Diocese Update - March 2026

Diocese Lenten Retreat - March 7 in West Roxbury

The Antiochian women of our diocese will hold its annual Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St George, West Roxbury. With the blessing of Bishop John, we are honored to welcome Fr. George Parsenios as our guest speaker. His ministry among us is a true blessing, and we are deeply thankful for his readiness to serve the faithful in this way.
The theme for this year’s retreat is:
“You shall be to Me a royal priesthood and a holy nation.” — Exodus 19:6, with a particular focus on the life and witness of St. Olga of Alaska, whose steadfast faith continues to inspire us.
Retreat Schedule
• Divine Liturgy: 9:00 AM, the relics of St Olga will be available for veneration.
• Registration & Coffee Hour: 10:30 AM
• Session 1: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
• Lunch: 12:30 PM
• Session 2: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
We kindly ask that you share the attached flyer with your parishioners every two weeks to encourage registration. If anyone has questions, they are welcome to contact Amal Hourani, AW DOWNE Lenten retreat coordinator, at 617‑930‑7745.

Register online at http://2026lentenretreat.eventbrite.com/

 

ANASTASIOS: Missionary, Theologian, Archbishop - March 2-4 at HCHC

An international conference “Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary” will be held on March 2–4, 2026, at Holy Cross School of Theology to mark the first anniversary since the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

Organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity, the conference will explore the life and legacy of Archbishop Anastasios, a leading figure in contemporary Orthodoxy known for his commitment to interfaith understanding, evangelical outreach, and ecumenical reconciliation.
More details and to register at https://huffingtoninstitute.hchc.edu/event/anastasios-missionary-theologian-archbishop/

Camp St. Joseph Accepting Registrations

The official summer camp of the Diocese of Worcester & New England, Camp St. Joseph of Damascus offers a joyful, faith-centered experience for youth ages 9–17. Join us Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. for a live virtual information session with Camp Director Billy Ozone. Join the info session via Zoom https://orthodoxyouth.zoom.us/j/87669523227

Camp runs August 10–16, 2026. Learn more and register at https://campstjoseph.org/

Diocese Council Zoom - March 10 @ 7pm via zoom

The next Diocese Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. All clergy and laity are invited to attend to help His Grace Bishop John in the planning of events for our Diocese. For more information, please contact Bishop John. 
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7817624396?omn=86467682042

Meeting ID: 781 762 4396
Passcode: 51519

OCAMPR Event - "The Body: Glory in Sickness and Healing" - March 21 @ HCHC

In partnership with The Coptic Medical Association of North America (CMANA) and the St. Luke’s Society, OCAMPR (Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology & Religion) is excited to welcome you to the 2026 Boston Symposium. This first of its kind collaborative symposium brings together Orthodox Christian professionals from across New England and beyond for a day of learning, networking, and growing together in Christ.

Support is available for students, early career professionals, clergy, and conference attendees who wish to attend the event and are in need of financial assistance. Apply online, https://forms.gle/Cg9ZfGoT9G42Hsuo9

If you have any questions about the event or your purchase, please contact us at ocamprassistant@gmail.com

More details and to register, please visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ocampr/2041622

Diocese Antiochian Women Meeting - April 18 in Pawtucket

The Diocese Antiochian Women will hold their next meeting on Saturday April 18 at St. Mary Church in Pawtucket beginning at 10:00 am. Please contact Rima Audy (Rimadaudy@gmail.com) with any questions.

Bus to Session 2 at Antiochian Village

The Diocese Council will help subsidize a bus to Session 2 at Antiochian Village this year. More details will be sent out to camper parents soon.

St. George Classical Academy - Employment Opportunities

Saint George Classical Academy, a Christian classical school serving families on the North Shore of Massachusetts, is currently hiring teachers for the 2026-2027 academic year, including an Upper/Middle School Math and Science Teacher and a Lower School (Grades 3-4) Classroom Teacher (see links for job descriptions).

If you would like to be considered for future opportunities, please feel free to reach out to Head of School, Juliana Joyce, for more information (Juliana.Joyce@stgca.org).

Save the Date! Diocese PLC June 20, 2026

St. George Church in Lowell will host the Diocese PLC on Saturday June 20, 2026. Location and more details to come soon!

2026 PLC Theme & Oratorical Theme:

Oratorical Theme: "You Shall be to me a royal priesthood and a holy Nation." Exodus 19:6 Visit https://www.teensoyo.org/oratorical for more details.
Bible Bowl Topic: Book of Exodus Visit https://www.teensoyo.org/bible-bowl for study guide and more details.
Church School Curriculum: A People Set Apart: Book of Exodus Curriculum
Creative Festivals: Theme and Resources

Upcoming PLC Host Parish Schedule

2026: St. George Church, Lowell
2027: St. George Church, Boston
2028: St. Mary Church, Pawtucket
2029: St. George Church, Lawrence
2030: St. George Cathedral, Worcester

Iconography Project at Our Cathedral

Our Cathedral in Worcester is in the midst of a historic iconography project, and you have the opportunity to be part of it in a lasting way. This is a unique chance to have an icon of your patron saint, or a large Biblical scene placed in the Cathedral of our Diocese, where it will inspire generations to come. For more information or to reserve an icon, please contact Fr. Milad at fr.milad.selim@gmail.com 

Image above is a digital rendering of the icons and not the exact background color or icons.

Save the Date!