The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 November/December 2011 Volume 9 Issue 6 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George The Voice of Saint George The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the LORD. (Matt.3:3) «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήµῳ, Ἑτοιµάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» In This Issue Greek School Stewardship 9th Annual Greek Night Announcements Vasilopita Celebration St. George Memorial Fund In Every Issue Pastor s Message President s Message Church Calendar PTO News Sunday School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Voice of St. George Submission Dates A Message From Our Pastor TODAY CHRIST IS BORN! And the Whole of Creation Rejoices. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST Beautiful indeed is the story of Christmas... Christmas is that wonderful feast on which the joy and grace of Jesus birth in Bethlehem is renewed in our hearts. Christmas is really the time for giving one s best. God, our Father, gave His best His only begotten Son. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His best when He gave Himself on the cross. The Virgin Mary gave her best, the child of her own flesh and blood, the most wonderful child ever born of a human mother. St. Joseph gave his best, the complete and total gift of himself as the guardian and provider of the divine child and His mother. The angels gave their best by their song of adoration Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. But Bethlehem knew nothing of the joy of giving its best. It gave Christ a stable and a manger only. What about us? Are we giving our best? Are we serving and praising God, in the Highest, in the best way possible? Adoration is the highest worship we can give God. Our adoration glorifies God and sanctifies us. Then, my fellow Christians, let us adore Him. Yes, let all men adore Christ, our Lord and Savior, the way that we were taught to adore and worship Him. I take this opportunity to thank the faithful of Saint George, for the love and generosity that all of you have shown to my family and me. We send to you our sincere best wishes for a Joyous and Blessed Christmas and may our Lord s Incarnation give peace and to everyone the Grace and Blessedness that comes from on High. With love, Rev. Father Nicholas Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Χριστός Γεννάται Σήμερον! «...Χαίρει η κτίσις όλη» «Δόξα εν Υψίστοις Θεώ» Έχει τόση ομορφιά η περίοδος των Χριστουγέννων... Χριστούγεννα είναι η θαυμάσια εορτή όπου η χαρά και η χάρις του νεογεννηθέντος Ιησού εις την Βηθλεέμ ανανεώνονται εις τις καρδιές μας. Πραγματικά όμως τα Χριστούγεννα σημαίνουν το να προσφέρει ο καθένας ότι καλύτερο από τον εαυτό του. Ο Θεός και Πατέρας, έδωσε ότι καλύτερο είχε, τον μονογενή Υιό Του. Ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός, έδωσε τον καλύτερο του Εαυτό Του πάνω στον σταυρό. Η Παναγία έδωσε το πιο πολύτιμο, το παιδί της, το αίμα και την σάρκα της, το πιο υπέροχο παιδί που εγεννήθη ποτέ από μια γυναίκα. Ο Άγιος Ιωσήφ επίσης πρόσφερε ότι καλύτερο μπορούσε σαν κηδεμόνας και προμηθευτής του Θεϊκού Παιδιού και της μητέρας Του. Οι άγγελοι προσέφεραν την Ουράνια μελωδία τους, «Δόξα εν Υψίστοις Θεώ, και επί γης Ειρήνη εν ανθρώποις ευδοκία.» Η ίδια όμως η Βηθλεέμ δεν είχε τίποτε να προσφέρει. Ενα σταύλο παραχώρησε εις τον Χριστόν, αλλά εμείς τι κάνομε; Προσφέρουμε ότι καλύτερο μπορούμε; Υπηρετούμε, δοξολογούμε τον Θεό των Ουρανών με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο; Η λατρεία είναι το σπουδαιότερο που μπορούμε να προσφέρουμε. Η λατρεία μας δοξάζει τον Θεό και μας τους ίδιους μας καθαγιάζει. Ας λατρεύουμε, λοιπόν, Χριστιανοί τον Κύριον, τον Χριστόν και Σωτήρα μας, όπως έχουμε διδαχθεί να τον λατρεύουμε και να τον αγαπούμε. Μ αυτήν την ευκαιρία θέλω να ευχαριστήσω τους Πιστούς του Αγίου Γεωργίου, για την αγάπη και γενναιοδωρία, που όλοι έχετε δείξει προς την οικογένειά μου και μένα τον ίδιο. Και μεις με την σειρά μας απευθύνουμε εις όλους σας τις ειλικρινέστερες ευχές μας για Χαρούμενα και Ευλογημένα Χριστούγεννα και η Ενσάρκωσις του Κυρίου μας να χαρίσει εις όλους Ειρήνη και την Χάρη και Ευλογία που μόνο από τον Θεό έρχονται. Με αγάπη, Πατήρ Νικόλαος

2 November/December 2011 Page 2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Parish Ministries Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Pastor Parish Council President Vassilis Keramidas Vice President / Administration John Lyssikatos Vice President / Operations George Athanasopoulos James Exarchakis, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer Katerina Leftheris, Comptroller Members Lampros Bourodimos Tom Kouridakis Nick Manikopoulos Peter Manikopoulos Emanuel Manioudakis Perry Petsanas George Rodoussakis Peter Sirimis George Zalokostas Special Thanks to the Voice of St. George Volunteers Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos Board of Trustees Arete Bouhlas Katina Kehayas Eftihia Karayiannidis Georgia Peterson Polly Ploussiou Evellyn Tsiadis, Editor Church Organizations Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Effie Bouziotis, President Cantors and Choir Yorgos Bilalis, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Katerina Kourti, Angeliki Papasavas, Chrisoula Plias, Iro Mavrianos, Teachers Parent Teacher Organization Eftychia Mattas, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Aliki Doninger, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer GOYA Yanni Frangos, President Advisors John DeLaurentis, George Demos, Sophia Exarchakis, Evie Georgopoulos, Fotini Mangafas, Rita Polos, Roseanne Rexines, Nellie Tsipoura, Mike Sirimis, Annie Sullivan JOY/HOPE Helen Sirimis Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Senior Citizens Anna Stevens, President Church Committees GET INVOLVED We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office (732) Bookmobile Annual St. George Dinner Dance Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek School Historic Committee House & Grounds Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Steward Relations Religious Artifacts Technology Services Voice of St. George Help Also Needed Join an Organization Choir Ladies Philoptochos Society PTO - Sunday School FOCUS Group GOYA JOY/HOPE Love & Faith To Our St. George Parishioners: The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.

3 The Voice of St. George Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9:00 a.m. NOVEMBER Tuesday 1: Saints Cosmas and Damian Sunday 6: 7 th Sunday of Luke Epistle: 1 Hebrews 8:1-6; Gospel: Luke 8:41-56 Tuesday 8: Synaxis of Archangels Michael & Gabriel Wednesday 9: St. Nektarios Sunday 13: 8 th Sunday of Luke-St. John Chrysostom Epistle: Hebrews 7:26-8:2; Gospel: John 10:9-16 (Advent Lent Begins on November 15 th ) Sunday 20: 9 th Sunday of Luke Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10; Gospel: Luke 12:16-21 Monday 21: Entry of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos into the Temple Friday 25: GreatMartyr Catherine the AllWise Sunday 27: 13 th Sunday of Luke Epistle: Ephesians 2:14-22; Gospel: Luke 18:18-27 Wednesday 30: Saint Andrew the Firstcalled Apostle DECEMBER Sunday 4: 10 th Sunday of Luke Barbara the GreatMartyr Epistle: Galatians 3:23-4:5; Gospel: Mark 5:24-34 Tuesday 6: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Sunday 11: 11 th Sunday of Luke Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11; Gospel: Luke 14:16-24 Sunday 18: Sunday Before the Nativity Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10; Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 Saturday 24: Eve of the Nativity of our Lord Sunday 25: Nativity of our Lord Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7; Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Tuesday 27: St. Stephen the First Deacon and Martyr ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9:00 π.μ. ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Τρίτη 1: Αγίων Κοσμά και Δαμιανού των Αναργύρων Κυριακή 6: Ζ Κυριακή Λουκά Αποστ: 1 Εβρ. 8:16 Ευαγ: Λουκά 8:4156 Τρίτη 8: Σύναξις Αρχιστρατήγων Μιχαήλ και Γαβρήλ Τετάρτη 9: Αγίου Νεκταρίου Κυριακή 13: Η Κυριακή Λουκά- Του Αγίου Ιωάννου Χρυσοστόμου Αποστ. Εβρ.7:268:2 Ευαγ. Ιωάν. 10:916 (Άρχεται η Νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων 15 Νοεμβρίου) Κυριακή 20: Θ Κυριακή Λουκά Αποστ. Εφεσ. 2:4-10 Ευαγ. Λουκά 12:16-21 Δευτέρα 21: Τα Εισόδια της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Παρασκευή 25: Αγίας Αικατερίνης της Μεγαλομάρτυρος Κυριακή 27: ΙΓ Κυριακή Λουκά Αποστ. Εφεσ. 2:14-22, Ευαγ. Λουκά 18:18-27 Τετάρτη 30: Αγίου Ανδρέου του Πρωτοκλήτου ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Κυριακή 4: Ι Κυριακή Λουκά Αγίας Βαρβάρας Μεγαλομάρτυρος Αποστ. Γαλ. 3:23-4:5 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 5:24-34 Τρίτη 6: Αγίου Νικολάου του Θαυματουργού Κυριακή 11: ΙΑ Κυριακή Λουκά Αποστ. Κολ. 3:4-11, Ευαγ. Λουκά 14:16-24 Κυριακή 18: Κυριακή προ της Χριστού Γεννήσεως Αποστ. Εβραίους 11:9-10, Ευαγ. Ματθ.1:1-25 Σάββατο: 24 Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων Κυριακή 25: Της του Χριστού Γεννήσεως Αποστ. Γαλ. 4:4-7 Ευαγ. Ματθ. 2:1-12 Τρίτη 27: Πρωτομάρτυρος Στεφάνου The calendar for the Christmas Season will be mailed separately. Το ημερολόγιο για τις εορτές των Χριστουγέννων θα ταχυδρομηθεί ξεχωριστά.

4 November/December 2011 Page 4 A Thanksgiving Message from Father Nick Before we know it Thanksgiving Day will be here. Before time gets the best of us, let us make A Day To Give Thanks To God of meaning and sincerity. some reflections and preparations for this important day. Since childhood we have been trained to say thank you when something is given to us or done for us. Though it is meant to come from our hearts, it often becomes a mechanical response; very empty Let us all be careful of this in life in general and as concerns Thanksgiving Day in particular. Let us make Thanksgiving Day 2011 truly a day upon which we give thanks to God first. It is not Turkey Day as many are calling it. Let us be sure to keep thankfulness in Thanksgiving Day and make it a day in which we all echo the Lords of Psalm 67, that God has been gracious and thusly in due a hymn of Thanksgiving. Η εορτή της ημέρας των Ευχαριστιών πλησιάζει. Πριν μας κυριεύσει ο χρόνος, ας κάνουμε μία σκέψη και μία σχετική προετοιμασία για την ημέρα αυτή, την τόσο σπουδαία. Από μικρά παιδιά μας δίδαξαν να λέμε «ευχαριστώ» όταν μας δίνουν ή μας κάνουν κάτι. Και τούτο το ευχαριστώ πρέπει να έρχεται από την καρδία μας. Εμείς όμως το λέμε μηχανικά, χωρίς σημασία και χωρίς ειλικρίνεια. Ας προσέξουμε αυτό εις την ζωή μας γενικά, αλλά ιδιαιτέρως κατά την Εορτή των Ευχαριστιών 2011, πραγματικά μία ημέρα ευχαριστίας πρoς τον Θεό πρώτα. Η ημέρα αυτή δεν είναι ημέρα «Γαλοπούλας» όπως πολλοί την αποκαλούν. Ας είμαστε βέβαιοι ότι η ευγνωμοσύνη θα κάνει την Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών αντίλαλο του 67 Ψαλμού προς τον Κύριο που λέει «Ο Θεός είναι αγαθός και καλός για μας, και του χρωστούμε έναν ύμνο Ευχαριστίας.» Some Thoughts From Father Nick My Dear Faithful, Αγαπητοί Πιστοί, As I see our Parish growing (and it is growing), and coming together, we are all beginning to realize that there will be many people that we will not know. For our Parish to create a Christian Family atmosphere, I am encouraging all of you to make a point of going up to our visitors and new family members each week and introduce yourselves. We cannot accomplish our goal of being a loving, caring, sharing Parish, if we do not love each other. Aside from meeting new people each week or each month, we must learn also to support each other s efforts. As the various organizations of our Parish sponsor events, let us make the commitment to support them. By doing so, our Parish benefits because from this we have the opportunity to additionally meet more new people and also we can come closer as parishioners and as a Parish. Καθώς βλέπω την Ενορία μας να μεγαλώνει (και μεγαλώνει) και να ενώνεται, όλοι αρχίζουμε να κατανοούμε ότι θα υπάρχουν άνθρωποι τους οποίους δεν γνωρίζουμε. Για να δημιουργήσουμε μια ατμόσφαιρα «Χριστιανικής Οικογενείας», προτρέπω, όλους σας να κάνετε το πρώτο βήμα προς τους νεοφερμένους και τα καινούργια μέλη μας, και να συστηθείτε. Εμείς δεν μπορούμε να εκπληρώσουμε τον σκοπό μας στο να είμαστε μια κοινότητα που διακρίνεται για την αγάπη, ενδιαφέρον, συμμετοχή, όταν δεν αγαπούμε ο ένας τον άλλον. Παραλλήλως το να συναντούμε καινούργιους ανθρώπους, πρέπει να μάθουμε να υποστηρίξουμε τις προσπάθειες ο ένας του άλλου και να υποστηρίξουμε τις διάφορες εκδηλώσεις της Ενορίας μας.

5 The Voice of St. George Page 5 President s Message Dear Parishioners, On September 1 st, we began the New Ecclesiastical Year, the first with Fr. Nicholas as our pastor. Your Board and Fr Nicholas are approaching this year with optimism, dedication and enthusiasm for all our Religious and Social activities. I do hope that this is also the year of a fuller commitment and participation by all our parishioners, not just a small group of dedicated workers. I urge you, again, as I have been urging you throughout the year, to participate in serving our Church and Community, in the spirit of volunteerism. Come on, join in In order for you to be more involved, I believe you should be fully informed about everything we are doing and planning to do for the improvement and upgrading of our Church s infrastructure and facilities. So, following is a brief report on the projects completed, projects in progress, and projects in the planning stage. The Portico in the front of our Church is now completed, giving our Church building a different and much improved look. The Icons and the Chandeliers have been cleaned. The sanctuary and the back interior wall have been painted, giving the inside of our Church a cleaner and much brighter look. The contract for the three mosaics to be placed in the portico has been granted. The mosaics should be in place before the end of the year. The ambitious renovation of the basement, sponsored by the FOCUS group, is moving along, albeit at a pace slower than originally planned. The new lights for the new parking lot are in the process of being installed. A new AC unit with more capacity to service the new basement and the Memorial room will be installed soon. The Church interior and the walls of the Memorial room will be painted The Church carpeting and that of the crying room will be cleaned. The Church kitchen is in the process of being redesigned, expanded and renovated to serve our Community s growing needs better. We now have a new pastor in Fr. Nicholas. Looking at all the projects that have been completed the last few years and those approaching completion in the very near future, I think it is time to look a bit further into the future and start formulating a longer range plan for the future of our Church and Community. To this end, I urge all of you to start thinking of where you wish our Community to be in the future and I solicit your input. Think Boldly. As we are approaching the 100 th anniversary of our Church, your Board would like to start a series of meetings and deliberations with those of you who wish to participate in shaping a vision for our future. Vassilis G. Keramidas, President Αγαπητοί Πάροικοι, Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Την 1 η Σεπτεμβρίου, ξεκινήσαμε το νέο Εκκλησιαστικό έτος, το πρώτο μαζί με τον πατέρα Νικόλαο ως ιερέα μας. Το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο και ο πατήρ Νικόλαος πλησιάζουν αυτό το έτος με αισιοδοξία, αφοσίωση και ενθουσιασμό για όλες τις θρησκευτικές και κοινωνικές δραστηριότητες μας. Ελπίζω ότι αυτό το έτος θα είναι επίσης μια ολομελή υποχρέωση και συμμετοχή από όλους τους ενορίτες μας, όχι μόνο από μια μικρή ομάδα αφοσιωμένων εργαζομένων. Σας καλώ, και πάλι όπως έχω ήδη κάνει όλο το χρόνο, να συμμετάσχετε στην υπηρεσία της Εκκλησίας και της Κοινότητά μας, με πνεύμα εθελοντισμού. Ελάτε, λάβετε μέρος... Προκειμένου να συμμετέχετε περισσότερο, πιστεύω ότι πρέπει να είστε πλήρως ενημερωμένοι για όλα όσα κάνουμε και σχεδιάζουμε να κάνουμε για την βελτίωση και επιμόρφωση των κτιρίων και των εγκαταστάσεων της Εκκλησίας μας. Ακολούθως μια σύντομη έκθεση από τα ολοκληρωμένα έργα, τα έργα που προχωρούν, και τα έργα που κανονίζονται. Το υπόστεγο στη πρόσοψη της Εκκλησίας μας ολοκληρώθηκε, δίνοντας στο κτίριο της Εκκλησία μας μία διαφορετική και πολύ καλλίτερη εμφάνιση. Οι εικονογραφίες και οι πολυέλαιοι καθαρίστηκαν. Το ιερό και ο όπισθεν εσωτερικός τοίχος βάφτηκαν, δίνοντας στον εσωτερικό χώρο της Εκκλησίας μας μία καθαρή και πολύ πιο φωτεινή εμφάνιση. Συμβόλαιο χορηγήθηκε για τα τρία ψηφιδωτά που θα τοποθετηθούν πάνω στο υπόστεγο. Τα ψηφιδωτά αυτά πρέπει να τοποθετηθούν πριν από το τέλος του έτους. Συνέχεια στη σελίδα 6

6 November/December 2011 Page 6 Η φιλόδοξη ανακαίνιση του υπογείου, που χρηματοδοτείται από την ομάδα FOCUS, προχωρεί κανονικά, παρόλο που γίνεται πιο αργά από ότι αρχικά υπολογιζόταν. Καινούργια φώτα προετοιμάζονται να εγκατασταθούν στο νέο χώρο στάθμευσης. Μια νέα δυνατότερη μονάδα κλιματισμού θα εγκατασταθεί σύντομα για την εξυπηρέτηση του καινούργιου υπογείου και του δωματίου Memorial. Το εσωτερικό της Εκκλησία και οι τοίχοι του δωματίου Memorial θα βαφτούν. Το χαλί της Εκκλησίας και στο "δωμάτιο των παιδιών" θα καθαριστεί. Προορίζονται ενέργειες για την επανασχεδίαση, επέκταση και την ανακαίνιση της κουζίνας της Εκκλησίας προς καλύτερη εξυπηρέτηση των αυξανομένων χρήσεων της Κοινότητας μας. Τώρα έχουμε ένα καινούργιο ιερέα τον πατέρα Νικόλαο. Λαμβάνοντας υπ όψιν όλα αυτά τα έργα που ολοκληρώθηκαν τα τελευταία χρόνια και αυτά που κοντεύουν να ολοκληρωθούν στο εγγύς μέλλον, νομίζω ότι είναι καιρός να εξετάσουμε λίγο περισσότερο και να προσχεδιάσουμε μια πιο καλύτερη τάξη για τη πορεία και το μέλλον της Εκκλησίας και της Κοινότητας μας. Για αυτό το σκοπό, παροτρύνω όλους σας να αρχίσετε να εξετάζετε για πιο μέλλον θέλετε να έχει η Κοινότητα μας και προσκαλώ τις προτάσεις σας. Σκεφτείτε το με τόλμη. Καθώς πλησιάζουμε την 100 η επέτειο της Εκκλησίας μας, το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο θέλει να αρχίσει μια σειρά συνεδριάσεων και συζητήσεων με όσους επιθυμούν να συμμετάσχουν στη δημιουργία ενός οράματος για το μέλλον μας. Βασίλης Γ. Κεραμιδάς, Πρόεδρος Sunday School Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we would like to thank everyone for the support and trust you have placed in us in providing an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to your children. We are very proud of our religious education program and of the many committed volunteers. We encourage all parents to please bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that for the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. The set curriculum developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Religious Education, the liturgical hymnology, the participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects carried out throughout the year provide a complete picture of our Religious Education Program. In evaluating the attendance of the last ecclesiastical year ( ), we note that we had 180 students registered in our program but 70 of these students (approx. 40%) attended 18 weeks or more of our 33 week program. We hope and pray that we will have improved attendance results this coming year. We truly welcome feedback from our community on ways to improve to our program so that both the quality of our teachings and our attendance can improve. In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we will present a summary of the curricula followed by several grades. Today we present the curriculum of Grades 7, 8 and 9. Grade 7: Worship of God in the Orthodox Church exploring the development of the interior and exterior of the church from the time of the early Israelites; exploring the interior of the Orthodox Church (i.e., sacred vessels, sacred vestments, liturgical books, iconostasis, murals, sanctuary and its furnishings, etc). This grade also learns the Beatitudes (Matt 5: 3-12), a set of teachings that Jesus delivered. Grade 8: History of the Church from its birth (at Pentecost) to today - the life and struggles of early Christians including that of many saints; the teachings and four journeys of Saint Paul; the Seven Ecumenical Councils; the rise and fall of Constantinople; the Great Schism; Orthodoxy under Turkish occupation; Orthodoxy under communism, Orthodoxy in America in the 20 th Century, etc. Grade 9: Connecting the Bible to our everyday lives Jesus Christ as the Way, the Shepherd, the Good News, the Truth, the Life of the World, the Resurrection, etc. Also discussed is the fulfillment of the many prophesies found in the Old Testament of the coming of Jesus Christ. Continued Page 7

7 The Voice of St. George Page 7 Lastly, we would like to express our deep gratitude to all our staff members for their efforts, dedication and perseverance. I now would like to present our Religious Education staff. Cradle Responsible Dimitra Kambitsis Aides Eleni Lyssikatos First Grade Teachers Georgia Papanastasiou Eve Kontos Aides Miranda Sirimis Fifth Grade Teachers Maria Makropoulos Eleftheria Fiotakis Aides Nicole Demos Vassili Viazis Teen Rap Teachers Paul Stevens Aides Open Nursery Teachers: Chrisoula Kalogridis Naomi Bourodimos Aides Eleni Velmahos Ekaterina Robles Pre-Kindergarten Teachers Maria-Regina Caputo Helen Sirimis Second Grade Teachers Stacey Alphas Georgia Preite Aides Zoe Makropoulos Katina Kontos Third Grade Teachers Irene Rompos Maria Petrou Sixth Grade Teachers Argie Kantilierakis Maria Kantilierakis Aides Nicole Stevens George Stavrianidis Seventh Grade Teachers Maria Boyiadjis (>Nov) Flora Savva Music Teacher Louise Lambros Scholarships Helene Pappas Malvina Wilkins Mary Boulegeris Georgia Peterson Support Staff Treasurer Georgia Peterson Aides Joy Mangafas Kindergarten Teachers Georgia Lambros Aides Frideriki Thanos Alexandra Koutsoubis Aides Irene Dib Stephanie Preite Fourth Grade Teachers Maggie Stavrianidis Evaggelia Dib Aides John Dib We pray that we continue to have a successful year. Aides Andrea Savva Eighth and Ninth Grades Teachers Lemonia Malahias Maria Demos Aides Christine Sullivan Administration Ted Lambros Georgia Peterson Attendance Flora Savva Safety Peter Sirimis Book Mobile Irene Drakopoulos Nora Hionis: Graphic Artist Perry Petsanas: Substitute Teacher Respectfully in Christ, St. George Religious Education Staff ALTAR BOYS NEEDED Father Nicholas is extending an invitation to the young men in our Parish who have reached the age of 10 to come and serve God by serving as an Altar boy. Parents, if your child is interested in serving in the Altar this year, please contact Father Nicholas and let him know.

8 November/December 2011 Page 8 Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara The first Philoptochos meeting of the ecclesiastical year took place on Wednesday, September 21, in the Memorial Room with past president Pegi Zajac presiding. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos led the ladies in the opening prayer, welcomed us back and indicated his anticipation of working together to help those who need our help. The meeting continued with the reading of minutes by prior secretary Stella Tsinetakes and the treasurer s report by Evangelia Manolakis. The meeting continued with fulfillment of this month s annual obligations to the Retired Clergy and Presbyteres Benevolent Fund and the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Scholarship Fund. In addition, donations were made to St. Michael s Home Journal, St. Basil Academy s back-toschool expenses, the St. Basil Academy Luncheon on the Hudson, St. George Dance Journal and St. George Dance Mezedekia, St. Anna s Journal, SHIP Food Bank, and Autism. Reports were given by the following committees: St. Barbara s Luncheon, Cooking for the Homeless, Warming of America, Remembrance Cards, St. George Christmas Card, Baklava preparation and sale, Thanksgiving Baskets, the Knitting/Crocheting group that sends scarves and hats to the children at St. Basil Academy, and the Blanket committee which sews baby blankets and gowns for premies in the local hospitals, and the Smile Train. We are proud to announce that two of our members serve on the Metropolis Philoptochos Board: Eleni Andronikou, Chairman of the Metropolis Social Services and Evellyn Tsiadis, President of St. Basil Academy Board of Directors. Membership chairman Georgia Exarchakis indicated that we have 180 members with several members still not having paid their dues. We invite all the ladies of our community who are not yet members of our Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara to come and join us. Our meetings are scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month unless otherwise noted. Our next meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, November 16 and Saturday, December 17. We encourage all our members to attend all our meetings! Following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 25, the officers and the Board of Governors took their Oath of Office following an Artoklasia for the well-being of our Philoptochos Society. Fr. Nicholas congratulated our Philoptochos and praised all the philanthropic work fulfilled throughout the year. Our dear and beloved member Penelope Terpos passed away in August, She will be greatly missed. May her memory be eternal. It s that time of the year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2011/2012 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they and their many friends consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past several years the St. George Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their continued support. Once again, we are reminding all our parishioners who are asked to contribute to the United Way Fund at their place of employment to direct their donation to our Philoptochos St. George Needy Cases Fund. Our United Way Reference Number is ! *************************** B A K L A V A S A L E The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava for the holidays. All baklava must be pre-ordered by November 14, 2011 It will be sold November 19 and November 20, 2011 Baklava = $30.00 Place your order early! Call Niky Gerondelis, , Koula Athanasopoulos, , Pegi Zajac, *************************** >>>>Christmas Bread and Vasilopites will be sold December 17 and 18<<<<

9 The September Voice of 2008 St. George Page 9 The Ladies Philoptochos Society Invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 4, 2011 SIR JOHN S North Brunswick, NJ Donation $30.00 For reservations call Stella Tsinetakes, Mary Boulegeris, **************************************************** V A S I L O P I T A C E L E B R A T I O N The annual cutting of the Vasilopita will take place on Sunday, January 8, 2012, immediately after the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall. Let us all attend this traditional event as one family and give our annual donation for the children of St. Basil Academy! You may also make your donation by making your check payable to Ladies Philoptochos Society (notation Vasilopita ) and mailing it to: Ladies Philoptochos Society Vasilopita 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ **************************************************** HAPPINESS IS SINGING IN THE CHOIR The St. George Choir has had many people grace the Divine Liturgy by sharing their voices in song and praise to God. Participation in the Divine Liturgy throughout the ecclesiastical year and the special Lenten period services by our church choir members has been a blessing that has remained a constant for over the years that St. George has existed, from the tiny church on River Road in Highland Park to its present beautiful home in Piscataway. St. George Choir is a member of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians/New Jersey District (EFGOCM), and many choir members participate in Federation Conferences, District Workshops and Church Music Institutes (CMI), Holy Cross Celebration, Lenten Program Offerings, and Christmas concerts. If you have been blessed with the ability to sing, you should consider sharing this talent with your fellow parishioners each week. The choir needs new voices in order to enhance the stewardship the choir offers to the music ministry of St. George. Being a part of the choir is one way to take care (that is, be a steward) of that which has been given to us by God. Life is a gift from God. All that we have in this life is part of that gift. Stewardship reinforces this belief and reminds us that our time, talent, and resources are the gift through which we show our love and appreciation to God. Please join us. For more information, please contact Yorgos Bilalis, Choir Director, at or romeiko@comcast.net, or any choir member.

10 November/December 2011 Page 10 Greek Orthodox Youth Association: G. O. Y. A. It s only the beginning of the year and Goya has done so much already. On September 18 th, we celebrated Holy Cross at Asbury Park. On September 23 rd our Goya visited Tenafly for the first annual Goya Dance, the Kick-Off Dance, where we got to meet Goyans who were visiting from Canada. On September 25 th we hosted our first Gyro Sale as one of our fundraising events. We would like to thank everyone who supported us by buying or helping out with our event. On Sunday, October 2, 2011 we had our second Goya meeting. This was also the date for the Walk for the Cure at Six Flags. For the past few years our church has been represented by a big group of adults, Goyans and younger children showing their support in the fight against breast cancer. October 9 th was the Mr. & Miss GOYA Pageant held at the Pines Manor. Katina Kontos and Andreas Savva represented St. George, Piscataway. The money collected at this event goes to the Goya Scholarship Fund that Goyans are awarded at the end of every year. November 6th will be our next Goya meeting. We are all looking forward to our Annual Boston Trip from November 11 th - November 13th. During the Boston trip, our Goyans visit Holy Cross, Hellenic College where we have sessions with the Seminarians and also do some sight-seeing. During these sessions we are taught about how our faith can be part of our everyday lives and we also have the chance to ask any question we have about our faith. December 3 rd will be our 9th Annual Taverna Night. The Goyans are all asked to help set up for this amazing event. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit The Lakeview School Cerebral Palsy Association of Middlesex County. Please come and support us! Another event Goyans look forward to is our December visit to St. Michael s Home where we sing Christmas carols, deliver gifts, dance and spend time with the senior citizens. Finally, on December 28th will be the Christmas Dance at Randolph. Respectfully submitted, Ekaterini Robles Goya Historian Members of our Goya representing St. George, Piscataway at the Holy Cross festivities in Asbury Park, NJ O God of all Creation: You have cared for the earth, and have filled it with your riches. Abundance flows in your steppes, through the pastures and wilderness. You provide for our land, softening it with showers, bathing it in light, and blessing it with growth. On this occasion of our Thanksgiving, we as a nation take rest from our labors to consider your many blessings. We thank you for our freedoms, and for the opportunity to contribute our skills, our attributes and our values toward the good of society. We thank you for the mixture of our cultures, blending us into one people under God. Help us to be a light unto other nations, and to further the cause of freedom and justice all over the world. We remember those who are less fortunate than we. We lift up in prayer the victims of poverty and racism, and all those who suffer from forms of political and economic oppression. Let the word that goes forth from our mouths speak of your peace, and let us proclaim our hope in Christ as Savior of all humankind. We pray that you will bless all those who gather here, as we have come to experience your presence among us. Give us your guidance, O God, and empower us for your work. For we claim nothing for ourselves, but return all honor and glory unto you, and offer our thanks and praise. Amen.

11 The Voice of St. George Page 11 Eλπίζουμε να είχατε όλοι ένα καλό και ευχάριστο καλοκαίρι. Όπως κάθε χρόνο έτσι και φέτος το σχολείο μας άνοιξε τις πόρτες του στις 12 Σεπτεμβρίου και καλωσόρισε γονείς και παιδιά. Την ημέρα αυτή ο πατήρ Νικόλαος έκανε Αγιασμό και αγίασε όλα τα παιδιά και τις τάξεις του σχολείου. Φέτος στο σχολείο φοιτούν 170 παιδιά στις τάξεις: προνήπια, νήπια, 1 η μικρή, 1 η μεγάλη, 2 α, 3 η, 4 η, 5 η, 6 η και στην τάξη για τα «regents». Ελληνικό Σχολείο/Greek School Ο σκοπός του Ελληνικού Σχολείου είναι η ενίσχυση της ελληνικής εθνικής ταυτότητας των μαθητών μέσω της διδασκαλίας της ελληνικής γλώσσας και του πολιτισμού. Το σχολείο λειτουργεί από την Δευτέρα μέχρι την Παρασκευή από τις 4:30 μέχρι τις 6:30 και τα παιδιά πρέπει να είναι στο σχολείο 5-10 λεπτά πριν αρχίσει το μάθημα. Όπως κάθε χρόνο, ευχόμαστε κι εφέτος σε όλα τα παιδιά μια καλή σχολική χρονιά και γενικά στους γονείς και όλη την κοινότητα ένα καλό χειμώνα. Οι δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου: Τούλα Καραμάρκου Σοφία Αμαξοπούλου Αγγελική Παπασάββα Χρυσούλα Πλιά Κατερίνα Κούρτη Ηρώ Μαυριάνου Απόφυτοι-Graduates We hope that everyone had a good and enjoyable summer. As in other years, this year our school opened its doors on September 12 and welcomed parents and children. On this day, Father Nicholas sanctified all children and classrooms of the school. This year the school enrolled 170 children in classes for preschool, toddlers, 1 st beginners, 1 st advanced, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th, 6 th and the class for the regents. The purpose of the Greek School is to strengthen the Greek national identity of the students through the teaching of the Greek language and culture. The school operates from Monday to Friday from 4:30 until 6:30pm. Children should be in school 5-10 minutes before class begins. Like every year, we wish all children a good school year and to the parents and the whole community a good winter. The teachers of the Greek School: Toula Karamarkos Sofia Amaxopoulou Angeliki Papasavas Chrysoula Plia Katerina Kourtis Iro Mavrianou Αγαπητέ, Η καμπάνα που κτυπά την Κυριακή καλεί και σένα στο Ναό του Θεού. Άκου την φωνή της. Η ΠΛΗΓΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΙΛΙΑΣΜΟΥ ( ΨΕΥΔΟΜΑΡΤΥΡΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΧΩΒΑ) Ορθόδοξοι Έλληνες προσοχή!!! Πληγή για την Εκκλησία μας και το Έθνος μας είναι οι πλανεμένοι ψευδομάρτυρες του Ιεχωβά. Πρωτοεμφανίσθηκαν το 1878 στην Αμερική με ιδρυτή τον Εβραίο απατεώνα Κάρολο Ρώσσελ, το 1916 τον διαδέχτηκε ο Εβραίος Ιωσήφ Ράδερφορντ, αυτόν δε ο σημερινός αρχηγός των Εβραίων Νάθαν Νόρ. Είναι ανθέλληνες, προδότες. Φωνάζουν να μην λαμβάνουμε όπλο για την υπεράσπιση της Πατρίδας, ονομάζουν την σημαία μας κουρελόπανο, την κυβέρνηση και όλες τις εξουσίες σατανικές και προτρέπουν να τις παραδώσουμε εις την ερχόμενη Σιωνιστική κυβέρνηση της Ιερουσαλήμ. Πληρώνονται με δισεκατομμύρια δολλάρια οι απάτριδες από τους αντίχριστους Εβραίους για να γκρεμίσουν την Ορθόδοξο Πίστη του Χριστού μας. Παρουσιάζονται με ΥΠΟΚΡΙΣΙΑ και ψευδομόρφωση των Αγ. Γραφών και εξαπατούν τους αφελείς και αμαθείς. Διαθέτουν πολλούς τρόπους προπαγάνδες, όπως τα περιοδικά τους, «ΣΚΟΠΙΑ», «ΞΥΠΝΑ» και άλλα βιβλία. Αρνούνται: Την Αγία Τριάδα, τον Χριστό μας, το Άγιο Πνεύμα, τα μυστήρια, τον Τίμιο Σταυρό, την Παναγία μας, τους Αγίους, τις Ιερές Εικόνες και όλην την διδασκαλία της Αγίας Γραφής. Η ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΠΕΡΙΜΕΝΕΙ ΜΕ ΑΓΑΠΗ ΚΑΙ ΜΗΤΡΙΚΗ ΣΤΟΡΓΗ ΝΑ ΕΠΙΣΤΡΕΨΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΠΛΑΝΕΜΕΝΑ ΑΥΤΑ ΘΥΜΑΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΣΚΟΤΕΙΝΩΝ ΔΥΝΑΜΕΩΝ. Αγαπητέ, Όλα τα πρωινά είναι δικά σου. Το πρωινό της Κυριακής ανήκει στο Θεό. Μη το λησμονείς.

12 November/December 2011 Page 12 Stewardship/ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ (Εκούσια Εισφορά της Εκκλησίας) ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN STEWARD OF ST. GEORGE! What if God sent us bills? Dear Faithful of St. George, What if God decided to bill us for this wonderful body He has given us. Think about it for one moment. The ears: A piano has 88 keys, but each of our ears has a key board with 1500 keys. They are so finely tuned that you can hear blood running through your vessels. The eyes: They are both microscopes and telescopes. They can gaze into the heavens and see a star millions of miles away. The feet: Did you know that each foot has 25 bones, none of which is wider than your thumb? But, it is manufactured with its ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints so that a 300 pound man can put all his weight on these tiny bones. The heart: Its size is about like your fist but pumps (beats) 4,320 times an hour. In a year that would mean 40 million beats. A drop of blood can make a round trip in your circulatory system in only 22 seconds. What if God sent you a bill for this marvelous body we live in? But God does not send us bills. He just loves us and takes care of us. Can we do anything less than return His love? We show Him our love by obedience to His Word and by faithful giving of that which He has entrusted to us. Just as you take good care of your body, then you are asked to take care of God s Church on Earth by being financial supporters. There are many in our Parish who do not and have not supported St. George with their annual stewardship for many years. They have always waited for someone else to take on their financial responsibilities. Please, do the right thing and be a Good Steward in all areas of your life. Without your help and support we will not be able to carry on the programs and the Ministry of St. George. Rev. Nicholas Pastrikos Είσαι ένας Χριστιανός Οικονόμος Υποστηρικτής του Αγίου Γεωργίου; Τι θα συνέβαινε αν ο Θεός μας έστελνε λογαριασμούς; Αγαπητοί πιστοί του Αγίου Γεωργίου, Τι θα γινόταν αν ο Θεός αποφάσιζε να μας στείλει ένα λογαριασμό για το υπέροχο σώμα που μας έχει δώσει; Σκεφτείτε το για μια στιγμή. Τα αυτιά: Ένα πιάνο έχει 88 πλήκτρα, αλλά κάθε ένα από τα αυτιά μας έχει πληκτρολόγιο με 1500 πλήκτρα. Είναι τόσο σωστά ρυθμισμένα, ώστε να μπορούν να ακούν και το αίμα που τρέχει μέσα στις φλέβες μας. Τα μάτια: Είναι τέλεια μικροσκόπια και τηλεσκόπια. Μπορούν να ατενίζουν στους ουρανούς και να βλέπουν τα αστέρια εκατομμύρια μίλια μακριά. Τα πόδια: Γνωρίζετε ότι κάθε πόδι έχει 25 οστά, από τα οποία κανένα δεν είναι μεγαλύτερο από τον αντίχειρά μας. Αλλά, είναι κατασκευασμένα με συνδέσμους, με τένοντες, μυς και αρθρώσεις, έτσι ώστε ο άνθρωπος των 300 λιβρών να μπορεί να βάλει όλο το βάρος του πάνω σε αυτά τα μικροσκοπικά οστά. Η καρδιά: Το μέγεθός της είναι περίπου μια γροθιά αλλά αντλεί (παλμούς), φορές την ώρα. Αυτό σημαίνει 40 εκατομμύρια παλμούς μέσα σε ένα χρόνο. Μια σταγόνα αίμα μπορεί να κάνει ένα ταξίδι στο κυκλοφορικό σας σύστημα σε 22 μόνο δευτερόλεπτα. Τι θα γινόταν λοιπόν αν ο Θεός μας έστελνε ένα λογαριασμό για αυτό το υπέροχο σώμα που ζούμε; Αλλά ο Θεός δεν μας στέλνει λογαριασμούς. Μας αγαπάει και απλά φροντίζει για μας. Τι μπορούμε εμείς να κάνουμε για να ανταποδώσουμε την αγάπη Του? Δείχνουμε την αγάπη μας με την υπακοή στο Λόγο Του και πιστοί του δίνουμε αυτό που Εκείνος μας εμπιστεύθηκε. Ακριβώς όπως φροντίζουμε για το σώμα μας, πρέπει να φροντίζουμε και για την Εκκλησία του Θεού στη γη, με το να είμαστε οικονομικοί υποστηρικτές. Υπάρχουν πολλοί Ενορίτες που δεν είναι υποστηρικτές του Αγίου Γεωργίου και δεν υποστηρίζουν την Εκκλησία για πολλά χρόνια. Περιμένουν πάντα κάποιον άλλο να αναλάβει τις οικονομικές ευθύνες τους. Παρακαλούμε κάνετε αυτό που πρέπει και γίνετε καλοί διαχειριστές σε όλους τους τομείς της ζωής σας. Χωρίς τη βοήθεια και την υποστήριξή σας δεν θα είμαστε σε θέση να διατηρήσουμε τα τρέχοντα προγράμματα, νέες διακονίες και έργα του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Πρωτ. Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός

13 The Voice of St. George Page 13 Dear Parishioners: At the last General Assembly Meeting held on October 16, 2011, the following individuals were nominated to fill the eight seats on the Board of Trustees for the term: Athanasopoulos George Blazakis John Bourodimos Lampros Catanzaro Kathy Fottis Bill Kalogridis Jr. Anthony Manikopoulos Nick Moschonas Jerry Petrantonakis George Petsanas Perry Election Procedures On Sunday, November 20, 2011 immediately following the Divine Liturgy until 2:30 PM you will have the opportunity to cast your ballot. Eligibility for Voting Eligibility for voting is: 2011 stewardship commitment must be fulfilled. Identification is required at time of verification of membership. Voting for new Board members is a privilege that you have earned. We look forward to seeing all of you on November 20 th. Thank you, Election Committee: Charlie Theokas Frank Araps Stanley Gerondelis John Millas Thomas Vastardis

14 November/December 2011 Page 14 St. George Memorial Fund The Memorial Fund was established for the purpose of beautifying our church and fund projects needed within the church. A beautiful Memorial Tree is located in the Memorial Room in the Community Center and anyone wishing to purchase a leaf, dove, or stone in memory of their beloved ones, please contact John Stroumtsos and/or Fr. Nick Pastrikos. Many past and current projects have been, and are, being funded by the Memorial Fund. We have recently had 90% of the wall icons within the church cleaned and refinished. The woodwork in front of the altar has been cleaned and refinished. The chandeliers and pendants have been cleaned and polished. (Research was done for new chandeliers; however, they are very, very expensive.) Painting the interior of the church will also be done and bids are welcome. There are many other areas within the Church that need repair and are being addressed, such as: cleaning and refinishing the pews including the woodwork in the Narthex; the areas within the altar are in desperate need of repair, etc. A future consideration of replacing the carpeting in the church to a more substantial flooring is being researched. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE TETHYS #229 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION Last year s beautiful Christmas ornament was a sell-out! The 2nd in the series of the hand-painted, individually boxed ornament has arrived and still priced at $20. Look for our display table during Coffee Hour starting on Sunday, November 27. $2000 CHALLENGE DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP To benefit students in our Community Anonymous Benefactor will Match Dollar-for-Dollar up to $2000. Deadline for donations is December 10, 2011 Make check payable to: DOP Scholarship Mail to: Ms Viveca Sulich, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854

15 The Voice of St. George Page 15 Parent Teach Organization P. T. O. Dear Parents, Pulling Together for Our Kids The PTO Executive Board would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents who volunteered their time, helped in baking and purchasing with our annual bake sale. Your support during this event was valuable and your contributions have helped the organization tremendously. We would like to remind you that the PTO is a parent volunteer organization that supports the school by organizing volunteers for various programs, and by providing financial assistance through fundraising for enrichment programs and other items not available through school funds. As the parent/guardian of a St. George student, you are asked to support the PTO meetings that are held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at the church on the second floor. The November and December meetings will take place on November 22 nd and December 20 th respectively. We would also like to welcome a new member to our board, Dina Dedopoulos, who will be taking over as Treasurer. The PTO has planned an exciting year of activities for all families to enjoy. We encourage you to support the PTO and St. George by attending meetings and becoming involved. Upcoming Events: Christmas Tree Lighting December 9 th at 5 pm in the AHEPA Hall. You can donate unbreakable ornaments. A labeled bin will be placed in the AHEPA Hall so you can drop off the ornaments as well. We welcome all families to this festive tradition which is especially intended for the children. Christmas Communion Breakfast December 11 th following the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall. If you would like to volunteer to help for this event, we can utilize either photography, helping the children with the crafts, food donations, or by helping us setup and serve the day of the event. Please consider volunteering your time and talent to the PTO. If each St George family volunteered for one event or activity it would spread the work load of this wonderful organization and make it more manageable, enjoyable and successful for everyone. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome! Teach your children by example - be involved! We can't do it without you! PTO Executive Board Officers: Eftychia Mattas, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Aliki Doninger, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro/Dina Dedopoulos, Treasurer PTO address: stgpto@optonline.net

16 November/December 2011 Page 16 Our Parish: Her Life & People Baptisms July 3 rd Savvas Gabriel son of Nicholas & Irene Giannikouris Godparents - Despina Makras Candray Dimitrios Georgallis, Eleni Lyristis July 16 th Lukas Daniel son of Kenneth & Paige Topolewski Godparent Stamatiki Palaiopanidis July 23 rd Alexis Morgan daughter of Jon and Kathryn Dean Godparent Daniel Vlahakis July 31 st Aiden Christopher son of Andrew & Nicole Vassil Godparents James Vassil & Christine Kincel September 10 th Dean Archer son of John & Sophia Kastanis Godparents John & Maria Kastanis September 10 th Sofia Georgia daughter of Peter & Matina Speronza Godparent Matina J. Rentoulis September 17 th Valentina Elena - daughter of Nicholas & Leonila Kambitsis Godparents Louisa and Miranda Sirimis Weddings July 2 nd Michael Bordieri and Alexis Dervech Koumbaro Lee Dervech July 16 th Panagiotis Dafnos and Heather Scarola Koumbaro Dimitrios Hantsoulis August 27 th Stavros Natsopoulos and Carla Costantini Koumbara - Ioanna Natsopoulos Engagements September 4 th Olga Psyllos to John Mavrianos September 11 th - Vasiliki Kounelias to Michael Fania We congratulate them on their recent engagement and we wish for them Kala Stefana Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal July 27 th Harriet Tsinetakis August 21 st - Penelope Terpos August 26 th - Angela Koken September 16 th Nicoletta Vournas September 18 th - Tsambika Dimitrakis September 18 th - Charles Shoolis HOW TO TELL A LIVING CHURCH FROM ONE THAT IS DYING Living churches have parking problems; Dying churches don t. Living churches have lots of noisy activities; Dying churches are as peaceful as a tomb. Living churches have the annoying habit of outspending their income; Dying churches take in more money than they ever dream of spending. Living churches are always looking toward the future for ways to serve; Dying churches are all too happy to worship their glorious past.

17 NOVEMBER 2011 Coffee will be served by the Daughters of Penelope 6 Arkadi Artoklasia PTO Bake Sale GOYA Mtg. M/R GOYA Game 2 pm 13 Stewardship Sunday GOYA Trip-Boston 20 Board of Trustees Elections 12-4pm M/R DOP Memorial GOYA Game 2 pm 27 NO SUNDAY SCHOOL DOP Christmas Ornament Sale GOYA Game 2 pm Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Rutgers Home Game (no activities) 7 Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 8 GENERAL ELECTIONS 9 Philoptochos Bd. Mtg. 12am GOYA Advisors Mtg. 7pm Sr. Basketball 7pm 10 GOYA Dance 7 pm 11 Senior Citizens Mtg. 12 pm GOYA Trip to Boston 12 Cretan Pilafi A/H GOYA Trip-Boston 14 Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 15 Advent Lent Begins Philoptochos Baklava Kitchen Girls Volleyball 7pm 16 Philoptochos Mtg. 11 am Sr. Basketball 7 pm 17 GOYA Dance 7 pm GOYA Charity Night Kitchen Rutgers Home Game (no activities) 21 Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 22 PTO Meeting 7 pm Girls Volleyball 7pm 23 GREEK SCHOOL CLOSED Sr. Basketball 7 pm 24 THANKSGIVING DAY GREEK SCHOOL CLOSED 25 GREEK SCHOOL CLOSED Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 29 Girls Volleyball 7pm 30 AHEPA Mtg. 7pm DOP Mtg. 7 pm

18 December 2011 Coffee will be served by the Cyprus Association 4 Philoptochos Artoklasia GOYA Meeting M/R GOYA Home Game A/H 2pm 11 Communion Breakfast Tree Lighting Ceremony 18 Sunday School Christmas Pageant 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Sunday School Staff Mtg. 7pm GOYA Dance 7 pm 2 3 Senior Citizens Mtg. 12 pm GOYA Geek Night 5 Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 6 Girls Volleyball 7 pm 7 Sr. Basketball 7 pm 8 GOYA Dance 7 pm 9 GOYA Religious Retreat 10 GOYA Religious Retreat 12 Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 13 Girls Volleyball 7 pm 14 Philoptochos Bd. 10:30 am Goya Advisors Mtg. 7 pm Sr. Basketball 7 pm 15 GOYA Dance 7 pm Philoptochos Mtg. 11 am 19 Jr. Basketball 6:30 pm 20 PTO Meeting 7 pm Girls Volleyball 7 pm 21 AHEPA Meeting 7 pm A/H DOP Meeting 7 pm M/R 22 GOYA Dance 7 pm

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20 The St. George Piscataway Youth Group proudly invites you to our 9 th annual Greek Night Saturday, December 3, :30 pm - 12:00 am St. George AHEPA Hall Community Center Mezedakia & Full Buffet Dinner - BYO Wine & Beer Music and Dancing Reservations: Sophie Exarchakis Maria Kantilierakis Adults $35 GOYA & College students with ID $25 Children under 12 - $10 All proceeds will benefit The Lakeview School Cerebral Palsy Associa on of Middlesex County

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