News

Seattle’s Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church through its recently established Philoxenia House Ministry now provides temporary housing opportunities for individuals and families traveling to Seattle for outpatient cancer treatments at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Seattle […]\nThe post St. Demetrios Church in Seattle offers housing for medical visitors through Philoxenia House Ministry appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

How does a saint become recognized as a saint? Seeking to answer this question, Char Mansfield and Byron Walker are working to recover the memory of a woman whose holiness was once praised by Christ […]\nThe post Scholars are aiming to canonize the woman they call ‘Kenosia’ appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

Yesterday, January 20, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered his blessing and presided over the cutting of the Vasilopita for the Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos, marking the beginning of the new year with prayer, […]\nThe post Abp. Elpidophoros presides over Vasilopita-cutting for Archdiocesan District Philoptochos appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

Sunday night, the Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) presented accolades to the top dance groups, costumers, and directors from the weekend’s festivities at a highly-anticipated award ceremony. The national dance competition, drawing 3,000 participants from over […]\nThe post HDF concludes weekend with award ceremony, new GOARCH dance ministry announced appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s National Ministries are 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 be integrated […]\nThe post Office of National Ministries launches ‘Diakonia’ weekly bulletin appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

(NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA) — His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America issued the following statement via social media platforms: “On this day honoring the memory of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us ask […]\nThe post Archbishop Elpidophoros issues statement on Martin Luther King Day 2026 appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

As the competition at the Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) came to a head, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America spoke to clergy about the spiritual value of dance, music, and fellowship.  “There is a spiritual […]\nThe post Dances and fellowship have ‘spiritual value,’ Archbishop Elpidophoros says at HDF appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

On January 16, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana for Hellenic Dance Festival’s 25th annual competition showcasing the beauty of traditional Greek folk dancing and music. He was greeted […]\nThe post Hellenic Dance Festival in full swing as Archbishop Elpidophoros arrives appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

The horns of a brass band breached the doors of a New Orleans ballroom as excitement mounted at the opening ceremony of the Metropolis of Atlanta’s 25th Hellenic Dance Festival. Following a drumline, one of […]\nThe post This year’s Hellenic Dance Fest has a cajun kick appeared first on Orthodox Observer.

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has conferred its highest honorary distinction—the “Saint Demetrios” Emblem—upon His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America. The award, bearing the image of the city’s patron saint, was presented during a […]\nThe post Aristotle University of Thessaloniki bestows highest honor on Abp. Demetrios appeared first on Orthodox Observer.