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Sunday Bulletin
July 13, 2025
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40-Day Memorial for the late✝
Anastasia (Tessie) Deffigos
Coffee Fellowship Sponsored in her Memory
1-Year Memorial for the late✝
Helen Legato
Coffee Fellowship Sponsored in her Memory
May their Memory be Eternal!
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Upcoming Events
Thur., July 10, 2025
Senior Lunch
12:30 PM
Sun., July 13, 2025
Divine Liturgy
9:30 AM
Tues., July 15, 2025
Senior Program
12:00 PM
Parish Council Meeting
6:30 PM
Wed., July 16, 2025
Knitters
12:15 PM
OPA-cize
6:30 PM
Sun., July 20, 2025
Divine Liturgy
9:30 AM
Tues., July 22, 2025
Senior Program
12:00 PM
Wed., July 23, 2025
Knitters
12:15 PM
OPA-cize
6:30 PM
Thur., July 24, 2025
Senior Lunch
12:30 PM
Sat., July 26, 2025
Albany City Drop It Swap It
12:00 PM
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Celebrating our graduates, the Class of 2025!
We’re excited to recognize our high school and college graduates in the fall issue of The Testament! If you have a 2025 graduate in your family, please share their information so we can celebrate this milestone together.
Please include the following:
- Graduate’s full name
- School name and level (high school or college)
- Degree and major (for college grads)
- A short bio (max 75 words)
- A photo (optional, but encouraged)
Send submissions to testament@stsophiaalbany.org to be included in the
September/October Testament.
Thank you for helping us honor the Class of 2025!
| | 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. | |
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2025 Stewardship
So many activities. So many programs. Our church offers religious and spiritual guidance, but also a way to “belong” to our heritage and culture. “Stewardship” which is our form of membership is the means by which all the above can happen. If you have not already made your pledge to our church for this year, please do so today. Stewardship commitment cards are available at the information table in the exonarthex or by the church office.
| | It’s a million dollar plus complex — our St. Sophia Church and Community Center. And as such, there are major expenses for maintenance, staffing, repairs, and more. Without your support, these expenses cannot be met. What happens then? We don’t want to lose any part of our church community — the beautiful building, the church services, the programs and activities, the support systems, and the ties to our Greek heritage and to each other. If you have not already done so, please make your 2025 stewardship membership today. Give and give with a thankful heart. And if you have already given, adding on to your pledge is greatly appreciated. We are truly blessed with what we have and who we are. | | Some have a lot. Some have enough to be comfortable. And some struggle to make ends meet. There’s a Food Pantry Collection Box by the coatroom. It’s for those who struggle to provide food and nutrition for their families. Donations are ongoing all year round. Hunger knows no seasonal end. | | Compassion and support are the focus for a seven week program starting this Wednesday on “Grief and Loss”. The group is for those 21 and older and will be offered virtually at 11:30 to 12:30; in-person from 6:30 to 7:30 at 6 Automation Lane (off of Wolf Road). There is a charge of $20 for each session which often qualifies for health insurance reimbursement. For further information call (518) 482-8856 or e-mail: info@jfsneny.org. The clinician for the workshop is Melanie Gabay, LCSW. | | |
July 2025 Calendar
Please click below to view the calendar.
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In Memory
Please click below to donate in their memory to the General Fund.
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Archbishop Elpidophoros Grieves Loss of Life in Central Texas Floods
With a heart weighed down by grief and sorrow, I offer the prayers of the entire Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for the victims of the devastating floods that have brought unspeakable tragedy to Central Texas.
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Official Visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States in September 2025
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne in America, the clergy, and the faithful Orthodox people of the United States will joyfully welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an official visit in September 2025.
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Archdiocese Launches Fundraising Campaign to Support Fire Victims in Los Angeles
In response to the devastation caused by the recent and ongoing fires in Southern California, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, in collaboration with the Metropolis of San Francisco and the National Philoptochos Society, has launched a fundraising campaign to assist Orthodox Christians and others affected by this tragedy. The campaign aims to provide essential resources and support to help families and individuals rebuild their lives.
| | Fellowship? Fun? Important to our faith? Yes, these are the experiences that can be the stepping stones for the future of our faith and of our church. Young people meeting other young people from churches both near and far offers the opportunity to develop “ties” that bind our churches for future efforts. Camp Saint Paul is just one of many such youth programs offered through the Archdiocese. Please click below to see photos of the kids at Camp Saint Paul — having fun, developing friendships, sharing our faith. | | A heartfelt thank you to Maria Stephanopoulos for this incredible video she created and donated, beautifully capturing the unforgettable visit of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros to Camp Saint Paul. Your talent and generosity preserved a moment of grace, joy, and unity with our Spiritual father that we will treasure forever. What a gift to witness our campers and staff walking in faith and love through your lens. Thank you, Maria, for telling our story with such heart. | | The energy, love, and unity of our young adult Camp Saint Paul staff is unmatched…fueling every moment with joy, faith, and purpose. This team is the heart of the camp, and their dedication makes all the difference! | | Community Hospice of the Capital Region offers a free camp to children who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Please see the flyer below for campers. We are also seeking potential volunteers to be trained and assist us for this special event in the Adirondacks in September. For more information, please e-mail Christina King at Christina.King@sphp.com. | | |
This Summer, use your time and talents to make a difference in communities impacted by natural disasters. Join an Action Team!
No experience required! Training for specific projects will be provided. Learn more and sign up below.
| | Sign up below to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's free Orthodox Observer newsletter for exclusive Holy Week content and more | | |
St. Sophia Philoptochos Society will be hosting a Café at the Shaker Doll Show at our Church on September 20, 2025. This event is well received by the Doll Show vendors and visitors. Last year we brought in over $1,300. Our Café offers: Greek Salad: plain or with chicken, hot dogs: plain or with Chili, Spanakopita and Greek pastries.
Hopefully our dedicated team will be available to prepare our Spanakopita and Rice pudding. Any donations of baklava are greatly appreciated. Thank you for the support to our St. Sophia Philoptochos Society. With the proceeds of the Shaker Doll Show we will be able to continue to support the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York BackPack Program.
If you would like to donate or volunteer for our café on September 20, a few generous parishioners make all the difference. Donations in the past have proven to cover most, if not all our expenses. Please contact Shalyn Docous at (518) 669-8081. Thank you.
| | Please click below to view some of the photos from the Greek Festival. If a person would like their photo sent to them please e-mail theodosiahopephotography@gmail.com to receive it. Thank you! | | | | |
Provide Your Feedback: The New Orthodox Observer Website
The Department of Communications is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a new website dedicated exclusively to Orthodox Observer news and media. Coming in September, the site will build on the legacy of the printed Orthodox Observer and our digital newsletter, which continues to grow, thanks to the feedback and inspiration our readers shared ahead of our recent redesign.
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Now Hiring: Part-Time Social Media Coordinator – Archdiocesan District
The Archdiocese District is seeking a creative, organized, and passionate individual to serve as a Part-Time Social Media Coordinator. This role will oversee the planning, content creation, posting, and monitoring of all social media accounts affiliated with the District, highlighting the vibrant ministries, events, and life of the Church across our parishes.
Responsibilities include:
• Managing and updating the District’s official social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
• Creating and scheduling engaging and appropriate content (graphics, videos, photos, stories, reels)
• Promoting upcoming events, services, and messages from the Archbishop and Chancellor
• Coordinating with clergy, parishes, and ministries to amplify their work through digital storytelling
• Monitoring analytics and engagement metrics for improvement and reach
Qualifications:
• Experience in social media management or digital communications
• Strong visual and written communication skills
• Understanding of the ethos and life of the Greek Orthodox Church
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, with attention to detail
• Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and scheduling platforms (e.g., Buffer, Later)
This is a part-time, flexible position that offers the opportunity to be part of an inspiring mission while using your creative talents in service to the Church. It is a remote position as an Independent Contractor. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Some travel will be required.
To apply or inquire, please email your resume and any relevant work samples to:
kstaten@goarch.org
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July/August 2025
Please click below to view the current issue of the Testament including Fr. Pat's Insights, Parish Council, Youth Ministries and more!
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Light a Candle
Light a candle for health or in memory of a loved one.
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Coffee Hour
Please support St. Sophia by sponsoring coffee fellowship for memorials. Please click the button below.
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Cookbook
For making and tasting traditional Greek recipes compiled by our Ladies Philoptochos, pick up a copy of “Treasured Greek Recipes”. In its 9th printing, the book has gained an appreciative audience over the years. The price is $20 for each book; $5 more to ship it anywhere in the U.S. See Maria Sokaris or call the church office. (The easy recipe for Paximathia, better known as Greek biscotti, is worth the price alone.) Note: Also makes for a unique hostess gift.
| | In the Footsteps of Faith: A Christian Pilgrimage from Constantinople to Armenia | | |
SPACES STILL AVAILABLE: Celebrate the Liturgical New Year and Explore Armenia with Archbishop Elpidophoros!
The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America are delighted to announce their first joint pilgrimage to Constantinople-Nicaea and Armenia in 2025. This momentous journey, taking place from August 29–September 8, will commemorate the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea—a pivotal moment in Christian history that established the Nicene Creed as a foundational confession of the Christian faith shared by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Led by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and His Grace Mesrop Parsamyan, pilgrims will embark on a profound journey of faith and discovery.
Highlights of the Pilgrimage:
* Constantinople: Experience the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the center of Eastern Orthodoxy, and celebrate the feast of the Indiction (the beginning of the ecclesiastical year). Visit iconic landmarks such as the Theological School of Halki, Hagia Sophia, and more. Discover the Armenian Patriarchate in Constantinople and learn about its rich history.
* Nicaea (modern-day İznik): Explore the ancient city where the Council convened, a site of immense historical and theological significance.
* Armenia: Visit the Matenadaran Ancient Depository, the Khor Virab Monastery, and the Areni Cave. Experience the beauty of Lake Sevan and the Sevan Monastery, and attend Divine Liturgy at Holy Etchmiadzin.
This extraordinary experience will allow participants to delve into the spiritual and historical heritage of both the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Armenian Apostolic Church while celebrating the rich legacy of the First Ecumenical Council.
Space is Limited!
Early registration is strongly encouraged. For inquiries and reservations, please contact Cloud Tours at (718) 721-3808 or email stephen@cloudtours.com. Detailed information regarding costs, travel arrangements, and accommodations will be provided upon request.
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Pilgrimage of Discovery
On April 11, 2025, Pilgrimage of Discovery announced its 2025 recipients. The 16 young adults selected, representing each Metropolis, will embark on a trip of a lifetime to Constantinople this summer, exploring sacred sites, deepening their faith, and strengthening their connection to the Church.
The Pilgrimage of Discovery, funded by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is a transformational program dedicated to sending Orthodox Christian young adults to Constantinople each year to learn about Orthodoxy, our Patriarchate, the history of the Church, the challenges facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the experience of the remaining Orthodox people living in Asia Minor and other important priorities. This rewarding experience helps participants better connect to their religious tradition and understand the relevance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as they prepare to lead the Orthodox Church in the future. This immersive journey creates a lasting impact on identity, faith, family, community and culture and helps secure the continuity of the Orthodox Church from a grassroots level.
| | 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.
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Camp Saint Paul Welcomes Visit of Archbishop Elpidophoros
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America made a deeply inspiring visit on July 1, 2025 to Camp Saint Paul in Litchfield, Connecticut, the camping ministry of the Archdiocesan District. Now in its twentieth year, Camp Saint Paul welcomed 185 campers for His Eminence's visit to Session 2 and over sixty-five dedicated young adult staff members for a summer of spiritual growth, fellowship, and joyful service to Christ. The Archbishop was greeted with enthusiasm and love as he spent time with the campers, joined in meals, and offered his paternal blessings to all in addition to gifting a visit from the ice-cream truck for all campers and staff.
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