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Events at St. Mary’s… and beyond!

Check the monthly Messenger, weekly Church Bulletin, and Church calendar for all upcoming events.

Veneration of the Holy Cross
Sunday, March 23, 2025

Help Prepare our Church for Holy Week and Pascha

Philoptochos is looking for many volunteers to help with preparing our church for Easter.

• Friday, April 18 – Holy Friday: after Royal Hours, adorn the kouvouklion with flowers.
• Friday, April 18 – Holy Friday: after Lamentations, change purple to white.
• Saturday, April 19 – Holy Saturday: after First Resurrection Liturgy, adorn for Pascha.

Chicago Metropolis 2025 St. John Chrysostom
Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival

With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, we are pleased to announce that the 41st Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival will be held on Bright Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 601 South Central Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60644. We are excitedly anticipating a weekend of spiritual celebration and fellowship for all in attendance. The Metropolis Festival will offer 6 categories (Speech, Essay, Poetry, Iconography, Vocal Solo, and Vocal Chant), each with 2 divisions (Senior/10th-12th grades and Junior/7th-9th grades). After concluding your parish festivals, the participants who will be advancing to the Metropolis Festival must register by Monday, April 7, 2025. Find full Information & Registration HERE.

Bring-A-Friend-To-Liturgy Event
Sunday, April 27, 2025

Come experience the Ancient Christian Church and learn about the faith. The Saint Mary’s Missions and Outreach Committee is hosting a Bring-A-Friend-To-Liturgy event. This is a great way to introduce our faith to those who are curious and interested. After the Divine Liturgy, one of our priests will speak on the Orthodox Christian Faith followed by a wonderful reception in the Terrace Room. Please extend the invitation to as many as possible, and RSVP with the church office so that we can plan accordingly.

OCMC Event, Saturday, May 3, 2025
6:30 PM, Wine & Appetizers, Dinner, & Program
Fullness of Faith to the Ends of the Earth.

OCMC Ambassador Terri Leckas will present on her trip to Albania, & St. Mary’s parishioner Dr. Steve Rakes on his trip to Africa.

• $15/person.
• More & RSVP by April 17 HERE

St Vladimir Seminary Online Education
Total Parish Youth Ministry, May 6-27, 2025

We invite you to participate in the upcoming Total Parish Youth Ministry course from St Vladimir’s Online School of Theology, starting May 6. This online course, led by the Rev. Dn Dr Greg Abdalah, will empower participants to integrate youth ministry into parish life, helping guide youth toward realizing their membership within the Body of Christ.

The course includes four live discussion sessions (Tuesdays at 8:00 PM EST) and a range of resources to support your learning; Live sessions are on: May 6, 13, 20, 27. You’ll also have access to course materials from April 29 to June 30. The cost is $200. More Info & Registration

Chicago Metropolis Junior Olympics
Fri-Sun, May 23-25, 2025

The 44th Annual Junior Olympics will be held May 23-25, 2025 at SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Palos Hills, IL. The Junior Olympics of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago dates back to 1981 and has grown into the largest single gathering of youth in the Metropolis, filled with family-friendly activities. From its inception, the Junior Olympics has been hosted by SS. Constantine & Helen GOC. The community not only organizes the event, but also shares its facilities with the entire Metropolis to make the Junior Olympics possible.

Vacation Church School
Mon-Fri, June 16-20, 2025, 8:45 – High Noon

Just as the early settlers faced challenges on their journey west, Christians also encounter obstacles on the path to our heavenly promised land. At Vacation Church School, kids will learn what spiritual equipment they need, how to be courageous, who helps them along the way, and how to use grit and perseverance to stay on the Christian trail to paradise. Join us for an unforgettable faith-filled adventure with lessons, crafts, snacks, and fun! More info HERE.
♦ For cowpokes 4 years old (and potty trained) through entering grade 6 in the fall.
♦ Helpers needed: Grades 7–12 (in the fall).

Western Region Family Basketball Tournament
Jan / Feb 2026

• St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Minneapolis, MN
• Check back for 2026 information as it becomes available.
• And watch for a new logo! 😉

Religious Education Schedule at St Mary’s

Check the Religious Education Schedule for St Mary’s Adult & Youth Classes, Bible Studies, Orthodox Catechism, & Other Educational Programs..

2025 Pilgrimages to Serbia.

Spring: May 1-May 12
Fall: September 23- October 5
Please consider joining one of the Serbian pilgrimage events in 2025! Icon Art Studios recently hosted two pilgrimages to Serbia. These experiences were extremely successful in the warmth and expertise of our host and tour guide from Belgrade/UB. “To go on a pilgrimage is to travel at a much deeper and life-changing level. It is to travel by searching for God, as God is searching for us.” The itinerary consists of visits to beautiful ancient and historical monasteries every day including visits to wineries and hotel spas. The history of Serbia is told through its ancient monasteries and medieval art. Tour begins and ends in Belgrade. Many Serbian cities are included. Please call or email Deb Korluka at 612.889.5860 or akorluka@aol.com for more information.