Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA

Last night, on Thursday Oct. 24, clergy in the borough of Manhattan met to learn about Inter-Parish Associations and brainstorm how their parishes can collaborate as part of an IPA. The evening was hosted by Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. The evening opened with a prayer and presentation of the Church, as well as an opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas. In the fellowship hall, Spyridoula Fotinis, the Director of IPAs, gave a presentation followed by icebreakers and sharing in groups. Clergy were asked to share about a ministry that is working well, one that is facing challenges, and possible ways they see moving forward together. After, they enoyed in an amazing meal offered by the parish. Among the laughter and opportunities to meet each other, the clergy were excited to begin visiting each other for their parish feast days and to start the next steps of the IPA, which includes lay involvement and bringing the parish as a member into the IPA. Interested in getting involved? Contact our Director of Inter-Parish Associations, Spyridoula Fotinis at sfotinis@assemblyofbishops.org #AssmeblyOfBishops #InterParishAssociations

Want to learn more about Inter-Parish Associations (IPAs)? There is still time to register for the Webinar next Tuesday October 29. Register at: https://buff.ly/3Y8r6Iw #AssemblyOfBishops #OTSA #InterParishAssociations

Happy Nameday, Metropolitan Gerasimos! Learn more about His Eminence at https://buff.ly/46fHWba #AssemblyOfBishops

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. We recognize the heartbreak of child loss which has a profound and lasting impact on grieving parents as well as their families. Approximately 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and about 1 in 175 pregnancies each year end in stillbirth in the United States (source: March of Dimes). Many women, couples, and families may bear this grief in silence due to shame, stigma, or lack of support. If you have been affected by pregnancy and/or infant loss - you are not alone and we remember you and your child in prayer. May their memory be eternal! #AssemblyOfBishops #InfantLossAwareness

"That they may all be One (John 17:21)”: The Theology behind Inter-Parish Associations This online seminar will feature a panel on the theological grounding of Orthodox Christian unity in the U.S., as it relates to the ministry of Inter-Parish Associations (IPA). The online seminar will feature a Hierarch of the Assembly, theologians from the Orthodox Theological Society in America and Assembly of Bishops IPA staff. The goal of the seminar is to clearly outline the theological importance and implications of the IPA ministry and serve as a starting point for future conversations on the grounding the Assembly of Bishops' Inter-Parish Association program within our Orthodox Christian faith. The panelists include, His Grace, Bishop Sevastianos, Fr John Jillions, Fr Peter Baktis, Dr. Teva Regule, Fr. Nick Anton, and Dr. Tom Crea. Spyridoula Fotinis, Director of the Assembly of Bishops' Inter-Parish Associations will participate as moderator. Register today! Event registration link: https://buff.ly/3Y8r6Iw #AssemblyOfBishops #OTSA #InterParishAssociations

Meet the team at the Assembly of Bishops: One of our newest team members, Diakonessa Theophani Sarigianis, is the Assembly of Bishops' Communications Consultant. Diakonessa Theophani, a former overseas missionary, now resides in Detroit, Michigan, with her husband, Deacon Steven (Stylianos), and their daughter, Despina-Agapi. She met her husband in 2012 during her first year at Hellenic College Holy Cross, where she earned both a BA from Hellenic College and an MTS from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. While studying, she worked in the administration office, managed church flowers, assisted with photography, and participated in the Digital Disciple program offered by OCN. She was also an active member of the campus activities board and on the missions committee. In 2017, she was married by her mentor, the late His Grace Athanasios Akunda, the first bishop of the Diocese of Kisumu in East Africa. In 2021, she embarked on a missionary journey to Albania. During her missionary work, Diakonessa was involved in numerous ministries, including designing a logo for the seminary and young adult office, contributing photography to the publishing office and the Archbishop's archives, and creating a Lenten mini-series for the local Orthodox radio station. She and her husband also played key roles in young adult ministry, organizing two post-COVID young adult conferences (spring and fall) and leading Bible studies. In addition, she developed and led catechism classes for 5th and 6th graders, and created a high school program inspired by the "Pop Culture and Faith" podcast by Y2AM. Since returning to the U.S., Diakonessa Theophani has continued her service. Alongside her role with the Assembly of Bishops, she assists the Metropolis of Detroit and His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit—where her husband serves as Assistant and Deacon—with photography. #AssemblyOfBishops #MeetTheTeam

Fr. Nicholas Anton and Spyridoula Fotinis participated in the Thriving Congregations Gathering in Indianapolis. The 123 grantees, across 30 state and representing over 71 Christian denominations and movements, networked and shared experiences from their respective projects. Sessions focused on Christian practices, such as storytelling and listening, which will contribute to the success of Thriving Congregations grant support projects - including the AoB's Inter-Parish Associations. #AssmeblyOfBishops #InterParishAssociations

AoB's Mental Health Ministries led a workshop entitled "Personhood in Co-Suffering Community" at the annual OCAMPR Conference in Mundelein, IL on September 26-28, 2024 (@ocamprinfo). This workshop was co-presented by V. Rev. Sean Levine (Mental Health Ministries Consultant, OCAMPR Board Member, US Army Chaplain) and Sangeetha Thomas (Director of Mental Health Ministries, Licensed Professional Counselor). The discussion addressed this year's conference theme, "Embodied Life: Perspectives on Human Personhood," through an interdisciplinary lens and demonstrated the Assembly's commitment to addressing the mental health needs of Orthodox Christian faithful in a way that is both theologically grounded and clinically informed. All 2024 conference recordings will be available soon at: https://buff.ly/3zV6LhF #AssemblyOfBishops #MentalHealthMinistries #OCAMPR

Happy Nameday, Archbishop Peter! Learn more about Archbishop Peter at https://buff.ly/48FdZTp #AssemblyOfBishops

Mental health ministry is an essential aspect of pastoral ministry — and we’re committed to responding to these needs. This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we recognize that 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Our own 2021 survey of over 1,600 Orthodox Christians measured that 77% of respondents experienced mental health concerns themselves and 87% of respondents had a family member who experienced mental health concerns. Challenges with mental wellbeing are not a failure of faith. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone. Visit our website to access our National Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals and links to public support hotlines like 988 at this link: https://buff.ly/4dRR2yH #AssemblyOfBishops #MentalHeathMinistries #MentalHealthMatters