FROM THE CHANCELLOR`S DESK Reverend Clergy and the Faithful of the Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta

Christ is Risen!

Every year we look forward to the annual Pascha Picnic at our beloved Diakonia Retreat Center, as we gather for Agape Vespers and a delicious lunch. But more importantly we experienced the blessings of fellowship, support and encouragement that we all receive when we come together as one family of faith. On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, I want to thank not only Fr. Vasile Bitere, Executive Director of the Diakonia Center, and his dedicated and hard-working staff for their wonderful hospitality, but also all of the Faithful who made the effort to come and enjoy this special day in the midst of God’s glorious Creation.

This weekend I will return to our Diakonia Retreat Center with our parish family of St. Christopher, Peachtree City, GA for our 5th Annual Diakonia Center Volunteer Work Weekend. This is a great opportunity to offer our time and talents and volunteer to assist our Metropolis retreat center, as well as have fun, fellowship, and spiritual time together. Fr. Vasile has confirmed he has plenty of volunteer work needs for us this year, including some new tasks.

As we give thanks to our Lord, God, and Savior for all His blessings, especially His victory over death and sin, let us be full of joy and expectation for the new life He offers us through His Sacrifice. I pray for His mercy and healing in all our lives and our world. Glory be to God always!

Faithfully,
Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor


FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK April 29
Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday

Jason & Sosipater the Apostles of the 70 & their Companions
Holy Martyr Cercyra
Our Holy Father John of Kaloktenos, Metropolitan of Thebes
Ss. Theocharus and Apostolus of Arte
Basil, Bishop of Montenegro
Nektarios the New Martyr of Optina

April 30
3rd Monday after Pascha

James the Apostle & brother of St. John the Theologian
Argyra the New Martyr
Clement the Hymnographer

May 1
3rd Tuesday after Pascha

Jeremiah the Prophet
New Martyr Maria of Fourna, Mirabella in Crete
Tamara, Queen of Georgia
Nikiforos the Monk of Chios
Ignatios, & Euthemios the New Martyrs

May 2
3rd Wednesday after Pascha

Removal of the Relics of St. Athanasius the Great
Hesperos & Zoe the Righteous
Boris, King & Enlightener of Bulgaria (Michael in Baptism)
Jordan the Wonderworker

May 3
3rd Thursday after Pascha

Timothy & Mavra the Martyrs
Peter the Wonderworker
Xenia of Kalamata the Great Martyr
Father Theodosius, Abbot of Kiev Caves Lavra
Ahmet the Calligrapher & Martyr

May 4
3rd Friday after Pascha

Pelagia the Nun-martyr of Tarsus
Hilary the Wonderworker
Euthemios, Bishop of Madytos
Athanasios, Bishop of Corinth

May 5
3rd Saturday after Pascha

Irene the great Martyr of Thessaloniki
Neophytos, Gaius, & Caianus the Monk-martyrs



HELLENIC COLLEGE/HOLY CROSS CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY This year, Hellenic College Holy Cross is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of Holy Cross in 1937. As the oldest and largest Orthodox Christian institution of higher learning in North America, the school has launched a year-long series of activities designed to commemorate this milestone. Among these activities are academic events and symposia, 75th at the Pops, various events at the parish, metropolis, and archdiocesan levels, and 75 for 75—a commemorative album campaign to promote and strengthen Hellenic College Holy Cross. We ask for your prayers and invite you to join us in celebrating the anniversary of YOUR school.
Please contact Helen A. Carlos, hacarlo@aol.com, 404 790 3361 or go to http://www.hchc.edu/75years for more information and updates.


APRIL CRTL SCHEDULE FROM OCN Orthodox Christian Network
Come Receive the Light Radio Program
PO BOX 4690
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338-4690
954-522-5567
April 27
Speaker: Sister Nektaria
Topic: Orphanage in Calcutta

We’re joined this week by two missionaries. First, Fr. Ernesto Obregon shares about some of the miraculous events he witnessed during his time in South America, as well as the connection he sees between missionary work and miracles. Then we’ll hear from Sister Nektaria, a Greek nun who runs an orphanage just outside Calcutta, India, about her work and personal faith.

Come Receive the Light, the only nationally syndicated Orthodox Christian radio broadcast, is a weekly program that features interviews with noted Orthodox Christian clergy, theologians, and lay leaders on theological, spiritual, pastoral, and modern social issues. Heard on the radio in the United States and the Bahamas, this unique weekly broadcast offers the ancient, Christ-centered message of Orthodox Christianity to the modern world. You can listen to past programs on demand and find many other online resources to deepen your faith at www.MyOCN.net.


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 IS ALMOST FULL!
>
> Hurry to register for St. Stephen's Summer Camp before it fills up!
> There are still a FEW spaces left in session III (July 15-21), and
> session IV (July 22-28). There is also still space left in Senior
> Week! Please note that the fee goes up to $400 beginning this Sunday,
> April 1st. Please use the link below to register:
>
>
>
> To register Campers:
> https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=3107661&RF=300975
> 6&mode
> =0
>
> ST. STEPHEN'S SENIOR WEEK MAKES A GREAT GRADUATION GIFT!
>
> ATTENTION All Churches, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles,
> godparents,
> etc: Are you looking for that perfect gift for your high school graduate?
> How about a trip to St. Stephen's Camp Senior Week? Senior week is
> going to feature activities that are just for them as seniors,
> discussions with guest speakers about college life, and surprises
> around every corner! Cost is
> $375 (until Sunday), and if they want to attend their regular week of
> camp, there is an $80 discount for the second week (rising seniors
> only). Go to www.youth.atlanta.goarch.org and use the blue button
> about halfway down the screen on the right to make a deposit in your camper's account for St.
> Stephen's Camp Senior's Week! Feel free to call or email if you have
> any questions.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ST. STEPHEN'S COUNSELORS AND STAFF:
>
> Please be sure to fill out your online applications as soon as
> possible if you have not already done so! We are beginning to make
> decisions regarding staff assignments for each week, don't get left
> out! Fill out your application now! Use the link below to apply:
>
>
>
> To apply to St. Stephen's Camp as a counselor or staff member:
> https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=3107661&RF=300975
> 7&mode
> =0

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



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 ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA Friday afternoon, April 27-Sunday, April 29, 5th Annual Diakonia Center Volunteer Work Weekend

STS. MARKELLA & DEMETRIOS, Ft. Walton, FL Arto class Thursday, May 3, 1pm

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Philoptochos is collecting Bibles new or used in good condition for prison ministry.

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Sunday Apr. 29 Retirement party for Fr. Michael Petrides

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL Philoptochos is conducting a recycling fundraiser to protect the environment by donating used consumer electronics and unwanted, broken or mismatched jewelry. Used item(s) may be tax deductible and will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations. 100% of the proceeds will help fund philanthropic ministries. They currently collecting Cell Phones, Laptop Computers, Inkjet Cartridges, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, Digital Video Cameras, Handheld Game Systems, GPS Devices, Radar Detectors, Electronic Book Readers, Gold, Silver & Platinum Jewelry

ST. DEMETRIOS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL GOYA Olympics May 4-6





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

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL GOYA End of Year Trip to St. Augustine. Apr. 27

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

STS. MARKELLA & DEMETRIOS, Ft. Walton Beach, FL Church Yard Sale, Saturday, April 28, 7am

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Golden Group,Wolf Mountain Winery, Dahlonega, GA, Saturday. April 28, 10am. wine tasting and lunch, Shopping in Dahlonega after lunch, Return to the Cathedral by 6pm. Transportation cost $20.

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

HOLY CROSS/STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Huntsville, AL Saturday, April 28 Philoptochos day trip to Miss Bobo's, Lynchburg, TN.

ST. GEORGE, Hollywood, FL Sat. April 28 Dinner Dance Cocktails 7pm. Dinner 8pm. Enjoy a selection of mezethes, followed by prime rib, potatoes, vegetables, salad, dessert & coffee. Donation: Adults $35. Students $15. Children under 12 free

STS. MARKELLA & DEMETRIOS, Ft. Walton, FL Sunday, Apr. 29, Get-to-Know Philoptochos Day. Philoptochos hosting Coffee Hour with a salad buffet

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



COMING SOON - SPECIAL EVENTS MAY-JUNE ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC 9th Annual Greek Orthodox Benefit Golf Tournament, Oak Valley CC, Wed. May 2, registration 10:45am

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC 30th Annual Florence Greek Festival May 3-5

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL, Spaghetti Luncheon, May 4

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC “A Night in Athens” May 5 Spring Celebration, benefits Holy Trinity Building Fund & American Cancer Society.

ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Sunday School Annual Carowinds Trip, Sat., May 5

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Outreach Ministry for those with special needs, Divine Liturgy, Sat. May 5, 10am, confession available 9:30am, Holy Unction following, reception afterward

STS. MARKELLA & DEMETRIOS, Ft. Walton, FL yard sale/fundraiser Sat., May 5, 7am

ANNUNCIATION, Mobile, AL HOPE & JOY End of Year Beach Party, Sat., May 5

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Spring Luncheon & Concert by the Cathedral Orchestra, May 6, donation $12

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville, FL Phillies’ Night Out! ladies’ night dinner, raffle, prizes & fun! Sponsored by Philoptochos, Tues., May 8, 6pm

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Philoptochos End of year party, Fri. May 11 6:30pm, George & Louie`s, Thomasville, GA

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Metropolis Oratorical Festival, May 11-13

HOLY TRINITY, Baton Rouge, LA Greek Festival Sat., May 12, noon-10pm, Town Square, 222 North Blvd.

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Greek Festival, May 18-20

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC Greek Festival May 18-20

ST. BARBARA, Durham, NC Greek Festival Friday-Sunday, May 18-20

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA trip to the Diakonia Retreat Center & Paracletos Monastery, May 18-19

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC 50th Anniversary Weekend Celebration May 18-20

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL GREEK NITE Sat., May 19, Greek food, music, dancing

ST. DEMETRIOS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Youth Ministry Appreciation Day Luncheon Sunday, May 20

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL, Spaghetti Luncheon June 1

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC Pentecost Cookout June 2

ANNUNCIATION, Mobile, AL Church Picnic at the Park, Sat, June 2, 12pm

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL “My Big Fat Greek Food Fest”, June 8-10 summer Greek food festival. Kids area with face painting & games,Greek wine tastings, specialty Greek food items. Featured event “An Evening of Comedy with Basile” 8pm June 9

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL Vacation Bible School June 11-14

ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC VCS for HOPE/JOY and LOVE (toddlers) Monday, June 11 8:50AM-noon

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Summer Day Camp, “8 Days” of Creation,” June 11-15, June 18-22, ages 4-14, each day opens and closes with Prayer, led by the Clergy. Orthodox Life,Dance, Aquatics,Athletics,Arts & Crafts,Field Trips

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Vacation Bible School June 11-15, 9:30-1pm. For children entering Pre-K4-entering 5th Grade

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL Golf Tournament, Inverness GC, Mon., June 25, Registration & Lunch, 11:30am

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC Vacation Church School June 25-29


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


UNCONDITIONAL LOVE Greetings in the love of our Risen Savior! The great and holy feast of Pascha marks the pinnacle and culmination of our Liturgical year. It is at the core of our faith. If Christ did not die, descend into Hades, and then rise again on the third day, we would have no hope. This world is merely transient. Our hope is in the Lord: He who made the heavens and the earth; He who became man for our sake; He who died for us, sinners though we be; and He who gave us eternal life by conquering death by His death. Christ did not come for a few select group of people. Christ came for all of us: the Jews, the Gentiles, those who had never seen Him, those who had already died, those of us who are living 2,000 years later, etc...
A great father of our Church, St. Athanasius the Great, wrote an annual Paschal letter to his flock which are called the “Festal Letters.” In these letters - which bear a strong resemblance to the Epistles of St. Paul - St. Athanasius keys on three main themes: the salvation of Christ, the mystery of Pascha, and the necessary virtues for Christians. St. Athanasius reminds us that we are to love all unconditionally in the joy of our Resurrected Savior. Since Christ came for all and loved all equally, we in turn are called to do the same. If we love unconditionally in the joy of our Redeemer and Savior, we will have no room for judgment, hatred, or anything else the evil one throws our way.
Fr. Elias Stevens, ANNUNCIATION, Mobile, AL


FROM FEAR AND DOUBT TO FAITH AND WONDERS In the evening of the first Pascha, the Apostles had locked themselves in a room because they were afraid of the Jewish elite, when Jesus appeared inside the room and said to them, “’Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20.21-22) But Thomas was not there and doubted the story the Apostles told when he arrived saying, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20.25) Eight days later, Thomas had his chance when Jesus appeared again in the locked room. After seeing Jesus with his own eyes, Thomas said, “’My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” (John 20.28-29)

We are those about whom Jesus speaks. We are those who have the chance to believe even though we haven’t seen with our physical eyes because we have the Church to stand as a witness as John wrote, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20.31)

In less than two months (after Pentecost) the Apostles had gained so much faith that many miracles were accomplished them and thousands of people believed in the Risen Lord. “Through the hands of the Apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people….so that they brought the sick out into the streets so that at least the shadow of Peter passing might fall on some of them…and they were all healed.” (Acts 5.12-16)

We have celebrated the Resurrection of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ less than a week ago. In our Holy Baptism (our personal Pentecost) we received the Holy Spirit. Now is our chance to reveal our faith in Jesus Christ and accomplish wonders today so that many more people can come to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ. NOW is our chance to leave doubt and fear behind and embrace faith and wonders for the glory of the Risen Lord.

Christ is Risen!

Fr. Athanasios Haros, TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC

RECOGNIZING CHRIST On Tuesday of Bright Week, as well as every eleven weeks, during Sunday Orthros, the Church reads from the Gospel according to St. Luke the pericope in which two disciples are walking on the road to Emmaus. Jesus joins them and walks with them quite a way—long enough that "He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning
Himself." And yet, they do not recognize Him, and they continue this way until Jesus "took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them."
An atmosphere of prayer was necessary even for two of Christ’s disciples to recognize Him following the Resurrection. The same atmosphere of prayer is necessary for us today. It is easy to go through life being blind to God’s presence by our side. It is easy to take for granted the kindness that is shown to us, the help that is there when we need it, the soothing word that heals our hearts, and even great miracles—healings, escapes from accidents—can be ignored if
we do not connect with God in prayer.
God walks with us. He is knocking on the door of our hearts and is ready to open our minds to understand the Scriptures, to understand His love, His sacrifice, and His gift of life, but we need to be ready to see and hear. And if the disciples, who had been with Him before the Crucifixion and who were walking side by side with Him, took an entire day to recognize Him, we should keep
hope if it takes us a while longer to recognize God by our side. But rest assured: as He was with Luke and Cleopas that day, so He is with us today.
Christ is risen!

Fr. Peter Andronache, ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL

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’re joined this week by two missionaries. First, Fr. Ernesto Obregon shares about some of the miraculous events he witnessed during his time in South America, as well as the connection he sees between missionary work and miracles. Then we’ll hear from Sister Nektaria, a Greek nun who runs an orphanage just outside Calcutta, India, about her work and personal faith.
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THE SOUNDING SOUND OFF
We’re excited to offer an amazing video created by Justin Daniel, who witnessed the descent of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem on Holy Saturday, 2011. “The Holy Fire and Pascha at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem” puts you inside the church where the miracle occurs, and is something you won’t want to miss (http://www.myocn.net/administrator/components/com_civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=1594&qid=1144819). In another stunning contribution to The Sounding, Dr. Maria Khoury’s “‘60 Minutes’ Inspired by Tour of St. George Byzantine Church” recounts her part in the making of the highly acclaimed CBS piece on the last Christians in the Holy Land, which aired this past week. Links to video of the show can be found in her post (http://www.myocn.net/administrator/components/com_civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=1595&qid=1144819). Hollie Benton offers some wonderful suggestions in the second post in her series on helping our children be happy in church, “Let the Little Children Come Unto Me, Part 2” (http://www.myocn.net/administrator/components/com_civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=1596&qid=1144819). The Sounding publishes new content every weekday, and often on Saturday as well. Come and enjoy yourself at http://www.myocn.net/administrator/components/com_civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=1606&qid=1144819.
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OCN PODCASTS
On Theologically Thinking, we’ll hear how, during the first days of Pascha, the Apostles were overcome with fear and doubt. But when the Risen Christ appeared to them in the room, He gave them His peace. The peace of God is that inner quietness and stillness that washes away our fear so that faith can rule our hearts. That faith in the Risen Christ leads us to accomplish wonders for the glory of God and His Church. The Apostles “HAD” fear until they allowed Christ’s peace to enter their hearts. Now it’s our turn to welcome and embrace Christ’s peace in our hearts. Now it’s our turn to do wonders and bring multitudes to Him so they can find peace. On Journey to Orthodoxy, Christa Belyaev relates how she fell in love with Russia at an early age. When she finished college, she was determined to pursue her dream of living there. As a girl with a strong Evangelical background, she sought out a local community of Protestants in Moscow where she eventually became a missionary. When divisive leaders began to arise in her Church, Christa was forced to question what the true Church ought to look like. She found more than she expected in Russia.
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WHY I HATE RELIGION BUT LOVE JESUS--A RESPONSE Two weeks after its release, more than 117,000 people have viewed OCN’s video response to Jefferson Bethke’s viral anti-religion video. We encourage you to watch it and share it. The video can be viewed on MyOCN.net or at http://www.myocn.net/administrator/components/com_civicrm/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=1569&qid=1132193. Help us share this positive message with as many people as possible!
All programs available on Internet Radio, Podcast and On Demand at www.myocn.net.