April 26, 2024
Good morning,
We have a special story by Maria Souris Taketzis, volunteer patient advocate, an ALS patient and researcher. Maria shares her story: Embracing Visibility in the New York City Greek Parade. The Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America provides resources for persons and families with disabilities through their Fully Human Ministry. Find more information here and see their latest webinar below.
Εφαρμογή Εγγραφής για την Επιστολική Ψήφο
Let us embrace a life of service to others – without regard to their persons, their privilege, or their poverty; for the sun shines on all, even as the rain falls on all without regard. Let us extend our communion with God – the Holy Communion we experience in the Church – beyond the walls of the Church. To everyone.
Archbishop Elpidophoros
2024 Clergy-Laity Congress Registration
Registration is open for the 2024 Clergy Laity Congress in San Diego, California at www.clergylaity.org. On the website you will also find more information, including a full schedule of events, registration and hotel information. Come join us in California!
Top News
Photo: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman
Embracing Visibility in the New York City Greek Parade By Maria Souris Taketzis
I had trepidations about parading in a wheelchair. Let’s begin from the start of my journey. My husband Stelios brought along a rather large flag to attach to the back of the wheelchair while I paraded. I felt an uneasiness as this flag would make me far from ‘invisible’. I was hoping to blend in with my community The Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church of Port Washington. I was hoping not to be noticed. This was a foreign emotion; I never felt self-conscious in my wheelchair. It is simply my ‘legs’. Why? Why was I uneasy?
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Archbishop Elpidophoros

Liturgical Schedule of

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Holy Week and Pascha 2024

Full Schedule
From the Archdiocese
Fully Human from the Center for Family Care Presents the Webinar: “Doing Lent with Disabilities”
The increased prayer services, fasting, and almsgiving guidelines during Lent can seem illusive for families with disabilities. Discerning ways and degrees to which the whole family can journey through Lent together often causes frustration. This webinar shares tools, ideas, and lessons learned for helping your family enjoy a fruitful Lent.
Watch Here
Sunday Sermon Series Palm Sunday April 28
This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. But who were people expecting the Messiah to be? And what do the donkey and the palms symbolize? Also, how can Christ enter our hearts?
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From the Metropolises
Parishes & People
Photo Courtesy of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church
Parish Highlight: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, NY
Today, Holy Cross is a thriving community presided over by Rev. Presbyter Nicolaos Paros. Fr. Nicolaos joined the Holy Cross family on November 16, 2023, along with Presvytera Maria and their daughter Polixeni. Holy Cross has numerous ministries such as Greek Afternoon School, Philoptochos, early learning academy “Stars Academy,” and more.
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  • The Philoptochos of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in New York City, with the assistance of the Annunciation GOYA, held their Pasta Drive food pantry. For anyone who would still like to donate boxes of pasta, you can bring them to the church office by 2pm Saturday, April 27
Read More Parish Highlights
The Orthodox Observer wants to highlight our parishes!
Please send us a story, under 500 words, and hi-resolution photos. Photo credit must be included! Let us showcase your parish, your good work and your history! Email us at observer@goarch.org with the subject line: Parish Highlight.
(The Orthodox Observer reserves the right to edit stories for clarity.)
Affiliates & Others
The Hellenic Initiative is once again partnering with DIATROFI – The Program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition
This Easter Season, The Hellenic Initiative is once again partnering with DIATROFI – The Program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition, implemented by Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis, which supports children who face food insecurity and hunger with daily meals delivered to schools. DIATROFI has been nourishing young minds and bodies for 13 years! All Together, we’ve provided over 18 million meals to students in need across Greece.
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