Where two or three are gathered in my Name, I
am in their midst.
- Jesus
of Nazareth
(Matthew 18:20)
Welcome to the website for the Agape Circle small group project designed to build interpersonal, spiritual fellowship among Orthodox Christians and others who are interested.
An
Agape Circle consists of approximately five to eight people. One member of each Circle functions
as the Facilitator, to be approved by the parish priest. Agape Circles
meet weekly for 90 minutes for 5-6 weeks. Courses are offered in the Fall during the 6 weeks before Thanksgiving and in late Winter during the 5 weeks prior to Great Lent. Meetings take place at a local Orthodox church or at one or more members' homes.
Each week there is a different theme having to do with the overall theme of fellowship in God's love manifested in Jesus Christ and available to all in the Holy Spirit.
The curriculum includes excerpts from scripture and Christian wisdom literature, questions for personal reflection, structured group dialogue,
interactive activities, and prayer. Participants commit to praying for each other between
meetings.
I hope that all who participate in an Agape Circle will give and receive spiritual support in the common aim to which Jesus Christ has called each one of us -- to grow in love for God and neighbor as oneself.
Purpose of the Agape Circle: Fellowship (Koinonia) and Love (Agape):The Agape Circle is intended to provide a safe place for people to grow spiritually and interpersonally in the communion of God's love.
Possible Benefits of Participation:
It is anticipated that people who participate in the Agape Circle, will:
give and receive social and spiritual support
build close, personal relationships
become more sensitive about what other people feel
become aware of others needs and challenges
see themselves through the eyes of others
explore and clarify personal values and attitudes
practice the habit of giving positive reinforcement
(compliments, praise, encouragement)
contribute to enriching the lives of others
experience the acceptance and love of others
increase "emotional intelligence"
see how God works in the lives of others
improve listening skills
practice loving and being loved
grow in faith and love for God
These are anticipated benefits. As with most things in life, the more one puts into it the more one is likely to benefit from the experience.
Who may participate in an Agape Circle?:
Eligible participants are Orthodox Christians or those who are interested in Orthodoxy Christianity who:
are able to commit to planning to attend all meetings
desire to know others and be known by others more deeply
are willing to engage with other people on a heart level
are willing to tell the truth about themselves
are willing to listen with compassion and care to others
are willing to lovingly challenge others to grow, and to be similarly challenged
want to grow spiritually
want to help others grow in faith and love
will pray for the other members between meetings
If there is more than one Agape Circle in a given parish, spouses, relatives and close friends may prefer to join separate groups.
What the Agape Circle Is Not:
The Agape Circle is not a substitute for professional counseling. Persons who are dealing with clinical issues such as depression, major anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, marital crises, etc. are advised to seek professional treatment from a qualified mental health clinician. If such therapy is in place, participation in the Agape Circle may be appropriate for persons confronting mental health challenges. One aim of the Agape Circle is to provide social and spiritual support. Such support helps people cope with life's challenges.
The Agape Circle is also not a substitute for the mystery of Confession. Self-understanding arising from participating in the Agape Circle may, however, inspire one to participate in the mystery of Confession. While confidentiality is strongly encouraged, it cannot be guaranteed in the Agape Circle as it is to a certain degree in counseling & psychotherapy and to an even greater degree in the mystery of Confession. Participants should, therefore, use discretion when self-disclosing in their Agape Circle.
And
let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Apostle Paul
(Hebrews 10: 24-25)
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