Wed, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Cultural Hall. All welcome to learn more about how Daughters of Penelope and Cleveland Kindness are partnering to help women in Ohio and around the world. Keynote Speaker is Katie Mooney, Executive Director of Cleveland Kindness, our partner in the annual

Purse Project    Now thru Nov. 4, we are collecting, in the lower Narthex, gently used or new purses/totes and personal hygiene items (body wash, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, razors & shaving cream, nail care, warm hats, gloves, scarves, Black hair care products, tissues, feminine hygiene products, lip balm, cosmetics.) We will present all donated items to our guest speaker on Nov. 4^th for distribution in shelters in five different counties throughout NE Ohio, the week before Thanksgiving.

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, Nov 10                                    

Contact Joanne Harootunian (440) 353-0910.     

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, contact Barb Pasalis at   [email protected] or 440-570-7030, OR online at  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/holiday-tea-3

Starting Nov. 8 Please consider donating your unwanted coats to the Blackfeet Nation. Ready to move on from an old coat? Have your kids outgrown theirs? Children especially are in need of coats for the upcoming Montana winter, but adult coats also welcome. Donation box will be located in the Zapis Activity Center.

8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

+ Synaxis of the Archangels: Sun., Nov. 8.  

After Liturgy, we hope to once again deliver meals to the Rocky River Police and Fire Departments on the feastday of the  patron saints of the armed forces and first responders. Please contact Eleni at [email protected] if you can deliver meals and/or donate toward the cost of ingredients.

+ St. Nektarios:  Sun, Nov. 8,  6 p.m. Vespers;   Mon., Nov. 9,   Orthros & Divine Liturgy

+ Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple:   Saturday, Nov. 21, Orthros & Divine Liturgy

+ St. Andrew the First-called Apostle: Monday, Nov. 30, Orthros & Divine Liturgy

Next Sun., Nov. 8, our officers will be sworn-in after Liturgy; there will be a Zoom meeting at 8 p.m. for all GOYA parents. 

Basketball practices will begin on Nov. 4 for the boys (Mondays & Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.) and Nov. 8 for the girls (Sundays after Sunday School.)

Coming up…11/8: Verikakis family      11/29: Pete Gastis         12/13: Dean Paras

Sat., Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. in the St. Demetrios Fellowship Room. Guest speaker Ted Cherpas, Director of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. Refreshments to follow.

Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in the hall. Mayflower: The Pilgrim’s Adventure  (1978;  1 hour & 38 min.)  In 1620, the Assembly of Pilgrims emigrated to the New England colonies to  escape religious persecution from the British crown, establishing the ethos of freedom of religion in the New World. Get in the Thanksgiving mood as we continue our tribute to America’s 250^th anniversary!  Free and open to all.

Those attending are welcome to bring some blank Christmas cards to sign during the movie. We will then forward the cards to the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) for distribution to incarcerated people.

Wed., Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Cultural Hall. Free and open to all adults (18-99!) from all the NE Ohio parishes  interested in learning / rehearsing Greek dances on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month. No previous knowledge necessary.

Sun., Nov. 22, after Liturgy, in the Hall. Contact the Church office to confirm your stewardship status. Agenda packets will be emailed to those with emails and hard copies sent to those who do not.

Thu., Dec. 31 in the Cultural Hall, 8 p.m.- 1 a.m.  Groove your way into 2027 with food, beer, wine and dancing with DJ Judi. Champagne toast at midnight. $80 presale; $85 at the door. $25 for under 21; $70 for seniors over 70.

We are accepting donations of baskets and items for the fundraiser. Contact Kelly (216-410-2068) or Lilly (440-477-1237)

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. 

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.)

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

GREEK NIGHT Fri., Nov. 6, at Music Club & Grill, 4916 Pearl Rd., Cleveland. Live laika, rebetika & tsiftetlia by Lazaros on bouzouki, Dimitri on keys and Yanni on drums. Free admission.

CHIOS SOCIETY BANQUET  Sat., Nov. 7  at LaVilla, 11500 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland. 6 p.m. cocktail hour & open bar; 7 p.m. Dinner; 8 p.m. Program honoring Lou & Ann Frangos and presentation of scholarships.; 9 p.m. Dancing to live music by Apollo Orchestra. $100/person. RSVP to Dimitrios Kalafatis (216-990-1992)

A PATH OF PROGRESS Mon., Nov 9, 6 p.m. at St Mary Romanian Orthodox Church, 3256 Warren Rd., Cleveland. FOCUS Cleveland presents a panel discussion of current and former residents of St Herman’s House share their journey. $35/person. Tickets available at the door but advance purchase appreciated at: FocusCleveland.org/MyJourney

AN EVENING WITH THE CHOSEN Fri., Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Lakewood Civic Auditorium, 14100 Franklin Blvd.  Four actors from The Chosen  TV series will share behind-the-scenes stories and personal experiences. Free admission but advance registration required at NEOChosen.com

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 and open bar. $75/adult; $40/child (ages 4-10.) Tickets at tinyurl.com/StPaul60years   or call Pres. Nicole Keares (440-409-1673)

ST. NICHOLAS DAY DANCE Sat., Dec. 5, 6:30-10 p.m.  at St. Nicholas Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain. Dinner & dancing to live music by Stigma. Cash bar. Semi-formal attire.  $40/adult; $15/child (6-12); kids 5 & under are free! Purchase tickets at 440-960-2992. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and receive a free drink ticket.

HOLY UNCTION FOR ADVENT  Wed., Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. at St Mary Romanian Orthodox,  3256 Warren Rd., Cleveland, for all Cleveland’s Orthodox.  Bishop Andrei presiding.

 NATIVITY CONCERT Sun., Dec. 13, 3:30 p.m. Cleveland’s Orthodox Choirs will sing at St Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral,  5913 State Rd., Parma. All welcome; free will donation.

~Nov 20-22: Fall Retreat 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

“Opening The Scriptures” Orthodox Bible Study via Zoom. Thursdays,  7-8 p.m. led by Rev. Dr. Eugen Pentiuc of Holy Cross. Recurring Zoom link: https://hchc-edu.zoom.us/j/84399084787?pwd=sxU3jn3SdX2lsMLJI55aQkiKX0PnmB.1

Fre

"EXPANDING THE LIVING PARISH" WEBINARS   Mondays at 8 p.m. 

Nov 16:  Healthy Catechism for Newcomers

Dec. 14:  Building the Orthodox Mindset

Register for FREE Zoom link at https://tinyurl.com/385needb

Today, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America marked OXI Day with a message issued via social media:

Long live the 28th of October!

Ας κρατήσουμε από τη σημερινή επέτειο δύο πολύτιμες παρακαταθήκες: Από τους ήρωες του 1940, την ελευθερία ως ευθύνη και θυσία. Και από τον Χριστό μας, την ελευθερία ως αλήθεια, αγάπη και κοινωνία. Ας είναι αιωνία η μνήμη όλων εκείνων που αγωνίστηκαν και θυσιάστηκαν για την ελευθερία της πατρίδας μας. Και είθε να αξιωθούμε να παραδώσουμε στις επερχόμενες γενεές όχι μόνον άσβεστη τη μνήμη των ηρώων του 1940, αλλά και αλώβητη την πολύτιμη κληρονομιά των ιδανικών τους, τις αρχές και τις αξίες εκείνες που ενέπνευσαν τον αγώνα τους, ενίσχυσαν το φρόνημά τους και επισφραγίστηκαν με την υπέρτατη θυσία τους στον βωμό της ελευθερίας.

Ο Θεός να ευλογεί την Ελλάδα, την Κύπρο, την Ομογένειά μας και τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες της Αμερικής.

Ζήτω η 28η Οκτωβρίου!

See the original post on Facebook and Instagram.

The post Archbishop issues OXI Day message appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

The Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross has been selected as a grantee in the third cohort of the Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) initiative, a project of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Through the grant, HEI will work with DoSER to engage current climate science in its curriculum and programming. HEI is one of 11 theological institutions in this cohort, which includes schools in the United States, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ukraine.

“This grant will enable us to prepare a graduate course for our school focused on practical steps for greening our parishes,” said Fr. John Chryssavgis, HEI’s Executive Director. “It follows the groundbreaking course offered by HEI two years ago and works with the new program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for developing a Green Church Initiative across the country.”

Read the full announcement here.

The post Orthodox institute joins 11 theological schools teaching climate science appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

The Stathakion Center in Astoria, headquarters of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, proved far too small to accommodate both the crowd and the enthusiasm of the Greek community members who gathered to celebrate the national anniversary of October 28. This year’s event had a special significance: it was the first in many years to be held by a reunited Federation, which had recently overcome its divisions and elected the distinguished Greek American Christos Vournias as a unifying president.

The Federation’s unity was immediately welcomed by both the Church and the Greek state, with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, George Gerapetritis, honoring yesterday’s event with their presence. To help bring about a resolution, the Archbishop had previously made unity within the Federation a condition for his participation in its events, while Mr. Gerapetritis is the first Greek Foreign Minister to visit the Stathakion Center in more than two decades.

Also attending on behalf of the Hellenic Republic were Greece’s Ambassador in Washington, Antonis Alexandridis; Greece’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Aglaia Balta; the Consul General of Greece in New York, Iphigenia Kanara; and the Director of Greece’s Public Diplomacy Office in New York, Spyros Diamantis.

The event combined an account of Greece’s participation in World War II with a musical program of songs from the era, audiovisual material featuring historical documents, films, and dramatized accounts of the epic struggle of 1940.

The event was planned by Evangelos Athanasopoulos and Grigoris Marinakis, together with Peter Stavrianidis, President of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New Jersey. Nikitas Tampakis directed the musical program and performed an exceptional selection of songs alongside Angeliki Psoni, accompanied by Kostas Psarros on bouzouki and Glavkos Kontemeniotis on keyboards.

The speakers’ accounts of the heroism and sacrifices of the Greek people during the war, the role of the women of Pindus in supplying the soldiers, and the contribution of Greek military chaplains, together with the performers’ renditions of songs associated with the epic struggle of 1940, had already created an emotionally charged atmosphere in the hall by the time Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis took the floor. The musical performances culminated in Angeliki Psoni’s moving rendition of the iconic “Children, Children of Greece.”

Addressing those present, Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke of the significance of having senior officials of the Hellenic Republic at the event and, speaking directly to Mr. Vournias, emphasized the importance of unity within the Federation. In his address, His Eminence highlighted the spirit of Hellenism’s struggles for freedom throughout history, which continues to inspire people today:

“There are moments in the history of a people when time seems to stand still,” the Archbishop said, turning to a literary reference to illustrate how the Greek army had surpassed its apparent limits by defeating an adversary that was, in theory, overwhelmingly superior in every respect:

“Nikos Kazantzakis, in his work “Report to Greco”, describes a symbolic encounter with the great Cretan painter Doménikos Theotokópoulos, whom he calls his spiritual grandfather. He asks him for advice, and the painter replies: ‘Reach as far as you can, my child.’ But Kazantzakis is not satisfied. He asks for advice that is even harder, more demanding. And then he hears the answer: ‘Reach farther than you can!’ An entire approach to life is distilled into this phrase. Human beings are called not merely to exhaust their potential, but to dare to transcend what they consider impossible.”

The Archbishop also reflected on a second moment in which time seemed to stand still. The funeral of the national poet Kostis Palamas during the Occupation, in February 1943, became a symbolic act of resistance by the Greek people against the occupier. The verses of Angelos Sikelianos, recited by the Archbishop, captured the spirit of that day for eternity:

“Sound, you trumpets… Thunderous bells,
Shake the whole country from end to end…
Roar, drums of war…
You formidable flags, unfurl in the air!”

“Poetry that day was not merely a literary creation,” the Archbishop said. “It became an act of freedom.” With a third literary reference, this time to Yannis Ritsos, Archbishop Elpidophoros sought to connect Hellenism with Orthodoxy, and the struggles for national freedom with the pursuit of existential freedom as understood in Orthodoxy: “These trees will not settle for less sky.”

“This image is deeply moving. A tree cannot live without the sky. Nor can a human being truly live without freedom. Yet it is not enough simply to remove the chains imposed on us by others. There are chains we create ourselves. There are prisons without walls. It is precisely here, my dear friends, that historical experience meets the deeper message of the Gospel. The freedom Christ offers us is not the freedom to dominate others. It is the freedom of sacrificial love. And this dimension of freedom allows us to understand more deeply the sacrifice of the people of 1940.”

Before yielding the floor to Mr. Gerapetritis, Archbishop Elpidophoros also referred to those who lose their sense of proportion when writing on social media about the serious and sensitive issues of Greek foreign policy—”matters not to be trifled with”—hurling accusations, spreading rumors, or expressing views that defy all reason and are uninformed:

“Our duty, my dear friends,” the Archbishop said, “is to support with all our strength the foreign policy charted by our national leadership. Government officials, and especially our experienced diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, having all the facts at their disposal, make decisions and determine the most appropriate strategy for our homeland. It is not wise for us to judge our national strategy, because we do not know what they are in a position to know. Quite simply, we cannot, and at times should not, know every aspect of these matters. We must have confidence in our homeland and preserve our national unity, especially on national issues.” Inviting George Gerapetritis to the podium, he concluded: “Mr. Minister, we look to you and your colleagues with confidence and assure you that all of us—the Church, the Greek diaspora, and all diaspora organizations—are always at the service of the nation. Long live Greece!”

“If you want to know the soul of Greece, travel!” George Gerapetritis opened his speech with these words, seeking to emphasize the special relationship between the worldwide Greek diaspora and the motherland, and the duty of Greece’s national leadership to keep alive the bridges that unite Greeks everywhere while also connecting their present with their past and future. The Foreign Minister also shared a personal account of his family’s history. As he explained, his family had set out from a small village on a small island in the Dodecanese, come to the United States, and, after working hard, managed to return home.

“In your faces, I see my own ancestors”, he said. He went on to speak of the particular honor he felt in being at the Federation and congratulated Mr. Vournias, likewise emphasizing the importance of unity: “Greece’s most precious jewel is the unity of its people!”

Mr. Gerapetritis then congratulated those who had contributed to the event, making special mention of the singers. Speaking about the spirit of October 28, he observed: “Greece has always defied the odds; Greece was the country that said the great Nos. We will never shy away from saying a resounding “NO” if necessary to defend our homeland.”

The Greek Foreign Minister spoke about Greece’s position in the world today, its voice being heard in international forums, its presidency of the Security Council, and its upcoming presidency of the European Council. Referring to the agreement with the Republic of Egypt concerning the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai, he emphasized the relationship between Hellenism and Orthodoxy through the centuries. He struggled to hold back tears as he spoke of the value of Greek identity, while also affirming the country’s determination to resist any hostile designs against it.

“There is no easy road” for those who harbor such designs against Greece, Mr. Gerapetritis warned to enthusiastic applause, before offering his wish: “Happy Anniversary, Greece!”

The post Archbishop urges support for Greece’s foreign policy appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

ORLANDO, FL.— St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church in Orlando held a memorial service on Sunday, October 25, in remembrance of the nine people who lost their lives in an attack on St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Karak, Jordan, on October 23. The service followed a call from His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America, for Antiochian Orthodox parishes to remember the victims and their families in prayer.

In a message to His Eminence Metropolitan Christophoros of Jordan, Metropolitan Saba expressed his solidarity with those affected by the attack, emphasizing that despite the suffering and violence endured by Christians, their faith in the Resurrection remains a source of hope and strength.

Following Divine Liturgy, Father Stephen Adili led a Trisagion memorial service for the nine departed souls. The parish prayed for the repose of the departed, the recovery of those injured, and the consolation of grieving families.

“The world is starving for peace, and no darkness can overcome the light of the Lord,” said Fr. Stephen Adili.

Antiochian Orthodox communities in the United States have longstanding ties to the Patriarchate of Antioch and its communities in the Middle East. Many parishioners maintain family and cultural connections to the region, making the attack in Jordan particularly significant to their communities.

St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church continues to ask for prayers for the departed, the recovery of those injured, and peace and security for the people of Jordan.

About St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church of Orlando

St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church of Orlando is a growing Antiochian Orthodox Christian community centered on worship, fellowship, and service to others. Under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Stephen Adili, the parish brings together individuals and families through Divine Liturgy, the sacraments, Sunday School, Bible and faith study, fellowship, and service projects. Its life and worship reflect the faith and traditions of the Orthodox Church handed down for more than 2,000 years, while welcoming those interested in learning about and participating in Orthodox Christian life. For more information, visit stbarbaraorlando.org.

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