2026 Three Hierarchs Academic Lecture Announced

We will welcome Rev. Dr. Peter J. Spiro to our parish on January 24 for our annual Three Hierarchs Academic Lecture Series. Father Peter will speak on “What You Do to the Least of These: Human Trafficking and the Body of Christ” following Great Vespers. He will also host a session for philanthropic organizations and churches focused on preventing human trafficking and supporting victims.

About Rev. Dr. Fr. Peter J. Spiro (Padre)

Father Peter is a Greek Orthodox priest of 28 years and has worked in law enforcement agencies for over 20 years as an Aux. Deputy Sheriff, Chaplain, and Chief Chaplain. His doctoral work on “Theology of Lethal Force for Law Enforcement and Military” was used overseas during the Iraq war and earned Father Peter the title of Honorary Colonel in the U.S. Army’s 75th Division. Father is the Chief Chaplain for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which is analogous to the FBI on the state level. In addition to overseeing all the TBI chaplains statewide and over 700 Bureau personnel, he is part of TBI’s Human Trafficking Unit, serving as a trainer. He is the Director of the TBI PROTECT program- a Human Trafficking awareness educational program for faith-based organizations within Tennessee.  

In addition, Father Peter is the Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese FREEDOM Ministry, which is the National Human Trafficking Awareness Ministry.  He trains clergy and parishes on Human Trafficking, offering mitigation techniques within the Greek Orthodox Parishes.  He also represents the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with other governmental, NGO, and faith-based organizations- nationally and internationally. In the past several months, Father has represented the Archdiocese as a panelist on Human Trafficking for the United Nations Church Center in New York, the World Council of Churches Human Rights Advocacy Training, the United Nations Convention on the Eradication of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva Switzerland, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington DC. He has conducted training for the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators in Atlanta, Georgia. He has trained several parishes in the United States and the Bahamas, and has participated in conferences in the United States, Bahamas, Switzerland, and Greece. He was appointed by Patriarch Bartholomew to the Patriarchal Task Force on Modern Day Slavery, with a focus on Human Trafficking.  He recently presented at the Virginia Attorney General's Summit as well as the  US Chamber of Commerce Summit on Human Trafficking in Washington DC.

Additionally, Father Peter is the Founder, Vice President, and Director of the ARISTEVI Foundation www.ARISTEVI.org which offers Human Trafficking survivors educational and vocational financial support, religious and spiritual guidance, free salon services, free clothing, and apartment furnishing services. He is also developing a free medical clinic for Human Trafficking survivors. This one-of-a-kind Foundation, located in Nashville Tennessee, services the many trafficked survivors in Tennessee and across the United States. Currently ARISTEVI is servicing and supporting over 100 survivors of Human Trafficking and interpersonal violence.  

Father Peter’s Chapel of Saint Barbara which offers spiritual care and religious services to TBI personnel and Human survivors, has been deemed the "Shrine for Human Freedom” by The Holy Eparchial Synod (All Greek Orthodox Bishops in the United States), and is under the direct supervision of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

In addition to assisting the Nashville Metro Office of Family Safety and the Nashville diversionary court with high-risk cases, Father Peter is a member of the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, Tennessee Human Trafficking Advisory Council, Nashville Court System (Human Trafficking Court-Athena's Court), Middle Tennessee Law Enforcement Task Force on Human Trafficking, Middle Tennessee NGO Human Trafficking Task Force, International Association of Human Trafficking Investigator, and Metro Nashville Task Force on Interpersonal Violence.  

Father has been a guest on the Sean Hannity Show, and Ancient Faith Radio speaking about Human Trafficking. His life and ministry were also featured in a television interview on PBS in the greater Nashville area.  In 2025, he was awarded the inaugural Warrior Award from the General Sessions Court -Athena's Court in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Father Peter is married with three children 27, 23, and 17.  He is an accomplished guitarist and has played “live” and recorded with recording artists in the Nashville area. 

www.freedom.goarch.org

www.TBi.tn.gov

www.ARISTEVI.org

www.YouTube.com/fatherpeterspiro


Update from the Parish of St. Anne, Mount Kenya

What a joy it was to recently receive photos from the Church of St. Anne, Mount Kenya. For those unfamiliar with our relationship with the parish, in 2016, we committed to supporting the construction of their modest community and also to supporting the ongoing ministry of Fr. Cosmas, the parish priest.  

On Saturday, August 24, His Grace Bishop Parnaretos baptized 14 individuals into the Orthodox faith at the Church of St. Anna. The mission at Saint Ann is growing and expanding every day! His Grace shares his prayers and gratitude for our support.

To read more about the parish, and see more photos, please visit https://www.saintanna.org/saint-anna-church-mount-kenya-kenya 

Again, thank you to our stewards, who, through their financial support of our parish fund, support this community and projects within the work of His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret in Northern Kenya.

Update from our Missionary to Project Mexico

Please follow the link, https://www.saintanna.org/missionary-to-project-mexico-st-innocent-orphanage to the September 2 Update from St. Innocent Orphanage by Isabella. We continue to pray for her, her co-workers, and the children of the orphanage.  May our Good Lord keep them all in His care!

And thank you to our stewards, who, through their financial support of our parish fund, support her work in Mexico, the work of a missionary in Puerto Rico, and many other charitable efforts both locally and abroad.

A Call to Prayer and Reflection in the Wake of Tragedy

Earlier today, I shared a heartfelt prayer request from our Metropolitan in response to the tragic Minneapolis school shooting. His words echo the sorrow many of us feel:

“There are no words to fully express the grief and sorrow in my heart…we are called to stand together in prayer, to seek the Lord’s comfort and peace, and to embrace one another with Christian love and compassion.”

Alongside his message was a note from Fr. Timothy Sas, priest at St. Mary’s Parish near Annunciation Catholic School. Among the 20 victims was 12-year-old Sophia, whose family calls this parish their spiritual home. We now pray for her, the other victims, their families, and the entire community.

As the Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). In our sorrow, we turn to Him, knowing He is present in our grief.  May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ pour out as a healing balm upon them, granting every good gift to both body and soul.

In the aftermath of such horror, some—including members of the clergy—have voiced skepticism, claiming that “thoughts and prayers” are hollow if we ignore the opportunity to prevent such tragedies.  If I’m being gracious, I would say they’re partly right. We must indeed ask: What should we do—not just after tragedy, but before it? Still, we must never diminish the power of prayer, nor forget that prayer is action. As St. John Chrysostom powerfully declared: “The potency of prayer has subdued the strength of fire, bridled the rage of lions, silenced anarchy, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven.”

Prayer is not passive; it is our greatest weapon against darkness. It opens the gates of divine mercy. That’s why the Apostle exhorts us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We rightly pray for the healing of victims and their families. We pray that God grants rest to the departed and that the grieving find hope in His Resurrection. We pray for first responders, for their peace and strength. And yes, we even pray for the perpetrator, whose spiritual torment will far surpass earthly suffering.  Lord, have mercy.

Prayer not only comforts—it moves us. It realigns our hearts with God and invites His presence into the brokenness of this world. What a blessing it was to receive texts and emails from parishioners asking how they could support the grieving community. A box of prayer shawls is being sent to our sister parish in Minneapolis. It’s a simple gesture, but one that conveys the love and prayers of Christ, the Theotokos, and Saint Anna.  We labor to live the words of St. Paul: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

In the days to come, politicians will debate whether more or less legislation is needed. But for me, my hope and confidence lie not in the shifting ideologies of this world, but in Christ.  A former classmate of the shooter put it simply: what he needed was a relationship with Jesus. She saw the tragedy as the result of a spiritual battle lost—a demonic victory. Her answer was clear: what the world needs is Christ.  And let us not forget that Christ Himself told us, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Church, as the Body and Bride of Christ, offers the world what it most deeply lacks: communion with the Triune God. That relationship is everything.

Saints like St. Moses the Ethiopian—whose life we commemorate today—remind us that no soul is beyond redemption. “God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). The saints testify that transformation is possible, even from a life of violence and despair to one of holiness and love.

To those who dismiss this truth, I ask:

  • Which saint slandered others?

  • Which saint abused or neglected their family?

  • Which saint took up arms in hatred or committed atrocities?

None. Because a life in Christ transforms the human heart. As St. Seraphim of Sarov teaches us: “Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and thousands around you will be saved.”

Whether the world believes it or not, the only enduring solution to sin—whether personal or societal—is Christ. And so, I must remain disciplined: in prayer, in fasting, in Scripture, in giving, in repentance, in confession, and in my reception of the Holy Eucharist. There is a battle for my soul and for your soul. Spiritual laziness will only bring pain—both now and in eternity.  We must heed the admonition of St. Peter who warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). 

I pray that, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, we may remain far from sin and draw near to the Light of Christ—our only true hope in the face of darkness.  “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).  He is the comfort for the hopeless, the Light for those in darkness, and the Savior of our souls. 

Please, please pray.

Volunteer for our Festival (September 6 & 7)

Our 28th annual Roseville Greek Food Festival is weeks away. This is a great chance to work alongside fellow parishioners and showcase our hospitality to the community. The festival will be held over two days, on Saturday, September 6th, and Sunday, September 7th. 

Thanks be to God for those who have volunteered throughout the year, planning and organizing for our festival. We’re also very grateful for those who have been working on the grounds over the past several weeks, helping with set-up. Knowing these parishioners, they do so out of their love of Christ, our parish, and with the hope of sharing both with our greater community.

For us to succeed, it is essential that everyone signs up to work over the weekend. There are still many shifts available for all ages, making it a perfect opportunity for middle school and high school students to earn community service credit. Some jobs are sit-down and in air-conditioned environments, most are undercover, and a few will allow you to enjoy a sun tan. Lesley Burkhard, Katie Salidas, and Annie Moore will be available at coffee hour each Sunday to help with sign-ups or answer any questions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4FABA62CA4FA7-50652506-2025

May our efforts be blessed through the intercessions of Sts. Joachim and Anna!  Liturgy will begin tomorrow morning at 9 AM.

Thankfulness to our Founders on the Fourth of July

Good morning and a blessed 4th of July! On September 7, 1774, at 9 AM, Reverend Jacob Duche, Rector of Christ Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delivered the first prayer to open the First Continental Congress. 

O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! 

Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.  Amen.

As history shows, tensions had been mounting between the British authorities and colonists for some time. A group of colonial delegates, including George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Jay, gathered to discuss and voice their grievances against the British crown. The Continental Congress also issued a Declaration of Rights for every citizen, including the rights to life, liberty, property, the right to assemble, and trial by jury. They voted to meet again in May 1775, establishing a Continental Army with George Washington serving as its first commander-in-chief. On July 29, 1775, the First Continental Congress also formalized the role of chaplains, making chaplaincy "...the second oldest branch of the Army behind the infantry.” With the Revolutionary War in full swing, the colonists declared their independence on July 4, 1776, just over a year later. 

Freedom is a gift, one that humanity doesn't always use wisely (See Genesis through Revelation). Having said that, we are truly blessed that our nation recognized this God-given right early in our history. As Reverend Duche wisely reminded our leaders back then, independence from Britain was to be gained so the colonists could be dependent on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; only He is the giver of all that is good. 

On this 249th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, let us be mindful and grateful for the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. We thank Him for our freedom. We thank Him for our nation. We thank Him for the men and women of our Armed Forces (including the Chaplain Corps in all branches). We thank Him for His Son and our Savior. We thank Him for our Church. And, we thank Him for the opportunity to share His love, His Grace, and His mercy within our region.

A blessed Fourth of July.  

Glorification Services of Saint Olga of Alaska

Glorification Livestream


S’praznikom!

With joy and gratitude to God, we invite you to join us via livestream for the historic services surrounding the Glorification of Saint Olga of Alaska. Whether you are near or far, you can take part in this momentous occasion through the following links:

Livestream Links by Service

1. Primatial All-Night Vigil for Her Glorification in Kwethluk
Date: Thursday, June 19
Time: 4:00 PM AKDT
Link: https://youtube.com/live/iUpL1KWTgxc?feature=share

2. Primatial Divine Liturgy for Her Glorification in Kwethluk
Date: Friday, June 20
Time: 9:00 AM AKDT
Link: https://youtube.com/live/S53n8pgekLI?feature=share

4. Primatial All-Night Vigil in Her Honor in Anchorage
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 5:00 PM AKDT
Link: https://youtube.com/live/x-H-PXE7zv4?feature=share

5. Primatial Divine Liturgy in Her Honor in Anchorage
Date: Sunday, June 22
Time: 9:00 AM AKDT
Link: https://youtube.com/live/gH7pQyw7I5Y?feature=share