Welcome Package
ABOUT OUR FAITH
Adapted from
“ Treasures of Orthodoxy”
by Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald
Adapted from
“ Treasures of Orthodoxy”
by Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald
Introduction to Orthodoxy: An ever-growing number of persons from various backgrounds are becoming interested in the Orthodox Church. These individuals are discovering the ancient faith and rich traditions of the Orthodox Church. From the biblical perspective of St. Paul, the Church is viewed as the bride of Christ. Her mystical vision of God and His Kingdom, the beauty of her worship, the purity of her Christian faith, and her continuity with the past has attracted many people to Orthodoxy.
Eastern Christianity: The Orthodox Church embodies and expresses the rich spiritual treasures of Eastern Christianity. The Gospel of Christ was first preached in Palestine, then in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It was in these eastern regions of the old Roman Empire that the Christian community and its faith matured in its struggle against paganism and heresy. It was in the cities of the East that the fundamentals of our faith were proclaimed at the Seven Ecumenical Councils.
While Christianity in the West developed in lands which knew the legal and moral philosophy of Ancient Rome, Eastern Christianity developed in lands which knew the Semitic and Hellenistic cultures. While the West was concerned with the Passion of Christ and the sin of man, the East emphasized the Resurrection of Christ and the Theosis of man (to become like God). Since the Early Church was not uniform, the two great traditions existed together for more than a thousand years until the Great Schism divided the Church (1054 AD). Today, Roman Catholics and Protestants are heirs to the Western tradition, and the Orthodox are heirs to the Eastern tradition.
“Orthodox” Christians of the Eastern Churches call themselves Orthodox. This description comes to us from the fifth century and has two meanings which are closely related. The first definition is “true teaching.” The Orthodox Church believes that she has maintained and handed down the Christian faith, free from error and distortion, from the days of the Apostles. The second definition, which is the more preferred, is “true worship.” To bless, praise, and glorify God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the fundamental purpose of the Church. All her activities, even her doctrinal formulations, are directed toward this goal.
Occasionally, the word Catholic is also used to describe the Orthodox Church. This description, dating back to the second century, is embodied in the Nicene Creed, which acknowledges One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. From the Orthodox perspective, Catholic means that the Church is universal and also that she includes persons of all races and cultures. It also affirms that the Church has preserved the fullness of the Christian faith.
Eastern Christianity: The Orthodox Church embodies and expresses the rich spiritual treasures of Eastern Christianity. The Gospel of Christ was first preached in Palestine, then in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It was in these eastern regions of the old Roman Empire that the Christian community and its faith matured in its struggle against paganism and heresy. It was in the cities of the East that the fundamentals of our faith were proclaimed at the Seven Ecumenical Councils.
While Christianity in the West developed in lands which knew the legal and moral philosophy of Ancient Rome, Eastern Christianity developed in lands which knew the Semitic and Hellenistic cultures. While the West was concerned with the Passion of Christ and the sin of man, the East emphasized the Resurrection of Christ and the Theosis of man (to become like God). Since the Early Church was not uniform, the two great traditions existed together for more than a thousand years until the Great Schism divided the Church (1054 AD). Today, Roman Catholics and Protestants are heirs to the Western tradition, and the Orthodox are heirs to the Eastern tradition.
“Orthodox” Christians of the Eastern Churches call themselves Orthodox. This description comes to us from the fifth century and has two meanings which are closely related. The first definition is “true teaching.” The Orthodox Church believes that she has maintained and handed down the Christian faith, free from error and distortion, from the days of the Apostles. The second definition, which is the more preferred, is “true worship.” To bless, praise, and glorify God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the fundamental purpose of the Church. All her activities, even her doctrinal formulations, are directed toward this goal.
Occasionally, the word Catholic is also used to describe the Orthodox Church. This description, dating back to the second century, is embodied in the Nicene Creed, which acknowledges One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. From the Orthodox perspective, Catholic means that the Church is universal and also that she includes persons of all races and cultures. It also affirms that the Church has preserved the fullness of the Christian faith.
MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Adult Ministries
Philoptochos | Ages 18+
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that offers philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and the world. Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters.
St. Nicholas Seniors | Age is but a number
St. Nicholas Senior’s ministry continues to develop a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and assist in their journey toward salvation.
Cross+Way | Ages 30-50
Cross+Way ministry provides adults of our parish with pastoral guidance and fellowship on a regular basis. We meet with our clergy to ask questions and have discussions on Orthodox topics in a group setting.
Orthoblaze | Ages 18-35
Orth-A-Blaze is the ministry cultivating and educating young adults, leading them to the fullness of the faith and likeness of God.
OCF | College Students
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) encourages students to be the loving presence of Christ and the Orthodox Church on college campuses. OCF strives to be an integral part of students’ spiritual formation by challenging them to explore the Faith and to inspire students to commit to living an Orthodox Christian way of life daily.
Youth Ministries
GOYA | Ages 13-18
Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) ministry leads our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation.
JOY | Grades 3 – 6
Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) ministry strengthens the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program educates and edifies young members of the Church, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. JOY meets monthly after church where students participate in a lesson, an activity and/or a craft.
HOPE | Ages 4yr – grade 2
Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE) ministry strengthens the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program educates and edifies young members of the Church, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. HOPE meets monthly after church where students participate in a lesson, an activity and/or a craft.
Service Ministries
Outreach & Evangelism | Ages 18+
Outreach & Evangelism ministry works to renew and share the Orthodox Christian Faith in America by nurturing a deeper commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ within His Church. Outreach and Evangelism works to reach out to inactive Orthodox Christians and to the unchurched and meets the needs of those inquiring about our faith.
Bookstore | Ages 18+
The St. Nicholas Bookstore is a repository of knowledge about Eastern Orthodoxy, its history, other religions, and the cultural context in which it has grown. In addition, religious icons and artifacts, cultural and Lenten cookbooks are for sale.
ZOE for Life! Southeastern Michigan | Ages 18+
only Women will be in direct contact with clients
ZOE for Life! Is a Pan-Orthodox ministry that serves as a conduit, guiding women in crisis pregnancy to a wider range of support organizations, providing them with a more attractive set of options and hopefully a more promising outlook on their situation. Our Southeastern Michigan Chapter is in partnership with St. Vladimir’s Russian Orthodox Church.
Music and Chanting | Ages 12+
Our choir and chantors sing or chant sacred hymnology during Sunday Divine Liturgy, Holy Week, St. Nicholas Vespers, and occasionally weddings and memorial services. This is a most fulfilling way to participate in the Divine Liturgy, with a supportive and friendly group of enthusiastic fellow parishioners.
Ushers | Ages 18+
By direction of the parish priest, the weekly Ushers assist with seating parishioners and maintaining order within the church and Narthex during service.
Acolytes (Altar Boys) | 3rd grade and up
By direction of the parish priest, Acolytes assist in the Altar by rotation schedule each week during service.
Cultural Organizations
AHEPA | Men 21+
Chapter #195
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) strives to promote a comprehensive understanding of the attributes and ideals of Hellenism and the Hellenic culture. AHEPA also promotes education and maintains new channels for disseminating the fields of culture and learning; promotes good fellowship and endows its members with a spirit of altruism, common understanding, mutual benevolence and helpfulness to their fellow human beings.
Daughters of Penelope | Women 18
Knossos, Chapter #195
Daughters of Penelope (DOP) strives to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through outreach, fundraising, and social events.
Education
Bible Study
Bible Study meets each week to discuss the readings from the Bible in an open forum, run by the Parish priest.
Church School | Grades Pre-K to 12th Grade
Church School educates children in the Orthodox faith and church traditions, ages Pre-K 3 through 12TH grade in the Greek Orthodox faith. It meets during the second half of the Divine Liturgy, following Communion, from September until early June.
Greek School | Ages 4-18+
Greek School offers afternoon and evening educational programs for children in grades K through 6 and for adults of all ages. (Beginner and intermediate levels)
Philoptochos | Ages 18+
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that offers philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and the world. Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters.
St. Nicholas Seniors | Age is but a number
St. Nicholas Senior’s ministry continues to develop a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and assist in their journey toward salvation.
Cross+Way | Ages 30-50
Cross+Way ministry provides adults of our parish with pastoral guidance and fellowship on a regular basis. We meet with our clergy to ask questions and have discussions on Orthodox topics in a group setting.
Orthoblaze | Ages 18-35
Orth-A-Blaze is the ministry cultivating and educating young adults, leading them to the fullness of the faith and likeness of God.
OCF | College Students
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) encourages students to be the loving presence of Christ and the Orthodox Church on college campuses. OCF strives to be an integral part of students’ spiritual formation by challenging them to explore the Faith and to inspire students to commit to living an Orthodox Christian way of life daily.
Youth Ministries
GOYA | Ages 13-18
Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) ministry leads our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation.
JOY | Grades 3 – 6
Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) ministry strengthens the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program educates and edifies young members of the Church, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. JOY meets monthly after church where students participate in a lesson, an activity and/or a craft.
HOPE | Ages 4yr – grade 2
Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE) ministry strengthens the relationship of young Orthodox Christians with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The program educates and edifies young members of the Church, encouraging them to become active sacramental participants in the life of the Body of Christ. HOPE meets monthly after church where students participate in a lesson, an activity and/or a craft.
Service Ministries
Outreach & Evangelism | Ages 18+
Outreach & Evangelism ministry works to renew and share the Orthodox Christian Faith in America by nurturing a deeper commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ within His Church. Outreach and Evangelism works to reach out to inactive Orthodox Christians and to the unchurched and meets the needs of those inquiring about our faith.
Bookstore | Ages 18+
The St. Nicholas Bookstore is a repository of knowledge about Eastern Orthodoxy, its history, other religions, and the cultural context in which it has grown. In addition, religious icons and artifacts, cultural and Lenten cookbooks are for sale.
ZOE for Life! Southeastern Michigan | Ages 18+
only Women will be in direct contact with clients
ZOE for Life! Is a Pan-Orthodox ministry that serves as a conduit, guiding women in crisis pregnancy to a wider range of support organizations, providing them with a more attractive set of options and hopefully a more promising outlook on their situation. Our Southeastern Michigan Chapter is in partnership with St. Vladimir’s Russian Orthodox Church.
Music and Chanting | Ages 12+
Our choir and chantors sing or chant sacred hymnology during Sunday Divine Liturgy, Holy Week, St. Nicholas Vespers, and occasionally weddings and memorial services. This is a most fulfilling way to participate in the Divine Liturgy, with a supportive and friendly group of enthusiastic fellow parishioners.
Ushers | Ages 18+
By direction of the parish priest, the weekly Ushers assist with seating parishioners and maintaining order within the church and Narthex during service.
Acolytes (Altar Boys) | 3rd grade and up
By direction of the parish priest, Acolytes assist in the Altar by rotation schedule each week during service.
Cultural Organizations
AHEPA | Men 21+
Chapter #195
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) strives to promote a comprehensive understanding of the attributes and ideals of Hellenism and the Hellenic culture. AHEPA also promotes education and maintains new channels for disseminating the fields of culture and learning; promotes good fellowship and endows its members with a spirit of altruism, common understanding, mutual benevolence and helpfulness to their fellow human beings.
Daughters of Penelope | Women 18
Knossos, Chapter #195
Daughters of Penelope (DOP) strives to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence through outreach, fundraising, and social events.
Education
Bible Study
Bible Study meets each week to discuss the readings from the Bible in an open forum, run by the Parish priest.
Church School | Grades Pre-K to 12th Grade
Church School educates children in the Orthodox faith and church traditions, ages Pre-K 3 through 12TH grade in the Greek Orthodox faith. It meets during the second half of the Divine Liturgy, following Communion, from September until early June.
Greek School | Ages 4-18+
Greek School offers afternoon and evening educational programs for children in grades K through 6 and for adults of all ages. (Beginner and intermediate levels)
MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULE
Please check this website for the most up to date calendar
- Bible Study: Twice every Monday, 10:00am and 7:30pm
- Philoptochos: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm
- Outreach & Evangelism: 1st Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm
- Saint Nicholas Seniors: 1st Tuesday of the month
- Cross+Way: 1st Sunday of the month
- GOYA: 1st Sunday of the month
- JOY: 1st Sunday of the month
- HOPE: 1st Sunday of the month
- AHEPA: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm
- Daughters of Penelope: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm
Please check this website for the most up to date calendar
CONTACT INFORMATION
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Acolytes (Altar Boys) Send an Email AHEPA Send an Email Bookstore Send an Email Bible Study Send an Email Choir Send an Email Church School Send an Email |
Cross+Way Send an Email DOP Send an Email Greek School Send an Email GOYA Send an Email HOPE Send an Email JOY Send an Email |
OCF Send an Email Orthoblaze Send an email Outreach & Evangelism Send an Email Philoptochos Send an Email St. Nicholas Seniors 734-332-8200 Ushers Send an Email ZOE for Life! - Southeastern Michigan Send an Email |
