Come and See
“Where two or three are gatherd in my name,I am there in the midst of them.”- (Mt 18:20)
Our Mission
What?
An Agape Circle is a small group of 2 or more Orthodox Christians (or catechumens or inquirers) who meet in person (or on Zoom) for 90 mins for a series of weeks (2 to 6 weeks, depending on the series). We call these meetings “DiaLogos.” DiaLogos is the structured discussion method used in Agape Circle .
Agape Circle also meets in day-long and weekend retreats.
We welcome your ...
We welcome your participation in the “diaLogos” of Agape Circle, a structured group discussion that reflects the diversity-in-unity of Orthodox ecclesiology which further reflects our understanding of God, the Holy Trinity, and of humanity as created in God’s image and called to grow in His likeness.
Who & When?
If you are an Orthodox Christian or catechumen or are exploring Orthodoxy, join us at any Agape Circle meeting. The 2026 Pre-Lenten Sunday Zoom Series will meet on
5 Sundays
Jan 25,
Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Two meeting options
6:30-8pm & 9:30-11pm Eastern Time
5:30-7pm & 8:30-10pm Central Time
4:30-6pm & 7:30-9 pm Mountain Time
3:30-5pm & 6:30-8 pm Pacific Time
How to register?
To participate in an upcoming Series, please notify us at agapecircles@gmail.com
Here is the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83930530963
Meeting ID: 839 3053 0963
Each Series is an opportunity to connect with other Orthodox Christians to reflect on Holy Scripture together and God’s work in our lives and to help one another grow in faith, hope and the love of Christ. We engage in honest, humble, meaningful dialogue to support one another in active loving service to others because every human being is already loved by Christ and worthy of Christ’s love through us.
Sign up for our email list
Upcoming Series
Fall Series
The Fall Series consists of 6 weekly Sunday meetings on Zoom from early October through mid-November, a couple weeks before American Thanksgiving
In 2026: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1
Mid-Winter Series
The Christmas-to-Theophany “Dodecameron” Series consists of 2 Sunday Zoom meetings during the Twelve Day (“Dodecameron”) Period:
Dec 27, 2026 and Jan 3, 2027
Late-Winter Pre-Lenten Series
The PreLenten Series consists of 5 weekly Sunday Zoom meetings from Zacchaeus Sunday (roughly in late January) to Forgiveness Sunday (roughly in mid March).
2026: Jan 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Spring Post-Paschal Series
The 2026 Spring Post-Paschal Series meets on Zoom for 6 Sundays beginning after Pascha on Thomas Sunday.
In 2026: April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7
August Agape Circle Day
Come join us in person for
Agape Circle Day
Saturday, Aug 21
1:30 pm – 6:00 pm
(including potluck meal followed by Vigil)
The Orthodox Church of St.John The Russian
34 Lafayette road, Ipswich, MA, 01938
RSVP: AgapeCircles@gmail.com
Encounter Christ on the way
Walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Cleopas and one other encountered the crucified and risen Lord Jesus.
Christ is risen and by His Holy Spirit, ever present among us
The superficiality of so much contemporary culture creates shallow human contacts and widespread loneliness. Many people would like more meaningful connection in their lives. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One who connects us to the Source of our life (God), o our true selves, and to one another on a deeper level. Agape Circle helps enable these closer bonds.
Luke 24:13
“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him”
Attend an AC Zoom series and develop your listening and communication skills while opening your heart to others who seek to grow in Christ.
You will also gradually learn how to lead an Agape Circle meeting. Eventually, if you feel called to facilitate a face-to-face Agape Circle series in your area with your priest’s blessing, you can invite others to meet with you in person weekly during any Series you choose.
Agape Circle is one simple way we can create more Christ-centered fellowship in our lives
Nurture Inner peace
The Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, invites us to come to Him for rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
In Agape Circle we help each other confront our troubles and concerns with faith in God. We open to one another and to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of peace. As He says in Holy Scripture:
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).
“My peace I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
“Let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him”
(John 14:23).
Help others grow in christ
Support one another in walking the way of Agape
The Orthodox Way — the way of Jesus Christ — is the way of faith, hope and active agape love. Christ’s way is a blessed path, full of beauty, goodness, and truth. It is also a narrow path and a hard road in a world where evil still abounds. Thank God, He is with us at each step.
God made us free, like Him, so that we can love like He loves. Love can never be forced. In our freedom, we can choose to love a lot, a little or not at all.
To love in this world is a Cross. To open one’s heart is to suffer.
There is also suffering — more suffering ultimately — in refusing love.
In Agape Circle, we remember Christ’s invitation to open to God’s love, to love Him and to love like Him. This involves denying our bad ways, taking up our Cross of responsibility and sacrifice, and following Him.
Contact Us
If you are interested in participating in a Agape Circle Series or have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out- we’d love to hear from you!
Contact Us
(***) ***-****
agapecircles@gmail.com
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