Orthodox Life

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Weston, MA

Mission and Programs

 Purpose

Orthodox Life is the adult educational and spiritual enrichment ministry of the St. Demetrios parish.  The focus of Orthodox Life is to provide opportunities for increasing one’s knowledge and understanding of Scripture, Church History, the teachings and life of the Orthodox Church, and to nurture the individual and corporate spiritual life of the community.  Through Bible study, religious education classes, workshops, retreats, special lectures, book club, and other activities, Orthodox Life seeks to meet the spiritual and educational needs of the parish and its members. 

Programs

 Most programs will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm throughout the year and will be held in either the Board Room or the Library.  Programs do not run concurrently.  One program will be held for four or five Tuesdays followed by another program for a similar period of time for the following four or more Tuesdays. Participants are not required to have previous knowledge of the Orthodox faith or Scripture.  All individuals are invited to participate.

Bible Study

The study of the word of God is a fundamental part of the Christian life.  Bible Study will be devoted to reading and understanding the books of the New Testament.  All that is required of participants is an open heart!  The Orthodox Study Bible is recommended as a useful tool, but not necessary. 

Orthodoxy 101

A series of mini-courses devoted to a particular them or topic.  Courses run from 4 to 6 weeks and focus on basic themes of Orthodox Church life and history.  This year’s course offerings will include, among other topics: (1) The Sunday Gospels, (2) The Orthodox Spiritual Life, and (3) The Worship Cycle and Services of the Orthodox Church.  Parishioners may attend as many or as few of the courses as they like.

St. Demetrios Lecture Series

A lecture series bringing experts on the life, practice, theology, and history of the Orthodox Church.

Spiritual Renewal Retreats

Periodic retreats for spiritual renewal and growth.  A one-day Christmas Advent retreat is being planned for the first weekend in December.

Book Club

The reading of a book chosen for its spiritual or historical value for Orthodox Christians.  Participants are expected to purchase the book, complete reading assignments, and be open for discussion of the book’s contents.