Ministerial Services
(Listed Alphabetically)

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν.

Artoclasia  

On Feast Days of patron saints, families will occasionally offer an "Artoclasia" (Blessing of the Five Loaves) for the health of family members. If you would like to have an Artoclasia service conducted, contact Father. Necessary items for the service include: the five loaves of sweet bread, wine, and oil.

Catechetical Training

Educational programs concerning the Orthodox faith are tailored to the individuals needs and background. Generally, catechetical training is called for in preparation for the sacrament of Holy Chrismation. However, a program may also be arranged for one who already is an Orthodox Christian. For further information, contact Father at the Church Office.

Confession 

One of the most important sacraments of our Church is Holy Confession. If you would like to receive this sacrament, contact Father at the Church Office.

Counseling 

There are times when the need arises to talk to someone regarding a concern or troubling issue. If you would like to speak with Father, contact him at the Church Office.

Ecclesiastical Divorce 

Due to the realities of human frailty and sinfulness, there are times when marriage ends in divorce. If you have been married in the Church, and since that time obtained a civil divorce, contact Father regarding the necessary Ecclesiastical Divorce so that you may, once again, fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church. As with all counseling situations, these matters are handled in strict confidence.

Funerals 

Due to our belief in the Risen Lord, when death occurs, the Church stands ready to assist with the grieving process. If one you care for passes away, the first step is to call the necessary authorities (depending upon the situation that would generally be an ambulance or the funeral home). You may then contact Father regarding arrangements and counseling. In such a time of need, do not hesitate calling Father at any time, day or night.

House Blessings

It has long been a custom to have one’s home or business blessed with Holy Water by the priest. Commonly, homes are blessed during the few weeks following Epiphany (January 6th); however, these blessings may also be offered throughout the year. To schedule the blessing of your home or place of work, contact Father Thomas at the Church Office.

Memorials 

The custom of conducting memorials include the Memorial service and the Trisagion service. If you are planning a memorial, contact Father. For Sunday Memorials, you need to specify if you would also like to have a prayer said at the Cemetery. Please call the Church Office regarding prepation of koliva (κόλλυβoς) used in the Memorial Service and hosting a Memorial Coffee Hour. 

Trisagion Service

Before the Funeral Service itself, the brief Trisagion or “Thrice-Holy” Service is served at the place where the deceased lies.  This service derives its name because it begins with the familiar prayer, “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us / Aγιος ὁ Θεός, Ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός, Ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς" repeated three times. After the initial prayers, four hymns are chanted asking the Lord to give rest to the deceased among those who have already been perfected in the faith. A litany follows and is concluded with a prayer that includes again the petition to the Lord to grant rest to the deceased and asks for the forgiveness of sins. Before the service is concluded, the faithful sing, “May your memory be eternal / Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη, αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη, αἰωνία αὐτοῦ (αὐτῆς, αὐτῶν), ἡ μνήμη.”

Visitations

If you, or someone you know, is going into the hospital, please contact the Church Office. You may arrange for a special prayer in Church before being admitted, or Father may visit you while in the hospital. However, notifying the Church Office is critical if you want Father to visit.

Visitations are not limited to those confined to hospital beds. If someone you know is laid-up, whether in a convalescent facility or in their own home, Father is available for visitation. Also, regular visits are conducted during particularly important times of the year (prior to major holidays). Please notify the Church Office so that we may be made aware of the needs of that person who is shut in.

Weddings & Baptisms 

The first step in planning for either a Wedding or a Baptism is calling Father Thomas at the Church Office and setting the date. He will discuss with you the items necessary for the sacrament. He is also available for consultation throughout the planning process on any area in which he may be of assistance.



 


Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox Church

West Anderson St. Savannah, Georgia 31401
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am — 2:00 pm
Tel. (912) 236-8256 Fax. (912) 236-7321
Email: office@stpaulsgoc.org
Website: stpaulsgoc.org

Presiding Priest: Rev. Fr. Thomas (Tom) Guerry
Priest Emeritus, Fr. John Caparisos