Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-10-15
Bulletin Contents

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Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Street Address:

  • 801 Montecito Drive

  • San Angelo, TX 76903


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Alternating Sundays:

9 AM Orthros Prayer Service & 
10 AM Divine Liturgy Communion Service

10 AM Typica Service

The 10 AM Sunday services are followed by Coffee Hour and Fellowship.


Past Bulletins


Calendar & Announcements

UPCOMING  SERVICES   

Sunday, October 15 - Sunday of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

  • 10:00 am - Typica (Reader's Service) 

Friday, October 20 - Holy Unction Service

  • 5:00 pm - We will have the service and holy mystery (sacrament) of Holy Unction.

Please join us for this offering of our prayers for the healing of body and soul through God's grace and the anointing of blessed oil.

You can learn more about this Holy Mystery of the Church at https://www.goarch.org/-/the-sacrament-of-holy-unction

Saturday, October 21 

  • 9:00 am - Orthros

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy 

Sunday, October 22 - Sixth Sunday of Luke

  • 10:00 am - Typica (Reader's Service) 

Sunday, October 29 - Seventh Sunday of Luke

  • 10:00 am - Typica (Reader's Service) 

Sunday, November 5

  • 10:00 am - Typica (Reader's Service) 

Saturday, November 11 - Assumption Open House

  • 9:30 am to 2:00 pm we will have an Open House in collaboration with our Bake Sale. Fr. Nektarios will begin the day with the service of Prayer and Blessing. The Church will be open to visitors, and our priest will be available to answer questions about the Church and the Orthodox Christian faith. Please plan to stop by and invite others to join us on this day as we offer our faith and love to more in our community and region. 

  • 5:00 pm - We will also conclude the day with Great Vespers.  

Sunday, November 12 - Eighth Sunday of Luke - Parish General Assembly

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy 

Sunday, November 19 - Ninth Sunday of Luke

  • 10:00 am - Typica (Reader's Service) 

Saturday, November 25 - Feast of St. Katharine

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 3 - Fourteenth Sunday of Matthew

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday,  December 10 - Tenth Sunday of Matthew

  • 10:00 am - Typica (Reader's Service) 

Sunday, December 17 - Eleventh Sunday of Matthew

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Saturday, December 23 - Saturday before Holy Nativity

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 31 - Sunday before Epiphany

  • 9:00 am - Orthros 

  • 10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

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UPCOMING  EVENTS 

COME  BE  GREEK  FOR  A  DAY ! 

ANNUAL  BAKE  SALE, SATURDAY,  NOVEMBER  11,  2023.

 

 

Download a fillable order form from our website at https://orthodoxsanangelo.org/bakesale2023

 This year order forms are open September 15, while pre-pay and pre-sale is set for October 1-31. 

PRE-ORDER FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BY October 31, 2023

Pre-orders will not be accepted after this date.

STEWARDSHIP 

This is a prayerful encouragement to support our parish with a donation. 

You can give as your regular stewardship or as a special donation either at church in the offering or online through our website at https://orthodoxsanangelo.org/about/ways-to-give 

God continues to bless our Assumption Church and the witness of our Orthodox Christian faith, and your regular stewardship and special gifts help to support the growth of our Church and our fulfilling of the Great Commission through our worship and ministry.

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NEW  PARISH  EMAIL 

Our new parish email is [email protected]

Please use this to communicate with Fr. Nektarios. 

If you have not visited our new website, please do so at http://orthodoxsanangelo.org  

 

RESOURCES  FOR  INQUIRERS 

If you are inquiring about the Orthodox Christian faith, please reach out to Fr. Nektarios for resources.Our faith is focused on our worship and participation in the Church, the Body of Christ, and in cultivating our communion with God. 

We can provide you with a prayer book to guide you in daily prayers, as well as a book and online resources that explain the Orthodox Christian faith and life.

Fr. Nektarios is also available to meet with you by phone, Zoom or in person to offer guidance as you follow God's guidance and seek your spiritual home in the Orthodox Church.

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ONLINE  CATECHISM  CLASS   

There will be no Catechism Session on Thursday, October 19.

Currently, our series is entitled "On the Saints."  Please join us each week as we examine our Orthodox faith and strengthen our spiritual lives through the lives and writings of the Saints of the Church.

 
Email Fr. Nektarios at [email protected] for the Zoom link if you are not on the parish email list.
 
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CARING  MEALS  MINISTRY 

If you know someone who needs meals due to illness, birth, etc., please see Kathy Baughman or Noelle Bartl. Thank you to everyone who volunteers for this ministry. You are being the hands of Christ!

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HELP  FOR  THE  GARCIA  FAMILY

Joanna Garcia continues to go through a very difficult time with her ongoing illness. If you want to give a financial donation to help with medical expenses, etc., please make your check out to our church (Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, or AVMGOC for short), and make note that it's for the Garcias.
 
If you have any questions, please call or text Kathy at 325-277-0274.
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COFFEE  HOUR

We have open slots on the sign up sheet for Coffee Hour, which can be found on the refrigerator in the church kitchen. Can you help host? It's okay to bring something simple, or even just one dish. Encourage others to sign up with you as co-hosts. "Many hands make the burden light." Thank you for your help!

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Check out the rest of the bulletin! See below for news from the world of Orthodoxy, online concerts and lecture series, and more.

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SPECIAL  OCCASIONS  FOR  OCTOBER 

Birthdays: 

  •  Janay Kuykendall
  • Athina Carillo

  • Simona Krsteva

  • Katia Lichtenstein

  • Nathaniel Lanaghan

  • Lucas Crusberg

  • Maurice Marshall

  • Judy Perkins

  • Andrew Duerkson

  • Anthony Bartl

  • Refaat Hanna

  • Lana Vaughn

  • Kathleen Baughman

  • Paul Lichtenstein

  • Yana Crusberg

  • Ezekiel Choate

Namedays:   

  • 10/18 - Luther Large

  • 10/26 - Fr. Jim Hademenos & Demetrios (Dimitri) Papachristos (St. Demetrios)

Anniversary: Theresa & Leo Jr. Alexander

Memorials: Evelyn Nettleton 

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AFTER  CHURCH

Please join us for refreshments in the Social Hall.

 

** As always, see the parish website for any changes and updates. **

 

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Tone

When you descended into death, Life immortal, you vanquished the pow'r of hell by your resplendent divinity and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out triumphantly: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the 8th Tone

Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

O unfailing protection of Christians, and our faithful advocate before the Creator: though we are sinners, do not ignore our entreaty; but in your goodness, grant your timely help to us who appeal to you in faith. Quickly make intercession; on our behalf make speedy supplication, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.
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Saints and Feasts

October 15

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.


October 15

Lucian the Martyr of Antioch

This Saint was from Samosata, the son of pious parents. He established a catechetical school in Antioch, and taught the correct doctrines of the Faith and made clear the parts of the divine Scriptures that were difficult to understand. He edited the Old Testament translation from the Hebrew tongue, and published it in an excellent edition, free from every heretical corruption and interpolation. He travelled to Nicomedia to strengthen the faithful there in their contests for Christ, and was accused before Maximinus, with whom he conversed openly. When he had made a defence of the Christian Faith, he was condemned to imprisonment where, in 311, he died of hunger and thirst.


October 15

Savinos the Bishop of Catania


October 15

Barsus the Confessor


October 15

Euthymios the New


October 16

The Two Soldiers martyred with Saint Longinus


October 16

Longinus the Centurion

This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.


October 16

Longinus the Centurion

This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.


October 17

Hosea the Prophet

According to some, Hosea, whose name means "God is help," was from the tribe of Issachar, or more likely, from that of Reuben; he was the son of Beeri. He is the first in order of the twelve minor Prophets and the most ancient of all. He prophesied in the days of the divided Kingdom; the Lord told him to take a harlot to wife (Hosea 1:2), and then an adulteress (ibid., 3:1). The harlot, a known sinner, was a figure of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria, which openly worshipped idols; the adulteress, lawfully married yet sinning secretly with her lovers, was a figure of the Kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem, which, while having the Temple, and the priesthood, and the divine worship according to the Law, stealthily served the idols also. The Prophet Hosea prophesied for sixty years, and lived for some ninety years, from 810 to 720 B.C. His book is divided into fourteen chapters.


October 17

Holy Martyrs Cosmas and Damian of Arabia


October 17

Andrew the Righteous Monk-martyr of Crete

Saint Andrew was from the island of Crete, where he lived the monastic life. During the reign of Constantine Copronymus, he came to Constantinople and suffered many things in defence of the veneration of the holy icons. Finally, he was dragged through the market, bound by the feet, one of which was severed by a fishmonger wielding a cleaver, and thus the Saint surrendered his spirit unto God in the year 761. His sacred relics were buried at a certain place called "The Judgment."


October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.


October 19

Joel the Prophet

The Prophet Joel, whose name means "Yah is God," was of the tribe of Reuben, the son of Bathuel, and lived from 810 to 750 B.C. (but some say in the 7th century B.C.). His book is divided into three chapters, and is the second in order of the minor Prophets. He foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Joel 2:28, and quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:17), and the saving power of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Joel 2:32).


October 19

Varys the Martyr

Saint Varys contested for the sake of Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304. He was a soldier in the service of the Emperor Maximian, and held in honour for his courage. While in Egypt, he visited the Christians held in prison and comforted them. Among them, he visited seven monks imprisoned together; when one of them died from his torments, Saint Varys took his place. When this became known to the governor, Saint Varys was arrested and tortured to death.


October 19

John of Rilas

Saint John of Rilas founded the renowned monastery of that name in Bulgaria in the tenth century. Over the centuries, great and wondrous healings have flowed from his holy relics.


October 19

John the Wonderworker of Kronstadt

Saint John of Kronstadt was a married priest, who lived with his wife in virginity. Through his untiring labours in his priestly duties and love for the poor and sinners, he was granted by our Lord great gifts of clairvoyance and miracle-working, to such a degree that in the last years of his life miracles of healing--both of body and soul--were performed countless times each day through his prayers, often for people who had only written to him asking his help. During his lifetime he was known throughout Russia, as well as in the Western world. He has left us his diary My Life in Christ as a spiritual treasure for Christians of every age; simple in language, it expounds the deepest mysteries of our Faith with that wisdom which is given only to a heart purified by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Foreseeing as a true prophet the Revolution of 1917, he unsparingly rebuked the growing apostasy among the people; he foretold that the very name of Russia would be changed. As the darkness of unbelief grew thicker, he shone forth as a beacon of unquenchable piety, comforting the faithful through the many miracles that he worked and the fatherly love and simplicity with which he received all. Saint John reposed in peace in 1908.


October 20

Artemios the Great Martyr of Antioch

Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great, and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was finally beheaded.


October 20

Matrona the Righteous of Chios


October 20

Gerasimos of Cephalonia

Saint Gerasimus was from the Peloponnesus, the son of Demetrius and Kale, of the family of Notaras. He was reared in piety by them and studied the Sacred writings. He left his country and went throughout various lands, and finally came to Cephalonia, where he restored a certain old church and built a convent around it, where it stands to this day at the place called Omala. He finished the course of his life there in asceticism in the year 1570. His sacred relics, which remain incorrupt, are kept there for the sanctification of the faithful.


October 21

Hilarion the Great

This Saint was born at Tabatha, near Gaza in Palestine, of pagan parents. Sent as a young man to Alexandria to be educated, he learned the Christian Faith and was baptized. While in Egypt he heard the fame of Saint Anthony the Great, and upon meeting that truly great man, the Father of monks, Saint Hilarion determined to devote himself also to the ascetical life. He returned to Gaza, when, he gave himself over to extreme fasting and unceasing prayer. Because of the miracles which he soon began to work, he found himself compelled by his growing renown to leave Gaza, to escape from the throngs of people coming to ask his prayers. In his journeys he visited Egypt, and came again with longing to the place where Saint Anthony had lived; but he was not able to remain in any one place for long, since despite all his attempts to conceal himself, the light of the grace that was in him could not be hid. After passing through Egypt and Libya, and sailing to Sicily, he came at last to Cyprus, where he ended the course of his life at the age of eighty, in the year 372.


October 21

Our Righteous Father Christodoulus, the Wonderworker of Patmos


October 21

John the New Martyr of Peleponnesos


October 22

Averkios, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Wonderworker, Bishop of Hierapolis

Saint Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia in the times of Marcus Aurelius, was adorned with the grace of wonderworking and with apostolic zeal. During a festival in honour of Apollo, the chief deity of Hierapolis, the holy bishop was instructed in a revelation to destroy the idols. He went to the temple by night and overturned the statues of Apollo and the others. When this was discovered, the Saint boldly cried out that the gods, becoming drunk from the wine of the libations offered them, had struck one against another in their confusion. A multitude of furious pagans came to avenge the insult to their gods, but when the Saint cast the demons out of three afflicted young men, fear fell upon the idolaters and they with the whole city became Christian. After many labours, and afflictions, Saint Abercius reposed in peace about the year 167 (or, according to some, 186).


October 22

Seven Holy Martyred Youths of Ephesus

The Seven Youths hid themselves in a certain cave near Ephesus in the year 250, to escape the persecution of Decius. By divine grace, a sleep came upon them and they slept for 184 years, until the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger, when the doctrine of the resurrection was being assailed by heretics. They then awoke, that is, were resurrected, confirming in the sight of all the bodily resurrection; and again after a short time, by divine command, they reposed in the Lord in the year 434.


October 22

6th Sunday of Luke


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Wisdom of the Fathers

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
St. John of Damascus
The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century

For by seed here He means His doctrine, and by land, the souls of men, and by the sower, Himself .... For as the sower makes no distinction in the land submitted to him, but simply and indifferently casts his seed; so He Himself too makes no distinction of rich and poor, of wise and unwise, of slothful or diligent, of brave or cowardly; but He discourses unto all, fulfilling His part, although foreknowing the results.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 44 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

His is truly the Sower of all that is good, and we are His farm. The whole harvest of spiritual fruits is by Him and from Him. He taught us this when He said, 'Without me you can do nothing.'
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on Luke, Homily 41. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Luke. Downer's Grove: Intervarsity Press, 132.

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Denver Metropolis News

Save the Date for the Children's Medical Fund Luncheon: November 11, 2023

 

Children's Medical Fund Luncheon 2023
November 11

The Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos is thrilled to host the National Philoptochos' 19th Biennial Children's Medical Fund Luncheon in Houston, Texas on November 11, 2023.

Located at the Hilton Americas - Houston
1600 Lamar Street, Houston, Texas 77010

Luncheon Ticket Price: $150

Learn more about the event, become a sponsor, or secure your hotel accommodations by visiting: https://www.philoptochos.org/cmf-3/

 

 Watch on Youtube: 

 https://youtu.be/t8ou2UOD-8A

 


AXIOS to Fr. Gabriel McHugh, and 50 years Anniversary for Boulder, CO

Saint Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church had a celebratory weekend honoring 50 years of Orthodoxy in Boulder. Present during the Vespers on the Evening of September 23, 2023 was His Grace Bishop Constantine of Sassima (Chancellor), Fr. Gabriel McHugh (Current Priest of Saints Peter and Paul), Fr. Jordan Brown (formally of Saints Peter and Paul, now at Assumption Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral, Denver), Fr. Lou Christopulos (Assistant Chancellor), Fr. Joseph Collins (of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, Cheyenne, WY), Fr. Goerge Dokos (formally of Saints Peter and Paul), Fr. Demetrios Andrews (Antiochian), Fr. George Schareb (Antiochian), Fr. Alexander Valens (OCA), Fr. Raphael Daly, Deacon Nicholas Stefanović and Deacon Mark O'Dell (Both Deacons are of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Orthodox Church, Loveland, CO). Fr. Evan Armatas, of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Orthodox Church, Loveland, CO, attended the dinner following the Vespers.

Present at the Divine Liturgy the next day, on Sunday September 24, 2023, was was His Grace Bishop Constantine of Sassima, Fr. Gabriel McHugh, Fr. Jordan Brown, Fr. Goerge Dokos, Fr. Stephan Close (Antiochian), Fr. David McCready (Antiochian) and Deacon Nicholas Stefanović.

AXIOS to Fr. Gabriel McHugh for being elevated to the rank of Oikonomos by His Grace Bishop Constantine! May God grant you many years!

 

 

 

 

 


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Archdiocese News

Metropolis of Atlanta The Twenty Fifth Annual Archangel Michael Feast & Honors Program

10/12/2023

The Archangel Michael Feast was prayerfully conceived by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios upon His arrival to Atlanta, as the annual double feast of the Metropolitan family.


Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally

10/12/2023

All teens in 7th-12th grade in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta who are involved in their local parish's GOYA and Church School program are invited to attend the Winter Youth Rally. Join us in Atlanta, GA December 27-30, 2023 to compete in tournaments representing your church community. Each parish must have a Lead Advisor assigned by the parish priest for GOYANs to attend!


SEEKING APPLICATIONS – Independent Director for The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation

10/12/2023

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation is conducting a search for a Greek Orthodox Christian interested in serving on the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation Board of Directors.


Autumn Southeast Regional OCF Retreat 2023

10/12/2023

The Autumn Southeast Regional Retreat 2023 will be held November 17 - November 19, 2023 at the Diakonia Center in Salem, South Carolina.


Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp 2024 Program Dates

10/12/2023

For 70 years & spanning into three generations of campers, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp (MDSC) has been providing faith, friendship and fun to the youth and young adults of our Metropolis since 1952.


Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Visits Metropolis of Chicago

10/12/2023

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived in Chicago on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 and was greeted by His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion and Archon Kosmas (Gus) Pablecas and Archon John Manos and his family


Metropolis of New Jersey Northern New Jersey Youth Commission Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant Held

10/12/2023

On Sunday, October 9, 2023 with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, the Northern New Jersey Youth Commission of the Metropolis of New Jersey held the annual Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover, New Jersey.


Sunday Sermon Series Sixth Sunday of Luke October 22, 2023

10/11/2023

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a sower planting seeds. How are our hearts compared to soil? And what are the four kinds of soil? Also, what happens if we allow our hearts to be like good soil?


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Third Monastic Synaxis Communiqué

10/11/2023

The Third Monastic Synaxis of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America successfully completed its work. This year’s Synaxis took place at the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi) in Fresno, California, from the 9th to the 11th October, 2023. The general theme of the Synaxis was the following: “Monasticism in Support of the Parish.”


Ionian Village Announces Dates for 2024 Summer Programs

10/11/2023

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the eagerly anticipated dates for the Ionian Village 2024 Summer Programs. As a cherished tradition for young Orthodox Christians for across the Archdiocese, Ionian Village continues to provide an immersive and transformative experience that connects participants with their faith, culture, and heritage.


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Grants $450,000 in Scholarships

10/09/2023

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce that it has granted $450,000 in scholarships to over 95 students, for the 2023-2024 academic year. These scholarships represent a significant increase in the number of recipients and aggregate dollar amounts over 2022. The principal scholarships administered by the Archdiocese include...


Assembly of Bishops Newsletter - Q3 2023

10/09/2023

Q3 of 2023 has been busy months at the Assembly of Bishops. The Executive Committee met in early July and agreed to hold the next Assembly of Bishops meeting in Atlanta, GA from September 28 - October 1, 2024. Atlanteans, Save the Date!...


Archbishop Elpidophoros Celebrates Consecration Weekend at Holy Trinity Cathedral Indianapolis, Indiana

10/09/2023

From October 6-8 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America participated in the Consecration events of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Indianapolis, Indiana. His Eminence led the Holy Rites of Consecration with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, Holy Trinity parish priest Rev. Fr. Gregory Hohnholt, Rev. Fr. William Bartz, Rev. Fr. James Rousakis, Rev. Fr. Lucas Christensen, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, Deacon Petros Gomez, and Deacon Spiridon Morris.


PARATHOSI 2024 - A Celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance January 20th, 2024

10/09/2023

On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Archdiocesan District Department of Youth & Young Adult Ministies is excited to announce that PARATHOSI 2024 - A Celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance - will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. 


National Leadership 100 Sunday Observed for Fifteenth Year

10/09/2023

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will issue an Encyclical on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod designating October 22, 2023, the Sunday prior to the Feast Day of Saint Iakovos on October 23, as the fifteenth observance of National Leadership 100 Sunday. The celebration is held on the Name Day of Archbishop Iakovos of Blessed Memory, or a Sunday in proximity to it, in his honor as the Founder of Leadership 100.


Archdiocesan District hosts "The Journey of Marriage" Seminar

10/09/2023

The Archdiocesan District hosts numerous one day seminars called “The Journey of Marriage” that helps prepare couples to be wed in the Church through discussion, reflection and fellowship.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Celebrates Consecration of Holy Trinity Cathedral Indianapolis, Indiana

10/08/2023

On Friday evening, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit, Rev. Fr. Gregory Hohnholt, clergy, presbyteras, parish council members and  consecration committee members gathered for a meal before the Consecration events begin at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Indianapolis.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Arrives in Indianapolis for the Consecration of Holy Trinity Cathedral

10/06/2023

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived in Indianapolis for the Consecration of Holy Trinity Cathedral and to celebrate with the Indianapolis Greek Orthodox community.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Re-Appoints National Chairperson of St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

10/06/2023

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Katherine Orfanakos Demacopoulos to the Archdiocese of America on October 5, 2023, to re-appoint her as National Chairperson of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.  This ecclesiastical year marks the 40th anniversary of this beautiful ministry of our Church, which was created by Ernest Villis, then director of the Department of Religious Education, and Minerva Stergianopoulos. Katherine’s parents, Fr. John and Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos served as National Chairpersons of the Oratorical Festival from 1986 through 2018. Also in the meeting was His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, Director of Religious Education for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 


National Hellenic Museum offers free admission for Open House Chicago Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15

10/06/2023

CHICAGO (October 4, 2023)—The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) in Chicago is offering free admission to all visitors on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15, 2023, as an official partner site for the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago weekend. NHM is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on both dates, and admission includes access to the museum’s permanent collection, rooftop deck and current exhibitions throughout the museum: Hellenic Heads by George Petrides, Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White and Legacy, Renewal & Unity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which includes the special exhibit Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: Protecting the Future of Faith.  


Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to Lead Pilgrimage in January 2024

10/05/2023

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is pleased to announce that he will be leading pilgrimage which will include visits to Mouth Athos, Thessaloniki and the Monastery of Ormylia.


OCPM-Houston: Bringing the Light of Christ Means Serving in Many Ways

10/05/2023

After an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, Bob Born was asked if he would like to also volunteer at the first faith-based prison unit in the United States, the Carol Vance Unit in Texas. He was reluctant at first, but he said ‘yes’ anyway. Bob’s ‘yes’ 23 years later has grown into one of the most successful local Orthodox prison ministries in the country, OCPM-Houston, which today boasts leadership from priests, laity, and monastics from Antiochian, Greek, and ROCOR archdiocese—a truly pan-Orthodox ministry.


IOCC Greece Floods: Help Now

10/05/2023

Amid extensive, catastrophic floods across Greece, IOCC invites our friends and supporters to pray for everyone affected by the recent storm named Daniel.


Metropolis of San Francisco 2023 YAL Conference Another Resounding Success

10/05/2023

The Young Adult League Conference does it again! As another resounding success, over 450 young adults came from 32 states to FULFILL their faith, vocations, and lives through Christ. FULFILL was the theme for the 2023 Young Adult League (YAL) Conference hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco over Labor Day 2023 weekend in Orange County, California.


Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomed Holy Trinity Cathedral in Camp Hill, PA to the Archdiocese Headquarters

10/04/2023

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed to the Archdiocese Headquarters the Proistamenos Fr. Michael Varvarelis of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Camp Hill, PA as well as Presbytera Maria and parishioners who are visiting New York City.


Metropolis Gala to Feature Presentation of the 2023 Theofanis Economidis Award to His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

10/04/2023

Established by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco in 2013, the Theofanis Economidis Award is presented to a distinguished individual in honor of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and humble service to Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. The award is dedicated to its inaugural recipient, Theofanis Economidis, who faithfully served the Metropolis as a distinguished layperson and exemplary leader for over 35 years. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to honor His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco with the 2023 Theofanis Economidis Award, as he celebrates 19 years of visionary Archpastoral ministry on the west coast.


HCHC Diaconate Program Success

10/04/2023

“ …then let them serve as Deacons…”1 Tim 3:10. In July the summer session of the Diaconate Program took place on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) and was met with resounding success. This summer at HCHC 32 candidates in their first, second, or third year of the program were welcomed to campus for educational instruction, spiritual growth, and fellowship. The program was excited to welcome the V. Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado as our Faculty Advisor as Dr. James Skedros took over the position of Interim Dean of the School of Theology. During the summer session, candidates took courses in Orthodox Theology, Sacraments of the Church, Scripture, Byzantine Music, and Teleturgics. 


Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offers affirmation of Office for the new Archdiocesan District Executive Philoptochos Board

10/04/2023

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered the affirmation of Office for the new Archdiocesan District Executive Philoptochos Board.


Dr. Gregory G. Papadeas hosts Senior Dermatology Residents from the University of Athens

10/03/2023

 Dr. Gregory G. Papadeas hosted two senior dermatology residents, Evdoxia Panou, M.D. and Konstantina Papadaki, M.D., from the University of Athens to spend a few weeks with his practice and the University of Colorado. Their rotation was from September 5, 2023 to September 22, 2023. Their travel, housing, and food expenses were all covered thanks to a cooperative effort by the University of Colorado, Advanced Dermatology, His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and the Denver Greek community. 


Let Your Light Shine: Engaging our Youth and Young Adults in our post-COVID era

10/03/2023

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Stewardship Ministry invites you to the 2023 Monthly Ministry Series. Please join us on Monday, October 16, 2023 for a special presentation on “Engaging our Youth and Young Adults in our post-COVID Era," hosted by Johanna Duterte Carter, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Metropolis. She will be joined by three speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this topic: Eva Konstantakos – Director of Youth and Young Adul Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Anna Teodosiadis – Parish Youth Ministry Director; and Eva-Marie Kailas, Co-chair of the 2023 Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference.


Sunday Sermon Series Third Sunday of Luke October 8, 2023

10/02/2023

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about the death of a widow’s son. What happened in those times when a woman lost her husband and her son? And what did Christ do for her? Also, what are the parallels between Christ’s death and His Mother? And how does Jesus renew our life from death to life?


Archbishop Elpidophoros Nameday Gala

10/02/2023

Throughout our Archdiocese, camping ministries play a vital role in the spiritual growth and development of our youth. It is a sacred ground where our children and young adults encounter the teachings of our Orthodox faith, form lasting friendships, and forge a deeper connection with God and His Church. The experiences gained during their time at camp are invaluable and leave a lasting impact on their lives.


The Liturgical Arts Academy Week-long Workshops in Byzantine Chant and Iconography

10/02/2023

The Liturgical Arts Academy, a division of the Orthodox Christian Academy of Atlanta, has continued to grow and develop its program with another successful event this year. Offering intensive training in Byzantine Chant and Iconography, TLAA is held every year at the Metropolis of Atlanta Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, SC during the month of August.


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Assembly of Bishops News

On the Foreign Affairs Article (September 14, 2023)

10/05/2023

On September 14th, Foreign Affairs, the influential magazine of the Council on Foreign Relations, published an article entitled, “Putin’s Useful Priests.” The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America hereby expresses its objection and concern with the inaccurate manner with which Orthodox Christians in the United States are stereotyped by the authors.
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