The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 January/February 2005 Volume 3 - Issue 1 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey The Voice of Saint George Dimhniaio Deltio Ths Ellhnikhs Orqodoxhs Koinothtas Agiou Gewrgiou Φωνή βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδόν Κυρίου (Ματθ. Γ.3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord (Matt. 3:3) By Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite Inside this issue: Periecomena: Priest s Message 1 President s Message 5 Three Hierarchs 6 Return of the Relics 7 Fasting 8 Philoptochos News 10 Sunday School News 12 GOYA News 12 Lenten Luncheon 13 PTO News 14 Greek School News 14 Cretan Dance 15 Advertisements 16 AHEPA Super Bowl 17 Financial Update 18 Stewardship Update 19 Tradition/Tupikon 20 Ecclesiastical Schedule 22 Dear Parishioners and Friends Happy New Year the Holidays came and went! With love and with respect to our beautiful Holy Traditions we celebrated these Feast days of love, here in our community as well as in our homes. Αγαπητοί μου ενορίτες και φίλοι Καλη χρονιά, ήρθαν και έφυγαν οι Άγιες Εορτές του Δωδεκαημέρου! Με αγάπη και με τις ιερές παραδόσεις μας εορτάσαμε αυτές τις ωραίες εορτές αγάπης στην κοινότητά μας αλλά και στα σπίτια μας. Με την χάρη του Θεού αρχίσαμε μιά νέα χρονιά. Δυστυχώς οι βιβλικές καταστροφές της επικαιρότητας μας ετάραξαν αλλά και μας έδωσαν την With the grace of God we started a New Year. Unfortunately, the events that took place in the last days of the past year, the biblical destruction of South and South East Asia shocked and saddened us on one hand, but on the other hand it gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our philanthropic virtues to people we do not know, but we know their suffering through the extensive media coverage we see every day. As your Pastor, I want to congratulate all our parishioners who showed such compassion and love for their fellow human beings that over $5,500 was collected and it will be send to the countries that are in need now. I pray that this biblical destruction was the last bad thing and it left with the past year. May we have a New Year full of joyful events in our parish and everywhere in the world. As you know, it was my first Christmas and Feast Days of the Twelve Days of Christmas that I spent with you. I want to congratulate all of you for your massive participation to the Church Services. You supported, with your presence, the new programs of the Feast Days, especially, the Nativity program on Christmas Eve and the Blessing of the Waters of the Raritan River on the Sunday after the Epiphany, as well as attending the celebratory lunch that followed. Ι would like to personally express my gratitude to the Parish Council for their cooperation, to Mr. Jim Polos for organizing, with the local authorities, the special Celebration on the banks of the Raritan River, and to our dedicated cooks Mr. Andreas Belonis and Mr. Jim Zalokostas as well as to all the helpers who (Continued on page 3) Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ ευκαιρία να δείξουμε τα φιλανθρωπικά μας αισθήματα σε άτομα που δεν γνωρίζουμε, αλλά ξέρουμε ότι βρίσκονται σε μεγάλη ανάγκη, μέσω της μαζικής τηλεοπτικής ενημέρωσης. Ως Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος, θα ήθελα να συγχαρώ τους ενορίτες μας που έδειξαν τέτοια αλληλεγγύη και συγκεντρώθηκαν άνω των $5,500, που θα σταλούν από την εκκλησία μας στις χώρες που πλήγηκαν από τις πλημμύρες. Είθε αυτή η (Continued on page 4)

2 Page 2 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Ellhnikh Orqodoxh Ekklhsia Agiou Gewrgiou Parish Ministries Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexander Kile Parish Council President Demetrios Arhontoulis Vice President / Administration Katerina Leftheris Vice President /Operations Constantinos Theokas Secretary Petra Knox Treasurer George Psyllos Comptroller Nick Banis Members Constantine Apostolakis Lampros E. Bourodimos Maria Kaouris Christodoulatos Michael Dimitrakis Bill Fottis Panos Georgopoulos Anthony Kalogridis George Petrantonakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Philoptochos Society St Barbara Eleni Andronikou, President Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Helene Pappas, Director Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Director Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Katerina Kourtis-Gavalas, Teacher GOYA Aris Kalimanis, President Poly Tolis, President GOYA Advisors Eileen Stellakis, Diane Parais, Sandy Stratoudakis, Dimitrios Zalokostas Andriana Tolis George Papagrigorakis George Hadjiloucas Parent Teacher Organization Dorothea Koutsoras, President JOY/HOPE Sophie Exarhakis Maria Kantilierakis Helen Sirimis Moms & Tots Sandy Kalogridis FOCUS Nick Kambitsis Senior Citizens Nickie Kopanakis Committee Chairpersons Stewardship Petra Knox, George Psyllos Church Festival John Lyssikatos Memorial Dolores Stroumtsos Web Design Bill Fottis Special Thanks to all volunteers, Sunday School staff, Coaches, Greek Dance Instructors & Parents who support our church organizations and programs. This issue of the Voice of St George was prepared by V. Rev. Alexander Kile, Panos Georgopoulos, Mariea Kazantzis, Kay Kehayas, Sophie Exarhakis, Dorothea Koutsoras, Diane Parais and Evie Georgopoulos We encourage all of our community organizations & ministries to post their events in The Voice of St George. We remind you that events should be advertised a month in advance. So, information should be submitted one month prior to the issue in which it will appear, preferably by sending it via to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net We thank you for your cooperation. Have you visited the St George website lately? Just go to:

3 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 3 Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite (Continued from page 1) organized and served the nice luncheon. I also extend my gratitude to the ladies and children of our church who decorated the Christmas Tree, and to all those who brought holiday decorations and supplies. Special thanks to our dedicated parishioner Mr. Spyros Hionis for donating all the poinsettias that adorned the Solea of our Church during the holidays. To all of you who sent your Christmas donations, on behalf of the Saint George Church, I thank you. May our Good Lord always keep you well. During the first month of the year, we celebrate the Name Days of my predecessors: Fr. John Theodosion (Jan. 7) and Fr. Anthony Pappas (Jan. 17). I wish them Happy Name Day, health, and happiness always! I would like to take this opportunity and thank you for renewing your stewardship for the year Your stewardship is the only source of support to Christ s Church and this large community with its many ministries. Christ needs every one of us and it is necessary for all of us to take part in the Stewardship Program. Stewardship is a way of giving thanks to the Lord for all the good things He allows us to enjoy in our life. As I conclude my message, I pray and wish for a blessed, healthy and prosperous New Year, with a reinforced and renewed faith for all of us. May the Grace of our God be upon you, your family and all the people in the world. With love in His service The pastor Very Rev. Archimandrite Alexander Kile TEST YOUR BIBLE KNOWLEDGE 1. What was the name of the woman who washed the feet of Jesus Christ? 2. What is the name of the first called disciple? 3. What is the name of the favorite disciple of Christ? 4. In which town was the grave of Lazarus? 5. What is the name of the town where Jesus healed the paralytic on the palate? 6. Which Apostle was called the brother of the Lord? 7. Which disciple tried to walk on the waters? 8. What was the name of St John the Baptist s father? 9. What was the name of the lake that the disciples were fishing in? 10. What was the name of the tax collector whose house Christ visited? Answers: in the next issue ΠΟΣΕΣ ΓΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΒΙΒΛΟ; 1. Ποιό είναι το όνομα της γυναίκας που έπλυνε τα πόδια του Ιησού; 2. Πως ονομάζεται ο Πρωτόκλητος Απόστολος; 3. Ποιός ήταν ο αγαπημένος μαθητής του Χριστού; 4. Σε ποιά πόλη ήταν ο τάφος του Λαζάρου; 5. Σε ποιά πόλη ο Ιησούς εθεράπευσε τον παραλυτικό; 6. Ποιός μαθητής λέγεται Αδελφόθεος; 7. Ποιός μαθητής του Χριστού προσπάθησε να περπατήσει στα κύματα; 8. Ποιό ήταν το όνομα του πατέρα του Ιωάννη του Βαπτιστή; 9. Σε ποιά λίμνη ψάρευαν οι μαθητές του Χριστού; 10. Πως λεγόταν ο τελώνης του οποί ου το σπίτι επισκέφθηκε ο Ιησούς; Απαντήσεις: στο επόμενο τεύχος

4 Page 4 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Από τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλέξανδρο Κιλέ (Continued from page 1) θεομηνία να είναι το τελευταίο λυπηρό γεγονός, που έφυγε με το περασμένο έτος, και φέτος να έχουμε μόνο χαρμόσυνα γεγονότα στην παροικία μας αλλά και στον κόσμο ολόκληρο. Όπως γνωρίζετε, ήταν η πρώτη μου φορά που πέρασα μαζί σας τα Χριστούγεννα και όλες τις εορτές του Δωδεκαημέρου. Σας συγχαίρω όλους διότι γεμίσατε τον Ναό μας κατά την διάρκεια όλων των Ακολουθιών και υποστηρίξατε με την ευσεβή παρουσία σας τα νέα προγράμματα των εορτών, όπως το παιδικό Χριστουγεννιάτικο πρόγραμμα το βράδυ της παραμονής των Χριστουγέννων και τον Αγιασμό των Υδάτων του ποταμού Raritan την Κυριακή μετά τα Θεοφάνεια, με την κατάδυση του Τιμίου Σταυρού, καθώς επίσης και το γεύμα που ακολούθησε. Ευχαριστώ το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο για την πολύτιμη συνεργασία τους, τον κ. Δημήτρη Πόλο για την οργάνωση της τελετής του Αγιασμού στον ποταμό, τους εθελοντές μάγειρες κ. Ανδρέα Μπελώνη και κ. Δημήτρη Ζαλοκώστα, και όλους όσους βοήθησαν στην προετοιμασία και οργάνωση του γεύματος. Επίσης ευχαριστώ όλες τις κυρίες που στόλισαν και τακτοποίησαν το Χριστουγεννιάτικο δένδρο, καθώς και όλους όσους έφεραν στολίδια και υλικά για την Χριστουγεννιάτικη διακόσμηση. Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες στον κ. Σπύρο Χιόνη για τα όμορφα Χριστουγεννιάτικα λουλούδια που στόλισαν τον σολέα της εκκλησίας μας κατά την διάρκεια των εορτών. Σε όλους εσάς που στείλατε τις Χριστουγενιάτικες προσφορές σας, εκ μέρους της Εκκλησίας του Αγίου Γεωργίου, σας ευχαριστώ. Ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί όλους και να σας έχει πάντα καλά. Αυτόν τον μήνα, είναι οι ονομαστικές εορτές των δύο προκατόχων μου: του Πατέρα Ιωάννη Θεοδοσίου (7 /1) και του Πατέρα Αντωνίου Πάππα (17/1). Εύχομαι και στους δύο χρόνια πολλά, υγεία και ευτυχία. Σας ευχαριστώ επίσης για τη ανανέωση των συνδρομών σας για το έτος Σας υπενθυμίζω ότι η συνδρομή σας είναι η μοναδική πηγή υποστήριξης του έργου του Χριστού το οποίο είναι πολύπλευρο εδώ στην αγαπητή κοινότητά μας. Ο Χριστός χρειάζεται τον καθένα από μας να είναι στο πρόγραμμα Εκούσιας Εισφοράς. Είναι ο μόνος τρόπος ευχαριστίας προς τον Θεό για όλα τα αγαθά που απολαμβάνουμε στην ζωή μας. Τελειώνοντας, σας εύχομαι μιά καλή και ευλογημένη νέα χρονιά, με ενισχυμένη και ανανεωμένη πίστη. Είθε η χάρις του Θεού να είναι πάντα επάνω σας, στις οικογένειές σας και σε όλον τον κόσμο. Μετά εν Χριστώ αγάπης Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αρχιμανδρίτης Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ VOICE OF ST GEORGE: CURRENT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS In this issue of the Voice of St George you can find updates on the budget of our church and on the status of the stewardship program (both current, as of December 31, 2004) on pages Also, in addition to the regular articles on ecclesiastical and other events of January and February, and the announcements from our community organizations, this issue contains useful information, for the entire year, regarding the fasting schedule (on pages 8-9) and the typikon of our church about the appearance and covering of the altar (on pages 20-21). We will keep trying to improve the Voice and we count on you to provide information on the activities of your organizations and programs in a timely manner. We also appreciate all comments and suggestions that will help make the Voice more useful to the members of the St George community. Please send us to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net. Στο τεύχος αυτό του δελτίου µας µπορείτε να βρείτε µιά συνοπτική ενηµέρωση γιά τον προυπολογισµό της εκκλησίας µας και την πρόοδο του προγράµµατος εκούσιας εισφοράς (µεχρι την 31η εκεµβρίου 2004) στις σελίδες Επίσης, εκτός από τα τακτικά άρθρα για εκκλησιαστικά και άλλα γεγονότα των µηνών Ιανουαρίου και Φεβρουαρίου, και τις ανακοινώσεις των οργανισµών της κοινότητάς µας, το τεύχος αυτό περιέχει χρήσιµες πληροφορίες, για όλο το έτος, σχετικά µε τις ηµέρες νηστείας (σελίδες 8-9) και µε τα καλύµµατα της Αγίας Τράπεζας (σελίδες 20-21). Θα συνεχίσουµε τις προσπάθειες µας γιά συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου µας και ελπίζουµε ότι θα µας βοηθήσετε παρέχοντας έγκαιρα πληροφορίες σχετικά µε τις δραστηριότητες και εκδηλώσεις των προγραµµάτων στα οποία συµµετέχετε. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, γιά το πως να κάνουµε αυτό το δελτίο πιό χρήσιµο σε σας, είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Σας παρακαλούµε να στέλλετε στην ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net.

5 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 5 President s Message/Mhnuma tou Proedrou Dear fellow Parishioners, May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the New Year bring you and your families health, joy peace and prosperity. As you all know, the General Assembly meeting will take place on Sunday, February 13, 2005 right after church services. Please make an effort to come and bring up any issues or suggestions you might have, whether ecclesiastical, administrative or financial. Furthermore, we need to vote in seven new board members. We will have nominations and elections on the 13 th as well. If you are nominated, you need to take very seriously the commitment and dedication to serve as a board member. I would like to point out what it means to have a position on the board. Members of the board of Trustees are official representatives of the church elected by the members of the parish for the purpose of working together with the priest in fulfilling the goals and needs of the parish. First and foremost, it is important to remember that a board member assumes a sacred office that requires total love, loyalty and dedication to the Greek Orthodox Church. As an official representative, board members are expected to exert every effort to exemplify the sacred character and spirit of the Church. As elected officials, board members assume two basic applications to guide in making decisions and policies: to know and uphold the sacred tenets of Holy Scripture and the teachings and traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church, and to live and uphold the office for the spiritual progress and advancement of the parish. Board members attend board meetings, participate in committees whether voluntary or appointed and work towards positive results in attaining the goals of the respective program. Board members are expected to be present, when scheduled, and assist during church services (Sundays, Special Services, Holy Week, etc.) to carry out duties such as the candle stand, crowd control, seating, assisting the priest during holy communion, the collections of monies etc. Board members are expected to participate in fund raising and fair share activities to achieve the financial obligation of the church, special projects, voluntary or assigned by the President. So, please consider joining us in helping our community to prosper and flourish in the future by running for a position on the Board. I hope to see all of you on Sunday February 13, Demetrios Arhontoulis President of the Board of Trustees Αγαπητοί µου Ενορίτες Σας εύχοµαι Καλή Χρονιά µε υγεία, ευτυχία, ειρήνη, προκοπή και κάθε ευλογία του Κυρίου Ηµών Ιησού Χριστού. Όπως ξέρετε, στις 13 Φεβρουαρίου θα έχουµε την ετήσια Γενική Συνέλευση των µελών της Εκκλησίας. Ελάτε όλοι να συζητήσουµε ό,τι θέµατα προέκυψαν µέσα στον περασµένο χρόνο, αλλά και καινούργιες ιδέες και θέµατα που αφορούν όλους µας. Επίσης, την ηµέρα εκείνη θα έχουµε και εκλογές. Επτά θέσεις είναι ελεύθερες για εκλογή. Οι υποψήφιοι πρέπει να πάρουν πολύ σοβαρά τις υποχρεώσεις µιάς θέσης στο Εκκλησιαστικό Συµβούλιο. Με την ευκαιρία ας εξηγήσω τι σηµαίνει να είναι κάποιος µέλος του Συµβουλίου. Τα µέλη του Συµβουλίου πρέπει να είναι παρόντα στις συνεδριάσιες του Συµβουλίου, να βοηθούν κατά την διάρκεια της Θείας Λειτουργίας (κεριά, Θ. Κοινωνία, δίσκος, κλπ.), να συνεργάζονται µε τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάµενο προς όφελος της Εκκλησίας, να λαµβάνουν µέρος σε διάφορες επιτροπές για την προκοπή και καλυτέρευση της Κοινότητας, και γενικά να συµµετέχουν ενεργά µε τον τρόπο ζωής τους στην διατήρηση της Ελληνορθόδοξης πίστης και Παράδοσης. Ελάτε όλοι στην συνέλευση, να λάβετε µέρος στις εκλογές και να βάλετε υποψηφιότητα για µία θέση στο Συµβούλιο της Εκκλησίας µας. Η διατήρηση της πίστης µας, η προκοπή της κοινότητας και το µέλον της νέας γενεάς είναι ευθύνη όλων µας! Εύχοµαι να σας δω όλους στις 13 Φεβρουαρίου ηµήτριος Αρχοντούλης Πρόεδρος του ιοικητικού Συµβουλίου

6 Page 6 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Ο εορτασμός των Τριών Ιεραρχών Αρχιμανδρίτου Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ «Ευφημούμεν οι πιστοί τους τρείς Ιεράρχας, τους μεγάλους και φωταυγείς Βασίλειον άμα τω Γρηγορίω, και Ιωάννην τον Μέγαν Χρυσορρήμονα» Οι Τρείς αυτοί Ιεράρχες έχουν αφιερωθεί από τον Ε αιώνα ως προστάτες των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων διότι χρησιμοποίησαν τα ελληνικά γράμματα και έγραψαν τόμους βιβλία για να εξηγήσουν και να ερμηνεύσουν την Καινή Διαθήκη. Οι Τρείς Ιεράρχες σφράγισαν με την πνευματική τους παρουσία, με τους λόγους τους και μέσω πολλών γραπτών έργων τους τον Δ αιώνα. Στον τέταρτο αιώνα άρχισε να εξαφανίζεται ο εθνικός κόσμος και να αντικαθίσταται από τον Χριστιανισμό, παρά τους μεγάλους διωγμούς. Το γνωστό Διάταγμα των Μεδιολάνων (313 μ.χ.) περί ανεξιθρησκείας σταμάτησε τους διωγμούς, αλλά παρά ταύτα υπήρχαν πολλές αντιθέσεις στούς ιδεολογικούς τομείς. Εδώ ήταν που φάνηκε ο μεγάλος ιστορικός ρόλος και το μεγάλο πνευματικό ανάστημα των Τριών Μεγάλων Ιεραρχών. Τον τέταρτο αιώνα, οι αθρόως εισελθόντες εις τον Χριστιανισμόν, έφερναν μαζί τους και τις ιδέες και παραδόσεις του πρώην βίου τους που ήταν εθνικού ειδωλολατρικού κοσμοειδώλου. Η εκκλησία τότε κλυδωνίστηκε και διασπάστηκε σε διάφορες ιδεολογικές μερίδες. Οι ακραίοι Χριστιανοί υποτίμησαν την γνώση, την έρευνα και γενικά τα ελλήνικά γράμματα. Αυτοκράτορες διάδοχοι του Μ. Κωνσταντίνου, υποστήριξαν τους αρειανούς και εναντιώθηκαν στο δόγμα της Α Οικουμενικής εν Νικαία Συνόδου, καταδίωξαν και εξόρισαν τους Ορθοδόξους Χριστιανούς, ο δε ρωμαντικός Ιουλιανός ο Παραβάτης έφτασε στα γνωστά άκρα. Ενώπιον αυτής της σύγχυσης όρθωσαν, κατ ευτυχή της Θείας Πρόνοιας Βουλή, το ανάστημά τους οι τρείς σύγχρονοι μεγάλοι άνδρες Βασίλειος, Γρηγόριος και Ιωάννης και έγιναν οδηγοί λαών. Οι Τρείς Ιεράρχες αγωνίστηκαν με υψηλόν ήθος ελευθέρων ανθρώπων και γνήσιων κοινωνικών μεταρρυθμιστών κατά της αλλοίωσης και των δογμάτων, κατά της εξουθένωσης των πτωχών, και κατά της αυθαιρεσίας της εξουσίας. Οι Τρείς Ιεράρχες ήταν αγωνιστές του δικαίου, εναντιώθηκαν σ όλους τους παραβάτες ακόμη και αν ήταν αυτοκράτορες. Ενας από τους μεγαλύτερους Αγγλικανούς θεολόγους και κληρικούς τους προπερασμένου αιώνα,ο Newman, έχοντας υπ όψιν του το αγωνιστικό φρόνημα και την θυσία καθενός από τους τρείς Ιεράρχες, τους χαρακτηρίζει καθένα ξεχωριστά με μία ταιριαστή φράση: Ονομάζει τον Άγιον Βασίλειον «κυνηγό των αιρέσεων που είχε ως αποστολή να αποπλύνει τον ρύπο του θυσιαστηρίου». Ο Χρυσόστομος είναι «ο γίγας με την πύρινη ψυχή και τα φλογερά χείλη, ο ένδοξος ρήτορας της χάριτος και της φιλανθρωπίας του Θεού, αλλά και ο αδυσώπητος στηλιτευτής της Βασιλικής αυλής και ο προστάτης των ταπεινών αδικουμένων». Ο Γρηγόριος ο Ναζιανζηνός αναφέρεται ως ο «διδάσκαλος με την ουρανοδίδακτη χάρη της σοφίας, ο άνθρωπος της ειρήνης με την ταπεινή και αληθινή καρδιά», ο οποίος για χάρη της ειρήνης του ποιμνίου του, δεν δίστασε να εγκαταλείψει τον Πατριαρχικό θρόνο και να επιστρέψει στην σιωπή και την ησυχία. Ο Μέγας αυτός Ιεράρχης είναι για τον Αγγλικανό θεολόγο και ιερωμένο όχι μόνο ένας μεγάλος θεολόγος, αλλά στην κυριολεξία «Αγγελος της Ανατολής ο οποίος υψώνει τον Σταυρό και κάνει να πάλλονται οι καρδιές μιάς ψυχρής και υπολογιστικής πρωτεύουσας ενός παντοδύναμου κράτους, σαν να εγγίζει μία νέα Πεντηκοστή». Πάρα πολλά έχουν γραφτεί στην διεθνή βιβιλιογραφία για το κοινωνικό έργο των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Στην Ανατολή τον Ε αιώνα εόρταζαν την ημέρα αυτή ως ημέρα των γραμμάτων και της φιλανθρωπίας, από όπου και ξεκίνησε ο εορτασμός που τηρούμε και εμείς σήμερα. Για όλους αυτούς τους λόγους, το έργο των Τριών Ιεραρχών δεν αποτελεί μόνο αντικείμενο μιάς αξιοπρόσεκτης φιλολογικής μελέτης αλλά είναι πηγή έμπνευσης γιά μιά ατομική αναγέννηση. Η Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία τρέφει μεγάλη ευλάβεια και εξαιρετικό θαυμασμό σε όλους εκείνους τους εκκλησιαστικούς άνδρες που επικράτησε να ονομάζονται Πατέρες της Εκκλησίας. Τους θεωρεί ως στόματα μέσω των οποίων εκφράζεται η εκκλησιατική συνείδηση, τους θεωρεί μάρτυρες του Λόγου και σάλπιγγες του Αγίου Πνεύματος και ιδιαίτερη θέση ανάμεσά τους έχουν ο Βασίλειος ο Μέγας, ο Γρηγόριος ο Θεολόγος και ο Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος, οι Τρείς Ιεράρχαι. Είθε η διδασκαλία τους να εμπνεύσει και μεταμορφώσει την ζωή μας. Αμήν.

7 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 7 The Background of the Historical Religious Event that took place in Constantinople on November 30 th On January 30 th our holy Orthodox church every year celebrates the feast day of the 3 Hierearchs: St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory the Theologian. Towards the end of last year, the relics of the two fathers, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom, were transferred from Rome to their original seat in Constantinople where the official headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is located. For this occasion, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued a pamphlet where the historical events of the life and relics of these two saints are depicted. For your religious information, I would like to relate to you some parts of this historical event and pamphlet information, so we can understand the importance of these two fathers of the church and the importance of this event which is called the translation of the relics of these two fathers. This event will be celebrated every year in the Orthodox Church calendar. Here are some parts of the official pamphlet issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for this official event: SAINT GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN ARCHBISHOP OF CON STANTINOPLE: After his resignation from the Throne as Archbishop of Constantinople, St. Gregory withdrew himself to the village Arianzus, where he reposed in the Lord in the year 390 A.D. His Holy relics were then transferred to Constantinople and they were placed in the famous Church of the Holy Apostles, the usual burial place of the Emperors. The synaxare of the church mentions that: His Synaxis takes place in the most holy Great Church and in the place of martyrdom of Saint Anastasia, in the embolous of Domninus, and in the Church of the Great Apostles; there did ConstantineVII, the Porphyrogenitus, a friend of Christ, and our most pious King placed his sacred relics, having them brought from Nazianzus, in the land of Cappadocians. SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTIN OPLE: reposed in the Lord on September 14 th, 407 A.D. when being on his way to exile to Koukousos of Asia Minor. The arachnid like body of the saint that had undergone a monthlong journey did not endure the hardship. His final words were: Glory be to God for all things. (He was exiled by the Empress Poulcherya because he defended openly all the oppressed poor and widows rights that the queen wanted to get their lands and funds that belonged to them). When, in the year 438 AD Emperor Theodosius tried to transfer his Holy Relics to Constantinople, the saint refused to move and remained immovable in a miraculous manner. Then the Emperor was forced to address to him the following letter of repentance: It was only because we thought that your body, Holy Father, is dead like the bodies of others, and we just wanted to transfer it close to us. Therefore, did we rightfully fail. You, however, Holy Father, who has taught repentance to all, forgive us. Remit yourself to us as a present, like a father to his children who love him, and give us joy with your presence. It was only when this letter was placed upon the Holy Relics of the saint that his transfer to the Queen of all cities (Vasilevousa Constantinople) became possible. ( The queen who dethroned and exiled him died in great pain a few years ago and as the historians witness, her grave was shaking until the relics touched the land of Constantinople ). On the return of the relics to Constantinople on January 27 th, 438, Emperor TheodosiusII, Patriarch Proclus and the entire population of the City welcomed them with the highest honor. The relics were taken from the harbor in a procession and placed in the Synthronon ( the throne behind the Altar table) a throne within the Holy Altar of the Church of Saint Irene (which had always been the Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarch). There the clergy and the people cried out: Receive thy Throne, Saint. Then the relics were placed under the Altar in the Church of the Holy Apostles, together with the Relics of Saint Gregory. The Holy Relics of the Saint remained in the Church of the Holy Apostles up until the first Capture and Sack of the City by the Crusaders in 1204 A.D. After the pillage that followed, the Holy Relics of both these two saints were taken first to Venice and later on to Rome. The Holy Relics of Saint Gregory were placed in the church of St. Gregory of the Convent of St. Maria in Campo Sato. In the year 1580 Pope Gregory XIII transferred the Holy Relics of St. Gregory to St. Peter, in the priedieu of St. Gregory in the Capella Gregoriana (which is basically dedicated to the Madonna del Soccorso). The Holy Relics of St. John Chrysostom in the beginning were placed in the Vestry of the old (medieval) Church of St. Peter. Later, on May 1 st 1626 they were transferred to St. Peter and placed in a different chapel of the main church, the so called Choir Chapel (dedicated to the Conception of the Virgin Mary). THE REQUEST His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his continuation of the tradition of fellowship and dialogue between the Churches that are in the state of schism, visited the Church of Rome last June 29 th, during the Feast Day of the Throne of the Church of Rome, in order to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the meeting between the ever remembered, Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI in Jerusalem in This meeting signaled the beginning of a new era of fellowship and dialogue between the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches. In the framework of the conversations that took place during the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew in Rome last June the issue of the return of the Holy Relics of these two saints was discussed among other things. As far as the Ecumenical Patriarchate had known, the Holy Relics were in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. Cardinal Walter Kasper, the President of the pontifical Council for (Continued on page 9)

8 Page 8 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 ΠΙΝΑΚΑΣ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΩΝ Αρχιμανδρίτου Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ Σ αυτό το πρώτο δελτίο της χρονιάς σκέφτηκα ότι θα είναι χρήσιμο γιά όλους μας να σας μεταφέρω την διδασκαλία της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας μας για την νηστεία, η οποία, συν τοις άλλοις, έχει αποδειχθεί από τους σύγχρονους διαιτολόγους πολύ υγιεινή για το ανθρώπινο σύστημα. Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή: Αρχίζει την Καθαρά Δευτέρα και τελειώνει την Παρασκευή πριν την Κυριακή των Βαΐων. Τα Σάββατα και τις Κυριακές επιτρέπεται κατάλυσις κρασιού και λαδιού (οίνου και ελαίου). Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα: Αυστηρή νηστεία (νερόβραστα) όλη την εβδομάδα ή λαδερά μέχρι την Μ. Παρασκευή και αυστηρή νηστεία (νερόβραστα) την Μ. Παρασκευή και το Μ. Σάββατο. Δεκαπενταύγουστος: 1 14 Αυγούστου. Σαρανταήμερο των Χριστουγέννων: 15 Νοεμβρίου μέχρι 17 Δεκεμβρίου επιτρέπεται η κατάλυσις ψαριού Δεκεμβρίου αυστηρή νηστεία. Αγίων Αποστόλων: Αρχίζει την Δευτέρα της Κυριακής των Αγίων Πάντων μέχρι 29 Ιουνίου. Επιτρέπεται κατάλυσις ψαριού εκτός Τετάρτης και Παρασκευής. Την 14 η Σεπτεμβρίου (του Σταυρού) την 5 η Ιανουαρίου (παραμονή των Θεοφανείων) και την 29 Αυγούστου (αποκεφάλισις Ιωάννη), : Αυστηρή νηστεία. Εάν οι μέρες αυτές συμπίπτουν με τις ημέρες του Σαββάτου ή Κυριακής, τότε γίνεται κατάλυσις οίνου και ελαίου. ΚΑΤΑΛΥΣΙΣ ΕΙΣ ΠΑΝΤΑ ΓΙΝΕΤΑΙ: Καθ όλην την Εβδομάδα της Διακαινησίμου του Αγίου Πάσχα (Κυριακή Πάσχα μέχρι την Κυριακή του Θωμά). Καθ όλον το δωδεκαήμερον των Χριστουγέννων εκτός της 5 ης Ιανουαρίου. Κατά την πρώτη εβδομάδα του Τριωδίου. Κατά την εβδομάδα του Αγίου Πνεύματος. ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ: Καθ όλον το έτος τηρείται νηστεία εκτός των ανωτέρω περιπτώσεων των εβδομάδων κατά τας οποίας γίνεται κατάλυσις εις πάντα. ΚΑΤΑΛΥΣΙΣ ΙΧΘΥΟΣ: Εάν η Τετάρτη ή η Παρασκευή συμπέσει με Θεομητορική εορτή ή με άλλη Μεγάλη εορτή τότε γίνεται κατάλυσις ψαριού. Την 25 η Μαρτίου (Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου). Την 6 η Αυγούστου (της Θείας Μεταμορφώσεως). Την Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας. Το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου. Την Κυριακή των Βαΐων. FASTING SCHEDULE: Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite On this first issue of the year I felt it would be useful to all of us if I share with you the fasting schedule of the ecclesiastical year. In addition to being part of the teachings of our Holy Orthodox Church, it is proven by contemporary dieticians internationally that fasting is very healthy for the human body. Great Lent: It starts on Clean Monday and concludes the Friday before Palm Sunday. On Saturdays and Sundays the consumption of oil and wine is allowed. Holy Week: Strict fast (no meat, dairy products, fish, oil, wine) for the whole week OR consumption of vegetarian foods prepared with oil on Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday; and strict fast on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The Dormiton of Theotokos: 1 14 of August. 40 days of Christmas: Fasting starts on the 15 th of November and ends on the 24 th of December. The consumption of fish is allowed until the 17 th of December. From December 18 th to December 24 th strict fast. The Fast of the 12 Apostles: It starts on the Monday after the Sunday of All Saints and ends on June 29 th. Fish is allowed except on Wednesdays and Fridays. September 14 th (the day of the Holy Cross), January 5 th (the day before the Epiphany) and August 29 th (the beheading of John the Baptist) are days of strict fast. If these days fall on a Saturday or a Sunday, then the consumption of oil and wine is allowed.

9 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 9 We never fast the oil on Saturday, except on Holy Saturday when it is forbidden to consume oil. CONSUMPTION OF ALL FOODS IS ALLOWED (no fast periods): During Bright Week (from Easter Sunday to the Sunday of Thomas) During the twelve days of Christmas, except on January 5 th. During the first week of the Triodion. During the week of the Feast of the Holy Spirit. WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS: During the whole year, Wednesdays and Fridays are fasting days except for the above weeks when everything can be consumed every day of the week. CONSUMPTION OF FISH: If a Great Feast Day of Virgin Mary or another Great Feast Day falls on a Wednesday or a Friday during the year, then fish is consumed on that day. On March 25 th (the Annunciation of Virgin Mary). On August 6 th (the Transfiguration of our Lord). On Sunday of Orthodoxy. On Saturday of Lazarus. On Palm Sunday. (Continued from page 7) Promoting of Christian Unity sent a letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch on July 15 th confirming the information concerning the presence of the Holy Relics in St. Peter s Cathedral but clarifying that the final decision for their return was under the authority of the Pope. Thereafter, on July 21, His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch with synodical decision sent an official request to the Pope John Paul II, for the return of the Holy Relics of the aforementioned Saint of the Church of Constantinople, to which they ethically belong. This pan orthodox request, which had been expressed through Patriarch Bartholomew, was justified as a promotion for the restoration of some traumatic experiences that were due to historical adventures of past years and as a great contribution to the normalization of the relations and the creation of appropriate climate of brotherly love between the two Churches. Finally, the patriarch underlined the fact that the natural and rightful position of the Holy Relics is the Sacred Patriarchal Cathedral of Constantinople, of which they were Archbishops. On October 27, Pope John Paul II responded to the Ecumenical Patriarch with a letter, for the first time in Greek, in which he accepted the return of the Holy Relics with joy as a sign of brotherhood and of a complete union to which we are called constantly more and more. He underlined the meaning of these two saints for Christianity by saying that the two Holy Patriarchs of the East, pillars of faith, are beacons for the entire Church and teachers for the knowledge of the Word of God and of the Mystery of the holy Trinity. Finally, he looked into the future by saying that the return of the relics to their home country will become a new bridge between us. THE RECEPTION: In a special session of the Holy and Sacred Synod that was convened by His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on October 27 th, a special Synodical committee was appointed, chaired by Metropolitan Evangelos of Perghes, in order to take the responsibility of organizing the events of the reception of the Holy Relics during the Feast Day of the Throne of the Church of Constantinople on November 30 th. During the same session it was decided that: Patriarch Bartholomew himself together with their Eminences Archbishop Demetrios of America and Gregorios of Thyatira and Great Britain, and the metropolitans Chrysostomos of Myra and Anthemos of Alexandroupolis would accompany the Holy Relics from Rome to Constantinople The reception of the Holy Relics would have pan orthodox character, as it is fitting for such a historical event, and for that reason representatives of all the Autonomous and Autocephalous Churches would be invited and other decision for details of the reception of the holy Relics were taken and were executed on November in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George in Phanar Constantinople. These are the parts from the official pamphlet which was issued for this official event that I wanted to bring to your attention for your own information. As of November 30 th the holy Relics of Saints John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian, Patriarchs of Constantinople, are reposing on the left side of the Patriarchal Cathedral next to the miraculous and historic icon of Virgin Mary called Faneromeni ( the one who has appeared) at the chapel of the Three Hierarchs. Very Rev. Alexander Kile, Archimandrite

10 Page 10 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Philoptochos News Nea ths Filoptwcou It was a busy and outstanding ending to the year 2004 for the Philoptochos ladies! We completed the sewing and distribution of the baby blankets; we prepared the Community Christmas Card; we baked and sold 100 pans of baklava in addition to the Christmas Bread sold every year; we chartered a bus and traveled to the St. Andrew church in Randolph, NJ for the vespers of the St. Andrew holiday; we celebrated our St. Barbara holiday with vespers and artoklasia celebrated by Fr. Paul Apostle, Divine Liturgy and artoklasia on St. Barbara s holiday celebrated by Fr. Chris Dalamangas and we celebrated the 60th anniversary of our organization with a beautiful luncheon on Sunday, December 5, Congratulations to all the chairladies of these activities and all those who assisted for they did an outstanding job! And, as we do throughout the year, our ladies visited the shut ins of our community for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We continue our busy schedule as we begin the year Our Vasilopita took place on Jan. 16, Our Membership Tea is scheduled for February 6 ; and on March 20 (Orthodoxy Sunday) a Memorial Service for our deceased members will take place. The date for our Lenten Luncheon has been changed to March 27. The entire community is invited to this Lenten Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy. All members are reminded to check their calendars for the dates of our monthly meetings. As always, we remind our members to pay their 2005 dues as well as all their past dues. Our next meetings are scheduled for January 29, February 26, and March 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Room. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, PHILOPTOCHOS On December 3, 1943 at 7:00 pm, and at the invitation of Rev. Fr. Kanelos Kanellopoulos, the priest of our St. George Church at that time, the ladies of the St. George community gathered at the community center of the St. George Church, River Road, Highland Park, NJ. This was the historic organizational meeting of our Philoptochos Society which culminated with a Certificate of Incorporation being issued in March of 1944; and though the ladies of this community were very involved working for their church from the early 1930 s it is on this date when our Philoptochos was officially united with National Philoptochos and the Archdiocese of our church and today is one of 550 active chapters nationwide. It was this meeting of 60 years ago that we, The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara members along with our families and many friends celebrated the 60th anniversary of our society at our annual St. Barbara s Luncheon on December 5, 2004 immediately following the Sunday Divine Liturgy. It was a most festive and enjoyable afternoon! After Program Chairman Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis welcomed everyone, the invocation was given by Very Rev. Alexander Kile and Rev. Fr. Anthony Pappas. Chairman Tsiadis then introduced speaker Miss Georgette Boulegeris who highlighted the accomplishments of our Philoptochos during the decades of its existence while at the same time noting the many and various inventions that were introduced during that period. Miss Boulegeris emphasized the philanthropy of our Philoptochos to those in need locally, throughout this country and abroad, the continuous assistance provided for St. Basil Academy, National Philoptochos and the Archdiocese, and the always available assistance to our own St. George Community. Miss Boulegeris introduced President Eleni Andronikou who, in turn, acknowledged the 4 past presidents present at the luncheon: Mrs. Nancy Liverakos, Mrs. Dorothy Coniaris, Mrs. Mary Boulegeris, and Mrs. Anastasia Ballas. A Certificate of Merit from National Philoptochos and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was awarded to each of these past presidents. Miss Boulegeris asked all present to take the time to view the many items from the past that were on display. Among those items was a beautiful St. Barbara banner embroidered by our late member Olga Macaronis, several early receipts and correspondence regarding donations made to the church and other philanthropic causes, many recent pictures and some pictures of officers and early members (our member Mary Kuklakis identified for us many members in the photos of the 40s), etc. It was a memorable afternoon and a beautiful tribute to the many ladies who have sustained and nurtured this beautiful, philanthropic organization. We thank the following individuals who worked so hard, preparing our delicious meal: Demetrios andronikou, Maria Boyadjis, Evie Georgopoulos, and Androula Tamanas. We congratulate The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara and wish them continued success in all their efforts and encourage every lady in our community to become a member of this very worthy organization.

11 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 11 THE PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP TEA The Ladies Philoptochos Society invites the ladies of our community to its annual Membership Tea on February 6, 2005 in the Memorial Room immediately after the Sunday Liturgy. Join us for a pleasant hour with the ladies. Refreshments will be served. You are invited to attend the LENTEN LUNCHEON Sunday, March 27, 2005 After the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall Sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara To Benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary Donations are Welcomed CHRISTMAS CARD/NEEDY CASES FUND The Philoptochos Needy Cases Fund Committee (Georgette Boulegeris, Eleni Banis, Diana Protopapadakis, and Mary Boulegeris) extends its heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to the parishioners and organizations of the St. George Community for their generous donations to the Needy Cases Fund through their participation in the community Christmas Card of We also acknowledge the following donations that were not included in this year s Christmas Card: 1. Mr. and Mrs. Kostas and Olga Schadas 2. Dr. and Mrs. Angelo Scopelianos & Sons 3. Mr. Christos Katsifis 4. Anonymous 5. Mr. and Mrs. John Katsiaficas In addition, we thank those parishioners from our community who took the time to investigate their company s Gift Matching Program which resulted in a substantial benefit to the Needy Cases Fund. Corporations, such as ExxonMobil, FleetBoston, Pfizer, and The Home Depot, as well as Colgate Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, Merrill Lynch, and Burlington and Hunterdon Counties through the Tristate United Way Program, matched the amount individuals donated to the Needy Cases Fund. As a result, we strongly encourage those parishioners of the St. George community who may be eligible to help us through their company s Gift Matching Program, or the Tristate United Way Program, to utilize this wonderful opportunity. Indeed, the St. George Community will reap the benefits. Again, we thank you one and all, and pray that the new year will bring to your hearts and homes the Blessings of the Christ Child!

12 Page 12 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Sunday School News Nea tou Kathchtikou Scoleiou With the St. George Sunday School academic year successfully under way, attention is now directed to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) created for our premises by James Polos. Mr. Polos is assisted by Maria Sirimis. weekly. Letters from the children and from Children International are received regularly and reaffirm our judgment that this is a beneficial service project for our children to undertake. Much progress has been made in this undertaking through clergy and board cooperation with the committee members. Attention was immediately directed to the following: (1) The fire alarm and EXIT signs are now functioning properly; (2) Corridor and rear staircase clutter is slowly being removed. Future plans call for the formation of an all inclusive committee (clergy, board, faculty, maintenance) to implement recommendations made by the Piscataway Fire Marshall who must inspect the building. It is anticipated that our first fire drill will be held in the spring. Along with Fire Evacuation, this committee will also deal with Missing Child Alert and Lockdown situations for St. George. * * * * * * * * Christmas at St. George was delightful! It began with the lighting of our most beautiful Christmas tree in the Nave. This was followed by a PTO sponsored Christmas Party, a PTO sponsored Communion Breakfast, the Presbytera Frances Pappas Christmas Table prepared by Philoptochos members Christine Colitsas and Mary Boulegeris, and, on Christmas Eve, THE NATIVITY. The last mentioned, held in our candlelit Nave and directed by Eighth Grade teachers Niki Karion, Marika Skiadas, and Paul Stevens, represented a cooperative community venture with Organist Elena Fousteris accompanying the carol singing and Choir Director Dimitri Fousteris directing the combined Sunday School and Children s Choir. Service projects in the Sunday School include the Thanksgiving Food Drive which contributed to the restocking of the community food shelves and the on going sponsorship of children in Cyprus, the Philippines, and Colombia. The cost of this sponsorship yearly approximates $1000, which includes holiday and birthday gifts. The Sunday School supports this effort through one annual money making project and one quarter of the student contributions made The New Year was officially brought to St. George with the Philoptochos annual Vasilopeta. This was an eagerly awaited event for the Sunday School classes. The Philoptochos followed a very special custom which it began eight years ago it provided several Vasilopeta for the Sunday School students to cut within their classrooms following Orthodox tradition. ATTENTION PARENTS OF SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS: Sunday School students should be present in the Nave of our church each Sunday morning from 10:15 to 10:30. Seating is reserved for them in the front pews on the left side of the church as you enter from the Narthex. This 15 minute period is an integral part of our Sunday School curriculum. It is then that our students are addressed by Father Alex and are given an opportunity to answer questions or ask questions of their own. At 10:30 Father Alex will dismiss the students so that they can attend their assigned class. GOYA News Nea ths Neolaias mas As we all know, the months of November and December are very busy months for our community. It was especially a time of hustle and bustle for the GOYA. We had many events filling our calendars and keeping us busy during the holiday season. On Saturday, November 27th, the GOYA sponsored the second annual Taverna Night in the AHEPA hall. This year, all money raised was donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation. On behalf on the GOYA members, officers and advisors, I would like to thank all the individuals and companies for their time, effort, food and donations, as well as the all that attended the fundraiser. Everyoneʹs help

13 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 13 was greatly appreciated, and we had a fun night filled with dancing, entertainment, and delicious food. On December 11th 12th, the Girlsʹ basketball team and the Boysʹ volleyball team competed in the Jersey City Tournament. The girls played well and advanced to semi finals on Sunday, December 12th. The boys also showed much enthusiasm and played with sportsmanship. On Saturday, December 18th, some GOYA members attended the Jersey City Tournament Dance and awards ceremony. Good Job St. George Piscataway! The GOYA also went Christmas Caroling on December 19th, They visited St. Michaelʹs Retirement home in Yonkers, New York. Each Goyan donated a gift of pajamas to an elderly resident. After singing some Greek and classic Christmas Carols, the group visited downtown New York City to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. On December 27th, Tenafly held a Christmas Dance for all GOYAS in the district. Iʹd also like to mention that at the beginning this year; our GOYA has been meeting once every month and cooking food for a homeless shelter in New Brunswick. After cooking, we go out as a group and spend the rest of the night bowling, at the movies, or ice skating. We have received mail from the shelter expressing their gratitude for all weʹve done for them. It has been a wonderful event that we enjoy attending and hope that we continue to cook and help others for years to come. The New Year also has much in store for the Youth group. From Friday, January 14th through Sunday, January 16th, our Greek Dance group competed and won 3rd Place at the Metropolis of New Jersey Greek Folk Dance Festival in Baltimore Maryland. We were excited to attend and had a wonderful time, while learning much about our Greek culture. The dance group was under the direction of Billy Brembos. Also in January, we have the Girlsʹ Volleyball and Boys Senior Basketball Playoffs held in Holmdel on Saturday, January 29th, Good luck to all players! Junior Boysʹ Basketball finals were held at Westfield on Saturday, January 22nd where the boys placed 3rd. Congratulations to the team, coaches and their families! Along with all these events, we are also beginning to practice for Sights and Sounds, which will be held on March 5th, 2005 in Westfield. The GOYA will also host a Sights and Sounds show and Luncheon for the whole community to attend following Services on Sunday, February 27th. We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year, and may 2005 be a joyous year for all of us at St. George! GOYA Vice President, Maria Zalokostas Congratulations to Nicholas Albanese, Maria Banis, George Banis, Eric Christodoulatos, Jerry Christodoulatos, Aphrodite Hadjiloucas, Haidi Parais, Hannah Ringheim, Harry Triantafilidis, Maria Zalokostas, Georgia Zalokostas, Andrea Boyadjis, Peggy Kalimanis, Ryan Quick, Stanley Stellakis for placing 3rd in the Greek Folklore Dance Festival of our Metropolis. Please Reserve the Date: OUR HOLY METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY is sponsoring A LENTEN LUNCHEON Honoring the 60th Anniversary of SAINT BASIL ACADEMY ON THE SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY, MARCH 20, 2005 at 2pm at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ - Donation: $50 For more information and reservations please call Evellyn Tsiadis (908)

14 Page 14 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Parent-Teacher Organization News Nea tou Sullogou Gonewn kai Didaskalwn The Parent Teacher Organization wishes all our parishioners a blessed and Happy New Year!. As we move forward in 2005, the P.T.O. would like to thank all who support our events and lend a helping hand. These events would not be possible if it weren t for the love and dedication of our parishioners. All the children of Saint George benefit because of your support. On Sunday, January 30 th, we celebrate The Three Hierarchs and honor our Greek school teachers, Sunday School teachers and aides with a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. In addition to our special guests the whole community is welcome! On February 20 th, the P.T.O celebrates Godparents Day. This is an opportunity for the children to bring their Nouno/Nouna to church to escort their Godchild into church to receive Holy Communion, and later join us in the AHEPA Hall for the Basket Raffle and a light lunch. We have a lot of beautiful baskets and we remind you that every donation benefits the children of Saint George. The Apokriatiko Glendi will take place on Sunday March 6 th, from 4pm 9pm in the AHEPA Hall. Reservations will begin on Monday Feb. 14 th and will be accepted only by phone or . Please call Mrs. Dorothy Koutsoras (908) or contact electronically the address: beb@comcast.net. Look for flyers to be distributed the first week in February with the complete details. Also look on the P.T.O. bulletin board for more information. As always, we look forward to seeing you at our events. God Bless, Saint George P.T.O. Ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και Διδασκάλων εύχεται σε όλους τους ενορίτες της εκκλησίας του Αγίου Γεωργίου Καλή και Ευλογημένη Χρονιά! Καθώς αρχίζουμε το 2005 θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλα τα μέλη της κοινότητας που μας υποστηρίζουν και μας βοηθούν σε κάθε εκδήλωσή μας. Να είστε σίγουροι ότι η αγάπη και αφοσίωσή σας δίνει ζωή και δύναμη στο έργο του Σ.Γ.Δ. που ωφελεί όλα τα παιδιά της κοινότητάς μας. Στις 30 Ιανουρίου, γιορτάζουμε την εορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών, ημέρα αφιερωμένη στα Ελληνικά Γράμματα, με το γεύμα προς τιμήν των δασκάλων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου και των δασκάλων και βοηθών του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου. Μαζί με τους επίσημους προσκεκλημένους μας όλη η κοινότητα είναι ευπρόσδεκτη. Στις 20 Φεβρουαρίου αφιερώνουμε την ημέρα στους αναδόχους! Ελάτε με τη νονά ή το νονό σας στην εκκλησία και απολαύστε ένα όμορφο μεσημέρι. Εκείνη την ημέρα θα γίνει και η κλήρωση καλαθιών. Έχουμε πολλά όμορφα πράγματα που προσφέρονται και όπως πάντα, σας υπενθυμίζουμε πως κάθε δωρεά σας βοηθάει το έργο του Σ.Γ.Δ. Το Αποκριάτικο Γλέντι θα γίνει στις 6 Μαρτίου. Για κρατήσεις πρέπει να αποτανθείτε στην κ. Δωροθέα Κουτσόρα τηλεφωνικώς (908) ή ηλεκτρονικώς στην διέυθυνση beb@comcast.net. Σας θυμίζουμε πως το αποκριάτικο γλέντι είναι πολύ δημοφιλές γεγονός και ο αριθμός θέσεων είναι περιορισμένος. Ευχόμαστε να σας δούμε όλους σε όλες τις εκδηλώσεις του Σ.Γ.Δ. Το Δ.Σ. του Σ.Γ.Δ. Greek School News Nea tou Ellhnikou Scoleiou Greek classes for adults will be offered starting January 2005; for information and registration please call the church office at (732) or at GreekSchool@comcast.net.

15 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 15 Ο Σύλλογος Κρητών Τα Λευκά Όρη Προσκαλεί την Οµογένεια στον Σάββατο, 5 Φεβρουαρίου, :00 το Βράδυ McAteers Restaurant 1714 Easton Avenue, Somerset, NJ (732) Ελάτε όλοι µαζί να Γιορτάσοµε τα 77 Χρόνια Αγώνα ιατήρησης της Ελληνικής µας Κληρονοµιάς στην Κοινότητά µας. Come and Celebrate with us our 77 years of great efforts to maintain and disseminate our Hellenic Heritage in our Community. Θα είναι µια βραδιά γεµάτη αυθεντική Κρητική και Λαϊκή µουσική! Η παρουσία σας θα µας τιµήσει και θα δώσει την ευκαιρία να γιορτάσοµε µαζί την 77 η επέτειο ίδρυσης του ιστορικού συλλόγου µας. There will be a night of live authentic Cretan and Greek music! It will be our honor to see you, your family and your friends at our Anniversary Dance. General Admission/Γενική είσοδος: $65 Donation/προσφορά Open Bar All night! Πληροφορίες και Κρατήσεις -Information and Reservations Νίκη Φιωτάκη Ειρήνη Ροδουσσάκη

16 Page 16 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 CRABIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS David B. Crabiel, Founder (NJ Lic. 2301) MILLTOWN The Crabiel Home for Funerals Paulette Crabiel Wahler, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3875) 170 N. Main Street-at Riva Avenue Michael Theokas NEW BRUNSWICK Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel Frank S. Facchini, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3217) 329 Livingston Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK GOWEN FUNERAL HOME, LLC John Mezaros, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 2862) 233 Somerset Street 1411 Stelton Road - Piscataway, NJ Is this space reserved for your business card? Advertise in the Voice of St George

17 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 17 THE AHEPA MONROE CHAPTER 75 1 ST ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PARTY Sunday, February 6, Time: 5:00pm Place: St. George Greek Orthodox Church-AHEPA Hall $15 per person $10 for kids 10 years and younger We are inviting the entire Greek and American Community to this FAMILY event. Please bring your friends and relatives. The Price includes plenty of FOOD and BEVERAGES. WE WILL BE HAVING FOOTBALL POOLS & DOOR PRIZES. Part of the Net Proceeds will be donated to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church for the Improvements to the AHEPA Hall Gymnasium. Website:

18 Page 18 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Financial Update/Oikonomikh Enhmerwsh

19 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 Page 19 Stewardship Update/Enhmerwsh gia thn Ekousia Eisfora GENERAL ASSEMBLY February 13, 2005 We remind all the members of our community that the General Assembly and Elections will be held on February 13th, 2005 after church services. Please make every effort to attend this very important meeting as many important issues will be discussed and seven positions of our 15 member Board of Trustees will be available. We encourage people of all ages who have the talent, time and energy to run for a position on the Board. We are all responsible for the future of our community! Please do not forget that your Church operates year round and needs your support year round. An integral part of the success of stewardship in the St George community is the participation of each member of this parish. We are aware that these are difficult times for many parishioners and yet the Church is here for you regardless if you choose to support it or not. If you have pledged and not paid, please do so before the end of the year. If you have not pledged at all, we encourage you to do so and soon! The Church needs your help and welcomes any and all pledges. We thank all parishioners who have pledged and appreciate your continued support of the St George Greek Orthodox Church.

20 Page 20 The Voice of St George - January/February 2005 The Typicon of the Orthodox Church about Altar Table Vestments Ôá ÉåñÜ Êáëýìáôá ôçò Áãßáò ÔñáðÝæçò Ôïõ Áñ éìáíäñßôïõ ÁëåîÜíäñïõ ÊéëÝ Εις τον Ιερόν Ναόν μας, το κάτω μέρος της Αγίας Τραπέζης έχει καλιτεχνηθεί με ψηφιδωτό που απεικονίζει τον Μυστικό Δείπνο. Με τα νέα άμφια της Αγίας Τραπέζης, που ράψαμε προσφάτως, στο πρέπον Ορθόδοξο σχέδιο που διδάσκει η εκκλησιαστική παράδοσις αιώνων και με τις οδηγίες και εξηγήσεις του Αγίου μεγάλου Πατρός Συμεών Αρχιεπισκόπου Θεσσαλονίκης, Αρχιερερέως του Δωδεκάτου αιώνος, στον τόμο «Απαντα του Αγίου Συμεών Θεσσαλονίκης», καλύπτεται αυτό το ψηφιδωτό. Έγινε προσφάτως θόρυβος από μερικούς ενορίτας σχετικώς με τα θέμα αυτό. Πρώτον, εις την Ορθόδοξον Παράδοσιν, η εικόνα του Μυστικού Δείπνου τοποθετείται επάνω στην Ωραία Πύλη, που σημαίνει ότι εδώ μέσα τελείται η αναίμακτη θυσία του Μυστικού Δείπνου και από κάτω, είθισται να βρίσκεται το επιβλέπον μάτι του Θεού που έρχεται από το βιβλίο της Γενέσεως της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης. Διότι η εικών αυτή είναι τοποθετημένη εκεί, στο κάτω μέρος της Αγίας Τραπέζης δεν σημαίνει ότι πρέπει να την αφαιρέσουμε, αλλά ούτε και ότι δέν μπορούμε να την καλύπτουμε όπως ορίζει η Ιερά Παράδοσις της Αγιωτάτης Εκκλησίας μας. Προς πληροφόρησην όλων, υπάρχει επίσης Τυπικόν χρωμάτων των καλυμάτων της Αγίας Τραπέζης, που δυστυχώς σήμερον πολλοί λίγοι τηρούν. Θα ήθελα να σας πληροφορήσω λοιπόν τι συγκεκριμένα επιβάλλει το τυπικόν της εκκλησίας μας: Από Χριστόυγεννα μέχρι 4 Ιανουαρίου: Χρυσά Από 5 Ιανουαρίου μέχρι 2 Φεβρουαρίου: Γαλάζια Από 4 Φεβρουαρίου μέχρι 22 Μαρτίου: Χρυσό με Κόκκινο 22 Μαρτίου μέχρι την Απόδοση του Ευαγγελισμού: Γαλάζια Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας: Πορφυρούν με Χρυσό Απο τον εσπερινόν της Συγχωρήσεως της Τυροφάγου μέχρι του Σαββάτου του Λαζάρου, εκτός Παρακευών απόγευμα, Σάββατα μέχρι Κυριακής Κατανυκτικού Εσπερινού: Μαύρα ή Μελιτζανί χρώμα Την Δεύτερη Κυριακή Των Νηστειών: Χρυσά Από Σταυροπροσκυνίσεως μέχρι και Βαΐων: Πράσινα εκτός του Σαββάτου του Λαζάρου που είναι Λευκά Από Κυριακή των Βαΐων βράδυ μέχρι Μεγάλη Τετάρτη απόγευμα: Μαύρα Ιερόν Ευχέλαιον: Χρυσά Μεγάλη Πέμπτη πρωΐ: Βυσσινί με Χρυσά Μεγάλη Πέμπτη και Βασιλικές Ώρες της Μεγάλη Παρασκευής: Μαύρα Εσπερινός Αποκαθηλώσεως: Χρυσά Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος της Μεγάλης Παρασκευής: Μαύρα Μέγα Σάββατο πρωΐ μέχρι παραμονή Αναλήψεως: όλα Άσπρα (και Κόκκινα επιτρέπονται) Από παραμονή Αναλήψεως μέχρι το Ψυχοσάββατον της Παντηκοστής: Γαλάζια (Continued on page 21) Από το Ψυχοσάββατον της Πεντηκοστής μέχρι 1 Ιουλίου: Κόκκινα