You can view Part 1 of the retreat here and Part 2 here

Contemporary society constantly speaks about "love" but does not understand what it means to say that "God is love." Father Joseph Lucas will take you on a journey, from the creation of the universe to the end of history, to explore the meaning of divine love and to reveal that a life of self-denial is the only proper response.

Archpriest Joseph Lucas is an Orthodox priest, patristic theologian, and professor. He serves as rector of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral in Miami Lakes, Florida, holds a PhD in Theology from Radboud University in the Netherlands, and his MDiv with Distinction in Patristics and Church History from St. Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary. He is the author of How to Read the Holy Fathers and Prayer of the Publican: Justification in the Desert Fathers, both published by Ancient Faith Publishing, and serves as co-editor-in-chief of Rule of Faith Journal. He teaches theology at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and specializes in patristic exegesis and historical theology.

This Sunday at St. Innocent Orthodox Church, we celebrated the joy and triumph of the Sunday of Orthodoxy — the feast that proclaims the restoration of the holy icons and the victory of the true faith.

With icons lifted high, young and old joined in our annual procession, bearing the sacred images that remind us that Christ truly became man and sanctified the material world. It is always a powerful sight to see our parish family walking together, surrounded by the “great cloud of witnesses.”

We also offered special prayers for members of our community who are being deployed, asking the Lord to guard, protect, and strengthen them in their service. As we honored the saints depicted in our icons, we entrusted our loved ones to the same faithful God who remains with us wherever we go.

Many years to Judge E.R. Lanier, who received the Medal of Saint Theodora Award from the Assembly of Canonical Bishops. On behalf of the ACOB, Bill Marianes presented the St. Theodora award, which recognizes strong lay leaders from diverse backgrounds and fields who have contributed to the work and development of the Assembly of Bishops and to Orthodox Christian Unity in general.

Congratulations to our newly illumined, Adam, Thomas, and Alfred! May God grant you many faithful and fruitful years in His service. 

The Men of the parish gathered for food and fellowship, along with a talk from Thomas Kehayes, an elder of our community. 

Our very own CAPT (Ret) Tom Kehayes was presented with a Quilt of Valor during Coffee Hour today by SMSgt (Ret) Carmelita Williams from the Middle Georgia Chapter.  Tom was honored for his service and sacrifice in serving our nation.   The quilts presented to veterans are hand-made specifically for the recipient.   The photo shows Tom who was accompanied by his wife, Susan (who deserves at least 1/2 the quilt!).  If you enjoy quilting (or might even want to learn) and would like to join the local chapter which meets once a month, please contact Carmelita at cw31088qov@aol.com or 404-919-5933.  Congratulations, CAPT Tom!

On Sunday, January 4th, we received the West family into the Orthodox Church. May God grant them many faithful and fruitful years in Christ's service!