Sts. Constantine and Helen Church
Publish Date: 2024-05-05
Bulletin Contents

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Sts. Constantine and Helen Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (414) 778-1555
  • Street Address:

  • 2160 N. Wauwatosa Avenue

  • Wauwatosa, WI 53213


Contact Information






Services Schedule

SUNDAY MATINS/DIVINE LITURGY, 8:15 am


Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

May 05

The Righteous Martyr Ephraim the Younger


May 05

Great and Holy Pascha

Mary Magdalene, and the other women who were present at the burial of our Saviour on Friday evening, returned from Golgotha to the city and prepared fragrant spices and myrrh, so that they might anoint the body of Jesus. On the morrow, because of the law which forbids work on the day of the Sabbath, they rested for the whole day. But at early dawn on the Sunday that followed, almost thirty-six hours since the death of the Life-giving Redeemer, they came to the sepulchre with the spices to anoint His body. While they were considering the difficulty of rolling away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, there was a fearful earthquake; and an Angel, whose countenance shone like lightning and whose garment was white as snow, rolled away the stone and sat upon it. The guards that were there became as dead from fear and took to flight. The women, however, went into the sepulchre, but did not find the Lord's body. Instead, they saw two other Angels in the form of youths clothed in white, who told them that the Saviour was risen, and they sent forth the women, who ran to proclaim to the disciples these gladsome tidings. Then Peter and John arrived, having learned from Mary Magdalene what had come to pass, and when they entered the tomb, they found only the winding sheets. Therefore, they returned again to the city with joy, as heralds now of the supernatural Resurrection of Christ, Who in truth was seen alive by the disciples on this day on five occasions.

Our Lord, then, was crucified, died, and was buried on Friday, before the setting of the sun, which was the first of His "three days" in the grave; observing the mystical Sabbath, that "seventh day" in which it is said that the Lord "rested from all His works" (Gen. 2:2-3), He passed all of Saturday in the grave; and He arose "while it was yet dark, very early in the morning" on Sunday, the third day, which, according to the Hebrew reckoning, began after sunset on Saturday.

As we celebrate today this joyous Resurrection, we greet and embrace one another in Christ, thereby demonstrating our Saviour's victory over death and corruption, and the destruction of our ancient enmity with God, and His reconciliation toward us, and our inheritance of life everlasting. The feast itself is called Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew word which means "passover"; because Christ, Who suffered and arose, has made us to pass over from the curse of Adam and slavery to the devil and death unto our primal freedom and blessedness. In addition, this day of this particular week, which is the first of all the rest, is dedicated to the honour of the Lord; in honour and remembrance of the Resurrection, the Apostles transferred to this day the rest from labour that was formerly assigned to the Sabbath of the ancient Law.

All foods allowed during Renewal Week.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Great and Holy Pascha
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Great and Holy Pascha
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:1-8

Διαγενομένου τοῦ Σαββάτου, Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα, ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν τὸν Ἰησοῦν. Καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. Καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς· Τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος· ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. Καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολήν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν· ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς· Μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε, Ἰησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε· ἴδε, ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν, ἀλλ' ὑπάγετε, εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ, ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ταχὺ ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον· ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.24,29.
This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Verse: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy endures for ever.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8.

In the first book, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of lsrael?" He said to them, "it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth."

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.24,29.
αὕτη ἡ ἡμέρα, ἣν ἐποίησεν ὁ Κύριος· ἀγαλλιασώμεθα καὶ εὐφρανθῶμεν ἐν αὐτῇ
Στίχ. ἐξομολογεῖσθε τῷ Κυρίῳ, ὅτι ἀγαθός, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 1:1-8.

Τὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην περὶ πάντων, ὦ Θεόφιλε, ὧν ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς ποιεῖν τε καὶ διδάσκειν, ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας, ἐντειλάμενος τοῖς ἀποστόλοις διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου οὓς ἐξελέξατο, ἀνελήφθη· οἷς καὶ παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις, δι᾿ ἡμερῶν τεσσαράκοντα ὀπτανόμενος αὐτοῖς, καὶ λέγων τὰ περὶ τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ. Καὶ συναλιζόμενος παρήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων μὴ χωρίζεσθαι, ἀλλὰ περιμένειν τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ πατρός, Ἣν ἠκούσατέ μου· ὅτι Ἰωάννης μὲν ἐβάπτισεν ὕδατι, ὑμεῖς δὲ βαπτισθήσεσθε ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ οὐ μετὰ πολλὰς ταύτας ἡμέρας. Οἱ μὲν οὖν συνελθόντες ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν λέγοντες, Κύριε, εἰ ἐν τῷ χρόνῳ τούτῳ ἀποκαθιστάνεις τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ Ἰσραήλ; Εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς, Οὐχ ὑμῶν ἐστιν γνῶναι χρόνους ἢ καιροὺς οὓς ὁ πατὴρ ἔθετο ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ. Ἀλλὰ λήψεσθε δύναμιν, ἐπελθόντος τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς· καὶ ἔσεσθέ μοι μάρτυρες ἔν τε Ἱερουσαλήμ, καὶ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ καὶ Σαμαρείᾳ, καὶ ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς.


Gospel Reading

Great and Holy Pascha
The Reading is from John 1:1-17

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light.

The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Great and Holy Pascha
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:1-17

Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ Λόγος, καὶ ὁ Λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος. Οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν. Πάντα δι᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἓν ὃ γέγονεν. Ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Καὶ τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει, καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν. 

Ἐγένετο ἄνθρωπος ἀπεσταλμένος παρὰ Θεοῦ, ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἰωάννης· οὗτος ἦλθεν εἰς μαρτυρίαν, ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ φωτός, ἵνα πάντες πιστεύσωσι δι᾽ αὐτοῦ. Οὐκ ἦν ἐκεῖνος τὸ φῶς, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ φωτός. Ἧν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινόν, ὃ φωτίζει πάντα ἄνθρωπον ἐρχόμενον εἰς τὸν κόσμον. Ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἦν, καὶ ὁ κόσμος δι᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτὸν οὐκ ἔγνω. Εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθε, καὶ οἱ ἴδιοι αὐτὸν οὐ παρέλαβον.  Ὅσοι δὲ ἔλαβον αὐτόν, ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν τέκνα Θεοῦ γενέσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, οἳ οὐκ ἐξ αἱμάτων, οὐδὲ ἐκ θελήματος σαρκός, οὐδὲ ἐκ θελήματος ἀνδρός, ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ Θεοῦ ἐγεννήθησαν. 

Καὶ ὁ Λόγος σὰρξ ἐγένετο καὶ ἐσκήνωσεν ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ἐθεασάμεθα τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, δόξαν ὡς μονογενοῦς παρὰ πατρός, πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας. Ἰωάννης μαρτυρεῖ περὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ κέκραγε λέγων· Οὗτος ἦν ὃν εἶπον, ὁ ὀπίσω μου ἐρχόμενος ἔμπροσθέν μου γέγονεν, ὅτι πρῶτός μου ἦν. Καὶ ἐκ τοῦ πληρώματος αὐτοῦ ἡμεῖς πάντες ἐλάβομεν, καὶ χάριν ἀντὶ χάριτος· ὅτι ὁ νόμος διὰ Μωϋσέως ἐδόθη, ἡ χάρις καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐγένετο.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Hypakoe of Great and Holy Pascha in the Fourth Mode

When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of men.
Προλαβοῦσαι τὸν ὄρθρον αἱ περὶ Μαριάμ, καὶ εὑροῦσαι τὸν λίθον ἀποκυλισθέντα τοῦ μνήματος, ἤκουον ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου. Τὸν ἐν φωτὶ ἀϊδίῳ ὑπάρχοντα, μετὰ νεκρῶν τί ζητεῖτε ὡς ἄνθρωπον; βλέπετε τὰ ἐντάφια σπάργανα, δράμετε, καὶ τῷ κόσμῳ κηρύξατε, ὡς ἡγέρθη ὁ Κύριος, θανατώσας τὸν θάνατον· ὅτι ὑπάρχει Θεοῦ Υἱός, τοῦ σῴζοντος τὸ γένος τῶν ἀνθρώπων.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.
Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.
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Calendar

  • Calendar

    April 29 to May 20, 2024

    Monday, April 29

    Greek School Spring Break

    Sunday, May 5

    Pascha

    Great and Holy Pascha

    Κυριακή Α' του Αγίου Πάσχα

    11:00AM +Agape Service

    Monday, May 6

    Renewal Monday

    Δευτέρα Διακαινήσιμου

    8:00AM Matins and Divine Liturgy for St. George

    Tuesday, May 7

    Renewal Tuesday: The Commemoration of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, Irene, and the Other Newly-revealed Martyrs of Lesbos

    Τρίτη Διακαιήσιμου

    7:00PM Greek for Adults

    Wednesday, May 8

    Synaxis of the Holy Powder (or manna) which emitted from the tomb of Saint John the Theologian

    Ενδόξου Αποστόλου και Ευαγγελιστού, επιστηθίου φίλου, ηγαπημένου και παρθένου, Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου· ήτοι, η σύναξις της Αγίας Κόνεως, της εκ­πεμπομένης εκ του τάφου αυτού, ήγουν του μάννα

    Coming DEADLINE: The Vine announcements

    4:30PM Greek School

    Thursday, May 9

    Renewal Thursday

    Πέμπτη Διακαινήσιμου

    5:30PM MOCCA Post-Pascha Clergy Couple Dinner @ Sts. Constantine and Helen Church

    7:00PM Greek for Adults

    Friday, May 10

    Deadline: The Vine Announcements

    Renewal Friday: Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring

    Ζωοδόχου Πηγής

    8:00AM Matins and Divine Liturgy at Retreat Center for Lifegiving Spring

    10:30AM Bible Studies

    6:00PM GOYA post Easter get together @Dalianis Home

    Saturday, May 11

    Metropolis Oratorical Festival

    Renewal Saturday

    Σάββατον Διακαινήσιμου

    3:00PM Hall Used: Golden Agers

    Sunday, May 12

    +Memorial: 2-Years Konstantinos Papagiannis

    +Memorial: 3-Year Katerina Tsiampas

    +Memorial: 2-Years Mary Tsiampas

    Thomas Sunday

    Κυριακή Β΄ του Θωμά

    7:30AM Prosfora: Ana Maria STASINOULIAS

    8:15AM +Matins

    9:15AM +Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Hospitality: Sunday School

    11:45AM Parish Book Study - "St. Innocent: Apostle to America"

    Monday, May 13

    2nd Monday after Pascha

    Τη Δευτέρα της Β΄ Εβδομάδος

    4:30PM Greek School

    6:00PM Paraklesis (Supplication Service) to the Virgin Mary

    Tuesday, May 14

    2nd Tuesday after Pascha

    Τη Τρίτη της Β΄ Εβδομάδος

    7:00PM Greek for Adults

    Wednesday, May 15

    2nd Wednesday after Pascha

    Τη Τετάρτη της Β΄ Εβδομάδος

    4:30PM Greek School

    Thursday, May 16

    2nd Thursday after Pascha

    Τη Πέμπτη της Β΄ Εβδομάδος

    5:45PM OCWA Scholarship Dinner @ Alioto's Restaurant

    7:00PM Greek for Adults

    Friday, May 17

    2nd Friday after Pascha

    Τη Παρασκευη της Β΄ Εβδομάδος

    10:30AM Bible Studies

    Saturday, May 18

    2nd Saturday after Pascha

    Τω Σάββατω της Β΄ Εβδομάδος

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM OCMC Missions Awareness Night

    Sunday, May 19

    Memorial: 6-years Nikolaos Baroumis

    AHEPA Sunday @ Annunciation

    +Memorial: 1-Year John Leventis

    Memorial: 3-years Konstantinos Baroumis

    Memorial: 6-Months Vasilios Katravas

    +Memorial: 9-Year Connie Leventis

    +Memorial: 7-Years Joseph DeFalco

    Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

    Κυριακή Γ' των Μυροφόρoν

    7:30AM Prosfora: Olga DELIGIANNIS

    8:15AM +Matins

    9:15AM CHOIR

    9:15AM +Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Sunday School: Last day

    11:15AM Hospitality: Church Name Day Luncheon (free will offering)

    12:45PM JOY Ministry Going to St. Savas Serbian Monastery

    1:30PM AHEPA Scholarship Awards @ Annunciation

    Monday, May 20

    3rd Monday after Pascha

    Τη Δευτέρα της Γ΄ Εβδομάδος

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Our News and Interests

Posters of Events

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Strategies of Learning - Exploring Innovative Teaching Approaches: The 6th Online Seminar Empowers Greek Language Educators

03/05/2024

In the context of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the proficiency of educators teaching the Greek language, the Education Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is set to host the 6th Webinar focusing on Learning Strategies and Innovative Teaching Techniques.


Metropolis of New Jersey Hosts 2024 Sights and Sounds Festival

03/05/2024

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey visited the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, New Jersey for the Community's Annual GOYA Sights and Sounds program, which brought together over 450 GOYAns from throughout the region to showcase their artistic and musical talents.


DID YOU KNOW? Department of Religious Education (DRE) MEATFARE WEEK

03/04/2024

Meatfare Week begins after the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, and is the last week before Pascha we are permitted to eat meat. Wednesday is still a strict fast, and wine and oil are permitted on Friday. This week leads up to Meatfare Sunday, which is also called Judgement Sunday.


Metropolitan Methodios Welcomes GOYAns From Chicago to the Metropolis of Boston

03/04/2024

On Friday, March 1, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios welcomed a group of 20 Goyans and their parish priest, Fr. Sotirios Malamis, from the Holy Ascension of Our Lord, Greek Orthodox Church in Lincolnshire, IL.  The Chicago youth group is visiting the Metropolis of Boston and Hellenic College Holy Cross for four days. 


St. Stephen's Camp Summer 2024 - Let Us Lift Up Your Hearts

03/04/2024

St. Stephen's Camphas a rich tradition, dating back to the 1980's, and is grounded on the principals of living a true Orthodox lifestyle with twice daily liturgical services, opportunities for reflection, community living and meals, athletics, arts & crafts, and nightly social activities. 
 


Parish Highlight: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Detroit, MI

03/04/2024

The Detroit parish is the oldest Greek Orthodox parish in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.


Parish Highlight: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Salt Lake City, Utah

03/04/2024

In 1904, newly arrived Greek immigrants were settling along Second, Third and Fourth South between First and Sixth West in Salt Lake City, Utah. This section of the City became known as “Greek Town.” Greek Town became the economic, social, and residential center for thousands of Greeks who called Salt Lake their home.


Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) Holds Concert Marking the 12th Anniversary of HRF's Food Distribution

03/04/2024

Roseland, NJ – February 28 2024 – The Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) held a heartwarming concert on Saturday, February 24th 2024. The event, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church of Ss. Nicholas, Constantine and Helen in Roseland, New Jersey, was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of approximately 250 attendees and it marked the 12th anniversary since the H.R.F.’s first food distribution on February 25th, 2012.


Leadership 100 Concludes Their 33rd Annual Conference in Naples, Florida

03/03/2024

Today, Sunday, March 3, 2024 marks the conclusion of the 33rd Annual Leadership 100 (L100) Conference, celebrating the endowment’s 40th year of advancing Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America.


The Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture Recycled Cities: Sardis and the Fortifications of Early Byzantine Anatolia

03/13/2024

The largest standing architecture at the ruined city of Sardis is not its famous Temple of Artemis, the fourth largest Ionic temple of antiquity, but is instead the massive but little-published fortification that sits on its Acropolis.


AHEPA Educational Foundation Announces Newly Established Scholarship

03/13/2024

Washington—George Vorkas, Chairman of the AHEPA Educational Foundation announced today that the Foundation has agreed to establish the Zavaras-Angelidou Scholarship for Greek Studies.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: An IOCC Frontliner Reflects

03/13/2024

Our US program focuses on disaster prep, response, and recovery, and we've done a lot the last few years to help communities impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Frontliner Fr. Stephen Mathewes recently shared his experience following an IOCC training in Florida, where participants also had a chance to help rebuild post Hurricane Ian.


Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp Staff Applications

03/13/2024

Apply to join us for another year of our exceptional Metropolis Summer Camp ministry for youth and young adults across the Metropolis and Archdiocese. We are looking for staff of all ages, from 19 to 35 years old. We love to have college students, teachers, grad students, young professionals, and more!


Metropolis of Pittsburgh Weekend of Service

03/12/2024

The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Along with the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Society want to encourage all our parishes to participate in this year's annual weekend of service.


Women's History Month Highlight: Leah Kats, Administrator at the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation & Administrator at the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

03/12/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week, we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Hannah Williams, Operations Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Director of the Department of Religious Education at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

03/12/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This second week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Did You Know? Department of Religious Education (DRE) CHEESEFARE WEEK March 11

03/12/2024

Did you know that Cheesefare Week is the third week of the Triodion and the final week of preparation before Great Lent?


Did You Know? Department of Religious Education (DRE) KOLLYVA March 9

03/12/2024

Did you know that kollyva is an image of the resurrection and each ingredient has a special meaning?


SATURDAY OF SOULS SERIES Christ Offers Himself (Memory of the Holy Ascetics) Part II: Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/12/2024

Even before Christianity was established, it was common practice for various cultures in the Mediterranean world to hold commemorations for the dead, where sacrifices were offered, family get-togethers were organized, and petitions in favor of the spirits of those who had perished were made.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Celebrates the Tenth-Year Anniversary of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Williamsburg, VA

03/12/2024

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Williamsburg, Virginia celebrated the tenth-year anniversary as a parish Saturday, March 9, 2024. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined the St. Demetrios community to celebrate. His Eminence presided over Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Saturday morning and joined the parish for their community gala in the evening. 


Metropolis of Boston Youth Basketball League Complete Their Season at Hellenic College Holy Cross

03/12/2024

The Metropolis Youth Basketball League concluded its action-packed season on Sunday, March 10th, with exhilarating final showdowns at Hellenic College Holy Cross. Over 100 enthusiastic young athletes showcased their skills across three vibrant leagues: JOY, GOYA Girls, and GOYA Boys.


Parish Highlight: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Bethlehem, PA

03/11/2024

The first Orthodox Christians to arrive from Greece in hopes of a new life in the Lehigh Valley came to Bethlehem in 1911, opening restaurants or working at Bethlehem Steel. By 1916 these immigrants, realizing the need and importance of maintaining their faith and culture, purchased the former St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church at 1224 East Fourth Street, on the South Side of Bethlehem. From its founding in 1916 until 1955, this church served the Greek Orthodox population.


Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey Visits the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Community in Baltimore, MD to Celebrate the 76th Anniversary of the Unification of the Dodecanese Islands with Greece

03/11/2024

On Sunday, March 10, 2024, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey visited the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Community in Baltimore, MD in order to celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in commemoration of celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the Unification of the Dodecanese Islands with Greece.


Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Welcomes Leaders from the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SEGE) to the Archdiocese

03/11/2024

Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America extended a warm welcome to leaders from the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SEGE) this week, aligning with their participation in United Nations discussions focused on women's work equity. SEGE President Lina Tsaltampasi and Vice President Anastasia Savidou presented an overview to the Archbishop of their organization's broad agenda. Their initiatives aim not only at empowering women in the realms of business and leadership but also at providing support to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or have experienced abuse.


Women's History Month Highlight: Eva Konstantakos, Archdiocese Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

03/11/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week, we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Presvytera Melanie DiStefano, Resource Developer at the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

03/11/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This second week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Niki Devaris Morgulis, Founding Coordinator of the Archdiocese Program: GOA Girl Delegates to the United Nations

03/21/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Metropolis of Denver Texas Lenten Retreat Filling up Fast!

03/21/2024

Our Colorado retreat has officially sold out, but fear not-there's still time to secure your spot at our Texas retreat! Only twenty spots left! Don't miss your chance to join us for Texas Lenten Retreat. Reserve your spot today before they're gone!


Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta Invites Metropolis Chanters and Iconographers to Apply for the The Liturgical Arts Academy 2024 Session

03/21/2024

The Liturgical Arts Academy is now accepting applications for the 2024 session, August 18-24 for chanters and iconographers. This most beneficial training program offers a 1-week intensive, high quality curriculum. Held at the Diakonia Retreat Center, the chant program especially resounds at the Panagia Chapel, and I encourage you to send and support your chanters. In its sixth year, TLAA has earned national respect and has brought hundreds of faithful to our Retreat Center.


Women's History Month Highlight: Ruth Sencio, Director of Human Resources

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 


Women's History Month Highlight: Mari Diveris McMullen, Media Coordinator for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 


Women's History Month Highlight: Polexeni Maouris Hillier, Executive Director at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Nikie Calles, Chief Archivist Emerita of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America

03/20/2024

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week, we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Church Music Institute Workshops for Church Musicians Metropolis of Boston

03/20/2024

Please join us for our annual Church Music Institute (CMI) day of workshops of relevance to Church Musicians, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis Center in Brookline, MA.


Archdiocesan District Council Meet at Archdiocese Headquarters

03/20/2024

The Archdiocesan District Council met on March 19, 2024 at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America headquarters in New York. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed the group of clergy and lay members, wishing them a blessed, Great Lenten Season, and reminding all of our faithful that we have a calling to service and commitment to our Archdiocese, each of our parishes, and most especially to Christ. 


Metropolis of Pittsburgh New Metropolis Center Construction Progress March 14, 2024

03/20/2024

With better weather, and soil issues in the rearview mirror, progress has accelerated. We now have some of the first-floor flat concrete work in place along with foundation walls rising!


SATURDAY OF SOULS SERIES Kollyva is an Image of the Resurrection (St. Theodore the Tyro and the Kollyva Miracle) Part III: Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/20/2024

On the Saturday of Souls as well as other similar occasions, the faithful offer kollyva. Kollyva is a sort of sweet offering made primarily from wheat and includes some or all of the following: raisins, nuts, pomegranate, cinnamon and powdered sugar. It is often formed in the shape of a mound to resemble a grave and decorated with candy in the sign of a cross. The custom of preparing kollyva predates Christianity and is believed to have started in Ancient Greece, where a dish of wheat and nuts was offered to the dead.


Pilgrimage of Discovery 2024 Applications are Open

03/20/2024

The mission and vision of the Pilgrimage of Discovery is that every eligible Orthodox Christian young adult be given the opportunity to have a life-changing experience visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as important religious and historical sites in Constantinople to strengthen their Orthodox Christian identity.  The goal of the program is to bolster the future of the Orthodox Church in the United States by educating and inspiring future leaders through this life-long connection to the Mother Church of Constantinople.


Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Corona, NY Announces New Spanish-speaking Ministry

03/20/2024

With the vision and guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Corona, NY announced the launch of its new Spanish-speaking ministry whose goal it is to provide outreach out to the local Hispanic community. Fr. Pedro Gomez, who was recently ordained to the Holy Priesthood and assigned as an assistant priest at the parish, will lead the program alongside presiding priest Fr. Chrysostom Panos. The ministry's goal is to provide catechism and liturgical services in the Spanish language to the local Latino community.


First Ever Big Apple GOYA Dance Lights Up New York City

03/19/2024

New York City witnessed a spectacular event on March 16th as the first-ever Big Apple GOYA Dance took place at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Over 200 teens, aged between 12 to 18, representing more than 30 parishes from all five boroughs of the city, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, and New Jersey, gathered under one roof for a night of celebration and joy.


DID YOU KNOW? Clean Monday March 18

03/19/2024

Clean Monday (in Greek: Καθαρά Δευτέρα) is the first day of Great Lent and an official holiday in Greece. On this day, we ceremoniously leave behind all sinful thoughts and practices, “clean” out all non-fasting food and drink from our diet, and enter into the wilderness of repentance.


DID YOU KNOW? Lenten Prayer March 17

03/19/2024

Did you know the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is also called the “Lenten Prayer”?

The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is called the “Lenten Prayer” because it is a verbal icon and summation of the spirit of Great Lent — repentance, conversion, love of neighbor, and preparation for Pascha (Easter).


FOCUS Gateway City - Preparing for Life After Prison

03/19/2024

FOCUS Gateway City is on the near south side of downtown St. Louis. We are proud to face the needs of our neighbors by distributing food, clothing, and warm meals on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the month.


Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of Orthodoxy March 24

03/19/2024

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Christ revealing Himself to Apostle Nathanael. How is Jesus the Ladder that unites heaven and earth? Also, what do we learn about humans as icons of Christ? And what do icons have to do with God taking on human flesh?


Divine Liturgy for Cheesefare Sunday Celebrated at St. Mark Church in Boca Raton

03/18/2024

After the fruitful deliberations of the Holy Eparchial Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, together with His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, and His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos celebrated the Divine Liturgy for Cheesefare Sunday at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, FL on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

 


St. Photios National Shrine Announces the Results of the 2024 Metropolitan Iakovos Memorial Greek Language Scholarship Essay Contest

03/26/2024

St. Augustine, FL—March 26, 2024 — Demetra Manaris, a 14-year-old from Dix Hills, New York, is recognized for her exemplary submission to the 2024 Metropolitan Iakovos Memorial Greek Language Scholarship Essay contest. The contest was organized by the Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine with the assistance of Athina Filippou-Katehis of the Archdiocesan Greek Education Department. The Shrine essay contests are open to individuals between the ages of 13 and 19 years of age.


Greek Education Department Excited to Announce the Revival of the Summer Training Program for Greek Language Teachers in Cyprus

03/26/2024

The Department of Greek Education is thrilled to announce a specialized summer school program organized by the Ministry of Education of Cyprus, exclusively designed for 15 Greek language teachers from the USA.


Great Vespers at Annunciation Church in New York City

03/25/2024

On Sunday evening, March 24, 2024, the Annunciation Church in New York City and parish priest Fr. Soterios Michalatos welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District Fr. Elias Villis and many area clergy for Great Vespers.


Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Presents “The Sounds of Lent”

03/25/2024

Yesterday, Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City presented a concert celebrating the beginning of Holy Lent. The Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir, and Orchestra, led by Costas Tsourakis put on a special performance entitled “The Sounds of Lent.”


Hierarchical Concelebration for the Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebrated at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City

03/24/2024

Today, March 24, 2004, a Hierarchical Concelebration for the Sunday of Orthodoxy was celebrated at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City. This Service, held to symbolize the unity of Orthodox Churches in America, included hierarchical and clerical representation from members of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States in America. In his Homily, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America remarked, “when we celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy, which is shared around the world by all the Local Autocephalous Churches, we celebrate the triumph of truth over falsehood, of knowledge over delusion, of faith over doubt."


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Education Department Hosted Students Award of Excellence & Greek Independence Day Celebration Program

03/24/2024

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's Greek Education Department hosted the Students Award of Excellence & Greek Independence Day Celebration Program. This special event took place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Petros Patrides Cultural Center in Astoria, NY.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

...all knowledge, strength and virtue are the grace of God, as are all other things. And through grace He has given all men the power to become sons of God (cf. John 1:12) by keeping the divine commandments. Or, rather, these commandments keep us, and are the grace of God, since without His grace we cannot keep them. We have nothing to offer Him except our faith, our resolution and, in brief, all the true dogmas that we hold with firm faith through the teaching we have heard (cf. Rom. 10:17).
St. Peter of Damaskos
A Treasury of Divine Knowledge, Book 1: Introduction, Philokalia Vol. 3 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 89, 8th century

...'the light' already 'shines in the darkness' (Jn. 1:5), both by day and by night, both within and without - within in our hearts (II Cor. 6:16), without in our minds. It shines on us without evening, without change, without alteration, without form. It speaks, works, lives, gives life, and changes into light those whom it illuminates. We bear witness that 'God is light' (I Jn. 1:5) and those to whom it has been granted to see Him have all beheld Him as light, because the light of His glory goes before Him, and it is impossible for Him to appear without light. Those who have not seen His light have not seen Him, for He is the Light, and those who have not received the Light have not yet received grace. Those who have received grace have received the Light of God and have received God, even as Christ Himself, who is the Light, has said, 'I will live in them and move among them' (II Cor. 6:16).
St. Symeon the New Theologian
Discourses: XXVIII sect. 4, Paulist Press pg. 298, 11th century

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