Sunday Bulletin

May 10, 2026

Sunday, May 10

Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am

Today we commemorate

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

Simon the Zealot & Apostle

Laurence of Egypt

Isodora of Egypt

Click below to read today's scripture

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

6-Month Memorial for the late✝

Panagiota Kontos

Coffee Fellowship Sponsored in her Memory

2-Year Memorial for the late✝

Michael Trigonis

3-Year Memorial for the late✝

Angela Trigonis

Coffee Fellowship Sponsored in their Memory

May their Memory be Eternal!

Watch our live-streaming services here:

Honoring Fr. Pat: Celebrating 37 Years of Faithful Service

Join Us June 7, 2026

At the conclusion of our Palm Sunday service, Fr. Pat shared with us that, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, he will be concluding his 37-year ministry as Proistamenos (presiding priest) of St. Sophia on June 30.

While this moment is bittersweet, we are grateful that Fr. Pat is able to conclude his ministry at St. Sophia in a way he had thoughtfully and prayerfully desired. His spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and unwavering commitment to our community have shaped St. Sophia in lasting and meaningful ways. We are also deeply grateful for Presbytera Eva, whose support and presence have been a meaningful part of our parish life.

We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating and expressing gratitude for Fr. Pat, Presbytera Eva and their family’s many contributions to St. Sophia. The luncheon is open to everyone, and we kindly request that you RSVP by June 1, either online or in person during coffee hour following church services on Sunday. While a suggested donation of $50 for adults and $30 for children is appreciated, please give what you can. All proceeds will be used to purchase a gift in honor of Fr. Pat.

Due to the Greek Festival, there will be no classes, meetings, or other activities this week.

2026 Stewardship Pledge Campaign

Welcome to the miracle of the Resurrection. "Christ is risen" and there is hope and faith to carry us through the coming year. Remember. The church is here for this celebration but also for the many Sundays and Feast Days of church services throughout the year because we, as ordinary people, face challenges and stressful times and we need the strength we find in our

faith. Of course, we also want to celebrate the blessings in our lives. Baptisms, weddings, and even farewells to loved ones. So much our church offers. If you have not already done so, please make a commitment today to be a steward , a "caretaker" of our church with a pledge of your support. Complete the 2026 green stewardship cards found on the information tables. Or go online. Or call the church office and make a credit card payment over the phone.

Now Hiring: Part-Time Church Sexton (Neokoros)

Our parish is seeking a reliable and dedicated individual to serve as a part-time Church Sexton (Neokoros). Responsibilities include preparing the church for services, maintaining cleanliness and order within the sanctuary, and assisting clergy as needed. This is a meaningful opportunity to support the worship life of our community. If interested or for more information, please contact: pcpresident@stsophiaalbany.org.

May 2026 Calendar

Please click below to view the calendar.

THE TESTAMENT

It’s May! And our annual big festival is next weekend!!! Party time. Indoor dining. Outdoor dining. Homemade pastry. Loukoumathes. Live music. Young folk dancers. Gorgeous costumes. Unique vendors. And, of course, lots of fun and gaiety! If you haven’t signed up to volunteer, please do so. See Festival Chair Peter Melas or a chair or call the church office. Also, you can buy your presale admission tickets today. Due to the increase in prices everywhere, admission tickets are five dollars at the door this year. But, you can purchase a packet of ten tickets for $30. And then share them with friends, coworkers, neighbors, the mailman, and anyone who needs a smile. Note: This offer is only available in person, not online. Today is the last day for this special purchase. Tickets are also available online for $4 or a Family Pack of 4 for $15. And for some free publicity, grab a colorful festival flyer to tape to the rear left window of your car. Visible festival PR every time you stop in a parking lot.

Outreach & Welcome Ministry - St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church



As part of our ongoing desire to receive all who enter with warmth, clarity, and Christ-centered hospitality, St. Sophia is strengthening our Outreach & Welcome Ministry. Beginning this spring, we are looking for volunteers of all stages in their faith to join and assist with this effort. All are encouraged to partake, from young catechumens to lifelong community members.

Committee volunteers will greet newcomers, establishing a first point of connection for everyone who enters our church, and ensuring all are warmly invited to light a candle and enter into prayer. Improved signage throughout the church will also assist first-time visitors in navigating the space with ease.

Additionally, a dedicated Welcome Table will be staffed each week during coffee hour by members of the Outreach Committee. These volunteers will be available to establish community, answer questions, and just converse, helping newcomers feel at home as they become acquainted with parish life.

A rotating sign-up (2–4 volunteers per week) will allow many in our community to share in this ministry of presence. Above all, our mission is simple: May we continue to grow in Christ’s love for one another and for those whom God sends to our doors. To join, please complete the sign up form below.

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 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.

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.

What does it mean to serve as a delegate to the Clergy-Laity Congress? Congress Co-Chairs John and Effie Trihas reflect on the responsibility and privilege of representing your parish at the national gathering of our Archdiocese. Delegates bring the experiences, insights, and hopes of their communities, contributing to conversations that guide the life and mission of the Church.

What can participants expect when they arrive in Cleveland? His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, offers a preview of the rhythm of the Clergy-Laity Congress, from the opening gatherings and ministry sessions to the Orthodox Marketplace, the Congress Conversations, and opportunities for fellowship. At the center of it all will be our shared life of worship, including the celebration of the Divine Liturgy together during the Congress itself.

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

Admission $5 per day

Buy tickets online and SAVE! $4 Daily Admission or Family 4 pack for $15.

Visit our AGORA Marketplace and shop from over 30 Local Vendors!

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. Weeks 4 and 5 are open. 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).

ATTENTION: PARISHIONERS OF ST. BASIL, ST. GEORGE & ST. SOPHIA

An important initiative to record and preserve the historical memory of Hellenism in the United States is underway! The Ottoman Greeks of the US Digital History Project (OGUS), under the guidance of Dr. Yiorgo Topalidis, will be in Troy on Wednesday, May 13th & Thursday, May 14th. 

On Wednesday, Dr. Topalidis will be giving a lecture on the "Ottoman Greek Migration to Albany".  

On Thursday, the team aims to collect oral testimonies from descendants of Greek refugees and immigrants from Turkey. The project focuses on immigrant families who arrived in the United States between 1900 and 1930 — a critical period marked by persecution, Genocide, and the Population Exchange.

WHO should participate:

Descendants of immigrants from the following areas:

• Anatolia (Asia Minor)
• Cappadocia
• Eastern Thrace
• The islands of the Propontis (Sea of Marmara)
• Imbros and Tenedos
• Pontos

WHAT:

The interview process lasts an average of one hour and fifty minutes. Participants may choose between video or audio recording.

WHERE:

St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church

Thomas G. Cholakis AHEPA Conference Room

WHEN:

Thursday, May 14th

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

WHY:

This is a wonderful opportunity to record and preserve your family history for future generations. It will also help the OGUS project advance research on the history of Hellenism in the United States.

HOW:

Scan the QR code on the flyer below, or contact:

Dr. Yiorgo Topalidis

Email: ytopalidis@flagler.edu

Phone: (727) 207-0623

If booking electronically, be sure to specify May 14th as your interview date.

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.

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

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date!