Good afternoon,
Welcome to the Orthodox Observer News online!
Read about the special Greek Independence day celebrations at the White House and across the country below!
Scroll down to view a special video message from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America inviting all to attend the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress this summer.
Enjoy this edition of the Orthodox Observer Online!
TOP NEWS
Greek Independence Day Celebrated at the White House
Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos
Yesterday, April 4, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and members of the Greek American community were warmly welcomed to the White House by President Joe Biden for a celebration marking the 203rd Anniversary of Greek Independence. The distinct recognition by the White House has been an honored tradition since 1987.
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“I have found inspiration in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which has been a clarion voice for social justice for decades.”
-President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Photo Courtesy of Facebook, Lieutenant Governor Kounelakis (left)
Photo: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman (right)
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America invites you to join him for the 2024 Clergy Laity Congress in San Diego, California. Registration is open at www.clergylaity.org.
Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman
Metropolis of Atlanta – Tarpon Springs Parade
Photos Courtesy of Consul General of Greece in Tampa
Metropolis of Boston – Boston Parade
Photos: Maria Kechri Photography
Metropolis of New Jersey – Philadelphia Parade
Metropolis of San Francisco – San Jose Flag Raising
Photos: Panayiota Good
ARCHBISHOP ELPIDOPHOROS
New York City Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Reception at Gracie Mansion for Greek Independence Day
New York – April 9, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and esteemed Greek Americans from New York, attended a reception, hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion celebrating Greek Heritage. The annual event coincides with the New York City Greek Independence Day parade which will take place on Sunday, April 14 on 5th Avenue.
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Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman
 Visit our Flickr to see more photos! 
FROM THE METROPOLISES
Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult Lenten Retreat 2024 “Discovering Our Spiritual Heritage – The Ecumenical Patriarchate”
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries welcomed Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast at a Lenten Retreat the weekend of Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA.
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FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Memorial Service for Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory
Wednesday, April 10, 2024, a Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and memorial service for Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory was held at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Headquarters in the chapel of Saint Paul.
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Read the most recent Sunday Sermon Series from the Department of Religious Education (DRE)
Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of Saint John Climacus April 14
This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a boy possessed by an evil spirit and his desperate father who seeks help. But why were the disciples not able to cast out the evil spirit? And what does “I believe; Help my unbelief” mean?
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DID YOU KNOW?

Department of Religious Education (DRE)
DID YOU KNOW? is your go-to source for concise answers to a wide range of questions about the Greek Orthodox faith. DYK? equips Gen Z and millennials with facts they can trust and easily absorb while scrolling. Clergy, religious educators, and parents can share these nuggets of knowledge with the faithful, students, those inquiring about Orthodoxy, and loved ones.
DID YOU KNOW? Entering the Church April 4
Did you know there are times to enter and to avoid entering the church during Divine Liturgy?
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PARISHES & PEOPLE
Parish Highlight: St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Orange, CT
The Saint Barbara Community was founded in 1919 in the City of New Haven, Connecticut, following the influx of Greek immigrants beginning, according to public records, in 1895. Early immigrants included Turkish citizens fleeing from the Greek and Pontic genocide of the Christian population in Anatolia by the government of the Ottoman Empire against the indigenous Greek population during and after World War I (1914-1922).
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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.)
The Falling Asleep in the Lord of V. Rev. Father Peter Staviski
It is with sadness yet with hope in the Resurrection that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of V. Rev. Father Peter Staviski, who reposed in the Lord on March 31, 2024 at the age of 85.
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AFFILIATES & OTHERS
Giving Her Allowance to People in Prison Why Twelve-Year-Old Claire Donates to OCPM
The OCPM community draws people from many diverse backgrounds, but even we were surprised to receive support from Claire. At only twelve years old, she emulates what it means to give from a pure spirit. “It’s really important for people to know they are cared about, especially when they make bad decisions.” Don’t miss this humbling testimony from Claire, who, in supporting our brothers and sisters behind bars, is wise beyond her years!
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