News
Archdiocesan & Chicago Metropolitan news of the Greek Orthodox Church of America
Scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the October 2nd St. Mary’s Town Hall with Metropolitan Nathanael.
View the Latest News from the Archdiocese
View the Latest News from Metropolis
News & 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.
CANCELLED 2022 Western Region Family Basketball Tournament, February 4-6, 2022
As the cases of the COVID-19 virus have increase dramatically, our Basketball Tournament has also suffered considerably lower registration than typical. Additionally, the predictions are that the rate of infections will increase in the following three weeks. We are sad to be forced into this decision and we will miss all of you and our time together.
St. Mary’s hopes to host in 2023; exact dates TBD. The same Hyatt Hotel will be able to host our participants.
Thank you for your understanding. We invite you to persevere together with us in our common discipline of prayer for all people in need of good health and for the success of our Metropolis Tournament in February 2023.
POSTPONED Winter Camp Friday, January 14 – Monday, January 17, 2022
Watch for Updates
Winter Camp at St. Croix with St. Mary’s OCA. The theme is Baptism and Salvation. We will discuss the sacrament of Baptism and our Orthodox understanding of Salvation. The camp is for those in grades 6-12. Transportation is not provided. The cost is $200 per child by January 3. St. Mary’s GOC will subsidize $100 for St. Mary’s GOC youth, but you will need to pay for the full cost of the Camp up front. The cost after the deadline is $250. Click here to register. To pay, use Venmo – @stmarysocayouth (business) or make checks payable to St. Mary’s OCA. Please let Jon know if you register. Reimbursements will be issued following camp.
Recent Events
Tuesday, December 14 – Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party
The Christmas season was kicked-off with the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 14. Social time began with appetizers, punch, and wine. The lunch menu was salad, garithes with manestra (shrimp with manestra in a special tomato sauce), a special Christmas dessert, and coffee. Our own Elena Biessener performed holiday favorites and other delights. The afternoon concluded with Bingo, complete with prizes.
December 12 – Farewell Luncheon Honoring Fr. George
The Parish Council, Fellow Clergy, Church Staff, Philoptohos, and parishioners honored Fr. George for his dedicated service to St. Mary’s. In just over seven years, Fr. George has impacted each of our lives and been a loving and faithful presence. We will miss him and his family and wish them continued joy as he begins his service at Holy Apostles in Westchester, Illinois.
December 5 – Harvest Pack
Parishioners packaged breakfast meals for food shelves following the Divine Liturgy.
Saturday, November 13 – Appreciation Glendi for Parishioners
A fun time was had by all! In appreciation of your Time, Talent and Treasure, the St. Mary’s Parish Council and Stewardship Committee invited parishioners to this annual event of dinner, dancing and fellowship.
Thursday, November 11 – Wine & Cheese Reception to Benefit IOCC
Two powerful presentations! Please continue to support IOCC’s global humanitarian work. International Orthodox Christian Charities offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond.
Sunday, November 7 – Stewardship/Ministry Fair at St. Mary’s
Please continue to learn about the many ministries of St. Mary’s supported by our stewardship commitments. There is something for everyone!
Sunday, October 31 – Celebrate Fr. John’s 25th Year!
This was a wonderful celebration of Father John’s 25 years in the Greek Orthodox priesthood on Sunday, October 31. Festivities included a lunch and program honoring Father John as spiritual leader, confidante, and friend to parishioners at St. Mary’s and parishes around the country.
Saturday, October 30 – Blessing of the Animals
Pets were blessed in the south parking lot at 10:00 am.
Thursday, October 21 – FOCUS MN Fundraiser
6:30-9:00 pm, Food! Music! A Celebration of Our Work!
A wonderful evening together of reflection on the blessings the past year brought us and look to a future with continued service. For more information and how you can support, go to FocusMN.org
Sunday, October 3 – Luncheon with Bishop Neofitos
Interested in supporting Bishop Neofitos in his work to build a building for a girls’ school or dig a well? Over $5,000 has been raised so far. Join us in supporting this worthy cause! Click here to make a donation via Venmo or our online giving site. Include a note that your donation is for “Bishop Neofitos.” You may also want to follow Bishop Neofitos’ good works on Facebook.
Saturday, October 2 – Town Hall with Metropolitan Nathanael
1:00 – 3:00 pm in the Great Hall. Join us as we welcome His Eminence to Minnesota for a discussion among the faithful. Live stream and in-person participation.