On July 20, 1969 at 10:56 p.m. EDT, American Astronaut Neil Armstrong, 240,000 miles from Earth, speaks these words to more than a billion people listening at home: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Stepping off the lunar landing module Eagle, Armstrong became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon.

On July 20 each and every year, we in the Orthodox Christian Church commemorate one of the great prophets of old, the Prophet Elijah (or Elias). Is it not interesting that Elijah alone among the prophets and saints was taken up into heaven on a chariot of fire, kind of like the Apollo spacecraft? Coincidence? Perhaps. But know this: Elijah also took one small step for man, and a giant leap for mankind. He shows us how to hear God. Elijah was on a mountain top in a desolate place – not 240,000 miles away in space – yet he heard the voice of God.

On Mount Herob, the same mountain on which Moses had received the Ten Commandments, Elijah did as was instructed: He waited for God. A mighty wind came through, but God was not in the wind. Then an earthquake struck, but God was not in the earthquake. Then a firestorm appeared, but God was not in the fire. Then, in the stillness of absolute silence, there on the mountain top, Elijah heard the “still small voice” of God.

Neil Armstrong and the entire NASA team remind us of what mankind can achieve when they have a common goal to which they are committed. Elijah the Prophet reminds us of what God can do if we be still and listen for God’s voice. I think there is a message for us in both. Let us first listen for the still, small voice of God speaking to us, guiding us, and leading us. And then, with God’s guidance, let us commit ourselves to a common goal for the Church with the same dedication and zeal that the NASA team had in the Apollo missions.

August 1 - 14, we observe the Fast of the Dormition. During the fast, we also pray together in the Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Theotokos. The Paraklesis will be sung at 6:00 P.M. on the Mondays and Fridays of the fast. Confessions will be heard following the services.

Wednesday, August 6th. 

Orthros, 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

Friday, August 15th.

Orthros, 8:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

On Sunday, July 20th, Fr. Gianulis will be away for a family wedding. He will return on Thursday, July 24th. Services will be held as scheduled (Orthros, 9 a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m.) with Fr. Bill Bartz celebrating.  Let  us all come this Sunday and give Fr. Bill a warm St. Demetrios welcome.

You are invited to a luncheon in honor of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos and in appreciation of the stewardship and resilience of our St. Demetrios parish on Sunday, August 17, following the Divine Liturgy. We want to celebrate our blessings with a special lamb shank and pasta luncheon that will be prepared by your fellow parishioners. There will be no charge for the luncheon.  Of course, free will donations are always welcome in support of the ministries of the church. 

We are very excited about the iconography. The donations for the icon project have been going very well. Pledges have been received for nearly all the icons. Thanks to all of you who have made a pledge. If you have an interest in participating in this lasting legacy, please contact Father Milton, Tom Jouvanis, or Mike Thompson.  More information on our iconographers and their work can be found on their website at  https://holyicon.gr/ 

The leadership of Breakpoint (Colson Center) have chosen to highlight the ownership, occupancy and protection of Saint Catherine's Monastery in their July 17, 2025, radio broadcast. 

"After 1,500 years of continuous Christian service, the world’s oldest monastery is being forced to close its doors. According to several sources, St. Catherine’s Monastery will be annexed by the Egyptian government and turned into a museum and tourist attraction. Though the monks won’t be kicked out yet, the ruling is the latest incident in the already precarious situation of Christians in the Middle East. "

This marks a significant advancement into the acute focus the world now has that is growing on the Egyptian government and their exercise of power to take something that is globally treasured.

LISTEN TO THE FULL REPORT 

Please, many of your computers may default to our old email address (because your computer may default to the old address). However, we lost that domain a year ago. If you wish to email Fr. Milton, make sure you use this address: [email protected]

If you want to send an email to the Parish Council president or treasurer, use this address: [email protected]

DO NOT SEND TO [email protected] That is no longer a valid account.

The Bookstore has magnet sticker with our St. Demetrios logo. Please pick one up for all your vehicles. We are providing this at no charge to you--free! It is an excellent outreach.

We still have limited items for purchase.  These include frozen cases of Gyro (16-pound case) $90; Gyro (4-pound sleeve)  $25; Loukaniko (10-pound case) $60; Pastitsio (half pan) $40; Pastitsio (full pan): $75; Pita Bread Loaves, $5 per package.

Please check with Mike Thompson or Tom Jouvanis if you would like to purchase any of the above items. 

We are going to replace the ceilings in men's and women's first floor bathrooms in the Hellenic Center to improve maintenance in the facility.  As part of this project, Tom Coghill is going to lead a volunteer team to perform the demolition of the existing ceilings on Saturday, July 19th which will save us thousands of dollars on the project.  If you are interested in being part of Tom's wrecking crew, please reach out to Tom Coghill or Mike Thompson. Thank you for your support.  

Interested in learning Greek? Greek Language classes for children and adults are offered via Zoom. For more information, contact Demetra Demetriou at [email protected]

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

Also, check out our St. Demetrios website.

Beverly Daikos

Peter Daikos

Sonny Halioris--Sentara Hospital

Athanasia Jouvanis

Jim Kokolis

John Konstantinou

Nancy Marakos

Chris Marker

John and Connie Pavlides