wfn.org | Greek Orthodox Archdiocese E-bulletin June 19, 2009

[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 June 19, 2009

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.

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST: The Feast of the Nativity
of the Venerable and Glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist
is observed on June 24.  For the background of this feast, the icon,
hymns and readings visit

http://www.goarch.org/special/johnthebaptist/index_html

FAITH ENDOWMENT SPONSORS NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: â??Faith: An
Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenismâ?? is pleased to announce a
series of academic scholarships and travel fellowships for young
people throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for
academic excellence and leadership in 2009.

In 2007, Faith launched one of its most prominent funding initiatives
by underwriting several merit-based scholarship awards offered by the
Archdiocese to the graduating valedictorians and salutatorians of its
parochial schools. The Faith Scholarships for Academic Excellence are
merit-based scholarships designated for educational purposes and
underscore the commitment to excellence in education throughout the
Archdiocese. This year, Faith increased its funding for the
scholarship programs to include Greek Orthodox valedictorians of any
public or private high school in the United States.  For more
information and to download an application visit

http://www.goarch.org/special/2009faithscholarships

MAY-JUNE ISSUE OF ORTHODOX OBSERVER AVAILABLE ONLINE:  The current
issue of the Orthodox Observer is available online.  Read the latest
news and information, find resources for ministry, and more.  Also
available is an archive of past issues of the Observer.  Each issue is
available for download in Adobe Acrobat format.

> http://www.goarch.org/news/observer

NEW â??FAITH AND LIFEâ?? RESOURCES AVAILABLE ONLINE: The Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America has announced the publication of the
new â??Faith and Life: Orthodox Christianityâ?? series with the
release of two web-based pamphlets on the topics of â??Fastingâ? ? and
the â??Dating of Easter in the Orthodox Church.â??  A third  pamphlet
focused on â??Holy Weekâ?? will be available early next week.   These
pamphlets and the â??Faith and Lifeâ?? series are available for  free.
Intended to be placed in the Narthex, these pamphlets are designed to
assist parishesâ?? ministries and outreach and the spiritual life and
growth of Orthodox Christians by providing an introduction to a wide
range of spiritual, social, and theological issues. In the initial
launch of the series, the Archdiocese is publishing the pamphlets as
both web pages and as PDF files that can be viewed online or
downloaded and printed on legal size paper for distribution.  The
resources will also be featured in Bulletin Builder
(http://bulletin.goarch.org).  As additional topics and pamphlets are
published, the resource will be available in a format that can be
customized by parishes or ordered in a print version for use in
display racks.  The variety of formats is intended to assist parishes
in providing quality literature on Orthodox Christianity for outreach
to the unchurched and for parish educational and catechetical programs.

To access and download the pamphlets, visit the Faith and Life
website.  As additional pamphlets are produced they will also be made
available at

> http://faith.goarch.org

ORTHODOX MILITARY BIBLE NOW AVAILABLE: The New Testament and Psalms in
a pocket size volume - ideal to pack and carry. The Orthodox Military
New Testament also includes devotional morning and evening prayers, a
page to list the living and the dead for prayer, 8 full-color icon
plates, and a devotional piece on the ten commandments and integrity
in military service. The New Testament & Psalms for Orthodox
Christians Military Edition is developed with the Standing Conference
of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) for
distribution to the Orthodox Christian men and women of the armed
services all over the world. Biblical text is the RSV.

> For more information and ordering visit

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&pr
oduct_id=19242

CERTIFICATES OF PROMOTION AND GRADUATION DIPLOMAS: This year the
distribution of the Archdioceseâ??s official certificates of promotion
and graduation diplomas to the parish schools is being handled by the
Orthodox Marketplace.  Both certificates to pass grades and diplomas
for completion of Greek studies bear the signature of His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios of America and include placeholders for
administrators. They are being sold in packs of 25 for $25, plus
shipping. All orders will receive â??gratisâ?? The Three  Hierarchs
Award for Excellence, meant to be presented, at the end of the school
year, to a graduate student who has exhibited excellence in Greek studies.

Please visit the Orthodox Marketplace at www.orthodoxmarketplace.com
to place your order of certificates and diplomas. All orders must be
postpaid.

> THIS WEEK FROM THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK

Come Receive the Light - The Nationally Syndicated Land Based Radio
Program -  On this week's CRTL podcast, Dr. Paul Meyendorff of St.
Vladimirâ??s Seminary in Crestwood, NY and author of the book
â??Anointing the Sickâ?? joins Fr. Chris for a discussion about  his
new book. Paul states, â??Health is not simply physical. Health is
actually life in communion with God. Life in which we are at peace
with God and our neighbor. Real life means communion with others,
sharing in their joys and sorrows of life.â?? In a short segment,
listen is as Fr. Chris interviews Cliff Argue, the president of the
OCMC Board. They talk about the future of OCMC, how missionaries
transform lives, and what the new building will allow OCMC to accomplish.

Internet radio stations The ARK and The Rudder and a treasury of
Podcasts on myocn.net - On Harmony of Thunder ? What would St. Basil
the Great tell you to do if you and he were standing in the produce
section of your local supermarket? Find out about the spiritual feast
the two of you would have on this week's Harmony of Thunder. This week
on the Theologically Thinking podcast, Fr. Steven Freeman asks â??What
are you wearing?â?? He explains the imagery of clothing in the
biblical parables concerning how we relate to God - from Adam and Eve
being first clothed in light to the wedding garment of Matthew 22. On
this weekâ??s Special Moments in Orthodoxy podcast, Fr. John
Chryssavgis will discuss ecology. Psalm 103 reminds us of the glorious
creation of God as we look at humanityâ??s task to care for the Earth.
On The Chanterâ??s Stand, Stan and Nancy Takis discuss the intricacies
of Byzantine notation and how it differs from other notation styles. A
new episode of Get Wisdom will also be available this week.

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

YOUTH PROTECTION MANUAL AVAILABLE ONLINE: The Department of Youth and
Young Adult Ministries announces the development of the Youth
Protection Manual for Metropolis/Direct Archdiocesan District Camps
and Retreats (YPM). The YPM is designed to guide clergy and laity
charged with the task of selecting, training, and supervising those
who work with young people at camps and retreats. The YPM outlines
among other things, definitions of types of abuse, a code of conduct
for camp/retreat personnel, guidelines for monitoring and supervision
of children and youth, guidelines for appropriate affection, and
guidelines for screening and selection of staff and volunteers. To
download the manual and other resources visit

http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/youth/cyp

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE IN ORTHODOX FAMILY STUDY: The Center
for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is looking for
volunteers to participate in the first national study â??Orthodox
Family in America at Home and in Church.â??  This study is a first
step towards a better understanding of how our Church ministers to the
particular needs of families and how Orthodox families in America
organize their everyday lives with regard to living their faith. In
brief, this study addresses several broad questions:
How is the family life of parishioners related to their Church life?
To what degree is our Church present and helpful in the everyday
routines of the families of her faithful? What are major sources of
stress in the family lives of our faithful? What are the greatest
challenges for the maintaining of Orthodox Christian traditions in
their family homes? What types of family oriented programs and
activities are presently offered in the individual Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese parishes? What do parishioners think about these programs?
We need volunteers interested in being a part of this project. There
are only two requirements to be eligible for participation: you must
be a parishioner of a Greek Orthodox community, and you must have
children 18 and under living at home (single parents are equally
welcomed to participate as well as intermarried families?where the
parents are Orthodox/non-Orthodox)

If youu are willing to help us by participating in the â??Orthodox
Family in Americaâ?? study or if you have any further questions,
please send us e-mail at familycare@goarch.org  or call 845-424-8175.
You can also, download the form at
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/family/orthofamilystudy

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
http://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

> FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:

Traveling on the Ark of Salvation: Feasts of the Theotokos - a
Vacation Church School program with daily lessons covering the Feasts
of the Virgin Mary, a daily puppet show, activities, crafts, hymns and
songs. Also available are t-shirts, posters, banners, and other
products. The entire kit is available for $79.95.

"Enter In": Four DVDs Explore Orthodox Christian Feasts - The
Department of Religious Education is excited to announce a major new
production. Entitled "Enter In," the resource includes sixteen
15-minute video presentations--over four hours of videoâ??on four
DVDs. These presentations explore the major feasts of the Church, and
the meaning and purpose of Orthodox Christian worship. Other resources
include Discussion Questions, a web site, a Viewer's Companion, and a
Teacher's Guide. Full of interviews, music, hymns, icons, and
beautiful visuals, this rich resource will both inspire and provoke.
Designed for individual, family, or group study, it's the perfect
resource for a parish's Great Lent Bible study or adult church school
class! Call the Department at 800-566-1088 to order now, or visit

http://goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/feasts

Save the date for Summer Institute 2009 - Early Registration extended
to June 15 -  The Department of Religious Education and the National
Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians will co-host the 2009 Summer
Institute, July 30-August 1, 2009 on the campus of Hellenic
College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA.
Speakers and worskop leaders: His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas; Rev.
Dr. Philip Zymairs; Prof. Despina Prassas; Prof. Bradley Nassif; Prof.
Vicki Pappas; Artist Niko Chocheli; Presv. Georget Photos; VCS
Creators Barbara Harris, Laura Morton, and Rhonda Webb; Theo
Nicolakis. Information about the program, speakers, accomodations and
registration information is now available at

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

ORTHODOX MARKETPLACE - www.orthodoxmarketplace.com

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

The official online store of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

> Free Shipping Offer Extended to 2009

NEW!!! Greek Education Promotional Certificates and Diplomas
on Orthodox Marketplace
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -

This year we have begun distribution of Greek Education certificates
through the Orthodox Marketplace. Both promotional certificates to
pass grades and diplomas for program completion are being sold in
packs of 25 certificates for $25 plus shipping.

With the promotional UPS Ground shipping for orders over $25, you pay
only $2 handling for UPS Ground delivery.

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/greek-education-diplomas-pr-19284.h
tml?MMCF_EB_09034
http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/greek-education-promotion-certifica
tes-pr-19283.html?MMCF_EB_09034

If you are not comfortable ordering items online, you may download the
"order by fax" form:

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/forms/fax.pdf

> Use the following SKUs to place your order:

> GRK-121752 - Promotion Certificates
> GRK-121753 - Diplomas

Three Hierarchs awards requests may also be made via fax or by putting
a request in the customer comments portion of the order form on-line.

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

Due to the positive response, we have decided to continue offering UPS
ground shipping within the US for a $2 handling charge for any orders
that total $25 or more. No coupons are required - be sure to select UPS
Ground as the freight option when checking out.

> New and Upcoming Releases

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

We are also pleased to present the Children's Bible Reader - Spanish
Edition, which is available now, as well as a number of academic bible
study resources including the revised Septuaginta, a critical edition of
the Gospel of John according to the Byzantine Tradition and others.

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/-pr-19241.html?MMCF_EB

Soon we will release the new Orthodox Military New Testament, designed
to be small and portable while also including adequate devotional
references for Orthodox Christians who are deployed.

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/-pr-19242.html?MMCF_EB

Ecology Film Series ? Featuring Ecumenical Patriarch Barthoolomew

----------------------------------------------------------------

Documentary producer Jim Becket has released several films that document
the Symposium on Religion, Science and the Environment - a series of
gatherings that follow from a initiative from the Ecumenical Patriarch
to bring together experts from the field of ecological sciences, social
sciences and world religions together to discuss the impact of human
life on the environment and explore our obligations as people of faith
to sustain the created world. Join our waiting lists to be notified when
these products are available for sale.

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/-pr-19273.html?MMCF_EB

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

GAMES ONLINE TO EXPLORE AND LEARN THE ORTHODOX FAITH: The Department
of Internet Ministries is pleased to announce an exciting new web site
at http://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: http://games.goarch.org

> Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
> Department of Communications
> 8 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
> Tel: (212) 774-0244 ? Fax: (212) 774-0589
> communications@goarch.org ? communications.goarch.org