For many, it is difficult to see God. They may not know where to look, However, as we teach in  the Church, “God is everywhere and fills all things.” How then can we not see Him? He is there. He is here. He is everywhere.

There is a nice story about a holy man who lived in solitude in the deserts of Egypt. He had gained a reputation for his insights and wisdom, so people went to seek out his counsel. Some scientists were working in the area at the sites of great monuments. They wandered upon the man’s hut. They heard him praying inside and politely waited until he finished his prayers and then approached him.

They spoke to him mockingly, “How do you know for sure that there is a God who hears your prayers?”

He answered them with his own question, “How did you know that someone visited me last night in my tent?” Indeed, a man had come to seek the advice of this sage.

The unbelievers responded, “We knew this by the footprints left in the sand.”

The wise sage then said, “I, too, know there is a  God because I can see his prints everywhere.”

It is unfortunate that so many of us cannot see God’s prints around us. Perhaps, like the stars in the heavens, they are dimmed out because of all the lights on earth. Or perhaps we don’t stop and look—we don’t notice because we are so busy. Perhaps, we have built too many buildings to appreciate the handiwork of God. Who knows? There are many reasons, but He is there. He is everywhere. All we need are the eyes to see Him.

Do you see Him now? If not, learn to look harder in order to see better.

The Feast of our parish is on October 25/26, Sunday evening and Monday morning. The divine services will be as follows:

Sunday, Great Vespers, 6:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Monday, Orthros, 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m. with an artoklasia (five loaves) to follow.

As we approach the final quarter of 2026, we might ask if we have completed our pledge for the year. In a few months we will be asking for you to fill out your pledge for 2027. It seems reasonable that our current pledge is up to date. Pledge forms are available in the anteroom for your convenience. Thank you for your ongoing support of St. Demetrios parish.

... Kaiden Luckey, who was baptised and chrismated Saturday, September 19th. He will took the name Konstantine and his godfather is A.J. Rosario. May God grant him many years!

... Kayla Nicole and Colby Andrew King whose marriage was blessed in the Church on Saturday, September 19th. Their sponsors were Kayla and Colby King.

... Megan and Tony Swink, whose baby was presented to the Church for the 40-day blessing on Sunday, September 20th.

Congratulations! There are a few things you will need to have for that blessed day:

• A necklace cross
• One single size white sheet
• One large white bath towel
• One small white hand towel
• One bar of soap
• One bottle of olive oil
• One Baptismal candle plus two other candles
• A baby blanket is also helpful.

For an adult, much less is needed. Visit our webpage under BAPTISM for more information, visit our webpage, The bookstore is happy to help with custom candles or premade available for purchase.  

Are you interested in becoming a godparent, see Fr. Milton.

In 1776, enslaved and free Black worshippers gathered secretly in brush harbors and organized Historic First Baptist Church on October 9. We are invited to join this church for thier 250th anniversary during a four-day observance to begin on October 8th and continue through October 11th. The events include:

• Opening church service at the Scotland Street Church
• Unveiling and dedication of the African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground
• Let Freedom Ring black tie gala at the Williamsburg Lodge, Virginia Ballroom
• Sunday worship service at the Scotland Street Church

We are invitated as guests to any or all of the above. If you are interested, please contact Fr. Milton so he can RSVP for our community.

Coffee hour is a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to meet and greet one another after Sunday Divine Liturgy. We have a nice group of volunteers who rotate hosting duties each week, but could use a couple more teams.  We would welcome anyone who would like to be part of this community outreach, any and all who would like to join, add to the number of teams, and share hospitality with our parish and visitors. 
For more information or to sign up, please contact Zena Parker, 570-606-9208, coordinator.

Adult catechism classes began this Thursday, September 17th.  If you missed the start date, it is not too late. Just sign up and start this coming Thursday. All those who are seeking to be Chrismated or Baptized in the Orthodox Faith should plan to attend, unless other catechism arrangements have beem made with Father Milton. The classes are also open to repeat attenders and anyone who would like a review of basic Orthodox teachings. Classes meet from 7 - 8 p.m. weekly on Thursdays and will be taught by Deacon Timothy.

A sign up sheet is available in the anteroom. 

Updates on Orthodox Church news items can be found on our Facebook page. We thank Presbytera for monitoring and administering the page.

Visit us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@St.DemetriosOrthodoxChurch -- Please subscribe to our channel

Also, check out our St. Demetrios website.

Father Gianulis wants to be with you when you are hospitalized, even if you believe it is minor. However, he is not a mind reader. If you are sick and hospitalized, or have any other pastoral or sacramental need, do not hesitate to call him. And of course, he would appreciate a call if you know of someone who has passed. He can always be reached by calling the church phone number, 220-0994, or in emergencies, his mobile (757) 508-5367. 

George Canavos

Beverly Daikos

Peter Daikos

Karen Durniak

Savvas Kaminarides

Sonny Halioris

Jim Kokolis 

Nancy Marakos

Chris Marker

Yanni Palantzas - Riverside Medical Center

John and Connie Pavlides