Introduction to Orthodoxy
He has shown you, O mortal what is good; and what does the LORD require of you? But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
From its earliest days, the church placed great emphasis on a program of nurture, edification, and catechesis, or instruction in the faith.
Before baptism, converts participate in a year-long process of daily, intense instruction. The process continued for a year thereafter, to insure that each member of the church was a knowledgeable and articulate missionary of the Gospel.
In addition, the church remained ever-mindful of the scriptural admonition to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).
In fidelity to this ancient tradition of the Christian community, our parish endeavors to provide a complete program of religious and cultural instruction for both children and adults.
Learn More About the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church
Ministry Resources
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 »
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.