CHARLESTON (December 30, 2018) - William Damaskos was ordained into the Diaconate at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Charleston, South Carolina by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios.

On Thursday evening, December 27th, Metropolitan Alexios presided at the opening blessing of the 2018 Winter Youth Rally at Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta with more than 700 youth and adults present.

On Christmas, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios and Fr. George Tsahakis joined Fr. Thomas Alissandroni and his parishioners at St. John the Wonderworker Church to feed more than 200 homeless. Appreciation is expressed to Mr. Demetrios Hadjisimos and our Atlanta Cathedral volunteers for preparing the food. Thanks to all who donated food and helped serve and distribute it, including parishioners from St. Christopher Church in Peachtree City, GA.

This past week, Bishop Sebastian visited our parishes, clergy, and laity in the Northeastern and Coastal Conferences. These photos are with our St. Barbara Church in Durham, North Carolina.

This past week, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios visited our parishes, clergy, and laity in the Tampa Bay Conference.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A dozen Greek Craftsmen have traveled thousands of miles to help build a one of a kind church in Palm Harbor.

Congratulations to our five Metropolitan's Choice Honorees and our 133 Honorees from 69 of our parishes in our eight southeastern states. More than 450 of our Atlanta Metropolis parishioners attended the Honors Banquet on Saturday, November 10th. Our Metropolis Annunciation Cathedral was packed on Sunday morning, November 11 when His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by Fr. Constantine Xanthakis, Fr. George Tsahakis, Fr. Paul Kaplanis, Fr. Efstratios Anthony, Fr. Christos Mars, Fr. Gregory Edwards, and Dn. George Malanos. Congratulations to our 2018 Honorees. Banquet photos will be available within one week on Metropolis website.

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.