Welcome to the Official Launch Page of our Living Orthodox Lives Program!

With the support of the Hellenic Foundation through its annual 2025 Grant Award, we are initiating this Program inspired by the words of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and captured in the Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. 

The Church always has her doors and heart open to those who are searching. Some come with questions, others with longing, and others still with a desire to deepen their faith. Our new initiative was born out of a recognition that people need information about their faith, but more than that, they need connection, a practical and lived experience, and a community that walks with them.

Whether someone is encountering Orthodoxy for the first time or has been immersed in its life for decades, the journey of faith is ongoing. We often think of “inquirers” as newcomers, but in truth, we are all inquirers at different moments of our lives - we are all still learning, still growing, still discovering how to live out the Gospel in practical and meaningful ways through our daily lives.

“Living Orthodox Lives” is a series of events that will focus on an Orthodox topic and will include a practical aspect related to such. We will organize each event around a Divine Service or in a social setting and thus invite the broader community to worship and fellowship. 

“Living Orthodox Lives” is not simply a class or a series of lectures. It is an invitation - to discover and rediscover our faith, to explore what Orthodoxy means in our life, and to join others in growing toward Christ. Whether you are taking your first steps or seeking to deepen long-held convictions, we welcome you to walk this path with us as we learn, worship, and serve together!

Announcing The First “Living Orthodox Lives” Event: December 4–6, 2025

Join us for our inaugural three-day “Living Orthodox Lives” event during the 2025 Nativity Lent, designed for anyone curious about Orthodoxy or seeking to grow deeper in faith. We are invited to live out our faith in practical and prayerful ways, inspired by the saints—especially by St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose compassion, generosity, and love continue to inspire millions. Learn more about St. Nicholas HERE or HERE 

Event Schedule & Details:

Thursday, December 4th, 2025:

  • Philoptochos Volunteering Event: Feed My Starving Children, 742 East Park Avenue, Libertyville (a slot for 7:15pm–8:45pm). Embody the compassion of St. Nicholas by helping pack meals for children in need. 40 volunteer slots available — RSVP by emailing pfardelos@gmail.com or register here.

Friday, December 5th, 2025:

  • Great Vespers at St. Nicholas Church (OCA): 6:00pm at 4313 18th Ave, Kenosha, WI. Ride the church senior bus (departs 5:00pm, seats limited) or drive yourself there! After Vespers, join a free-will dinner and fellowship! Register here or in the Church Hall.

Saturday, December 6th, 2025:

  • Divine Services at St. Demetrios: Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am
  • First Living Orthodox Lives Conference: ~12:00pm, after the Divine Liturgy in Church Hall. V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Alatzakis will lead a conference on "St. Nicholas: Becoming Closer to God Through the Lives of the Saints." Enjoy lenten pancakes and fellowship with the St. Demetrios Parish family!

All are welcome! Join us as we honor St. Nicholas — by praying, offering our open hearts and helping hands — and discover how living by the example of the saints draws us nearer to God.