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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.

Taste of Greece 2025 Photo Highlights

GoFundMe for Sophia

We encourage you to provide your financial support to the Forchas family by donating to the GoFundMe link. The funds collected through this platform are unconnected to our parish and will go directly to the family.

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Class

The Minnesota Eastern Orthodox Christian Clergy Association (MEOCCA) hosts two 12-week catechism classes throughout the year beginning in September and January. The Class Schedule, information, and registration is online HERE.

• Who: Anyone interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity.
• What: Introduce and enhance people’s knowledge of the Orthodox Christian Faith.
• When: Tuesdays, September 9 – November 25, 2025, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
• Where: Onsite at St George GOC or Online via Zoom (Links will be emailed before the course begins).
• Cost: FREE!

OCMC TREK4MISSIONS 2025

Be part of the TREK4MISSIONS on Sunday, September 21, 2025, and help the OCMC Mission Center recruit, train, and send people from our churches and seminaries that will foster lasting spiritual and personal transformation through the Orthodox Faith and the Fullness of a life in Christ. Support our St. Mary’s team, The Mpls Golden Trekkers, by joining our team or donating to support Orthodox Missions. Contact Terri Leckas, 612.710.0609 or Maria Smith 612.581.7298.

Men’s Fall Retreat “Daytreat”

Saturday, October 4, 2025, 9:00 AM –  9:00 PM

This fall we will begin a new format that we hope will allow even more men the chance to participate in a day of faith building, fun, and fellowship. Save the date of Saturday, October 4, 2025, for a “Daytreat.” Paul Karos has graciously agreed to lead two sessions on the topic of “Prayer.” Steve Rakes and Andrew LeRoy have volunteered to help plan and execute some tasty meals. Activities may include fishing, volleyball, basketball, axe throwing, a long drive golfing contest, and of course, an evening bonfire. This will be hosted at the Twito home in Eagan between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on October 4. More details will be forthcoming. Please RSVP to the David in the Church Office (david@stmarysgoc.org) ASAP so that we can anticipate the food quantities needed. +Father Luke Twito

National Church Music Sunday

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Each year, on the first Sunday in October (on or after the Feast of St. Romanos the Melodist, the patron saint of church musicians), parishes across the Archdiocese of America celebrate National Church Music Sunday. This commemoration was inaugurated by His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America in 1982, and has been re-affirmed by His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

National Church Music Sunday is a day we set aside particularly to honor the contributions of local choir members, psaltai, and music educators who serve their churches through the hymnology of our Orthodox Church. In addition, it is a day when we recognize the work of the diocesan Choir Federations as well as the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, who through their music ministry, strive to enhance the development of church choirs, church musicians, and liturgical music at diocesan and archdiocesan levels.

BYZN-101: Intro to Byzantine Music and Notation

Tuesday, Oct 7, 2025, then weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM

Love to sing? Join us for our Introductory Byzantine Notation and Chant course, BYZN 101! Whether you’ve never chanted before, or you’ve been chanting for many years, all are welcome! The first half of the class will be focused on learning Byzantine notation, then learning the modes (and their theory), two weeks at a time. This course is mostly focused on learning Byzantine notation; the musical system used around the world in Byzantine music. We’d love to have you join us for this college-style class (some lecture and some practical experience).  To register or for more information, contact Joseph@stmarysgoc.org, or Register Online HERE.

Twin Cities Pan-Orthodox Women’s Tea
Saturday, October 10, 2025
St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

Watch for details.

St Vladimir’s Online Education Day

Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00 AM –  3:00 PM CDT

Attendance is free—we invite you to join us for one session, several sessions, or for all six!

It’s your chance to be a seminarian for a day—to listen to discussions by St. Vladimir’s Seminary professors and other Orthodox scholars on a variety of interesting topics in the fields of Scripture and theology, church history, the sacred arts, and Christian leadership. You’ll also have a chance to submit your questions to our panel of scholars.

Watch for registration details and speaker information. You won’t want to miss this once-a-year opportunity!

Fall Parish Assembly, Oct 12, 2025 following Liturgy

(Note date change from printed edition of The Messenger)

At this meeting, we will discuss and vote on the Dome project as well as our new Gift Acceptance Policy which will be sent out to parishioners at least 30 days prior to the Assembly. Our Church School will be hosting a pancake brunch in conjunction with this meeting, so be sure to attend!

Yours in Christ,
Nick Santrizos
St. Mary’s Parish Council President
viewfromthepew@stmarysgoc.org

Chicago Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly
Bearing Fruit for our Church and the World
Wed-Thu, Nov 5-6, 2025

Registration Types and Fees (Info HERE):

• Clergy & Delegates (includes meals, events and conference materials): $600.00 per person
• Observer (Non-Voting Delegate) With Full Meals and Events: $600.00 per person
• Recognition Reception & Welcome Dinner only (Wednesday evening): $100 per person

Meridian Banquet & Conference Center, Rolling Meadows, IL

IOCC Sunday

November 23, 2025

Each year, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America sets aside the Sunday before Thanksgiving to highlight humanitarian relief. Through IOCC’s ministry, Orthodox faithful across the US are serving people in need. This is your chance to share IOCC’s work—a ministry that represents every Orthodox priest and every Orthodox Christian in the United States today.

Women’s Pilgrimage to St. Paisius Monastery, Jan 27 – 31, 2026

A small group of ladies will make a pilgrimage to the  St. Paisius Monastery in Safford, AZ. The dates planned are for January 27- 31, 2026. There is room for eleven pilgrims. The monastery does not charge us for our stay; however, it is proper to leave a donation as you are able. The cost of airfare right now ranges from $400-$550 and is subject to change. Tickets will be purchased at the end of October. There is also a cost for a rental van for the group. The cost of this van is determined by how many pilgrims attend. Please familiarize yourself with visitor information. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Cristina Nicklow, E-mail – cnicklow@outlook.com or Cell – 612.839.4560

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..