Metropolis of Boston MINISTRIES

Transcription

1 Metropolis of Boston MINISTRIES To the Faithful of the Metropolis of Boston Dear brethren, I extend my Archpastoral blessings upon you, the faithful clergy and laity of our Metropolis of Boston, with a prayer of thanksgiving for your participation in the life of our Church and in the ministries of our Metropolis. May our loving Lord bless you with every heavenly gift that is from above and may his love warm your hearts. I am pleased to present to our Communities this Metropolis of Boston Ministries booklet which gives an overview of the many programs and ministries offered throughout the year for the spiritual benefit of the faithful from the 63 Parish throughout New England. The goal of these ministries is to embrace the people of God and to manifest His sacrificial love to all. It is my hope that all our Parishes will hold retreats and events in the newly constructed magnificent Retreat House on the grounds of the Saint Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH. I thank you for your support and participation. I pray that the Triune God continue to bless each of you with growth in His image and likeness. With Episcopal love, M E T H O D I O S Metropolitan of Boston Letter from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios Clergy and Parish Assignments Clergy Care and Development Retired Clergy Association Sisterhood of Presvyteres Seminarian Development Metropolis Council FOS Feast Day Vespers Spiritual Court Metropolis Committee Workshops Registry Statistics Clergy Laity Conference Parish Council Seminars Ministry Awards Banquet Radio Ministry Marriage Preparations Seminars Federation of Greek Orthodox ians Philoxenia House Philoptochos Inter-Faith Dialogue DOXA Inside this issue: Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries St Methodios Faith and Heritage Center/ Retreat House Metropolis of Boston Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA fax: metropolis@boston.goarch.org The Parish and the Priest 13 Daily Prayers Great Feasts of the Church Movable Ecclesiastical Dates Ecclesiastical and Metropolis Calendar District Ministry Teams 16

2 Page 2 Clergy and Parish Assignments Metropolis of Boston Ministries Over the past year there have been 17 reassignments of clergy to Communities within the Metropolis of Boston. They are as follows: Annunciation Cathedral, Boston V. Rev. Cleopas Strongylis March 2009 St. Catherine, Braintree, MA Rev. Philippe Mousis September 2008 Annunciation, Brockton, MA Rev. Anthony Evangelatos September 2008 Panagia, Cohasset, MA Rev. Eugen Pentiuc (on sabbatical) November 2008 Panagia, Cohasset, MA Rev. John Kiramarios (temporary) October 2009 Holy Trinity, Concord, NH Rev. Agathonikos Wilson September 2008 St. Nicholas, Lexington, MA Rev. Demetrios Costarakis December 2008 Holy Trinity, Lowell, MA Rev. Nikolaos Pelekoudas August 2009 St. George, Lowell, MA T.B.A. Transfiguration, Lowell, MA Rev. Stephen Lawrence June 2009 Sts. Anargyroi, Marlboro, MA T.B.A. St. Spyridon, Newport, RI Rev. George Economou (temporary) November 2008 Assumption, Pawtucket, RI Rev. Philip Zymaris January 2009 St. George, Pittsfield, MA Rev. John Maheras October 2008 St. Nectarios, Roslindale, MA Rev. Vassilios Bebis July 2009 Dormition, Somerville, MA Rev. Panteleimon Klostri October 2009 Taxiarchae, Watertown, MA Rev. Demetrios Tonias September 2008 Clergy Care and Development The clergy of our Metropolis gather once a month for fellowship and a meeting together with Metropolitan Methodios to discuss issues of pastoral concern as well as parish and priestly ministry enrichment. Each month there is a guest speaker that leads the topic of discussion. This year His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios has chosen the Archdiocesan Theme of Come and See: Gather My People to My Home to also be the focus of our clergy development. Towards this end, the speakers that the Metropolitan has invited to address the Clergy Brotherhood during their monthly synaxis will focus on specific aspects of this theme, including Preaching and Teaching the Gospel in Parish ministry, Family Ministry, Reaching out to Young Adults, Reaching the Un-Churched, Reviving the Declining Parish, Active Participation in Ecumenical and Inter-Faith Communities, Ministry Outreach through Internet and Website Ministries, and Ministry Outreach through Local Access TV, Radio, and Print Media. Additionally, the clergy participate in two overnight retreats yearly during which speakers lead a discussion on a particular theme on the spiritual life and priestly ministry. This year Metropolitan Methodios will also host a clergy family retreat at the new Retreat House. Retired Clergy Association With the blessings and guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the retired clergy of the Archdiocese has a presence in our Holy Metropolis. The R.C.A. allows our retired clergy to enjoy fellowship, keep in touch, and to minister to those who find themselves in difficult situations in their lives. This ministry also allows its members to share in both times of joy and sorrow and to apprise His Eminence, the office of Metropolis and national board president of the R.C.A. of any events involving the retired clergy in the New England area. Our Metropolis representative is the V. Rev. Panteleimon D. Costarakis.

3 Metropolis of Boston Sisterhood of Presvyteres Page 3 Our Sisterhood of Presvyteres consists of all clergy wives (current, retired and widowed) within the Metropolis of Boston. The sisterhood promotes the spirit of Christian love among the Presvyteres and offers opportunities for mutual support, fellowship and outreach. We also lend support to the future Presvyteres who presently have husbands enrolled within the Seminary. Our current Metropolis representatives are Presvytera Gloria Costarakis and Presvytera Eleni Klostri. Current events include a Fall Metropolis get together/meeting, seminarian wives welcome breakfast and a Spring retreat in. The Metropolis of Boston currently has 27 Students enrolled at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology -13 with seminarian status, and 14 non-seminarian students. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the Chancellor meet with these students on a regular basis to guide and foster their priestly formation. Our Metropolis of Boston students are invited and encouraged to be actively involved in the life and ministries of our Metropolis and parish communities, to gain experience and mentoring, as well as to serve His Eminence and the Metropolis in an expression of humble diakonia. Metropolis Council The Metropolis Council is the advisory and consultative body to the Metropolitan and is concerned with the life and growth of the Metropolis, its ministries, institutions, and financial condition. it meets regularly throughout the year. Working Committees are organized in order to facilitate ongoing support and review of a number of areas in the life of the Metropolis and its parishes, including stewardship; finance; the Metropolis of Boston Camp, the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center; our newly constructed Retreat House (both a fund-raising effort as well as program development); FOS (Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards) Program, Philoxenia House; Outreach and Philanthropy; Communications & Internet Ministries; FOS Fellowship Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards In order to financially sustain its outreach, the Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards (F.O.S) was established many years ago to support, enhance and expand our programs. Many dedicated faithful from throughout New England joined FOS to support our Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, and programs, and philanthropic outreach. Support and participation in the FOS program affords Seminarian Development Public Relations; and Scholarship Assistance. The Parishes of the Metropolis are broken into nine geographic areas for the purpose of better communication, inter-parish coordination and cooperation, sharing of ideas and resources, costsaving cooperation, and for an ongoing process of education, administration, and organization. from each parish in specific areas serve on the District team, from which a District Representative serves on the Metropolis Ministry Team for that specific area, i.e.. representatives for finance, stewardship, Religious Education, Greek Education, Youth Ministries, etc. (see graph on the back page of this booklet) the Metropolis the opportunity to further develop existing programs, as well as provide the resources for future endeavors that will enhance the spiritual growth and development of our faithful. Throughout the year, a series of home gatherings are held across New England to offer our faithful the opportunity to learn more about the ministries of the Metropolis, and to invite their support and participation.

4 Page 4 Metropolis of Boston Ministries FEAST DAY VESPERS (ST.. ANDREW A AND ST.. METHODIOS M ETHODIOS) The patron saint of both the Metropolis of Boston and the Clergy Brotherhood of our Metropolis is St. Andrew. Each year the faithful are invited to the celebration of the Feasts of St. Andrew the Apostle and St. Methodios at the Cathedral Chapel in Brookline. Great Vespers for the feast of St. Andrew will be celebrated each year on November 29 and Divine Liturgy on November 30. Orthros and Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. Methodios will be celebrated at 8AM on June 14. The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos hosts a reception at the Metropolis Center following these services. Spiritual Court The Spiritual Court of the Metropolis of Boston is comprised of senior clergy selected by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, who presides over it, and hears cases involving family problems, divorce, and Metropolis Committee The Metropolis committee works with the Archdiocese to implement methods of supporting the National Ministries, as approved by the Clergy-Laity Congress. It acts on the behalf of the Metropolis STEWARDSHIP WORKSHOPS One of the most critical areas that Metropolitan Methodios has defined as needing our immediate attention as a Metropolis is the teaching and strengthening of our outreach in the communities. A major Seminar took place on Friday, October 2, 2009 at the Dormition Church in Somerville, the day before the Clergy- Registry Statistics The Metropolis Registry office maintains a variety of records pertaining to the life and activities of the faithful of the greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston. This office issues ecclesiastical licenses to marry, divorce decrees (following a Spiritual Court hearing), baptismal and chrismation certificates (for use by the priests), and forms for reporting deaths METROPOLIS OF BOSTON REGISTRY STATISTICS Marriages moral and disciplinary offenses of clergy and lay persons. The Court decrees the measures of correction and healing as provided by the Holy Canons and Tradition of the Orthodox Church. and its Parishes to help the Archdiocese provide the vital ministry resources necessary to reach out to the churched as well as the non-churched to witness to the Orthodox Faith. Laity Conference. All clergy and the key stewardship leaders of each Parish were urged to attend this day-long teaching workshop. The Metropolis team has been trained to go to the parishes to offer support, guidance, and training to the local parish stewardship committees. and funerals. As of September, 1, 1979, copies of the records of baptisms, christmation, marriages, funerals, and divorces are kept at the metropolis, as the parish priests following the sacraments submit them. Prior to then, records are maintained at the Archdiocese. The Registry office also maintains the yearly Sacrament Statistics of the Metropolis. Divorces Baptisms Chrismations Between Orthodox Inter- Christian Total Between Orthodox Inter- Christian Total Funerals

5 METROPOLIS CLERGY LAITY CONFERENCE Over 350 people attended our Metropolis Clergy- Laity Conference which took place on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA. The theme of the conference was a continuation of the theme, Gather My People to My Home, from the Archdiocesan Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington, DC, July The day highlighted a variety of workshop training sessions on a wide-range of parish ministries. Speakers from throughout the archdiocese were invited by Metropolitan Methodios to present workshops on issues relating to the entire scope of parish ministries from the very young to the elderly PARISH COUNCIL SEMINARS Each Fall as our Parishes prepare for elections in the local Communities, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios invites all those who will be candidates for election, together with all ongoing Parish Council members, to attend one of nine District Parish Council Seminars that are sponsored by the Metropolis. Participation in this seminar is required by the Unified Parish Regulations of those whose name will appear on the election ballot. Metropolitan Methodios also strongly encourages all on-going Parish Council members to attend as well. The interaction between Parish Council members of several Communities is of great benefit. The theme of our 2009 Parish Council Training Seminars is Parish Development UPR Overview & Raising Funds as a Component of Parish Life. METROPOLIS MINISTRY AWARDS BANQUET Every year, on the second Sunday of June, the faithful of the Metropolis of Boston gather to say thank you to the psalti, to the choir director, to the lady who bakes the prosphoro, to the Philoptochos women whose dedication to philanthropy offers solace to many, to the Sunday School and Greek School teacher, to all those who work tirelessly in our Parishes. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios established this Awards Dinner in 1986, in grateful recognition of these dedicated men and women. of time and talents is the basis for the Ministry Award. In the words of Metropolitan Methodios, Every year, we gather from our communities throughout New England to thank God for our honorees who labor tirelessly to manifest God s name in the world. We gather to celebrate our unity; to mentor and encourage one another. We gather to remember that the purpose of our Parishes is to preach the Page 5 including Effective, the Ministry of the Parish Council, the Profile of a Successful Parish, Turning around a Declining Parish, Helping Couples thrive, the family Friendly Church, young Professionals Ministry, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Special Needs Ministry, and Parish nursing. Those who attended left the conference enthused, strengthened, and encouraged to return to their parish to continue the vitally important task of the teaching ministry of the Church. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios has announced the date for the Metropolis Clergy Laity Conference October 2,. Parishes are faced with a variety of fundraising needs, from covering the operating budget each year to making building plans a reality. Along with an overview of Parish Uniform Regulations (UPR), this seminar will introduce the Archdiocesan Office of Parish Development to our Metropolis leadership, and detail important information that can assist our parishes in areas including stewardship, capital campaigns, planned giving and strategic planning. His Eminence invited Jerry Minetos and Laura Paulus, from the Archdiocesan Office of Parish Development, to lead this year's seminar. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios expresses his gratitude to all of our dedicated laymen for their faithful commitment in service to our Holy Church through the ministry of the parish council, with the prayer that these seminars will be of much value and inspiration. word of God; to teach and sanctify the faithful. Every Parish must be a modern day Jacob s well, a spiritual oasis where men and women may dialogue with Christ and quench their spiritual thirsts. Every community must be a sycamore tree that the Zaccheus of our time may climb to have a clear view of the Savior. The Ministry Awards Dinner will be held on Sunday, June 13. All are encouraged to participate in this wonderful Annual Reunion of the Greek Orthodox Family of New England.

6 Page 6 RADIO MINISTRY Every Sunday morning at 7:30 AM a sermon on the day s Gospel lesson is given by Fr. Kyriakos Saravelas in both Greek and English on the Greek Radio Station WNTN 1550 AM during the Voice of Orthodoxy program. In addition to the weekly commentary on the Holy Metropolis of Boston Ministries Gospel, the Program also offers the interpretation of the Dogma and Traditions of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The 'Voice of Orthodoxy Program' may also be heard by audio s t r e a m i n g o n t h e w e b a t MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINARS Our Metropolis continues to offer the Marriage Preparation Seminar to all couples planning to be married in the Church as a requirement prior to their wedding. These seminars which discuss living a life in Christ within marriage - are offered at the Metropolis Center as well as in five other districts around New England. This program, which has been in existence for over 20 years now, is currently being used as a model by the Archdiocese for the other Metropolises. At the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, Rev. Dr. Charles Joanides, Archdiocesan Director of the Office of Family and Marriage, and Dr. Philip Mamalakis, assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Holy Cross and a Marriage and Family Christian Counselor, have been reviewing and revising our pre-marital seminar materials, and have been using our Metropolis program as a pilot to launch a new Archdiocesan curriculum for pre-marital counseling and preparation. Fr. Nicholas Krommydas, who led this effort for many years as Chancellor, is on the advisory board to this committee. The following information provides a thumbnail sketch of the new program that is currently under development. Session One: Marriage is like a journey: a journey that couples decide to take together. This session presents this journey from a decidedly Christian and Orthodox perspective. Session Two: Most couples today begin their journey together as soul mates, and as time passes they end up resembling roommates. A significant number may even begin feeling like inmates within just a few short years. The reasons why are now well understood. This session helps participants understand these reasons while also helping them avoid these factors. Session Three: Our perspective of marriage and family life has been significantly shaped by the family in which you were raised our family of origin. This session is devoted to helping participants explore the ways their family of origin has had an impact their personal perspective of marriage and family life. Session Four: Communication, problem solving, finances, parenting, in-laws, sex, inter-christian challenges, friends, personal time and couple time are all potential problem areas that can compromise oneness. During this session participants will complete a 90 item questionnaire associated with these problem areas. They will then compare their responses with their future spouse. Session Five: It s no secret that good communication and listening skills, together with effective conflict resolution skills are of fundamental importance to marital oneness as you journey together. This session provides participants useful information to help them become more effective speakers and listeners. Session Six: We believe that the lower divorce rates and higher levels of marital satisfaction that Christ-centered couples report are associated with the timeless treasures and strategies that are embedded within our Holy Christian tradition. This interactive session introduces participants to some of these strategies, as well as giving you an opportunity to use some of the things they've learned in the first five sessions. Marriage Preparation Seminars take place at the following locations: Metropolis Center in Brookline, the St. Vasilios Church in Peabody, the St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, the St. George Cathedral in Springfield, the St. George Cathedral in Manchester, and the Annunciation Church in Cranston. Days and Times vary depending on location. A complete listing of locations, dates, and times, as well as the registration form, can be found on our website at > News and events > marriage preparations seminars.

7 Page 7 METROPOLIS OF BOSTON FEDERATION OF GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH MUSICIANS The Metropolis of Boston Federation of Greek Orthodox ians - the first in the country and used as the model for the other Federations in the United States - is comprised of church musicians from throughout the Metropolis of Boston - a total of 63 parishes. Each member parish participates in a variety of musical activities and has a vote in all matters brought before the Federation Council. Officers are elected for a two-year term at the annual Fall Conference. The mission of the Metropolis of Boston Federation of Greek Orthodox ians is to provide support, assistance and education to all choir members, directors, organists, clergy, and chanters; strengthen communication between church musicians and the clergy and hierarchy; encourage the development, composition, publication, and performances of Greek Orthodox sacred and Greek folk music; offer workshops, concerts, retreats, church music institutes and annual conferences to develop musical skills; and to institute a means of integrating the stewardship of the member church musicians in order to increase the interest and enthusiasm of the individual members. The Federation is the liaison between the National Forum of Greek Orthodox ians - the musical arm of the Archdiocese - and the church musicians in the parishes. One of the ways this is accomplished is through its annual Institute held every autumn; workshops are presented on topics such as proper vocal health, effective conducting, establishing parish youth choirs, understanding musical tones of the Liturgy, music writing computer s o f t w a r e p r o g r a m s, introduction of new liturgical choral settings, etc. Another way is to write, publish and distribute newsletters, such as the hard copy Acouste Key and the electronic newsletter, Mini Acouste Key, to keep church musicians informed. The Federation was the first to actively distribute information to church musicians and clergy via the Internet through the Mini Acouste Key with its frequent newsletters and timely updates, and was the inspiration for other federations to do the same. Each November at an annual Conference, church musicians of the Federation gather and sing as one voice to chant responses in a Divine Liturgy presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. Every year the location changes since parishes submit bids to host a Conference. This year s Conference will be held at the St. Nicholas Church in Portsmouth, NH, on the weekend of November 6-8, 2009 and will include the annual business meeting, rehearsals, a trolley tour and a lobster dinner dance. A highlight of each Conference is the presentation of the Patriarch Athenagoras I Award and St. John of Damascus Award to worthy individuals who have made contributions on both the local and metropolis levels. Names for consideration are submitted directly from our parish church musicians. The Federation is excited about the launching of its Scholarship Fund, where two church musicians will receive scholarships at the November Conference to be used to further education in the musical field. For more information about the Federation or Conference, please contact President Heidi Mason (heidim50@aol.com).

8 Page 8 Philoxenia House "...This 'Boat of Love', Philoxenia House, does not sail alone; it has its crew and its captain. Metropolitan Methodios' presence is everywhere and I felt it near me always. Here, my grandson's problem became everybody's problem. During my visits to the hospital, and in all my movements I felt everyone's breath near me. (grandfather of a 5 year-old from Lamia who underwent bone marrow transplant.) The Metropolis of Boston Philoxenia House was established by Metropolitan Methodios in The home consists of 11 bedrooms, two large living rooms, an open dining room kitchen area, and seven and a half bathrooms. Guests are infants and children, senior citizens, and everyone in between. They are liver and kidney transplant patients, premature infants who are blind, cancer patients, cardiac patients, burn victims, infants born with severe deformities, those afflicted with multiple sclerosis. The Home is supported by volunteer donations from organizations and individuals. "...Thus, when we arrived we found something we never expected. We found open arms waiting for us...people ready to share our pain and to make it theirs...we met Metropolitan Methodios...and the volunteers---people who sacrifice their personal time and their families; people who love each and everyone at the Philoxenia House as their own relative, friend, brother..." (young father from Crete) Philoptochos The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited women s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be: To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; to preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council. The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness. Metropolis of Boston Ministries Residents and Volunteers share joy and sadness in the Philoxenia House. Birthdays and anniversaries, and all good events are celebrated with gusto. They comfort each other when they face the inevitable unpleasant realities of life. In this photo, the young mother holding her baby, seated, left this life this past summer at the age of 38. And one of the volunteers who has assisted Metropolitan Methodios in this ministry since 1986, Anna, third from the right, also left this life in August while visiting her daughter in Athens. The news of both deaths spread fast throughout Greece and many of the Philoxenia House residents whose lives were touched by these two women travelled from throughout the country to attend the funeral services. The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos supports numerous philanthropic projects including: Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, Philoxenia House, St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Saint Basil Academy, Metropolis Youth Ministries including the Metropolis of Boston Camp and the Metropolis of Boston Oratorical Festival, Social Services, Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Project Bread, Pine Street Inn, FOS- Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards, National Philoptochos Children s Medical Fund, Saint Michael Home for the Aged, Archdiocesan Missions, Cancer Fund, Social Services, Saint Photios Shrine, IOCC, Ecumenical Patriarchate. For more information, please contact Philippa Condakes.

9 ECUMENICAL AND INTER NTER-FAITH RELATIONS The Metropolitan Ecumenical Office has as its main function the task of providing information, stimulating interest and coordinating ecumenical activities throughout New England. It adheres to the principle that Orthodoxy and Orthodox ecumenism must always speak the truth, never compromising the integrity and purity of Orthodox teachings, but always respecting the sincerity of the religious convictions and spiritual sensitivities of others. A number of clergy and laymen comprise the Ecumenical/Interfaith Commission of our Metropolis, each representing His Eminence in the various areas of common interest. A strong bond of Christian love and cooperation exists between the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. Metropolitan Methodios and Cardinal Seán Patrick O Malley regularly meet and share in Christian fellowship, offering opportunities for the faithful of both Churches to pray together. Since the joint pilgrimage of Bostonian Catholics and Orthodox in 1996 to Rome and Constantinople, with the follow-up Pilgrimage in 2007, it has become tradition here Boston for Metropolitan Methodios to lead a DOXA GIVING Our Mission is to provide religious educators the opportunity to grow as Orthodox Christians and fulfill their catechetical ministry in the life of the Church as they teach the Good News of Christ and the doctrines and traditions of Orthodoxy. Make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20) Our Purpose is 1) To advocate religious education as an integral part of the worship and sacramental life of the Orthodox Church. 2) To advance the ongoing education and Christ-centered growth of religious educators. 3) To promote religious education as a lifetime process. 4) To provide a vehicle of communication among religious educators on the Parish, Metropolis and Archdiocese levels. 5) To advance the educational initiatives of the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education. A Fall Conference for teachers, directors and all interested adults was held on Saturday, November 14 at the Transfiguration Church in Lowell, MA. The topic Equipping Teachers to Address Social and Moral Issues Page 9 delegation of the Orthodox faithful to join our Catholic brethren for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul at the Festal Vespers on June 29. On November 29, at the Feast of St. Andrew, His Eminence Cardinal Seàn reciprocates by leading a group of Catholics to the celebration of St. Andrew, Patron Saint of our Metropolis. This local tradition mirrors that of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople who also sends a delegation to Rome to share the feast of Rome s Patron Saints. St. Andrew is the Patron for the Greek Orthodox Mother Church of Constantinople and therefore on November 29, at the Feast of St. Andrew, the Vatican sends a delegation to the Greek Orthodox in Constantinople. The local celebration in Boston has always been important as a way of bringing to life the examples of the hierarchs and beginning to make reality of our hope for unity. For more information on Ecumenical and Interfaith relations, visit the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese: IVING GLORY TO GOD OD ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION in the Classroom was presented by Father Theodore Barbas (chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston) and Theo Nicolakis (Director of Internet Ministries and Information Technology for the Archdiocese). The focus of this one day conference was to enforce the role of our Christian identity and lifestyle in light of the over saturation of various immoral attitudes that dominate televison, magazines, movies and music that our children of all ages are exposed to. This is often a most difficult topic for our teachers and one that creates hesitation and embarrassment, yet it is one that needs to be addressed head on in our day and age. Our children can make the right decisions and know right from wrong when it is presented to them by their family and their Church as opposed to the media and street talk. These DOXA Conferences seek to equip our teachers with the background and the tools to address these issues in the classrooms of our parishes. The Spring conference will be held on May 1, at the St, Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH.. For more information, please contact Fr. Andrew George at fr.andrew@annunciationri.org. GREEK EDUCATION The Committee is charged with the responsibility of assisting parishes in establishing and sustaining a Greek studies Program that comprises the teaching of the Modern Greek Language, Greek History and Culture, as well as the teaching of the Greek Orthodox Faith and worship. The committee organizes several Metropolis wide events throughout the year held at the Maliotis Cultural Center, including the OXI Day Program, the Greek Letters Celebration, and Graduation Day. The Metropolis also hosts a Christmas and Paschal Luncheon each year for the Greek School teachers.

10 Page 10 Metropolis of Boston Ministries Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries serves as a resource for sustaining and enhancing ministry to children and young adults throughout the Metropolis. By offering Metropolis-wide events and programs, as well as, supporting local parish efforts the Office works to help our Orthodox young people form personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Dino Pappas, a 2008 Graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and the son of one our clergy Father Angelo A. Pappas of Portsmouth, NH assumed his responsibilities in September For more information or to contact Dino directly please him at dinopapps@boston.goarch.org or visit our website at Parish Visitations The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministires is currently visiting local parishes and informing the parents, youth advisors, and the youth about the many wonderful youth programs and opportunities offered by the Metropolis. Metropolis of Boston Summer and Winter Camp (MBC) Every year our youth are encouraged to participate in the Metropolis of Boston Camp Programs held at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH where our children gather in well-planned activities that bring them closer together, and closer to our Greek Orthodox Faith and Heritage. The MBC Summer Program runs for six separate weeks during July and August and Winter Camp is a four day camp experience during the month of February. This year the GOYA Winter Camp will be held on February 12-15,. Also this year, the Metropolis will offer for the first time a Family Winter Camp to be held on February 26-28,. Visit our website at for more information. Vacation Church School (VCS) This faith-based day camp is for our youth ages 4-12 held yearly at one of our local parishes. The children begin their day with a short prayer service followed by sessions which include Orthodox Life, music, indoor and outdoor activities, and arts/crafts. It is a great opportunity for children to learn more about their faith and establish a closer relationship with Christ while having fun. The dates for next summer are August 2- August 6, from 9:30AM 2:30PM. For more information, please visit our website at wwww.boston.goarch.org/ youth_ministries/vacation_church_school.html District Youth Retreats The Metropolis Youth Office in conjunction with each District plans and runs youth retreats for the surrounding parishes each Spring. These District Retreats provide a great opportunity for children MBC Staff Training Sessions A key component of our camp program is the training and preparation of the staff. Therefore, throughout the year, the Metropolis holds monthly Training Sessions to help prepare the MBC Staff for the responsibilities of being a counselor in both the to learn more about their faith while interacting with other Greek Orthodox Christians from nearby churches. summer and winter camp programs. The goal of the training is to arm the staff with the tools that will allow them to transform the campers lives in a true and authentic way, continuously leading our youth towards Christ.

11 OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) The Metropolis works with seminarians of the Holy Cross Field Education Program who are currently assisting and expanding OCF chapters at universities in the greater-boston area. Each school has its own student-organized OCF group that meets weekly. Seminarians from Holy Cross are assigned to each Page 11 school to lead the weekly discussions and local clergy serve as OCF chaplains, offering periodic services on campus. For more information, please contact Dino Pappas, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and visit the national OCF website at Youth Service Project Each year the Metropolis sends a team of graduating High School seniors and staff members to assist in a short term mission trip or service project. It is a great opportunity for our Orthodox young people to learn the importance of outreach ministry and how to put their faith into practice. Walk for Hunger As part of our social outreach ministry, the Metropolis strongly encourages our youth and young adults from across the Metropolis to join His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios for the yearly Walk for Hunger which raises money to feed the hungry of New England. Our Philoxenia House receives an annual grant from Project Bread. This Athletic Ministry Basketball Program The JOY (co-ed), GOYA Girls, and GOYA Boys Basketball teams play as part of the Youth Basketball League of the G r e e k O r t h o d o x M e t r o p o l i s o f Boston. The purpose of the leagues is to bring Orthodox Christian athletes closer to Christ by providing a mature, safe, moral, and sportsmanlike environment in which a healthy level of athletic competition can be enjoyed. Any child ages 8 to 13 who is interested in playing on the JOY team, or anyone ages 13 to 18 who is interested in playing on the GOYA Boys or GOYA Girls teams are encouraged to contact their church office. There also are Junior JOY teams for children under the age of 8. Games take place at Hellenic College. JOY games are played on Saturday afternoons; Girls and Boys GOYA games are played on Sunday afternoons. The Leagues run from November through February and all teams enjoy an end of the year Basketball Banquet. year, the Walk for Hunger is on Sunday, May 2,. For more information please visit the Project Bread w e b s i t e a t Metropolitan Methodios Basketball Invitational Tournament: This basketball tournament has teams participating from all across the Metropolis. It is a great way to have children who live quite some distance away from the Metropolis come together and enjoy Greek Orthodox Fellowship. All games are played at the gym of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. This year the tournament will be held on January 23-24,. Coaches Meeting: For all those who are interested in coaching this year, please be sure to visit the Metropolis of Boston Website ( and click on Youth Ministries, and then click on Sports Ministries. All of the appropriate forms are now available online and should be downloaded and filled out prior to the Coaches Meeting. All coaches are required to attend this meeting in October at the Metropolis of Boston in order to obtain information regarding the start of the season, as well as periodic meetings during the season. For more information on the Athletic Ministries of our Metropolis, visit our website at

12 Page 12 Metropolis of Boston Ministries Metropolis Oratorical Festival This is an annual Archdiocesan program that gives teenagers an opportunity to learn, write, and speak about their Orthodox faith, church, and heritage. This strengthens their understanding and appreciation of their identity as Greek Orthodox Christians, and cultivates spiritual growth and Young Adult Gatherings These gatherings provide a mature environment for Orthodox Christians to come together in fellowship while also discussing ways in which they can grow in their faith. maturity. The finalists of each District Festival proceed to the Metropolis Festival held at the Metropolis Center on May 8,, and then to the Archdiocese Festival where the top speakers are awarded college scholarships. For more information, visit Metropolis of Boston Youth Dance Group The mission of the Dance Group is to instill the culture and tradition of Hellenism and the appreciation of this great heritage in the Greek Orthodox youth of the Boston Metropolis through fellowship, learning, folk dances, and songs. The program of instruction was designed to emphasize the authentic aspects of Greek folk dance, including music recorded with regional instruments and hand-sewn costumes. The Group has performed all over the United States, Canada, and Greece. For more information visit St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center Retreat House The Retreat House The new Retreat House - with 38 guest rooms and several conference and meeting rooms - celebrated its open house on September 26, 2009 with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. Over 1,300 people including Governor John Lynch of New Hampshire and many faithful from throughout New England attended. The opening of the Retreat House for adult camps, conferences and meetings provides our Metropolis with a beautiful venue for continued development. Parish and cultural organizations from choirs to philoptochos and parish councils to married couples only touch the surface on what will be taking place at our new center. For more information on booking an event at the Retreat House, please call There are still various giving and naming opportunities to complete the Retreat House Donors List. Donations are also being collected to complete the furnishing of the building. For more information please visit our website at

13 The Parish and the Priest By Metropolitan Methodios Page 13 Why is a Parish established? What is expected of a Priest? I bet most of you are wondering why I bother to pose such questions, the answers to which are so obvious. Yet, we sometimes fail to remember that a Greek Orthodox Parish is established to proclaim the salvific message of Jesus Christ-the message of love, forgiveness, reconciliation and salvation. Too often --- for some individuals--- parishes are centers "of godless chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge." (1Timothy 6,20). St. Paul teaches us that "The Church is the Body of Christ and we are members of that Body." A Parish is a Christian Community, not a secular club, not a fraternal organization. It is not governed by the ways of the world, but by the ecclesiology and tradition of our Church as defined by the Fathers of the Church in the Ecumenical Synods and local Councils. It is an ecclesiology and tradition nourished by the blood of the Martyrs. Every Community in our Metropolis must be a modern day Jacob's well---a refreshing oasis where life's travelers may quench their spiritual thirsts. Every Community must be a beacon of faith, concern and commitment, reaching out as Christ demands in the Gospel "to these, the least of my brethren." To those who are homeless and hungry, to the hopeless and the destitute. The philanthropic concern of the Church must not be limited to Thanksgiving, or Christmas time, but every day of the year. What is expected of a Priest? Priests are commissioned to lead the community they serve. They are expected to dedicate their Priesthood towards bringing about a spiritual renewal. Their every effort is Christ-centered. A Priest is the head of a Community responsible to exercise the priestly function. His ministry is to shepherd the flock entrusted to his care. His task is to direct in an orderly fashion the entire life of the Parish, to preserve the unity of the Faith, to see to it that the Parish is faithful to its purpose which is to keep and proclaim the Faith and traditions in conformity with the doctrine, canons, worship and customs of the Greek Orthodox Church. The diakonia of every Parish must be the proclamation of the message of Jesus Christ. Every Priest is assigned to be the leader of the Parish, not an employee. Leadership presupposes a willingness to serve. Christ said that He came "to serve, not to be served." He told His disciples, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the first, must be your slave." Every Priest strives to follow the example of our Lord and Savior. To remember His words: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10, 14-15) Leadership presupposes a willingness to serve. It also requires the courage to stand for what you believe... Rather what the Church believes, what the Church proclaims. A Priest may be misunderstood; he may be reviled. During those difficult times which are bound to happen, a Priest must pray all the harder, and remember what our Lord said to His disciples, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you are of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you...if they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also." (John 15, 18-21). Every Priest is expected to teach the Faith pure and undefiled; to defend the Faith. The Church can never sacrifice on the altar of expediency what She stands for, what the Saints have taught. She cannot compromise Her principles. If She does, She is not worthy of the blood spilled by the holy martyrs in defense of Truth. Let us remember the words Saint Paul wrote to the Christians living in Rome, "I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissension and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of many." (Romans 16, 17-18) Priests work cooperatively with the laity and utilize their individual gifts to build the community, the Church, the Body of Christ. Those who serve with them must be men and women of good repute, of deep faith and commitment, who live the sacramental life of the Church, who attend Services, who are liturgically alive, who are knowledgeable of their Faith. They must be men and women who, by their sterling Christian family lifestyles, provide an example for other laity to emulate. Through the cooperative efforts of clergy and laity, I pray that all of our Communities be beacons of our Faith.

14 Page 14 Metropolis of Boston Ministries DAILY PRAYERS THE TRISAGION PRAYERS In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to You, our God, glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Present in all places and filling all things, The treasure of blessing and Giver of life: Come and abide in us. Cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls, gracious Lord. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3) THE GREAT FEASTS OF THE CHURCH September 8 September 14 November 21 December 25 January 6 February 2 March 25 Sunday before Pascha Great and Holy Pascha The Nativity of the Theotokos The Elevation of the Holy Cross The Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple The Nativity of Christ Theophany (the Baptism of Our Lord) The Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple The Annunciation Palm Sunday Pascha Forty days after Pascha Ascension Fifty days after Pascha Pentecost August 6 The Transfiguration August 15 The Dormition of the Theotokos MOVABLE ECCLESIASTICAL DATES 2011 Triodion Begins January 24 February 13 Lent Begins February 15 March 7 Saturday of Lazarus March 27 April 16 Palm Sunday March 28 April 17 Good Friday April 2 April 22 Pascha April 4 April 24 Western Easter April 4 April 24 Ascension May 13 June 2 Pentecost May 23 June 12 Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen All-Holy Trinity, have mercy one us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmaties, for the glory of Your name. Lord, have mercy. (3) Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours in the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. MORNING PRAYERS I praise, bless and thank You, almighty God, the Father of light, that You have again shown to me the light of this day. I entreat You: forgive my sins and accept my prayer in Your great mercy, for I seek refuge in You, the merciful and almighty God. Shine in my heart the light of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. Enlighten my mind and my whole being that I may live according to Your commandments and serve You in all that I do and say. For You are the source of life and light, and to You I give praise and thanksgiving, to the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. EVENING PRAYERS Lord, our God, by Your goodness and mercy forgive all the sins I have committed this day in thought, word, and deed. Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep, and deliver from all temptations and attacks of the evil one. Raise me up again in the morning that I may glorify You. For you are blessed, together with Your Son and Your Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen Into Your hands, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commit my soul and my body. Bless me, have mercy on me, and grant me eternal life. Amen.