Dormition of the Theotokos - Koimisis tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-09-27
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Dormition of the Theotokos - Koimisis tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (802) 862-2155
  • Fax:
  • (802) 881-0717
  • Street Address:

  • 600 South Willard Street

  • Burlington, VT 05401


Contact Information



Services Schedule

Sundays: 10:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY, preceded by Orthros at 9:00 AM

Sacred Weekdays: 9:00 AM - DIVINE LITURGY

 


Past Bulletins


This Week

1st Sunday of Luke, 27 September
9:00 AM: Orthros (Matins & Lauds), followed by 10:00 AM: DIVINE LITURGY

Saturday, 3 October
10:00 AM: DIVINE LITURGY, at St Nicholas Church of Rutland, VT

2nd Sunday of Luke, 4 October
9:00 AM: Orthros (Matins & Lauds), followed by 10:00 AM: DIVINE LITURGY

Fasting this Week:

Wed, Fri: Strict Fasting; All Other Days: No Fasting



Upcoming Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    September 27 to October 18, 2026

    Sunday, September 27

    1st Sunday of Luke

    9:00AM Orthros (Matins+Lauds)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Saturday, October 3

    10:00AM Rutland Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, October 4

    2nd Sunday of Luke

    9:00AM Orthros (Matins+Lauds)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, October 11

    Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

    9:00AM Orthros (Matins+Lauds)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, October 18

    Apostle & Evangelist Luke

    9:00AM Orthros (Matins+Lauds)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy





Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high You descended, Most Merciful; for us You condescended to a threeday burial to set us free from the passions. O Lord, our Resurrection and our Life, glory to You!
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Martyr Callistratus & his Companions in the Fourth Mode

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls.
Οι Μάρτυρές σου, Κύριε, εν τή αθλήσει αυτών, στεφάνους εκομίσαντο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, σχόντες γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλον, έθραυσαν καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση. Αυτών ταίς ικεσίαις, Χριστέ ο Θεός, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Apolytikion of Church of the Dormition in the First Mode

In giving birth you did retain your virginity. In your repose, you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You have passed into life, you that are the Mother of Life. And by your intercessions, you redeem our souls from death. 

Ἐν τῇ Γεννήσει τὴν παρθενίαν ἐφύλαξας, ἐν τῇ Κοιμήσει τὸν κόσμον οὐ κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε. Μετέστης πρὸς τὴν ζωήν, μήτηρ ὑπάρχουσα τῆς ζωῆς, καὶ ταῖς πρεσβείαις ταῖς σαῖς λυτρουμένη, ἐκ θανάτου τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from the prayerful cries of those who are in sin; instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: Hasten to intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

البروكيمنون. Plagal Fourth Mode. مزمور 75: 11، 1.
أنذِروا وأوفُوا للرّبِّ إلهِكُم
Verse: الله معروف في يهوذا واسمه عظيم في إسرائيل

فصل من رسالة بولس الثانية الى اهل كورنثس 6: 16-18 ; 7: 1.

يَُّا إِخْوَة، أَنْتُمْ هَيْكَلُ اللهِ الْحَيِّ، كَمَا قَالَ اللهُ: ((إِنِّي سَأَسْكُنُ فِيهِمْ وَأَسِيرُ بَيْنَهُمْ، وَأَكُونُ لَهُمْ إِلَهاً وَهُمْ يَكُونُونَ لِي شَعْباً. لِذَلِكَ اخْرُجُوا مِنْ وَسَطِهِمْ وَاعْتَزِلُوا، يَقُولُ الرَّبُّ. وَلاَ تَمَسُّوا نَجِساً فَأَقْبَلَكُمْ، وَأَكُونَ لَكُمْ أَباً وَأَنْتُمْ تَكُونُونَ لِي بَنِينَ وَبَنَاتٍ)) يَقُولُ الرَّبُّ الْقَادِرُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ. فَإِذْ لَنَا هَذِهِ الْمَوَاعِيدُ أَيُّهَا الأَحِبَّاءُ لِنُطَهِّرْ ذَوَاتِنَا مِنْ كُلِّ دَنَسِ الْجَسَدِ وَالرُّوحِ، مُكَمِّلِينَ الْقَدَاسَةَ فِي خَوْفِ اللهِ.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 6:16-18, 7:1.

Ἀδελφοί, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ναὸς Θεοῦ ζῶντος, καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ θεός ὅτι Ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐμπεριπατήσω· καὶ ἔσομαι αὐτῶν θεός, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μοι λαός. Διὸ, Ἐξέλθετε ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἀφορίσθητε, λέγει κύριος, καὶ ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε· κἀγὼ εἰσδέξομαι ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἔσομαι ὑμῖν εἰς πατέρα, καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔσεσθέ μοι εἰς υἱοὺς καὶ θυγατέρας, λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ. Ταύτας οὖν ἔχοντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας, ἀγαπητοί, καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ παντὸς μολυσμοῦ σαρκὸς καὶ πνεύματος, ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην ἐν φόβῳ θεοῦ.


Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

1st Sunday of Luke
لوقا 5: 1-11

1 في ذلك الزمان فيما يسوع كَانَ وَاقِفاً عِنْدَ بُحَيْرَةِ جَنِّيسَارَتَ. 2 رَأَى سَفِينَتَيْنِ وَاقِفَتَيْنِ عِنْدَ الْبُحَيْرَةِ ، وَالصَّيَّادُونَ قَدْ خَرَجُوا مِنْهُمَا وَغَسَلُوا الشِّبَاكَ. 3فَدَخَلَ إِحْدَى السَّفِينَتَيْنِ الَّتِي كَانَتْ لِسِمْعَانَ ، وَسَأَلَهُ أَنْ يُبْعِدَ قَلِيلاً عَنِ الْبَرِّ. ثُمَّ جَلَسَ وَصَارَ يُعَلِّمُ الْجُمُوعَ مِنَ السَّفِينَةِ. 4وَلَمَّا فَرَغَ مِنَ الْكَلاَمِ قَالَ لِسِمْعَانَ: ((ابْعُدْ إِلَى الْعُمْقِ وَأَلْقُوا شِبَاكَكُمْ لِلصَّيْدِ)). 5فَأَجَابَ سِمْعَانُ وَقَالَ لَهُ : ((يَا مُعَلِّمُ ، قَدْ تَعِبْنَا اللَّيْلَ كُلَّهُ وَلَمْ نَأْخُذْ شَيْئاً. وَلَكِنْ عَلَى كَلِمَتِكَ أُلْقِي الشَّبَكَةَ)). 6وَلَمَّا فَعَلُوا ذَلِكَ أَمْسَكُوا سَمَكاً كَثِيراً جِدّاً ، فَصَارَتْ شَبَكَتُهُمْ تَتَخَرَّقُ. 7فَأَشَارُوا إِلَى شُرَكَائِهِمُِ الَّذِينَ فِي السَّفِينَةِ الأُخْرَى أَنْ يَأْتُوا وَيُسَاعِدُوهُمْ. فَأَتَوْا وَمَلأُوا السَّفِينَتَيْنِ حَتَّى أَخَذَتَا فِي الْغَرَقِ. 8فَلَمَّا رَأَى سِمْعَانُ بُطْرُسُ ذَلِكَ خَرَّ عِنْدَ رُكْبَتَيْ يَسُوعَ قَائِلاً: ((اخْرُجْ مِنْ سَفِينَتِي يَارَبُّ ، لأَنِّي رَجُلٌ خَاطِئٌ)). 9إِذِ اعْتَرَتْهُ وَجمِيعَ الَّذِينَ مَعَهُ دَهْشَةٌ عَلَى صَيْدِ السَّمَكِ الَّذِي أَخَذُوهُ. 10وَكَذَلِكَ أَيْضاً يَعْقُوبُ وَيُوحَنَّا ابْنَا زَبْدِي اللَّذَانِ كَانَا شَرِيكَيْ سِمْعَانَ. فَقَالَ يَسُوعُ لِسِمْعَانَ: ((لاَ تَخَفْ! مِنَ الآنَ تَكُونُ تَصْطَادُ النَّاسَ!)) 11وَلَمَّا جَاءُوا بِالسَّفِينَتَيْنِ إِلَى الْبَرِّ تَرَكُوا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ وَتَبِعُوهُ. 

 

 

1st Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 5:1-11

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἑστὼς ὁ Ἰησοῦς παρὰ τὴν λίμνην Γεννησαρέτ, καὶ εἶδε δύο πλοῖα ἑστῶτα παρὰ τὴν λίμνην· οἱ δὲ ἁλιεῖς ἀποβάντες ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν ἀπέπλυναν τὰ δίκτυα. ἐμβὰς δὲ εἰς ἓν τῶν πλοίων, ὃ ἦν τοῦ Σίμωνος, ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον· καὶ καθίσας ἐδίδασκεν ἐκ τοῦ πλοίου τοὺς ὄχλους. ὡς δὲ ἐπαύσατο λαλῶν, εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα· ἐπανάγαγε εἰς τὸ βάθος καὶ χαλάσατε τὰ δίκτυα ὑμῶν εἰς ἄγραν. καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Σίμων εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἐπιστάτα, δι᾿ ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς κοπιάσαντες οὐδὲν ἐλάβομεν· ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ ῥήματί σου χαλάσω τὸ δίκτυον. καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντες συνέκλεισαν πλῆθος ἰχθύων πολύ· διερρήγνυτο δὲ τὸ δίκτυον αὐτῶν. καὶ κατένευσαν τοῖς μετόχοις τοῖς ἐν τῷ ἑτέρῳ πλοίῳ τοῦ ἐλθόντας συλλαβέσθαι αὐτοῖς· καὶ ἦλθον καὶ ἔπλησαν ἀμφότερα τὰ πλοῖα, ὥστε βυθίζεσθαι αὐτά. ἰδὼν δὲ Σίμων Πέτρος προσέπεσε τοῖς γόνασιν ᾿Ιησοῦ λέγων· ἔξελθε ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι ἀνὴρ ἁμαρτωλός εἰμι, Κύριε· θάμβος γὰρ περιέσχεν αὐτὸν καὶ πάντας τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ ἐπὶ τῇ ἄγρᾳ τῶν ἰχθύων ᾗ συνέλαβον, ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ ᾿Ιάκωβον καὶ ᾿Ιωάννην, υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου, οἳ ἦσαν κοινωνοὶ τῷ Σίμωνι. καὶ εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· μὴ φοβοῦ· ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν. καὶ καταγαγόντες τὰ πλοῖα ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἀφέντες ἅπαντα ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ.




Saints and Feasts

September 27

Callistratus the Martyr & his 49 Companions

These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.


September 28

Chariton the Confessor

Saint Chariton was born in the city of Iconium during the reign of Aurelian, about the year 274. He was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death because of his Christian Faith, but finally set free by imperial edict. He came to Palestine, where he took up the ascetic life. He also brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. Having dwelt in the desert of Judea for many years, and established several monasteries throughout the region, he reposed in peace.


September 29

Kyriakos the Hermit of Palestine

This Saint was born in Corinth in 448. He went to Palestine to the Lavra of Euthymius the Great, but because of his youth was sent by Saint Euthymius to Saint Gerasimus; after the death of Saint Gerasimus he returned to the Lavra of Saint Euthymius. Later he took on a more rigorous life of asceticism in the wilderness of Natoufa, where there was nothing to eat except the exceedingly bitter wild herb called squills, which, however, through his prayers, God made sweet for him and his disciple. He lived 107 years and reposed in the year 555.


September 30

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia

This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia.


October 01

Romanos the Melodist

Saint Romanos flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanos was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.


October 03

Dionysios the Areopagite

This Saint was from Athens, a learned man, and a member of the famous judicial court of Mars Hill (in Greek Aeros Pagos, hence the name Areopagite (see Acts 17:19-34). When Saint Paul preached in Athens, he was one of the first there to believe in Christ, and, according to some, became the first bishop of that city. Others say -- and this may be more probable--that he was the second Bishop of Athens, after Saint Hierotheus, whom Dionysios calls his friend and teacher "after Paul" (On the Divine Names, 3:2). With Saint Hierotheus he was also present at the Dormition of the most holy Theotokos; the Doxasticon of the Aposticha for the service of the Dormition is partly taken from a passage in Chapter III of On the Divine Names. According to ancient tradition, he received a martyr's end (according to some, in Athens itself) about the year 96.




Wisdom of the Fathers

For now they were well instructed beforehand...But mark both their faith and their obedience. For though they were in the midst of their work when they heard His command, they delayed not, they procrastinated not, they said not, "let us return home, and converse with our kinsfolk," but "they forsook all and followed."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time, though something absolutely most needful should vehemently press on us.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century



Archdiocese News

Greek Minister Stavros Papastavrou calls the Church ‘an anchor for Hellenism’ in meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros

09/24/2026

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

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

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

Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomed Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, to the Archdiocese headquarters on Sept. 24. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Yannis Malevitis

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

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

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

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NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, to the Archdiocese headquarters in Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 24. The minister is in New York as […]

The post Greek Minister Stavros Papastavrou calls the Church ‘an anchor for Hellenism’ in meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros appeared first on Orthodox Observer.


Orthodox Volunteer Corps announces Phoenix expansion

09/24/2026

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

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

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

The post Orthodox Volunteer Corps announces Phoenix expansion appeared first on Orthodox Observer.


Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is a year-long immersive program for young adults ages 21-29 to serve with our most vulnerable neighbors. Corps Members live in community with other young adults, explore topics of the faith […]

The post Orthodox Volunteer Corps announces Phoenix expansion appeared first on Orthodox Observer.


National Philoptochos welcomes Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy

09/24/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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The National Philoptochos Society was honored to welcome Domna Michailidou, Greece’s Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, and Consul Petros Doritzas to the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy (PCOP) on Monday, September 21, as world leaders […]

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‘The Greek American community welcomes you’: Archbishop Elpidophoros greets Mitsotakis in New York

09/24/2026

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

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

Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos

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

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

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

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

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NEW YORK — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sept. 23 to the annual Greek-American Community “Oli Mazi” (“Όλοι Μαζί”) Luncheon in Manhattan, hosted by The Hellenic Initiative […]

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Maliotis Cultural Center signs MOU with Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies

09/23/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Maliotis Cultural Center signs MOU with Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies appeared first on Orthodox Observer.


The Maliotis Cultural Center of Hellenic College Holy Cross is pleased to announce the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University, opening a new chapter of […]

The post Maliotis Cultural Center signs MOU with Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies appeared first on Orthodox Observer.


A new, bilingual, pew edition of the Divine Liturgy is now available

09/21/2026

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

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

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

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

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

How to order

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

Individuals can purchase single copies here: Purchase an individual copy

The post A new, bilingual, pew edition of the Divine Liturgy is now available appeared first on Orthodox Observer.


A newly-revised bilingual edition of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom has arrived at the Orthodox Marketplace warehouse and is now in stock. The Divine Liturgy Pew Edition 2026, published by Orthodox Press, can […]

The post A new, bilingual, pew edition of the Divine Liturgy is now available appeared first on Orthodox Observer.










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