Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Originally posted on July 7, 2015 but still relevant today! The Challenge of Orthodox Christian Outreach The Challenge of Outreach, written in 1997, by Nikolas K. Gvosdev, Ph.D., foreshadowed the recent PEW Report on Christianity in America. The study was prepared at the request of Archbishop Spyridon. Too bad it got lost in the shuffle. We have posted it for your consideration and interest. CLICK HERE to read this excellent report. George Matsoukas
Source: Orthodox Church in America Saint Simeon the New Theologian was born in the year 949 in the city of Galatea (Paphlagonia), and he was educated at Constantinople. His father prepared him for a career at court, and for a certain while the youth occupied a high position at the imperial court. When he was fourteen, he met the renowned Elder Simeon the Pious at the Studion Monastery, who would be a major influence in his spiritual development. He remained in the world for several years preparing himself for the monastic life under the Elder’s guidance, and finally entered the…
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) We mourn because we love. We share this time with Nick’s family. We have known him for many years through working together to fulfill the mission of Orthodox Christian Laity. We know of his contributions as a manager and leader in his professional life. He also used his extraordinary critical thinking and analytical skills to help bring about renewal in the life of the church. He made a difference in work and community because of his vision, compassion, and integrity. Nick was a devoted family man, husband, father,…
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FOLLOWING LETTERS AND RESPONSES COMPILED IN A BOOKLET AS AN OCCASIONAL PAPER UPDATE: Letter #7 – Orthodox Church in western, pluralistic democracies / Conciliarity and balanced co-ministry (#7) Letter of June 8, 2021 June 8, 2021 Translation of the Relics of Theodore the Commander; Kalliope the Martyr; Melania the Righteous His Eminence, Archbishop ELPIDOPHOROS The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 Your Eminence, Christ is risen! The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) again wishes you good health in these pandemic times as we continue with…
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity https://youtu.be/DQMvD8KnCgo On May 8, 2004, the Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) sponsored an Open Forum at Oak Brook, Illinois, wherein the issues relating to the Charter Crisis in the Greek Orthodox Church were discussed. The meeting was well attended (Illinois and neighboring states), and the responses obtained from the audience were overwhelmingly favorable. This video is an abridged version of that meeting. The presenters are all individuals with long, dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox Church over many decades. The Clergy-Laity Congress took place in New York, July 25-29, 2004. Peter Hailkalis, PhD – President of OCL…
Source: Dignity Memorial John J. Regule, 92, of The Villages, FL and formerly of Sharon, PA, fell asleep in the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Born in 1928 in Sharon, PA, John was the son of immigrant parents from Romania. His parents owned the LyJor (named for his parents Lydia and John Regule) Gas Station, Hotel, and Restaurant Bar in Sharon. After graduating from Sharon High School (PA), Westminster College (PA), Bachelor of Arts, and the University of Pittsburgh (Juris Doctor), he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served at the end of Korean War…
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Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Dear Friends, It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, Nick Karakas, husband of the late Sophia Peppes Karakas, brother of Frances Demetre and the late Tony Karakas; father-in-law, grandfather, uncle to many nieces and nephews, and godfather. Dad fell asleep peacefully in the hands of our Lord and Savior, on Monday, February 1st, just four days shy of his 95th birthday. As a family, we feel blessed knowing that the last 32 months, Dad’s home was our home, and was part of God’s divine plan for family reconciliation and unification where we could spend…
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity CLICK HERE for a PDF of the Year-End Newsletter “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” — Charles Dickens As 2020 comes to a close, the Board of Orthodox Christian Laity sends warm greetings for the Christmas season and New Year and lifts up prayers for you and your loved ones’ well being. Despite the many challenges of this year, we have faith that God is greater than any obstacle, and that he is “an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Ps 46:1). We also recognize that it…
Source: Orthodox Christian Laity Due to the pandemic restrictions, Orthodox Christian Laity’s 33rd Annual Meeting and Program took place online on November 13, 2020. We looked forward to the opportunity to be on the campus of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary as originally planned; however, the online events did allow wider participation by board members, supporters, and other interested individuals from any geographic location. The annual business meeting held on the morning of November 13, opened with a memorable prayer by His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel (see below) who is celebrating his 40th Anniversary of ordination into the Episcopacy. His…