by Fr. Matthew Carter, Western Conference Vicar
On January 20, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile and St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Gulf Shores co-hosted a Young Adult retreat for the Western Conference. His Grace Bishop Sevastianos was in attendance, and Robert Krantz – Greek-American director, actor, and author – was the keynote speaker. Close to forty young adults attended, as well as area clergy and presvyteras. Mr. Krantz was also welcomed the previous evening, January 19, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile where he spoke about his spiritual journey.
On Saturday evening, January 20, St. Athanasios hosted their annual Greek Night to celebrate their 25thanniversary of their community. Nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate this important anniversary.
On Sunday, January 21, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Fr. Matthew Carter, Vicar of the Western Conference, Fr. Sasa Turkici, proistamenos of St. Athanasios, Fr. Paul Mayernick from St. Elizabeth the Wonderworker Greek Orthodox Church in Gainesville, FL, and Dn. Philip Tompson from St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Shreveport, LA. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Matthew read a letter from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios commemorating the 25th anniversary of St. Athanasios, and Tom Poulos, the Parish Council president, presented His Grace and the visiting clergy an icon of St. Athanasios to thank them for their attendance for this wonderful celebration.
Photos: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta
