Saints Raphael, Nicolas and Irene Greek Orthodox Church
Cumming, Georgia
A Brief History
Contributed by Nick Panos
The first Greek Orthodox Liturgy in Forsyth County was held on February 22, 1997, at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Father Sebastian of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, conducted this first service. We continued to have one Saturday service per month through August, 1999. In addition to Father Sebastian, we were fortunate to have the services of Father Michael Kouremetis, Father Michael Eacarinos, both of the Cathedral and Father Petros Kopsahillis, Chancellor of the Diocese.
On Sunday, September 19, 1999, we had our first Sunday service at the Ivy League Montessori School in Cumming. Shortly thereafter, we moved to the Vickery Elementary School, Cumming, because of the need for more space and Father Petros again came to us to conduct our Sunday Service replacing Father Steven. It was at the Vickery Elementary School that Father Petros was replaced by Father Kenneth Anthony who became our Spiritual Leader.
About a year later we moved to our present location. Father Hans Jacobse came to us from Fort Myers, Florida, and took over as our Spiritual Leader on September 1, 2003.
On October 15, 1999, Bishop Alexios of Atlanta, declared our Community "A Canonical Greek Orthodox Mission Parish of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Atlanta Under Patronage of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene."
By a letter dated May 11, 2000, Bishop Alexios, granted his ..." Canonical Episcopal Permission and Blessings to Proceed With The Planned Purchase"... of our Church Property on Bethel View Road.
In June, 2004, Father Nick Spirakis, with 40 years in the priesthood, came to us from Myrtle Beach, SC, to lead our community in spiritual growth, along with Presbytera Maria.
In March, 2006, Father George Pallas, temporaily was assigned to our parish from Holy Transfiguration, Marietta, GA.
In June, 2006, Father James Berends serves as our first full time priest from Holy Trinity, Orlando, FL.
The Holy Sacraments
Baptism -- Chrismation -- Communion -- Confession -- Matrimony -- Holy Orders -- Holy Unction
The Sacrament of Baptism
In baptism, man is mystically born into spiritual life. The establishment of the Sacrament of Baptism occurred after the Resurrection of Christ. Having appeared to his disciples, the Lord said to them that He had received from His Father all authority in Heaven and on earth, and commanded them to, "Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..." (Mt. 28. 19-20)
The Sacrament of Chrismation
Immediately following Baptism, the newly baptized receives the Sacrament of Chrismation, the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament signifies the participation of everyone who is baptized into the Spirit of Pentecost, consecrating the person as the Temple of the Holy Spirit. (The material of the Holy Chrism is made of 49 aromatic substances which symbolize the infinite Gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is prepared every ten years on Holy Thursday in a special service at the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in the presence of representatives of all the Orthodox Patriarchates.) A white garment, symbolizing purity and righteousness is placed upon the newly baptized along with the Baptismal Cross.
The Sacrament of the Holy Communion
Finally, the newly baptized partakes of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. By taking Holy Communion, the child becomes part of the Church or Ekklesia. This serves as a reminder that each of us is continually renewed through the partaking of Holy Communion and we, along with the newly baptized, are continually offered 'new life' in Christ!
The Sacrament of Holy Confession
Confession is the Sacrament through which our sins are forgiven, and our relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is viewed not as a judge, but as a physician and guide. The frequency of Confession is left the discretion of the individual. In the event of serious sin, however, confession is a necessary preparation for Holy Communion.
The Sacrament of Marriage
It is God who joins a man and a woman in a relationship of mutual love. The Sacrament of Marriage bears witness to His action. Since Marriage is not viewed as a legal contract, there are no vows in the Sacrament. In the Orthodox Marriage Service, after the couple have been betrothed and exchanged rings, they are crowned with "crowns of glory and honor" signifying the establishment of a new family under God. Near the conclusion of the Service, the husband and wife drink from a common cup which is reminiscent of the wedding of Cana and which symbolized the sharing of the burdens and joys of their new life together.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. According to Orthodox teaching, the process of ordination begins with the local congregation; but the bishop alone, who acts in the name of the universal Church, can complete the action. He does so with the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the imposition of his hands on the person being ordained.
The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.
The Sacrament of Holy Unction
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or Holy Unction, remind us that when we are in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present with us through the ministry of his Church. As with Chrismation, oil is also used in this Sacrament as a sign of God's presence, strength, and forgiveness. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.
