Sundays: 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY, preceded by Orthros at 9:00 AM
Sacred Weekdays: 9:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY
Saturday, 20 June
10:00 AM: DIVINE LITURGY, at St Nicholas Church of Rutland
Third Sunday of Matthew, 21 June
8:30 AM: Orthros (Matins & Lauds), followed by 9:30 AM: DIVINE LITURGY
Fourth Sunday of Matthew, 28 June
8:30 AM: Orthros (Matins & Lauds), followed by 9:30 AM: DIVINE LITURGY
Fasting this Week:
Fri: Strict Fasting; All Other Days: Fish, Wine & Oil Allowed
3rd Matthew Sunday
8:30AM Orthros (Matins+Lauds)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
Nativity of the Forerunner
4th Matthew Sunday
8:30AM Orthros (Matins+Lauds)
9:30AM Divine Liturgy, Parish BBQ
Holy Apostles Peter & Paul
8:30AM Divine Liturgy
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:00AM Rutland Divine Liturgy
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
Ladies Philoptochos Society: is offering this morning's Coffee Hour in celebration of Fathers Day.
Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 5:1-10.
Brethren, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
البروكيمنون. Second Mode. مزمور 117: 14، 18.
الرب قوتي وتسبيحتي
Verse: أدباُ أدّبني الرب
فصل من رسالة القديس بولس الرسول الى اهل رومية 5: 1-10.
يَُّا إِخْوَة، إِذْ قَدْ تَبَرَّرْنَا بِالإِيمَانِ لَنَا سَلاَمٌ مَعَ اللهِ بِرَبِّنَا يَسُوعَ الْمَسِيحِ الَّذِي بِهِ أَيْضاً قَدْ صَارَ لَنَا الدُّخُولُ بِالإِيمَانِ إِلَى هَذِهِ النِّعْمَةِ الَّتِي نَحْنُ فِيهَا مُقِيمُونَ وَنَفْتَخِرُ عَلَى رَجَاءِ مَجْدِ اللهِ. وَلَيْسَ ذَلِكَ فَقَطْ بَلْ نَفْتَخِرُ أَيْضاً فِي الضِّيقَاتِ عَالِمِينَ أَنَّ الضِّيقَ يُنْشِئُ صَبْراً وَالصَّبْرُ تَزْكِيَةً وَالتَّزْكِيَةُ رَجَاءً وَالرَّجَاءُ لاَ يُخْزِي لأَنَّ مَحَبَّةَ اللهِ قَدِ انْسَكَبَتْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا بِالرُّوحِ الْقُدُسِ الْمُعْطَى لَنَا. لأَنَّ الْمَسِيحَ إِذْ كُنَّا بَعْدُ ضُعَفَاءَ مَاتَ فِي الْوَقْتِ الْمُعَيَّنِ لأَجْلِ الْفُجَّارِ. فَإِنَّهُ بِالْجَهْدِ يَمُوتُ أَحَدٌ لأَجْلِ بَارٍّ. رُبَّمَا لأَجْلِ الصَّالِحِ يَجْسُرُ أَحَدٌ أَيْضاً أَنْ يَمُوتَ. وَلَكِنَّ اللهَ بَيَّنَ مَحَبَّتَهُ لَنَا لأَنَّهُ وَنَحْنُ بَعْدُ خُطَاةٌ مَاتَ الْمَسِيحُ لأَجْلِنَا. فَبِالأَوْلَى كَثِيراً وَنَحْنُ مُتَبَرِّرُونَ الآنَ بِدَمِهِ نَخْلُصُ بِهِ مِنَ الْغَضَبِ. لأَنَّهُ إِنْ كُنَّا وَنَحْنُ أَعْدَاءٌ قَدْ صُولِحْنَا مَعَ اللهِ بِمَوْتِ ابْنِهِ فَبِالأَوْلَى كَثِيراً وَنَحْنُ مُصَالَحُونَ نَخْلُصُ بِحَيَاتِهِ.
Προκείμενον. Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 5:1-10.
Ἀδελφοί, δικαιωθέντες οὖν ἐκ πίστεως, εἰρήνην ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν θεὸν διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, διʼ οὗ καὶ τὴν προσαγωγὴν ἐσχήκαμεν τῇ πίστει εἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν, καὶ καυχώμεθα ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ. Οὐ μόνον δέ, ἀλλὰ καὶ καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν, εἰδότες ὅτι ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται, ἡ δὲ ὑπομονὴ δοκιμήν, ἡ δὲ δοκιμὴ ἐλπίδα· ἡ δὲ ἐλπὶς οὐ καταισχύνει, ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν. Ἔτι γὰρ Χριστός, ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν, κατὰ καιρὸν ὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν ἀπέθανεν. Μόλις γὰρ ὑπὲρ δικαίου τις ἀποθανεῖται· ὑπὲρ γὰρ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ τάχα τις καὶ τολμᾷ ἀποθανεῖν. Συνίστησιν δὲ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἀγάπην εἰς ἡμᾶς ὁ θεός, ὅτι ἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν Χριστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἀπέθανεν. Πολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον, δικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ, σωθησόμεθα διʼ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῆς ὀργῆς. Εἰ γὰρ ἐχθροὶ ὄντες κατηλλάγημεν τῷ θεῷ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, πολλῷ μᾶλλον καταλλαγέντες σωθησόμεθα ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ.
3rd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 6:22-33
The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."
22 قال الرب سِرَاجُ الْجَسَدِ هُوَ الْعَيْنُ ،فَإِنْ كَانَتْ عَيْنُكَ بَسِيطَةً فَجَسَدُكَ كُلُّهُ يَكُونُ نَيِّراً ، 23وَإِنْ كَانَتْ عَيْنُكَ شِرِّيرَةً فَجَسَدُكَ كُلُّهُ يَكُونُ مُظْلِماً فَإِنْ كَانَ النُّورُ الَّذِي فِيكَ ظَلاَماً فَالظَّلاَمُ كَمْ يَكُونُ!24لاَ يَقْدِرُ أَحَدٌ أَنْ يَخْدِمَ سَيِّدَيْنِ ، لأَنَّهُ إِمَّا أَنْ يُبْغِضَ الْوَاحِدَ وَيُحِبَّ الآخَرَ ، أَوْ يُلاَزِمَ الْوَاحِدَ وَيَحْتَقِرَ الآخَرَ. لاَ تَقْدِرُونَ أَنْ تَخْدِمُوا اللَّهَ وَالْمَالَ. 25لِذَلِكَ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ: لاَ تَهْتَمُّوا لِحَيَاتِكُمْ بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَبِمَا تَشْرَبُونَ ، وَلاَ لأَجْسَادِكُمْ بِمَا تَلْبَسُونَ. أَلَيْسَتِ الْحَيَاةُ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الطَّعَامِ ، وَالْجَسَدُ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ اللِّبَاسِ؟ 26 اُنْظُرُوا إِلَى طُيُورِ السَّمَاءِ: إِنَّهَا لاَ تَزْرَعُ وَلاَ تَحْصُدُ وَلاَ تَجْمَعُ إِلَى مَخَازِنَ،وَأَبُوكُمُ السَّمَاوِيُّ يَقُوتُهَا. أَلَسْتُمْ أَنْتُمْ بِالْحَرِيِّ أَفْضَلَ مِنْهَا؟27وَمَنْ مِنْكُمْ إِذَا اهْتَمَّ يَقْدِرُ أَنْ يَزِيدَ عَلَى قَامَتِهِ ذِرَاعاً وَاحِدَةً؟ 28وَلِمَاذَا تَهْتَمُّونَ بِاللِّبَاسِ؟ تَأَمَّلُوا زَنَابِقَ الْحَقْلِ كَيْفَ تَنْمُو! لاَ تَتْعَبُ وَلاَ تَغْزِلُ. 29وَلَكِنْ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ : إِنَّهُ وَلاَ سُلَيْمَانُ فِي كُلِّ مَجْدِهِ كَانَ يَلْبَسُ كَوَاحِدَةٍ مِنْهَا. 30فَإِنْ كَانَ عُشْبُ الْحَقْلِ الَّذِي يُوجَدُ الْيَوْمَ وَيُطْرَحُ غَداً فِي التَّنُّورِ،يُلْبِسُهُ اللَّهُ هَكَذَا ، أَفَلَيْسَ بِالْحَرِيِّ جِدّاً يُلْبِسُكُمْ أَنْتُمْ يَا قَلِيلِي الإِيمَانِ؟ 31فَلاَ تَهْتَمُّوا قَائِلِينَ: مَاذَا نَأْكُلُ ؟ أَوْ مَاذَا نَشْرَبُ ؟ أَوْ مَاذَا نَلْبَسُ؟ 32فَإِنَّ هَذِهِ كُلَّهَا تَطْلُبُهَا الأُمَمُ. لأَنَّ أَبَاكُمُ السَّمَاوِيَّ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّكُمْ تَحْتَاجُونَ إِلَى هَذِهِ كُلِّهَا. 33لَكِنِ اطْلُبُوا أَوَّلاً مَلَكُوتَ اللَّهِ وَبِرَّهُ ، وَهَذِهِ كُلُّهَا تُزَادُ لَكُمْ.
3rd Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 6:22-33
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ῾Ο λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός· ἐὰν οὖν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ἁπλοῦς ᾖ, ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου φωτεινόν ἔσται· ἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρὸς ᾖ, ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου σκοτεινὸν ἔσται. εἰ οὖν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστί, τὸ σκότος πόσον; Οὐδεὶς δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν· ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει. οὐ δύνασθε Θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ. Διὰ τοῦτο λέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ μεριμνᾶτε τῇ ψυχῇ ὑμῶν τί φάγητε καὶ τί πίητε, μηδὲ τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν τί ἐνδύσησθε· οὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος; ἐμβλέψατε εἰς τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, ὅτι οὐ σπείρουσιν οὐδὲ θερίζουσιν οὐδὲ συνάγουσιν εἰς ἀποθήκας, καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος τρέφει αὐτά· οὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν; τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα; καὶ περὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε; καταμάθετε τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνει· οὐ κοπιᾷ οὐδὲ νήθει· λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων. Εἰ δὲ τὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ, σήμερον ὄντα καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον, ὁ Θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν, οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι; μὴ οὖν μεριμνήσητε λέγοντες, τί φάγωμεν ἢ τί πίωμεν ἢ τί περιβαλώμεθα; πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητεῖ· οἶδε γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων ἁπάντων. ζητεῖτε δὲ πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν.
This Martyr, who was born to a pagan father and a Christian mother, was from Cilicia, confessed the Christian Faith before the Proconsul Marcian, and was perfected in martyrdom at the age of eighteen, when he was put into a sack with sand and venomous serpents and cast into the sea. Saint John Chrysostom has a homily in his honour.
After the expulsion of Eudoxius from the see of Antioch, the Arians of Antioch, believing that Meletius of Armenia would uphold their doctrines, petitioned the Emperor Constantius to appoint Meletius Bishop of Antioch, while signing a document jointly with the Orthodox of Antioch, unanimously agreeing to Meletius' appointment (see Feb. 12); this document was entrusted to Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata. Meletius, however, after his Orthodoxy became apparent, was banished, and the Arians persuaded Constantius to demand the document back from Eusebius, as it convicted their perfidy. Imperial officers were sent; Eusebius refused to surrender the document without the consent of all who had signed it; the officers returned to the Emperor, who furiously sent them back to Eusebius with threats. But so great a zealot for the true Faith, so staunch an enemy of the Arians, so fearless a man of valor was Saint Eusebius, that when Constantius' officers arrived, threatening to cut off his right hand unless he surrendered the document, Eusebius held out both hands. When Constantius learned of it, he was struck with astonishment and admiration.
This took place in 361, the last year of the reign of Constantius; he was succeeded by Julian the Apostate, who was slain in Persia in 363; Jovian succeeded Julian, and Valentinian succeeded Jovian in 364, making his brother Valens Emperor of the East. Valens, who supported the Arians, exiled Eusebius to Thrace in 374. The bearer of the edict of Eusebius' banishment arrived in the evening; Eusebius bade him keep silence, or else the people, learning why he had come, would drown him: and Eusebius, though an old man, left his house alone on foot by night. After Valens was slain at Adrianopole in 378 (see Saint Isaacius, Aug. 3), the holy Eusebius returned from exile under the Emperor Gratian, and he ordained for the churches of Syria men known for their virtue and Orthodoxy. About the year 380, as he was entering a certain village to enthrone its bishop, whom he had consecrated, an Arian woman threw a clay tile from the roof, and it crushed his head; as he was dying, he bound the bystanders with oaths that they not take the least vengeance. Saint Gregory the Theologian addressed several letters to him (PG 37:87, 91, 126-130); he had such reverence for him, that in one letter to him, commending himself to Saint Eusebius' prayers, he said, "That such a man should deign to be my patron also in his prayers will gain for me, I am persuaded, as much strength as I should have gained through one of the holy martyrs.
He that was greater than all who are born of women, the Prophet who received God's testimony that he surpassed all the Prophets, was born of the aged and barren Elizabeth (Luke 1: 7) and filled all his kinsmen, and those that lived round about, with gladness and wonder. But even more wondrous was that which followed on the eighth day when he was circumcised, that is, the day on which a male child receives his name. Those present called him Zacharias, the name of his father. But the mother said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." Since the child's father was unable to speak, he was asked, by means of a sign, to indicate the child's name. He then asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And immediately Zacharias' mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed from its silence of nine months, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he blessed the God of Israel, Who had fulfilled the promises made to their fathers, and had visited them that were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and had sent to them the light of salvation. Zacharias prophesied concerning the child also, saying that he would be a Prophet of the Most High and Forerunner of Jesus Christ. And the child John, who was filled with grace, grew and waxed strong in the Spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel (Luke 1:57-80). His name is a variation of the Hebrew "Johanan," which means "Yah is gracious."
This Martyr practiced the ascetic discipline in Nisibis of Mesopotamia; she was of such great beauty that the report of her came to the persecutor Selenus, and every attempt was made to make her deny Christ. After many horrible tortures, she was cruelly dismembered by the executioners, then beheaded, in the year 310 (or, according to some, in 302, during the reign of Diocletian).
Saint Samson was from Rome and flourished during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great. Being a physician, he came to Constantinople, where he so distinguished himself for his virtue and his love for the sick and the poor that Patriarch Menas ordained him priest. The Emperor Justinian was healed by him, and out of gratitude built him a large hospital, which was afterwards known as "The Hospice of Samson." Saint Samson is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.
The 41st annual PSEKA Cyprus Conference hosted by PSEKA, with the leadership of its president Philip Christopher, took place in Washington, DC on June 9-11. It was cosponsored by AHEPA, AHI, HABA, the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce, FCAO, the Chian Federation, and the Pancyprian Association of America, and coordinated by Manatos & Manatos/Coordinated Effort of Hellenes.
Cyprus Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos addressed the group on its opening day and attended the reception hosted in the home of the H.E. Ambassador of Cyprus Evangelos Savva, before travelling to Houston to participate with other cabinet members in the 3+1 meetings.
Twenty-five US Members of Congress and six US Senators in positions key to the future of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean addressed a robust group of over 80 Hellenes dedicated to Hellenic issues. The Cyprus Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, joined this year by his wife Irene, gave remarks as did of course H.E. Ambassador Evangelos Savva and H.E. Ambassador of Greece Antonis Alexandridis.
Some of the Senators and Members who addressed the group and gave strong remarks regarding Cyprus include: Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-ID), who was presented an award by Tom Katsilometes of Idaho; Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks (D-NY), who was presented the Sarbanes Freedom Award by Dennis Mehiel of New York; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who was introduced by Dennis Mehiel; Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) was presented an award and greeted by two mayors from Cyprus who joined the conference this year, Dr. Iosif Violaris of Kyrenia and Marios Zambakides of Kythrea; Speaker Emerita of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who was presented the first ever Pelosi Democracy Award by Dennis Mehiel and Andy Manatos; Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees; Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Ranking Member of the House Energy Committee Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ); Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who was introduced by Savas Tsivicos of New Jersey; and our wonderful Greek-American delegation: Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), and Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL).
Other members of the House of Representatives who addressed the group include Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gabe Amo (D-RI); Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Chair of its CIA Subcommittee; Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), member of the House Appropriations Committee; Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), member of the House Armed Services Committee; Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Jim Himes (D-CT); Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO), member of the House Armed Services Committee and newly appointed member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Brad Sherman (D-CA), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY), who was introduced by Dennis Mehiel; Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY); and Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ).
The Hellenes also heard from Julie Fishman Rayman, Senior Vice President of the American Jewish Committee; Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America; and John Kiriakou, former CIA agent and influencer who reaches tens of millions of listeners.
The evening banquet provided an opportunity for Cyprus Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis to give a keynote address and for Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios to give remarks and be presented with a special award.
Other special recognitions were given that evening to long-time Hellenes: Markos Marinakos, who was presented the Livanos Award; Andreas Comodromos, who was presented the George Paraskevaides Award; Tasos Zambas, who was presented the Nikos Mouyiaris Award; and a surprise presentation of the Andy Athens Award to Father Alex Karloutsos, The Grand Protopresbyter of the Great Church of Christ, who was joined by his wife, Presvytera Xanthi Karloutsos.
The two-and-a-half day conference concluded with a stimulating panel discussion on Cyprus energy, commerce and trade led by Demetrios Comodromos, president of the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce with participation by Nicolas Nicolaou, founder of Kinisis Ventures and past president of the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce, Member of European Parliament Geadis Geadi and Niovi Christopoulou, Partner at AI.fund.
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The 41st annual PSEKA Cyprus Conference hosted by PSEKA, with the leadership of its president Philip Christopher, took place in Washington, DC on June 9-11. It was cosponsored by AHEPA, AHI, HABA, the Cyprus-US Chamber […]
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The National Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Oratorical Festival Finals were held June 13–14, 2026, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California, bringing together young students from across the country for a weekend centered on faith, education, and fellowship.
The annual festival, a cornerstone program of the Archdiocese’s Department of Religious Education, welcomed 18 finalists—nine in the senior division and nine in the junior division—each representing their respective Metropolises and Districts. These finalists, selected through regional competitions, gathered to deliver prepared speeches rooted in Orthodox theology, scripture, and contemporary Christian life.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the event, joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco; His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, Director of Religious Education; His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor of the Metropolis of San Francisco; Fr. Michael Prevas, presiding priest of St. Nicholas Church; and National Chairperson, Katherine Orfanakos Demacopoulos. Their presence underscored the significance of the Oratorical Festival as a vital ministry fostering youth engagement and spiritual formation.
The weekend began on Friday with arrivals and registration, followed by a Paraklesis service, setting a prayerful tone for the days ahead. A welcome dinner hosted by the parish provided an opportunity for participants, families, clergy, and organizers to gather in fellowship before the competition commenced.
On Saturday, June 13, the 42nd Annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival officially began. In the morning, finalists presented speeches reflecting on various topics which were identified by the Department of Religious Education and chosen by each speaker.
“This National Oratorical Festival, a gathering of the best and brightest from around the country, is like a golden bell which resounds with the glorious story of our Holy Orthodox Faith,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “All of the offerings which we will hear come from sincerity of faith, and bring praise to the Father of Fathers for whom the Festival is named, Saint John Chrysostom—which means ‘the one of golden voice’ … Each of the participants is sharing a message from your own ‘golden mouth’ today, and therefore you stand in the same tradition as the Holy Chrysostom, who stood in the tradition of the Lord Himself.”
After the speeches, judges evaluated participants on content, delivery, and theological understanding and during the awards luncheon announced the following winners:
All participants received scholarships, with the winners receiving additional awards.
Later in the evening, the participants enjoyed evening of fellowship with dinner and dancing at the Santa Monica Beach Club. The celebratory atmosphere highlighted the strong bonds formed among participants and their shared commitment to the Church.
On Sunday, June 14, the community will gather again at St. Nicholas for Orthros and the Divine Liturgy officiated by Archbishop Elpidophoros and con-celebrated by Metropolitan Gerasimos. During the service, the first-place junior and senior speakers will deliver their winning speeches, offering a powerful witness to the depth of faith and eloquence cultivated through the festival.
For those unable to attend in person, the festival was live-streamed, extending its reach to a broader audience and allowing communities across the country to witness the inspiring presentations. You can watch it here.
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The National Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Oratorical Festival Finals were held June 13–14, 2026, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California, bringing together young students from across the country for a weekend […]
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Encyclical from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday
https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-06-21?source=bulletin_web
June 21, 2026
The Archon Sprout Program, which introduces Orthodox Christian children to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is now officially bilingual, and much more is to come. The Sprouts Program Committee, which is chaired by Archons Nick Tranto and Nick Terezis, has successfully completed the translation of Sprout 1.0 into Spanish, under the leadership of Archon Ted Argeroplos. Helen Nixon and Katina Limberakis-Tsatalis served as the authors of the content.
Archon Ted Argeroplos explained: “With over six hundred million Spanish speakers worldwide, this translation significantly expands our reach in bringing the message of His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, to a global audience.” Archon Argeroplos is now pursuing additional translations in Arabic, German, and Greek. Archons Tranto and Terezis are also exploring a Japanese translation.
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, remarked: “This is fantastic news. The new Spanish version of the Archon Sprout Program is a magnificent testimony to the truly ecumenical character of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, whose sacred diakonia on behalf of the entire Church is truly global in its scope. Congratulations to the entire Sprout team!”
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have collaborated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Department of Religious Education to develop this unique program for educating children about the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Archon Sprout Program introduces Orthodox Christian children throughout the Archdiocese of America to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Sacred Center of our Holy Orthodox Faith, and to the challenges that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy Mother Church of Constantinople face in this age.
The curriculum was created by two professional educators, who between them have over 50 years of teaching experience: Dr. Helen Nixon, who holds a doctorate in education (EdD) and Katina Limberakis-Tsatalis, who has an MA in Elementary Education. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Annual Archon Agape Family Luncheon, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate presented the Archon Sophia Award for Excellence to Dr. Nixon and Ms. Limberakis-Tsatalis, M.Ed. for their pro bono work in creating the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Ecumenical Patriarchate Catechism School Education Initiative.
The Archons present the Sophia Award for Excellence annually to an individual or individuals who have distinguished themselves in endeavors that serve the needs of the Holy Mother Church and the Sacred Mission of the Archons of the Great Church of Christ.
Find the Archon Sprout Program lesson plans in English and in Spanish here.
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The Archon Sprout Program, which introduces Orthodox Christian children to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is now officially bilingual, and much more is to come. The Sprouts Program Committee, which is chaired by Archons Nick Tranto and […]
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While the world’s attention has recently been focused on His Holiness Pope Leo XIV of Rome’s May 15, 2026 encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, and its guidance on safeguarding the dignity of every human person amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), it is noteworthy that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been a global pioneer in exploring the spiritual implications of AI, and relating it to the eternal truths of the Christian Faith.
As far back as Dec. 2024, His All-Holiness formally inaugurated the 4th International Ecological Well-Being Conference, “Artificial Intelligence, Technoethics, and Youth,” at the Marasleio School in Athens. In his address, he reminded those attending the conference that “the Orthodox tradition is an inexhaustible source of vital principles and truths for humanity and the world.”
His All-Holiness stated that “we are pleased to see theology engaging with the topic of ‘artificial intelligence.’” He also spoke about the conflict that some see between faith and science, and emphasized that new scientific innovations had to be used in an ethical manner: “The Church, while advocating for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, encourages young people to cultivate ‘spiritual intelligence’ by exploring and embracing the invaluable spiritual and cultural treasures of our Orthodox Tradition.”
Shortly after that conference, in Jan. 2025, His All-Holiness stated that “artificial intelligence has immense potential for positive transformation in environmental protection, education, and healthcare, offering innovative pathways to solve significant human problems. At the same time, from invasions of privacy to rising inequalities and possible compromise of institutions, this great tool also contains inherent risks.”
His All-Holiness emphasized that “implementation of artificial intelligence requires respect of individual dignity, safeguard of fundamental freedoms, and advancement of social equity.” He added that “in this context, the Orthodox Christian tradition would underline moral discernment and direction along with scientific research and development.”
The on May 8, 2026, the Ecumenical Patriarch said: “It is certain that we will speak of the period before and after AI.” He sounded a prophetic warning, stating that “despite the truly astonishing scientific progress of our time, existential fulfillment and humanity are not self-evident or guaranteed. They require commitment and struggle. Education must help children discover and embrace spiritual values.” As AI becomes more common and more sophisticated by the day, he stressed the fact that “real life is more than measurable reality, more than numbers, more than square logic. Life is not digital. The human soul is filled with emotions, empathy, and spontaneous hierarchies of priorities.”
In another address on the same day, His All-Holiness again emphasized that AI cannot ever fulfill the deepest longings of the human soul, and must not be allowed to become a tool to further inhumanity and dehumanization: “Humanity, while making tremendous advances, such as in Artificial Intelligence — whose proper and prudent use we hope for and look toward — nevertheless often continues to fall victim to its own selfishness.”
In an April 2026 address, His All-Holiness pointed to the reality of human suffering that must not be ignored or shunted aside as AI continues to transform our lives. As technology advances, the spiritual wisdom of the Church is needed more than ever. “In the face of these challenges,” he said, “it would be illusory to take refuge in purely technocratic approaches. Behind statistics and economic analyses lie human realities: shattered lives, silent suffering, and uprooted peoples. The fragmentation of the world is not merely a matter of structures; it reflects a deeper anthropological crisis. We are thus confronted with a decisive choice: either we accept division as an inevitability, or we commit ourselves resolutely to building a global order founded on solidarity. In this context, awareness of our interdependence becomes essential.”
This has been a recurring theme of His All-Holiness’ addresses, as he has made it clear that it is the defining issue regarding AI and its proper usage. “In recent years,” he stated in Sept. 2025, “we have witnessed the spread and reach of ‘artificial intelligence,’ considered the pinnacle of technological progress. Its applications extend into all areas of human life… No prudent person can deny the benefits of science and technology. Yet it is indisputable that science cannot provide answers and solutions to the great existential and social problems that afflict humanity—violence, injustice, religious fundamentalism, the deadlocks of human relationships, and above all, the ‘last enemy,’ death. These are addressed only by other powers, with the first being religious faith.”
If these prophetic words of His All-Holiness are heeded, humanity will be spared a great deal of suffering that could result from the wrongful application of AI. We pray that the Ecumenical Patriarch will be heeded at this crucial point in the development of this remarkable new technology.
See the original article here.
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While the world’s attention has recently been focused on His Holiness Pope Leo XIV of Rome’s May 15, 2026 encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, and its guidance on safeguarding the dignity of every human person amid […]
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