Καλημέρα
If you are a regular on social media, you have probably seen the horrific damage caused by the wildfires in Greece over the last few weeks. It is extremely sad, and our hearts and prayers go out to those affected.
Thoughts of a 4th Wave Stressing You Out? Stick to the Basics
What a crazy world we live in, and sorry to bring up the 4th wave topic. Let’s hope for no more lockdowns and that life slowly moves to normal.
While staying safe, wearing a mask, etc., is important, it is also critical not to forget the basics of keeping healthy and happy regardless of 4th waves or lockdowns.
Healthy eating, sleeping well, and exercise are three fundamental pillars of physical and mental wellbeing. While it may be challenging to perfect all three areas at once, creating small positive habits in any area will help in your quest for a better you.
August 15th-Dormition of the Theotokos (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου)
Xronia Polla to all those that are celebrating their name day this Sunday!
On August 15th we celebrate the falling asleep of our Most Holy Lady and Ever-Virgin Mary the Theotokos. For more info on her blessed dormition, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has the following great resource: https://www.goarch.org/dormition
Intercessions of the Theotokos
Ever wonder why so much attention is given to our Panagia? Well, she is our number one connection to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
She is the link between heaven and earth, and she appeals on our behalf to her Son when we ask her for her intercessions (her prayers). For example, when Jesus performed the first miracle at the wedding in Cana (when He turned water into wine), it was because His mother pleaded with Him to do something since the wine was running out.
Furthermore, her blessed womb bore the second person of the Holy Trinity. She gave birth to the truth, the light of the world. Who more powerful than she for our prayers to reach the throne of God? It is no wonder that she is regarded as “more honourable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim”.
For the sake of our salvation, we should petition her ceaselessly. She is the mother of the entire world and constantly weeps for us and our salvation. She embraces us as a true mother, the Joy of all Who Sorrow, with her motherly comfort, tenderness, and love. Most Holy Theotokos save us. Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε, σώσον ημάς.
Words of Wisdom
“Don’t pressure your children…When you want to say something to your children, tell it to the Panagia and she will bring it to pass. This prayer of yours will be like a spiritual caress which embraces your children and will grab their attention. Sometimes we try to caress them and they react against it, but they never react against the spiritual caress.”
Saint Porphyrios.
In the Community
- Annual Panagia Bazaar & Bake Sale As part of the joyous celebration for the Feast of the Panagia, Panagia church at 136 Sorauren is holding their Annual Bazaar & Bake sale this Saturday & Sunday. For more details about the festivities and church services, please view the GCT Facebook post here.
- Scotiabank Marathon, The Greek Community of Toronto, is putting together a team for the virtual and in-person Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The virtual race is being held throughout October, and the in-person race is on October 17th. Interested participants must register with the Greek Community of Toronto by e-mail before Sept. 5th: gct.marathon@gmail.com
- All Saints & St. Irene’s Church – Doors Open Anyone living near the Danforth might know that St. Irene’s has its doors open throughout the day for those wanting to light a candle (even when services are not being held). If you live a little north of the city, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church (located at 3125 Bayview Ave, just south of Finch) also opens its doors every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm-7:30pm for personal prayer and reflection. You can access the church behind the Grand Luxe Event Boutique, or from Burbank Dr.
- Greece Needs Our Help The Hellenic Initiative Canada has put together a wildfire relief campaign to provide humanitarian relief to communities most gravely affected by the fires. To donate, click here: https://ca.thehellenicinitiative.org/thic-wildlfire-relief-campaign/
Greek Music
Νίκος Απέργης – Κομμάτι Της Ζωής Μου
Released in 2018 and still going strong, Click here to watch it.
Enjoying the weekly newsletter? Don’t keep us a secret.
Thanks for reading, see you next week!
