St Vasilios Endowment Fund

At the sudden passing of a loved one, families are often overwhelmed with grief and many important decisions. In those difficult moments, it can be hard to remember all the people, ministries, and charitable organizations that held special meaning throughout one’s life — even one’s beloved Church. For this reason, we encourage you to think prayerfully now, while preparing your estate plans, about the legacy of faith and generosity you wish to leave behind.

A final offering to the Church, especially through the St. Vasilios Endowment Fund, becomes a lasting legacy—helping to provide for the ministries of our parish in perpetuity. Through this enduring gift, you help sustain our sacred worship, educational programs, philanthropic outreach, and the future mission of St. Vasilios for generations to come.

It is a meaningful way to ensure that the spiritual home you cherish today will continue to flourish and serve others long into the future.

May God bless you abundantly for your generosity, faithfulness, and love for His Church.

Support the Church Endowment Fund: A Legacy of Faith and Giving

 

Your decision to support the Church through a gift to our Endowment Fund ensures that your faith and values will continue to make a meaningful impact for generations to come. Many people wonder if legacy giving is only for the wealthy, but the truth is any gift, large or small, can make a lasting difference.

Common Questions About Leaving a Legacy Gift:

Q: Can someone with modest means leave a gift to the Church?

A: Absolutely! You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. Many individuals designate a portion of their retirement plan, life insurance policy, or assets in their Will. These gifts, regardless of size, help sustain the Church’s mission and create a meaningful legacy.

Q: Do I need to rewrite my entire Will to make a gift?

A: Not at all. You can amend your Will with a simple codicil or name the Church as a beneficiary on your retirement account or life insurance policy. These are easy steps that ensure your intentions are honored without requiring a complete overhaul of your estate plan.

Q: What if I’m unsure about the exact amount to give?

A: Consider leaving a percentage of your estate or the balance of a retirement account. You can also gift specific assets, such as securities, real estate, or other investments, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind.

Q: Are there tax advantages to legacy giving?

A: Yes! Certain assets, like retirement plans, can be heavily taxed when passed to heirs but are tax-advantaged when donated to a nonprofit. Your gift can reduce estate taxes while maximizing the benefit to both your loved ones and the Church.

Q: Can I make a gift while ensuring my financial security?

A: Absolutely. Options like charitable remainder trusts or gift annuities allow you to receive income during your lifetime while leaving a generous gift to the Church. Speak with a financial advisor to explore these opportunities.

Q: What if I don’t have a Will?

A: Even without a Will, you can make a legacy gift. Naming the Church as a beneficiary on your retirement account or life insurance policy is a simple and effective way to ensure your values live on.

Your Legacy, Your Faith

Legacy gifts to the Church Endowment Fund are more than financial contributions—they are acts of faith and love that extend your support for the Church’s mission beyond your lifetime. Every gift counts and helps build a future grounded in faith, service, and community.

For more information or assistance, please contact your local priest, Stewardship Committee, or Planned Giving Committee. Let’s work together to secure the future of our Church for generations to come.

The Endowment Fund is a part of St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church at 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960, an organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has been determined to be recognized as tax- exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c) (3).

Ministry Resources
SUNDAY WEEKLY WORSHIP GUIDE
View our weekly Weekly Sunday Bulletin here. Learn more »
ORTHODOX LIFE: MONTHLY BULLETIN
Archives of the St. Vasilios monthly bulletin Orthodox Life. Learn more »
PARISH MINISTRIES BOOKLET
Information about various ministries at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Learn more »
Orthodox Marketplace
The official online store of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Learn more »
Send an Iconogram
Send a message to a loved one or a friend in celebration of a name day, feast day, or sacrament. Learn more »
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Upcoming Events

Church Calendar - Services & Events > Click Here

Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel

Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.

Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.

 

Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)

Orthros at 8:00 am

Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am

Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy

 

Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations

Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.

Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.

Memorial Services & Kollyva
Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.

Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.