wfn.org | Greek Orthodox Archdiocese E-bulletin January 29, 2010

[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) 774-0237
> Web: http://www.goarch.org  - Email: communications@goarch.org

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese E-bulletin January 29, 2010

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.

HAITI CRISIS ? AN APPEAL TO ACTION: The earrthquake that struck Haiti
has left tens of thousands homeless and without basic provisions and
medical care.  His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios has issued a call to
the faithful of the Archdiocese to give generously to assist with the
relief efforts.  Read the encyclical requesting a special offering
this Sunday.  Also, link to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian
Charities) to learn more about how you can help through donations and
preparing hygiene kits and emergency cleanup buckets.

Special encyclical: www.goarch.org/news/haitiencyclical%20-01-13-2010

IOCC: www.iocc.org/news/1-14-10haiti-release.aspx

FEAST OF THREE HIERARCHS:  The Feast of the Three Holy Fathers, Great
Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the
Theologian, and John Chrysostom is January 30.  For the background on
this feast, a description of the icon, Scripture readings, hymns, and
links to articles related to the observance of Greek Letters Day, visit

Feast Day site:  www.goarch.org/special/threehierarchs/index_html

Archbishop Demetriosâ?? Encyclical:

www.goarch.org/archbishop/demetrios/encyclicals

TRIODION BEGINS: The Triodion period continues this week with the
Sunday of the Prodigal Son.  Visit this special site for the
background to this Sunday, hymns, readings, the icon, and more.  Also
link to other resources as you begin preparations for Great Lent.

> lent.goarch.org

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST: This feast, celebrated on
February 2, is known in the Orthodox Church as The Presentation of
Christ in the Temple. Another name for the feast is The Meeting of our
Lord. Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians call the feast, The
Purification of the Holy Virgin. About 450 AD in Jerusalem, people
began the custom of holding lighted candles during the Divine Liturgy
of this feast day. Therefore, some churches in the West refer to this
holy day as Candlemas. The Feast of the Presentation concludes the
observances related to the Nativity of Christ, a period that opened on
November 15 with the beginning of the Nativity fast.  For the biblical
story, a description of the icon, hymns, readings, and more visit

www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/index_html

PILGRIMAGE WEEKEND FOR SAINT PHOTIOS SHRINE:  The annual pilgrimage
weekend of the Saint Photios National Shrine will be February 5-7 in
Saint Augustine, Florida.  The weekend includes services, the annual
meeting, luncheon, a book signing by Gine and William Samonides,
authors of The Greeks of Stark County, and a lecture by Rev. Dr.
Alkiviades Calivas, professor emeritus of Holy Cross School of
Theology and noted author titled â??St. Photios, Yesterday and
Today.â??   For more information visit the Shrine web site or download
the recent newsletter.

> www.stphotios.com/

www.stphotios.com/newsletter/shrinenewsletter.pdf

FEBRUARY 7 ? SCOUT SUNDAY: < The Hierarchs of SCOBA have designated
Sunday, February 7 as Scout Sunday to be observed in parishes
throughout all Orthodox jurisdictions.  2010 marks the 100th
anniversary of Scouting, and the Eastern Orthodox Committee on
Scouting [EOCS] has prepared materials for our parishes to assist in
their celebration. Parishes are asked to support and recognize their
youth engaged in neighborhood units. To read the encyclical and review
resources visit the following sites:

SCOBA Encyclical for Scout Sunday: www.scoba.us/articles/2803.html

> Orthodox Scouting website: eocs.org/

OUTREACH RESOURCES FOR PARISH MINISTRY FOR GREAT LENT, HOLY WEEK,
PASCHA, AND ANNUNCIATION are available on the www.outreach.goarch.org
website or click on the following link:

www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent

Booklet: Outreach & Evangelism: Some Practical Steps - available by request

Brochures

·      Our Lenten Journey: Preparing for the Passion & Resurrection
of Our Lord
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Ou
r_Lenten_Journey.pdf
·      Preparing for Confession by Fr. James Kordaris
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Co
nfession.pdf
·      The Great Fast by Metropolitan Isaiah
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Th
e_Great_Fast.pdf
·      Repentance by Fr. Alexander Veronis
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Re
pentance.pdf
·      Holy Communion: The Gift of Eternal Life by Fr. Alkiviadis  Calivas
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Co
mmunion-Calivas.pdf
·      All Things New in the Resurrection by Fr. Stanley S. Harakas
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Re
surrection.pdf
·      Tri-Lingual Paschal Homily of St John Chrysostom
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Pa
schal_Homily.pdf
·      Resurrection Service Handout Brochure
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/resurrectionhandou t
·      A Lenten Study Program
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/brochures/Le
nten_study.pdf

SERMONS/REFLECTIONS

·      The Incarnation: A Revolution for Freedom by Dr. Aristotle  Papanikolaou
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Incarnation_A_Revolution_for_Freedom_Papanikoloau.doc
·      My Soul Magnifies the Lord by Fr. Thomas Paris
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-My_Soul_Magnifies_the_Lord_Paris.doc
·      God for Us: Why the Incarnation is Rational by Dr. Aristotle
Papanikolaou
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Annunciation_2_Papanikolaou.doc
·      Blessed is that Servant Whom He Shall find Waiting: An
Exhortation to Vigilance by Fr. William Chiganos
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Exhortation_to_Vigilance_Chiganos.doc
·      Focus Fasting by Fr. Athanasios Demos
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Focus_Fasting_A_Demos.doc
·      The Precious and Life-Giving Cross by Fr. Luke Veronis
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Sermon_The_Cross_Luke_Veronis.doc
·      Holy Friday Reflection-The Train Bridge
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Holy_Friday_Reflection_The_Train_Bridge.doc
·      Proclaim His Resurrection: Seven Miles with Jesus by Fr
Christopher Makiej
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/greatlent/reflections/
gl-Proclaim_His_Resurrection_Makiej.doc
·      Pascha vs. Easter by Phyllis Meshel Onest, MDiv

www.theologic.com/oflweb/lentpask/estrmyth.htm

Visitor Welcome Card & Display Rack for welcoming visitors and
collecting contact information and areas of interest online at

www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/visitorcard

Lenten Welcome Banner: A 3 x 6  or 4 x 8 foot outdoor banner ($150
each) online at
www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/outreach/resources/lentenwelcome
Custom Banners will be made upon request.

2010 GOA YEARBOOK AVAILABLE ONLINE: The 2010 Yearbook of the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available onlline. The 2010
Yearbook is designed as an easy-to-read, accurate, reference handbook
of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.  The 274-page new
edition includes updated directories of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Archdiocesan departments and institutions, parishes, clergy, religious
and secular media resources, a photo section highlighting the visit of
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to America plus
additional information.  Each parish will receive two complimentary
copies, but you can download the online version at

> www.goarch.org/archdiocese/yearbook/

CALL TO ACTION ON FREEDOM OF PATRIARCHATE:  A call to action has been
issued by a member of the Faith Endowment related to the rights and
freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.  Read the letter and sign the
petition to show your support for the recognition, safety, and
protection of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the
Patriarchate, the Seminary of Halki, and the ethnic minority of Greek
Christians living in Turkey.

> faithendowment.org/news/a-call-for-action

JOIN AN ORTHODOX MISSION TEAM: The Orthodox Christian Mission Center
(OCMC) in St. Augustine, Florida, is offering you the opportunity to
join one of the Orthodox Mission Teams in 2010.  Acknowledge your
commitment in implementing Christ's Great Commission by serving on a
short-term mission team.

There is a need to present a visible expression of the love, unity,
and support that truly exists within the Holy Orthodox Church around
the world; to share the teachings of the Faith and to provide needy
communities around the globe with labor; and to increase awareness of
overseas churches and the unending mission efforts of the Church.
Your continued support of Orthodox missions is greatly needed, and you
can help by serving on a Mission Team.

For a full list of team efforts, dates, costs, and registration
information visit

> teams.ocmc.org

2010 ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDARS NOW AVAILABLE:  The 2010 Ecclesiastical
Calendars produced by the Dept. of Communications are now available.
The calendar is a full-color 12-month wall calendar, with a complete
listing of saints and readings for each day, fasting guide, and
highlights of special feasts and commemorations.  The calendar also
includes links to online resources of the Archdiocesan website.  To
order contact the Dept. of Communications at 212-774-0244, or by email
at communications@goarch.org.

> THIS WEEK FROM THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK

COME RECEIVE THE LIGHT - THE NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO PROGRAM OF
ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY
On today's episode of Come Receive the Light, Dr. Bruce Beck the
Director of the Pappas Patristics Institute of Holy Cross School of
Theology joins our host Emmy Louvaris to discuss this Orthodox
Non-profit Institute and itâ??s work with historic text of the Church.
Plus, Emmy Louvaris will speak with Dr. Dean Stamatis  who joins us
about a series of books he has written entitled â??The Triumphant
Church" and focuses on the second volume, "Golden Nuggets from the
Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church".
*******************
Share the Light Sunday was held on January 17th - Walk in the Light.
If your parish celebrated this National Day of Recognition please
contact our office to let us know how it went. In case you missed it,
you can still celebrate. Share the Light Sunday can be celebrated on
any Sunday. Help build an effective media outreach for Orthodoxy by
supporting the Orthodox Christian Network! Visit our web site at
www.myocn.net for further details.
*******************
RADIO SOLUTIONS for Orthodox Christian Parishes Worldwide
The Orthodox Christian Network (The OCN) is pleased to announce a new
service to Orthodox parishes and ministries world wide?Customized
Online RRadio Stations. Since recently acquiring new online radio
server software, we can now offer completely customized 24/7 online
radio stations in a cost effective and efficient way allowing parishes
to stay connected to their parishioners more so than ever before. OCN
looks forward to being your supplier of customized Orthodox Christian
programming. For more information about Orthodox Internet radio
solutions visit our web site at www.myocn.net or call us today at
954-522-5567 to speak to one of our support staff.
*******************
ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIP Opportunities
Sponsor a program or feature your company on the high trafficked
myocn.net website. OCN is now making available the opportunity for
people and corporations to advertise on our site to support the
ministry. Ad space is available so call our headquarters to discuss
it. Call today 954-467-1515
**********************
INTERNET RADIO STATIONS
If you are looking for a cure for the winter blues or just want to
hear some uplifting music, log on to myocn.net to listen to the Ark
and the Rudder. Whether you enjoy contemporary  or traditional
Orthodox music make myocn.net your place for music. By all means visit
and utilize our newly designed ARK Page and join us on Facebook to
follow programming and events covered on the ARK and the RUDDDER.
While you are at it tell your friends to visit as well.
**********************
iPod Nano Winner Announced
Mr. Nick Cassas, a major supporter of the Orthodox Christian Network,
made the drawing for the 2009 End of the Year Appeal.  The lucky
winner of our iPod Nano drawing is Audrey Mitchell of Las Vegas Nevada!
*******************
Look for Upcoming Programs?.
Startinng very soon with the commencement of Great Lent the OCN will
be offering quite a few exciting items. Stay tuned and remember to
have faith in what you listen to!
**********************
THIS WEEKâ??S PODCASTS
This week on Theologically Thinking: In a world where the divorce rate
can reach over 50% Fr. Charles Joanides of the Greek Orthodox
Department of Interfaith Marriage Department discusses â??Why Does
Marriage Matterâ??? In this week's episode of Special Moments in
Orthodoxy, Dr. George Democopoulos and Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou talk
about the life of  "Blessed Augustine" and his legacy in Orthodoxy.
This week on Turning to the Fathers, noted scholar Fr. John McGuckin
discusses Simeon the Theologian. Simeon the New Theologian
(949â??1022) is one of only three saints of the Orthodox church to
have been given the title of Theologian (the others are St. John the
Apostle and St. Gregory Nazianzen). There will also be a new episode
of Get Wisdom with Jason Barker.
**********************
OCN and your iPhone - With the release of the Ark and the Rudder in
one convenient and free download, listeners will have even more
options from which to listen to OCN's Orthodox liturgical music,
groundbreaking podcasts and contemporary Orthodox music. To download
your copy, go to the iTunes application store and type ocn. The
download is free and is effortless to install. Visit our web site for
details at
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=3263
07494&mt=8.

All programs available on Internet Radio, Podcast and On Demand at
www.myocn.net.

> FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:

New On-line Group for Religious Educators - The Department of
Religious Education has created Orthodox Christian Religious Educators
a group on Facebook so that teachers and other interested youth
workers can share ideas, discuss programs. The Facebook group is the
latest attempt of the Department to bring Orthodox Christian Religious
Educators together. The group is open to anyone who works with young
people in Orthodox Christian parishes, whether as a clergyman, a
Sunday Church school teacher, supervisor, a youth group advisor,
interested parent, or others.  For those already using Facebook,
search for the group and join.  For those not using Facebook, you will
have to join the social networking site (it's free).  Already the
group has hundreds of members with topics being discussed ranging from
Vacation Church School to teaching Environmental Stewardship.

2010 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topics Available.  The
2010 Festival Topics, Topic Tips, and Bibliography are now available
on the Department's webpages

www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/sjcof

As more information from the Metropolises arrives, with the dates and
locations of District and Metropolis Festivals, it will be posted.
The 2010 Archdiocese Festival will be hosted by the Direct Archdiocese
District and held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City, from
June 4-6.

National GOYA Facebook Page Created

Our newest resource from the Department of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries has just been created. In an effort to create a presence on
facebook, we have created a page that provides the GOYAn's of our
Archdiocese with community, updates, news, and information from across
the country. We hope that it will be a place for teens to learn about
their faith and upcoming GOYA events, as well as connect with each
other! On facebook you can search for "GOYA- Greek Orthodox Youth of
America" and become a "fan".

Orthodox Christian Fellowship Announces REAL BREAK registration is open
Join hundreds of other college students this Spring Break with Real
Break, the service learning program of OCF. This year's trips are
scheduled for Constantinople, Jerusalem, Greece, Romania, and more.
Register online now at www.ocf.net/realbreak. Hurry while there are
still openings!!!

DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR FACEBOOK AND iGoogle: The Department of
Internet Ministries has launched an enhancement to its Online Chapel
service that will now provide Facebook and iGoogle users access to the
daily Bible readings and lives of the saints directly from their
customized home pages. Visit the Online Chapel at
www.goarch.org/chapel  for more information on how to add the new
Online Chapel for Facebook and Online Chapel for iGoogle to your home pages

ORTHODOX MARKETPLACE - www.orthodoxmarketplace.com

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

The Orthodox Marketplace is the Official Online Store of the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese.

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:

> www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=833607

> For online shopping visit

> www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

GAMES ONLINE TO EXPLORE AND LEARN THE ORTHODOX FAITH: The Department
of Internet Ministries is pleased to announce an exciting new web site
at games.goarch.org  where kids and adults of all ages can explore,
create, play, learn, discover, and grow in the Orthodox Faith. The
site features online games and puzzles in a colorful, engaging
environment, all with an Orthodox theme. The games are suitable for
kids from ages 5 on up and currently features a coloring book, jigsaw
puzzles, a memory game, a word finder, crossword puzzles, and more.

The online games are currently in beta and we encourage feedback so
that we can further enhance this new online offering.  Click here to
visit: games.goarch.org

> Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America