 full-time program. Learn more at orthodoxvolunteercorps.org/.

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The National Philoptochos Society was honored to welcome Domna Michailidou, Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, and Consul Petros Doritzas to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy (PCOP) on Monday, September 21, as world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The Minister was accompanied by her aides, Katerina Fountotou and Maria Billia. 

The visit opened with an in-depth discussion of Philoptochos’s expansive philanthropic work at the local, national, and international levels. Leadership presented an overview of the organization’s programs and ministries, reflecting nearly a century of service to those in need. 

Caregiver support emerged as a central focus of the conversation. As strengthening and supporting the family is among Minister Michailidou’s foremost priorities, the discussion explored the challenges caregivers face and how communities can better support them. The meeting also looked toward new horizons, considering how Philoptochos can expand its reach and support those in need in Greece and beyond. 

“It was such an honor to welcome Minister Michailidou to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy during this important week, when the eyes of the world are on New York. Her steadfast dedication to families and caregivers speaks to the very heart of our mission, and our conversation opened new horizons for how Philoptochos can extend its love and service to those in need in Greece and beyond. We are deeply grateful for her visit and look forward, with great hope, to all that lies ahead,” said Anita Kartalopoulos, National Philoptochos Vice President

Following the meeting, guests gathered for a luncheon at the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy, where fellowship and continued conversation filled the air. 

Also in attendance were His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, Spiritual Advisor to the National Philoptochos; Anita Kartalopoulos, National Philoptochos First Vice President; Chrissy Orginos-Zografos, National Philoptochos Protocol Officer and Aid to Greece and Cyprus Committee Chair; Paulette Geanacopoulos, Director of Social Services; and Elizabeth Douglass, Administrative Assistant. 

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. With over 90 years of experience, Philoptochos has served communities in need through fundraising and charitable programs. The Society includes more than 400 active chapters nationwide. Learn more at www.philoptochos.org. 

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NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sept. 23 to the annual Greek-American Community “Oli Mazi” (“Όλοι Μαζί”) Luncheon in Manhattan, hosted by The Hellenic Initiative and 27 Greek American organizations. Mitsotakis is in New York for the high-level week of the 81st U.N. General Assembly. He was accompanied by his wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki.

“The Greek American community welcomes you,” His Eminence told the prime minister in Greek. “It loves you and it stands by you.” “Thank you, and I am happy to be here once again,” Mitsotakis replied.

Energy was at the center of Mitsotakis’ remarks on relations with the United States. He cited the Vertical Gas Corridor and Greece’s role in supplying energy to the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He said a U.S.-Greek consortium would most likely begin exploratory drilling for natural gas next spring. He also spoke about his stop in California, where he met with Silicon Valley executives as part of an effort to strengthen Greece’s position in technology and artificial intelligence. Mitsotakis described Greece as a pillar of stability in a very turbulent region. “Greece is a peaceful country, and we always seek good and productive relations with our neighbors, especially Turkey,” he said. “We threaten no one, but we will not accept anyone threatening us.” He also reminded those who hold voting rights in Greece to register on the online platform so they can take part in the next election.

Mitsotakis then presented decorations of the Hellenic Republic to six honorees:

•  Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev.
• Michael Amiridis, president of the University of South Carolina
• Dr. George Dangas, a cardiologist and professor of medicine and surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• John Koudounis, president and CEO of Calamos Investments
• Athena Kromidas, who for many years was principal of the William Spyropoulos Greek American Day School at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, Queens
• Patrick Theros, a former U.S. ambassador to Qatar

Senior U.S. officials in attendance included Michael Rigas, deputy secretary of state for management and resources, and Aristidis Kourkoumelis, assistant secretary for trade and economic security at the Department of Homeland Security. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also present. Three members of the Greek government also attended: Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou. Elected officials at the luncheon included California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis; New York state Sen. Andrew Gounardes; and state Assemblyman Michael Tannousis. They were joined by former New York state Sen. Michael Gianaris. Greek diplomats attending included Antonis Alexandridis, the ambassador to the United States; Iphigenia Kanara, consul general in New York; and Symeon Tegos, who was consul general in Boston until recently. Kyriakos Pogiatzis, consul general of Cyprus in New York, also attended.

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The Maliotis Cultural Center of Hellenic College Holy Cross is pleased to announce the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University, opening a new chapter of academic and cultural collaboration between the two institutions.

Building on an ongoing dialogue and a shared interest in strengthening Hellenic studies, the MOU provides a framework for developing joint initiatives in scholarship, culture, and public engagement.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to the study and dissemination of Greek language and culture and to meaningful engagement with the Hellenic world in both its historical and contemporary dimensions.

Through this collaboration, the two institutions will explore opportunities for scholarly exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, academic programming, cultural initiatives, and public events, bringing together scholars, students, and wider audiences.

The first initiative associated with this new collaboration will be the upcoming program “Living Within Planetary Boundaries,” on Thursday, October 15, featuring Alexandra Mitsotakis as a guest speaker.

The event offers an early example of the kinds of conversations the partnership hopes to foster: bringing scholarship into dialogue with contemporary questions and connecting the intellectual and cultural dimensions of Hellenic studies with broader public concerns.

We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create for future collaboration, cultural exchange, and engagement with the Hellenic world.

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NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla to the Archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Rodríguez, who is in New York for the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío.

During the meeting, Minister Rodríguez briefed Archbishop Elpidophoros on what he described as worsening humanitarian conditions facing the Cuban people, especially the most vulnerable. The Archbishop, for his part, spoke of the Church’s responsibility to place the human person and the God-given dignity of every individual at the center of its concern. “I will pray that the Lord illumine the minds and hearts of all those engaged in dialogue, so that they may find a peaceful path forward that will relieve suffering and bring hope to the people of Cuba,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. His Eminence also said he would reach out to the Archdiocese’s ecumenical partners, beginning with the National Council of Churches, to explore how faith communities might cooperate in humanitarian efforts.

Cuba has had an Orthodox cathedral since January 2004, when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew consecrated the Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Myra in Old Havana.

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A newly-revised bilingual edition of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom has arrived at the Orthodox Marketplace warehouse and is now in stock. The Divine Liturgy Pew Edition 2026, published by Orthodox Press, can be ordered by parishes in bulk and by individuals one copy at a time.

The volume was prepared under the direction of the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and approved by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It presents the official Greek and English texts of the Divine Liturgy on facing pages.

The new edition follows the official Greek Hieratikon of 2020 and brings a careful revision of both the Greek and the English. Drawing on the liturgical experience of the Church, scholarly review and pastoral practice, the revised translation aims for greater clarity and precision while keeping the theological depth and the familiar cadence that worshippers know.

The book is bound in hardcover, with a gold-stamped cover and an interior design inspired by the Byzantine tradition. Alongside the Divine Liturgy, it includes the Prayers of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion, the Memorial Service (Trisagion) and the Service of the Blessing of the Five Loaves (Artoklasia).

Parishes throughout the Archdiocese are invited to place the new edition in their pews, so that the faithful can follow the service closely and take part in it more fully. Clergy, chanters, readers and laypeople may also order individual copies for personal prayer, liturgical study, use at home or as a gift.

How to order

Parishes can order by the case, with 48 books per case, for pew and congregational use: Place a bulk order (48 books per case)

Individuals can purchase single copies here: Purchase an individual copy

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