His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios has selected St. John the Divine Church in Jacksonville, FL, to host the 2019 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Laity Assembly, Philoptochos & Southeastern Choir Federation Conferences. The dates are June 26-29, 2019. Please mark your calendars and reserve these dates so that your parish can plan ahead to send its delegates. More information will be forthcoming later this year.

In addition to Metropolitan Alexios' announcements on the ministries and new programs of our Metropolis, His Eminence has invited Louis Kircos, Chairman of the Archdiocese Finance Committee to share the financial situation and progress of the Archdiocese. Louis is looking forward to visiting us and answering questions from participants. Mike Missions, Chair of the Metropolis Finance Committee will oversee an hour-long question and answer session on the Archdiocese Allocation process to assist our parishes. Other topics feature updates on the Archdiocese Youth Protection Act, Youth, Education, and Culture ministries, Strategic Plan, and our Metropolis' involvement with the Lilly Endowments National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. All Clergy and Parish Council members of our parishes are asked to attend.

Our 2018 Archangel Michael Feast & Honors Banquet will be Saturday, November 10th at 6:00 p.m. The following day, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios will preside at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Cathedral. Honorees and their families and guests can reserve hotel space at the discounted rate of $92. Special rate expires on October 26, 2018. Parishes are reminded not to schedule conflicting events that would prevent your honorees from traveling to Atlanta to be part of this special weekend.

The 2019 National Ministries Allocation Form has been mailed and emailed to all Parish Clergy, Parish Council Presidents and Treasurers. Instructions, Form and Manual can download be viewed and downloaded from Parish Administration Website. The deadline for the signed Allocation Form and accompanying Financial Statements receipt as well as Excel format file receipt is April 1, 2018.

Fr. David Drucker, OCMC, shared an update from Kodiak, Alaska, following the 7.9 magnitude quake off the Alaska coast. Glory to God for His mercy. Let us join together in prayer for the safety and peace of mind of all those who experienced this event.

Metropolitan Alexios and fellow pilgrims visit Zacchaeus Sycamore Tree & Monastery of St Elisseos, as well as Monastery of the 12 Apostles in Tiberias

All Metropolis of Atlanta women are encouraged to join us for our annual spring retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center. "Reaching IN to Reach OUT: Preparing Our Lives for Philanthropy" is this year's spiritual theme. Presenter is Fr. Mark Leondis, Proistamenos of St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, Boca Raton, FL.

His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios and fellow pilgrims arrived safely in Amman, Jordan and began their visit at the site of Jesus' Baptismal site (Jordan side).

This year's theme is "Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom." Registration opens at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Bible Bowl Prelims tonight will feature nearly 40 teams from our Metropolis parishes. Best wishes to all our GOYA participants.

Use online form to register for our Fall Clergy Retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center, from October 10, 2017, 4:00 p.m. until October 12, 2017, 2:00 p.m. All Clergy are asked to attend the Thyranoixia (Blessing of the Opening of the Doors) of the lower level Chapel/Library/Symposium Room of our Panagia Chapel.

"Sowing the Seeds of Hope: The Plight of Refugees and Migrants" is the theme of upcoming Catholic-Orthodox Ecumenical Gathering.

Pictures of Metropolitan Alexios during and after the Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service in Karyes, Greece on Sunday, July 17

The official texts of the opening speeches and adresses for the Holy and Great Council are available at https://www.holycouncil.org/documents in their original languages. Translations will be posted as they become available.

With Byzantine grandeur and splendor and with the presence of representatives of the Orthodox Patriarchates and Autocephalous Churches, His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veroia (working and planning since 1994) consecrated the ancient Church of the Holy Apostles Peter & Paul on Sunday, June 5. This Church is a gem with its unique frescoes of many different periods spanning 400 years. His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, representing His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, presided over the Vespers on Saturday, June 4, with Metropolitan Panteleimon earlier having transferred the sacred relics to be enshrined in the Holy Altar during the Consecration that took place on Sunday.