June has been a month of remarkable progress in the construction of our new church building. The steel skeleton is nearly covered, the domes will shortly be in place, and by all accounts it is really starting to "look like a church." We look forward to further progress throughout the summer. Throughout the coming monthsl, all of our parishioners, neighbors and friends are invited to come by often and see what's new at the construction site.

Each June, we mark the accomplishments of all our Church School students with a recognition ceremony; this year, our children even treated us to several beautiful hymns! Following graduation, our parish council offered a new fundraising event: "GYRO-TO-GO." By all accounts, the lunch was delicious, and we are grateful to our council members for their efforts--and to all those who supported this important fundraiser for our ministries and programs.

Our 20th annual tournament was held at the Woodlawn Golf Club. It was a "sell out" and huge success--we are very thankful to our benefactors, tee sponsors, players, auction item donors and volunteers for their time and generosity. In addition, everyone had a wonderful time: new friends were made and old friendships were renewed. See you next year!

With a spirit of community and outreach, our St. Demetrios Greek dancers kicked off 2012 at the annual Fiske Elementary Multicultural Festival in Wellesley. Our youth met new people, shared traditions and made a wonderful offering of their time and talent to all present. We are proud of them all!

This year's event was more creative and fun than ever. Some truly amazing houses were constructed and decorated, and the Christmas music and treats completed the wonderful scene. Perhaps most importantly, friends old and new spent time together, building bonds that we hope will last and last. See you next year!

We are blessed with an active, vibrant seniors' ministry at our parish. They gather throughout the year for worship, guest-speaker engagements, holiday activites, site-seeing trips and more. Here are highlights from our November "Liturgy & Luncheon" event--a good time was had by all!

To kick off our 2010-11 program, Eric Landry joined us for some story-time with our HOPE/JOY group and some heart-to-heart discussion with our GOYAns and parents. Eric played with the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers and currently serves as a strength coach with the Patriots. He came, specifically, to engage our families and parishioners on the topic of "teamwork." He did an amazing job connecting this concept to our faith community, and was generous, thoughtful and kind with our children. What more could we ask for?

The ground-breaking ceremony for our new sanctuary was full of excitement and expectation. There was also a strong sense of thanksgiving to the generations before us, those who worked so hard for our St. Demetrios family. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios led us, and it was wonderful when he invited the children of our Church School to grab a shovel and break ground along with the adults! We are thankful to all those who worked so hard to plan this important day for our parish.

This year, we were blessed to have His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios with us. It was a truly beautiful experience. With faith and love, we sang the Lamentations and looked forward to the Resurrection of our Lord. We are thankful to all our parishioners for helping to make this evening so powerful.

During our March Family Night, we hosted the first annual "God Given Gifts Talent Show." It was an opportunity for our youth to share the gifts God gave them with our community. Judging by the remarkable talent displayed in the hall that night, we need to plan another show in 2012!

This year, the children of our Church School reminded us of the true meaning of the season with their pageant. Through readings, songs, beautiful costumes and thoughtful actions, the story of the Nativity was retold in an unforgettable way. Many thanks to our pageant organizers, teachers, parents and, of course, our children for their efforts!

Our seniors recently enjoyed an afternoon of music and holiday festivities at the Sherborn Inn. The lunch was great but the company was even better. Our Senior Guild continues to be one of our most energetic and adventurous ministry groups.

Each December, we gather for dinner, fun and--the main event--gingerbread house making. Over 200 parishioners and friends joined us this year. This is our messiest event by far, but one of our favorites!

This year, we once again celebrated God's creation and recognized the importance of all His creatures. Dogs, cats and a host of other furry friends were blessed, and we once again got to welcome Cappy and Mighty Mouse from the Middlesex Sheriff's Office. Thanks to all for joining us!

Faith, Friends and Fun! That's the mantra of Family Night at St. Demetrios. October's event was no exception. After spending some time in Church with Fr. Nick and Fr. Alex, we enjoyed a great dinner and fun word-search. Later, we worked on a special outreach project and learned about Chesterbrook Learning Center in Waltham. To help with their special mission, we also collected over 700 units of juice and water. Thanks to all for their generosity.

Each year our Philoptochos members take a solemn pledge to labor diligently for the Gospel and to further the life-changing ministries of this vital philanthropic group. Following the pledge, our ladies also presented Dorothea Ocnos with the "Agape Award," in recognition of her 27-year leadership in the Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen. Congratulations to all!

This year our annual Welcome Back BBQ was also the setting of a GOYA Carwash/Fundraiser. With the support of our community, our GOYAns raised over $1,000! Plus, our cars have never looked better. Thanks to all for their support of this event, and we all enjoyed spending time together at the delicious BBQ.

As an extension of our regular Church School program, each year St. Demetrios offers a summer experience not to be forgotten! Our children, led by dedicated adults and high school students, do crafts, sing, play, pray, read Bible stories and learn what it means to trust, love, care, share and follow our Lord. We wish all of our students, families and volunteers a safe and relaxing summer!

Inspired by the great work of our high school students some months ago, our younger festival participants impressed us all with their hard work, preparation and moving presentations. Together, they learned about their faith and sharing it with the world. Congratulations to all our participants!

For the 2nd year, our OCF college students led our parish in this important event, aimed at fighting hunger and homelessness in Boston. We began the day with Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Chapel in Brookline--and following the Walk enjoyed dinner and some well-deserved rest at the Chetsas home. Thanks to all who participated in the Walk and to those generous parishioners who supported our efforts!

On the Saturday of Lazarus, HOPE & JOY parents and children led us in a meaningful day of reflection and preparation for Palm Sunday. We began with Divine Liturgy, enjoyed an excellent Communion breakfast and then made palm crosses. It was heart-warming to see our families enjoying each other, as well as our children helping and teaching one another.

Each year our Philoptochos ladies (the major philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Church) host a wonderful glendi/dance. All proceeds go in support of its many helping ministries within the Archdiocese and within the greater community. In addition, it provides a fantastic opportunity for our parishioners of all ages to come together in friendship and celebration.

Throughout 2009, we celebrated 50 years of faith, friendship and ministry at St. Demetrios, including an amazing "Golden Ball" and moving choir concert. The highlight was our Anniversary Divine Liturgy, luncheon and program on Nov. 22nd. Led by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, we gave thanks, remembered the past, and looked toward the future. A blessed 50th anniversary to our St. Demetrios Family!

Family Nights are the first Friday of each month at St. Demetrios--our youth, parents and all parishioners are invited to gather for a meal, inspiring, sessions and special guest speakers. This night featured Officer Kelly Maloney of the Weston PD. She taught us about communication--and gave our GOYAns and parents lots to think about. During their sessions, our HOPE & JOY children made cards for area veterans in need. What a wonderful night!

Our HOPE & JOY ministries sponsored this day of learning and fun. Our children, led by their leaders and parents, put a new, creative "spin" on the season by carving images of faith and inspiration. What amazing work our children did. We are all thankful to the parents, leaders and volunteers who made this unforgettable day a reality.