The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 November/December 2004 Volume 2 Issue 7 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 Saint Andrew 6 Saint Nicholas 7 Philoptochos News 8 Choir News 9 Sunday School News 1o Youth Dance 11 PTO News 12 Greek School News 12 Macedonian Dance 13 Daughters of Penelope 14 Gaitanos Concert 15 Advertisements 16 Samian Dance 17 Financial Update 18 Stewardship Update 19 Activities Schedule 20 Ecclesiastical Schedule 22 Thanksgiving Message 2004 O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good! For his mercy is forever. (Psalm 136:1) Beloved Parishioners and Friends, Happy Thanksgiving! Everyone who lives in our blessed country, the United States, celebrates this beautiful, family oriented, purely American, feast of Thanksgiving, established by the first pilgrims who emigrated from Europe. There is something special about this day, which is set aside for expression of gratitude in our family gatherings. It is a feast day more than a holiday, it is a day of gracious acknowledgement of God s bounties at the close of the harvest. It is also a demonstration of our faith and hope for the future, even in the face of the winter months ahead. This national readiness to thank the Lord for His abundant blessings, to see His hand at work even in difficult circumstances, and to look towards tomorrow without cynicism or despair, is an element of the «Ευχαριστήσετε τον Θεό διότι αγαθός εστί. Το έλεος Του εις τον αιώνα» Ψαλμ. 136:1 Σας εύχομαι χαρούμενη ημέρα Ευχαριστιών. Ο κάθε ένας από μας που ζει στην ευλογημένη αυτή χώρα των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών εορτάζει αυτή την γνήσια Αμερικανική οικογενειακή εορτή της ημέρας των ευχαριστιών, καθιερωμένη American heritage that is in profound accord with the traditions of Orthodox spirituality. The Divine Liturgy celebrated every Sunday and Holidays is called Theia Evcharistia, which means Sacred Thanksgiving. Every Sunday we gather at our churches, around the Altar Table to worship and give thanks to God for His abundant mercy upon us. This is also the essence of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Nationwide, we pause from work, imitating the Pilgrims as we gather around the dinner table and we thank the Lord. Many families have a Thanksgiving tradition of giving every person at the table an opportunity to express a reason for gratitude in the year that has passed. How fitting it would be for our family in Christ as Greek Orthodox to follow this pure American tradition. Therefore, we find a great joy as brothers and sisters in the Nation and in Faith and as communicants at the table of (Continued on page 3) Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ από τους πρώτους ευρωπαίους εποίκους. Υπάρχει μιά ιδιαιτερότητα σ αυτήν την ημέρα: είναι η οικογενειακή ευχαριστιακή πράξη. Είναι εορτή παρά αργία, είναι ημέρα αναγνωρίσεως των ευεργεσιών του Θεού σε μας, στο τέλος της συγκομιδής. Επίσης είναι μία εκδήλωση πίστεως και ελπίδος γιά το μέλλον δίοτι έρχεται ο κρύος και δύσκολος χειμώνας. Είμαστε έτοιμοι να ευχαριστήσουμε τον Κύριο γιά τις (Continued on page 4)

2 Page 2 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 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 Dorothy Coniaris Committee Chairpersons Stewardship Petra Knox, George Psyllos Church Festival John Lyssikatos Memorial Dolores Stroumtsos Web Design Bill Fottis Welcome/Hospitality Peter Alexander 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, Sophie Exarhakis 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. Information should be submitted one month prior to issue in which it will appear. We thank you for your cooperation. Have you visited the St George website lately? Just go to:

3 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Page 3 Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite (Continued from page 1) the Lord. We surely have found many causes for thanksgiving to celebrate this beautiful feast with our families and friends. As Greek Americans, and whatever our background may be, we have received a special immeasurable grace in recent times. We can compare ourselves to our forefathers, maybe our grandparents, even our parents, who immigrated to this beautiful land of freedom and opportunity; they planted the seed of hard work. That seed grew in grace and became a huge tree and we are the fruits of this tree. Most of us come from a community that began humbly as a collection of poor immigrant families. We now, at the beginning of the 21 st Century, have become one of the most prosperous and highly educated ethnic groups in our country. Aren t these blessings of our Lord upon our families? Our health, our family, our children aren t they all blessings of the Lord? More things are also blessings of the Lord but we cannot see them or we do not comprehend. Your presence in our community and upon this world is surely one of the most precious gifts that the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us in this historic community of Saint George, a community of faith, of thanksgiving and of grace. This is one of my reasons for giving thanks to the Lord this year, for appointing me to shepherd these beautiful and faithful people of the Lord in Saint George. Also my beloved, let us not forget to pray for our soldiers abroad and their families and for all the sick, the poor and the homeless. My the good Lord protect and save us all and continue his abundant Grace upon us and upon our nation. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving. With sincere love and paternal affection in His service, The Pastor Very Rev. Archimandrite Alexander Kile TEST YOUR BIBLE KNOWLEDGE 1. What was the name of the godfather of Jesus Christ? 2. In which town was Jesus born? 3. At the beginning, how many disciples did Jesus have? 4. What is the name of the hill Jesus Christ was crucified upon? 5. How many loaves did Jesus bless and fed 5,000 people? 6. What was the name of the river the Jesus was baptized in? 7. When is the birthday of the Church? 8. What is the name of Jesus Christ s mother? 9. How many Kings of the East visited Jesus when He was born? 10. Where did the first recorded miracle of Christ take place? Answers: in the next issue ΠΟΣΕΣ ΓΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΒΙΒΛΟ; 1. Ποιό είναι το όνομα του νονού του Ιησού Χριστού; 2. Σε ποιά πόλη γεννήθηκε ο Ιησούς Χριστός; 3. Στην αρχή πόσους μαθητές είχε ο Χριστός; 4. Πως λένε τον λόφο που σταυρώθηκε ο Χριστός; 5. Πόσα ψωμιά ευλόγησε ο Χριστός και τάϊσε ανθρώπους; 6. Πως λέγεται το ποτάμι που βαπτίστηκε ο Χριστός; 7. Πότε θεωρείται η γενέθλιος ημέρα της εκκλησίας; 8. Ποιό είναι το όνομα της μητέρας του Χριστού; 9. Πόσοι Μάγοι προσκύνησαν τον Χριστό όταν γεννήθηκε; 10. Που έγινε το πρώτο θαύμα του Χριστού; Απαντήσεις: στο επόμενο τεύχος

4 Page 4 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Από τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλέξανδρο Κιλέ (Continued from page 1) πλουσιοπάροχες ευλογίες που μας παρέχει, όταν βλέπουμε το χέρι Του να μας ακουμπάει στις πιό δύσκολες περιστάσεις της ζωής μας και να μας βοηθάει να ατενίζουμε το μέλλον χωρίς κυνισμό ή αβεβαιότητα. Αυτή είναι μία Αμερικανική κληρονομιά που αρμόζει στις Ορθόδοξες πνευματικές παραδόσεις. Η Θεία Λειτουργία, που τελείται κάθε Κυριακή και κάθε εορτή, ονομάζεται επίσης Θεία Ευχαριστία ή Ιερά Ευχαριστία. Κάθε Κυριακή συγκεντρωνόμαστε στήν εκκλησία, γύρω από την Αγία Τράπεζα, και προσφέρουμε προσευχές ευχαριστίας και λατρεία στον Τριαδικό Θεό γιά τις ανεκτίμητες ευεργεσίες Του. Αυτό είναι και η ουσία της ημέρας των ευχαριστιών. Σε ολόκληρη την Αμερική σταματάμε τις εργασίες μας, μίμούμενοι τους πρώτους μετανάστες, μαζευόμαστε γύρω από το τραπέζι, προσφέρουμε ευχαριστία στον Θεό, και τρώμε όλοι μαζί. Πολλές οικογένειες έχουν μιά παράδοση, να δίνουν την ευκαιρία στον κάθε έναν που παρευρίσκεται στο γιορτινό τραπέζι να περιγράψει μιά αιτία από το περασμένο χρόνο για να ευχαριστήσει τον Θεό. Πόσο αρμόζον είναι για την εν Χριστώ οικογένεια μας, ως Ελληνορθόδοξοι, να εορτάσουμε αυτήν την αμερικανική παράδοση ως πολίτες της Αμερικής με τα μέλη της οικογενείας μας και τους φίλους μας! Ως Ελληνοαμερικανοί και ώς μετανάστες έχουμε λάβει αμέτρητες ευλογίες τά τελευταία χρόνια. Μπορούμε να συγκρίνουμε τους προγόνους μας, τους παππούδες μας, ή έστω τους γονείς μας που μετανάστευσαν σ αυτήν την ωραία χώρα της ελευθερίας και των ευκαιριών, με εμάς σήμερα: Αυτοί έσπειραν τον σπόρο με την σκληρή δουλειά τους και ο σπόρος μεγάλωσε και έγινε δένδρον αγλαόκαρπον που οι καρποί του είμαστε εμείς. Οι περισσότεροι από μας προερχόμαστε από κοινότητες που άρχισαν ταπεινά με φτωχούς μετανάστες. Τώρα, στην αρχή του 21ου αιώνος, εμείς οι Έλληνες της Αμερικής είμαστε μία από τις πιό εύπορες και μορφωμένες μειονότητες της πατρίδος μας Αμερικής. Δεν είναι αυτές ευλογίες του Θεού στις οικογένειες μας; Η υγεία μας, η οικογένεια μας, τα παιδιά μας, και τόσα άλλα, δέν είναι ευλογίες του Θεού επάνω μας; Και πολλά άλλα πράγματα είναι που δεν τα βλέπουμε και δεν τα κατανοούμε που είναι ευλογίες του Θεού. Η παρουσία σας σ αυτήν την κοινότητα και σ αυτόν τον κόσμο είναι βεβαίως από τα πολύτιμα δώρα του Αγίου Πνεύματος που έχει επιδαψιλέυσει ο Κύριος επάνω εις την ιστορική κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου, μία κοινότητα πίστεως, ευχαριστιών και χάριτος. Μία δική μου αιτία ευχαριστίας στον Θεό στην φετινή εορτή των ευχαριστιών είναι που μ έφερε να ποιμάνω αυτόν τον υπερούσιον λαον Του εις τον εκκλησίαν του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Επίσης αγαπητοί μου, στις προσωπικές μας προσευχές ας μην ξεχάσουμε τους στρατιώτες μας και τις οικογένιες τους καθώς καί όλους τους αρρώστους και αστέγους. Είθε ο Πανάγαθος Θεός όπως προστατεύει και σώζει όλους εμάς και ας συνεχίζει να δίνει τις πλουσιοπάροχες ευλογίες Του σε μας, στις οικογένειες μας και εις την πατρίδα μας. Σας εύχομαι χαρούμενη ημέρα των ευχαριστιών. Με ειλικρινή πατρική εν Χριστώ αγάπη Ο ιερατικώς προΐστάμενος Αρχιμανδρίτης Αλεξανδρος Κιλέ Starting with this issue, a number of changes, both in content and style, are introduced in the Voice of St George. As an example, on page 18 you can find an update on the budget of our church (current as of October 31, 2004) and on page 19 we have an update on the status of the stewardship program (again, current as of October 31, 2004). 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. Οπως ίσως προσέξατε, από το τεύχος αυτό του δελτίου µας έχουν αρχίσει να γίνονται διάφορες αλλαγές, τόσο στο περιεχόµενο όσο και στην εµφάνιση. Γιά παράδειγµα, στη σελίδα 18 παρουσιάζουµε µιά συνοπτική ενηµέρωση γιά τον προυπολογισµό της εκκλησίας µας και στην σελίδα 19 µπορείτε να βρείτε πληροφοριακά στοχεία σχετικά µε την πρόοδο του προγράµµατος εκούσιας εισφοράς, µεχρι την 31η Οκτωβρίου 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.

5 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 President s Message/Mhnuma tou Proedrou Dear Parishioners I would like to start my message by thanking all of you who attended our annual dinner dance last month to honor our past president Mr. Tom Kouridakis. It was a very nice evening and a memorable event for our community. I also offer a heartfelt thank you to all the members and friends of our community who supported the commemorative journal. With this opportunity, I would like to share with you the progress that the board has made regarding the construction of the new parking lot. We have made great progress in pulling together all the paperwork needed to be submitted to the different committees. We have authorized the issue of a check to the treasurer of Middlesex county, which is a fee that is part of the new application we have to submit subsequent to the June 22 nd response from the planning board. We contacted NJDEP and they indicated that the application is administratively complete and a case manager has been assigned. Ameritech Engineering Company has their paperwork ready for submitting to the planning board along with all the required drawings that were prepared. We will follow up on all these issues very carefully. This endeavor will require a lot of expenses and so far, until the end of October, we have collected $1,600 from the special Sunday trays. We thank you for your support and we ask you to continue your generosity because as the needs will increase we will have to reach out to you in order to complete this much needed construction. In closing, I would like to wish all our parishioners a Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you and families always. Sincerely Demetrios Arhontoulis, President Αγαπητοί ενορίτες Θα ήθελα να αρχίσω το µύνηµά µου µε ένα µεγάλο ευχαριστώ σε όλους εσάς που παρευρεθήκατε στην ετήσια χοροεσπερίδα της κοινότητάς µας, όπου τιµήσαµε τον απερχόµενο πρόεδρο κ. Ευστράτιο Κουριδάκη. Ήταν µία όµορφη βραδυά. Εκ µέρους της επιτροπής επίσης, προσφέρουµε ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες σε όλα τα µέλη και φίλους της κοινότητας που υποστίριξαν το αναµνηστικό λεύκωµα. Υπάρχουν εξελίξεις σχετικά µε την κατασκευή του καινούργιου χώρου στάθµευσης. Η ειδική επιτροπή του συµβουλίου µε συνεργασία εταιρίας πολιτικών µηχανικών έχει ετοιµάσει και υποβάλει όλες τις αιτήσεις, παράβολα και σχέδια που χρειάζονται για την πολεδοµία και το υπουργείο περιβάλλοντος. Παρακολουθούµε πολύ προσεκτικά την υπόθεση και ελπίζουµε σε γρήγορη έκβαση. Το κόστος της κατασκευής αυτής θα είναι µεγάλο. Από τον ιδιαίτερο δίσκο της Κυριακής µέχρι στιγµής έχουµε συγκεντρώσει $1,600. Ευχαριστούµε για τις προσφορές σας και σας ζητούµε να συνεχίσετε την γεναιοδωρία σας, διότι όσο πλησιάζει ο καιρός της κατασκευής, θα αυξάνονται και οι οικονοµικές ανάγκες του έργου αυτού που είναι απαραίτητο για την κοινότητά µας. Τελειώνοντας σας εύχοµαι καλές γιορτές και να έχετε µία όµορφη ηµέρα των Ευχαριστιών µε τις οικογένειές σας. Ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί πάντα A letter from former president Tom Kouridakis To the Board of Trustees and Parishioners of Saint George Page 5 I would like to thank the Board and parishioners for the honor you bestowed on me at our recent church dance. It was an honor for me to have worked with the various boards these past 25 years. The years might have been many, but time has passed so quickly. What we have accomplished is all due to the efforts and hard work not of one, but of many. Some are no longer with us, but they are not forgotten. Let us continue to be compassionate, warm, helpful and respectful towards each other, because in life s journey we are all brothers and sisters. Practicing our orthodox religion is an incentive towards more and better experiences in life. So be passionate about keeping your faith and your family strong and together. I have been extremely lucky in having a loving and understanding family that supported me these past 25 years as president of our community. I thank them. Thank you for all my wonderful years with you. May God bless you and your loved ones. Sincerely Tom Kouridakis ηµήτριος Αρχοντούλης, Πρόεδρος

6 Page 6 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ Αρχιμανδρίτου Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ Με την εορτή του Αγίου Ανδρέου του Πρωτοκλήτου, εμείς ως πνευματικά παιδιά του Σεπτού Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου, εορτάζουμε την θρονική εορτή, εορτή της ιδρύσεως του Οικουμενικού μας Πατριαρχείου. Ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας ήρθε στο Βυζάντιο και έσπειρε το λόγο του Ευαγγελίου. Κατά την ιεράν παράδοσην, εχειροτόνησε τον πρώτον Επίσκοπον, τον Στάχυν, δι αυτό και θεωρείται ο ιδρυτής της Χριστιανικής εκκλησίας του Βυζαντίου, μετέπειτα Κωνσταντινουπόλεως. Αργότερα, η Εκκλησία Κων/πόλεως, με απόφαση της Β Οικουμενικής Συνόδου προεβιβάσθη σε Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και έκτοτε κρατεί και υπηρετεί ταπεινά, με ζήλο και με αγάπη και χριστιανική υψηλή συνείδηση αυτήν τη μεγάλην αποστολήν του Αγίου Ανδρέα, ζώντας καθημερινά, κατα την διάρκεια των αιώνων μέχρι και σήμερα την Σταύρωσην και την Ανάστασην του Χριστού. Εμείς οι διαμένοντες εις την Αμερική, έχομεν την ευλογία και το προνόμιο να ανήκουμε από το 1922 εις την πνευματικήν δικαιοδοσίαν του Σεπτού Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου μας, μέσω καθεκάστου Αρχιεπισκόπου Αμερικής. Είμεθα πνευματικά παιδιά του Πατριαρχείου και ο Άγιος Ανδρέας είναι ο ιδρυτής της μητέρας μας εκκλησίας. Το Σεπτόν Οικουμενικόν Πατριαρχείο είναι το κέντρο και η κορυφή ολοκλήρου του Ορθοδόξου κόσμου. Η εορτή του Αγίου Ανδρέου είναι η γενέθλιος ημέρα της Του Χριστού μεγάλης Εκκλησίας. Όχι μόνον η πόλη των Πατρών όπου ο Άγιος Ανδρέας έδωσε την ζωήν του διά το Ευαγγέλιον αλλά και το Σεπτόν Πατριαρχείον της Κων/πόλεως πανηγυρίζει αυτήν την εορτήν με Πατριαρχική και Συνοδική Θεία Λειτουργία. Ο ένδοξος Απόστολος Ανδρέας ο Πρωτόκλητος είναι ο πρώτος κατά την Ιερά Παράδοσην Ιεράρχης του Οικουμενικού Θρόνου. Ο πρώτος κληθείς γίνεται «αλιεύς ανθρώπων» (Ματ.4:19). Ο Χριστός προσεκάλεσε τον Ανδρέα διά να δώσει μετά των άλλων μαθητών και Αποστόλων την τίμια και ιερά προσφορά του εις το μεγάλο σχέδιο της διασώσεως του μοναδικού ορθού λόγου και της μόνης ορθής πίστεως σ ολόκληρο τον κόσμο. Ο μέγας Αθανάσιος μας πληροφορεί ότι ο Άγιος Ανδρέας είναι «η πρώτη των Αποστόλων φυτεία, ο ανοίξας πρώτος της Χριστού μαθητείας.» Η ιεραποστολή του αρχίζει από το Ύψιστο κάλεσμα του Κυρίου εις τας ακτάς της λίμνης της Γαλιλαίας. Με το πρώτο κάλεσμα αμέσως εγκαταλείπει ο Ανδρέας τα σύνεργα της αλιείας και γίνεται συνοδός και ακόλουθος της μεγάλης σωτηριώδους πορείας του Ιησού, ο οποίος του δίνει την εντολή να γίνει αλιεύς των ανθρώπων. Στην αρχή είναι ο υπάκουος και ταπεινός μαθητής του Ιησού. Μαθαίνει με προσοχή και με προσευχή, και τηρεί όλα τα χαρακτηριστικά του μαθητεύοντος και όλες τις προυποθέσεις διά την μελλοντικήν εξέλιξή του. Όπως μας πληροφορεί το Ιερόν Ευαγγέλιον, κατά την ημέραν της Πεντηκοστής, μετά την χορηγίαν του Αγίου Πνεύματος, γίνεται κήρυξ του ευαγγελίου εις όλα τα έθνη. Εν αρχή οαπόστολος Ανδρέας επήγε εις τον Εύξεινον Πόντον και εδέχθη εξευτελισμούς και μαρτύρια από τον λαό της Σινώπης, αλλά δεν εφοβήθη, επέμενε και εκήρυτε τον Χριστόν Εσταυρωμένον και Αναστημένον εως επείθησαν. Συνέχισεν προς τον Καύκασον και την Ρωσσίαν. Οι λαοι αυτοί έχουν, έως σήμερα, τον Άγιο Ανδρέα ως μεγάλο τους προστάτη. Ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας ήρθε πρώτα εις το Βυζάντιο ( Κωνσταντινούπολη), δια να φωτίσει και να δώσει αποστολικότητα εις τα ιερά χώματα όπου αργότερα εγεννήθησαν, έζησαν, εκήρυξαν εδίδαξαν και εθυσιάστηκαν μυριάδες ήρωες και Άγιοι της Εκκλησίας και της φυλής μας όπως ο Ιωάννης ο Χρυσότομος, ο Μέγας Κωνσταντίνος και Ελένη, ο Γρηγόριος ο Θεολόγος ο Γρηγόριος Παλαμάς, ο Συμεών ο Νέος Θεολόγος, ο Φώτιος ο Μέγας, ο Γρηγόριος ο Ε και χιλιάδες άγιοι και εκατοντάδες άγιοι Πατριάρχαι τους οποίους συναντάμε καθημερινά εις το ημερολόγιο της εκκλησίας μας εν τω μέσω των εθνομαρτύρων του θρόνου και του τόπου. Η φωνή του Κυρίου «Δεύρο και ποιήσω υμάς αλιείς ανθρώπων» ήχησεν όχι μόνον εις την ψυχήν του Αγίου Ανδρέου αλλά και εις τους αξίους αυτού διαδόχους. Ο αείμνηστος Πατριάρχης Αθηναγόρας και ο άξιος διάδοχος αυτού Δημήτριος Α έγραψαν οικουμενικήν και παγκόσμιαν ιστορίαν διά της ταπεινής και πιστής τους υπηρεσίας εις τον θρόνον του Αγίου Ανδρέου. Αυτήν την πίστην έφερε ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας εις το Βυζάντιο και άνοιξε το βιβλίο της ιστορίας της καθεαυτού εκκλησίας της εν Κωνσταντινουπόλει μητέρας εκκλησίας την οποίαν οι μετέπειτα χρόνοι και καιροί καθώς και η μεγάλη προσφορά και διακονία Της, την εκαθιέρωσαν πρωτόθρονη. Από την πόλη την ιδρυθείσα από τον Βύζα επέρασεν και εκαθηγίασεν ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας, την πόλη η οποία ανεδείχθη εκ του πρώτου Χριστιανού αυτοκράτορος του Μεγάλου Κωνσταντίνου. Είναι παγκοσμίως γνωστή η ιστορία του θρόνου της Πόλεως αυτής, γεμάτη αγώνες, αγωνίες, μαρτύρια, θριάμβους, μεγαλεία, ακμή και δόξα. Ο σπόρος του Ευαγγελίου τον οποίο εφύτευσεν ο Άγιος όχι μόνον εβρήκε γήν αγαθήν δια να πενταπλασιασθεί αλλά «περισσότερον πάντων εκαρποφόρησεν»

7 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Page 7 και χάριν αυτής της γής και του σπορέως είδαν το φως του Χριστιανισμού πολλές Αραβικές, Σλαβικές, Σκανδιναβικές και Σαξονκές χώρες. Άκουσαν διά τον Χριστόν πρώτην φοράν εκ των στομάτων των απεσταλμένων ιεραποστόλων του Πατριαεχείου και διά την σωτηρίαν των ψυχών των. Από τον σπόρον τον οποίον έσπειρε ο Άγιος Ανδρέας εκχριστιανίσθησαν οι εξευγενίσθησαν οι βάρβαροι βγαίνοντες εκ του σκότους της πλάνης. Ο μεγάλος αυτός Απόστολος εδέχθη το φρικτόν σταυρικόν μαρτύριον δια την αφοσίωσην του εις την αποστολήν του και την υπηρεσίαν αγάπης εις τον Λόγον του Θεού. Σήμερα καλούμεθα και εμείς αδελφοί μου, ως πνευματικά παιδιά της Μητέρας Μεγάλης του Χριστού Εκλησίας μέσω της Ιεράς ημών Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής να τιμήσουμε τον προστάτην και ιδρυτήν της Εκκλησίας Κων/πόλεως τον ένδοξον Απόστολον Ανδρέα τον Πρωτόκλητον. Ας μιμηθούμε την αφοσίωσήν του εις την πατρώαν πίστην και τον ιεραποστολικόν του ζήλο αρχίζοντας από τα σπίτια μας και τις οικογένειές μας. Καλλιεργώντας τον Λόγον Του εις τα σπίτια μας θα είμαστε βέβαιοι ότι η γη θα είναι αγαθή και οι κόποι και μόχθοι μας θα δώσουν αγαθούς καρπούς όπως του Αγίου Ανδρέου. Με την προσευχή του εις τα χείλη μας ας ζητούμε την βοήθειά του: «Ως τον Αποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος και του Κορυφαίου Αυτάδελφος, τω Δεσπότη των όλων, ΑΝΔΡΕΑ, ικέτευε,ειρήνη τη οικουμένη δωρήσασθαι και ταις ψυχές ημών το μέγα έλεος» Αμήν. SAINT NICHOLAS He is known around the world as Santa Claus, which comes from the Greek name Aghios Nicolaos. He was born in Patara of Lycea, Asia Minor around 300 A.D. during the reign of the great persecutors of Christianity Diocletian and Maximilian. Before being elevated to Archbishop he was tortured because of his faith to Christ and suffered imprisonment. In prison, while he was chained, Christ appeared before him, freed him from the chains and gave him a golden gospel. Virgin Mary also appeared and bestowed upon him the Bishop stall (omophorion) before they both disappeared. The next day, when the soldiers opened the cell and saw Nicholas in that state, they believed a miracle had occured and they freed him. He was a bishop of Myra, today s Demre, a town in the southwest of Turkey. Every year on his feast day, the Patriarch and bishops go to Demre and celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the third century cathedral. He lived long enough and witnessed the recognition of the Christian faith by Constantine the great, emperor of Byzantium. He even attended the first Ecumenical Synod in Nicea 325A.D. He was behind the scenes, but his activity did add to the luster of this memorable convocation of the first Ecumenical Synod. Emperor Justinian, in recognition of his efforts and dedicated services to the faith, erected a magnificent cathedral in Constantinople in his honor. Until the reign of Constantine the Great he had many difficulties in performing his archieratical duties in Myra. After the recognition of Christianity his mission as Archbishop of Myra became worldly known with his hospitable and organized nurseries, orphanages and other social activities. He is considered as the first bishop that organized orphanages for the children who were coming from poor families or had lost both parents. In his biography, many miracles performed by Saint Nicholas are recorded. For example, he saved the ship that was bringing pilgrims to Jerusalem from sinking by throwing the cross that he was carrying on his chest, in the angry sea. Even after his death he saved the lives of thousands of seamen. The grains of wheat, (kollyva) that are baked in his memory on his feast day, are believed to protect many seamen from rough seas even to this day. So great was Saint Nicholas popularity that he became the symbol of protection of children. He not only became the patron saint of the children but of sailors, merchants, scholars and he is a protective symbol for travelers. In the islands of Greece many churches are named after Saint Nicholas. In Greece, but also in other orthodox countries, many orphanages, hospitals, islands and towns are named after Saint Nicholas. When Saint Nicholas was the bishop of Myra, he used to throw gold coins wrapped in a handkerchief to the poor girls who did not have dowries for marriage, through their open windows, so that they could get married. This tradition of giving gifts originally came from the Three Kings. It was developed in the personality of Saint Nicolas all over the world. Many poems, carols and songs were written for Saint Nicholas. The Greek Orthodox tradition has Saint Basil as the gift giver, on the first day of the year. Saint Basil was distributing the dowries in gold coins in home baked breads. He also developed orphanages and hospitals for the needy, but much later than Saint Nicholas, in 359A.D. After his natural death, the miracles multiplied. He was buried at his Cathedral, in Myra, Asia Minor. The cathedral and the tomb still exist. The crusaders with the will of the citizens of Bari, Italy in fascinating and daring enterprises in the late eleventh century, hatched a plot to steal the relics of the Saint from Myra and they succeeded. They transferred the body of Saint Nicholas to Bari on May 9 th 1087, after which a magnificent Basilica was build. The relics still remain in Bari. Saint Nicholas is the patron Saint of the city, which is a famous port on the Adriatic Sea and so he is the protector of all seamen. His fame of miracles crossed all around Europe. The date of his death, which is the feast day of his Name Day, (December 6th) is very close to Christmas, so he became famous as Santa Nicolaous later Santa Claus, Sankt Nick, Pere de Noel, father Christmas. (The Catholic Cardinal with the red robe and the white bear bringing gifts to the children.) Today, all over the world especially in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches his feast day is celebrated on December 6 th and still is a most beloved Saint among the faithful.

8 Page 8 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Philoptochos News Nea ths Filoptwcou The first Philoptochos meeting of the 2004 ecclesiastical year took place on Saturday, Sept. 25, in the Memorial Room of our church. Pres. Eleni Andronikou reported on her attendance to the Philoptochos Conference at the Clergy/Laity Convention last July which took place in New York City. The gathering was welcomed by National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas and by Archbishop Demetrios who then opened the meeting with a prayer. President Skeadas presided over the meetings. Pres. Andronikou and Vice Pres. Evangelia Manolakis, our delegates to this week long Conference, were impressed with the approximately 425 delegates from all over the country who attended this conference and the reports on the many philanthropies supported by our organization. They enjoyed meeting women not only from our Metropolis but from other areas, some as far away as Hawaii. It was voted that the per capita dues to National Philoptochos will be increased to $10. The next biennual conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee in July, We have mailed our obligations to Hellenic College/ Holy Cross for the benefit of their Scholarship Program and to the Cancer Fund to assist cancer patients. In addition, we have sent a donation to the Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, MN for the Philoxenia House they have created for patients (and their families) who go to the Mayo Clinic for medical attention. Also, a contribution was made to National Philoptochos for their efforts to assist victims of the recent hurricane season. It was agreed to sponsor a page in our Saint George Church journal being prepared for the annual dance. Fifty baby blankets which were sewn by our ladies have been delivered to the baby department of Deborah Hospital. While there, the ladies met a 2 1/2 year old little boy from Salonika, Greece who had come to Deborah Hospital for surgery through the Children of the World Foundation. The child s parents were at the hospital, also, and were most impressed and appreciative of the kindness shown by our ladies. Sewing these baby blankets is an ongoing project of our Philoptochos and we will continue to deliver them to the many surrounding hospitals. We thank the ladies who have made donations for these baby blankets; and, we welcome any donations (material and/or cash) our parishioners wish to give. During the month of November we will be collecting donations for the Christmas Card/Needy Cases Fund. All our parishioners are encouraged to give their donation on Sunday morning after the Divine Liturgy or to mail it to: PHILOPTOCHOS NEEDY CASES FUND, c/ o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Please make checks payable to the PHILOPTOCHOS NEEDY CASES FUND. Preparing baklava for the Baklava Sale will take place the week of November 14; the baklava will be sold on November 20 and 21. All ladies are asked to please help in the preparation. Our next meeting will take place on Saturday, November 20, in the Memorial Room, at 11:00 a.m. If you haven t paid your past dues, please pay them immediately; and, at the same time, you may pay your 2005 dues. Our St. Barbara s Luncheon will take place on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at which time we will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of our incorporation. Our Vasilopita Celebration for the whole community will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2005; all donations will benefit St Basil s Academy. We have been informed that our Philoptochos member Evellyn Tsiadis has been appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios to the Philoptochos National Board. To Evellyn we extend our congratulations and best wishes for much success in all her endeavors. DO YOU HAVE A PAYROLL DEDUCTION FOR UNITED WAY? This is a reminder from the Ladies Philoptochos Society to all our parishioners who are employed and have a payroll deduction for the United Way Program. Please consider having your contribution given to the St. George s Needy Cases Fund. Many of our parishioners have already made these arrangements. It is very simple. All you have to do is contact your payroll office and request to have your contribution forwarded to the St. George s Needy Cases Fund. Our United Way Reference Number is If you have any questions please contact Mary Boulegeris at (908)

9 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Choir News Nea ths Corwdias Page 9 CHRISTMAS CONCERT- ÑÉÓÔÏÕÃÅÍÍÉÁÔÉÊÇ ÓÕÍÁÕËÉÁ Sunday, December 12, 4:00 p.m. The New Jersey - Staten Island District of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians is offering a Christmas Concert at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway Everyone is welcome to attend. A reception will follow the event Choir Sings in Toms River Five St. George Choir members had the pleasure of joining over 120 singers in singing an outstanding and spiritual Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 17, 2004 in St. Barbara, Toms River, NJ. Alice Kartikis, Polly Ploussiou, Anna Manioudakis, Anna Marie Manioudakis, and Kay Kehayas participated in all rehearsals and meetings during the three day Eastern Federation of Church Musicians Conference. The music was written and directed by Dr. George Raptis of Detroit, Michigan. E. Hope Demitry of Trenton, NJ was the organist and Kathryn Athanasoulas directed the Children s Choir. The Children s Choir consisted of singers from Trenton, Westfield, Toms River, Broomall (PA), and representing Piscataway Anna Marie Manioudakis. It was delightful to have these young voices emanating from the choir loft. They did an outstanding job! Chief celebrant was the Chancellor of the Metropolis. During the Conference over $2,500 was pledged toward the Anna Gallos Scholarship, which scholarships are given to candidates studying music. Pledges came from choirs from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Staten Island, and New Jersey. After the Liturgy, choir members who have sung for 50 years were honored individually. Kathryn Athansoulas, Holy Trinity, Westfield, NJ, was honored by being presented the Athenagoras Award for outstanding service to the music ministry of the New Jersey Metropolis. Axia! Next year s conference will be in Norfolk, VA and the music will again be the Raptis liturgy. Constantina Koukios was chosen to be the conductor. We are all looking forward to next year! The St. George P.T.O. invites everyone to celebrate the season as we join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey of the past, present and future in this classic holiday tale, at the McCarter Theater, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ (Tel , On SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 5:30 p.m. TICKET PRICES: Children of PAID PTO members (for school year 2004/05) (ages 18 & under) $20.00; all others (adults & children) $40.00 No transportation will be provided as the theatre is local - All children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult

10 Page 10 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Sunday School News Nea tou Kathchtikou Scoleiou The academic year of the St. George Sunday School is fully and successfully under way. Each Sunday, 14 classes meet in self-contained classrooms. These classes consist of Cradle Class, Nursery, Four Year Old, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Teen Rap (a combination of Grades 10 through 12). The curriculum remains the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education sequence with supplemental instruction in the form of materials from the Orthodox Christian Education Commission, guest speakers, videos, and CDs. On October 10, in keeping with our guest speaker program, Mr. Ben Scalia addressed Grades 6 through 12 on the Liturgy and conducted a discussion afterwards Under the supervision of Father Alex, the following religious education teachers are participating in the Archdiocese Teacher Education and Certification Program: Maria Boyadjis, Barbara Kalamanis, Anna Kalogridakis, Tatiana Kika, Lemonia Malahias-Miko, and Roseann Rexines. This program emphasizes spiritual growth, methodology, and service. It was initiated during the tenure of Iakovos, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America in In keeping with our integration of the academic program and spiritual participation, two schedules have again been implemented with some changes. The Altar Boy Schedule consists of three rather than four teams of 10 young men who now serve every third Sunday. The Divine Liturgy Attendance Schedule reflects an increase in attendance at the Liturgy of students in Grades 10 through 12 (every other Sunday) and rotated attendance by Grades Kindergarten through 9. In the matter of Communion, it was decided that prepared students would receive the Sacrament every other Sunday, and a schedule is in effect implementing that change. Parents may request exceptions to this schedule by advising the classroom teacher or the director. Mr. James Polos is currently working on EAP, Emergency Action Plan, for St. George which will address situations such as Fire Evacuation, Missing Child, and Lockdown. Serving with Mr. Polos is Mrs. Maria Sirimis. The Sunday School faculty has been advised of the preliminary plans and awaits further specific instructions. The complete implementation of the program will involve clergy, board, and academic staff. As part of our staff continuing education program, staff members attended a seminar on October 23 conducted by The Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese. The title of Dr. Marangos presentation was The Liturgical Life of the Orthodox Church and Its Spiritual Development. Those in attendance at the seminar were: Niki Karion, Lemonia Malahias-Miko, Tatiana Kika, Georgia Peterson, Roseann Rexines, Malvina Wilkens, and Helene Pappas. Statistics presented at the seminar indicated shortcomings in our efforts on behalf of quality religious education, most obvious in the budget allotment of our communities. In a more positive indication, the Department of Religious Education continues the development of the curriculum currently used in our school and, as promised, has recently completed the Grade 9 CANA CURRICULUM entitled We Rejoice in Jesus the Son of God. Dr. Vasiliki Tsigas-Fotinis, one of the authors of the curriculum, was present at the seminar and gave a copy of the completed section to our representatives for study. It is available for parishioners to exam if they would like. We have been advised that one version of THE CREED will be distributed throughout the Diocese. It will vary very little from the one we have been teaching. However, for uniformity in the oral recitation of THE CREED, it is important that we implement these changes. The annual Nativity of St. George, under the direction of Eighth Grade teachers Niki Karion, Marika Skiadas, Paul Stevens and Music Director Louise Lambros, will be held on Friday, December 24, Eve of the Nativity of our Lord, between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Nativity will be preceded by the Christmas Orthros at 6 p.m. and the Divine Liturgy from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

11 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Page 11 St. George Piscataway Youth invites you to our 2nd annual Greek Night - Ελληνική Βραδιά in the St. George Piscataway Community Center Food, Music, Dance, Entertainment Saturday, November 27 6:30pm-11:00pm Mezedakia & Buffet Dinner Soft Drinks, Desserts & Coffee - BYO Wine & Beer Dance the night away with music by DJ Tommy Karas Special Performance by The White Mountains Cretan Dance Group A Celebration of Life Adults $30 - Children under 12: $10 - Children under 5: free Limited Seating - NO tickets will be sold at the door Reservations: Sophie Exarchakis , Maria Kantilierakis , Michele Critelli All proceeds will be donated towards the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit group supporting local and national programs that benefit breast cancer patients and their families through research, education, screening, and treatment. PHILOPTOCHOS B A K L A V A SALE The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be baking and selling pans of baklava for the Holidays. All baklava must be preordered by November 14 and picked up November 21. A pan of baklava yields 24 large pieces. The cost per pan is only $25. To order your baklava you may contact any of the following: Eleni Andronikou: , Ann Ballas: , Dorothy Coniaris: , Stella Tsinetakis: Order early for the holidays!!

12 Page 12 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Parent-Teacher Organization News Nea tou Sullogou Gonewn kai Didaskalwn The Saint George P.T.O. extends warm holiday wishes to our parishioners. This month s events will include our theatre trip to A Christmas Carol at the McCarter Theatre, Princeton, N.J., on December 18 th, at 5:30 p.m. For ticket availability please call Helen Giannios (732) Our Holiday Party with Santa will be on Sunday, December 12 th in the Ahepa Hall immediately after church services. Brunch will be served. We invite all our parishioners to attend. There will be crafts for the children and a complimentary picture taken with Santa. We look forward in sharing this very festive day with you. Holy Communion for children will take place on Saturday, December 18. As we look ahead to January, we are now preparing for our annual P.T.O. basket raffle to be held on Sunday, January 23, If you would like to donate a basket or items for the baskets raffle, please contact Dorothy Koutsoras(908) On January 30 th we celebrate the Three Hierarchs. On this very special day the P.T.O. will honor our teachers of the Sunday school and Greek school programs. Happy and healthy holidays! We thank you for your continuous support! The P.T.O. board UPCOMING P.T.O. MEETINGS Thursday, December 2 Thursday, January 13 Ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και Διδασκάλων ευχαριστεί όλους τους ενορίτες που υποστήριξαν την πώληση γλυκών του περασμένου μήνα. Είχαμε εξαιρετική επιτυχία! Γιά τους επόμενους μήνες έχουμε προγραμματίσει τις εξης εκδηλώσεις γιά τις οικογένειες της κοινότητάς μας. Στις 18 Δεκεμβρίου θα πάμε να απολαύσουμε το θεατρικό έργο «A Christmas Carol» στο θέατρο McCarter στην πόλη του Princeton. Για πληροφορίες και εισιτήρια παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνήστε στην κ. Ελένη Γιαννίου (732) Η Χριστουγεννιάτικη γιορτή με τον Άγιο Βασίλη θα γίνει φέτος την Κυριακή 12 Δεκεμβρίου, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Παιδιά όλων των ηλικιών είναι ευπρόσδεκτα να χαρούν με τα παιχνίδια, τα δώρα και τα νόστιμα φαγητά που θα προσφερθούν. Η Θεία κοινωνία γιά τα παιδιά, με το νηστίσιμο πρόγευμα θα γίνει το Σάββατο 18 Δεκεμβρίου. Η ετήσια κλήρωση καλαθιών με δώρα θα γίνει την Κυριακή 23 Ιανουαρίου 2005, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Αν ενδιαφέρεστε να βοηθήσετε ή να προσφέρετε αντικείμενα για την κλήρωση, παρακαλούμε αποτανθείτε στην κυρία Δωροθέα Κουτσώρα (908) Την Κυριακή 30 Ιανουαρίου, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία, θα γίνει ο εορτασμός της Ημέρας των Γραμμάτων, της ημέρας των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Ελπίζουμε να σας δούμε όλους στο κοινοτικό μας κέντρο (αίθουσα ΑΧΕΠΑ) για να τιμήσουμε τις δασκάλες και τους δασκάλους του Κατηχητικού και Ελληνικού Σχολείου. Καλές γιορτές σε όλους! Το Δ.Σ. του Σ.Γ.Δ. Greek School News Nea tou Ellhnikou Scoleiou The Greek School Committee and the teachers would like to thank all the parents who participate in the Greek School program and encourage their children to learn and keep the beautiful language of our mother country. This year we are proud to have over 190 students attending grades 1 to 6. Greek classes for adults will be offered starting January 2005; for information and registration please call the church office at (732) or Dr. Panos Georgopoulos at (732)

13 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Page 13 THE MACEDONIAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY ALEXANDER THE GREAT invites you to the New Year s Eve 2005 Celebration with Music, Dance, Full Prime Rib Dinner and Refreshments (you can bring your own wine and beer) Champagne toast at midnight! on Friday, December 31, 2004, 9:00pm 2:00am at the AHEPA Hall of the St George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Donation: $50 adults, $30 students 12-25, $20 children 5-12 (free for children under 5) Η ΕΝΩΣΗ ΜΑΚΕ ΟΝΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΝΕΑΣ ΙΕΡΣΕΗΣ «ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝ ΡΟΣ» σας προσκαλεί στην Πρωτοχρονιάτικη Γιορτή του 2005 µε Μουσική, Χορό, Πλήρες είπνο (Prime Rib) και Αναψυκτικά (µπορείτε να φέρετε το δικό σας κρασί και µπίρα) πατροπαράδοτη βασιλόπιττα σε κάθε τραπέζι! την Παρασκευή 31 εκεµβρίου 2004, 9µµ 2πµ στο Κοινοτικό Κέντρο της Εκκλησίας του Αγίου Γεωργίου 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Είσοδος: $50 ενήλικες, $30 σπουδαστές ετών, $20 παιδιά 5-12 ετών (δωρεάν γιά παιδιά κάτω των 5) For reservations please call: Veve Hantsoulis (732) , Alexandra Avgitidis (732) , Dorothea Koutsoras (908) , Evie Georgopoulos (732)

14 Page 14 Daughters of Penelope News The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 On November 14 th, the Daughters of Penelope will be celebrating 75 years of the Founding of the Daughters of Penelope. The Daughters of Penelope is the women s organization of the AHEPA Family with chapters in the U.S.A., Canada, Greece, Cyprus and Australia. The objects of the Daughters of Penelope are to promote the social, ethical and intellectual interests of its members; to encourage Hellenic study and to promote and preserve the dissemination of Hellenic culture and ideals as a contribution to the global civilization. Tethys Chapter #229 Announces Annual Tricky Tray Fund Raiser Friday, Nov.19, 2004 The Daughters of Penelope promote the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood and work closely with the whole AHEPA Family. Some of the Philanthropic projects that have benefited through the generosity of the Daughters of Penelope are: 1. Saint Basil s Academy; the Daughters of Penelope have founded a dormitory and a full enclosed Olympic size swimming pool. 2. Penelope House in Mobile Alabama is the first shelter for battered women and their children in the state of Alabama. 3. Papanicolaou Comprehensive Cancer Center Doors open at 7:00 PM and Auction begins at 8:15 PM Look for your favorite tables to be back this year; Christmas Table, Toy Table, Lenox China and Assorted Crystal and Fine Gifts As well as Electronics and our Anything Goes Big Table. This is our primary fund raiser, please support us in any way you can, 4. Breast cancer 5. Cooley s anemia 6. American Heart Association 7. Alzheimer s Foundation 8. Heart and Stroke Foundation 9. Juvenile Diabetes 10. Kidney Foundation 11. Multiple Sclerosis 12. Muscular Dystrophy But especially join us, bring a few friend, we love to have a good time and we are, after all, the keepers of the Home and Hearth of our community. Do come we invite you as our sisters and our family and our guests! An individual assortment of sweets will be provided with admission ticket and refreshments,as always,will be available for sale. The effects and the contributions of the Daughters of Penelope are appreciated, acknowledged and recognized internationally. For tickets contact any of the Daughters, but orterry orvange or Virginia or Polly

15 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 IN CONCERT Page 15 ƒ ª π ª ƒ π ÃOƒø π µà π ª À π Î È π æπ, À ƒ º, ƒ À 7:30 ÌÌ ƒ À, 26 ªµƒπ À 2004 East Brunswick Vocational School Theater π à π π ƒπ ƒ ª ª À à À µà π π ƒ π π ª À π ª À π À ª ºπ ƒøª ƒ º ƒ π ƒ ª À Ãπ π π ª À For information & tickets please contact Irene Rodoussakis Simos Kontos Eleni Thermos Maggie Stavrianidis Themis Fiotakis New Athens Corner Tickets are $50 and $75 (the $75 ticket includes pre concert reception with the performers) Οργάνωση: Παγκρητική Ένωση Αμερικής, St. George Community of Piscataway NJ

16 Page 16 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 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

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18 Page 18 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Financial Update/Oikonomikh Enhmerwsh

19 The Voice of St George - November/December 2004 Page 19 Stewardship Update/Enhmerwsh gia thn Ekousia Eisfora 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 - November/December 2004 November-December Schedule of Activities Programma Ekdhlwsewn Noembriou-Dekembriou NOVEMBER 2004 Coffee will be served by the Daughters of Penelope on Sundays during the month of November Mon 1 Sts.Anargyri Cosma and Damian 9-11 a.m. Wed 3 Parish Council Meeting 7 p.m. Thu 4 Choir Practices 5-10 p.m. (NEW) Greek Bible Class 5-6:30 p.m. English Bible Class 7:30-9 p.m. Sat 6 Altar Boys Meeting 10:30 a.m. Cretan Fraternity (Kritiko Pilafi) 7 p.m. Sun 7 YOUTH SUNDAY GOYA Church Attendance 10:30 a.m. (NEW) AHEPA Day Celebration 12 noon GOYA meeting 12:30 p.m. Samian Organization Memorial Services 11:30 a.m. & Coffee Hour - 12 noon Mon 8 Sts. Archangels Michael & Gabriel, 9-11 a.m. Vespers, Matins and Divine Liturgy for St. Nectarios (VIGIL) 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Wed 10 Moms and Tots 10:30 a.m. GOYA Advisors Meeting 6:30 p.m. AHEPA meeting 7:30 p.m. Thu 11 Choir Practices 5-10 p.m. (NEW) Greek Bible Class 5-6:30 p.m. English Bible Class 7:30-9 p.m. (NEW) Sat 13 ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (Patron Saint of the Metropolis of NJ) Senior Citizens meeting 12 noon Joy and Hope 12:30 p.m. Samian Organization Dance at The Pines Manor 7 p.m. Sun 14 GOYA Gyro Sale - noon Sunday school Teachers Meeting 12:30 p.m. (NEW) Daughters Founders Day - Coffee Hour 12 noon Mon 15 GOYA Executives and Advisors meeting in Westfield 7 p.m. Greek School Committee Meeting 7 p.m. Tue 16 St. Matthew the Evangelist 9-11 a.m. Sunday School Teachers Certification Program 6-8:30 p.m. (NEW) Wed 17 Parish Council Meeting 7 p.m. Thu 18 Choir Practices 5-10 p.m. (NEW) Sunday School Teachers Certification Program 7-9 p.m. (NEW) Fri 19 Daughters Tricky Tray in the AHEPA Hall, all day Sat 20 Philoptochos Meeting 11 a.m. Youth Advisors Training in Randolph, NJ 9 a.m. Sun 21 The Entrance of Virgin Mary to the Temple 9-11:30 a.m. Philoptochos Baklava Sale 12 noon Wed 24 Moms and Tots 10:30 a.m. Thu 25 St. Catherine 9-11 a.m. - THANKSGIVING DAY Greek School Closed Fri 26 Office Closed Gaitanos Concert by the Cretan s Fraternity and the St. George Community of Piscataway (TBA) (NEW) Sat 27 Taverna Night for Susan Komen Cancer Foundation Fundraiser 7 p.m. Mon 29 Greek School Opens Tue 30 St. Andrew the first called Apostle 9-11:30 a.m. (Patron and Founder Saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate) DECEMBER 2004 Coffee will be served by the Cyprus Association of NJ on Sundays during the month of December Wed 1 Spiritual Court 10:30 a.m. Parish Council Meeting 7 p.m.