The Spiritual Watch

Below, please find the latest issue of The Spiritual Watch, the official publication of the Metropolis of America, published with the blessings of His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius of America. In The Spiritual Watch, you will find news and information regarding our Holy Metropolis, as well as spiritual writings.

The Spiritual Watch, Vol VII (New: February 24/March 8, 2024)

Quote From the Fathers

Afflictions bring blessing to man; self-esteem and sensual pleasure, evil.
—St. Mark the Ascetic, On the Spiritual Law.

Schools

Hellenic School of St. Markella
22-68 26 St.
Astoria, New York 11105
Contact: Sister Theodouli
(718) 274-5579
Grades K – 6 meet Monday – Friday, 3:30-5:00, on most public school days.
Transportation is available.
Pre-school meets Tuesday – Friday, 12:00-1:30.

Hellenic School of St. Isidoros
Bethpage, Long Island, New York
Contact: Sister Theodouli
(718) 274-5579
Grades K – 6 meet Saturdays.

The Hellenic School of Saint Markella was founded by Bishop Petros, of blessed memory, in the early 1950’s. In 1958, Father Niphon, of blessed memory, sent his spiritual daughter, the nun Siglitiki, to New York to assist with the school. In 2004, Gerontissa Siglitiki was honored by The Greek National Herald as teacher of the year for her many years of service to the Greek community.

By 1974, the Greek Orthodox Church and School of Saint Isidoros had also been founded.

Both Greek schools continue to be operated by the Sisters of Saint Syncletike, under the direction of Gerontissa Siglitiki.

Instruction includes Greek language, history, literature and geography. Greek dance lessons are also offered.

Students may continue past the 6th grade to prepare for the Greek regents examinations.


Holy Wisdom Orthodox Classical Academy
St. Clair Shores, MI
Rector: Fr. Steven Allen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Headmaster: Leonidas Pittos (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Days: Saturdays 1PM-5PM
Grades: 1-12

Courses: Orthodox Catechism, Orthodox Ancestral Languages (Modern Greek, Romanian), Classical Languages (Ancient Greek, Latin), Language Arts and Classical Rhetoric

About the Church

The Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians (GOC) of America is The Traditionalist Orthodox Church serving the faithful of North and South America following the old (Julian) calendar. Having its roots in the Diocese of Astoria, founded by Metropolitan Petros (Astyfides) in 1954, it presently consists of two Metropolises (America and Toronto) and two dioceses (Etna and Portland, and Boston), shepherded by five hierarchs, under the Presidency of His Eminence, Metropolitan Demetrius of America.

The Church of the GOC of America is an autonomous Eparchy whose Mother Church is The Holy Synod of the Church of the GOC of Greece, under the Presidency of His Beatitude Archbishop Kallinikos of Athens and All Greece. The bishops belonging to the Eparchial Synod are also members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. We resist the heresy of Ecumenism.

Orthodox Awareness

Why Do We Follow the Old Orthodox Calendar?

Why do we follow the Old Orthodox Calendar?

a Because based on it, the First Ecumenical Council established the Paschal Canon and appointed that the feast of Holy Pascha may fall anywhere from March 22nd until April 25th, while with the New (Papal) Calendar it can fall as late at May 8th.

b The Gregorian (Papal) Calendar has been condemned by three Pan-Orthodox Councils under Patriarch Jeremiah Tranos (1583, 1587, 1589) Read more...

Missions

Saint Matthew the Evangelist, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro is a town located near the Eastern border of Arkansas, with a population of approximately 60,000. From a human standpoint, it’s not the most likely candidate for a traditional Orthodox mission, but for an Orthodox Christian who orders his priorities around Christ and His Church, it makes perfect sense. Read more...

Youth

2023 Youth Conference

Please join us for the 2023 youth conference in Chicago, IL! To learn more, visit the home page or visit the conference website.

Ask A Priest

Forty Day Memorial Service

Q. Can you please explain the significance of the forty day memorial service? An Evangelical family asked one of our relatives that question. We said that it’s best to ask a clergy member. Thank you in advance for your response. (We will forward it to them as soon as possible).
-P. & M. G. Read more...