Welcome Parishioners, Guests, and Seekers! We welcome you to our parish home and hope that you will be comfortable and experience the love of Christ!
This Sunday
Services
- 8:30 AMOrthros
- 9:30 AMDivine Liturgy
Readings
- Orthros GospelMark 16:1-8
- Epistle1 Corinthians 16:13-24
- GospelMatthew 21:33-42
This Week
The New Ecclesiastical Year
Tuesday, September 1The Church's year begins anew. The Small Blessing of the Waters follows the Divine Liturgy.
- 9:15 AMThird Hour & Divine Liturgy
- 10:30 AMSmall Blessing of the Waters
- Epistle1 Timothy 2:1-7
- GospelLuke 4:16-22
Byzantine Choir Practice
Wednesday, September 2 — 6:30 PMOpen to everyone, no experience needed — learn the liturgical hymns of the Divine Liturgy, Orthros, and Vespers.
Heart-to-Heart Welcome Back Pizza Lunch
Thursday, September 3 — 12:00 PMPlease join us as we kick off ministry training with Fr. Christian and celebrate returning from the summer break. For more information, see any H2H member or Philanthy Nichols.
Announcements
Sunday School & St. Macrina's Homeschool Co-op — Registration
Registration for the 2026–27 Sunday School year continues on Sundays following Divine Liturgy — and registration for St. Macrina's Homeschool Co-op, beginning in September, happens right alongside it. Find the registration table at coffee hour, or register your family online in a few minutes.
Introduction to the Orthodox Faith — Begins September 9
Embark on a transformative nine-week journey into the heart of the Orthodox Christian faith — its theology, practices, and spiritual traditions. Classes meet every Wednesday at 6:30 PM. All are welcome — Orthodox, curious, and seeking alike.
- September 9 — The True Church: From Apostles to Today
- September 16 — Jesus Christ and Early Christian Heresies
- September 23 — The Mysteries of God
- September 30 — Orthodox Anthropology: Why is Man?
- October 7 — Asceticism: the Fight Against the Passions
- October 21 — The Liturgical Life of the Church
- October 28 — The Friends of Christ
- November 4 — Living the Faith: From Theory to Practice
- November 11 — Moving Forward: Q&A with Potluck Dinner
Questions? Email Fr. Christian at frchristian@stmarksgoc.org.
Reminder: School Supplies for Santos Elementary
The school year is here — we are collecting school supplies for the students of Santos Elementary. Most-needed items:
- #2 pencils, crayons (24-count), colored pencils, cap erasers, and dry-erase markers
- Wide-ruled composition notebooks, loose-leaf filler paper, and solid-color pocket folders
- Facial tissues, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and Ziploc bags (gallon or quart)
- Reusable water bottles
Every donation helps a neighborhood child start the year ready to learn. Thank you for your generosity.
Ladies Fellowship Luncheon — Saturday, September 12
Ladies, please join us for our luncheon on Saturday, September 12 at 11:30 AM at Francesco's Stone Fire Pizza, 16770 US Highway 441, Summerfield.
Luncheon choices:
- Salmon Salad
- Pecan Encrusted Pollo Salad
- Linguini Portofino
- Cheese Ravioli
- Chicken Piccata
- Eggplant Parmigiana
Soft drinks, iced tea, or coffee included. $16.00 plus tax and gratuity; a 3.5% service charge applies to debit and credit card payments.
A signup sheet is available during fellowship hour, or contact Vicki Collins (217) 416-9307 or Joanne Veglas (508) 728-4832. Please reserve by Monday, September 7.
The Parish Newsletter
Ministry news, Parish Council notes, the treasurer's report, and the month ahead — all in one place.
A Word on Stewardship
Our Stewardship Drive continues! God is doing great things in our community, and each of us is called to take part in His work. Stewardship sign-ups remain available near the entrance by the candles. Join us in offering back to God a portion of the blessings He has given us, as we grow together in faith and service.
Submissions to the Bulletin
If you have an update, news, or an event that you would like mentioned in the bulletin reach out to stmarkgocit@gmail.com and the IT team will make sure it gets added.