AIOPA - Monthly Meeting

Atlanta Inter-Orthodox Parish Association Meeting 01/30/2024

 Attendees: Fr. Christos Mars, Fr. Anthony Salzman, Stephen Sarantis, Garrett Klawuhn, Elizabeth Thomas, Gray Yates, Mirjana Milosevic-Brockett, and Johanna Karas

 Opening Prayer offered by Fr. Christos Mars.

 Fr. Christos discussed the 3 upcoming AIOPA events below:

·      Sunday of Orthodoxy—Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Annunciation Cathedral (Details to follow).

o   His Grace Bishop Neophytos of Mt. Kenya will be speaking. He will be fundraising and needs to ask for financial support in our communities. The money raised will be designated for his diocese which will go to help complete the diocesan cathedral, offices, and bishop’s residence. He will be visiting other Orthodox churches in Alabama, North and South Carolina before returning home right before Holy Week. We are excited and look forward to hearing him and helping him complete his fundraising goal.

·      Pentecost Picnic—Saturday, June 22, 2024. Will be hosted by a smaller parish. Looking for parish to host. Please contact Fr. Christos if you are interested!

·      Hosting the Assembly of Bishops—September 28-October 2, 2024

o   55 potential bishops; will need help in picking up bishops and their helpers. Each community will need to contribute. Below is the schedule of events.

§  Friday and Saturday Arrival of Hierarchs/helpers to Atlanta

§  Saturday, September 28 Great Vespers with reception at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church.

§  Sunday, September 29 Divine Liturgy at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation

§  Sunday, September 29 Cultural Event at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

§  Monday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 2 Meetings and Departure from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation

Other Parish Events:

·      St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church

o   Will speak to the YAL of the Annunciation Cathedral on Iconography Project February 8th

·      St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church, Peachtree City

o   Sunday, February 25th Family Get-Together Luncheon

·      Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

o   Drive Thru March 1-3, 2024

·      Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Macon, GA

o   Spring Fling March 9, 2024, 11AM to 7PM

o   17 Annual Central Georgia Greek Festival October 25 to October 27

o   More information to come on the times of the Festival

o   Nothing at this time for the Cross Dive, but more information to come.

Closing prayer offered by Fr. Anthony Salzman

Look forward to our next meeting on February 27, 2024.