A Vision for the Future As we approach another Parish Election year it is important that we consider two critical items: 1. The need for a sound strategic (long term) plan for our church and community 2. An understanding of the relationship between Parish Council, Laity and the Priest 1....
The theme of this year’s Clergy-Laity Conference (4-7 July) was “Legacy, Renewal, Unity.” In his remarks during the opening ceremony the Archbishop urged all of us to recognize the great legacy our Greek forefathers and mothers created for us. He spoke of our individual as well as collective responsibility to...
With the completion of the Pascha and having experienced the joy of Christ’s resurrection, the message of His promise of salvation bears repeating in the context of what that means in our understanding of our Orthodox faith. Of course, the Christian faith can no more be expressed in the content...
NOTE: The Holy Week Schedule has been updated. Click here for the most up to date schedule. Use of Mosaics as a Byzantine Art Form One of the characteristics of our church that makes it so unique among American Orthodox Churches is our beautiful mosaic art. While there are a...
The Fasting Regiment – What are My Options? The season of Great Lent is once again upon us as we prepare for our Lord’s glorious resurrection. As we hear in the hymn of Χριστος Ανενστη (Christ is Risen) His resurrection conquers death and grants to all Mankind freedom from the...
Is Tradition an Antiquated Idea? In last’s month issue, we discussed the place of the organ within the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church. So, this begs the bigger question, If it’s OK to incorporate something (i.e. the organ) into the church where chanting has been the “tradition” then what...
To Be or Not To Be: Use of the Organ in Church One of the questions that arises in our weekly YouTube live show and from some parishioners is the why do Orthodox Churches in America use organs? Isn’t this against our Orthodox tradition? Some conservative Orthodox will answer with...
Orthodox and Protestants in Dialogue Here in America we as Orthodox are certainly in the minority. According to a 2020 census membership in the Eastern Orthodox churches in America was estimated at 675,765. When compared to Catholic and Protestant churches, Orthodoxy represents far less than 1% of the total Christian...
We hope everyone is having a refreshing summer and that most of you have been able to celebrate summer activities without masks! It has been a long road to get on the other side of COVID, but we have arrived, and I am very excited to be starting Religious Education...
Orthodoxy: A Way of Life Now that Pascha has passed and we have all received the Light of Christ, what now? Some will answer saying “Live the Orthodox way of life.” But what does that mean? Of course the Christian way of life, no less the Orthodox way of life,...