Sunday Bulletin

April 5, 2026

Sunday, April 5

Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am

Today we commemorate

Palm Sunday 

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, Pappias, Nicephorus, and Serapion 

Theodora the Righteous of Thessaloniki

Agathopodes and Theodulos the Martyrs

Click below to read today's scripture

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Watch our live-streaming services here:

On behalf of Fr. Pat, Fr. Dennis, our Parish Council, the altar boys, the choir, our many organizations and staff, we wish everyone a blessed Easter. Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen!

2026 Stewardship Pledge Campaign

 “Caring about your church and, thusly, taking care of your church.” That is what stewardship means. It used to be called your “pledge” or your “dues”, but it really reflects a deep commitment to your church. Now, at the beginning of a new year, we ask that everyone take time to reflect on their stewardship commitment to St. Sophia and to do so with gratitude for it is your support that will keep our church vibrant and growing. Please know that stewardship commitments may be made online, in person, by mail, or by phone with a credit card. To pledge online, click below. Here’s to a year of love and faith.

April 2026 Calendar

Please click below to view the calendar.

BI-MONTHLY TESTAMENT

Photo Gallery

Please click below to view the new Photo Gallery on our website! There are recent events including Sunday of the Holy Cross, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and GOYA at UAlbany Basketball Game.

Good Friday Luminaries

On Good Friday, the path of the Epitaphio procession is lined with “Luminarias”, small candles shining through a “cross cutout” encased in a white paper sac. Messages to departed loved ones are written on the outside of the bag. They are available to purchase today or during the week. You will find them on a table in the breezeway. The price is $10.  

Greek School Baking Koulourakia

In observance of Holy Week, there will be no classes, meetings, or other activities this week.

Holy Week offers us the opportunity to follow the trials and tribulations of Jesus starting with His celebratory procession of Palm Sunday, the days of foreboding, the tragedy of His Crucifixion, the days of mourning, and finally the day of the glorious and triumphant Resurrection. There are twelve services this week followed by the Agape Service next Sunday. To better appreciate the depth of each of these services, we have the “Holy Week Service Book” which has both the English and Greek translations for each. The book is available at the Pangari. The cost is $35 per book.

Donations for the Angelo Bousbouras Recovery Fund are still being collected. The road to recovery from his accident presents itself as a very long and tedious journey. Checks may be made out to Philoptochos with a memo that it is for Angelo’s recovery. Note: All monies will be forwarded to Andrea Bousbouras for their many expenses. Philoptochos does not charge administrative fees for its fundraising programs.

The Pontos Society is accepting new members! New members are welcome! Pontian heritage is not a pre-requisite!! Please contact Stephanie Vasilakos, President at spippo23@aol.com with any questions. The next meeting will be held at St. Basil’s on Sunday, March 15 following liturgy! The Pontian Genocide Memorial will also be held at St. Basil’s on Sunday, May 17th. A fall Pontian Dance will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at St. Basil’s! Details will follow.

There are neighborhoods that, over the passage of time, have just happened to evolve as a “high density senior neighborhoods.” There’s one such neighborhood around our church roughly from Route 85 to Academy Road to Western Avenue. NNORC--Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community is a state-wide program often in partnership with non-profits that coordinate a broad range of health and social services to help support older residents to age, and to age well, in their own homes. St. Sophia is one of several partners in this area. At the present time, two programs of NNORC are held here. One is the Chair Yoga/Nia exercise program for seniors with limited mobility. It provides beneficial and gentle aerobics. The class meets every Tuesday at 11 am. The other is a book club that meets here once a month for discussion and friendships. And there is a bi-monthly newsletter as well as emails that lists upcoming programs, outings, and classes, as well as articles on health and wellness. See the listing of current offerings on our bulletin board. For further information, call (518) 516-1114 or got to nnorc@jfsneny.org.

Donations for the Epitaphios Fund are still being accepted. Also, donations for lily plants are being accepted either by phone, e-mail, or in person in the church office.

Need some good recipes for Lent? In addition to 194 pages of our favorite Greek recipes our Philoptochos cookbook, “Treasured Greek Recipes” has a nice selection of Lenten dishes. These recipes are marked with a cross to signify that they are foods for fasting. Dishes that are delicious and healthy. “Tourlou, Tourlou” (Oven roasted vegetables), “Spanakoriso” (Spinach and Rice), “Garithes Pilaffi” (Shrimp with Rice), “Nistisimo Cake (Lenten Coffee Cake). And for Easter itself, “Tsoureki” (Sweet Easter Bread). Cookbooks are available in the church office. The price is $20 per book. Also makes a nice little gift for friends and family.

The Food Pantry truck came and emptied our food collection box. (It was a good collection!) That food and household supplies will be distributed to the many neighborhood food pantries in our area to help those with limited incomes. With your donations, our collection continues to be a successful yearlong project.

Families with children who are temporarily homeless. Our local Family Promise, a national non- profit, has partnered with congregations of different faiths to provide rotational shelter space and meals for a weeklong hosting site. Prior to COVID, St. Sophia was actively involved in this program. Fr. Pat and former coordinators are now looking to restart the program. First and foremost is to develop a listing of volunteers who could volunteer at least one or two shifts during the host week--doing a meal prep, being an overnight staffer, setting up or breaking down of sleeping areas, or simply visiting with the family for an hour or two. See Peter Melas or Dina Fisher during the coffee fellowship.

Kenya. New Zealand. Mexico. Fiji. OCMC, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, invites individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds, including teachers, healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, and retirees, to participate in missionary work. There are a wide range of opportunities for sharing our faith and also serving communities with limited resources. Visit the OCMC website below to view these many options in countries around the world.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America invites the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to gather for the 2026 Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland. Reflecting on the theme Rise & Build, he shares the vision for this Congress as a moment to listen to the voices of our parishes, discern the needs of our Church, and build the future of Orthodox ministry together.

Congress Co-Chairs John and Effie Trihas welcome the Archdiocese to Cleveland for the 2026 Clergy-Laity Congress. From meaningful sessions and fellowship to unforgettable gatherings across the city, Cleveland will be the place where our Church family comes together to pray, learn, and build the future of parish life.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the newly established National Greek Folk Dance and Cultural Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Discount parishioner tickets are 10 for $30. Presale tickets will be available. More information to come.

Religion and tradition. Holy Week begins today with Palm Sunday services and in keeping with tradition, everyone is invited to attend the annual Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately following church services. The menu includes baked haddock with a lemon/wine sauce, roasted potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, and dessert. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth age 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are still available. Proceeds will benefit the youth scholarship program. It’s a special day to share with family and friends.

Camp Saint Paul 2026

Good news about a fun-filled youth program sponsored by the Archdiocese. Camp Saint Paul is set to offer another summer filled with faith, fellowship, and unforgettable memories. The camp will welcome youth from across our Archdiocesan District to experience the joy of our Greek Orthodox Christian community. Registration dates for Camp Saint Paul 2026 are now available and began on February 28 at noon. Note: Spots are limited and may fill up quickly. Please click below to view the presentation by Georgia and Angelina.

Greek Jersey Night at Yankee Stadium – Archbishop Elpidophoros Throws the First Pitch! Join Us in Supporting Camp St. Paul

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is proud to host a special fundraising event in support of Camp Saint Paul which will be an evening designed to bring the Greek American community together in celebration of our faith, heritage, and unity.

Greek Jersey Night benefitting Camp Saint Paul will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Yankee Stadium, one of the most iconic venues in the world. This unforgettable evening will showcase the pride, spirit, and vibrant culture of the Greek American community while supporting the life-changing ministry of Camp Saint Paul.

We are especially honored that our very own Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, marking this historic gathering of faith, fellowship, and Greek pride.

All tickets purchased exclusively through the official event link will include a limited-edition Greek Yankees Jersey, created especially for this event—making it a night of fellowship, celebration, and Greek pride you won’t want to miss.



*Only tickets bought through the Official Link below qualify you for a Greek Yankees Jersey.

Directions for All GOA Parishes and Groups:

Step 1: Click on the official link below then click "Get Tickets" then Select your Section and Seats and Click the Continue Button 

Step 2: Select your Jersey Size and Then Write in your Church or Organization Name in the Top Right for "Group Name" 

Step 3: When you finalize your purchase, use the "Invite Friends" Button to generate a link specific for your Church or Organization. 

Step 4: Make sure to post the Attached Poster on your Bulletin, Church Newsletter, Email it out, and share via text and social media pages.

All supporters will also be seated together, creating a powerful and unified atmosphere throughout the stadium.

One of the day’s highlights will be a special VIP on-field experience, where Greek Youth participants will march on the field and proudly present our very own “Greek Parade” inside Yankee Stadium, a historic moment for the Greek American community.

We look forward to showcasing our pride and supporting our hometown team together on this unforgettable day!

Study in Greece!

Please take a look at this opportunity for our children to study in Greece with high quality and at a cost convenient for the family budget.

Semester of Faith

The Semester of Faith program makes it possible for students from other colleges to study at Hellenic College. Students enrolled in the program continue to earn credits toward their bachelor’s degrees while also exploring their faith more deeply through theological study and daily worship on our campus. Semester of Faith students are welcome and encouraged to participate in all other dimensions of our Hellenic College community as well.

2026 CrossRoad Summer Program

CrossRoad Summer is a 10-day Orthodox formational experience for high school juniors and seniors, designed to help them cultivate a lifelong commitment to Christ and His Church. Since 2004, hundreds of teens have participated in this transformative program, rooted in the rich theological and spiritual tradition of Orthodox Christianity.

Throughout the program, participants engage in academic learning, authentic community life, traditional spiritual practices, and vocational exploration—all aimed at helping them make meaningful life decisions and live as faithful, engaged Orthodox Christians. The CrossRoad faculty and staff are deeply committed to fostering a safe, nurturing environment where young people can ask honest questions, explore their faith, and grow together in Christ.

In the summer of 2026, 128 high school juniors and seniors from across the United States will have the opportunity to participate. Please click below for more information and to apply. May God continue to bless this beautiful ministry. Four sessions will be offered across three locations:

CrossRoad Summer 2026 Sessions

• Session 1 – Seniors Only (Boston, MA): June 6–16, 2026
• Session 2 (Boston, MA): June 20–30, 2026
• Session 3 (Southern California): June 22–July 2, 2026
• Session 4 (New York): July 6–16, 2026

Diakonia: A New Weekly Bulletin to Enrich Parish Life 

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is launching an exciting new initiative to strengthen parish ministry and deepen the spiritual life of the faithful: the Diakonia Weekly Bulletin. Diakonia’s content can integrated seamlessly into existing parish publishing efforts or even used as a stand-alone bulletin supplement. 

Diakonia, which means “ministry” in Greek, was developed in response to a request from the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC) for high quality, weekly parish bulletin content. Funded through a generous grant from Leadership 100, Diakonia represents a significant expansion of the Archdiocese’s widely used Bulletin Builder platform. 

An Idea from our Clergy 

For years, clergy and parish administrators have benefited from using Bulletin Builder to streamline the creation of print and digital parish bulletins while saving countless hours and reducing administrative burdens. Yet, one challenge persisted: providing consistent, high-quality, spiritually enriching and educational content for the faithful wrapped in a beautiful design.

Recognizing this need, the APC partnered with the Archdiocesan National Ministries to create a solution that would deliver impactful content every week with ‘point-and-click’ ease. The additional aim was to deliver the theological expertise of our Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology directly into the hands of the faithful each week. 

What’s Inside Diakonia?

Each week, Diakonia will have weekly sections consisting of: 

• Scriptural Meditation: A brief reflection on a theme from the Sunday Gospel or Epistle that will provide readers with greater insight and life application. 

• Insight from the Biblical Greek: A meditation on the original Greek word from the original biblical text, illuminating not only its historical and theological significance, but its implication in the Christian life. 

• Church History Spotlight: A feature that ties the local parish experience to the broader Orthodox Christian tradition. 

• Our Faith in Action: Educational insight on the Orthodox Christian faith and traditions, making the Orthodox faith real at home, and expressions of our Orthodox Christian faith in action. 
  
• Children’s Activity: Fun and engaging content for youth and the young at heart. 

Supporting Parish Ministry 

Diakonia is poised to transform parish communications and ministry. By providing ready-to-use, high-quality content, it frees clergy and administrators from the time-consuming task of sourcing material, allowing them to focus on pastoral care and outreach. For parishioners, it offers consistent, meaningful engagement with Scripture, tradition, and practical faith applications —strengthening their connection to Christ and His Church. 

Moreover, Diakonia reinforces the visibility of Holy Cross Seminary, creating a tangible link between academic theology and everyday parish life. This initiative reflects the Archdiocese’s commitment to equipping ministry leaders and building up the body of Christ (cf. Ephesians 4:12).

We are excited to announce the 2026 Pilgrimage to Pontos led by His Grace Bishop Andonios from September 17-28. Pontos membership is not a prerequisite to participate. The flyer and registration form can be found below.

Choir

We need singers in all sections of the choir. All music is provided, and Greek is written in English phonetics. You will not only be singing but Choir members play an essential role in enhancing worship services. Their contributions help create a meaningful and memorable experience for the entire congregation. Please contact Harry Ermides via text or call at (518) 573-7003.

Greek Language & Culture Academy

The Greek Language & Culture Academy for children ages pre-school through high school is in session. Registration is ongoing. If you have any questions, please

e-mail greeklanguageacademy@stsophiaalbany.org.

Please use one form per child and submit the required $350. Registration and payment can also be done in person at the church. Payment includes tuition, books and activity fees for the year and should be submitted online or by check payable to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church with Greek School on the memo line.

Aimed for high school students and adults, Modern Greek 101 Language and Culture classes are in session. There will be fifteen two-hour classes in person here at St. Sophia focusing on basic socializing and communication skills as well as understanding some of the history and the culture of Greek food, music and dancing. The spring semester ends June 4. Tuition is $350. For further information e-mail greeklanguageacademy@stsophiaalbany.org.

GOARCH opens 2026-2027 undergraduate, graduate scholarships

In the previous academic year, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America awarded nearly $1,000,000 in scholarship assistance to deserving students and youth across the country.

Albany Maritime Ministry

The Albany Maritime Ministry is seeking volunteers to welcome seafarers who dock at the Port of Albany. Most of these seafarers have been at sea for many months facing numerous hardships--separation from families, loneliness, dangerous weather conditions, human rights violations, and, from time to time, threats of actual piracy. A shopping trip to a Walmart's is a special outing for these men. The Ministry has a van for transportation but volunteer drivers are needed to take them to the store and then bring them back when finished. For further information, see Shalyn Docous. Volunteer applications are also available at the information table.

Solicitations

Solicitations of any kind are not allowed anywhere on Church property without

Parish Council approval.

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Sophia is a parish under the spiritual and ecclesiastical shepherding of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

Ecumenical Patriarchate

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