Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Fr. Peter Samore, Director of Communications Photo album Videos: Great Vespers | Antiochian Archdiocese Choir Concert | Orthros, Hierarchal Divine Liturgy Lifting their voices in song is how Orthodox Christians glorify and worship God in the divine services. They constantly refine their artistic expression and expand their musical knowledge to praise their Creator in their churches. From Feb. 5-8, 2026, the Department of Sacred Music gathered more than 120 church singers from across the Archdiocese for their annual Winter Sacred Music Institute, hosted this year at St. George Church in Phoenix. They were delighted to reunite with His Grace Bishop…
Author: Jacobse
Source: Orthodox Observer The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce that His Beatitude Archbishop Ioan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania will be visiting the United States of America. At the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, His Beatitude will offer the keynote address at the International Conference organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Holy Cross School of Theology in collaboration with the Missions Institute of HCHC. The conference, entitled “Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary,” will be held at Holy Cross School of Theology from March 2 to March 4, 2026, on the occasion of the first…
Source: Orthodox Observer St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center is expanding its commitment to serving those in need through two ongoing charitable initiatives: the monthly “Feed the Hungry” outreach and the “Share the Warmth” winter coat drive. The Feed the Hungry ministry brings together volunteers on select Sundays to prepare and distribute warm meals to homeless and food-insecure New Yorkers. Upcoming Feed the Hungry dates for 2026 include March 8, April 19, May 10, and June 14. Simultaneously, the parish is conducting its “Share the Warmth” coat drive through February 8, collecting scarves,…
Source: Orthodoxy Cognate Page In-depth conversation about the groundbreaking new film “Moses the Black,” releasing January 30, 2026. OUR GUESTS : Yelena Popovic – Writer & Director of “Moses the Black” and “Man of God” Dr. John G. Panagiotou – Chairman, Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE | • ABOUT THE FILM: “Moses the Black” tells the extraordinary story of St. Moses the Black—a 4th-century Ethiopian gang leader who became one of the most beloved Desert Fathers—reimagined in modern-day Chicago. Starring Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, Quavo, and Chukwudi Iwuji, with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Executive Producer. IN THIS INTERVIEW: ✓ Why Yelena…
Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PDF As we round the corner and enter a new year on the civil calendar, the first issue of The WORD in 2026 offers articles for spiritual reflection and edification. The online edition is now available as an issuu.com flipbook or a downloadable PDF. Editorial – Let Us Give Thanks and Rejoice by His Eminence Met. Saba Deep Calleth Unto Deep by Fr. Peter Kavanaugh Finding Strength in the Humble Places by Fr. Joshua Makoul St. Nikiforos the Leper and Wonderworker by Fr. Michael Shanbour Spiritual Words by Met. Ephrem Kyriakos Theophany–An Exposition of…
Source: Peter Anderson, Seattle USA Normally, the election of a new member of the Holy Synod of a Local Orthodox Church would not be considered important news. However, in Bulgaria, it is important. The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate is sharply divided into two wings. One wing favors the Ecumenical Patriarch and the recognition of the OCU. Its primary members are Metropolitans Nikolai, Anthony, Naum, Cyprian, Yakov, and Arseny. The other wing is headed by Patriarch Daniil and does not recognize the actions of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Ukraine. Each new Synod member can have an effect on the…
OCL is an educational and an advocacy ministry, which has, for a quarter of a century advocated for Orthodox Unity and transparency and accountability in Church Governance. OCL welcomes the statement issued by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America regarding the resignation of Metropolitan Jonah, which appears to strike a balance between the sensitivity of the matters contained in the statement and the legitimate needs of the faithful to be informed about issues of importance. As all of the facts become known, and law enforcement agencies take appropriate measures to deal with matters referred to them, OCL…
Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) calls upon the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) during this most difficult period to be transparent about the reasons for the resignation of Metropolitan Jonah. We call upon the Synod and the Metropolitan Council to be open and transparent in all matters relating to Church Governance in order to retain the confidence of the people whose support they must have in order for the Church to grow and serve the needs of the faithful.
The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) Board was blessed to have Father Peter Gillquist as an advisor for more than 12 years. From day one, when I met him, he was bigger than life. Physically he was tall, robust and exuberant in nature. He reminded me of Paul Bunyan. He energized our board when he attended meetings and was our featured speaker at open forums and programs. He truly transcended all the Orthodox Christian groupings that exist in America. The Holy Spirit, present everywhere, and filling all creation, brought Father Peter and his brothers and sisters to Orthodox Christianity in 1987;…
It is with a sense of sadness and celebration that I convey to you that OCL’s loyal advisory board member and my friend and advisor Deacon John Zarras has Fallen Asleep in the Lord – Sunday April 1 about 1:30 pm. Deacon John was a passionate supporter of the mission of Orthodox Christian Laity. He was a visionary planner for Orthodox Christian Unity. He joined the OCL movement formally as an advisory board member in 2000 and helped us plan the 16th Annual Meeting: “The Orthodox Christian Ministries Networking Conference.” He also helped me with so many details as we…
By George Matsoukas The Orthodox Christian Laity Winter Board Meeting took place in Columbus, Georgia the last week of February 2012 at the Hilton Gardens Inn. Advisory Board member and former mayor of Columbus, retired Colonel Robert S. Poydasheff, was the host of the productive meeting. President Bill Souvall from Salt Lake City, UT presided. The Orthodox Christian Laity Winter Board Meeting took place in Columbus, Georgia the last week of February 2012 at the Hilton Gardens Inn. Advisory Board member and former mayor of Columbus, retired Colonel Robert S. Poydasheff, was the host of the productive meeting. President Bill…
Hilton Garden Inn Columbus, Georgia Local Contact Person: Robert Poydasheff 706-317-3224 Thursday evening: Hilton Garden Inn. Board Meeting Overview – 6:30 pm in Dining Room. Friday morning: 9:00 am Board Meeting in Conference Room. 25th Anniversary Update. Principles of Charter for a Unified Orthodox Church. Friday evening: If a priest is available, Vesper at Holy Transfiguration Mission. Dinner at Local Club. Saturday morning: 10:00am Meet and Greet Faithful. OCL 25 Years of service. Holy Transfiguration Mission, 4612 Gilbert Avenue, Columbus, GA 31904. Interested faithful from Atlanta including: Annunciation Cathedral; St. Elias Church; St. John Wonderworker; Holy Transfiguration (Marietta); Holy Cross…