wfn.org | GOAA - E-Bulletin August 1, 2008

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
> 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106
> Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215
> Web: http://www.goarch.org
> Email: communications@goarch.org

> August 1, 2008

This is the weekly edition of the GOA E-Bulletin. For more information just click on the links below to go to the topics of interest to you.

If the link does not work from your email, copy the link and paste it into the address bar of your web browser.

DORMITION FAST AND FEAST: August 1 is the beginning of the Dormition Fast which culminates in the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, commemorated on August 15.  For more information on the fast and the feast, to read the background of the commemoration, and other resources, visit

http://www.goarch.org/en/special/listen_learn_share/dormition/learn/

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD: On August 6 the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. The feast commemorates the transfiguration or metamorphosis of Christ on Mount Tabor, when our Lord appeared in His divine glory before the Apostles Peter, James, and John.  To read the biblical background for this feast, view the icon, and other resources, visit

http://www.goarch.org/en/special/listen%5Flearn%5Fshare/transfiguration/lear n/

CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS:  The 39th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention concluded in Washington, DC on July 17.  Congress resources are still online, along with news releases, addresses, photos, and more.  Watch the keynote address of Archbishop Demetrios or the Sunday Divine Liturgy, view the full photo gallery, and download and read the daily issues of the Orthodox Observer at

> http://www.clergylaity.org

Orthodoxy and the Environment: Greening your Parish:  This booklet is a wonderful, practical guide that offers guidelines and challenges for young adults to take an active role in making our local Greek Orthodox parishes more environmentally conscious with the challenges laid out by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Download now  at

> http://www.goarch.org

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL: Download the resource catalog of the Department of Religious Education and review the materials available for your parish program.  Many other resources are also available to enhance education in your parish.

http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/departments/religioused/

GREEK EDUCATION RESOURCES:  Visit the website of the Department of Greek Education for resources to assist with your parish program.  Books, certificates, curriculum, and more are available at

http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/departments/greekeducation/

2009 PARISH ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDARS:  Orders are now being taken for the 2009 Parish Calendars.  Order packets have been sent to all of the parishes.  Ordering information is also available online.  Visit this site for a sample of the 2009 Calendar, order forms, the calendar fact sheet, and more.

http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/departments/communications/parishcalend ars/

COLLEGE STUDENTS ? ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP:  Whetther off to college or back to school a great resource for guidance and fellowship are the OCF chapters throughout the country.  Find out more about OCF, locate a chapter, and learn about service opportunities at

> http://www.ocf.net

NEW PHILOPTOCHOS WEB SITE LAUNCHED: National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas is pleased to announce the newly revamped website for the National Philoptochos Society which is available at www.philoptochos.org  or by accessing Philoptochos under the Ministry and Outreach Tab of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website www.goarch.org.  The website is designed to increase local, national and international awareness of the scope of the charitable work of the Society.  It also serves as a resource for the close to 28,000 Philoptochos members and the 480 Philoptochos chapters throughout the United States.

> http://www.philoptochos.org

NATIONAL ORTHODOX RADIO PROGRAM: Fr. Meletios Webber, author of a new and insightful book entitled "Bread & Water, Wine & Oil: An Orthodox Christian Experience of God," explains how the Orthodox Christian spiritual tradition leads those who follow it to personal transformation and renewal. Also, Fr. John McGuckin on prayer.

NEW THIS WEEK: The Orthodox Christian Network is pleased to announce our newest weekly show, 
"Journeys to Orthodoxy," produced by Icon New Media Network and now available at www.myocn.net. 
"Journeys to Orthodoxy" features in-depth interviews with converts to Orthodoxy who share their spiritual journey and reasons for entering the Orthodox Church.

Also available this week: Vladimir Morosan features the beautiful hymns of the Feast of the Transfiguration on his weekly show, Icons in Sound. Rev. Fr. Stylianos Muksuris discusses
"Liturgy, Ancient and Present" on Special Moments in Orthodoxy. Fr. Charles Joanides asks "Why Does Marriage Matter?" on Theologically Thinking. And Rod Dreher discusses "Cyberspace" on Just Thinking.

Programs available on Internet Radio, Podcast and OnDemand at www.myocn.net  .

ORTHODOX MARKETPLACE - www.orthodoxmarketplace.com

> --------------------

The official online store of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Has your child outgrown his or her children's bible? Are you looking for a book that will bring them more knowledge about the background of their faith in an easy to read format? Consider giving them the Children's Bible Reader. You can view a portion of the Bible Reader online in English right now by visiting:

> http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/abs/nxtd/

You can purchase the Reader in either Greek or English versions for $19.99 for a single, for
$159.99 for a case of 10. Use the button in the demo, or visit the Orthodox Marketplace product page at:

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/product.php?productid=18899

Have you seen the new Orthodox Study Bible? Whether you have been waiting for this bible for years or are new to the faith and are looking for a bible with notes and commentary that will educate you about the Orthodox faith, this volume will not disappoint. Currently available in hardcover for $49.95 or in bonded leather for
$79.95 - softcover edition available soon. Purchase it today at:

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/product.php?productid=19169

SUPPORT THE ARCHDIOCESE WHILE SEARCHING or SHOPPING ON THE WEB:    The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has partnered with GoodSearch.com, a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. To use GoodSearch.com and support the ministries of the Archdiocese, simply go to:

> http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=833607

> For online shopping visit

> http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx