FROM THE CHANCELLOR'S DESK As I reflect on this wonderful weekend, with the fruitful and inspiring meetings of all our Metropolis leadership groups and ministries, and the National Philoptochos Board, as well as the beautiful Philoptochos luncheon and Archons Religious Freedom Initiative Dinner, I give thanks to God for the service and commitment of all our Metropolis Faithful.

Indeed, as we celebrate His Eminence’s 25 years of extraordinary service as our Lord’s Shepherd and Bishop, and His 15 years of committed and sacrificial service in our Holy Metropolis, and all within the context of His Name Day this past Saturday, I realize how our Lord enables us to weave a beautiful tapestry using His love, mercy, and forgiveness.



I thank each of you for your invaluable role and pray God continues to bless His Eminence with many more years and each of us with good health and success.

Faithfully,
V. Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor

FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK March 25
Annunciation of the Theotokos

March 26
Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel
26 Martyrs in Crimea
Irenaeus the Hieromartyr of Hungary

March 27
5th Tuesday of Lent

Matrona of Thessaloniki
Paul, Bishop of Corinth

March 28
5th Wednesday of Lent

Hilarion the New
Herodion the Apostle of the 70
Stephen the Wonderworker

March 29
5th Thursday of Lent

Mark, Bishop of Arethusa
Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him
Jonah & Mark the Martyrs
Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia

March 30
5th Friday of Lent

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent
Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70
Zacharias the New Martyr

March 31
5th Saturday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn

Hypatios the Wonderworker
Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska
Akakios the Confessor



FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS STS. JOACHIM & ANNA FAMILY RETREAT
March 30th – April 1st, 2012

“Oasis in the Desert”

Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SC

$100 per Adult; $50 per Youth (7-18 yrs); 6 & Under are Free

($300 maximum per family)

RETREAT CONTACTS:

Rev. Fr. Gregory Georgiou, M. Div., LCPA Co-Chairman, Family Life Ministry gregorygeorgiou@yahoo.com

or
Paula Marchman, MA, LAPC
Orthodox Christian Counselor
Co-Chairman, Family Life Ministry
paulamarchman@yahoo.com

Online Registration for the Family Retreat:

https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=3107661&RF=6809041&mode=0

It is not mandatory that both husband and wife attend the marriage seminar(s) in the event one spouse is unable to attend.

Please take advantage of these workshop and retreat opportunities that the Family Life Ministry is presenting in an effort to help strengthen and enrich the marriages and families of the faithful in our Metropolis. Articles and materials will be distributed to all attendees.










GOYA LENTEN RETREAT - ST. SIMONS ISLAND The Light in Us
2012 Lenten Retreat
for middle and high school youth
When: March 30th - April 1st, 2012
Where: Epworth By the Sea Retreat Center
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Cost: $95 per participant (includes food, lodging, & activities)
The deadline to register is Friday, March 9th. For more
details, please contact Paul Lundberg at 904-396-5383,
ext. 12 or pastoral.assistant@stjohnthedivine.com


ANNUAL PASCHA PICNIC Mark Your Calendar!
Metropolis of Atlanta
Annual Pascha Picnic
Saturday April 21, 2012
At Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem SC
Agape Vesper Service Followed by Panegyri
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios invites you all for a Day or Weekend of Family Worship, Food, Fun and Fellowship!

For more information, contact
Diakonia Center at 843.944.6788 or e-mail us diakoniacenter@yahoo.com
or Father Vasile Bitere 706.888.8382 frvasile@bellsouth.net
www.diakoniaretreatcenter.org


UPDATE - METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA SECOND ANNUAL JERUSALEM PILGRIMAGE Jerusalem Pilgrimage II

JERUSALEM-CAPPODOCIA-CONSTANTINOPLE PILGRIMAGE UPDATE:



We have changed the date for our second Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Cappadocia to November 18 to December 1.

Since we announced this change, we have already booked 25% of our capacity (in ONE DAY). So please, if you are interested contact me today to secure a reservation as I am sure we will have many bookings coming in on Monday morning.



Feel free to call if you need more info…

For more information, you can email Gerry Clonaris at gclonaris@carolina.rr.com (please include your phone number). You may also call Gerry with any questions at 704 443 6174.


NEWS FROM THE YOUTH OFFICE...ST. STEPHEN`S CAMP St. Stephen's Summer Camp Registration Opens This Thursday!
Don't forget to register for St. Stephen's Camp on Thursday!

Our theme this year is "I AM a temple of the Living God."

SENIOR’S Week: June 24-30, 2012
Session I: July 1-7, 2012
Session II: July 8-14, 2012
Session III: July 15-21, 2012
Session IV: July 22-28, 2012

Don`t forget, rising seniors (class of 2013), you can attend SENIOR`S Week AND your regular week of camp for a discounted cost!

ATTENTION COUNSELORS AND STAFF!!!!
Applications are now being accepted online for all five weeks of St. Stephen`s Camp! Please see the attached flyer for links!
Returning counselors and staff, you must fill out an online application using the link in the flyer to be able to return to St. Stephen`s Camp this year. Please see the attached Counselor information flyer for more details.


Please note that NO paper registrations or counselor/staff applications will be accepted this year.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at any time.

Thank you!



In Christ`s Service,

Presbytera Marilisse I. Mars


SENIOR WEEK - ST. STEPHEN'S SUMMER CAMP St. Stephen's Summer Camp 2012 announces the first ever SENIOR WEEK!!!!

ATTENTION RISING AND GRADUATED SENIORS!!!
(CLASSES OF 2012 AND 2013)

You requested it! So now here it is! A week of camp JUST FOR YOU!
Senior week will feature off-site trips, activities and discussions that are just for you as you prepare to enter college!
Rising seniors (class of 2013), you may attend BOTH SENIOR week and your regular week of St. Stephen's Camp for a discounted price!

SENIOR WEEK will take place June 24-30, 2012!


PARISH NEWS AND NOTES ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Dr. Kyriacos C. Markides. Professor of Sociology, University of Maine and noted author of: The Mountain of Silence, Gifts of the Desert, The Inner River
Saturday, March 24, 10AM-Noon - Topic: The Mystical Spirituality of Eastern Orthodoxy, Lenten lunch from Noon – 1PM, Afternoon session from 1-3PM - Topic: Pictorial Journey to Mount Athos, $15/Seminar & Lunch

The Georgia Federation of Hellenic-American Organizations & The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Invite all members of the Atlanta Hellenic Community to a reception Commemorating: GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY & THE FEAST DAY OF THE ANNUNCIATION, Sunday, March 25, 6pm Program will feature a Historical Perspective, Commemoration Speakers and Dance Performances from local parishes

ANNUNCIATION, N. Miami, FL Saturday, Mar. 24, Great Vespers 6pm. Followed by Dinner. Adults/$35, Children under 12 free.

Greek Independence Day Celebration, ST. NICHOLAS, Tarpon Springs, FL 8:30am – Orthros and Divine Liturgy, noon- Doxology and Memorial for the heroes of 1821, 12:30pm – Raising of the Flags, 1pm – Parade from St. Nicholas to Down Town Tarpon Springs, Parade Dance Saturday, March 24, Tickets: Adults $30, Children 6-12 $20

ST. NICHOLAS, Greek Independence Day Glendi hosted by the Halki Society, Sunday, Mar. 25, Doors Open - 12:00 pm, Entry Fee: $2 Lunch: $10, entertainment dance performances & music by Demetri and the Islanders
Proceeds from this event benefit St. Nicholas and the Tarpon Springs Halki Society scholarship fund.

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC is collecting computer monitors for Love, In Christ’s Name, to give to students.

SAVE THE DATE - MARCH ANNUNCIATION, Mobile, AL GOYA Lenten Retreat, Mar. 23-25

OCF Work Daze Mar 23-25, Diakonia Retreat Center

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA YIAYIA’S BAKE SALE Mar. 23

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA GOYA Lock In Friday, March 23

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Mar.24/25- Trip to Annunciation Monastery in Ocala, Fl.

ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Youth Day Retreat, Diakonia Center Saturday, Mar. 24,11am-4pm, day of fun, fellowship and hope, 3rd grade-high school.

ST. JOHN, Tampa, FL Adult Lenten Retreat Mar. 24

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos Cook-a-thon for the Homeless Sat, Mar. 24,10am

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Mar. 24 Greek Independence Day Dinner/Dance

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Saturday, Mar. 24, Seminar, Lunch & Book Signing Dr. Kyriacos C. Markides, Author of The Mountain of Silence and Gifts of the Desert

ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL Feast of the Annunciation Luncheon. Sunday Mar. 25, hosted by Philoptochos, delicious Fish Luncheon prepared by Chef George. Adults/$10. Children/$5

ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC Greek Independence Day, Sunday, Mar. 25, guest speaker Rick Reynolds. Poems, dances and songs, luncheon sponsored by the Hellenic School

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA PTA Luncheon, Mar. 25

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, Hobe Sound, FL Greek Independence Day Luncheon & program. Mar. 25,$15/pp

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL Philoptochos luncheon Mar. 25, "For God and Country" Celebrating Annunciation of the Theotokos & Greek Independence Day

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Sunday, Mar. 25, Greek Independence Day luncheon, Hellenic Dance Troupe performs, shrimp & Rice, Salad, Dessert,$7/adults, $5/children 9 & under

ST. KATHERINE,Naples,FL Choir Luncheon, Mar. 25

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Greek Independence Day luncheon,Sunday, Mar. 25 sponsored by AHEPA.Baked Whitefish, potatoes, Greek-style beans, bread, pie, coffee & iced tea. Advance ticket $12/adults, $6/children 10 & under. Performance by Hellenic Dance Group, program presented by Greek School

ST. GEORGE, Knoxville, TN Mar. 25th Celebration & Luncheon

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC Mar. 25TH Celebration & Luncheon, special program by the Greek School, love offering for the Greek School

ANNUNCIATION, Mobile, AL Greek Independence Day Luncheon & Program Sun, Mar. 25, 12–1:30pm

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL 9th Annual Golf Tournament, Monday, Mar. 26

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Prosfora Workshop, Mar. 28, 9am-noon

METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA Family Life Ministry Family Retreat Mar. 30-April 1, Diakonia Center

GOYA Lenten Retreat, Mar. 30-Apr. 1, St. Simon`s Island, GA contact pastoral.assistant@stjohnthedivine.com

HOLY TRINITY,Charlotte,NC Philoptochos Attic Sale Mar. 31

ST. GEORGE, High Point, NC Sat., Mar. 31 Rummage,Plant & Bake Sale 7am-noon


COMING ATTRACTIONS - APRIL “HYMNS OF ORTHODOX LENT & PASCHA SACRED CONCERT,” Friday, Apr. 6, 7pm, ST. BARBARA, Durham, NC with combined choirs of Holy Trinity in Raleigh and St. Barbara Durham. Formal reception following

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Teaching Liturgy, making palm crosses, Apr. 7

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL JOY Apr. 7, 9am Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy, followed by folding of palms and a discussion with Father Mark about Holy Week as well as confession. Snacks provided.

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL, Lazarus Saturday, Apr. 7, Divine Liturgy, pancake breakfast, making Palm Crosses

HOLY TRINITY, Biloxi, MS Youth Retreat Saturday, Apr. 7,10am, all day with movie and discussion, activities, craft projects. Lunch & dinner provided.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Saturday of Lazarus Community Pancake Breakfast(Hosted by GOYA) Saturday, Apr. 7 following Divine Liturgy, Palm-folding, fellowship & Craft table for children

STS. MARKELLA & DEMETRIOS, “Repair and Clean-up Day” Lazarus Saturday, April 7. Liturgy 8am, 9:30am start cleaning & repairing. Lunch provided by Father Gabriel & the Parish Council.

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA Apr. 7 Divine Liturgy 10am, Communion Breakfast, palm crosses

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Holy Week Play, Apr. 8

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL, Apr. 8, annual Palm Sunday Luncheon, sponsored by the Parish Council. $12/adults, $7/children 4-12, under 3 free. Gift basket raffle, fun & fellowship!

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL PTO Bake Sale on Palm Sunday Apr. 8

ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL Palm Sunday Luncheon Apr. 8, Seafood Chowder

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL Holy Friday Youth Retreat: A Journey through Holy Week, interaction & learning about our faith, Friday, Apr.13, 10:30-3pm, Apokathelosis service 3:30pm

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Holy Friday JOY retreat, Apr. 13, 1-4pm. Retreat will focus on our Lord being taken down from the cross. 3pm Apocathelosis service

ST. NICHOLAS, Tarpon Springs, FL 4TH annual Pascha picnic, Sunday, Apr. 15, Outside Taverna, lamb, souvlakia, Music and Dancing, Fun and Games for kids to enjoy. Adults/$15, children 4—10/$7 under 3 Free

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Community Agape Picnic Pascha Sunday, April 15, Lamb on grill, roast lamb, grilled chicken breast, hot dogs, Greek-style green beans and potatoes, salad, dessert& beverages (beer, wine, tea, coffee, lemonade) Suggested donation: $8/adult

ST. KATHERINE, Naples, FL Men’s Club Golf Outing, Apr. 17, 1pm, Royal Palm CC

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Golden Group Spring Luncheon Thursday, Apr. 19, 10:30am, Sponsored by the Laconian Society with garden expert, writer, radio/TV host Walter Reeves, guest speaker

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Friday, Apr. 20 "My Big Fat Greek Gyro Night-A Night at the Taverna" 4-9pm.

HOLY APOSTLES, Greenville, NC Philoptochos rummage sale Apr. 21

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Golf Tournament, Mon. Apr. 23, Orange Tree GC, 1pm

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Name Day celebration, Apr. 24 Vespers, Apr. 25 Liturgy, Apr. 28 Nameday Dance 6:30pm, music by Kostas Filippakis band, mezedes (appetizers), drinks, great fellowship, & dancing

ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Spaghetti Supper Thursday, Apr 26 UGA Collegium Musicum

ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Agape Fellowship Apr. 26, Thursday visit the new Holy Trinity Church, Columbia, SC

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC GOYANs Gone Gray “Sports Night,” Apr. 27, 7pm, benefits George Kantsios Scholarship Fund

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Council of Ministry Workshop/Retreat, “Draw Near and Enter In,” Apr. 28; 9:30am-5pm

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC 2nd Annual GOYA LUAU Saturday, Apr. 28,6:30- 11pm, dinner & dancing

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA 2nd Annual Annunciation Cathedral Golf Classic April 30, 9:30 AM Shotgun Start Windermere GC Cumming, GA



THIS WEEK FROM THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK Orthodox Christian Network
Come Receive the Light Radio Program
PO BOX 4690
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338-4690
954-522-5567

THIS WEEK FROM THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN NETWORK COME RECEIVE THE LIGHT - THE NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO PROGRAM OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY, We finish up our monthly theme by hearing a Southern Baptist opinion of what it means to be a Christian. We’ll also reflect on the Annunciation of the Theotokos, which we celebrate this Sunday, with Fr. Costin Popescu.
*******************
OCN PODCASTS
On Theologically Thinking, columnist Terry Mattingly talks with Fr. Chris Metropulos about his column, “Cliff Notes for Confession.” On Special Moments in Orthodoxy, join Fr. Christopher and Dr. Despina Prassas in this classic CRTL as they discuss Fasting and how it can bring us closer to our Resurrected Lord, tracing its roots from the first-century Didache to the modern-day church. We also are pleased to announce that the Readings and Remembrances daily podcast is back! Tune in each day to hear the Scriptural Readings and lives of the Saints celebrated on that day.
ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY HAS BEEN CALLED THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN NORTH AMERICA. IT'S TIME TO LET THE SECRET OUT!
Please stand with us and support our church's official broadcast media ministry by taking part in Share the Light Sunday in your parish. As our church uses the tool of broadcast media more and more effectively, we can reach so many more people with the Good News of Orthodox Christianity. Also, OCN is not underwritten by any Metropolis, Archdiocese or individual. When you tell your people about OCN, we would be greatly appreciative if you would also pass a tray so that this ministry can continue to grow and more powerfully present our church to the world around us. Please visit myocn.net/stl for more information about how your parish can get involved.
******************
THE SOUNDING SOUND OFF
The Sounding welcomes a new contributing writer to the group, Demosthenes Mekras. His first post, “I gave it up for Lent,” is featured this week. We’re also honored by a guest post from Seraphima Butler, “Children are spiritual people, too,” in which she explains how we can use Montessori principles in our church schools. Master iconographer Nicholas Papas gives us a glimpse of baby Zoe and shares her influence on his work in his post, “Communing with Zoe.” We strongly encourage you to come to the site to read and comment on our posts. Visit The Sounding at http://www.myocn.net/administrator/components/com_civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=1350&qid=1018587.

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


KITS FOR THE RELIEF OF THE GREEK PEOPLE His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios has Father Angelo Pappas of St. John the Baptist, Myrtle Beach, SC and Mrs. Dee Nicolaou, former Metropolis Philoptochos President, to form a Metropolis Committee for the Relief of the People of Greece, to render material aid to our suffering compatriots in the form of kits – one for babies and one for over the counter medicines and supplies. You These kits should be sent no later than March 25, 2012, to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 244 SW 24th Rd. Miami, FL 33129, where they will then shipped to Greece. For further information, please contact Fr. Angelo (frangelo@stjohn-mb.org) or Mrs. Nicolaou (cnicolaou@tampabay.rr.com). Monetary donations to help with shipping costs may be made to the Metropolis of Atlanta Disaster Relief Fund.

GREEK RELIEF KITS - DIRECTIONS AND CONTENTS Infant Baby Kits
To assemble a Baby Kit you will need
• 2 shirts
• 2 gowns or sleepers
• 2 receiving blankets
• 6 cloth diapers
• 2 diaper pins
• 1 sweater or sweatshirt
• 2 washcloths
1. Wrap items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with diaper pins.
2. Put the completed Baby Kit in a plastic box 16” x 11 ½ “ x 5 ½ “
3. Put completed kits in a cardboard box. Clearly mark the outside
of the box with the words “Baby Kits” and quantity of Kits in the box.
Medical Kits
To assemble a Medical Kit you will need 10 items of your choice listed below
• Acetaminophen Pain Reliever (e.g. Tylenol/Excedrin)
• Adhesive Bandages
• Alcohol Wipes
• Antibacterial Soap, Hand Sanitizers or Wipes
• Antibiotic Ointment or Packets (e.g. Neosporin)
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Band Aids
• Bandage Dressings
• Bandage Strips
• Blunt Dressing Scissors
• Bug Bite Lotion
• Burn Ointment
• Cortisone 1% Cream
• Disposable Gloves
• Dressing Tape
• Elastic Bandages
• Facial Tissues
• First Aid Cream
• Gauze
• Ibuprofen Pain Reliever (e.g. Motrin/Advil)
• Safety Pins
• Sunscreen
• Tweezers
• Vaseline
1. Put the completed Medical Kit in a plastic shoe size box 13” x 7 ½ “ x 4 ½ “
2. Put completed kits in a cardboard box. Clearly mark the outside of the box with the words
“Medical Kits” and quantity of Kits in the box.

IOCC RUN/WALK - ATLANTA April 28 for our 12 annual IOCC 5K Run-Walk. This event has been a success in the past because of your generous and enthusiastic support, and we look forward to another fun-filled event this year.

Please visit the IOCC website at: www.iocc.org/atlanta for more information and to register online!

Your donations & participation will help our brothers & sisters in Greece, Syria, Lebanon, Serbia, Kosovo, Romania, Somalia, Ethiopia, & Zimbabwe.

We look forward to seeing you and your families there this year! Please register online Today!!!

Click here or Register & Donate:

www.iocc.org/atlanta


THE CHRISTIAN WAY - THE ORIGINAL PDF PDF is a term most people recognize as a term for a document that has been prepared to share over the internet. Long before computers or even paper and pencil, Jesus Christ established the original PDF when He said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” He also said, “For whoever desires to save his life with lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8.34-36) The Gospel of Christ is meant to be shared with everyone who desires to know about God and how He wants us to live.

We cannot live in communion with God AND the world. We must make a choice. Either we chase after wealth and prestige which the world teaches, or we follow Christ. The way of the world is selfish and dedicated to pleasing our bodies. The way of Christ is dedicated to pleasing God. The best part is that God doesn’t force us to follow Him. It’s our choice. It’s our freedom. But we must make a choice. Do we choose wealth and prestige now or heaven later?

If you choose heaven, then it’s easy to remember….PDF
P – Pick up your cross. Every time you struggle to do the will of God you are picking up you cross. With the cross comes suffering, but the suffering is nothing compared to the joy God has waiting for us in Heaven. We learn to embrace the suffering by prayer.
D – Deny yourself. Every time you give up your will to God and His Church you come closer to understanding that life isn’t about pleasing yourself but pleasing God. We learn this by fasting.
F – Follow Me. Following Christ means ACTION. We cannot just watch Christ if we are following Him. We must be doing as He does and living as He lives. We learn this by treating others as Christ would treat them – with love and respect. This is almsgiving.
Fr. Athanasios Haros, TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC