Sunday Services:
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Classes:
11:15 am After Holy Communion
Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!
Join us for Orthodox Divine Liturgy every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Light a candle and offer a prayer at Saint Catherine (click above).
The online form sends the names of your family and friends
direct to Father Chrysostom at the altar;prayers are offered
during the Proskomidi in preparation for the Divine Liturgy!
June 22, 2025
Links to the service text: Links to the service texts are through the Digital Chant Stand of our Archdiocese. For optimal viewing select the "GR-EN Text/Music" link for Matins (Orthros) and Divine Liturgy. Apps may be downloaded for your phone or tablet. Link to the Digital Chant Stand
Holy Communion: Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians only. If you are interested in becoming an Orthodox Christian, please contact Father Chrysostom Mitchell at (561) 320-1224 or [email protected].
Coffee and Fellowship: Please join us for coffee and fellowship in the Hellenic Cultural Center immediately following the Divine Liturgy.
____________
This Week
Sunday, June 22 2nd Sunday of Matthew
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Monday, June 23
7:00 pm Choir Practice
Tuesday, June 24 Nativity of St. John the Baptist
9:00 am Orthros / 10:00 am Liturgy
Thursday, June 26
6:30 pm Parish Council Meeting
Next Week and Highlights of Upcoming Services and Events
Sunday, June 29 Saints Peter and Paul
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Monday, June 30
7:00 pm Choir Practice
June 30-July 5 Fr. Chrysostom will be at St.Stephens Camp in Salem, SC.
____________
Stewardship:
DONATE online
https://www.stcatherine-wpb.
stcatherine-wpb.org
The Donate buttons here and on our website lead to our online giving site.
Again, thank you for your support!
Youth Safety Resources: We’re committed to connecting young people with Jesus Christ. To do that, we need to create ministry environments that are safe and health. For more on how you can help, please visit our Youth Safety website: goarch.org/safety.
Church Services Streamed: Many of our Divine Liturgies have been recorded and can be viewed at www.youtube.com. Subscribe to our YouTube channel; you will be notified when we begin a live stream.
Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church (Services from 2020 until now)
Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church (Selected services from 2015-2019)
Second Orthros Gospel
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.
Prokeimenon. First Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 2:10-16.
Brethren, glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
2nd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 4:18-23
At that time, as Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Chrismations
James Michaels and his sponsor, Michael Sofianos, Jr.
Joshua Koester and his sponsor, Nikolaos Troullinos
Christopher Mauck and his sponsor, Joseph Antonakakis
Rayquon Minnis and his sponsor, Helen Larissopoupou
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.
This Martyr was from Rome and lived in virginity, having Christ alone as her Bridegroom. Of her own accord she courageously presented herself to the pagans as a Christian, and was tortured to death, according to some, in the reign of Valerian (253-260). Her holy relics were then taken to Sicily, where they immediately became a source of great miracles.
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 David, who was from Thessalonica, lived a most holy and ascetical life. For some years, he took up his dwelling in the branches of an almond tree, exposed to all the elements and extremes of the weather. He reposed in peace during the reign of Saint Justinian the Great, in the sixth century.
According to one tradition, this icon was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. It was formerly situated in the famous Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. In 1383, it appeared upon the waters of Lake Ladoga, whence it travelled miraculously through the air to the city of Tikhvin; there, it remained by the River Tikhvinka, and a monastery was built to shelter the icon. In 1613-14 this monastery miraculously withstood the many attacks of the Swedish invaders. In the early twentieth century it was brought to America and was returned to Russia in 2004. The holy icon is renowned for a great many miracles wrought through it by the all-holy Mother of God, especially for the healing of children.
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.
These Saints lived during the years of Diocletian. Saint Cyrus was from Alexandria, and Saint John was from Edessa of Mesopotamia. Because of the persecution of that time, Cyrus fled to the Gulf of Arabia, where there was a small community of monks. John, who was a soldier, heard of Cyrus' fame and came to join him. Henceforth, they passed their life working every virtue, and healing every illness and disease freely by the grace of Christ; hence their title of "Unmercenaries." They heard that a certain woman, named Athanasia, had been apprehended together with her three daughters, Theodora, Theoctiste, and Eudoxia, and taken to the tribunal for their confession of the Faith. Fearing lest the tender young maidens be terrified by the torments and renounce Christ, they went to strengthen them in their contest in martyrdom; therefore they too were seized. After Cyrus and John and those sacred women had been greatly tormented, all were beheaded in the year 292. Their tomb became a renowned shrine in Egypt, and a place of universal pilgrimage. It was found in the area of the modern day resort near Alexandria named Abu Kyr.
By their life and teachings, our righteous Fathers Sergius and Herman did much to spread and confirm Orthodoxy among the Karelian Finns, who had suffered much oppression at the hands of Swedes of the Latin creed. They founded on Lake Ladoga the renowned Monastery of Valaam, which later became one of the chief centers of the monastic life. Both Saints reposed about 1353.
The great defender of the Orthodox Faith against the Iconoclasts, our righteous Father John of Damascus (See Dec. 4), was slandered to the Caliph of Damascus by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Isaurian (reigned 717-741). Saint John was accused of sedition and his right hand was cut off. Having asked for the severed hand, Saint John passed the night in great pain, praying for the aid of the most holy Theotokos. Awaking from sleep, he found that his hand had been miraculously restored, with only a red scar about the wrist where it had been severed, as a testimony to the wonderous healing. In thanksgiving, he had a silver hand attached to the icon to commemorate this great miracle. On becoming a monk in the lavra of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in the Holy Land, John brought the icon with him. There it remained until the thirteenth century, when it was given to Saint Sabbas of Serbia (see Jan. 14), who brought it to Serbia, where it remained for a time. Later, it was miraculously transported by an unguided donkey that carried it to the Serbian Monastery of Hilandar on the Holy Mountain, Athos, where it remains to this day.
Apply now for the Faith Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The deadline is June 24th.
Fr. Chrysostom would like to come and bless your home and/or business as we begin the new calendar year and celebrate Epiphany. Please let him know if you would like him to visit your home or business.
NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Committee of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, Inc, a major nonprofit public charitable organization, seeks an Executive Director with overall strategic and operational responsibility for the staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission to advance Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America. The ideal candidate should have a track record of fundraising, communication and organizational skills and the ability to interface effectively with the Greek American Community.
Leadership and Management
The Executive Director shall be the chief operating officer of the Corporation and shall be a member in good standing of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, believe in the Church’s mission and should be an active participant in the Church who enjoys working with people, and must be a confident, articulate public speaker.
• Oversee the strategic development of Leadership 100, with special emphasis on oversight of all fundraising and solicitations, and cultivation, including membership recruitment, and creating opportunities for the fellowship, spiritual and cultural growth of members.
• Exercise governance and full transparency over all fundraising and solicitations for the Endowment Fund and the Leadership 100 + Fund, and over the operations and personnel of the Corporation, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
• Lead with influence and clear accountability. Report regularly to the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, of which he/she is a non-voting member, and prepare agendas and full reports.
• Build new innovative ways to engage and build Leadership 100 in the next phase of growth.
Membership, Programs & Planning
• Expand fundraising through membership recruitment and regional outreach.
• Coordinate planning for the Leadership 100 annual conference
• Optimize all aspects of communications—from web presence and social media to external relations, with the goal of creating a stronger brand.
• Represent Leadership 100 at all significant and related conferences and meetings. both private and public. Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities.
• Build partnerships in new markets, establish relationships with the funders, and Church and community leaders.
• Manage the Leadership 100 Office, oversee all personnel and coordinate the work of all consultants and oversee the preparation of all financial reports and budgets.
• Oversee relations with the Archbishop and Archdiocese and act as the liaison of Leadership 100 to all Orthodox Christian and Hellenic organizations while organizing any/all meetings or visitations to the Metropolises
The position involves nationwide travel. The candidate must have excellent social skills in relating to all members and committees of Leadership 100 on an individual basis, the general membership, and the staff, as well as to Church Hierarchy and Clergy.
Applicants are to submit a letter of application and a resume or curriculum vitae. Nominators are to submit a letter of recommendation and the nominee’s resume or CV.
The search process strictly adheres to a policy of candidate confidentiality. Applications for nominations are to be submitted to: [email protected] by June 30th.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In this week’s Epistle, the Apostle Paul writes to the Romans, discussing the difference between those who have the Law of Moses, and those who do not. As the Romans were once pagans, this discussion is very important to them. St. Paul begins by demonstrating how all are children of God. “Glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality” (Romans 2:10-11). St. Paul, understands that “…the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)
The Apostle knows that it is just as possible for a Gentile to do good, as it is for a follower of the Law to commit a sin. “When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts...” (Romans 2:14-15) This statement brings to mind Jesus’s warning to the lawyer who wished to test Him on what our Lord considered to be the Greatest Commandment in the Law: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40). This final sentence, “…on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”, shows us that those pagans who had not observed the laws concerning the sacrifices and the dietary commands could still be counted as sons and daughters of God by holding fast to the principles of loving God and neighbor.
Our Lord did not come to overturn the Law by emphasizing the universality of these Commandments. For, as He said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17)/ St. Paul explains it perfectly when he says, “…it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God's sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified” (Romans 2:13). After 2,000 years of the Gospel being spread on this earth, we would do well to ask ourselves: is God’s law written on our hearts, or are we like so many of those individuals who profess to believe in Christ, without living like Disciples?
Truly, in opening His arms to all those who do the will of His Father, Christ demonstrated that actions are indeed, more powerful than words.
+SEVASTIANOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta