On November 8th, in the Metropolis of Atlanta's Archangel Michael Chapel, Metropolitan Alexios, celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in commemoration of the Feast of Archangel Michael and the Heavenly Hosts (Angels). Archangel Michael is the Patron Saint of the Atlanta Metropolis. Celebrating in the Holy Altar with Him were Fr. George Tsahakis, Chancellor, Fr. Paul Kaplanis and Fr. Christos Mars, Dean & Ephemerios, respectively of Annunciation Cathedral. His Eminence hosted a beautiful brunch afterwards for our Atlanta parishioners, visitors, and Metropolis staff. Chronia Polla to all celebrating their Name Day. We pray for safe travels for our Metropolis Council, Metropolis Philoptochos Board, Vicars, Archons, Endowment Foundation Board, and HDF Committee members who will be meeting throughout the rest of this week in Atlanta. We are proud of our 2018 Archangel Michael Honorees and look forward to Saturday's Banquet and Sunday's Hierarchical Liturgy at Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD: Approved the transfer of the Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, to the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta where he will continue his Archpastoral ministry assisting His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta.

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.

On Saturday, the Elder Efraim and monks from Vatopaidi Monastery presented the sacred Panagia Vimatarissa icon to Metropolitan Alexios, clergy and a large gathering of faithful at the Diakonia Retreat Center.

Metropolitan Alexios speaks about the person of the Theotokos, the Mother of God, in the life of the Church.

Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta speaks of the importance of using digital media to spread the message of Gospel.

Metropolitan Alexios speaks with Pemptousia on the benefit of monasticism to the Church and to society.

Metropolis of Atlanta active and retired clergy are invited to join us for our fall retreat, Thursday - Saturday, September 27-29 at the Diakonia Retreat Center. On Saturday, we all will participate in the Arrival of the Miraculous Panagia Vimatarissa Icon to Panagia Chapel.

The 2nd Annual Retreat of Holy Unmercenaries Medical Society (HUMS) took place May 11-13, 2018 at the Diakonia Center in Salem, SC. Retreat Leader was Dr. Gayle Woloschak addressing the theme "The Intersection of Faith, Technology, and the Healing Arts".

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).

Important dates for upcoming Presidents Meeting, Metropolis Council Meetings, Clergy Retreats, Second Thyranoixia at Panagia Chapel at DRC, and Archangel Michael Honors Weekend. Note: Spring Clergy Retreat has been cancelled and Second Thyranoixia at Panagia Chapel has been re-scheduled to early October as noted.

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.

Parish Boards of Elections may download ALL forms needed to submit their Parish Council Election results for ratification for those to be elected to serve in 2018.

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.