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# The Basilica of St. Mary

Celebrating of 40 years of dedicated service.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://stmarylivonia.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [BOSMMA Summer Camp 2026](https://stmarylivonia.com/bosmma-summer-camp-2026/) - Download Enrollment Form
- [Easter Candy Donations](https://stmarylivonia.com/easter-candy-donations/)
- [The Basilica Business Directory](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-basilica-business-directory/) - View or download the full Basilica Business Directory to support our parish family.
- [Weekly Lenten Services - 2026](https://stmarylivonia.com/weekly-lenten-services-2026/)
- [Lenten Lunch Potluck - March 8th, 2026](https://stmarylivonia.com/lenten-lunch-potluck-march-8th-2026/)
- [Village Up North - August 17th - 22nd](https://stmarylivonia.com/village-up-north-august-17th-22nd/)
- [21st Annual Golf Outing - Saturday, Sept. 19th](https://stmarylivonia.com/21st-annual-golf-outing-saturday-sept-19/)
- [Marriage Seminar - Saturday, March 21st](https://stmarylivonia.com/marriage-seminar-saturday-march-21st/)
- [Catechism - Tuesdays, Jan. 13th - Apr. 7th](https://stmarylivonia.com/catechism-tuesdays-jan-13th-apr-7th/)
- [Celebrate the Nativity of Christ - Sunday, Dec. 14th](https://stmarylivonia.com/celebrate-the-nativity-of-christ-dec-14th-2025/) - Online ticket purchasing has ended. To buy last-minute tickets, please contact: Joanne Kharsa - +1 (248) 880-0876
- [Christmas Recital - Friday, Dec. 12th](https://stmarylivonia.com/christmas-recital-friday-dec-12th/)
- [Adult Continuing Education - Wednesdays, 7 PM](https://stmarylivonia.com/adult-continuing-education-wednesdays-7-pm/)
- [Mariam Center Information Brochure](https://stmarylivonia.com/mariam-center-information-brochure/) - The Mariam Center at the Basilica of St. Mary is an inspiring initiative focused on enhancing the community’s educational and spiritual experiences. This new facility will house the Basilica of St. Mary Montessori Academy and a Family and Youth Center, offering a range of spaces, including a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, and classrooms. These areas are
- [Byzantine Chanting Classes](https://stmarylivonia.com/byzantine-chanting-classes/)
- [FOCUS Detroit - An Evening of Gratitude - Saturday, Oct. 25th](https://stmarylivonia.com/focus-detroit-an-evening-of-gratitude/)
- [Junior Orthodox Youth Kickoff - Saturday, Oct. 11th](https://stmarylivonia.com/junior-orthodox-youth-kickoff-saturday-oct-11th/)
- [Fundraising for St. Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus](https://stmarylivonia.com/fundraising-for-st-elias-orthodox-church-in-damascus/)
- ["The Cross of Christ is the key to heaven." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-cross-of-christ-is-the-key-to-heaven-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJZ2jvDsO2g
- [Orthodox Faith Children's Magazine](https://stmarylivonia.com/orthodox-faith-childrens-magazine/)
- [2024-2025 Church School Calendar](https://stmarylivonia.com/2024-2025-church-school-calendar/) - View Church School Calendar
- [2024 General Parish Meeting Report](https://stmarylivonia.com/2024-general-parish-meeting-report/) - View Report
- [2023-2024 Church School Calendar](https://stmarylivonia.com/2023-2024-church-school-calendar/)
- [You are God's greatest creation](https://stmarylivonia.com/you-are-gods-greatest-creation/) - https://youtube.com/watch?v=ad-b3OZuIBI
- [A Message for the Advent Season](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-message-for-the-advent-season/) - “People who walk in the darkness have seen great light” Isaiah 9:2 Sunday November 19th, 2023 Sermon by: Fr. George H. Shalhoub “We have stepped into the great season of Advent, walking step by step with the shepherds to behold the Star of Bethlehem.” My Dearly Beloved, It is the Lord that gives strength to
- [Village Up North 2023](https://stmarylivonia.com/village-up-north-2023/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skavopX8lD0
- ["What does it mean to have faith?" By Seminarian. Nicola Nunu](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-does-it-mean-to-have-faith-by-seminarian-nicola-nunu/) - https://youtu.be/PyQRz_NTN-4
- ["We can only change through the transfiguration of Christ." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/we-can-only-change-through-the-transfiguration-of-christ-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/2xia96y9TVw
- ["Godly love." part -1 By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/godly-love-part-1-by-deacon-samer-hanna/) - https://youtu.be/kFtjf4C6wRQ
- ["When we honor each other we honor Christ." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/when-we-honor-each-other-we-honor-christ-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/fOD18HcabVw
- ["The light never overtaken by night." By Seminarian Nicola Nunu](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-light-never-overtaken-by-night-by-seminarian-nicola-nunu/) - https://youtu.be/YyyBazq80_I
- ["How orthodox christian are saved?" By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/how-orthodox-christian-are-saved-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/dohVCSqwfGA
- ["The Free Gift of faith." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-free-gift-of-faith-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/T5CwOg5gJIA
- ["Envy the stuff that destroy every family and marriage." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/envy-the-stuff-that-destroy-every-family-and-marriage-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/jgGKR542vAs
- [The world is changing fast Stay alert! By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-world-is-changing-fast-stay-alert-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/SUfV0gvvr-U
- ["We are all called to be saints." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/we-are-all-called-to-be-saints-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/z0vdDdrNRAY
- ['The Holy Spirit is the foundation of our family." By His Eminence Metropolitan Ghattas Hazim](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-holy-spirit-is-the-foundation-of-our-family-by-his-eminence-metropolitan-ghattas-hazim/) - https://youtu.be/sx7Jw7XfuGg
- ["Faith in God" By Deacon Samer Hann](https://stmarylivonia.com/faith-in-god-by-deacon-samer-hann/) - https://youtu.be/1LOQnJ-U-Xo
- ["Lord I want to see what you see." By Fr George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/lord-i-want-to-see-what-you-see-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/OqmFJQmE8uU
- ["What happens when you meet Jesus?" By Fr. James Kings](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-happens-when-you-meet-jesus-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://youtu.be/BHPv6f4ZdgU
- ["The Holy Church replace the pool of Bethesda." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-holy-church-replace-the-pool-of-bethesda-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/YhHq1GQPh-Y
- ["Living in the light of Christ's Holy Resurrection." By Fr. James Kings](https://stmarylivonia.com/living-in-the-light-of-christs-holy-resurrection-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://youtu.be/P_Qy4ZhnMG4
- ["Christ never reject a doubtful." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/christ-never-reject-a-doubtful-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/OlYbZ-Lh-VM
- ["The Resurrection of Christ is our power." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-resurrection-of-christ-is-our-power-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/X3oCn1jD_DE
- ["Rejoice in the lord always." By Fr. George Shalhoub.](https://stmarylivonia.com/rejoice-in-the-lord-always-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/v7lsjmglSxk
- [Discover Orthodox Christianity](https://stmarylivonia.com/discover-orthodox-christianity/) - The Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church, the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ and described in the pages of the New Testament. Her history can be traced in unbroken continuity all the way back to Christ and His Twelve Apostles. Incredible as it seems, for over twenty centuries she has continued in
- ["In preparation for Palm Sunday." By Proto Deacon Dr. Dennis Bojrab](https://stmarylivonia.com/in-preparation-for-palm-sunday-by-proto-deacon-dr-dennis-bojrab/) - https://youtu.be/yVe9sySrnuo
- ["Virtues and union with God." By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/virtues-and-union-with-god-by-deacon-samer-hanna/) - https://youtu.be/3tLuRXmQBAE
- ["Our Christian Symbol of Victory." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-christian-symbol-of-victory-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/4jX1zGeTOZo
- ["How well do we really know God?" By Christopher Holwey](https://stmarylivonia.com/how-well-do-we-really-know-god-by-christopher-holwey/) - https://youtu.be/NDpv50ejbEY
- ["The gospel according to your life." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-gospel-according-to-your-life-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://youtu.be/8SUNtCXrL_s
- ["What make us orthodox is the believe in the sacrament of forgiveness." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-is-the-believe-in-the-sacrament-of-forgiveness-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/J-6WwXyNZ04
- ["The Ripple effect of imitating Christ." By Fr James Kings](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-ripple-effect-of-imitating-christ-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://youtu.be/WvZ-8yxVkC8
- [Earthquake Press Release](https://stmarylivonia.com/earthquake-press-release/) - Local Orthodox church in Michigan will receive up to $50,000 in matching donation funds for earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey Livonia, MI—The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary in southeast Michigan sends an urgent appeal to its parishioners, and others in the region for donations to aid in the massive humanitarian relief needed
- [FOX 2 Detroit: Livonia church raising money after devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake](https://stmarylivonia.com/fox-2-detroit-livonia-church-raising-money-after-devastating-turkey-syria-earthquake/) - FOX 2 Detroit visited the Basilica of St. Mary to interview Dn. Samer Hanna & Mr. & Mrs. Wafi Barshini about the earthquakes in Turkey & Syria. View the interview at the following link: View Interview
- ["Fear of God." By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/fear-of-god-by-deacon-samer-hanna/) - https://youtu.be/OwQwsimd6wM?list=PLMtkurJ5P7eNMtRCQaWhvMOvEx4XrFJKE
- [2023 General Parish Meeting Ministries Report](https://stmarylivonia.com/2023-general-parish-meeting-ministries-report/) - Download Report
- [ST PAUL'S SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY 3 10 15/ LUKE 18 10 14](https://stmarylivonia.com/st-pauls-second-letter-to-timothy-3-10-15-luke-18-10-14/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kErnZDN9Q48
- ["Our Preparation Begins." By Fr. James Kings](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-preparation-begins-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BStMEVmYQ0o
- [In the Footsteps of St. Paul - Pilgrimage to Greece 2023](https://stmarylivonia.com/in-the-footsteps-of-st-paul-pilgrimage-to-greece-2023/) - View Full Brochure Sign Up Today
- ["As Orthodox Christian we are called to pray  for our children like the Canaanite woman" By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/as-orthodox-christian-we-are-called-to-pray-for-our-children-like-the-canaanite-woman/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAWYRtbkgg8&list=PLMtkurJ5P7eO10mJP6swy7FSzjfdW-wIb
- ["Keep God in Focus." By Fr. James Kings](https://stmarylivonia.com/keep-god-in-focus-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpLvSAw3LZI&list=PLMtkurJ5P7eNWCd0QVcKAZljBzUCyXiju&index=2
- ["Why we believe what we believe!" By V. Rev. Fr. Paul Solberg](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-great-light-of-christ-brings-us-hope-by-fr-james-kings-2/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKsNNYaTs3w&list=PLMtkurJ5P7eN6Gn7RJPiHeNxeqO-IQUxf
- ["The Great light of Christ brings us hope." By Fr. James Kings](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-great-light-of-christ-brings-us-hope-by-fr-james-kings/) - https://youtu.be/tkBhT_TXrxY?list=PLMtkurJ5P7eNWCd0QVcKAZljBzUCyXiju
- [Church School Calendar 2022-2023](https://stmarylivonia.com/church-school-calendar-2022-2023/) - View Full Calendar
- ["God came to earth on Christmas Eve to lift us up to heaven." Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/god-came-to-earth-on-christmas-eve-to-lift-us-up-to-heaven-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/Q6DBBC9pkbI
- [Journey Through The Bible - Gospel Of Luke Chapter 1 - 2 By Subdeacon Michael Pagani](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-luke-chapter-1-2-by-subdeacon-michael-pagani/) - https://youtu.be/ODxQN6ZhhhU
- [What make us Orthodox Christian is the belief that god’s promise toAbraham and David been fulfilled](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-christian-is-the-belief-that-gods-promise-toabraham-and-david-been-fulfilled/) - https://youtu.be/XWvFdpF4VBw
- ["You're invited What will your response be?" By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/youre-invited-what-will-your-response-be-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/vUE_YU2Inmc
- ["What make us Orthodox Christian is our belief in miracles." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-christian-is-our-belief-in-miracles-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/4J1FZDTpLz4
- [Finding Thanks at Thanksgiving By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/finding-thanks-at-thanksgiving-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/RShyc258xjE
- [Journey Through The Bible Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 27 Continued By Subdeacon Dr Osama Nunu The Bi](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-27-continued-by-subdeacon-dr-osama-nunu-the-bi/) - https://youtu.be/SCoFvnXWVcc
- ["What make us Orthodox Christian is to honor the the mother of God in thanksgiving." By Fr. George](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-christian-is-to-honor-the-the-mother-of-god-in-thanksgiving-by-fr-george/) - https://youtu.be/CC1bIoSh0p8
- ["Sermon on the parable of Good Samaritan and modern life." By Bishop Anthony](https://stmarylivonia.com/sermon-on-the-parable-of-good-samaritan-and-modern-life-by-bishop-anthony/) - https://youtu.be/mtHEZMX1e6I
- [Journey Through The Bible Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 27 / The Bible - Old Testament prophecies](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-27-the-bible-old-testament-prophecies/) - https://youtu.be/VA-W7bmGDso
- ["This is how God reveals His glory." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/this-is-how-god-reveals-his-glory-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/5Jb0JFM1yvU
- ["What make us Orthodox Christian, is the believe in judgment." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-christian-is-the-believe-in-judgment-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/zKyeAf7CO3E
- [Journey Through The Bible  Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 26 - continued By Subdeacon Michael Pagani](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-26-continued-by-subdeacon-michael-pagani/) - https://youtu.be/x2xkHTA4Sn4
- ["God is not partial. So we should not be partial." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/god-is-not-partial-so-we-should-not-be-partial-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/CuKaU6z-r4A
- ["What make us Orthodox Christian is to Honor the Holy Icons." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-christian-is-to-honor-the-holy-icons-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/npr7hWFTsSw
- [Journey Through The Bible - Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 26/The Bible - Our Orthodox understanding](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-26-the-bible-our-orthodox-understanding/) - https://youtu.be/CqkbdSqvoxU
- ["Are you a reflection of God's holy temple?" By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/are-you-a-reflection-of-gods-holy-temple-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/gbnWERJVst8
- ["Practice and not only remember, Do unto other as you desire to be treated. "By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/practice-and-not-only-remember-do-unto-other-as-you-desire-to-be-treated-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/iXlZWWG0_dE
- [Journey Through The Bible - Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 25 By Dr. Osama Nunu](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-25-by-dr-osama-nunu/) - https://youtu.be/u6g6l7xXnsM
- ["What makes us Orthodox Christian is having a treasure." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-makes-us-orthodox-christian-is-having-a-treasure-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/Wyi14ZNtUNQ
- ["The Way of the Cross." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-way-of-the-cross-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/glPEwfR1i5k
- [What makes us Orthodox Christian is to carry the Cross of Christ with humility and obedience.](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-makes-us-orthodox-christian-is-to-carry-the-cross-of-christ-with-humility-and-obedience/) - https://youtu.be/6D3NyZp3_Wk
- ["What make us Orthodox Christian, is to believe in eternal life." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-make-us-orthodox-christian-is-to-believe-in-eternal-life-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/ahP4IK26V1U
- [Journey Through The Bible - Gospel Of Matthew 24/Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, Communion & Unction](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-24-sacraments-of-baptism-chrismation-communion-unction/) - https://youtu.be/sgFd3Iyge1U
- ["Called out to be imitators of Christ." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/called-out-to-be-imitators-of-christ-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/VQeq6jEzRX8
- [What makes us Orthodox Christian, is having faith like a grain of mustard seed By Fr.George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-makes-us-orthodox-christian-is-having-faith-like-a-grain-of-mustard-seed-by-fr-george-shalhoub/)
- [Journey Through The Bible-Gospel Of Matthew 23- Feast Of Transfiguration -Dormition Of The Theotokos](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-23-feast-of-transfiguration-dormition-of-the-theotokos/) - https://youtu.be/u3pmf7xpY5o
- ["Christ is all that we need." By Seminarian Nicola Nunu](https://stmarylivonia.com/christ-is-all-that-we-need-by-seminarian-nicola-nunu/) - https://youtu.be/3zJNE3HI3rc
- ["Following Christ into the wilderness." By Seminarian Mark Sultani](https://stmarylivonia.com/following-christ-into-the-wilderness-by-seminarian-mark-sultani/) - https://youtu.be/yggfnJgQEaY
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew Chapter 22 / The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-22-the-sacraments-of-the-orthodox-church/) - https://youtu.be/HrTE75PAhSA
- ["What makes us an Orthodox Christian." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-makes-us-an-orthodox-christian-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/bKNnYm0qN_c
- ["The true meaning of friendship." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-true-meaning-of-friendship-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/g6te6odu3ao
- ["The Orthodox Christian is the light of Christ." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-orthodox-christian-is-the-light-of-christ-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/cP_aVZp_u2U
- [Journey Through the Bible -The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 21`:1-46 By Subdeacon Michael Pagani](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-the-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-211-46-by-subdeacon-michael-pagani/) - https://youtu.be/KdTffaxPMxE
- [Journey Through the Bible Gospel of Matthew Chapter 20/ The Holy Unmercenaries](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-20-the-holy-unmercenaries/) - https://youtu.be/77lENA-cZgo
- ["Your eyes are the window to your heart."By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/your-eyes-are-the-window-to-your-heart-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/1KKjT1TdMoU
- ["Survivability."By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/survivability-by-deacon-samer-hanna/) - https://youtu.be/m64Vk_b7ocA
- [Journey Through the Bible Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18 / Unlocking the Mystery of Iconography](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-18-unlocking-the-mystery-of-iconography/) - https://youtu.be/9E1rj8qxa7Q
- ["Obtaining Holiness." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/obtaining-holiness-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/ovUpU6MCp30
- ["O Holy Spirt Come And Dwell In Us." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/o-holy-spirt-come-and-dwell-in-us-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/xPxHWCqJXvI
- [Journey Through the Bible Gospel of Matthew Chapter 17 18 / Unlocking the Mystery of Iconography](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-chapter-17-18-unlocking-the-mystery-of-iconography/) - https://youtu.be/jEOHPseVYoc
- [“The Victory of Christ's Ascension.” By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-victory-of-christs-ascension-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/pWnMynVnSY0
- ["Opening the Spiritual Eyes." By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/opening-the-spiritual-eyes-by-deacon-samer-hanna/) - https://youtu.be/REbuVaiEWmg
- ["Come drink the living waters." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/come-drink-the-living-waters-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/pE4jL2Z9C_Q
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew 16 17](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-16-17/) - https://youtu.be/Ujp9mFMnSBE
- ["The Definition of Absolute Truth." Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-definition-of-absolute-truth-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/gGvTxuQE4iM
- ["Dignity and honor are your clothing reflection on mother day." By Fr George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/dignity-and-honor-are-your-clothing-reflection-on-mother-day-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/M_xJdxpULoI
- ["The Lord Love Thomas." By Chris Chedid](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-lord-love-thomas-by-chris-chedid/) - https://youtu.be/vrY2yFlCM6s
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew / Summary of the Holy Week and Great Pascha](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-summary-of-the-holy-week-and-great-pascha/) - https://youtu.be/iid9zIBl6Ow
- ["The reason we celebrate the lords resurrection." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-reason-we-celebrate-the-lords-resurrection-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/M2k3aRc1WzM
- [Discussion on the Life of St. Nektarios with Fr. King](https://stmarylivonia.com/discussion-on-the-life-of-st-nektarios-with-fr-king/) - View Discussion
- [Palm Sunday visit "'What my dad taught me." By Bishop Anthony](https://stmarylivonia.com/palm-sunday-visit-what-my-dad-taught-me-by-bishop-anthony/) - https://youtu.be/eyZd3EIjR1M
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew / Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday and Holy Week](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-lazarus-saturday-palm-sunday-and-holy-week/) - https://youtu.be/TzX7JBnnDYA
- ["What greatness and the kingdom of heaven looks like." Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/what-greatness-and-the-kingdom-of-heaven-looks-like-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/Kojv6gRAe94
- ["The Orthodox Church is the greatest school of all." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-orthodox-church-is-the-greatest-school-of-all-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/Ecer6xoJn6M
- ["Hold firm your confession of faith." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/hold-firm-your-confession-of-faith-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/erHwTgTc53I
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew & Orthodox Spirituality / The I AMs of Jesus](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-orthodox-spirituality-the-i-ams-of-jesus/) - https://youtu.be/aFBXMViashM
- ["Orthodox perspective on the end of time." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/orthodox-perspective-on-the-end-of-time-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/5pllxJ1Ojy4
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew / Feast of the Annunciation](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-feast-of-the-annunciation/) - https://youtu.be/4vVxDnlMFpI
- [Journey Through the Bible - How do we know God exists? / Gospel of Matthew](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-how-do-we-know-god-exists-gospel-of-matthew/) - https://youtu.be/728HTFTz7vk
- [Journey Through the Bible - Gospel of Matthew / Presentation of the Lord in the temple](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-presentation-of-the-lord-in-the-temple/) - https://youtu.be/IExSa9N1vaw
- [Journey Through the Bible Gospel of Matthew - Liturgical Calendar](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-gospel-of-matthew-liturgical-calendar/) - https://youtu.be/BuTg5AvBau8
- ["Journey Through the Bible" Ask Abouna and Fasts and Feasts of the Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/journey-through-the-bible-ask-abouna-and-fasts-and-feasts-of-the-church/) - https://youtu.be/UXToufR5MH4
- ["The Example of the Icons." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-example-of-the-icons-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/xpu2fVfRCDI
- ["The great fast is the time of spiritual renewal." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-great-fast-is-the-time-of-spiritual-renewal-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/a0OCp2NFm4k
- ["To do or not to do." By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/to-do-or-not-to-do-by-deacon-samer-hanna-2/) - https://youtu.be/0dngIpHSanI
- ["Use our free will as God Intended." By Fr James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/use-our-free-will-as-god-intended-by-fr-james-king-2/) - https://youtu.be/2m3fBfkEfAY
- ["To do or not to do." By Deacon Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/to-do-or-not-to-do-by-deacon-samer-hanna/) - https://youtu.be/0dngIpHSanI
- ["Use our free will as God Intended." By Fr James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/use-our-free-will-as-god-intended-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/2m3fBfkEfAY
- [2022 General Parish Meeting - Ministries Report](https://stmarylivonia.com/2022-general-parish-meeting-ministries-report/) - View Full Report
- ["The Character of a true Disciple." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-character-of-a-true-disciple-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/akrAsGeWDLg
- ["Who we are? We are God’s temple" By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/who-we-are-we-are-gods-temple-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/WRMMhPQW7sc
- ["Two lives healed. Two lives fulfilled." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/two-lives-healed-two-lives-fulfilled-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/4Qd3BT_mbzE
- [The Reading Of The Epistle And Holy Gospel For Sunday January 30th, 2022](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-reading-of-the-epistle-and-holy-gospel-for-sunday-january-30th-2022/) - https://youtu.be/7_bTBESTzIw
- ["A calling to be radically different." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-calling-to-be-radically-different-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/2JF-y3TtWto
- [St. Mary 50th Anniversary - Part 1](https://stmarylivonia.com/st-mary-50th-anniversary-part-1/) - https://youtu.be/nGh5sVuV5yU
- ["The difference one man can make." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-difference-one-man-can-make-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/Ck3Zoq8kXhc
- ["Today all creations has been renewed by the baptism of our Lord." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/today-all-creations-has-been-renewed-by-the-baptism-of-our-lord-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/TzZskzO257E
- ["A Message for the New year." By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-message-for-the-new-year-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/SRo_veR0ZDI
- ["The Triumph of the Nativity." By Fr. James King.](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-triumph-of-the-nativity-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/FiaK7AzBxvU
- ["When the fullness of time, Christ came." By Fr. George Shalhoub.](https://stmarylivonia.com/when-the-fullness-of-time-christ-came-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/6Uz86Z-7h9w
- ["Prepare your heart the only way to have a meaningful Christmas" By Fr. George Shalhoub.](https://stmarylivonia.com/prepare-your-heart-the-only-way-to-have-a-meaningful-christmas-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/7IsCIMYDAgU
- [Be ready o Bethlehem and we shall prepare our hearts to receive the Christ child/Fr George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/be-ready-o-bethlehem-and-we-shall-prepare-our-hearts-to-receive-the-christ-child-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/yShQFglIDIo
- ["Don't let evil win the day" By Fr. James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/dont-let-evil-win-the-day-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/8HN0D78IKL4
- ["It is not enough to know the commandments, unless you put them to practice." By Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/it-is-not-enough-to-know-the-commandments-unless-you-put-them-to-practice-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://youtu.be/4Oyn-oFti70
- ["Where Does Your Help Come From?" By Fr James King](https://stmarylivonia.com/where-does-your-help-come-from-by-fr-james-king/) - https://youtu.be/YjK3xKmSsgc
- [قراءة الرسالة والإنجيل المقدس ليوم الأحد ٧ تشرين الثاني، ٢٠٢١](https://stmarylivonia.com/قراءة-الرسالة-والإنجيل-المقدس-ليوم-ال/) - https://youtu.be/JhgAx-YwUKM
- [(LUKE 8:41-56) The Reading Of The Epistle And Holy Gospel For November 7th, 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/luke-841-56-the-reading-of-the-epistle-and-holy-gospel-for-november-7th-2021/) - https://youtu.be/sa0uhu0W0Qw
- [Camp Saint Mary 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/camp-saint-mary-2021/) - https://youtu.be/p0OUTZzPxvQ
- [Holy Matrimony](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-matrimony/) - In the theology of the Orthodox Church man is made in the Image of the Most-holy Trinity, and, except in certain special cases (such as monasticism, for example), he is not intended by God to live alone, but in a family situation. Just as God blessed the first humans, Adam and Eve, to live as
- [Holy Chrismation](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-chrismation/) - In the Sacrament of Baptism man is called out of spiritual darkness into the light of Christ and is initiated into the economy of salvation by the Son of God. This initiation is effected, however, in the Sacrament of Chrismation. Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ, the
- [Holy Baptism](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-baptism/) - First place among the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church is occupied by Holy Baptism, by which a man, who has come to believe in Christ, by being immersed three times in water in the Name of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), is cleansed through Divine Grace of all sins (Original Sin and
- [Church Mysteries](https://stmarylivonia.com/church-mysteries/) - The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church, like the Church Herself, can be said to possess a double character, for they are at the same time inward and outward, visible and invisible. They combine in themselves both an outward visible sign with an inward spiritual grace. For example, in the Holy Eucharist, we eat the Body
- [Holy Repentance](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-repentance/) - Holy Repentance (Penance Confession). The Sacrament of Repentance developed early in the Church's history in the time of the persecutions of the 3rd and 4th Centuries, when many people, giving in to the threats of the persecutors, apostasized and fell away from the Church. Apostasy was considered to be a very serious sin; many held
- [Great Lent and Pascha](https://stmarylivonia.com/great-lent-and-pascha/) - The Feast of Feasts the Holy Pascha the Resurrection of the Lord-is the climax of the Church's liturgical year and is also the most glorious, most joyful and bright festival of the Christian Church. On it Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ arose as victor over death, destroying the power of death over man once
- [Glossary of Liturgical Terms](https://stmarylivonia.com/glossary-of-liturgical-terms/) - Alleluia. (See Prokeimenon.) Antiphons. The first three hymns sung at the Divine Liturgy (Ps. 103; Ps. 146 and Only-begotten Son... the Beatitudes) are called Antiphons (steps) because they are sung in steps or stages by two Choirs singing opposite each other. Hence this type of singing in steps is called antiphonal. Apostikha. These are Stikhera
- [The Five Cycles](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-five-cycles/) - The Great Cycle of Life. The life of an Orthodox Christian can be seen as being composed of five cycles. There is, first of all, the great cycle of life, which embraces the whole life of a man from birth to death, and which consists in liturgical actions which are not repeated, occurring only once
- [The Divine Liturgy](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-divine-liturgy/) - The Divine Liturgy has its origins in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, instituted by the Lord Himself: Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Where will You have us prepare for You to eat the passover? He said, Go into the city to a certain one, and
- [Services of the Daily Cycle](https://stmarylivonia.com/services-of-the-daily-cycle/) - Services of the Daily Cycle. The services of the Daily Cycle are divided into three groups of three services each, conveniently entitled: Evening Service (9th Hour, Vespers and Compline), Morning Service (Nocturns, Matins and 1st Hour), and Midday Service (3rd Hour, 6th Hour and Divine Liturgy or Typical Psalms). In addition, on Saturday evenings, as
- [The Other Symbols](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-other-symbols/) - Monograms Alpha And Omega: These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying that Jesus Christ is the beginning and end of all things (Rev. 22:13). Chi Rho: This is a monogram of the first two letters X and P of the Greek word for Christ. Chi Rho with Alpha and Omega:
- [The Cross](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-cross/) - The world of Christian symbols is a hierarchy of signs that have their origin in divine forms of which they are images, according to St. John of Damascus [Three Apologies Against the Iconoclasts]. The sacred central point of this world is the sign of the Holy Cross, symbol of the New Testament, symbol of victory
- [The New Testament](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-new-testament/) - Matthew. This Gospel presents Christ as the Fulfiller and Fulfillment of God's will disclosed in the Old Testament. Jesus is set forth as Israel's Messiah, by whose words and life His followers, the True Israel, may gain divine forgiveness and fellowship. Matthew presents Christ's deeds and words in a generally biographical order: Birth of Jesus
- [The Old Testament](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-old-testament/) - Genesis. Genesis, meaning beginning, covers the time from the Creation (i.e., the beginning of history) to the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, the book falls naturally into two main sections: Chapters 1-11 deal primarily with primeval history; Chapters 12-50 treat the history of the Fathers of Israel (or the Patriarchs). The first section speaks of the
- [The Old Testament Apocrypha](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-old-testament-apocrypha/) - Greek Additions to the Old Testament (Apocrypha). The Orthodox Bible contains certain other Scriptures besides that normally found in the Hebrew bible and most English language Bibles. The word Apocrypha means things that are hidden, although why so is not positively known. Sometimes these books are given the title Deutero-canonicalas contrasted to Proto-canonical to distinguish
- [The Church's Prayer for the Dead](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-churchs-prayer-for-the-dead/) - At every Divine Service, the Holy Orthodox Church offers up prayers for her departed children. Special prayers and Troparia are read at Compline (Night Service) and Nocturns (Midnight Service), and at Vespers and Matins the departed are remembered in the Litany of Fervent Supplication. At the Divine Liturgy the departed are commemorated at the Proskomedia,
- [Communing with God in Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/communing-with-god-in-prayer/) - The goal of the Christian's life on earth is salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ and, at the same time, communion with God. The means for this communion is prayer, and through his prayer the Christian is joined in one spirit with the Lord (I Cor. 6:17). Prayer is the focal point and foundation of
- [The Monastic Grades](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-monastic-grades/) - When one desiring the monastic life enters a monastery, he normally passes through three steps or stages: 1) Probationer (Novice including Riasaphor), 2) Monk of the Lesser Schema (Cross-bearer or Stavrophore), and 3) Monk of the Great Schema (Russian Skhimnik). The Probationer who enters a monastery desires to do so in order to acquit himself
- [Holy Icons](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-icons/) - One of the first things that strikes a non-Orthodox visitor to an Orthodox church is the prominent place assigned to the Holy Icons. The Iconostasis (Icon-screen) dividing the Altar from the rest of the church is covered with them, while others are placed in prominent places throughout the church building. Sometimes even the walls and
- [The Ten Commandments](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-ten-commandments/) - After the Exodus from Egyptian slavery (Ex. 14), the Children of Israel encamped at the foot of Mt. Sinai. Moses went up onto the mountain and there received from God two tablets of stone, upon which were written by God's hand the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20,31). The text of these commandments (The Decalogue) is as
- [The Symbol of Faith](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-symbol-of-faith/) - The Creed, sung during the Divine Liturgy, is one of the most ancient prayers of the Orthodox Church. It was composed, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, by the Fathers of the First and Second Ecumenical Councils (Nicea (325) and Constantinople (381), respectively), at a time when various heretical doctrines attempted to overthrow the
- [The Christian Ethic](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-christian-ethic/) - The Sermon delivered by our Savior on the Mount was preceded by two significant meetings, one with His secret disciple, Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), and the other with the Samaritan Woman (John 4:4-42). In His conversation with Nicodemus, Christ spoke of being born again, born of the Spirit of God, and in Samaria He taught of
- [The Beatitudes](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-beatitudes/) - 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. The Beatitudes can be viewed as a single system a ladder ascending in virtues. Christ calls us first of all to acquire spiritual poverty, and meekness, and only then to rise step by step to the summit of spiritual perfection. Man
- [Holy Tradition](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-tradition/) - One of the distinctive characteristics of the Holy Orthodox Church is its changelessness, its loyalty to the past, its sense of living continuity with the ancient Church. This idea of living continuity may be summed up in one word: Tradition. As St. John of Damascus says, We do not change the everlasting boundaries which our
- [Various Other Feasts](https://stmarylivonia.com/various-other-feasts/) - In addition to the Holy Pascha of the Lord, and the Twelve Great Feasts, there are several other Feasts ranking in importance just after them. These are: The Circumcision of the Lord, The Nativity of St. John the Baptist, The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, The Protection of
- [The Twelve Great Feasts](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-twelve-great-feasts/) - Great Feasts of the Fixed Cycle. The Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos (Sept. 8) The first Great Feast to fall in the Church Year is the Nativity of the Most-Holy Theotokos. It is entirely fitting that at the beginning of the new religious year all Orthodox Christians should come before the highest example of human
- [The Iconostasis](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-iconostasis/) - The most prominent feature of an Orthodox church is the Iconostasis, consisting of one or more rows of Icons and broken by a set of doors in the center (the Holy Doors) and a door at each side (the Deacon's Doors). In ancient times, the Iconostasis was probably a screen placed at the extreme Eastern
- [The Candles and Their Symbolism](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-candles-and-their-symbolism/) - Lit candles and Icon lamps (lampadas) have a special symbolic meaning in the Christian Church, and no Christian service can be held without them. In the Old Testament, when the first temple of God was built on earth the Tabernacle services were held in it with lamps as the Lord Himself had ordained (Ex. 40:5,
- [The Altar and Its Furnishings](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-altar-and-its-furnishings/) - The Altar which lies beyond the Iconostasis, is set aside for those who perform the Divine services, and normally persons not consecrated to the service of the Church are not permitted to enter. Occupying the central place in the Altar is the Holy Table (Russian Prestol), which represents the Throne of God, with the Lord
- [The Clergy](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-clergy/) - In the Orthodox Church there are three Major Orders Bishop, Priest and Deacon and two Minor Orders Subdeacon and Reader. All of these have specific functions in the Church and all have distinctive vestments relative to these functions. [For a further study of these Holy Orders, please see the section of this book entitled The
- [Meaning of Life: A Basilica of St  Mary Youth Discussion](https://stmarylivonia.com/meaning-of-life-a-basilica-of-st-mary-youth-discussion/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THFmUgHLHVw
- [Village Up North 2020](https://stmarylivonia.com/village-up-north-2020/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwqGQbq9HT8
- [Christmas Greeting from St. Mary](https://stmarylivonia.com/christmas-greeting-from-st-mary/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn1PBGVEk84
- [Feast of Epiphany - Blessing Your Home](https://stmarylivonia.com/feast-of-epiphany-blessing-your-home/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNzsXu4-XIY
- [Consecration of the Pantocrator](https://stmarylivonia.com/consecration-of-the-pantocrator/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umHeaozM6I8
- [Family Ministry Minute - February 15, 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-ministry-minute-february-15-2021/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WV6rordAcs
- [Family Ministry Minute - February 15, 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-ministry-minute-february-15-2021-2/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At9IG562Tk0
- [Family Ministry Minute - March 5, 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-ministry-minute-march-5-2021/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4zdFEP22uA
- [Family Ministry Minute - March 19, 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-ministry-minute-march-19-2021/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sckHYF1dEs
- [Sermon by Fr. George Shalhoub at St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral](https://stmarylivonia.com/sermon-by-fr-george-shalhoub-at-st-george-romanian-orthodox-cathedral/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPP3_20fTIE
- [Family Ministry Minute - April 5, 2021](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-ministry-minute-april-5-2021/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj-lTrXUa5g
- [Lazarus Saturday message from Fr. Jim](https://stmarylivonia.com/lazarus-saturday-message-from-fr-jim/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrws_-Ry-9o
- [Palm Sunday message from Dn. Dennis Bojrab, M.D.](https://stmarylivonia.com/palm-sunday-message-from-dn-dennis-bojrab-m-d/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BuKWvrm2kE
- [Holy Monday message from Dn. Samer Hanna](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-monday-message-from-dn-samer-hanna/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbGW4YsS1ho
- [Holy Wednesday message from Sub Deacon Adam Murphy](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-wednesday-message-from-sub-deacon-adam-murphy/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPTIwcjzbAw
- [Holy Thursday message from Chris Holwey](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-thursday-message-from-chris-holwey/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hJkeq5j_aI
- [Holy Saturday message from Dn. Zack](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-saturday-message-from-dn-zack/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4-ZIaKzJpc
- [Holy Pascha message from Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-pascha-message-from-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmkB_BbZF4Q
- [Ascension - Featuring Christopher Holwey](https://stmarylivonia.com/ascension-featuring-christopher-holwey/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVZb5e3DwwU
- [Family Ministry Minute - Pentecost by Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-ministry-minute-pentecost-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt_6FpeAJC0
- [Sts. Peter and Paul by Fr. Jim](https://stmarylivonia.com/sts-peter-and-paul-by-fr-jim/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFWZgyD0rGM
- [Eulogy of Archpriest Gregory Ofiesh by Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/eulogy-of-archpriest-gregory-ofiesh-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7owf2fAJl3c
- [Morning Prayers with Mark Sultani](https://stmarylivonia.com/morning-prayers-with-mark-sultani/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRv_21H7ZFs
- [Dormition Festival - Thank You](https://stmarylivonia.com/dormition-festival-thank-you/) - Miracles Happen When We Work Together! I am so delighted to share with you the good news. The Lord has made us a community to work together in order to support the Holy Church and meet the needs of the future, today. Last weekend’s Festival, as we celebrated the Feast of our Church, the Holy
- [Thanksgiving Reflection by Fr. Jim](https://stmarylivonia.com/thanksgiving-reflection-by-fr-jim/) - “Give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:20-21 We greet you during the start of this season of the Nativity and encourage you to stay focused this Thanksgiving day on the many things for
- [2020 Easter Message](https://stmarylivonia.com/2020-easter-message/) - Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! With this proclamation, we send you our prayers and love from hearts full of concern for you and your family’s well-being. With never ceasing prayers I offer on your behalf to assure you that the Lord is at hand. This Easter is unlike any we have enjoyed in
- [Church School Letter](https://stmarylivonia.com/church-school-letter/) - Dear Church School Families, On May 14, His Eminence, Metropolitan Joseph, sent a directive that all church ministry programs should be reinstated, including church school programs. In light of this directive and considering the easing of pandemic restrictions throughout Michigan, as recommended by the CDC, the Basilica of St. Mary is reopening our in-person church
- [Holy Friday message from Osama Nunu](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-friday-message-from-osama-nunu/)
- [Christmas Message from Fr. George](https://stmarylivonia.com/christmas-message-from-fr-george/) - Christ is born – ولد ألمسيـح GLORIFY HIM! - فمجد وه I greet you and your loved ones with the joy that filled the universe on the night our Lord was born, “Do not be afraid,” said the angel to the shepherd. “I bring great tidings of joy to you tonight; for in the city
- [Palm Sunday Reflection](https://stmarylivonia.com/palm-sunday-reflection/) - (from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians) Beloved, Faith and peace from our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, as I write to you, in the midst, of our Palm Sunday commemoration. Even though we are practicing social distancing, you are always close to my heart as I practice spiritual prayer for your sake.
- [March 23, 2020 Reflection by Fr. Jim King](https://stmarylivonia.com/march-23-2020-reflection/) - Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In an attempt to continue our communication with all of you during this time of uncertainty, Fr. George and I will be sending reflections and words of encouragement to you remotely a couple times each week. It’s important during this time of isolation and social distancing to stay connected
- [Fr. James Kings Sermon For March 22nd, 2020](https://stmarylivonia.com/fr-james-kings-sermon-for-march-22nd-2020/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdlRQd9chL8
- [Fr. George Reflection - March 18, 2020](https://stmarylivonia.com/fr-george-reflection-march-18-2020/) - Beloved, In the spirit of keeping in touch with each other during this world-wide disruptiveness of work, school and every aspect of our lives, I wish to direct to your attention that as bad as these disruptions are to the world and especially the economy, it behooves us, as people, to now reflect on our
- [Gospel Reflection for Sunday December 8, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/gospel-reflection-for-sunday-december-8-2019/) - In this gospel lesson of St. Luke 13:10-17 we hear of the lord teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. Whereby Jesus sees a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for 18 years and could not stand straight. Our Lord who is compassionate calls her to him and says to her “Woman
- [Father, Forgive Them](https://stmarylivonia.com/father-forgive-them/) - Jesus in His deepest pain on the cross taught us the ultimate lesson on forgiveness. He prayed for those who were crucifying Him while being tormented on the cross!! Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Anger and Revenge would have been on the natural man
- [Thicken Your Skin](https://stmarylivonia.com/thicken-your-skin/) - When entering the monastic life, Christian monks are taught a very valuable spiritual lesson. They are taught not to be affected by human praise or insults alike. If people praise us, pride may creep into our hearts leading to vain glory. If people insult us, this may lead us to revenge or despair. People are
- [Ignoring the Poor-Guarding Against Greed and Anxiety](https://stmarylivonia.com/ignoring-the-poor-guarding-against-greed-and-anxiety/) - In the parable of the rich and Lazarus, Jesus talked about the eternal destiny of both the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man ended up in Hades and Lazarus went to heaven in the bosom of Father Abraham. Lazarus had suffered a difficult life on earth in poverty and illness. The rich man on
- [Idle Talk](https://stmarylivonia.com/idle-talk/) - Most if not all of us are guilty of idle talk. Idle talk is any vain unnecessary talk that can be damaging to ourselves and others even though it may seem harmless. The Bible warns us against idle talk. Jesus said “36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day
- [Rooted in Christ](https://stmarylivonia.com/rooted-in-christ/) - Many accept Christ but then drift away in their relationship to Him or they keep it superficial. This type of relationship often won’t bear much spiritual fruits. Like a plant, we must be well rooted in Christ to have a fruitful spiritual life. St Paul wrote “6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for April 19, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-reflection-for-april-19-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for April 23, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-april-23-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for April16, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-april16-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for April 10, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-april-10-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for April 11, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-april-11-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for Lent](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-lent/)
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for March 21, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-march-21-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for March 19, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-march-19-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”
- [Our Daily Bread: Meditation for March 12, 2019](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-daily-bread-meditation-for-march-12-2019/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none”
- [Reflection on the New Year by Fr. George Shalhoub](https://stmarylivonia.com/reflection-on-the-new-year-by-fr-george-shalhoub/) - Beloved, I know for a fact that within a few days the New Year will be knocking at each and every one of our doors. Many will go to parties and celebrate, others will stay home and many of our beloved will be spending their New Year’s Eve in refugee camps, in dilapidated homes or going to church that
- [Reflection for Mother’s Day](https://stmarylivonia.com/reflection-for-mothers-day/) - Reflection for Mother’s Day By: Fr. George Shalhoub May 8, 2016 This Sunday, our nation will honor and pay tribute to Mothers by setting aside a day to say thank you with cards, flowers or lunch, which in my own opinion, is shortchanging the dignity and honor of what she represents to humanity. Nonetheless, my
- [Statement on the Orlando Shooting](https://stmarylivonia.com/statement-on-the-orlando-shooting/) - Beloved, The Basilica of St. Mary, its clergy, parishioners and entire community are not only shocked, but numb and appalled by the senseless mass shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016. We condemn the use of weapons of mass destruction. Lest we forget, we invaded Iraq under the pretense of mass destruction to avoid
- [A Reflection on Our 45th Thanksgiving in America: What are You Grateful for?](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-reflection-on-our-45th-thanksgiving-in-america-what-are-you-grateful-for/) - Beloved, This Thanksgiving season marks our 45th anniversary of being part of the most wonderful community and family in a church that houses us all. Over these last 45 years, we have done what our faith calls us to do—have a conversation about Thanksgiving, not just the holiday, but truly giving thanks. Those many years
- [Open Letter to President Trump](https://stmarylivonia.com/open-letter-to-president-trump/) - President Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20500 Mr. President, I greet you and your family including your grandchildren with the same greeting that the angels gave the shepherds during this holy season, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor
- [Resurrection message from St. Gregory](https://stmarylivonia.com/resurrection-message-from-st-gregory/) - St. Gregory the Theologian, from the Paschal Orations Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him. Yesterday I died with Him; Today I am made alive with Him. Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I am raised up with Him. Let us offer to Him Who suffered and rose again
- [A History of the Orthodox Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-history-of-the-orthodox-church/) - The history of the Orthodox Church actually begins in the Acts of the Holy Apostles, with the Descent of the Holy Spirit: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the
- [Orthodoxy in America](https://stmarylivonia.com/orthodoxy-in-america/) - In the 18th Century, the great Orthodox Christian missionary work which began with Pentecost in Jerusalem, so many centuries before, finally crossed from the continent of Euro-Asia into North America. The first missionaries traveled with the explorers Vitus Bering and Alexei Chirikov, who formally claimed Alaska and the Aleutian Islands in 1741. For the next
- [Icon Not-Made-By-Hands](https://stmarylivonia.com/icon-not-made-by-hands/) - One of the earliest Icons witnessed to by Church Tradition, is the Icon of the Savior Not-Made-By-Hands. According to Tradition, during the time of the earthly ministry of the Savior, Abgar ruled in the Syrian city of Edessa. He was afflicted with leprosy over his whole body. At this time report of the great miracles
- [Icons of the Mother of God](https://stmarylivonia.com/icons-of-the-mother-of-god/) - She Who is Quick to Hear. This ancient wonderworking Icon is located on Mt. Athos at the Monastery of Dochiarou. The Monastery's tradition dates the time of the writing of this Icon to the 10th Century, when St. Neophytos (co-founder of the Monastery) was Superior. In 1664, the Steward, Nilos, passing through the dining-hall at
- [The Monastic Tonsure](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-monastic-tonsure/) - It is generally accepted that monasticism began in Egypt towards the end of the Third Century, though its origins may have been older. Indeed, some form of monasticism may have existed almost from the birth of the Church. As the word monastic implies (in Greek monos alone), the Monk was one who went into the
- [Where to Find](https://stmarylivonia.com/where-to-find/) - Psalms for Special Needs. The following Psalms are especially appropriate for times of special need: When Afraid: Ps. 27; Ps. 56 When Anxious: Ps. 46 When Disaster Threatens: Ps. 34; Ps. 91; Ps. 121 When Discouraged: Ps. 23; Ps. 37; Ps. 42; Ps. 55; Ps. 90 When Facing a Crisis: Ps. 34; Ps. 46; Ps.
- [The Holy Bible](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-holy-bible/) - The Old Testament. The Bible is customarily divided into two books: The Old Testament and the New Testament. We should note, however, that the word testament is not totally appropriate to designate the character of these two books, but rather the designations New Covenant and Old Covenant. (Some Bibles, such as the Slavonic and Russian,
- [Liturgical Gestures](https://stmarylivonia.com/liturgical-gestures/) - Orthodox worship is characterized by a complete utilization of the senses sight, smell, hearing, speech and touch. We see the candles, Icons, frescoes, etc., we hear the sounds of singing and reading, at times lifting up our own voices, and we smell the characteristic odor of the incense. The whole of the human person is
- [Fasting](https://stmarylivonia.com/fasting/) - Seeing that bodily disposition is important in worship and spiritual life, in general, great emphasis is placed in the Orthodox Church on fasting; if one should add up all of the fasting seasons and days of the Church calendar, he would find that more than half of the year is devoted to this ascetic labor.
- [Holy Orders](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-orders/) - In the Orthodox Church there are to be found three Major Orders-Bishop. Priest and Deacon and two Minor Orders Subdeacon and Reader (although in ancient times there were other Minor Orders which have now fallen into disuse). The Holy Apostles appointed seven men (Church Tradition calls them Deacons) to perform a special serving ministry (Acts
- [Holy Unction](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-unction/) - This Sacrament is described in Holy Scripture by St. James the Brother of the Lord: Is any among you sick? Let him, call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man,
- [The Church Building](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-church-building/) - External Arrangement. Orthodox churches generally take one of several shapes that have a particular mystical significance. The most common shape is an oblong or rectangular shape, imitating the form of a ship. As a ship, under the guidance of a master helmsman conveys men through the stormy seas to a calm harbor, so the Church,
- [Prayer Upon Entering a Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-upon-entering-a-church/) - I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three
- [Parent's Prayer for Their Children, Relatives & Friends](https://stmarylivonia.com/parents-prayer-for-their-children-relatives-friends/) - O God, our heavenly Father, who loves mankind and are a most merciful and compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servants (Name those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray to You to care for and protect. O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the
- [Child's Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/childs-prayer/) - Heavenly Father, bless my parents and all those who love and care for me. Help me in all ways to be respectful and obedient to them according to Your will. Send down upon me Your grace to perform all my duties carefully and faithfully, to avoid unacceptable company and influence and to resist all temptation
- [Prayer of a Married Person](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-a-married-person/) - Lord Jesus Christ, by Your presence You blessed the wedding in Cana and showed us that You are the true priest of mystical and pure marriage. We thank You for the day on which by Your heavenly blessing You joined us in the sacrament of marriage. Lord, continue to bless and enrich our marriage in
- [Prayer for Peace](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-peace/) - Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on the earth. Guide, I pray, all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach us to cease
- [Lenten Prayers](https://stmarylivonia.com/lenten-prayers/) - Almighty Master, who created all things in wisdom, by Your providence and great goodness, you have led us to this lenten season for purification of our souls and bodies, and for control of our passions in the hope of the resurrection; You, who after forty days gave Moses the tablets of the law inscribed by
- [Prayers Before Study](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-before-study/) - Most blessed Lord, send the grace of Your Holy Spirit on me to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study and by it become a better person for Your glory, the comfort of my family and the benefit of Your Church and our Nation. Amen Christ, the true
- [Prayers Right Before Communion](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-right-before-communion/) - I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have
- [Morning Service](https://stmarylivonia.com/morning-service/) - (An abbreviated Orthros Service for Retreats & Youth Gatherings.) Priest: Blessed is our God, always both now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen Priest: Glory to You, Christ our God, our hope, Glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the
- [A Journey toward Transformation](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-journey-of-transformation/) - Great Lent for us, as Orthodox Christians, is a journey toward transformation. This week, the church remembers St. John Climicus, a seventh century monk from Egypt, who wrote a book called, "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." In this book, St. John lists 30 stages of spiritual development to help us on our journey toward transformation. The
- [A Holy Week Reflection](https://stmarylivonia.com/a-holy-week-reflection/) - The Kingdom of God is the life of the Holy Trinity in the world. It is the Kingdom of holiness, goodness, truth, beauty, love peace, and joy. These qualities are not works of the human spirit. They proceed from the life of God and reveal God. Christ Himself is the Kingdom. He is the God-Man,
- [The Result of Thanksgiving](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-result-of-thanksgiving/) - When you are generous to another person, you are not bestowing a gift, but repaying a debt. Everything you possess materially comes from God, who created all things. And every spiritual and moral virtue you possess is through divine grace. Thus you owe everything to God. More than that, God has given you his Son, to show
- [Do you understand the mission of the Orthodox Church?](https://stmarylivonia.com/do-you-understand-the-mission-of-the-orthodox-church/) - Is Orthodoxy a Religion? by Fr. John Romanides This is an excerpt from the upcoming book Patristic Theology, The University Lectures of Father John Romanides, by Uncut Mountain Press. Many are of the opinion that Orthodoxy is just one religion among many and that its chief concern is to prepare the mem-bers of the Church
- [Is the Church a "Reality" for you?](https://stmarylivonia.com/is-the-church-a-reality-for-you/) - Someone once said, when asked why they find it so important to attend church regularly, that they go to church because for them; "The church is where I find my reality." Wow...what a statement. Not only is that comment full of humilty...but also full of truth! For us, as Christians, the simple truth…is that we believe our
- [Christ is The New Passover.](https://stmarylivonia.com/christ-is-the-new-passover/) - Al-Massiah Qam! Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! It is because of Christ's glorious third day Resurrection that Christians all around the world celebrate Easter. The greek word for Easter is Pascha, which is literally translated "Passover," and has been celebrated by Judaism for over 3500 years in remembrance of when the Israelites were liberated from Egyptian bondage, and when the angel of
- [Are you an instrument of belief?](https://stmarylivonia.com/are-you-an-instrument-of-belief/) - Al-Massiah Qam! Hakan Qam! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! In the gospel of St. John, chapter 20, we learn that eight days after the Apostle Thomas doubted Christ's resurrection... Christ, Himself miraculously appeared before him and the other Apostles, and immediately Thomas' doubt was transformed...instantly making him an instrument of belief. Thomas then took that
- [Taking up your cross](https://stmarylivonia.com/taking-up-your-cross/) - This week let us remember to thank God for all the blessings he bestows upon us. And let us, this week, not forget to thank God for dieing on the cross for us, and to ask Him for the strength to endure any cross that we may find ourselves carrying. And finally, let us take this week, the
- [Translated Arabic Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/translated-arabic-prayer/) - LORD: DO NOT MAKE ME A CRUEL MAN SLAUGHTERING THE SHEEP, NOR A SHEEP SLAUGHTERED BY CRUEL MEN. LORD: HELP ME TO SAY THE WORD OF TRUTH IN FRONT OF THE POWERFUL, AND NOT SAY FALSEHOD IN ORDER TO GAIN THE APPLAUSE OF THE WEAK. LORD: IF YOU GIVE ME WEALTH, DO NOT TAKE AWAY
- [Prayer of a Student](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-a-student/) - Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and
- [Prayer After Study ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-after-study/) - I thank You, Lord our God, that again on this occasion You have opened my eyes to the light of Your wisdom. You have gladdened my heart with the knowledge of truth. I entreat You, Lord, help me always to do Your will. Bless my soul and body, my words and deeds. Enable me to
- [Prayer Before Studying the Bible ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-before-studying-the-bible/) - Master who loves us, shine Your eternal light in our hearts that we may better know you. Help us to fully understand Your gospel message. Instill in us respect for Your holy commandments, that by overcoming our worldly desires we might life a spiritual life of thoughts and deeds which pleases You. We ask this
- [General Prayers for the Dead](https://stmarylivonia.com/general-prayers-for-the-dead/) - Christ our eternal King and God, You have destroyed death and the devil by Your Cross and have restored man to life by Your Resurrection; give rest, Lord, to the soul of Your servant (name) who has fallen asleep, in Your Kingdom, where there is no pain, sorrow or suffering. In Your goodness and love
- [Prayer for a Dead Child ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-a-dead-child/) - O Lord who watches over children in the present life and in the world to come because of their simplicity and innocence of mind, abundantly satisfying them with a place in Abraham's bosom, bringing them to live in radiantly shining places where the spirits of the righteous dwell: receive in peace the soul of Your
- [Prayer After a Miscarriage ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-after-a-miscarriage/) - O Sovereign Master, Lord our God, Who was born of the all-pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and as an infant was laid in a manger: do You Yourself, according to Your great mercy, have regard for this Your servant (Name) who has miscarried that which was conceived in her. Heal her suffering, granting to her,
- [Prayers Before Receiving Communion ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-before-receiving-communion/) - Prayer of St. John Chrysostom Lord, Jesus Christ my God, forgive the faults and sins which I, Your unworthy servant have committed from my youth to this day and hour, whether knowingly or in ignorance, whether by words, deeds, intentions or thoughts and whether by habit or through any of my senses. By the prayers
- [Evening Service](https://stmarylivonia.com/evening-service/) - (An abbreviated Vespers Service for retreats & Youth Gatherings.) Priest: Blessed is our God, always, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen Prayer for the Acceptance of God's Will Lord, I do not know what to ask of You. You alone know my true needs. You love me more than
- [Prayers in Time of Need ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-in-time-of-need/) - Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me. I believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from me fear, anxiety
- [Prayer Against Demonic Influence ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-against-demonic-influence/) - Almighty God, Who delivered Your people from the bondage of the adversary, and through Your Son cast down Satan like lightning, deliver me also from every influence of unclean spirits. Command Satan to depart far from me by the power of Your only begotten Son. Rescue me from demonic imaginings and darkness. Fill me with
- [Prayer for Our Enemies ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-our-enemies/) - Lord Jesus Christ, in Your great mercy You prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified You, and You taught us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. Lord, I pray that You forgive those who treat me unjustly and speak out against me, and that You bless them and
- [Thanksgiving After Trouble ](https://stmarylivonia.com/thanksgiving-after-trouble/) - Almighty and merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank Your divine majesty for Your loving kindness and tender mercies, that You have heard my humble prayer, and graciously granted me deliverance from my trouble and misery. I pray to you to continue granting Your helping grace, that I may lead a life pleasing to
- [Prayers Before Any Task](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-before-any-task/) - Lord Jesus Christ, my God, You have said, "Apart from me You can do nothing." In faith I embrace Your words, Lord, and I entreat Your goodness. Help me to carry out the work I am about to begin, and to bring it to completion. To You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- [Prayer After Any Task ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-after-any-task/) - Thank You, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in my work. You are the fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness, that I may praise You always. Amen.
- [Prayer Toward the Unknown ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-toward-the-unknown/) - O Lord, You who steadied the hand of Peter as he began to sink on the stormy sea, if you are with me, no one is against me. Grant to me the shield of faith and the mighty armor of the Holy Spirit to protect me and guide me to do Your will. The future
- [Prayers Before Travel ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-before-travel/) - Lord Jesus Christ my God, be my Companion, guide and protector during my journey. Keep me from all danger, misfortune and temptation. By Your divine power grant me a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival. In You I place my hope and trust and You I praise, honor and glorify, together with Your Father
- [Prayers for Repentance ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-for-repentance/) - God, my good and loving Lord, I acknowledge all the sins which I have committed every day in my life, whether in thought, word or deed. I ask for forgiveness from the depths of my heart for offending You and others and repent of my old ways. Help me by Your grace to change, to
- [Prayer for Love](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-love/) - Christ my God, set my heart on fire with love in You, that in its flame I may love You with all my heart, with all my mind, and with all my soul and with all my strength, and my neighbor as myself, so that by keeping Your commandments I may glorify You the Giver
- [Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-st-francis-of-assisi/) - Lord make me an Instrument of Your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled as to
- [Prayer for Acceptance of God's Will ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-acceptance-of-gods-will/) - Lord, I do not know what to ask of You. You know better than me what my needs are. You love more than I know how to love. Help me to see clearly my real needs which I do not see. I open my heart to You. Examine and reveal to me my faults and
- [Prayers in Time of Trouble](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-in-time-of-trouble/) - Lord of the Powers be with us, for in times of distress we have no other help but You. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
- [Thanksgiving after Recovery ](https://stmarylivonia.com/thanksgiving-after-recovery/) - Almighty God and heavenly Father, You are the fountain of life and healing. I bless Your holy name and offer to You thanks for having delivered me from sickness and restored me to health. Grant me Your eternal grace, I pray, that I may live a new life in true obedience to You. Guide me
- [Prayer for the Terminally Ill](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-the-terminally-ill/) - Lord, Jesus Christ, Who suffered and died for our sins that we may live, if during our life we have sinned in word, deed or thought forgive us in Your goodness and love. All our hope we put in You; protect your servant (name) from all evil. We submit to Your will and into Your
- [Prayer upon Leaving a Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-upon-leaving-a-church/) - Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
- [Prayer at the Icon of Christ ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-at-the-icon-of-christ/) - We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have filled all
- [Prayer at the Icon of the Theotokos ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-at-the-icon-of-the-theotokos/) - Tenderness springs forth from you, O Theotokos, make us worthy of compassion. Look upon sinful people, reveal your power for ever as we hope in you and cry aloud: Hail! as did the Archangel Gabriel, Chief Captain of the Bodiless Powers. Amen.
- [Family Prayers : Family or Group Prayer ](https://stmarylivonia.com/family-prayers-family-or-group-prayer/) - Leader: May the grace or our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. All: And with your Spirit. All: You have given us grace at this time to offer You a common prayer together and have promised that when two or three
- [Prayer of a Single Parent ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-a-single-parent/) - Lord Jesus Christ my God, who carried Your own Holy Cross to Golgotha, grant me the strength, patience and wisdom to bear the burdens of parenthood. Fulfill in me anything I may be lacking and grant that through our prayers and those of Your Holy Mother, our family may grow closer to You and a
- [Prayer for Your Parents ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-for-your-parents/) - Lord and Savior, You have taught us to honor our fathers and mothers, and to show love and obedience toward them. From the depth of my heart I fervently pray to You, Jesus, my God: hear my prayer. Bless my parents who have raised me up with the help of Your grace. Protect them from
- [Praying with Toddlers ](https://stmarylivonia.com/praying-with-toddlers/) - Teach them early to venerate icons and to Cross themselves. Explain simple concepts of God and Jesus. Pray with them by helping enumerate their blessings- Jesus loves my _______ . Thank you God, for _______ .
- [Prayer of a Single Person ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-a-single-person/) - Jesus my Lord, Who became man and graced us with the beauty of Your life and with the example of faith, purity and love; help me, I pray, to love You with all my mind, heart and soul, and to live according to Your teachings. Strengthen me when temptations strike, that I may remain pure
- [Prayer of a Widow or Widower ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-a-widow-or-widower/) - Lord Jesus Christ, Who through your mercy, resurrected the only son of the widow in Nain; I pray to You in need and all alone, putting my hope in God and asking for help. O You who fulfill our every need and complete everything we lack, grant me faith, courage, love and understanding of Your
- [Prayers in Time of Illness : Prayer of a Sick Person ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-in-time-of-illness-prayer-of-a-sick-person/) - Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, You became man and died on the cross for our salvation. You healed people of sickness and affliction through Your love and compassion. Visit me, Lord and grant me strength to bear this sickness with which I am afflicted, with patience, submission to Your will and trust in Your
- [Prayers for a Sick Person ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-for-a-sick-person/) - Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, Who have sent Your only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal also Your servant (name) from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant him (her) patience in this sickness, strength of body and
- [Morning Prayer : Trisagion Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/morning-prayer-trisagion-prayer/) - In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to You, Christ our God, our hope, Glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, Treasury of Goodness and Giver of life: come and abide in us. Cleanse us from
- [Prayers to the Holy Trinity ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-to-the-holy-trinity/) - Having risen from sleep, we worship You, blessed God, and sing to You, mighty Lord, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having awakened me from sleep, Lord, enlighten my mind
- [Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret ](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-of-metropolitan-philaret/) - Lord, give me the strength to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely on Your holy will. Reveal Your will to me every hour of the day. Bless my dealings with all people. Teach me to treat all people who come to me throughout the day with peace of
- [Evening Prayers](https://stmarylivonia.com/evening-prayers/) - In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to You, Christ our God, our hope, Glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, Treasury of Goodness and Giver of life: come and abide in us. Cleanse us from
- [Daily Meditation](https://stmarylivonia.com/daily-meditation/) - (At 7:00am or upon arising from sleep, we ask God to guide us through the day with His light.) Christ, the true Light, You enlighten and sanctify every man. May Your light shine in us that we may see Your radiance. Help us to live according to Your commandments, through the prayers of Your all-pure
- [The Creed](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-creed/) - I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with
- [The Jesus Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-jesus-prayer/) - (Repeat this prayer as many times as possible regularly during the day) Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
- [Prayers to Your Patron Saint](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayers-to-your-patron-saint/) - Saint (Name), Holy Mother of God and all the saints, who have pleased God in Your lives; pray to Christ my Lord that I might live this day in peace love and humility. Pray unto God for me, O Holy Saint (Name), well-pleasing to God: for I turn to you, who are a speedy helper
- [Prayer to Your Guardian Angel](https://stmarylivonia.com/prayer-to-your-guardian-angel/) - O Angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me of everything I have done to offend you every day, and protect me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I never offend God by my sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make
- [Mealtime Prayers : Various Prayers Before Meals](https://stmarylivonia.com/mealtime-prayers-various-prayers-before-meals/) - Christ our God, bless us Your servants, our home, the food and drink before us for You are the Source of all blessings, now and forever and ever. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ our God, You blessed the five loaves in the wilderness and fed the multitudes of men, women and children. Bless also these Your
- [Various Prayers After Meals](https://stmarylivonia.com/various-prayers-after-meals/) - We thank you, Christ our God, for providing us with Your earthly gifts. Deprive us not of Your heavenly Kingdom. Lord, as you entered among Your disciples to give them peace, enter among us, give us Your peace and save us. Amen. Glory to You, Lord and King! You have gladdened our hearts through Your
- [The Bells](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-bells/) - A striking component of Orthodox worship is the ringing of bells. Every daily cycle of public divine services starts with the ringing of bells and no one who has witnessed the procession around the church at Holy Pascha can forget the almost continuous ringing of all the church bells. In Pre-Revolutionary Moscow, for example, travelers
- [The Sacristy and Vestry](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-sacristy-and-vestry/) - The Sacristy. At the North end of the Altar (in ancient times a separate room, called the Sacristy or Chapel of the Oblation (sometimes Chapel of Preparation in Russian, Zhertvinnik) is placed the Table of Oblation (offering or Prothesis) where the offerings are prepared during the Proskomedia or Liturgy of Preparation. Like the Holy Table,
- [Holy Communion](https://stmarylivonia.com/holy-communion/) - The central place among the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church is held by the Holy Eucharist the precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. In modern times the Holy Eucharist is celebrated in the Orthodox Church at the following Liturgies: 1. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom the usual Liturgy of Sundays and
- [Liturgical Music](https://stmarylivonia.com/liturgical-music/) - Liturgical Music. In the Orthodox Faith, our singing in church is meant to be an Icon of worship. We sing our prayers. Our prayers are sung. And hardly ever do we hear prayers simply said. The Orthodox Church's tradition is to offer up prayers to God in uttered heightened speech called sacred singing. It is
- [Orthodoxy in the World
](https://stmarylivonia.com/orthodoxy-in-the-world-2/) - Constantinople. The Patriarchate of Constantinople again, at least nominally, became independent after World War I and the rise of modern, secular Turkey, although greatly reduced in size. At present the Patriarch's jurisdiction includes Turkey, the island of Crete and other islands in the Aegean, the Greeks and certain other national groups in the Dispersion (the
- [Fasting Rules](https://stmarylivonia.com/fasting-rules/) - The fasting rules, found for the most part in the Typikon (mainly Chapters 32 and 33), and repeated in appropriate places of the Menaion and Triodion, are dependent on the Church's cycle of feasts and fasts. In general, with a few exceptions, all Wednesdays and Fridays (Mondays also, in some monasteries) are kept as days
- [Fasting Seasons and Days](https://stmarylivonia.com/fasting-seasons-and-days/) - Paschal Cycle: 1. Meatfast the week before the beginning of Great Lent 2. Great Lent and Holy Week Yearly Cycle: 1. Nativity (St. Philip's) Fast Nov. 15 through Dec. 24 2. Apostles' (Peter and Paul) Fast from the Monday after All Saints Sunday through June 28 3. Dormition (Theotokos) Fast Aug. 1 through Aug. 14
- [Liturgical Books](https://stmarylivonia.com/liturgical-books/) - The Liturgical books used in Orthodox worship fall into three main groups. The first of these are three books containing readings from Holy Scripture. These are the Book of Gospels, the Book of Epistles (Apostol), and the Book of Psalms (Psalter). Book of Gospels. This book contains the text of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark,
- [Used in Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/used-in-church/) - Scripture Readings Throughout the Year. Epistle Gospel Sunday of Holy Pascha Acts 1:1-8 John 1:1-17 2nd Sunday after Pascha Acts 5:12-20 John 20:19-31 3rd Sunday after Pascha Acts 6:1-7 Mark 15:43-16:8 4th Sunday after Pascha Acts 9:32-42 John 5:1-15 5th Sunday after Pascha Acts 11:19-26, 29-30 John 4:5-42 6th Sunday after Pascha Acts 16:16-34 John
- [The Mother of God](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-mother-of-god/) - The Most-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. In the theology and piety of the Orthodox Church, a special place of honor is given to the Mother of God the Most-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, who is reverenced by the Orthodox as being more honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious, beyond compare, than the Seraphim. As
- [The Feast of Feasts - Pascha](https://stmarylivonia.com/the-feast-of-feasts-pascha/) - On Saturday, the day after the crucifixion of the Lord, His disciples and followers were filled with gloom, for they had seen their Lord and Master die, crucified on a cross. As Holy Scripture tells us, there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council,
- [Orthodoxy in the World](https://stmarylivonia.com/orthodoxy-in-the-world/) - The Patriarchate of Constantinople again, at least nominally, became independent after World War I and the rise of modern, secular Turkey, although greatly reduced in size. At present the Patriarch's jurisdiction includes Turkey, the island of Crete and other islands in the Aegean, the Greeks and certain other national groups in the Dispersion (the Diaspora)

## Pages

- [Home](https://stmarylivonia.com/) - Our mission is to offer the entire Basilica of St. Mary community (Infant thru Seniors) a place in which they can come together with other Orthodox Christians.
- [Business Directory](https://stmarylivonia.com/business-directory/) - Discover the trusted businesses and professionals within our parish community. You can easily view the most current edition of the Basilica Business Directory right here on our website. Click the button below to browse the latest listings and support our local entrepreneurs. Basilica Business Directory Basilica Business Directory Submission Support our parish family by connecting
- [JOY - Junior Orthodox Youth Group](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/joy/) - JOY - For Children in 3rd-6th Grade Generally events held on Saturdays from 11am - 3pm, every 2 weeks. Please see announcements for exact dates and schedule. Contact us at nnunu@tbosm.com Follow JOY on Instagram
- [Teen SOYO](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/teen-sovo/) - SOYO - For Teens in 7th-12th Grade Generally events held on Saturdays from 4:30pm - 9:30pm, every 2 weeks. Please see announcements for exact dates and schedule. No reservation required, just show up at the door! Contact us at basilicasoyo@gmail.com Follow Teen SOYO on Instagram
- [Calendar](https://stmarylivonia.com/news/calendar/)
- [Contact Us](https://stmarylivonia.com/contact-us/) - Visit Us 18100 Merriman, Livonia, MI 48152 Call : (734) 422-0010 Fax: (734) 422-0002 Message Us
- [Vacation Church School Registration](https://stmarylivonia.com/vacation-church-school-registration/) - 2025 Vacation Church School Register for 2025 Vacation Church School Need to register multiple children? Fill out the form below with all information, submitting once for each child. Cost increases to $50 after May 15th
- [Camp Saint Mary (CSM)](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/camp-saint-mary-csm/) - Camp Saint Mary is a ministry whose mission is to present to young people a living experience of the Holy Orthodox Faith. It is to develop a close relationship with God and befriend other campers in an uncluttered, natural environment. To accomplish this, we will seek to bring young people to: Become aware of self and
- [Welcome to The Basilica of St. Mary](https://stmarylivonia.com/first-visit/) - We're excited to have you with us and want to help you get as much from your visit as possible. Below is a guide to what you can expect during your visit at our worship services or education classes for children and adult adults. The best way to experience the Orthodox Church is to "Come
- [Basilica Brotherhood](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/basilica-brotherhood/) - The Saint Mary Men's Fellowship has now completed two years of brotherhood and service. Our objective is to enhance the spiritual growth and brotherhood of the young men and fathers of our Church and to use their talents and gifts to enrich Parish Life. Other than a few hundred dollars we generated to cover expenses
- [St. Mary Festival](https://stmarylivonia.com/st-mary-festival/) - Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" The Feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos, and Ever-Virgin Mary, is celebrated on August 15 each year. As part of this important feast day, we hold our annual festival
- [News](https://stmarylivonia.com/news/) - An Evening of Gratitude – Saturday, Oct. 26th Featured, News Mariam Center Gala – Saturday, November 9th Featured, News Arabic School Signup – October 6th to March 30th Featured, News Men’s Club Trip to the Monastery – Saturday, September 28th Featured, News Church School & Youth Program 2024-2025 Registration Featured, News Discover Orthodox Christianity Featured,
- [Church School](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/church-school/) - Register for Church Sunday School
- [St. Mary Choir](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/st-mary-choir/) - Enjoy hymns sung during Sunday Orthodox services from the Basilica of St. Mary. View Playlist
- [Bulletin](https://stmarylivonia.com/bulletin/) - Title Upload Date Download 03-15-2026 March 9, 2026 Download 03-08-2026 March 2, 2026 Download 03-01-2026 February 23, 2026 Download 02-22-2026 February 16, 2026 Download 02-15-2026 February 9, 2026 Download 02-08-2026 February 2, 2026 Download 02-01-2026 January 26, 2026 Download 01-25-2026 January 18, 2026 Download 01-18-2026 January 12, 2026 Download 01-11-2026 January 5, 2026 Download 12-28-2025
- [Altar Servers](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/altar-servers/) - Requirements The Altar Server program is an opportunity to assist our clergy in guiding the parish through liturgical services. It is also a great way to grow within the church, while serving others. We encourage all that wish to participate to register and be added to a Altar team. To be an Altar Server, you
- [Media](https://stmarylivonia.com/media/) - Camp Saint Mary 2021 View Media → Morning Prayers with Mark Sultani View Media → Eulogy of Archpriest Gregory Ofiesh by Fr. George Shalhoub View Media → Sts. Peter and Paul by Fr. Jim View Media → Family Ministry Minute – Pentecost by Fr. George Shalhoub View Media → Ascension – Featuring Christopher Holwey View
- [Reflections/Homilies](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/reflections-homilies/) - Thanksgiving Reflection by Fr. Jim November 25, 2020 “Give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:20-21 We greet you during the start of … Read More → 2020 Easter Message April 17, 2020 Christ
- [Prayers](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/prayers/) - Translated Arabic Prayer Prayer of a Student Prayers Before Study Prayer After Study Prayer Before Studying the Bible General Prayers for the Dead Prayer for a Dead Child Prayer After a Miscarriage Prayers Before Receiving Communion Prayers Right Before Communion Morning Service Evening Service Prayers in Time of Need Prayer Against Demonic Influence Prayer for
- [Articles](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/) - Building/Servers The Clergy The Altar and Its Furnishings The Bells The Candles and Their Symbolism The Church Building The Iconostasis The Sacristy and Vestry Feasts of the Church The Feast of Feasts – Pascha The Twelve Great Feasts Various Other Feasts Orthodox Dogma & Doctrine Holy Tradition The Beatitudes The Christian Ethic The Mother of
- [Our Beliefs](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/)
- [Links](https://stmarylivonia.com/about-us/links/) - What We Believe Introduction to Orthodoxy: What We Believe A list of topical Orthodox readings About the Orthodox Faith (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese) The Orthodox Christian Information Center Questions and Answers on the Orthodox Faith The Orthodox Faith - by Fr. Thomas Hopko Commonly known as "The Rainbow Books" Monachos.net - Orthodox Monasticism and Patristics Orthodox
- [Church Services](https://stmarylivonia.com/about-us/church-services/) - Akathist An akathist (Greek, akathistos) is a hymn dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The word akathist itself means "not sitting." The akathist par excellence is that written in the 6th century to the Theotokos. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during Great Lent), it is often known by
- [Patron Saint](https://stmarylivonia.com/about-us/patron-saint/) - Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary Commemorated on August 15 After the Ascension of the Lord, the Mother of God remained in the care of the Apostle John the Theologian, and during his journeys She lived at the home of his parents, near the Mount of Olives. She
- [Clergy](https://stmarylivonia.com/about-us/clergy/) - Fr. George Shalhoub Fr. George Shalhoub was born in Hama Syria to Emily and George Shalhoub, the youngest of 7 children. At the age of 12, he was sent to the Balamand Monastery in Lebanon. Fr. George was ordained a deacon in the Cathedral of the Patriarchate in Damascus, Syria. In 1971, he was sent
- [About Us](https://stmarylivonia.com/about-us/) - St. Mary Orthodox Church is a parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of north America. In February, 1972, St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church was born when a young priest named Fr. George Shalhoub was ordained and assigned to a small parish in Livonia, Michigan with no church building to call their own. Five years
- [New Members](https://stmarylivonia.com/about-us/new-members/) - The Basilica of St. Mary is home to hundreds of multiethnic families. We firmly believe that through love and faith we will all be drawn to God. We would love the opportunity to meet you and have you join our family. Are you currently Orthodox seeking a parish? Are you new to Orthodoxy? Have you heard about
- [Vacation Church School](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/vacation-church-school/) - Info coming soon...
- [Village Up North](https://stmarylivonia.com/village-up-north/) - Info coming soon…
- [Young Adult (20/40 Fellowship)](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/young-adult-2040-fellowship/) - The Young Adults hosted an event in conjunction with the Village at Home on December 6 entitled, "Life after the Village". This discussion was hosted by Mark Sultani, Angela S. Kadado, and Vicki S. Tarazi at their childhood home and the speaker/discussion leader was Fr. Anthony Yazge, the Director of Antiochian Village Camping Program. The
- [Mother-Toddler Group](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/mother-toddler-group/) - The Mother-Toddler Ministry is in its 10th year of growth in the Holy Orthodox Faith and fellowship for Mothers and their children (Infant up to Preschool age). They meet every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:00pm in the Church and in the Activities Center. The meeting begins in the Narthex of the Church near the place
- [Daughters of Saint Mary](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/daughters-of-saint-mary/) - The Daughters of Saint Mary hosted two spiritually enriching Lenten retreats during the year of 2015: The first one was in March before Pascha (Easter) with Fr. Damaskinos Issa of Saint George in Bridgeville, PA, a former classmate of our Parish Ministries Coordinator. The second retreat was in November 21st - the Feast of the Entrance of
- [Catechesis of the Good Shepherd](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/) - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based Orthodox religious education program. The atrium (classroom) provides an environment for children to explore the rich proclamations of our faith through the use of materials that the children may handle. Currently, we offer a Level 1 program for children ages three to six years old, preschool
- [Basilica of St. Mary Montessori Academy](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/basilica-of-st-mary-montessori-academy/) - Mission The mission of the BOSMMA is to create a strong, mutually supportive partnership with parents, families, the community, and the teachers as facilitators for the purpose of maximizing every child’s academic and personal growth; to encourage the development of the whole child by providing a comprehensive Montessori education which cultivates foundational skills and independent thought as
- [Arabic School](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/arabic-school/) - St. Mary Arabic School 2017/2018 meets from 12:30 to 1:30 pm every Sunday after church school. The annual year begins on the first week of October and ends on the last week of March, with 20 sessions over all for $50/student. Our program is divided into three levels: Level 1: Beginners Level 2: Intermediates Level
- [Ministries](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/) - Mission Statement To offer to all parishioners – infants through senior citizens -a place in which they may come together to receive moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance based on our Orthodox Christian faith, and to provide a foundation for leading a Christ-centered life, in order to spread love, joy, and hope to the larger Detroit
- [Church History](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/church-history/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="13" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Orthodox Worship](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/orthodox-worship/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="21" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Sacraments of the Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/sacraments-of-the-church/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="22" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Feasts of the Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/feasts-of-the-church/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="14" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Orthodox Dogma and Doctrine](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/orthodox-dogma-and-doctrine/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="15" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Orthodox Icons](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/orthodox-icons/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="16" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Orthodox Monasticism](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/orthodox-monasticism/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="17" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Orthodox Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/orthodox-prayer/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="18" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Orthodox Scripture](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/articles/orthodox-scripture/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][srp post_limit="10" widget_title="" display_thumbnail="no" post_date="no" category_autofilter="yes" category_include="19" enable_pagination="yes" pagination_mid_size="5" pagination_nextlink_text=">" pagination_prevlink_text="
- [Learning Series](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/learning-series/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]Our in-depth learning series dissects and teaches about our faith through PPowerPoint presentations. We update this section periodicaly. If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can download PowerPoint Viewer here.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″
- [Focus on the Orthodox Family](https://stmarylivonia.com/our-beliefs/focus-on-the-orthodox-family/) - [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]I welcome you to Focus on the Orthodox Family which will deal with family issues. Our hope is that these reflections will provide you with a practical approach to the many issues
- [Media and Communications Ministry](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/media-and-communications-ministry/) - Philosophy and/or Ministry Focus The purpose of this ministry is to increase awareness to all of the activities that occur throughout the year through advertising and communications via web or print. Website The new website has been live throughout 2013 and we update it daily with news and events as soon as it arrives. We
- [Senior Heritage Fellowship Ministry](https://stmarylivonia.com/ministries/senior-heritage-fellowship-ministry/) - The Senior Heritage Fellowship Ministry was founded in 2006. It is one of the longest running, consistent monthly ministries here at the Basilica. We meet on the last Thursday of every month to celebrate the Divine Liturgy together, followed by a wonderful presentation and lunch with fellowship time as well. We usually invite a special
- [Donate](https://stmarylivonia.com/donate/)
- [St. Mary Cultural Center](https://stmarylivonia.com/cc/)

## Products

- [Annual Golf Outing](https://stmarylivonia.com/s/annual-golf-outing/) - Join us on the green for 18 holes of unforgettable action, including thrilling contests like closest-to-the-pin and a hole-in-one challenge! Enjoy delicious lunch and dinner, plus exciting games and prizes throughout the day. This is one event you won't want to miss!
- [Teen SOYO Merch](https://stmarylivonia.com/s/teen-soyo-merch/) - Get ready to represent SOYO in style with the official SOYO Merch collection! Designed with our community in mind, this year’s gear combines faith, fellowship, and fashion — and it's only available for a limited time. Order deadline is February 13th!
- [Calendar Sponsorships](https://stmarylivonia.com/s/calendar-sponsorships/) - Become part of the Basilica of St. Mary’s cherished tradition by sponsoring our annual calendar, an important way to support our vibrant community and keep our ministries thriving. By contributing a set or custom amount, you will have the opportunity to include your name on the calendar, publicly showing your commitment to our mission of spreading love, joy, and hope. Sponsorship Deadline: December 15th, 2025
- [Calendar Donations](https://stmarylivonia.com/s/calendar-donations/) - Support the Basilica of St. Mary by making a meaningful donation to our annual calendar fund. Your contribution, no matter the amount, directly helps us uphold our mission of fostering spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach within our community.
- [Make a Donation](https://stmarylivonia.com/s/make-a-donation/) - Your generosity helps us continue to share God’s love, serve our community, and grow in faith together. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Through your support, we are able to sustain our ministries, maintain our church, and reach those in need with compassion and care. We invite you to prayerfully consider making a contribution.

## Categories

- [Media](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/media/)
- [News](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/news/)
- [Church History](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/church-history/)
- [Feasts of the Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/feasts-of-the-church/)
- [Orthodox Dogma and Doctrine](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-dogma-and-doctrine/)
- [Orthodox Icons](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-icons/)
- [Orthodox Monasticism](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-monasticism/)
- [Orthodox Prayer](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-prayer/)
- [Orthodox Scripture](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-scripture/)
- [Orthodox Symbolism](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-symbolism/)
- [Orthodox Worship](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/orthodox-worship/)
- [Sacraments of the Church](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/sacraments-of-the-church/)
- [Building/Servers](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/buildingservers/)
- [Prayers](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/prayers/)
- [Featured](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/featured/)
- [Reflections](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/reflections/)
- [Journey Through the Bible](https://stmarylivonia.com/category/journey-through-the-bible/)

## Categories

- [Bulletin](https://stmarylivonia.com/download-category/bulletin/)

## Product categories

- [Donations](https://stmarylivonia.com/c/donations/)
- [Products](https://stmarylivonia.com/c/products/)
- [Events](https://stmarylivonia.com/c/events/)