2014 News
Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Church in Woburn, Massachusetts
On Sunday, March 15, 2015 His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Church in Woburn, Massachusetts with the Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Clapsis, Pastor of the Church and the Rev. Theodore Barbas, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston. Below are beautiful pictures of Metropolitan Methodios tonsuring the altar boys of the parish. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Church in Burlington, Vermont
On Sunday March 8, 2015 His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios made a pastoral visit to the Dormition of the Mother of God Church in Burlington, VT where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the Rev. Fr. Ephraim Ehrs, Pastor of the community. Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Methodios had the opportunity to talk with the Parishioners in the church hall. Continue Reading... »
Memory Eternal! Fr. Matthew Baker tragically passes away in a car accident this evening
To the Faithful Stewards of the Metropolis of Boston, With a very heavy heart, His Eminence informs you of the untimely passing of the Rev. Fr. Matthew Baker, who tragically died in a car accident early this evening. Continue Reading... »
The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion
A New Book on Ecumenism
To the faithful of the Metropolis of Boston, I am pleased to announce to you the publication of a new book on ecumenical theology, entitled For the Unity of All: Contributions to the Theological Dialogue Between East and West (with a foreword by His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew), which I highly recommend. Attached below you can find the flyer with the relative information. Fr. Panteleimon teaches at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. †Metropolitan Methodios Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Attends the Inauguration of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito
On, Thursday January 8, 2015 Metropolitan Methodios attended the Inaugartion of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Participates in the Interfaith Inaugural Prayer Service of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito
Wednesday, January 7, 2015 – His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios participated in the Interfaith Inaugural Prayer Service on the eve of the Inauguration. His Eminence offered the benediction prayer. Continue Reading... »
2014 Christmas Reflection by Metropolitan Methodios
Please click to view the 2014 Christmas Reflection by Metropolitan Methodios in English and Greek. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Shares Experience of Papal Trip with The Pilot Newspaper
Please click on this link to view the article. http://www.thebostonpilot.com/article.asp?ID=172689#.VItDM6PcEig.facebook Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the St. Luke Church in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
On Sunday, December 7, 2014, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated the Divine Liturgy and tonsured the altar boys of the parish at the St. Luke Church in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Continue Reading... »
Video Link of the Divine Liturgy at the Phanar in the Presence of Pope Francis
Please click on the video link to view the Divine Liturgy at the Phanar in the presence of Pope Francis. Continue Reading... »
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios Particpates in the Elevation of Bishop Apostolos of Medeia
The Holy Eparchial Synod announced the unanimous election of Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor of the Metropolis of San Francisco, as Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of America. Below are pictures of the elevation of Bishop Apostolos of Medeia. Continue Reading... »
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios Participates in meetings of the Holy Synod at the Patriarchate
On November 27, 2014 Metropolitan Methodios participated in the meetings of the Holy Synod at the Patriarchate. Continue Reading... »
The Great Vesper Service of the Feast Day of St. Andrew – Patron Saint of the Metropolis of Boston
The Great Vesper Service was celebrated on the evening of November 29, 2014. The faithful filled the St. Andrew Cathedral Chapel in Brookline. Several clergy from the Metropolis of Boston presided at the Great Vesper service. The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos welcomed everyone for a reception in the Metropolis Center after the service. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at St. Catherine's Church in Braintree, Massachusetts
On Sunday, November 23, 2014, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the St. Catherine Church in Braintree, Massachusetts. Please click on the link below to view the photo gallery, including beautiful pictures of Metropolitan Methodios tonsuring the altar boys of the parish. Continue Reading... »
Response of the Jewish Community Relations Council to the Massachusetts Churches Leaders Joint Statement
Please see the attached response of the Jewish Community Relations Council to the Massachusetts church leaders joint statement. Continue Reading... »
Massachusetts Religious Leaders Joint Statement on Brutal Attacks at a Jerusalem Synagogue
"The senseless killing of people in any place must always be denounced, but that these brutal attacks in the synagogue in Jerusalem should have occurred against innocent, unarmed worshippers deserves only the strongest possible condemnation. Our prayers go out to those who were wounded and are fighting for their lives and to all those devastated by this attack, especially the families of those who were murdered today. In a particular way, we are conscious of the death of one of our neighbors from Boston, a member of a distinguished Jewish family, Rabbi Moshe Twersky." Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Appoints the Rev. Dr. Demetrios Tonias as Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston
In a letter to the Parish Council of the Cathedral dated November 10, 2014, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios wrote, "Taking into consideration the pastoral needs of the Metropolis of Boston, I appoint the Rev. Dr. Demetrios Tonias as Dean of the Cathedral. Fr. Demetri has served our Metropolis in several communities with distinction, zeal and honor. He is greatly loved in the parish he is currently serving in Watertown. I am grateful to him for accepting my appointment to the Cathedral in order to begin a new chapter in its history. I have asked him to particularly reach out to the greater ecumenical and interchurch community and to college students studying in greater Boston. I pray that his tenure at the Cathedral be marked with much success." Fr. Tonias will begin his new ministry as Dean of the Cathedral on December 1, 2014, after having served as the Proistamenos of the Taxiarchae Parish of Watertown since September of 2008. Prior to Watertown, he served the Holy Trinity parish of Concord, New Hampshire. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Attends the Funeral of the late Mayor Thomas Menino
Monday, November 3, 2014 - His Eminence was invited to attend the funeral as an Ecumenical Church Representative this past Monday at the Most Precious Blood Catholic Parish in Hyde Park, Massachusetts. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Presides at the Great Vespers for the Feast Day of the Sts. Anargyroi Church in Marlborough, MA
Friday, October 31, 2014 - His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, along with several clergy from the Metropolis of Boston, celebrated Great Vespers for the Feast of the Sts. Anargyroi Parish in Massachusetts. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Particpates in the Fall 2014 Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Meeting
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios participated in the fall 2014 meeting of the Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation at St. Paul's College in Washington D.C. Continue Reading... »
The 14th Annual Metropolis of Boston Golf Classic Fundraiser for the Metropolis of Boston Camp Ministry
The 14th Annual Metropolis of Boston "For the Children" Golf Classic was held on September 29, 2014 at the Andover Country Club. The day was filled with fun and laughter as over 100 golfers, friends and volunteers gathered for this special event to raise funds for the Metropolis of Boston Camp Ministry. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the Metropolis of Boston Camp extends a sincere thank you to all the sponsors, golfers and especially to the golf committee, under the leadership of John Gianakouras for their continued love and support of this valuable ministry. Continue Reading... »
Registry Sacramental Statistics for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as of 12/31/2013
Please click on the link to view the 2013 registry statistics. Continue Reading... »
2014 Family Picnic and Metropolis of Boston Camp Reunion, Contoocook, NH
On September 13th over 400 faithful from throughout New England attended the Divine Liturgy and blessing of the waters at our St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center. Continue Reading... »
Bangor, Maine
Please click on this news link to view the letter from Metropolitan Methodios to the St. George Parish in Bangor, Maine Continue Reading... »
The Metropolis of Boston's School of Byzantine Music to resume class September 29th
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston announces that classes at the St. John of Damascus School of Byzantine Music will resume on September 29, 2014. The School, which was established in March 2014 with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, equips its students with a mastery of the skills required for chanting the sacred hymns of the Orthodox Church. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Presides at the Agiasmo Service at the Hellenic American Academy, Lowell, MA
The Hellenic American Academy Agiasmo Service was held on September 9, 2014 in the Cultural Center. The students, teachers, and parents were reminded of the value of a Christian Orthodox education as well as the importance of Hellenism, Greek language, and Hellenic heritage. Continue Reading... »
14th Annual Metropolis of Boston Golf Classic - Sept 29, 2014
SAVE THE DATE The 14th Annual Metropolis of Boston Golf Classic will be held on Monday, September 29th, 2014 This year’s event will be held at the Andover Country Club Continue Reading... »
Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Chapters and Parishes Embrace "Operation Housewarming" for the Homeless Veterans
Operation Housewarming was established a little over one year ago under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. Today this ministry is thriving and growing stronger with each passing day due to the overwhelming support and generosity of all the Philoptochos chapters and parish communities at large. That overwhelming response to this ministry has enabled us to assemble and distribute 60 large housewarming baskets to date to VA Medical Centers Bedford and Brockton. The baskets contain all the necessary items needed for homeless veterans transitioning to independent living. On August 6, 2014 once again Metropolitan Methodios presented VA officials with a shipment of 18 housewarming baskets as shown in the pictures below. Also present were members of the Metropolis and Arlington Philoptochos. Continue Reading... »
Passing of Fr. Michael Bird
It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of the passing of our brother-in-Christ, Fr. Michael Bird. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Fr. Michael reposed peacefully during the early evening of July 16 surrounded by his family. We offer our support, love and prayers to Presbytera Cathy, and their son Cameron and his family. We also extend our deepest sympathy to their extended family and their parish of St. Gregory of Mansfield. Throughout his illness, Fr. Michael was a beacon of faith in Jesus Christ and is now rejoicing in the loving embrace of our Lord. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia Speaks at Conference on Divine Compassion
(Brookline, MA) His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston warmly welcomed the renowned theologian Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia to the Metropolis and the conference on “Divine Compassion: Women in the Church, Theological Perspectives.” The conference was held at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA on June 20-21, 2014. Continue Reading... »
2014 Metropolis of Boston Ministry Awards Banquet
On Sunday, June 8, 2014 His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios welcomed close to 750 faithful of the Metropolis of Boston who gathered at Lombardo's in Randolph, Massachusetts to recognize and say thank you to the dedicated men and women who tirelessly serve our communites throughout New England. Continue Reading... »
Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Urges Church To Lift Ban on Ordination of Married Priests in Eastern Catholic Churches in North America
The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation which met at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire voted in early June to encourage the “lifting of the restrictions regarding the ordination of married men to the priesthood in the Eastern Catholic Churches of North America.” Continue Reading... »
“If You See Something, Say Something”: A Call for Help for Christians in the Middle East
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) licensed the slogan “If You See Something, Say Something,” as the slogan for a national campaign intended to raise public awareness of signs of terrorism and, especially, to mobilize citizens to report suspicious activity to U.S. law enforcement officials. The DHS meme (a meme is “an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture,” according to Meriam Webster online) is premised on the linkage between education and action, as well as on the notion that the safety of the collective whole requires individual acuity and responsibility. I’m certainly not advocating thralldom to the War on Terror rubric from which the DHS maxim was born, but the underlying logic of “If you See Something, Say Something” assumed an apopthegmatic quality when I heard it recently, repositioned within the context of a discussion on the tragedy of Christians in the Middle East. Continue Reading... »
The Divine Compassion Conference, June 20-21, 2014
The Divine Compassion Conference Divine Compassion and Women of the Church: Theological Perspectives June 20-21, 2014 Hellenic College Holy Cross Brookline, Massachusetts Please visit: http://saintcatherinesvision.org/ to register for the conference and to view the conference schedule Continue Reading... »
Pledge of Solidarity for Egyptian, Iraqi, and Syrian Christians
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), co-chairs of the bipartisan Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, hosted a press conference on Wednesday, May 7 on Capitol Hill featuring several prominent American Christian leaders who released a Pledge of Solidarity & Call to Action on behalf of Christians and other religious communities in Egypt, Iraq and Syria who are increasingly threatened in the lands they have inhabited for centuries. Continue Reading... »
Archimandrite Cleopas Strongylis Elected Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia
May 5, 2014 - NEW YORK – The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople elected unanimously today the Very Reverend Archimandrite Cleopas Strongylis Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia. His Grace Metropolitan elect Cleopas Strongylis has been serving as the Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, Massachusetts. Continue Reading... »
Photostream of Metropolitan Methodios Celebrating Holy Week
Please click the following link to connect you to the Metropolis of Boston flickr photostream where you can view Metropolitan Methodios' visits to various parishes throughout Holy Week. https://www.flickr.com/photos/metropolis-of-boston/sets/ Continue Reading... »
Holy Week Schedule for Metropolitan Methodios
Holy Week Schedule for Metropolitan Methodios Continue Reading... »
20TH Annual Greek Independence Day Parade Held In Boston
20TH Annual Greek Independence Day Parade Held In Boston Continue Reading... »
St. Nectarios Educational Program in Sacred Heart Middle School
The community of St. Nectarios in Roslindale has come to a preliminary agreement with the Sacred Heart Middle School of Roslindale; with the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the approval of Cardinal O’ Malley. According to this agreement, St. Nectarios Parish will offer Conversational Greek and Greek Orthodox cultural lessons to Greek Orthodox students (having a basic knowledge of Greek) who will enroll Sacred Heart Middle School, starting from the School year 2014-2015. Continue Reading... »
The Metropolis of Boston mourns the loss of His Eminence Metropolitan Philip
The Metropolis of Boston joins our Antiochian brethren throughout New England in mourning the loss of His Eminence Metropolitan Philip (Saliba), Metropolitan of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, who passed unto life eternal during the evening hours onMarch 19. The Orthodox Church is orphaned by this loss. Metropolitan Philip was a respected Orthodox hierarch and leader, not only within the Orthodox Church, but throughout the Ecumenical Community in America. May God rest his soul! I ask that you remember Metropolitan Philip in your prayers, and instruct all clergy within the Metropolis of Boston to offer a Trisagion prayer for the eternal repose of his soul immediately following the Divine Liturgy this coming Sunday, March 23. For more information on the details of His Eminence's funeral, as well as his life and ministry, please visit: http://www.antiochian.org May his memory be eternal! Continue Reading... »
St. Gregory Palamas
On the second Sunday of lent Our Holy Orthodox Church honors a great man of our Faith, St. Gregory Palamas, the Archbishop of Thessalonica, who lived during the 14th century. Through his pious life and devotion he offered to Orthodoxy and Christianity in general the correct way of attaining and exercising spiritual life, guarded the teaching of our Faith, and exemplifies holiness and Christian morality Continue Reading... »
Synaxis of the Primates of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches Concludes
NEW YORK – The Ecumenical Patriarchate issued yesterday March 9, 2014, Sunday of Orthodoxy, a Communiqué upon the conclusion of the Synaxis of the Primates of the Orthodox Autocephalous Churches and released the official Message of the Hierarchs of the Synaxis. Following are both texts as released by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Continue Reading... »
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios Invites Everyone to Participate in the 2014 Greek Independence Day Parade on April 6 in Boston
Please see the attached letter in Greek from Metropolitan Methodios along with the Greek Independence Day Flyer and the list of upcoming FHASNE events. Continue Reading... »
Sunday of Orthodoxy - March 9, 2014
Since 843 the Church has designated the first Sunday of Lent as Sunday of Orthodoxy. Specifically, we celebrate the restoration of Icons by the Empress Theodora. Generally, we commemorate: 1) The victory of Orthodoxy-right worship, over heresy-false worship. 2) The victory of light over darkness and 3) The victory of truth over falsehood. Continue Reading... »
February 14-17: Over 100 GOYA Age Children Enjoyed Winter Camp in Contoocook, NH
Earlier this month over the President' Day weekend holiday over 100 GOYA age children enjoyed the long weekend at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire for the 2014 Metropolis GOYA Winter Camp. Continue Reading... »
The Metropolis of Boston Establishes School of Byzantine Music
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is establishing a School of Byzantine Music that will equip its students with a mastery of the skills required for chanting the sacred hymns of the Orthodox Church. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Visits with the Newly Elected Mayor of Boston, Martin J. Walsh
On Wednesday, February 19, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the newly elected Mayor of the City of Boston, Martin J. Walsh met in Boston. Continue Reading... »
Prologue to Lent: Remembering Middle East Christians
Prologue to Lent: Remembering Middle East Christians Two weeks ago, on February 2nd, Orthodox Christians entered into a liturgical cycle of five Sundays that theologian Metropolitan Kallistos Ware of Diocletia has summed up as the “Prologue to Lent.” For most Orthodox Christians, the Sundays of Zacchaeus, the Publican and the Pharisee, the Prodigal Son, the Last Judgment, and Forgiveness, signal a time of preparation for us as we begin that journey of mystery, passion, prayer, and Tradition that we know as Great and Holy Lent. The Church in all its wisdom has given us these five Prologue Sundays as a kind of roadmap, with very specific signposts—clear vision, humility, repentance, judgment, and forgiveness—guiding us towards Lent. Continue Reading... »
Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Fourth Annual Lenten Retreat for Women, March 14-15, 2014
The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos fourth annual Lenten retreat for women will be held on March 14-15 at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios Appoints Eleni Kalioras as the New Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Metropolis of Boston
I am pleased to inform you that I have appointed Eleni Kalioras as the new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for our Metropolis effective immediately. Eleni was born and raised in Concord, New Hampshire. She recently completed the undergraduate Elementary Education program at Hellenic College. During the past four years, Eleni has been very active in our Metropolis ministries including the Metropolis of Boston Camp, youth and young adult retreats, "Orthodoxy On Tap" discussions, as well as a wide variety of administrative and educational programs. Eleni has served as the Sunday School Director, Youth Coordinator, and Vacation Church School Director of the St. Catherine Church of Braintree. Eleni will be working in close cooperation with Michael Sintros and our entire MBC Youth Ministry Staff to continue to offer innovative and dynamic ministry opportunities for the young people across New England. I ask you to join me in welcoming Eleni to this new position and extend to her your assistance and support. Continue Reading... »
School of Byzantine Music
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is establishing a School of Byzantine Music that will equip its students with a mastery of the skills required for chanting the sacred hymns of the Orthodox Church. Continue Reading... »
Metropolitan Methodios joined Cardinal Sean O'Malley and other religious leaders for an "Ecumenical Prayer for the Martyrs" prayer service.
On Saturday, January 25, 2014 Metropolitan Methodios joined Cardinal Sean O'Malley and other religious leaders for an “Ecumenical Prayer for the Martyrs” Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service. The service took place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston. Metropolitan Methodios offered the closing blessing. Continue Reading... »
The faithful of our Metropolis are all invited to attend and participate in the "Ecumenical Prayer for the Martyrs"
On Saturday, January 25, Metropolitan Methodios will join Cardinal Sean O'Malley and other religious leaders for an “Ecumenical Prayer for the Martyrs” Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service. The service will take place at 2 pm at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston on this coming Saturday, January 25. Cardinal Sean will preach the sermon and Metropolitan Methodios will offer the closing blessing. The faithful of our Metropolis are all invited to attend and participate. Continue Reading... »
Remembering Mayor Thomas Menino
The clergy and laity of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston join our fellow citizens to mourn the death of our beloved Mayor Tom Menino. We have lost a good friend, a tireless leader, a visionary public servant who worked from early morning to later at night to make this historic city the greatest in America. May God rest his noble soul. Metropolitan Methodios Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Continue Reading... »