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Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers – April 14, 2024

Fusion of Orthodox & Black Gospel Music

African American composers, poets, and hymnographers join musicians from multiple traditions for events exploring the intersections between African American and Orthodox sacred music. The concert opens with Bright Sadness, Orthodox hymns based on African American spirituals by the nun Mother Katherine Weston. The second half features Vespers: How Sweet the Sound by jazz musician and composer Dr. Shawn Wallace. Drawing on both Black Gospel and Orthodox musical settings, How Sweet the Sound highlights the connections between these traditions in a setting of Orthodox Vespers. Listen to the concert.

Religious Education Schedule at St Mary’s

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

Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers

Sundays at 5:00 PM. Lenten meal and Fellowship to follow.

• April 21 – St. Mary of Egypt, St. Stephen Romanian Orthodox Church in South St. Paul.
• April 28 – Bridegroom Matins, St. Herman Orthodox Church in Minneapolis.

YAL Spring Retreat | April 19 – 21, 2024 | St. Iakovos Retreat Center | 920 224th Ave, Kansasville, WI 53139

Our Spring Retreat is back again! Join YAL Chicago for a weekend retreat full of faith, fellowship, and service! Our theme for this retreat is Holy Week: Walk with Christ. The speakers are Fr. Tasso Theodoropoulos and Maria Klesmith. Registration is required! Admission ticket price is $85, which includes 2-nights in a hotel-style room with a roommate and all meals.

Chicago Metropolis St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Bright Saturday, May 11, 2024

With the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, we are pleased to announce that the 40th Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival will be held on Bright Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S. Wolf Road, Westchester, Illinois, 60154. We are excitedly anticipating a 40th anniversary weekend of spiritual celebration and fellowship for all in attendance. After concluding your parish festivals, the participants who will be advancing to the Metropolis Festival must submit their registration forms online by Monday, April 22, 2024. Find full Information & Registration HERE.

Chicago Metropolis Junior Olympics
Sat-Sun, May 25-26, 2024

Junior Olympics will be held May 25-26, 2024 at SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and Stagg High School, Palos Hills, IL. All are encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 25th at 8:30AM. 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 Greek Orthodox Church, Palos Hills, Illinois. The community not only organizes the event, but also shares its facilities with the entire Metropolis to make the Junior Olympics possible. More information & Registration HERE.

Vacation Church School, M-F, June 17-21, 2024
8:45 AM – Noon
Launch Into Liturgy

Registration is underway for 2024 VCS Launch Into Liturgy.
VCS is five days of music, worship, activities, snacks, and games for children age 4 to those entering 6th grade in the fall.  Also, middle and high school youth are needed for staff support. If your teen is available and willing to help, please also sign them up.

• For ages 4 yrs old (and potty trained) through entering 6th grade.
• Middle/High School youth needed to help.

Summer Camp 2024, Sat, June 29 to Fri, July 5

Summer Camp is hosted by St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, MN, and welcomes Pan-Orthodox participation in attendance, staffing, and in the planning of our programs.

• Who: Campers entering 3rd – 12th school grade in the Fall of 2024
• Where: Camp Wapo

Events at St. Mary’s

Check the monthly Messenger, weekly Church Bulletin, and Church calendar for all upcoming events. Below are some special major events that we have planned.

Spring Parish Assembly, Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11:30 AM, Great Hall

The Parish Council will be reviewing the following agenda items. A Lenten snack will be provided.

• Fall 2023 General Assembly Minutes Approval
• 2023 Financial Summary (actual vs budget)
• Elect (3) Parish Members for Board of Electors
• Elect (2) Parish Delegates for National Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego, CA (6/30-7/4)
• 2024 Parish Council Priorities
• Buildings & Grounds Update

Lazarus Saturday Family Service Day, Saturday, April 27, 2024, 11:00AM-2:00PM following Liturgy

We invite everyone to take part in our Lazarus Saturday Family Service Day. The day begins with Matins at 9:00 AM, followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM, and the Service Day projects will follow. A time of fellowship after Liturgy will include cleaning and preparing the church for Holy Week and plaiting palm crosses. It’s a joy filled day! At midday, we will join together for lunch.

Palm Sunday Lunch, Sponsored by your Choir! April 28, 2024, following Liturgy

Our annual Palm Sunday Lunch hosted by the St. Mary’s Choir will take place following Liturgy. More information coming soon.

Holy Friday Church School Retreat, May 3, 2024, 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM

Please join us for an engaging day at our church in which children will learn about Holy Week, the Crucifixion, and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We will have lessons, crafts, lunch, stations in the church, and gym time (to help get the wiggles out—even the big kids). Retreat ends at 1:15 PM so please be here at that time to check out your child(ren) and accompany them for the Taking Down from the Cross Service. The retreat is for Pre-K (4 year old) through grade 12. Register HERE.

Please register early so we can plan accordingly for helpers, supplies, space and food ordering/packaging. Adults, we could use additional help with set up/clean up and food prep. Contact Dena Tortorelis at churchschool@stmarysgoc.org to volunteer or with questions.