Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church’s welcome of his Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America included a visit with more than 400 parishioners and a roundtable discussion about the life and role of the ecumenical patriarchate. Photo provided
By Janis Fontaine
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton on March 17. During the day, the religious leader brought South Florida Archons together for a roundtable discussion on the life and role of the ecumenical patriarchate, one of the churches that together make up the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the evening, Archbishop Elpidophoros greeted more than 400 parishioners and presided over the Third Salutations Service to the Theotokos. Following the service, the congregation gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a parish dinner hosted by the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, where His Eminence greeted each parishioner individually.
Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church is at 2100 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. www.saintmarkboca.net
‘Reel Theology’ meets
Church of the Palms in Delray Beach presents the adult education series “Reel Theology,” which features a screening of movies with religious or theological undertones followed by discussions facilitated by the Rev. Todd Petty. The June 7 movie, in celebration of Pride Month, is “The Birdcage,” a 1996 comedy starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Dianne Wiest and Gene Hackman.
Reel Theology starts at 3 p.m. in the pastor’s study at Church of the Palms, 1960 N. Swinton Ave. 561-276-6347 or www.churchofthepalms.net.
Aspiring priests graduate
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary celebrated commencement exercises on May 11 in the chapel, where 35 graduates were awarded degrees, concluding the 2022-23 formation year.
Some of these included 12 who earned Master of Divinity degrees and eight who earned the Master of Arts in philosophical studies. Another 11 permanent deacon candidates and lay students received Master of Arts in theological studies.
Opening remarks were by Rector/President Fr. Alfredo I. Hernández. The Most Rev. Gregory J. Hartmayer, archbishop of Atlanta, gave the commencement address and the Most Rev. Thomas Wenski, archbishop of Miami, presided over the ceremony.
Eleven of the graduates will be ordained to the priesthood in the next few months, bringing the 10-year total of SVDP seminarians ordained to serve parishes to 198 and the grand total to more than 660 seminarians since it was founded in 1963. St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary is at 10701 Military Trail, in Boynton Beach. www.svdp.edu
Sanctuary renovation
Due to the renovation of the sanctuary at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday services have moved to the recently renovated Harris Hall. The contractor, Mouw Associates, plans to demolish the flooring and former altar area to make room for new pews and pew chairs, along with the new altar railing, pulpit, lectern and other liturgical items. The church’s organ has been carefully placed in storage.
The total cost of the planned work is $3.6 million, and it is fully funded by cash on hand and future commitments, an indication of the generosity of the parishioners.
• As a way for parishioners to stay connected over the summer, St. Gregory’s hosts casual monthly events for food and fellowship. The next event is A Taste of Napa, a Napa Valley wine tasting on June 17. Enjoy an evening of fellowship, light bites, sparkling waters and the fine wines of Napa Valley at the Boca Historical Society in Historic Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton.
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Reserve your spot at 561-395-8285 or email office@st-gregorys.com
Board announced
Unity of Delray Beach announced its 2023-2024 Board of Directors on May 18. The board oversees the nondenominational church and pre-K through eighth grade school at 101 NW 22nd St. at Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach. Unity’s board includes Harvey L. Brown Jr. (president), Anthony H. Holliday Jr. (vice president), Liz Shaw (secretary), R. Scott Cornelius (treasurer) and Lynn VanDyke (director).
Call 561-276-5796 or visit www.unityofdelraybeach.org.
Mind-mapping workshop
Unity of Delray Beach will offer a workshop on the power of mind-mapping from 1 to 3 p.m. June 11. The Rev. Dan Holloway will explain how to use mind-mapping to find answers, make plans and solve problems.
According to MindMapping.com: “A Mind Map is an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure.” It also says, “A Mind Map can turn a long list of monotonous information into a colorful, memorable and highly organized diagram that works in line with your brain’s natural way of doing things.”
Holloway has used MindMaps for 30 years to write Sunday lessons, make major decisions and help others through difficult or confusing circumstances. He believes the maps provide people with greater clarity, focus, peace, relief and a true sense of purpose.
The workshop fee is $35, but if you sign up by June 6, it’s only $25 cash, check or credit card. 561-276-5796 or www.unityofdelraybeach.org.
Send religious notes to Janis Fontaine at fontaine423@outlook.com
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