Philoptochos
The mission of the Philoptochos at St. Demetrios in Weston:
- To help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, give care to the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, and to provide to anyone who may need help.
- To promote the charitable, benevolent and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars, and other educational resources.
- To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages, and customs
- To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and Parish Council.
Come and see: We welcome you to serve and participate in our mission, to meet new friends and to fulfill a sense of purpose to help those in need. Come and share your time and talent in this Christian endeavor. Please stop by our table after Liturgy in the social hall.
SENIOR GUILD
The Senior Guild is a ministry for the senior citizens and young at heart of our church. The goal of the Senior Guild is to involve our senior citizens in the church by offering them a luncheon meeting following a divine liturgy.
The Senior Guild Luncheon Meetings occur September through November, and March through May with December and June being outside bus trip months.
All Senior Citizens are welcome to the luncheon meetings. We are a fun and relaxing, "young as you feel" senior group.
Contact: Artemis Martakis
FR. NICHOLAS MANIKAS LIBRARY
Browse, borrow and enjoy the treasures in our Church library, named after Fr. Nicholas Manikas, parish priest of St. Demetrios from 1975-2001. We have over 2,00 books and are continually adding due to generous donations. Popular subjects are saints, the Divine Liturgy, icons, the spiritual life, Greek History and spiritual and religious books in Greek. We also have many books for children.
The library is open every Sunday after Divine Liturgy during fellowship hour as well as during normal church hours. If you are looking for a specific book please speak with the librarian or leave a note in the library. We will have a basket near the Card Catalog which we check each week. Please include your telephone number so we may contact you.
Contact: Cynthia Dabrowski
ORTHODOX LIFE
Throughout the year, a series of lecture based discussions are held, from scriptural studies to lives of the saints to explorations of modern questions of faith. In addition, a Lenten retreat is offered each year in order to help us prepare for, and fully participate in, the Lord’s resurrection. Parishioners, friends and “seekers” are all invited to attend and learn.
BYZANTINE MUSIC MINISTRY
Just as the liturgy is “the work of the people”, so the chanters are a vital portion of that liturgical work that is taking place. Their job is to pray, lead the people in singing the divine hymns, and finally, to inspire all who are present to prayer. The role of a chanter is of no small importance and is a difficult calling, but a joy and a privilege to glorify God in song and voice.
The purpose of the Byzantine Music Ministry is twofold, liturgical and educational. The ministry runs a class that covers several key components of Byzantine Music including learning the notation, the musical theory, the historical background, how to properly chant, intone, and read within the context of the divine services, and generally, how this ecclesiastical tradition of the Psaltic Art is a vital element of our Orthodox faith and liturgical worship. “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms." (James 5:13). Classes are held twice a month. All are welcome, regardless of musical knowledge or voice talent.
STEWARDSHIP
The Stewardship program is an integral part of membership at St. Demetrios and embodies the true spirit of “free will giving." It is also a primary example of how we attempt to "bear fruit," with God's help, at our parish. Stewards are encouraged to give their time, talent and treasure, proportionately, meaningfully and freely.
Contact: Dimitri Georgakopoulos
PARISH COUNCIL
This group of elected men and women is responsible for supporting our ministries and programs, as well as managing the day-to-day administrative tasks of the Church. Further, members conduct our vital stewardship program and offer us a host of yearly fellowship events: Stewardship Brunch, Wine-Tasting Event, Golf Tournament and more. They are called to be spiritual mentors for our parishioners, and they consistently inspire us with their diligent, faithful, generous and inspired work.
CHOIR
The St. Demetrios Choir is an integral part of the Liturgical life of our church. The group is composed of dedicated volunteers from the community who commit themselves to the music of the Orthodox Church and offer their stewardship of time and talent as a gift to God and the community. While most of our members are adults, several of our youth join us on Sundays until they leave for Sunday school and on holidays.
Choir rehearsals are at 7pm in the choir loft on most Thursdays. We ask everyone to be ready to sing by 9:15am on Sundays.
Contact: Genie Leussis
YOUNG Adults
The Young Adults group is focused on bringing together post-college through 30’s aged individuals of the St. Demetrios and surrounding communities in order to promote faith, fellowship and philanthropy to those striving to stay active in the Orthodox Church as they transition or continue their journey into the professional world.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Contact: Matina Pappas
HELLENIC NURSING HOME
Contact: Pam Brody
AGAPE PRAYER GROUP
Contact: Cynthia Dabrowski