Oct. 4th  we honor all our Choir members, directed by Maria Steffas, and Cantor/organist Irene Georgantas, and also remember our parish’s deceased musicians: 

 George Bowdouris, Eugenia Burpulis, Vasiliki Delaney, Maria Diamantis, Donna and Louis Fisher, Connie and Mary Georgeson, George Kapottos, Manolis Katrakazos, Anastasia Kolas, Mary Kolas Klassa, Markella Lakos, Georganne Latkovic, Michael Loejos, Presvytera Emilia Metallinos, Dena Nikokirakis, Effie Oulas, James Pappadakes, Pete Poolos, Jack and Sylvia Pyros, George Rafailides, David Richards, Kay Schmitz, Fr. Nick Theodosian, Angela Tjotjos, Bill Vassos, Mary Westbrook, and Artemis York. 

The Choir invites you all to coffee hour after Liturgy to celebrate.

Mon., Oct. 5^th at 6 p.m. the hall, come see a Special ‘Movie Monday’ musical film, The Von Trapp Family: A Life of Music. An Austrian woman recounts to her young relatives how their family found a new home in America after fleeing political persecution by the Nazis during WWII. Based on eldest daughter Agathe Von Trapp’s memoir, it is both a prequel and sequel to The Sound of Music, about the famous family of church music singers.  Free and open to all.         

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

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

Bread of Life next service date: Saturday, Nov 7. Volunteers also needed for Jan. 2. 

Contact  Christina (440) 665-1494 

Philoptochos’ next service date: Tuesday, Oct 13                                          

Contact Joanne Harootunian (440) 353-0910.     

Wed., Oct. 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. Create your own piece of  art with a Mediterranean theme while enjoying wine from Melted Wings winery. $15 per person includes painting materials and refreshments.  RSVP to Eleni [email protected] to ensure materials. Sponsored by Daughters of Penelope  to benefit the Greek Cultural Garden.

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]

Thu., Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. in the Zapis Activity Center. Parish children invited (in costume)  for pizza, beverages, and decorated tables with treats. Those able to decorate a table and provide candy for distribution,  RSVP to [email protected] by Oct. 11.

~Sun., Oct. 25,  6:00 p.m. Vespers, followed by receiption, hosted by Philoptohcos.

~Mon., Oct. 26,  8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, followed by feastday luncheon in the hall, sponsored by Philoptochos. $18/adult; $10/child. Tickets available during coffee hour or contact Litta Klidas (216-978-5396) or Pela Telidis (440-590-0704)

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.

Sun., Nov. 8, 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/person. On sale during coffee hours or at  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/holiday-tea-3

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)

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. 

CRAFT FAIR Sat., Oct. 3, 9 am- 4 pm,  at St Paul Hellenic Center, 4548 Wallings Rd., N. Royalton. $2 admission for access to shop from many vendors for gift items and pastries. Proceeds to Benefit St Paul Philotochos.

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. $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)

ORTHODOX CHARITIES FUNDRAISER Thu., Oct. 15 at Holy Trinity Church, 6822 Broadview Rd, Parma. $20 /adult; $10 / child (6-12 years); Children under 5 FREE. Doors open at 6 p.m. for auction gift baskets.7 p.m. Dinner. RSVP to Irene Georgantas (585-703-5005) by Oct. 8. All proceeds will go to Orthodox charities (See the full list at www.eowgcle)

‘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

TOP GOLF FUNDRAISER Sat., Oct .17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Top Golf, 35343 Chester Rd., Avon. $60/person for 3 hours of golf; $25 for non-golfers. All tickets include breakfast buffet. Sponsored by AHEPA #144 Lorain-Elyria. RSVP by Oct. 8 to Nick Stamatis (440-785-2981.)

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

GOYA FALL RETREAT Nov. 20-22 at Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. for campers in 7th-12th grade. Camper registrations and staff applications now open at Y2AM.Pittsburgh.goarch.org/retreats

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America joyfully announces that today, Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elected His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos as Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey. 

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America received the news of the election with profound joy and thanksgiving to Almighty God, joining the clergy and faithful of the Sacred Archdiocese and the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey in proclaiming “ΑΞΙΟΣ!” to His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras. 

Reflecting upon the election, Archbishop Elpidophoros stated:

“With profound joy and thanksgiving to God, I congratulate my beloved brother, His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey, upon his election by the Holy and Sacred Synod of our Ecumenical Patriarchate. For many years, I have had the blessing of witnessing firsthand his devotion to Christ and His Church, his fidelity to the Mother Church of Constantinople, and the extraordinary care with which he has undertaken every ministry entrusted to him. 

Today, his many years of faithful service open into a new chapter of his episcopal ministry. The Holy Metropolis of New Jersey receives a shepherd who knows and loves our Church, who has served Her faithfully, and who understands that the episcopacy is above all a ministry of sacrifice, presence, and love. I rejoice not only as Archbishop of America, but as his brother and concelebrant, and I assure him of my wholehearted love and support as he begins this sacred responsibility. We wish him many years and exclaim ΑΞΙΟΣ!” 

The Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey at 11:00 am. On the following day, Sunday, November 8, His Eminence will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral as Metropolitan of New Jersey. 

The clergy and faithful of the our Sacred Archdiocese offer their heartfelt congratulations and fervent prayers for His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras as he begins his archpastoral ministry in the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, praying that our Lord Jesus Christ grant him strength, wisdom, and many years of fruitful service to His Holy Church. 

Biography of His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey 

His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey was born Christos Ziliaskopoulos in 1970 in Reutlingen, Germany, and was raised in both Germany and Greece. During his young adulthood, he spent several formative years in the monastic life on Mount Athos, an experience that profoundly shaped his vocation and lifelong devotion to Christ and His Church. 

He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in 1997 and to the Holy Priesthood in 1998 by His Eminence Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany. In 1999, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew elevated him to the rank of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne. 

For more than twenty years, His Eminence served the Church in Germany in extensive parish, pastoral, and administrative ministry, including as Hierarchical Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany for the states of Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate. He also represented the Ecumenical Patriarchate in ecumenical theological dialogues and was active in Christian and interfaith initiatives. Among his pastoral accomplishments were the establishment of the first Orthodox chapel at Frankfurt International Airport, a 24-hour Orthodox crisis hotline, and the first Greek Orthodox youth camp in Germany. He also oversaw significant parish building and restoration projects. 

In 2017, he relocated to Toronto, Canada, at the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, where he served as Dean of the Patriarchal Toronto Orthodox Theological Academy and as Office Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada. 

In 2019, His Eminence came to the United States to offer his ministry to the Sacred Archdiocese of America and Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he initially served as Chaplain. In 2021, he was appointed Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod and Spiritual Advisor of the National Philoptochos Society and was subsequently entrusted with the direction of the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education. 

> Metropolitan-elect Athenagoras appointed as spiritual advisor of Philoptochos

On May 19, 2021, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elected him Bishop of Nazianzos. He was ordained to the Holy Episcopacy on June 5, 2021, at Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline, Massachusetts, with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presiding. In the years that followed, he continued his extensive service to the Sacred Archdiocese while also serving as Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Astoria.  

> Previously: Archbishop Elpidophoros address at the 2021 ordination of Bishop-elect Athenagoras of Nazianzos

Metropolitan Athenagoras has an extensive academic background. He holds degrees in German Language and Orthodox Theology, including a Master of Theology and a Doctorate in Orthodox Theology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His studies have also included pedagogy, German literature, Roman Catholic and Protestant theology, Judaism, Islamic studies, and comparative religion. His scholarly and ecclesiastical work has been particularly engaged with Orthodox theology, religious education, ecumenical dialogue, and interfaith relations. 

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NEW YORK – September 29, 2026 – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed the esteemed Archon Dr. Stamatios V. Kartalopoulos, who presented His Eminence with his newly published two-volume work, Ancient Hellenic Cities in Asia Minor: Where the “Stones Still Speak.”

The extensive publication is the fruit of years of historical research, travel, and documentation and presents the history of more than 1,600 ancient Hellenic cities in Asia Minor, together with certain adjacent Aegean islands and Eastern Thrace. Drawing upon historical, archaeological, numismatic, epigraphic, and ecclesiastical sources, Dr. Kartalopoulos has assembled a work intended to preserve the memory of communities whose contributions to Hellenism and Christianity continue to resonate across the centuries.

The two-volume publication includes prefaces by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

In his preface, His All-Holiness reflects upon the enduring bond between these historic lands and the Mother Church, writing: “Though now silent in voice, these cities remain audible in the heart of the Mother Church.”

Archbishop Elpidophoros, in his preface, describes the publication as “a truly ground-breaking history, available in English for the first time,” and emphasizes its particular significance for the descendants of the Greek Orthodox communities of Asia Minor. His Eminence writes that, “Even for those without Asia Minor ancestry, this book will put into a more tangible perspective the history of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, because the founding of our Sacred Archdiocese was deeply connected to the Asia Minor Catastrophe…I am grateful for and commend wholeheartedly this tremendous effort of Professor Kartalopoulos.”

The production of the two-volume publication was made possible through the generous contributions of Leadership 100 and the ever-memorable Archon Michael S. and Kay Johnson and their family of Denver, Colorado. Dr. Kartalopoulos has generously donated all rights to the work to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The presentation of the completed volumes marked the culmination of a significant undertaking dedicated to ensuring that the history, faith, and cultural memory embodied in the ancient Hellenic cities of Asia Minor continue to speak to generations to come.

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NEW YORK, September 27, 2026 — The National Greek Folk Dance and Cultural Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the University of Ioannina have announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for academic, cultural, and educational cooperation focused on the preservation, teaching, and resource development of Greek traditional dance and cultural heritage.

Approved by the Holy Eparchial Synod in October 2025 and inspired by the vision of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the new ministry is an initiative dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Hellenic culture as a vital expression of the Orthodox faith.

The partnership is designed to connect academic research and expertise with the lived cultural experience of Greek diaspora communities in the United States in order to strengthen the transmission of Greek heritage to future generations.

Under the MOU, the institutions will explore collaboration in areas including Greek traditional dance, dance anthropology, folklore, cultural identity and heritage, education, and artistic expression. Planned areas of cooperation include educational programs and workshops, curriculum and resource development, scholarly research and publication, student and faculty exchanges, professional development for dance educators, and opportunities for students and researchers to pursue projects addressing cultural sustainability and the transmission of Greek dance traditions.

“This collaboration represents an important bridge between scholarship and community,” said George C. Demos of the ministry’s National Advisory Board. “By bringing together the academic resources of the University of Ioannina, the faith through culture mission of the new ministry, and the national reach of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, we can create new opportunities to preserve, understand, teach, and celebrate the traditions that connect generations of Hellenes and philhellenes.”

The partnership received an early public celebration at Kefi @ Mile High, a cultural weekend presented by the Hellenic Dance Academy of Denver, on September 25-26, 2026. The Denver gathering brought together members of the Greek-American community for workshops, discussion, and a glendi with folk musicians from the U.S. and Greece. The event featured the participation of ministry leadership along with Dr. Christos Papakostas, Professor in the Department of Primary Education and Director of the Laboratory of Language, Folklore and Culture at the University of Ioannina, who signed the MOU on behalf of the University.

The National Greek Folk Dance and Cultural Ministry mission is to promote, preserve, educate, and celebrate Hellenic dance, music, song, and cultural traditions to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian Faith, and to foster a dynamic community in which cultural heritage serves as a living witness to the beauty of the Orthodox faith, engaging current and future generations. Follow the Ministry on Instagram. For more information about Kefi @ Mile High, visit www.kefiatmilehigh.com.

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Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross and Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, will offer a weekly Bible Study every Thursday at 7:00 PM Eastern via Zoom.

Part of The Scriptorium Initiative at Holy Cross, funded by Lilly Endowment, this Bible Study is open to everyone: seminarians, clergy, faithful, seekers, and all who wish to discover more deeply how Scripture is read, interpreted, and lived within the Orthodox tradition.

Coming October 15, 2026. For more information and registration, visit thescriptoriuminitiative.org.

Recurring zoom link to the weekly Bible Study: https://hchc-edu.zoom.us/j/84399084787?pwd=sxU3jn3SdX2lsMLJI55aQkiKX0PnmB.1

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For Anna Maria Alonso, having a voice means embracing the responsibility to use it. Through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Girl Delegates to the United Nations program, Anna Maria was given the opportunity to advocate for issues impacting women and girls through the lens of her culture and faith. 

The program, founded by Niki Devaris-Morgulis and operating through the Archdiocese’s Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations, allows Greek Orthodox high-school girls to utilize their unique talents and uplift them to go forth and become the next generation of change-makers and peace-builders.

 Whether asking questions in a conference room at the U.N. or listening to women share stories of violence, displacement, and persecution, Anna Maria, through the Girl Delegates program, has come to understand advocacy as more than simply speaking, but an opportunity to speak for those who cannot. As a young Greek Orthodox woman with aspirations of becoming an international human rights lawyer, that responsibility has become central to the future she is building. 

Anna Maria is from Tampa, Florida and attends Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, Florida; her family has also been active in the Laconia Society of West Florida for 35 years. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, where she majors in International and Global Studies with minors in Legal Studies and Global Peace and Security Studies.  

Anna Maria’s academic work include international human rights advocacy, and she is particularly interested in advocating for human rights in conflict zones, including those in the Middle East, North Africa, and South America. Anna Maria is also currently conducting research on artificial intelligence (AI) policies and how AI is discussed in more positive or negative terms depending on cultural context.

A certified International Humanitarian Law advocate through the Red Cross, Anna Maria finds that her participation in the Girl Delegate program enhanced her first-hand knowledge of global issues, allowing her to teach youth in her community about humanitarian struggles. She is trilingual, speaking English, Greek, and Spanish.

Anna Maria joined the Girl Delegates program in the spring of 2025, and has attended the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 69, CSW 70, and the FIFA-hosted One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-Being event, in addition to many other events and virtual trainings.  

She credits her culture and faith with driving her passions in life, which likewise led her to join the Girl Delegates program. Anna Maria’s mother first mentioned the program at a family dinner, explaining it was created by a passionate woman promoting Greek Orthodox values and was the perfect avenue for Anna Maria to immerse herself in human rights advocacy. Anna Maria applied swiftly. 

“This program offers opportunities for girls to advocate and speak on areas that many girls across the globe do not have the privilege of speaking about, which truly inspired me,” Anna Maria says. “This program allows me to be a voice for those who have had their voices taken. And for that, I am incredibly grateful to Niki and the GOA.” 

Anna Maria is grateful for the opportunity to learn about global issues which may not present in mainstream coverage or discussed in everyday life. She often reflects on her experience speaking with diplomats, policy makers, and others who participate in advocacy efforts.

“At the U.N., we are one of the only groups representing Greek Orthodoxy. At that global stage, it is incredibly important that we utilize the morals, principles, ethics, and the love that our religion teaches us to bestow upon others,” Anna Maria says. “In a space like the U.N., we meet so many different cultures and people groups, witness different traditions, and hear intense stories and messages, and through it all, our religion teaches us to relay nothing but respect and kindness to those who we are different from. I can’t express how important it is that we utilize the principles we learn through Orthodoxy and put them into practice at the U.N.”

Anna Maria also gained lifelong friends and connections through the Girl Delegates program.

“The program brings together likeminded girls from all over America, and I can proudly say I talk to my fellow Girl Delegates at least once a day,” Anna Maria say. She enjoys connecting with her Girl Delegates socially, but sees herself working alongside them professionally in the future. 

“The UN presents you with the opportunity to connect with so many incredible professionals,” she says. “It is great that with a couple conversations, we can get the contacts of people who may let us enter elite professional spaces in the future, and it is all thanks to this wonderful program.” 

During CSW70, the Girl Delegates attended the side-event “Women’s Equal Right to Participate in the Judiciary and Women’s Access to Justice: More Women, More Access” at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, an international law firm in midtown Manhattan. Anna Maria credits this attendance with influencing her desire to attend law school and practice international law. 

Since then, Anna Maria has met other Greek women lawyers through the program, such as program director, Niki Devaris-Morgulis, and is inspired by women like her who create a pathway for the success of future generations of Greek women. 

“I would encourage other girls to join because this program helps set up your future and unlock opportunities and experiences that will help you discover exactly what you’re passionate about,” Anna Maria says. “It is also an incredible way of expanding your public speaking abilities, networking abilities, living out our faith on a global scale, and having impactful discussions for all the other young girls who couldn’t be there.”

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