Eastern & Oriental Catholic Directory

7. 'AKA' - What Does It Mean?

What Does 'AKA' Mean?

'AKA' means 'Also Known As'.

We have attempted to use the formal name of a parish in its listing. By 'formal name', we mean the name by which a parish was canonically erected, usually also the name by which it was legally incorporated or chartered.

However, there are instances in which a parish is commonly or frequently known by an alternative name, which may be a variant styling or a shortened form.

Examples: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary versus Dormition of the Theotokos or St Mary's versus Protection of the Holy Theotokos

While such variants may be obvious to parishioners and those familiar with the Eastern Churches, they may be less so to a visitor searching for a parish known only by its informal name. As a result, in instances where a parish has a common alternative name, we list that name, preceded by 'AKA'.

Located in: Frequently Asked Questions

Teachings of Christ

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" (Mark 8:34-37 ESV)

Exaltation of the Cross

Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance; * grant victory to Your Church over her enemies * and protect Your commonwealth by Your Cross. (Troparion - Tone 1)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Willingly lifted up on the Cross, O Christ God, * bestow Your compassions upon the new commonwealth that bears Your name. * By your power grant joy to Your Church, * granting her victory over her enemies. * May she have your Cross as the weapon of peace * and the invincible ensign of victory. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

The Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14th.

Random Proverb

"My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live." (Proverbs 7:1,2 ESV)

Pray Without Ceasing

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers

No one has to be embarrassed over his sinful state. ‘There is no man who, while living, does not sin,’ and the more sinful the man, the stronger will be God’s help in leading him out of his sinful mire. But the help of God comes only when the sinner repents with heartfelt contrition and has the will to reform. Not seeing in himself enough strength of soul to break away from sinful deeds, he asks for God’s help. This is where the mercy of God, Who does not wish the death of the sinner but wants him to be converted and live, is often evident.… If the voice of conscience awakens in us a feeling of remorse or repentance, then we must pray fervently to the Guardian Angel of our human existence that he may keep us from corrupt downfalls and help us ‘serve God with fear and trembling.’

Elder Macarius of Optina