Leading our Families in Christian Discipleship
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Prov 27:17
Mission Statement: "The Brotherhood of St. Paisios at St. Mary’s is committed to building godly men to serve Christ in their home, church, career, and community. We understand the important leadership role God has given men in their families, and through a variety of initiatives, workshops and programs, we hope to enable men to fulfill this responsibility."
The Clergy and the Parish Council of St. Mary are pleased to introduce this men’s ministry as part of our comprehensive, on-going strategy to strengthen the family, by strengthening its ‘cornerstone’: the husband/father.
This ministry supplements the many other organizations and groups at St. Mary. Our goal is to have programs and ministries that address our parishioners’ needs at every phase of their life, in a Christ-centered manner, making St. Mary not only a spiritual home but a ‘way of life.’
We want to ensure that the men of our community – the God-appointed leaders of their families – use their Orthodox Christian Faith with its rich Traditions, as the source and driving force behind every decision they make.
Membership is open to all men 18 and over. There is no fee to join. You simply agree to periodically participate in the gatherings, but more importantly to take the Brotherhood pledge.
- Maintain a daily rule of prayer
- Daily reading of scripture and the lives of the saints
- Daily reading of a spiritual book (books by modern saints recommended)
- Regularly attend Saturday Vespers, Sunday Liturgy, and at least one weekly service
- Regular Confession and attendance of services/reception of Communion
- Participate in all the fasts of the Church
- Reduce and limit screen time
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Cor 16: 13-14
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” Titus 2:7
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Tim 5:8
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim 4:12
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8
“Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead.” St. John Chrysostom
“Do what you can, and then pray that God will give you the power to do what you cannot.” St. Augustine
“A wise son is the glory of his father.” St. Patrick of Ireland