Testimonials

Our Experiences

Agape Circle Agreement

“By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

the love of God the Father

and the communion of the Holy Spirit,

we gather as members of the Body of Christ

to support one another

in loving God and our neighbor as ourself.

All that is said here we hold in confidence

that each may, in good trust

speak the truth in love.”

gARY OF St. Nicholas Parish, Salem, ma:

“In a day and age when many experience church relationships as shallow and inconsequential, Agape Circle helps restore to us a vision of koinonia (communion) and agape (divine, limitless love). What’s unique about Agape Circle, however, is that it provides opportunities and training in making these ideals a reality. This is an opportunity for deep spiritual work – if one comes prepared to do such work.”

Gary, St Nicholas Parish, Salem MA

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Agape Circle Testimonials

“I was so glad that I came to Agape Circle. As each individual contributed and built upon the previous I felt in my heart that I could relate to each person. It was a beautiful experience. Count me in for the next one!”

Stephanie, Transfiguration of our Lord, Lowell MA “

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Agape Circle Testimonials

“I had a good experience at the AC meeting. I love everyone new I met there! I am very happy and thankful to God to see many brothers and sisters looking up to God to cope with the stress and confusion in this present world we are in. Definitely it was and is a beautiful thing you are doing with these meetings!!! I heard everyone’s heart…. I am thankful that I can be part of the Body of Christ and suffer with them all, but I pray the Lord give me joy in that suffering…for our future is in Christ”

Hannah St. Nicholas, Salem, MA

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First Testimonials

Has Agape Circle

Made a Difference in Your Life?

Agape Circle began in 2007 as part of a PhD dissertation in Pastoral Psychology at Boston University entitled Fostering Social Support and Compassionate Love in the Greek Orthodox Church Through Small Groups (2009). A total of 176 volunteers participated weekly in a 7 week Agape Circle Fall Course. Demographically, participants represented a cross section of members of the Greek Orthodox Church Archdiocese in America: 33% male, 67% female; 45% East Coast, 27% central US, 28% West Coast; 14% single, 76% married, 62% of Greek ethnicity; 65% cradle Orthodox, 35% converts to Orthodoxy. Here are a few of the responses participants wrote in a follow-up survey to the question

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR LIFE HAS CHANGED AS A RESULT OF YOUR PARTICIPATION IN AGAPE CIRCLE?

“I have opened up to others again and in turn, others have as well. I risked and feel enlivened. The group helped me let go of pain and guilt.”

“I am trying to spend more one on one time with my family and telling them I love them more.”

“I’ve grown even closer to members of my Agapē Circle. It gives me extra joy in participating in Church events with them.”

“I may not be arguing with my husband as much? I’m also reminded once again that everyone has their own trials and tribulations and it’s important to be aware of that and not just dwell on our own problems.”

“I am able to interact with others without a certain fear and anxiety that I possessed over the past several years.”

“I have felt a release within me. I was hanging on to some old hurts that I could not seem to shake off even after I had prayed about them. Somehow, sharing about them in the context of the lessons, helped me to see my part and, mostly, how much God loves me.”

“I’ve felt more devoted to prayer and experienced more support…than ever before.”

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In Their Own Words….

“In Orthodox theology, love is understood as the ineffable energy that is at the heart of God’s very being, the power that causes God to make the entire cosmos in the first place, the motive behind the divine investment in its redemption, and the rationale for God’s continuing care to call forward all humanity into deepening communion, in love, with the God of Love… True love overflows philanthropically: the lovers of God will also be the lovers of their fellows, as the Lord commanded them (Jn. 13.14; 15.12, 17).”

– Rev. John Anthony McGuckin (2011) The Encyclopedia of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, p. 374