Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-16
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, March 16 - Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

9:00 am  Orthros  -  10:00 am  Divine Liturgy

Friday, March 21 - Third Friday of Lent

6:00 pm  Salutations to the Theotokos

Saturday, March 22 - Third Saturday in Lent

5:00 pm  Inquirer's Class

6:00 pm  Great Vespers

Sunday, March 23 - Sunday of the Holy Cross

9:00 am  Orthros  -  10:00 am  Divine Liturgy

Sunday, March 30 - Sunday of St. John Climacus

10:00 am Reader's Service

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THE  DISCIPLINE  OF  FASTING  DURING  GREAT  LENT

As we prepare to enter the journey of Great Lent, we also prepare our bodies to fast, both physically and spiritually. Linked is an article for reflection and guidance on fasting, and below is pastoral guidance as we use this time of repentance, reflection and renewal to deepen our communion with God.

For the Lenten Fast, please note the following guidelines:

 -Fasting should never jeopardize your health. If you are required to eat or abstain from certain foods as a medical/health necessity, please do what is necessary. Please speak with Fr. Nektarios if you need spiritual guidance for observing the Fast.

 -Fasting is spiritual. It is about avoiding excess and time spent preparing food in order to commit time to prayer and contemplation.

 -Fasting is giving our bodies the nutrition and sustenance needed, but lessening our focus on the desires of our physical body and seeking to commune more with God.

-Fasting is also diminishing the external influences of our fallen world and connecting more with the kingdom of God through prayer, worship, and spiritual reading.

-Fasting in personal. It is between you and God with the help of your spiritual father as needed. The goal is not to be perfect in fasting. The goal is to be nearer to the One who makes us holy because He is holy.

Great Lent begins on Monday, March 3

For Lenten Resources visit - https://www.goarch.org/lent

-On the weekdays during Great Lent, fast from meat, fish, dairy oil, and wine.

 -Fish, oil and wine are permitted on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) and on Palm Sunday (April 13)

 -Oil and wine are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays during Great Lent with the exception of Holy Saturday.

-Oil and wine are allowed on the following Commemorations during Great Lent:

-Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel – March 26

-Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete - April 3

-The Lenten Fast ends on Great and Holy Pascha, April 20, and there is no fasting from April 20 through April 27 in observance of Bright Week.

 -Oil and Wine are permitted on Wednesdays and Fridays following Bright Week to Pentecost (June 8), with fish also permitted on the Feast of Mid-Pentecost (May 14) and the Leavetaking of Pascha (May 28).

 https://www.goarch.org/-/when-you-fast

 

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   

Catechism Session  - next class is on Thursday, March 21, at 7 pm. 

Our weekly sessions will be on Zoom with the link sent by email to the parish list each Thursday.  The sessions are also available livestream on the YouTube Channel for St. Stephen Mission at https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephenorthodoxmission8116/streams

The sessions will also be archived at the same YouTube link in case you miss a session or would like to go back and listen to a specific week or topic. 

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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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FAMILY  ASSISTANCE  FUND  

This is a fund that we use at Assumption to address needs among our brothers and sisters in Christ in our parish.  You have been faithful and generous in the past to assist.  If you would like to contribute to this fund, please send your designated offering to Costa Dunias, our Treasurer.  You can send your gift by mail to the church or bring your donation to one of our services. 

You can also donate online at https://orthodoxsanangelo.org/about/ways-to-give

As we begin Great Lent, one of the spiritual disciplines we emphasize is assisting those in need.  Please consider a gift to help meet the needs of others.

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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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SPECIAL  OCCASIONS  FROM  SUNDAY,  MARCH  16 THROUGH  SUNDAY,  MARCH 23 

Birthdays: Wilma Dunias, Cia Alexander

 Anniversaries: Alan & Kathleen Baughman

Namedays: none

Memorials: 3/16 - Dimitri Papachristos

 

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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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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

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 5th Tone. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 5th Tone

To the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. For he willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to endure death and raise the dead by his glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the 8th Tone

O light of Orthodoxy, O pillar of strength and teacher of the Church! Glory of monks and nuns, and of theologians the protector invincible! O wonderworker Gregory, pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, intercede without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 8th Tone

Victorious Lady, mighty champion, defending us, we, your servants, now inscribe to you this hymn of thanks, for you rescued us from suff'ring and tribulation. Theotokos, with your power that can never fail, keep us safe from ev'ry danger our whole life long, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
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Saints and Feasts

March 16

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


March 16

Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.


March 16

Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.


March 16

Aristovoulos, Apostle of the 70


March 17

Alexios the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.


March 17

Alexios the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.


March 18

Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in 315, and succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem in 350. He was zealous for the Orthodox Faith, and was a defender of the poor. He was exiled three times by the Arian Emperors Constantius and Valens. But after their death, he was recalled to his throne; he reposed in peace in 386. Of his writings, the most prominent are his catechetical lectures, which are considered the most ancient systematic summary of Christian teaching. Before Saint Cyril, there had been two dioceses, one of Jerusalem, and one of Holy Sion; under Saint Cyril, they were united into one bishopric. See also May 7.


March 17

Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.


March 19

Chrysanthos & Daria the Martyrs

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.


March 20

Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas

The Righteous Martyrs were put to death by the barbarians during the reign of Emperor Heraclius, when Saint Modestus was Patriarch of Jerusalem (632-634).


March 20

Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas

The Righteous Martyrs were put to death by the barbarians during the reign of Emperor Heraclius, when Saint Modestus was Patriarch of Jerusalem (632-634).


March 20

Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne

Saint Cuthbert was born in Britain about the year 635, and became a monk in his youth at the monastery of Melrose by the River Tweed. After many years of struggle as a true priest of Christ, in the service both of his own brethren and of the neglected Christians of isolated country villages, he became a solitary on Farne Island in 676. After eight years as a hermit, he was constrained to leave his quiet to become Bishop of Lindisfarne, in which office he served for almost two years. He returned to his hermitage two months before he reposed in peace in 687. Because of the miracles he wrought both during his life and at his tomb after his death, he is called the "Wonderworker of Britain." The whole English people honoured him, and kings were both benefactors to his shrine and suppliants of his prayers. Eleven years after his death, his holy relics were revealed to be incorrupt; when his body was translated from Lindisfarne to Durham Cathedral in August of 1104, his body was still found to be untouched by decay, giving off "an odour of sweetest fragrancy," and "from the flexibility of its joints representing a person asleep rather than dead." Finally, when the most impious Henry VIII desecrated his shrine, opening it to despoil it of its valuables, his body was again found incorrupt, and was buried in 1542. It is believed that after this the holy relics of Saint Cuthbert were hidden to preserve them from further desecration.


March 20

Photini the Samaritan Woman

Saint Photini lived in 1st century Palestine and was the woman that Christ met at Jacob's Well in Samaria as recorded in the Gospel according to John (4:4-26). After her encounter with Christ, she and her whole family were baptized by the Apostles and became evangelists of the early Church. Photini and her children eventually were summoned before the emperor Nero and instructed to renounce their faith in Christ. They refused to do so, accepting rather to suffer various tortures. After many efforts to force her to surrender to idolatry, the emperor ordered that she be thrown down a well. Photini gave up her life in the year 66.

St. Photini is commemorated on three occasions during the year: February 26 (Greek tradition), March 20 (Slavic tradition), and the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman on the 5th Sunday of Pascha.


March 21

James the Confessor

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth in the Monastery of Studium, where he became a disciple of Saint Theodore the Studite. Later he became bishop and suffered many afflictions and torments at the hands of the Iconoclasts. Saint Theodore composed a homily in honour of this Saint James (PG 99, 1353-1356).


March 22

Third Saturday of Lent


March 22

Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Basil strove in martyrdom during the short reign of Julian the Apostate, from 361-363. The Saint was denounced as a Christian to Saturninus, Governor of Ancyra, who, when Basil would not deny Christ, had him hanged from a post and scraped on his sides, then beaten, and cast into prison. A few days later, when Julian himself came through Ancyra, the Saint was brought before him and was asked to deny Christ, Whom he rather confessed the more. Julian then had strips cut in his flesh, so that they were left hanging from his body in front and in back. The valiant Martyr tore one of these strips off of his body and cast it into Julian's face. At this Julian commanded that iron spits be heated fiery hot; Saint Basil's belly, his back, and all his joints were pierced with them, and he received the crown of martyrdom.


March 23

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


March 23

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


March 23

Nikon the Holy Martyr &his 200 Companion Martyrs

Saint Nicon was from Neapolis (Naples) in Italy. His father was an idolater and his mother a Christian. At first he was a soldier, but later he went to the East, where he was baptized and in time became a bishop. After some years, he returned to the West and came to Sicily, where he and many of his disciples were put to death by beheading because they would not worship the idols.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For He doth not on all occasions require faith on the part of the sick only: as for instance, when they are insane, or in any other way, through their disease, are out of their own control. Or rather, in this case the sick man too had part in the faith; for he would not have suffered himself to be let down, unless he had believed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Archdiocese News

New Orleans Greets Archbishop Elpidophoros with Jazz and Philoxenia

03/15/2025

This weekend, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana is hosting His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for an Archpastoral visit. The parish community, now led by Cathedral Dean Rev. Fr. George Wilson, was the first Greek Orthodox Church established in North and South America.


Women’s History Month: Alumna of HCHC, Dr. Sarah Livick-Moses

03/14/2025

As part of Women’s History Month in March, the Ecumenical Department in collaboration with the Communications Department seeks to feature women affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.


The Very Reverend Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado Successfully Defends Doctoral Dissertation

03/14/2025

On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the prestigious Pontifical Oriental Institute (Pontificio Istituto Orientale) in Rome, Italy.


Interview with Justin Bozonelis - Grant Committee Chairman for Leadership 100

03/13/2025

Chairman of the Grant Committee of Leadership 100 Justin Bozonelis sat down with the Orthodox Observer’s Marissa Costidis to discuss his history in the Church and also his important role with Leadership 100. 


Maliotis Cultural Center Hosts "Greece Uncorked: Macedonia Dance & Wine Exhibition"

03/12/2025

"Greece Uncorked: Macedonia Dance & Wine Exhibition," which took place at the Maliotis Cultural Center in Brookline, Massachusetts on March 8, 2025, was an unforgettable evening learning about the robust wine and folk dances of Northern Greece.


Second Sunday of Great Lent: Learn about St. Gregory Palamas

03/12/2025

Visit the Archdiocese’s Great Lent website to learn more about the second Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas and his profound influence on Orthodox Christian theology.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Attends Installation of Archbishop of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Robert McElroy

03/12/2025

On March 11, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the installation Mass of the eighth Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, His Eminence Cardinal Robert McElroy.


Hellenic Film Society Announces Open Call for Film Shorts by Greek-American Filmmakers

03/12/2025

The Hellenic Film Society (HFS) is launching “It’s Greek to Me! Greek-American Short Films,” a short film program. The Society is currently accepting submissions by Greek-American filmmakers until April 4, 2025.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Meets with Ambassador Aikaterini Nassika

03/12/2025

On March 11, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with Ambassador Aikaterini Nassika at the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C.


Department of Religious Education’s (DRE)’s Kids Sunday Sermon Series: Rise and walk!

03/11/2025

This week, teach our children about a man who couldn’t walk, so his friends helped him get to Jesus—even by making a hole in the roof! Jesus saw their faith, forgave the man’s sins, and made him walk again. Wow! Jesus can heal and forgive and wants us to have strong faith in Him!


Department of Religious Education (DRE)’s Sunday Sermon Series: Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas

03/11/2025

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn how Christ heals a man with paralysis. What did his friends do? Why did Christ choose to forgive his sins before physically healing him? What is the link between God and our healing? Why did people think it was blasphemous that Jesus forgave sins?


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese United Nations Girl Delegates Meet with Archbishop Elpidophoros

03/11/2025

This week, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese United Nations Girl Delegates arrived in New York to participate in the 69th Session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women.

On March 10, 2025, the young delegates had the honor of meeting His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. His Eminence shared words of encouragement, emphasizing that through their faith, all things are possible, and their community needs their leadership.


Department of Greek Education Releases Resource Guides for Teaching Byzantine History

03/10/2025

The Department of Greek Education announces the release of "Byzantium: The Missing Link to Understanding the History of Western Civilization," an innovative set of resource guides for teaching Byzantine history.


A Mother’s Perspective: Inside the Studio of Nicholas Kontaxis

03/10/2025

The Orthodox Observer’s Dr. Claire Koen sat down with Krisann Kontaxis, mother of the celebrated artist and Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, Nicholas Kontaxis, whose exhibit, “Catch Me,” is currently on display at the Basil and Elise Goulandris Museum in Athens from March 13 - May 13, 2025.


Kids Sunday Sermon Series Launched by the Department of Religious Education (DRE)

03/10/2025

The Department of Religious Education (DRE) is excited to introduce the Kids Sunday Sermon Series, an easy-to-download weekly sermon resource designed for children in grades K to 3 or older.


Women's History Month: HCHC's Christina Dager

03/10/2025

As part of Women’s History Month in March, the Ecumenical Department in collaboration with the Communications Department seeks to feature women affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This initiative aims to celebrate the rich legacy of women who have shaped the Orthodox Christian tradition, as well as their contributions to the academic, cultural, and social fabric of the Orthodox community. We hope to highlight their journeys, challenges, and accomplishments. 


Episode 3 – Season 3, The Black American Orthodox Experience on OCN: Catching up with Fr. Samuel Davis

03/10/2025

In the third episode of “The Black American Orthodox Experience” (season 3), a collaboration of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Christian Network, Rev. Chris Metropulos sits down with Rev. Samuel Davis to discuss his personal journey to Orthodoxy and the exciting developments in the third season of his program.


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Foundation of the Hellenic World Announce Historic Collaboration

03/10/2025

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Foundation of the Hellenic World (FHW) have formalized a significant partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding, highlighting their commitment to promoting Hellenic history, culture, and Orthodox Christian heritage.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Holds Vespers of Contrition at Church of Our Saviour in Rye, New York

03/10/2025

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Archdiocesan District Chancellor Fr. Elias Villis, Fr. George Hazlaris, and the parish of the Church of Our Saviour in Rye, NY welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Lenten Contrition Vespers.


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