Sermons | What We Believe - Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church

Sermons | What We Believe

Saint Mark

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Saint Mark

What We Believe

In this "What We Believe" segment recorded live on May 18, 2026, Father Mark Leondis shares several joyful updates regarding the vibrant life and educational milestones of the Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church community. He highlights recent commencement ceremonies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, celebrating parishioner Anna's graduation and announcing that seminarians Sava and John will return to assist the parish over the summer. Father Mark previews upcoming liturgical events, including Ascension and the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen, alongside the exciting news that a dedicated iconography committee is beginning the installation of new sacred icons in the church narthex.
The presentation shifts focus to honor the national observance of American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Sunday, emphasizing the organization's alignment with Orthodox Christian values of inclusivity, education, and cultural preservation. Father Mark reads a supportive encyclical from Archbishop Elpidophoros and praises the local chapter for funding scholarships, supporting parish seminarians, and sponsoring the Sunday Church School graduation breakfast. Joined by the local chapter president and the Philoptochos president, Father Mark presents academic scholarships to deserving parish youth, including Democratis Thiakos and Stamatia Zaparegos. The segment concludes with a celebratory note as Father Mark introduces Sophia Zmed, a parishioner who won the Metropolis Oratorical Festival and will represent the community at the upcoming Archdiocese finals in Los Angeles.
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6:36 Celebrating Community Milestones: AHEPA Sunday and Youth Scholarships at Saint Mark on May 17. 2026

Father Anastasios Hallas explores the profound theological and spiritual foundations of prison ministry. Drawing from the Gospel mandate in Matthew 25, Father Anastasios discusses how visiting those in prison is not merely a social service, but a vital encounter with Jesus Christ Himself.
The discussion details how the Saint Mark community actively participates in this calling through both physical visitation and a dedicated letter-writing ministry. By recognizing the inherent dignity and the image of God in every person, regardless of their circumstances, the faithful are invited to practice humility and extend God's unconditional love to those who are often forgotten by society.
Key Topics Covered:
1. The Scriptural basis for prison ministry and seeing Christ in the "least of these."
2. How letter writing serves as a powerful tool for spiritual nourishment and connection.
3. The transformative impact of outreach on both the incarcerated and the volunteer.
4. The role of the Orthodox parish in local community witness and healing.
This "What We Believe" session was recorded live on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida.
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#GreekOrthodox, #OrthodoxTheology, #PrisonMinistry, #WhatWeBelieve, #FatherAnastasiosHallas, #FaithInAction, #ChristianOutreach, #SpiritualGrowth, #OrthodoxChurch, #ChurchOfConstantinople, #LiveStream, #Orthodoxy, #saintmarkboca, #BocaRaton

6:51 Seeing Christ in the Incarcerated: A Lesson on Prison Ministry

Father Mark Leondis' "What We Believe" was delivered during the commemoration of Saint Matthew and an Ionian Village reunion, focusing on the Orthodox concept of the "Nativity Fast" not as a countdown to Christmas, but as a "40-day spiritual journey toward Bethlehem". He explains that the Church, in its wisdom, calls the faithful to begin this preparation on November 15th because anything important in Orthodoxy requires a deliberate effort. This journey is meant to facilitate a shift in spiritual rhythm, encouraging believers to fast (not for restriction, but to "make space in the heart"), to pray more intentionally, and to attend additional church services, such as Vespers and Supplications. The core purpose of this preparation is to "slow down, take a step back, and orient their souls toward Christ" in anticipation of God's coming in the flesh.
Father Mark emphasizes that the ultimate way to meet and exalt Christ is to create "pathways to Bethlehem in our everyday lives." This involves tangible actions that extend beyond the church building, such as showing patience, choosing compassionate words, extending forgiveness, and, most importantly, "serving others". Father Leondis calls serving others "living Mark 10:45" and the "St. Mark way," stressing that every act of mercy, kindness, and sacrifice is not just a good deed, but a way of preparing one's soul for the Christ child. He highlights the numerous community service ministries at St. Mark's church, like supporting IOCC, raising money for homelessness, and collecting items for Safe Haven for Newborns, as "modern journeys to Bethlehem." He concludes by urging the congregation to commit to making one, two, or three specific changes in their spiritual lives to ensure they receive Christ at Christmas like never before.
This What We Believe was recorded live on November 16, 2025, from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida.
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#NativityFast, #ChristmasPreparation, #OrthodoxChristianity, #SpiritualJourney, #Sermon, #ChristianLiving, #ServiceToOthers, #Lent, #Bethlehem, #FrMarkLeondis, #LiveStream, #Orthodoxy, #saintmarkboca, #BocaRaton

7:40 2025-11-16 What We Believe: The Nativity Fast: Your 40-Day Journey to Bethlehem

Father Mark Leondis discusses the seven Ecumenical Councils' pivotal role in preserving the Christian faith's truth and unity. These councils, held between 325 and 787 AD, were not philosophical debates but essential defenses of the Gospel against heresies that challenged the nature of Jesus Christ.
Father Mark highlights that the councils provided "unchanging truth" rather than mere opinions. For example, the first Ecumenical Council in 325 AD condemned Arianism. It affirmed that Jesus Christ is of one essence with the Father, a truth recited in the Nicene Creed, which was completed at the second council in 381 AD (thus becoming the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed). Another example cited is the seventh council, which restored the use of icons in the Church.
He stresses that the Ecumenical Councils are fundamental to the origin of the Christian Church, providing its defined dogma and doctrine. Father Mark notes that many Protestant denominations are often unaware of these councils and, by extension, the early church, which he likens to ignoring one's childhood and its crucial role in development. He concludes that church history is an indispensable aspect of understanding and growing into the church as it exists today.
Our Eastern Orthodox services are conducted mainly in English and are live-streamed from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida.
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#GreekOrthodox #OrthodoxChristianity #DivineLiturgy #ChurchFathers #CouncilOfNicaea #ChristianHistory #OrthodoxFaith #Patristics #NiceneCreed #ChristianWorship, #SaintMarkBoca, #BocaRaton

2:25 The Hidden History of Christianity (You Need to Know!)

Father Mark Leondis discusses Reverend Father Dennis P. Strouzas, one of our beloved retired "snowbird" priests, who fell asleep in the Lord on January 12, 2025. Father Dennis Strouzas was a Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Pastor-Emeritus who served the Archangel Michael community in Port Washington, NY from 1984 through 2016. During his retirement, Father Dennis and Presvytera Paula would join us in Boca Raton during the winter months. May the Lord grant eternal rest to our beloved Father Dennis.
Father Mark also announced our Greek Festival, the enthronement of our Metropolitan next weekend, and our fund drive for the families victimized by the Los Angeles fires.
This What We Believe segment was broadcast live from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Please Light a Candle & Say a Prayer at https://saintmarkboca.net/give

3:16 2025-01-19 What We Believe: Reverend Father Dennis Strouzas; Greek Festival; Enthronement, & LA Fire

Father Mark Leondis welcomed back "snowbird" Father Jim Moulketis to Saint Mark and discussed Saint Mark's Hands of Faith Day & Stewardship Sunday.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, following the unanimous election by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, announced that His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela will be elevated to be the new Metropolitan of Atlanta. The enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta will occur on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta.
Father Anastasios Halas (who was ordained by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (Orange, Connecticut) on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, will be joining us as our second priest beginning next Sunday. Joining Father Halas will be his wife Sofia, and his children Effie and George.
This What We Believe segment was broadcast live from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
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5:39 2024-12-08 What We Believe: Hands of Faith Day, New Metropolitan, & New Second Priest @ Saint Mark

LIVE High Definition (HD) broadcast from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Stewardship: Coming Home to Saint Mark.
Dr. Nick Kaleel offers an emotional stewardship reflection on coming home to Saint Mark.
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#cominghome, #saintmarkfamily, #stewardshipreflection, #GreekOrthodox, #GreekOrthodoxChristianity, #easternorthodox, #OrthodoxFaith, #DivineLiturgy, #orthodoxlivestream

7:06 2024-12-01 Stewardship: Coming Home to Saint Mark

Father Mark Leondis reminds the community about our "Hands of Faith Day" (December 8, 2024) and how we can all give back to the community.
On December 15th we will be pleased to welcome our new 2nd Priest.
Some Saint Mark statistics from the past 11 months: 13 Funerals, 20 Weddings, 32 Baptisms, 19 Chrismations, 19 new Caticumens in the process of becoming Orthodox, 32 more people preparing to become Caticumens, 199 students in our Sunday Church School, two young men beginning their Masters' study in Priesthood at Holy Cross, and our chantor who is studying to become a deacon in the life of the Church. These statistics are just with our 730 families at Saint Mark.
This What We Believe segment was broadcast live from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
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#HandsofFaith

5:36 2024-11-24 What we Believe: "Hands of Faith Day" & Parish Statistics

Father Mark Leondis reflects on the service of our Veterans in advance of Veterans Day (November 11th), Metropolitan Alexios' retirement, and introduces Archon John Koutsoupis, Parish Council Vice President and Stewardship Chairperson.
This What We Believe segment was broadcast live from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
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10:46 2024-11-10 What We Believe: Veterans Day, Metropolitan Alexios' retirement, & Stewardship

Stewardship is our Lifeline, a passionate appeal by Archon John Koutsoupis, Parish Council Vice President and Stewardship Chairperson, who addresses the Church's operational costs.
You too can give at: https://saintmarkboca.net/give
#stewardship, #appeal, #operational_data

5:23 2024-11-10 Stewardship is our Lifeline

Father Mark Leondis advised that we should have our second priest by the end of the year, and discussed our Hands of Faith Day. He also announced that we will have a Vigil on Thursday afternoon starting at 4:30 PM EST.
This What We Believe segment was broadcast live from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
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#Vigil

3:14 2024-11-03 What We Believe: Hands of Faith Day & Special Vigil

Father Mark Leondis discusses the late Archbishop Iakovos, the founding of Leadership 100, and the late Peter Dion.
This What We Believe segment was broadcast live from Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday, October 27th, 2024.
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#ArchbishopIakovos, #PeterDion, #Leadership100

4:06 2024-10-27 What We Believe: Archbishop Iakovos & Leadership 100