With the blessings of our Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos, 20 diaconate candidates, seminarians, and deacons from the Metropolis of Atlanta traveled to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, this summer for a week of prayerful liturgical formation. They were joined by more than 60 candidates from across the Archdiocese, creating a collaborative environment of learning and fellowship rooted in the spirit of Metropolitan Sevastianos’s vision for a well-formed diaconate serving the parishes of our Metropolis and Archdiocese.
 
It was a special blessing to have Metropolis of Atlanta seminarians and several of our ordained deacons participate alongside the candidates, offering mentorship and strengthening the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
 
The nine-day program centered on the daily liturgical life of the Church, including Orthros, Vespers, Divine Liturgies, and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Candidates rotated through key liturgical roles such as serving in the altar, chanting, and reading the Epistle, gaining hands-on experience in the sacred responsibilities of the diaconate and a deeper understanding of Orthodox liturgics.
 
Instruction focused on practical preparation for ministry, including Byzantine chant, liturgical intonation, and the structure and movement of the divine services. Through active participation and guided instruction, the candidates grew in both skill and confidence in serving the Church.
 
The Diaconate Program is a three-year formation process designed for laymen who serve the Church while maintaining their professional and family lives. Under the guidance of Metropolitan Sevastianos who was instrumental in the establishment of this program, it equips candidates to serve as deacons in their parishes, assisting their priests in the liturgical, pastoral, and outreach ministries of the Church throughout the Metropolis of Atlanta.
 
Formation continues year-round through online theological coursework with Holy Cross faculty and monthly pastoral care classes with experienced clergy. Together, these components prepare future deacons to serve Christ and His Church with humility, love, and dedication.
 
As parish needs continue to grow across the Metropolis of Atlanta, this program is forming faithful servant leaders who will strengthen our communities and support the ministry of our priests.