Orthodox Observer - April 12, 2024

Good afternoon,

Welcome to the Orthodox Observer News online!

Read about the special Greek Independence day celebrations at the White House and across the country below!

Scroll down to view a special video message from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America inviting all to attend the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress this summer.

Enjoy this edition of the Orthodox Observer Online!

TOP NEWS

Greek Independence Day Celebrated at the White House

Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos

Yesterday, April 4, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and members of the Greek American community were warmly welcomed to the White House by President Joe Biden for a celebration marking the 203rd Anniversary of Greek Independence. The distinct recognition by the White House has been an honored tradition since 1987.

"I have found inspiration in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which has been a clarion voice for social justice for decades."

-President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

A Proclamation on Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2024 | The White House

Photo Courtesy of Facebook, Lieutenant Governor Kounelakis (left)

Photo: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman (right)

Archbishop Elpidophoros Remarks at the White House Celebration of Greek Independence April 4, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris Hosts Archbishop Elpidophoros and Distinguished Greek American Leaders at The White House

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America invites you to join him for the 2024 Clergy Laity Congress in San Diego, California. Registration is open at www.clergylaity.org.

Chicago Greek Heritage Parade Celebrates Greek Independence

Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman

Metropolis of Atlanta - Tarpon Springs Parade

Photos Courtesy of Consul General of Greece in Tampa

Metropolis of Boston - Boston Parade

Photos: Maria Kechri Photography

Metropolis of New Jersey - Philadelphia Parade

photobystellios.com

Metropolis of San Francisco - San Jose Flag Raising

Photos: Panayiota Good

Archepiscopal & Synodical Encyclical for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross

ARCHBISHOP ELPIDOPHOROS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Reception at Gracie Mansion for Greek Independence Day

New York - April 9, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and esteemed Greek Americans from New York, attended a reception, hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion celebrating Greek Heritage. The annual event coincides with the New York City Greek Independence Day parade which will take place on Sunday, April 14 on 5th Avenue.

Fr. Apostolos Chasapis Appointed Parish Priest for Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Jackson Heights, NY

Archpastoral Exhortation to the Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention

Invocation & Remarks at the Gracie Mansion Greek Heritage Reception - Gracie Mansion

Archbishop Elpidophoros Visits April 5, 2024—NYC Police and the Armenian Church

Homily at the Divine Liturgy – Veneration of the Cross April 7, 2025 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Chicago, Illinois

Archdiocesan District Clergy-Laity Assembly Address

Homily at the Third Salutations to the Theotokos

Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman

Visit our Flickr to see more photos!

FROM THE METROPOLISES

Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult Lenten Retreat 2024 "Discovering Our Spiritual Heritage - The Ecumenical Patriarchate"

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries welcomed Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast at a Lenten Retreat the weekend of Friday, March 22 - Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA.

Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly

Contrition Vespers at Saint Demetrios Church in Merrick, NY

2024 Metropolis of Boston Scholarship Program

Ordination of Rev. Father Gabriel Cupsa by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

Metropolis of San Francisco Greek Village Camp 2024 Camper Online Registration and Staff Applications Available Now!

Church Music Institute Workshops for Church Musicians Metropolis of Boston

Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta Invites Metropolis Chanters and Iconographers to Apply for the The Liturgical Arts Academy 2024 Session

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Memorial Service for Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory

Wednesday, April 10, 2024, a Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and memorial service for Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory was held at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Headquarters in the chapel of Saint Paul.

Exploring Innovative Pedagogical Approaches: Empowering Educators in the 7th Installment of the Educational Webinar Series

Shop the Lenten Season Book Collection on Orthodox Marketplace

Ionian Village Pilgrimage

Call for Applications: Orthodox Christian Studies Center Summer Internship Program at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

2024-2025 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships Available

Read the most recent Sunday Sermon Series from the Department of Religious Education (DRE)

Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of Saint John Climacus April 14

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a boy possessed by an evil spirit and his desperate father who seeks help. But why were the disciples not able to cast out the evil spirit? And what does "I believe; Help my unbelief" mean?

Department of Religious Education (DRE)

DID YOU KNOW? is your go-to source for concise answers to a wide range of questions about the Greek Orthodox faith. DYK? equips Gen Z and millennials with facts they can trust and easily absorb while scrolling. Clergy, religious educators, and parents can share these nuggets of knowledge with the faithful, students, those inquiring about Orthodoxy, and loved ones.

DID YOU KNOW? Entering the Church April 4

Did you know there are times to enter and to avoid entering the church during Divine Liturgy?

PARISHES & PEOPLE

Parish Highlight: St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Orange, CT

The Saint Barbara Community was founded in 1919 in the City of New Haven, Connecticut, following the influx of Greek immigrants beginning, according to public records, in 1895. Early immigrants included Turkish citizens fleeing from the Greek and Pontic genocide of the Christian population in Anatolia by the government of the Ottoman Empire against the indigenous Greek population during and after World War I (1914-1922).

The Orthodox Observer wants to highlight our parishes!

Please send us a story, under 500 words, and hi-resolution photos. Photo credit must be included! Let us showcase your parish, your good work and your history! Email us at observer@goarch.org with the subject line: Parish Highlight.

(The Orthodox Observer reserves the right to edit stories for clarity.)

Parish Highlight: St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Orange, CT

Parish Highlight: St. Spyridon Cathedral Worcester, MA

Parish Highlight: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Atlanta, Georgia

Parish Highlight: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Salt Lake City, Utah

The Falling Asleep in the Lord of V. Rev. Father Peter Staviski

It is with sadness yet with hope in the Resurrection that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of V. Rev. Father Peter Staviski, who reposed in the Lord on March 31, 2024 at the age of 85.

AFFILIATES & OTHERS

Giving Her Allowance to People in Prison Why Twelve-Year-Old Claire Donates to OCPM

The OCPM community draws people from many diverse backgrounds, but even we were surprised to receive support from Claire. At only twelve years old, she emulates what it means to give from a pure spirit. "It's really important for people to know they are cared about, especially when they make bad decisions." Don't miss this humbling testimony from Claire, who, in supporting our brothers and sisters behind bars, is wise beyond her years!

Shining Light in Darkness: The American Friends of the Blind in Greece Lights the Path for the Blind Community in Greece

Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF) February and March Food Distributions

FOCUS Gateway City—One Gateway City Volunteer's Love of Service Becomes a Way for Her to Love Others

Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia Awards Eleftheria Medal to Archon Commander Dr. Limberakis

The National Hellenic Museum Presents The Trial of Pericles on Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 PM at the Harris Theater

IOCC Spiritual Reflections and Fasting Recipes in Preparation for Great Lent

Visit Our Website

Share This Email

Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy