THE CHARIOT. 25th Anniversary. prophet elias Years PROPHET ELIAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, MISSISSAUGA

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1 THE CHARIOT GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF prophet elias 1785 Matheson Blvd., Mississauga ON L4W 1V2 Church Office: EDITORS: George Kolitsopoulos & Frene Di Maso PROPHET ELIAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, MISSISSAUGA 25th Anniversary A seed may drift for a long time before it settles. It may rest on a rock or be carried by a bird. But only when it settles in fertile soil and lays down roots can it bring forth new life. The Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Mississauga, like a seed, wandered and then finally settled, laying down roots, at a little old country Church on Dixie Road for Holy Week of Twenty five years have passed since then, bringing phenomenal growth and progress, by the Grace of God, the intercessions of our Holy Prophet Elias, and with the support and sacrifices of many faithful Christians. In the little old country Church, the seed brought forth a sprout as Greek Orthodox families of Mississauga and vicinity gathered together to form a Church. Much energy went into creating those early foundations. It soon became apparent though, that this sprout would quickly outgrow its space. In 1995, with the assistance and initiative of our Holy Metropolis, Prophet Elias Church found a new home in a warehouse on Matheson Blvd. Any transition has its struggles for survival. So did this transplantation. Nevertheless, our families came together in support of their Church. With God s continuing assistance and the intercessions of our Holy Prophet Elias, our Church not only survived but grew and strengthened Years Then, in the autumn of 1999, renovations began to transform the warehouse into a House of Worship. Our first Divine Liturgy in the new and permanent location was on Christmas Eve 1999! Glory be to God. Due to the exemplary construction and fund-raising efforts, and the generosity of so many, construction was completed by Iconography then began in The impact and inspiration that this beautiful iconography and architecture offer is felt by all who enter through the doors. As from a little mustard seed, our Church has continued to grow and flourish throughout these 25 years. The growth in our facilities has been accompanied by growth in our congregation. As we continue to gather together the Greek Orthodox Christian families of our region by offering them worship and community services, we are truly experiencing the hand of God in action. It is said that a Church is not an organization, but a living organism, for it is the Body of Christ. Let us pray for the continuing health and growth of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Mississauga. Let us pray that the next 25 years, even the next the 250 years, be as fruitful and pleasing to God and His people. 25 Yours in Christ, +Fr. Peter Mentis

2 Years ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΠΡΟΦΗΤOY ΗΛΙOY, MISSISSAUGA 25η Επέτειος Ιδρύσεως Eνας σπόρος μπορεί να πηγαίνει εδώ και εκεί για πολύ καιρό πρωτού καταλήξει σε ένα μέρος. Μπορεί να πέσει σε ένα βράχο ή να τον πάρουν τα πουλιά. Αλλά, μόνον όταν πέσει σε εύφορο χώμα και κάνει ρίζες μπορεί να φέρει νέα ζωή. Η Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία του Προφήτη Ηλία στη Mississauga, σαν ένας σπόρος, πήγαινε εδώ και εκεί και τελικά κατέληξε, κάνοντας ρίζες, σαν μια μικρή εκκλησούλα της παλαιάς μας πατρίδας, πάνω στο Dixie Road, την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα του Πέρασαν 25 χρόνια από τότε, φέρνοντας τρομερή ανάπτυξη και πρόοοδο, με τη βοήθεια του Θεού, τη μεσιτεία του Αγίου μας Προφήτη Ηλία και την υποστήριξη και προσωπική θυσία πολλών πιστών Χριστιανών. Στη μικρή εκκλησούλα, ο σπόρος έφερε βλαστάρι καθώς οι Ελληνικές Ορθόδοξες οικογένειες της Mississauga και της γύρω περιοχής μαζεύτηκαν όλες μαζί για να δημιουργήσουν την Εκκλησία μας, όπου με πολύ ενέργεια έβαλαν τα πρώτα θεμέλια. Σύντομα όμως φάνηκε ότι το βλαστάρι δεν το χωρούσε ο τόπος. Το 1995, με τη βοήθεια και πρωτοβουλία της Ιεράς μας Μητροπόλεως, η Εκκλησία του Προφήτη Ηλία βρήκε καινούργιο χώρο σε μια εμπορική αποθήκη στο Matheson Blvd. Καθώς είναι γνωστό, κάθε αλλαγή έχει τον αγώνα της υπάρξεως. Έτσι κ έγινε μ αυτή τη μεταφύτεψη. Παρ όλα αυτά, οι οικογένειές μας ενώθηκαν όλες μαζί για να υποστηρίξουν την Εκκλησία μας. Με τη συνεχή βοήθεια του Θεού και τη μεσιτεία του Αγίου μας Προφήτη Ηλία, η Εκκλησία μας όχι μόνον επιβίωσε αλλά μεγάλωσε και δυνάμωσε ακόμη πιο πολύ. Το Φθινόπωρο του 1999 άρχισαν οι ανακαινί-σεις που κυριολεκτικά μεταμόρφωσαν την εμπορική αποθήκη σε ένα περικαλλή Ναό. Η πρώτη μας Θεία Λειτουργία στο νέο και μόνιμο χώρο, έγινε την παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων του Δόξα τω Θεώ. Λόγω της παραδειγματικής ταχύτητος και κατασκευής, των άριστων προσπαθειών, της χρηματοδοτήσεως, καθώς επίσης και της γενναιοδωρίας τόσων πιστών Χριστιανών, η κατασκευή τελείωσε το Η εικονογραφία άρχισε το Η επιρροή και η έμπνευση που προσφέρει αυτή η ωραία εικονογραφία και αρχιτεκτονική, είναι έντονα αισθητή από όλους όταν εισέρχονται στην Εκκλησία. Από ένα μικρό κόκκο σινάπεως, η Εκκλησία μας συνέχισε να μεγαλώνει και να ευδοκιμεί καθ όλη τη διάρκεια των 25 ετών. Η ανάπτυξη στις εγκαταστάσεις μας, συνοδεύονταν με την αύξηση των εκκλησιαζομένων. Καθώς συνεχίζουμε να είμαστε ενωμένοι, οι Ελληνικές Ορθόδοξες χριστιανικές οικογένειες της περιοχής μας, έχοντας ένα χώρο προσευχής και λατρείας, αλλά και παροχή άλλων κοινοτικών υπηρεσιών, αισθάνονται αληθινά την ενεργή παρουσία του Θεού. Λέγεται πως η Εκκλησία δεν είναι μια εταιρία, αλλά ένας ζωντανός οργανισμός, διότι είναι το Σώμα του Χριστού. Ας προσευχηθούμε λοιπόν για τη συνεχή υγεία και ανάπτυξη της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας του Προφήτου Ηλία στη Mississauga. Ας προσευχηθούμε για τα επόμενα 25 χρόνια, ή και ακόμη τα επόμενα 250 χρόνια, να είναι καρποφόρα και αρεστά στο Θεό και στο λαό Του. Με αγάπη Χριστού, π. Παναγιώτης Μεντής

3 FATHER PETER S EASTER MESSAGE Pascha 2012 Come, receive the light, from the Light, that is never overtaken by night, and glorify Christ, who is risen from the dead. (Service of the Resurrection) I am the Light of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims. (John 8:12) As the light of the sun chases away the night, allowing us to see, giving us warmth, and so giving us life, so it is with presence of our Lord. It is light that allows us to see. The Light of Christ gives us spiritual vision. In His Light we see ourselves as spiritual and eternal beings. In His Light we see our true and full potential for goodness and love. In His Light we see the icon of God in all other people. In His Light we see the presence of God in the world around us. The light of the sun gives us warmth and brings forth life. The Light of Christ gives us new life. With new vision we see life anew. We are no longer bound by the fear of the darkness of sin, suffering and death. Rather, we can live in peace, with joy and love. We are free to let our soul soar to the heavens and the throne of God. The Light of Christ is never overtaken by night. The Light of Christ is ever dawning, never setting, eternal and victorious. Darkness is overcome. Sin is conquered. Suffering is extinguished. Death is vanquished. Forever! Let us no longer live in fear of the darkness of sin, suffering and death. Choose to live in the Light of Christ. There is no more powerful way for us to understand and experience the Light of Christ than to understand and experience His Glorious Resurrection. Let us then live with the risen Lord in our hearts every day, and glorify Christ, who is risen from the dead. With love in the Risen Lord, Father Peter Mentis Πάσχα 2012 «Δεύτε λάβετε φώς έκ τού ανεσπέρου φωτός καί δοξάσατε Χριστόν τόν Αναστάντα εκ νεκρών» (Ακολουθία της Αναστάσεως) «Εγώ είμι το φώς τού κόσμου» ο Κύριος Ιησούς Χριστός ανακηρύττει (Ιωάννου 8:12). Οπως το φως του ηλίου διώχνει το σκοτάδι και μας επιτρέπει να βλέπουμε, να ζεστενόμαστε και να μας δίνει ζωή, έτσι ακριβώς γίνεται και με την παρουσία του Κυρίου μας. Είναι το φώς που μας επιτρέπει να βλέπουμε. Το Φώς του Χριστού μας δίνει πνευματική όραση. Στο Φως Του βλέπουμε τον εαυτό μας σαν πνευματικά και αιώνια όντα. Στο Φως Του βλέπουμε την αληθινή και πλήρη ικανότητά μας για καλοσύνη και αγάπη. Στο Φως Του βλέπουμε την εικόνα του Θεού σε όλους τους άλλους ανθρώπους. Στο Φως Του βλέπουμε την παρουσία του Θεού στον κόσμο γύρω μας. Το φώς του ηλίου μάς δίνει ζεστασιά και παράγει ζωή. Το Φώς του Χριστού μάς δίνει καινούργια ζωή. Με καινούργια όραση ξαναβλέπουμε τη ζωή. Δεν είμαστε πλέον περικυκλωμένοι από το φόβο του σκοταδιού της αμαρτίας, των βασάνων και του θανάτου. Αλλά μάλλον μπορούμε να ζούμε με ειρήνη, με χαρά και αγάπη. Είμαστε ελεύθεροι να αφήσουμε την ψυχή μας να ανέλθει στους ουρανούς και στο θρόνο του Θεού. Το Φώς του Χριστού, «φώς εκ τού ανεσπέρου φωτός» ποτέ δεν νικήθηκε από το σκοτάδι. Το Φώς του Χριστού πάντα ανατέλλει, ποτέ δεν δύει, και είναι αιώνιο και νικηφόρο. Το σκοτάδι έχει νικηθεί. Το αμάρτημα έχει κατακτηθεί. Τα βάσανα έχουν αποσβεσθεί. Ο θάνατος έχει εξαφανισθεί, για πάντα! Ας μη ζούμε λοιπόν με το φόβο του σκοταδιού της αμαρτίας, των βασάνων και του θανάτου. Ας διαλέξουμε να ζούμε στο Φώς του Χριστού. Δεν υπάρχει πιο δυνατός τρόπος να καταλάβουμε και να νιώσουμε το Φώς του Χριστού από το να καταλάβουμε και να νιώσουμε την νικηφόρο Ανάστασή Του. Ας ζούμε λοιπόν με τον Αναστημένο Κύριο στις καρδιές μας κάθε μέρα, και να δοξάζουμε τον «Χριστόν τόν Αναστάντα εκ νεκρών». Με αγάπη του Αναστάντα Κυρίου, π. Παναγιώτης Μεντής

4 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΠΡΟΕΔΡΟ Dear members and friends of the Geek Orthodox Community of Mississauga, One year has past already from the time our community released its first newsletter. This is the fourth release of our newsletter under the great leadership of our publishing team, working feverously to meet our deadline. The response from our membership and friends of our Church, on past releases of our newsletter, has been literally impressive and highly optimistic and encouraging. For this year, we have identified eight (8) major social community events. In this newsletter you will find details for these events, so that you can all be aware of the exact dates that will take place, and plan ahead to attend and actively participate in these social manifestations of our community. I would also like to take the opportunity and recognize the tremendous progress that has been achieved on iconography work, while it approaches its final stages. By Easter time and with God s help, and active support by all of you, the iconography on the west wall of the Nave will be completed. I would like to thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart, for your continuous support and generous participation in this very important undertaking of our community to complete the iconography of our Church of Prophet Elias. Sincerely, Dimitrios Tsatsaronis President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Mississauga Αγαπητά μέλη και φίλοι της Ελληνορθόδοξης Κοινότητας Μισσισσάγκας. Πέρασε ήδη ένας χρόνος από τότε που η Κοινότητά μας κυκλοφόρησε την πρώτη μικρή μας κοινοτική εφημερίδα. Η παρούσα είναι η τέταρτη έκδοση της εφημερίδας μας. Η ίδια συντακτική επιτροπή εργάζεται πυρετωδώς για την εκτύπωση και την κυκλοφορία της καινούργιας μας εφημερίδας. Η ανταπόκριση των μελών αλλά και των φίλων της εκκλησίας μας είναι εντυπωσιακή και αισιόδοξη. Για αυτή τη χρονιά οι προγραμματισμένες μεγάλες εκδηλώσεις έφθασαν τις οκτώ (8). Σε άλλη σελίδα της εφημερίδας αναφέρουμε ακριβώς τις ημερομηνίες όλων των εκδηλώσεων για να τις έχετε υπ όψη σας. Δεν θα μπορούσα, με την ευκαιρία, να μην αναγνωρίσω την μεγάλη πρόοδο των εργασιών της αγιογράφησης, ενώ φθάνει προς το τέλος της. Μέχρι το Πάσχα, με την βοήθεια του Θεού και την συμπαράσταση όλων σας, θα έχει τελειώσει η αγιογραφία και στο δυτικό τμήμα του τοίχου μέσα στον κυρίως Ναό. Σας ευχαριστώ όλους μέσα από την καρδιά μου για την μεγάλη συμμετοχή σας και προσφορά σας στο έργο της αγιογράφησης της εκκλησίας μας. Με εκτίμηση, Δημήτρης Τσατσαρώνης Πρόεδρος Ελληνορθόδοξης Κοινότητας Mississauga

5 THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE The Church of Constantinople is traditionally regarded as being founded by St. Andrew, the firstcalled of the Apostles. The first bishop of the city was St. Stachys (38 54 A.D.), a disciple of the Apostle Andrew. Following the establishment of Constantinople (the ancient city of Byzantium) as the capital of the Roman Empire by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 A.D., a series of significant ecclesiastical events saw the status of the Bishop of New Rome (as Constantinople was then called) elevated to its current position and privilege. The 3rd canon of the Second Ecumenical Council held in Constantinople (381 A.D.) conferred upon the bishop of this city second rank after the Bishop of Rome. Less than a century later, the 28th canon of the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon (451 A.D.) offered Constantinople equal ranking to Rome and special responsibilities throughout the rest of the world and expanding its jurisdiction to territories hitherto unclaimed. As a title, the phrase Ecumenical Patriarchate dates from the sixth century and belongs exclusively to the Archbishop of Constantinople. The Ecumenical Patriarchate holds an honorary primacy of love among the autocephalous, or ecclesiastically independent, Orthodox Churches. It enjoys the privilege of serving as first among equals. It constitutes the center of all the local Orthodox Churches, heading these not by administration but by virtue of its primacy in the ministry of pan-orthodox Christian unity and the coordination of the activity of the whole of Orthodoxy. The function of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as center par excellence of the life of the entire Orthodox Christian world emanates from its centuries-old ministry in the witness, protection and outreach of the Orthodox Christian faith. (from the web site of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Congratulations to our President On Sunday February 26, 2012, Mr. Dimitios Tsatsaronis, the President of the Community Council, was honored with the Offikion of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This honor was bestowed on Mr. Tsatsaronis by His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios after the Divine Liturgy in recognitions of his love, dedication and hard work for our Community and the Greek omogenia of Toronto. Afterwards, a luncheon in his honor was held at the Mississauga Grand Banquet Centre. All proceeds from this event will be given in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople.

6 UP & COMING EVENTS Mother s Day On Sunday May 13th Sam & John Stratigeas the owners of the Mississauga Grand have once again have graciously donated the Mother s Day Brunch in support of the Church. The brunch will begin promptly at 1:30pm. The cost is $40 for Adults and $15 for children (under 12). Please purchase your tickets from the Church office as there will be limited seating and no tickets will sold at the door. The Mississauga Grand is located at 35 Brunel Rd (East of Hurontario St. and south of the 401). Carassauga-Greek Pavilion Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks. (Winston Churchill) This year the Greece Pavilion will be featuring Ancient Greek Warrior -Heroes. It will be held on Friday, May 25 (7:30pm-12:00am), Saturday, May 26 (1:00pm-12:00am) and Sunday May 27 (1:00pm- 7:00pm). Advance Passports are $10 ($6 towards the Church) and Door Passports are $12 ($3 towards the Church). Please purchase your passports in advance and help support the Church. To purchase your passports and for more information please contact the Church office. Annual Golf Tournament This event will take place on Monday, June 18 at the Lionhead Golf and Country Club. The cost per golfer is $210 which includes: Golf, Cart, Lunch, Half way Tent and Dinner. It is a Shotgun Start beginning at 1:30pm. Our tournament gets great reviews and everyone really enjoys the day! To book your spot or a foursome or to sponsor the event, please contact the Church office for more information. Annual Greek Festival This year s Festival will begin on Thursday, July 19 with the Vesper Service of our Feast Day. Following the Vesper Service the band OLA will be performing and starting off the 25th year Festival. On Friday, July 20 we will be featuring Angelo Tsarouchas for a fun filled night of comedy and laughter followed by DJ Kostaki. Admission will be free. On Saturday, July 21st and July 22nd with us once again will be the band OLA. What s Happening... Sunday School & Youth Lenten Retreat On Friday April 6, we will be having our Lenten Retreat from 9am 3pm for youth between 6 years of age to 19 years old. This yearly tradition consists of a teaching of the Divine Liturgy, various lessons and discussions, arts & crafts with a mid afternoon break for lunch. Bookstore Throughout the week until Easter, our Bookstore is currently selling Easter Candles/Lambades and Holy Week Books. You can purchase these items through our Church office or on Sundays. The Bookstore is located in our back hall for any other items you are looking for. Philoptochos Our Philoptochos Society is entering into a busy time of the year preparing for all the up and coming events and if you would like to help out, please call the church office. Choir Every Tuesday we have a Senior and Junior choir group. New voices are always welcome. If you would like to join, please call the Church office. Concert Sunday, April 29 at 7:00pm. Sunday School Sunday School classes are offered to children in pre-school, kindergarten, junior and senior grades 1 to 7 and teen talk groups from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Volunteers If you are a student, retiree, stuck at home, between jobs, like to meet new people, or new to the area and would like to volunteer and support your Church and community with our numerous events, please contact our Church office at Students please note that if you volunteer you can apply this as part of your co-op for graduation.

7 M,Teen Group Leader OUR YOUTH AT WORK! 12 The Prophet Elias Teen Group had the opportunity to host a brunch fundraiser. The teens ggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes and fruit platters, served the brunch and cleaned the back compliments for their hard work from parents, Philoptochos, Father Peter and the Church ve once again Youth shown that Program the future of the Church is in safe hands and that they are mature and people who take pride in taking an active role in their community. We are all very proud of lations on Frances a job well Baroutoglou, done!!! Teen Group Leader eets every Friday at 7pm 9pm from ages 13 to 19. Our goal is to provide a safe social ce for Orthodox teens to build friendships and participate in charitable events. In the coming articipating in the 30 Hour Famine and completing a Lenten challenge. If you would like more d like to be a part of our group or join our mailing list, please fbarout@hotmail.com. On Sunday February 12 The Prophet Elias Teen Group had the opportunity to host a brunch fundraiser. The teens prepared muffins, eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes and fruit platters, served the brunch and cleaned the back hall. They received compliments for their hard work from parents, Philoptochos, Father Peter and the Church community. They have once again shown that the future of the Church is in safe hands and that they are mature and hardworking young people who take pride in taking an active role in their community. We are all very proud of their efforts congratulations on a job well done!!! YOUTH PROGRAM Frances Baroutoglou,Teen Group Leader The Teen Group meets every Friday at 7pm 9pm from ages 13 to 19. Our goal is to provide a safe social environment and place for Orthodox teens to build friendships and participate in charitable events. In the coming months we will be participating in the 30 Hour Famine and completing a Lenten challenge. If you would like more information or would like to be a part of our group or join our mailing list, please fbarout@hotmail.com. YOUTH PROGRAM Frances Baroutoglou,Teen Group Leader ating in the 30 Hour Fa information or would like to be a part of our gr OUR YOUTH AT WORK! On Sunday February 12 The Prophet Elias Teen Group had the opportunity to host a prepared muffins, eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes and fruit platters, served the b hall. They received compliments for their hard work from parents, Philoptochos, community. They have once again shown that the future of the Church is in safe hands hardworking young people who take pride in taking an active role in their communit their efforts congratulations on a job well done!!! The Teen Group meets every Friday at 7pm 9pm from ages 13 to 19. Our goal environment and place for Orthodox teens to build friendships and participate in chari months we will be participating in the 30 Hour Famine and completing a Lenten challen information or would like to be a part of our group or join our mailing list, please em OUR YOUTH AT WORK! On Sunday February 12 The Prophet Elias Teen Group had the opportunity to host a brunch fundraiser. The teens prepared muffins, eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes and fruit platters, served the brunch and cleaned the back hall. They received compliments for their hard work from parents, Philoptochos, Father Peter and the Church community. They have once again shown that the future of the Church is in safe hands and that they are mature and hardworking young people who take pride in taking an active role in their community. We are all very proud of their efforts congratulations on a job well done!!! The Teen Group meets every Friday at 7pm 9pm from ages 13 to 19. Our goal is to provide a safe social environment and place for Orthodox teens to build friendships and participate in charitable events. In the coming months we will be participating in the 30 Hour Famine and completing a Lenten challenge. If you would like more information or would like to be a part of our group or join our mailing list, please fbarout@hotmail.com. If you would like additional informati the Church office or Father If you would like additional information on any Church program the Church office or Father Peter Mentis for more deta like additional information on any Church programs please call Church office or Father Peter Mentis for more details

8 ONCE UPON A TIME Years...and our journey continues together /stronger