Celebrating Saint Demetrios Day at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute
Rev. Luke Veronis to Deliver Annual St. Demetrios Lecture

The Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute will hold its Annual Vespers and Open House on Sunday, October 23, 2005 to celebrate the Feast of St. Demetrios. His Eminenece Metropolitan Gerasimos has informed the Institute that he plans to attend, thus marking his first visit to PAOI. Vespers will begin at 5:00 p.m. Following Vespers, the Women's Board of the Insitute will host a reception.

On Tuesday evenning, October 25, Fr. Luke Veronis, adjunct professor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and a long time missionary to Albania and East Africa will deliver the annual St. Demetrios Day Lecture. His talk in entitled, "Orthodoxy's Universal and Missionary Vision: The Resurrection of the Church in Albania."

Fr. Luke's talk will discuss the question, "Is the parish my universe, or is the universe my parish?" As Fr. Luke points out, one of the great Church fathers. St. John Crysostom, emphasized that "the universe is my parish." The universal and missionary mindset is essential to any healthy understanding of the Orthodox Faith. Fr. Luke will offer inspiring stories from his twelve year experience as a missionary.

The lecture will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the PAOI, following the celebration fo the Divine Liturgy at 6:00 p.m.