Like so many of my fellow citizens, and indeed, others around the world, I also join them in expressing the extreme pain and outrage for the senseless death of George Floyd. In the week that has followed, our country has seen a time of great unrest, discussion, and serious contemplation about the future.

This past week we hosted conference calls via Zoom with all the parishes in our God protected Metropolis. I offer my sincere gratitude to all who participated in these meetings as they were very beneficial, not only for those who attended, but for myself as well. In those meetings, we were able to review, assess the regulations of each State and see how we can best celebrate our Church Services in each location. From our discussions, we received valuable information to share with all of you. 

Our society today is dealing with the pandemic of COVID-19, which is an infectious and deadly virus. We must consistently think about other people: relatives, co-workers, strangers--as well as ourselves, in order to create a safe society. In our great country, it is impossible for us all to be the same, for even the land, that we live in has mountains, valleys, small and large cities. Each place has different requirements and different rules to live by, for all to be safe...

Our Diakonia Retreat Center (DRC) is a  special place... Though I know how much we look forward to the opportunities that our DRC gives to all of us, I regret to inform you that, due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DRC shall remain closed until further notice.

For the past few months, Metropolises across the Archdiocese have been researching resources to bring Mental Health awareness to our youth. We have found a great resource in the American Red Cross, whose class Mental Health First Aid, has now added models about COVID- 19. The class is currently FREE and is accessible by clicking this post.

I come with important updates about our Metropolis of Atlanta's Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols. Firstly, to both our Clergy and Laity, please accept my sincere congratulations for your devotion to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and for your continued patience.

Click here for a complete list of Metropolis of Atlanta and Archdiocesan parishes that have made their Services available for live-stream.

Click here to read His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios' pastoral Mid-Holy Week message

We have been preparing for weeks for the most sacred time of year, Holy Week and Pascha. We have fasted, given to those in need, and increased our prayer life. However due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are left feeling anxious, fearful for the health of our loved ones and ourselves, missing the sacramental life of our beloved church. We must know even in the midst of this pandemic, HOLY WEEK still happens! The RESURRECTION still happens! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ tramples death by death for us to receive eternal life in His Heavenly Kingdom!  This “Holy Week at Home Kit” may seem a little unorthodox but our hope it that it provides you and your family with all the tools necessary to still have an orthodox experience with the hope and love that is felt during this sacred week.

The Metropolis is pleased to inform the faithful that, on Orthodox Palm Sunday, the news program 60 Minutes is featuring a segment on the rebuilding of St. Nicholas.

After much thought, prayer and speaking with His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, WE ARE POSTPOSING St. Stephen's Summer Camper Registration. We do not want add to the stress and financial burdens on any family at this time. We are working with CampDoc to set up a new registration date for after Pascha. Thank you for your understanding as we are all in this together!

In these uncertain times, when news of the Coronavirus can shift from hour to hour, I am mindful of the worry and fear that many of us are feeling. I recognize that for many of us, staying in our homes represents a new kind of challenge, and so this note is meant to suggest some ways to pass the time, that will be spiritually fruitful.

This year's Presidents Meeting will be offered via internet live streaming and not in person. Click for more information.

In times of uncertainty such as the one we are presently living in, it falls to all of us, not only to join in prayer, but also to guide one another. For this reason, please review the following guidelines in order to ensure that these directives are observed, for the health and safety of our Holy Metropolis.

For His Eminence's full statement concerning coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here

This year's event is November 7-8, 2020. Clergy can use this link to review guidelines and report their honorees.

For more details on the postponements of the Monastic Symposium (March 13-17) and the Philoptochos Spiritual Retreat (March 13 -17) and the Metropolis Philoptochos Spiritual Retreat, please click here.

The Archdiocese has distributed a wonderful op-ed on the history of the Parthenon Marbles. Click to read The "essence of Greekness" Far From Greece by Jeff Jacoby.

Handmaidens is a ministry dedicated to fostering the love of Christ and His Church in young women as it is modeled after the ministry of the Theotokos, the Myrrhbearers, and the other women saints. The group provides the opportunity for girls to grow together in service, prayer and purity through their participation in the life of the church.