We just today received this note from his eminence Amfilochios, Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinon. Let's continue to pray for him, and for the faithful of the new St. Nikiphoros the Leper Church!   … [Read more...]

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, the holy relics of St. Nikiphoros the Leper were brought to the Hermitage Chapel of St. Nikiphoros for a special blessing. The Paraklesis service to St. Nikiphoros was celebrated, and the holy relics were made available for veneration. On Sunday, September 30, the holy relics will be brought to All Saints of North America Orthodox Church for veneration, two days before the Church of St. Nikiphoros will be consecrated by several hierarchs and many faithful, including the Patriarchs of Constantinople, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and many more hierarchs.  The parishioners of ASONA made a special gift to help the building up of the Church of St. Nikiphoros, and we are doubly blessed to have a portion of his … [Read more...]

I must say, this was simple, but impressive in its scope and treatment. Enjoy!  … [Read more...]

  Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, “in radiant joy with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs together with the angels and the apostles,” we give thanks to God for the revelation of His abundant grace and glorious power through the life and witness of the Virgin Mary. In our commemoration of her and the holiness of her life and service, we are reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, All things are possible to the one who believes. (Mark 9:23). This assurance of Christ, that through faith the impossible becomes possible, that as people of God we can move beyond limitations to accomplish great and marvelous things in His name, was the focus of the … [Read more...]

Fr. Michael Oleksa is the former Dean of St. Herman Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kodiak, AK.  Fr. Michael's words echoes what St. Justin Martyr wrote about the ancient Greek philosophers in his First Apology: "Those who lived in accordance with the Logos are Christians, even though they were called godless, such as, among the Greeks, Socrates and Heraclitus and others like them... So also those who lived before Christ and did not live by the Logos were ungracious and enemies of Christ, and murderers of those who lived by the Logos. But those who lived by the Logos, and those who so live now, are Christians, fearless and unperturbed." … [Read more...]

Today was the occasion of the first infant baptism at All Saints of North America Orthodox Church. We broke in our new baptismal font, a traditional style Orthodox baptismal font recently received from Greece, and in the gracious chapel of St. Mary the Virgin at All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, celebrated the ancient rite of Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and Holy Communion. The newly illumined warrior of Christ, Olav, was an attentive and well behaved baby, and even clung to the vestments of the priest at several places during the service! Here is another gallery of photos of the day. Thank you to everyone who contributed to taking such great pictures of our inaugural infant baptism! … [Read more...]

On Tuesday, July 24th, the feast of St. Euphemia the All-Praised, the faculty of the GreatMartyr Euphemia Orthodox Theological Academy will be hosting a LIVE online webinar for students, prospective students, and inquirers.  The LIVE Webinar will begin at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm AZ/Pacific time. Click this link to sign up for this webinar.  Everyone who signs up will receive the link on Tuesday morning, but only the first 100 people will be admitted. It is first come, first served. This is your chance to get more information about the courses, program, get your questions answered, talk to the Academy team (your future professors), learn what to expect in the coming semester, and enjoy the feast of St. Euphemia the … [Read more...]

Reworking and organizing ecclesiastical mission for the benefit of future generations A presentation given at the 2nd International Conference on Digital Media and Pastoral Care at the Orthodox Academy of Crete, Kolymbari by Fr. John A. Peck In the name of the +Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Esteemed hierarchs, fathers and brothers, guests, and fellow Christians, As the 21st century since our Lord's incarnation has shown, contemporary man is in an existential crisis. Confusion over simple, scientifically verifiable facts (life, marriage, gender identity) and their place in the Orthodox Tradition has plagued many, including some otherwise noteworthy Orthodox clergy. These attacks on traditional values, … [Read more...]