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)
Examine yourself daily in the sight of God, and discover which of the passions is in your heart. Cast it out, and so escape His judgment.
—St. Isaiah the Solitary, On Guarding the Intellect.
On Wednesday, July 18th and Thursday, July 19th (Church Calendar), the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Glen Allen, VA, celebrated its feast on the uncovering of the holy relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov.
In attendance were His Grace, Bishop Demetrius of Boston, who visited the Richmond area from Tuesday through Thursday afternoon, as well as Father Nicodemos Gayle, the pastor of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Also in attendance were Father George Psaromatis from Crofton, MD and Archdeacon Father Agathangelus Merkouris from Holy Ascension Monastery in Bearsville, NY. Faithful from the parishes of St. Nicholas of Myra Mission in Crofton, MD as well as Sts. Peter and Paul in Mount Union, PA were also in attendance to celebrate this holy feast.
On Wednesday evening, Great Vespers with Liti was served with the faithful in the presence of relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, which Bishop Demetrius brought with him to the parish for the celebration of the feast. Following Vespers, a question and answer period was held with Bishop Demetrius. On Thursday morning, Hours and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served with great joy in the presence of many faithful. During the service, Joseph Clatterbuck was tonsured a Reader. Following the service, a festal meal was served, including a short discussion with Bishop Demetrius.
To the parish of St. Seraphim of Sarov, God grant many years!
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.
At the beginning of September (n.s.) Bartholomew called together a “Synaxis of the Patriarchates and the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus" at the Phanar in order to coordinate their efforts for the First Ecumenistic Council which they plan to convene shortly. At it, they will most certainly have to deal with a conflict with the Patriarchate of Moscow concerning primacy, but also they will proclaim the heresy of Ecumenism with an alleged synodal decision of Ecumenical (or rather Ecumenistic) force. Read more...
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is a beautiful mission parish near downtown Tucson, a city in southern Arizona. It was started in 1997 by Father John Bockman, who was a missionary Priest formerly serving missions in Tennessee and Massachusetts since 1990. Father John served the faithful in Tucson and the surrounding area in his home Chapel until his repose in November of 2000. His wife, Presbytera Valerie, continued to make her home Chapel available for the mission, with clergy from Saint Nectarios Orthodox Church in Seattle and His Eminence, Metropolitan Moses of Toronto (then of Portland), visiting to provide the Divine Services.
Read more...2026 Youth Conference
Please join us for the 2026 youth conference in Upper Marlboro, MD! To learn more, visit the this page.
Q. This concerns a U.S. marriage. If the marriage is civilly annulled, what is the effect upon the Church marriage? Is it also annulled? Read more...