AUGUST / SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER FOR WEBSITE

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1 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER FOR WEBSITE Theotokos - Mother of God Many are the feasts in honor of the Theotokos as observed by the Orthodox Church. An Orthodox Christian considers the Theotokos, not only as the Mother of God, but also as the loving Mother of all Christians. Of all the Saints and Angels in the Church, the Theotokos is venerated over and above all of them. The Saints, including the Theotokos, are intercessors before God for us. This veneration and honor attributed to the Theotokos is due to her unique role in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Once she became the Mother of God, she never ceased being the Mother of God. Blessed is the Virgin Mary, for she was humble, obedient and faithful to God and to His will. For did not the Virgin Mary say, Behold, the servant of the Lord. Be it unto me according to Thy word. (Luke 1:38). Even though she did not always understand the meaning of Jesus sayings, the Virgin Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) At the wedding at Cana, she said to the servants, Whatever He saith unto you, do it. (John 2:5). Herein, we see the role played by the Theotokos as the intercessor. The nature of the Theotokos intercession is to plead on our behalf and to win consent. Indeed, in order for Jesus Christ to dwell in us, we must be humble like the Virgin Mary. St. John in 3:30 says, He must increase, but I must decrease. Then, I can say as did St. Paul, Nevertheless, I live, yet not, I, but Christ lives in ne. (Galatians 2:20). We must be willing to do God s will and not raise the point of preference of doing God s will in our own way. Therefore, let us seek to develop the virtue of humility, so as to be able to say as did the Virgin Mary, Behold, the servant of God. Are you and I willing and ready to do God s will now, tomorrow and all the tomorrows thereafter? Ponder this question on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos and see if you can answer as did the Virgin Mary, Behold, the servant of God. In seeking a role model, let us turn to the Virgin Mary and emulate her dedication and commitment to God. Then and only then, will we experience spiritual renewal, spiritual growth and spiritual rebirth in our lives. Have a Blessed Dekapentavgousto

2 Η ΠΛΑΤΥΤΕΡΑ ΤΩΝ ΟΥΡΑΝΩΝ Η ζωή του Ορθοδόξου πιστού στο πρώτο δεκαπενθήμερο του Αυγούστου συγκλονίζεται. Ο συγκλονισμός κορυφώνεται την ημέρα της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου. Πλήθη πιστών πηγαίνουν στους ναούς για να υψώσουν την καρδιά τους με ιερή λαχτάρα πρός την Πλατυτέρα των Ουρανών. Με δάκρυα φανερά και μυστικά, με κραυγές δυνατές και μυστικές, στέλνουμε τον πόνο μας στήν «αειμακάριστο...και μητέρα του Θεού ημών». Με ιερό δέος και κρυφή χαρά μένω να κυττάζω την εικόνα της τη σεπτή και ν αφήνω το νού μου ν ανεβαίνει στο προτότυπο δηλαδή στήν Πανάγια μορφή της, τη μοναδική κι ανεπανάληπτη στην ιστορία του κόσμου. Σ αυτό το φωτεινό πρόσωπο, έτσι όπως το ζωγραφίζει η τέχνη της εικονογραφίας μας, βλέπω την πιό αρμονική ένωση των αντιθέσεων τα πιό παράδοξα υαύματα, τα πιό βαθιά μυστήρια. Στήν εκστασή μου σιωπώ και σιωπώντας συντρίβομαι. Νιώθοντας την έσχατη αδυναμία μου παρηγοριέμαι με τη σκέψη πως και ρήτορες έμειναν μπροστά στην Πανάγια μορφή της άφωνοι. Γι αυτό καθώς το φώς του καντηλιού τρεμοσβήνει μπροστά στην άγια εικόνα της, καθώς το γλυκό Αυγουστιάτικο δειλινό, η νύχτα απλώνεται σκεπάζοντας αθόρυβα την πλάση, ελάτε ν αναρωτηθείτε μαζί μου: Πώς ένα πλάσμα του Θεού γίνεται μητέρα του Θεού, ο οποίος έγινε άνθρωπος; Πώς ένα κτίσμα κρατάει τον Κτίστη όλης της Δημιουργίας; Αυτός τον οποίον δεν χωράει κανένας τόπος, κανένας ουρανός, πως χωράει στη δική της πάναγνη γαστέρα; Πώς Αυτός που βρισκόταν «πρό πάντων των αιώνων» στούς κόλπους του Πατρός, βαστάζεται στις δικές της μητρικές αγκάλες; Πως μιά κόρη έγινε επουράνια κλίμακα και απ αυτήν κατέβηκε σε μας ο Θεός; Πώς αυτή η μητέρα δεν έγινε παρανάλωμα της φωτιάς κρατώντας στη γαστέρα της την άυλη φωτιά: Πώς στην πανάγια μορφή της συνταιριάζεται η έσχατη ανθρώπινη αδυναμία με την άπειρη Θεία παντοδυναμία: Το «εδώ» με το «παντού»; Το «τώρα» με το «πάντοτε; Ο προσωρινός χρόνος με την ατελεύτητη αιωνιότητα; Ποιός μπορεί να απαντήσει σ αυτά τα ατέλειωτα ερωτηματικά μας; Αλλά - εδώ είναι το μεγαλείο της Κεχαριτωμένης - και μόνο τα ερωτηματικά σε αυτά τα ανεξήγητα μυστήρια, πού κλείνει η μορφή της, γεννούν στην ψυχή ένα υπερκόσμιο αίσθημα γαλήνης! Όσο αναρωτιέσαι, τόσο κι αναβαίνεις, έχοντας την αίσθηση πώς αφήνεις εδώ κάτω «πάσαν τήν

3 βιοτικήν μέριμναν». Όσο περισσότερο φόβο νιώθεις για το φοβερό μυστήριο τού τόκου και της ζωής της, τόση τόλμη αποκτάς γιά μιά συνομιλία μαζί της καί, με την πρεσβεία της, μέ τον Υιό και Θεό της. Τη ρωτάς και σού απαντά. Της λές τόν πόνο σου κι αμέσως σέ καταλαβαίνει καί συμπονεί μαζι σου. Καί εσύ της αναθέτεις «την πάσαν ελπίδα σου». Καί καθώς εκείνη απλώνει τη σκέπη της καί σε τυλίγει στόν πέπλο της, νιώθεις ασφάλεια και ζεστασιά. Μέσα στήν αγάπη της και στήν άπειρη αγάπη του Υιού της δεν έχεις πιά φόβους καί ερωτηματικά. Τέσσερις λέξεις ψελλίζεις μόνο με πίστη σαν ύμνο, σαν δέηση, σάν θρήνο: Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε, σώσον ημάς» Νά λοιπόν ακόμη μιά θαυμαστή σύνθεση λογικών αντιφάσεων. Σταθήκαμε μπροστά της γεμάτοι ερωτήματα καί τελειώσαμε με δοξολογίες! Πίεζε, βασάνιζε τήν σκέψη μας τ ασύλληπτο μυστήριο καί χωρίς να μάς το ερμηνεύει κανείς, φεύγουμε γαμάτοι πίστη! Διότι τόση μυστική χάρη, τόση τιμή, τόση δύναμη δέν έχει δοθεί σε κανένα άλλο άνθρωπο, ούτε θα δοθεί. Τέτοια μόνιμη αστραπή χαράς και παρηγοριάς ποτέ δέν άστραψε στόν κόσμο κι ούτε θα αστράψει. Για αυτό καί κανένα άλλο πρόσωπο δέν αγαπήθηκε τόσο πολύ από τον πιστό λαό του Θεού. Σε κανένα άλλο πρόσωπο δέ λέμε τόσα πολλά και τόσο πολλές φορές γιά νά τά μεταφέρει στό θρόνο της Χάριτος. Μονάχα η Παναγία μας απ όλα τα δημιουργήματα δέχεται τη ψαλμωδία μας, τούς θρήνους και τίς παρακλήσεις μας. Γρηγορούσα, Γοργοεπήκοος, Ελεούσα σπεύδει κοντά μας. Κι εμείς, τα παιδιά της, σπεύδουμε κοντά της. Και όταν πιά της εκθέσουμε με πίστη ταπεινή, τα προβλήματά μας όταν πιά απιθώσουμε με αγία εμπιστοσύνη και θερμή προσευχή «την πάσαν ελπίδα μας» σ αυτήν φεύγουμε ψάλλοντας πανεφρόσυνα: Άξιον εστίν, ως αληθώς, μακαρίζειν Σε την Θεοτόκον, την Αειμακάριστον και παναμώμητον και Μητέρα του Θεού. Καλό Δεκαπενταύγουστο!

4 September 1st - Feast Day of the Indiction Beginning of the Orthodox Church Calendar Year September 1st is the first day of the Orthodox Ecclesiastical Year. It is called the beginning of the indiction. The word indiction is a Latin word meaning impose (to make somebody do something). It was first applied in imposing taxes in Egypt. The Roam Emperor Diocletian extended the system of taxing conquered people to the whole Roman Empire. The first official worldwide indiction originated with the emperor Constantine in 312 A.D. when he saw a miraculous vision of the sign of the Cross in the skies. The Church picked this day to begin its calendar year for various reasons. 1. Before the Julian calendar, the Romans began their year on September 1st. 2. According to Holy Tradition, it was on September 1st that our Blessed Lord entered the Jewish synagogue (Luke 4) to preach his mission to men. Jesus quoted from the 61st chapter of the book of Isaiah: The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek, he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the openings of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn. 3. Tradition also tells us that it was during the month of September that the Hebrews finally entered the Promised Land. 4. It has always been accepted within the church community that the month of September was the time to gather all the fruits of the summer months and prepare for the beginning of the winter months ahead. At the start of the news year hymnographers also prepared beautiful hymns to be chanted during Church Services. The hymns were offered to Almighty God so that we might receive His divine blessings throughout the coming year.

5 AUGUST 6TH THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them to a high mountain. While praying there He was transfigured. His face shone as the sun. Jesus had many times shown His disciples His Divine Power, but now He showed them His Divine Nature. Moses and Elijah appeared with Him to dispel the Jewish fallacy that Jesus was one of the prophets. He revealed Himself to be King over the Prophets who were His servants. If Jesus, the Head of the Body, was transfigured, then we who are members of His Body will also be transfigured with Him. The dazzling light that shown through Christ on Mount Tabor is not just something that happened in the past. It is a window through which we can look to see the reality of the Kingdom of God not only in Christ but also in us. As we are incorporated into Christ through faith and the Sacraments, we are gradually transformed into His likeness. This is our personal transfiguration in Christ. We are not just Earthen vessels of clay subject to the universal law of death and corruption. These earthen vessels bear a great treasure as St. Paul states. They can become not only spirit-bearing, but God-bearing, pervaded by God s presence. They are called to share in the eternal glory of God. It was our own human nature which was filled with divine glory at the Transfiguration. It was our own human nature which was made God-like and partook of God s glory. Consider this against the background of people who claim that life is meaningless. The divine light did not merely shine around Christ, His very flesh was aflame with it. The image of God in us, which had been darkened by the sin of Adam, was once again glowing in the human nature of Jesus. Transfigured and sanctified by the grace of God, this human body of ours can indeed become an icon of man deified, transfigured and glowing with the light of the Holy Trinity. It is for this reason that many Orthodox Theologians consider the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration as the day of the celebration of the deification (theosis) of human nature in Christ. PARAKLESIS (SUPPLICATION) SERVICES During the Fast in honor the Most Holy Theotokos, August 1-15, which is one of the major fast periods in the Church, there will be Paraklesis (Supplication) services in the evenings marked on the calendar at 7:00 p.m. Please bring or send in names of persons who would like to pray for during these services, for health or general well-being. Why not utilize this period as an opportunity to more fervently worship our Lord, through the prayers of His Most Holy Mother. HOLY CONFESSION Holy Confession will be held on Wednesday, August 7th from 5-7:00 p.m. and on Monday, August 12th from 5-7:00 p.m.

6 THE MINISTRIES OF OUR ST. ATHANASIOS PARISH We would like to inform you of the various Parish programs that are available at our community, which we may all support and participate accordingly. SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL: Sunday Church school is held during the regular school year. Grade levels are Little Angels through 12th grade. Registration will be held on Sunday, September 8th. Please see enclosed registration form. We ask all parents to enroll their children in Sunday Church School and have them attend on a regular basis so that they may become close to the Church and learn more about their faith. The first day of Sunday Church School will be September 8th. GREEK SCHOOL: The afternoon Greek School is held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. In addition to pre-k eighth grade, we now offer classes for 3 & 4 years olds. In order for children to attend this class, they must have reached their 3 rd birthday by October 1, In order for students to attend the pre-k class, they must have reached their 5 th birthday by October 1, 2013 The curriculum encompasses the Greek Language, Reading, Writing, Speaking, History, Religion, Ecclesiastical Hymns, and Geography of Greece. Pre-K through 6th grade classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and grades 7 th & 8 th are on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and prepare students for the NY Regents Exam in Modern Greek and the Certificate of attainment in Greek. The first day of Greek School will be September 9th. ADULT GREEK SCHOOL: Adult Greek School classes have been available for our St. Athanasios Community. If you are interested in learning the Greek Language, please sign up. Classes will be held on Fridays from 6:15-8:30 p.m., beginning September 20th. BIBLE STUDY AND CATECHISM: This group gets together and studies various Books from the Holy Bible under the direction of the Parish Priest. Classes meet every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. beginning September 23rd. PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY: The Philoptochos Women s Society of St. Athanasios is an organization whose primary purpose is aimed toward philanthropic endeavors and programs. All men and women in our parish may become members of this society, which provides for the disadvantaged and assists the church in many ways. The first meeting will be on September 17th, and then every first Tuesday of the month. FOS (Light) is a Parish Ministry (organization) within the Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. The purpose of FOS is to promote the Orthodox Faith within and outside the parish. The FOS operates in cooperation with and under the direct supervision of the parish priest.

7 ALTAR BOYS: Boys ages 9-17 are able to serve as Altar Boys. Along with their duties, monthly meetings and programs are also held. Anyone who would like to participate in Altar duties should contact Fr. Anargyros. H.O.P.E. / J.O.Y. : Boys and girls between the ages of 4-7 are invited to join H.O.P.E., and ages 8-11 for J.O.Y. These programs give the children the opportunity to learn about their faith, their church and the social world around them. Meetings are held once a month on Fridays. G.O.Y.A.: Boys and girls between the ages of are welcome to join the G.O.Y.A. Various athletic, social and religious activities are held as well as other programs. The G.O.Y.A. meets once a month on Thursdays. CHOIR: The choir chants hymns during the Divine Liturgy and other Church services throughout the year, except for the summer months of July and August. Practice is held twice a month. Both men and women are invited to join the choir. DANCE GROUPS: Greek Ethnic and cultural dances are taught to the children of our community. Classes will be held on Fridays from 5:00 7:30 p.m., beginning September 20th. There are two levels. Time varies depending on each level. We also offer adult dance classes from 8:00-9:00 p.m.. HELLENIC SENIORS OF ST. ATHANASIOS: Parishioners may join the Hellenic Seniors group. Spiritual and social gatherings are held. The Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month at noon in the Community Center. P.T.O. Parent Teacher Organization : This organization consists of the teachers and parents of the Greek School students, and parishioners who are interested in the education of our students. The purpose of the P.T.O. is to help and support the different programs of our school. We ask everyone to please become members and active supporters of our P.T.O. EPISKEPSIS (Visitations): In cooperation with the Philoptochos. The purpose and goal is to visit and comfort our Orthodox Christians that are confined to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and homes. DIAKONIA AGAPES (St. Athanasios Food Pantry): St. Athanasios church has been supporting local Food Pantry s and assisting needy families of our parish for many years. As a result of seeing a need in our parish and community, we have formed a new parish ministry: St. Athanasios Food Pantry. The Food Pantry will be an ongoing parish ministry to serve families in need from our community, sister parishes, neighbors and friends. Together as one Christian family, we can help those in need live a better quality of life as God s children. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, we want our hand always to be there. For that we are responsible. Together we can make a change, we can make a difference!

8 If anyone has any questions or wants more information on our food Pantry, please feel free to contact Fr. Anargyros or Presbytera Christina. WELCOME AND OUTREACH: The purpose to welcome new members to the Church / Parish, and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith within and outside the Parish. ΙΕΡΑ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ: Ο πατήρ Ανάργυρος θα εξομολογή τη Τετάρτη, 7 Αυγούστου 5:00-7:00 μ.μ., και την Δευτέρα 12 Αυγούστου, 5:00-7:00 μ.μ. ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ: Εάν έχετε συγγενείς ή γνωστούς πού ευρίσκονται σε Γηροκομία, Νοσοκομεία η είναι κατάκοιτοι στο σπίτι και θέλετε τον πατέρα Ανάργυρο για να τους κοινωνήση για το Δεκαπενταύγουστο, παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείστε στο Γραφείο μας και ενημερώστε τόν Ιερέα μας. ΕΞΕΤΑΣEΙΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΤΗΧHΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ: Συγχαίρουμε τά παιδιά και των δύο Σχολείων μας πού με επιμέλεια τάξιν και πειθαρχία παρακολούθησαν τά μαθήματα των Σχολείων μας καθ όλην την διάρκεια του Σχολικού Έτους Ευχαριστούμε το διδασκαλικό προσωπικό και των δύο Σχολείων διά την καλή των συνεργασία καθ όλη την διάρκεια του Σχολικού έτους. Επίσης ευχαριστούμε τον Σύλλογο Γονέων και Διδασκάλων πού εργάστηκαν τόσο σκληρά και συνεργάσθηκαν πολύ καλά μαζί μας.

9 The Importance of Sunday School Let the children come to me, so not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Mark 10: Christian education is a permanent challenge to the work of the Church. Not only did our Lord and Savior continuously teach the word of God during His early mission, but the Church as well from the earliest times looked upon Christian education as one of its essential ministries. As the first Christians joined the Church they devoted themselves to the apostle s teaching and fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 The greatest gift, the most precious inheritance that we have to give to our children is our Greek Orthodox Faith. Jesus makes it clear that He wants children to come to know Him, and the He considers it a grave offence for an adult to hinder this process or lead child astray: whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt 18:6 The Central aim of Christian education in our Church is to evoke and nurture faith in Jesus Christ according to the Orthodox phronema (vision) out of which issues a genuine Orthodox way of life. The Church nurtures a living awareness of the risen Christ in our midst, who is the true Celebrant of Sacraments and the true Teacher of His people, and makes Himself known to use by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The whole range of Orthodox educational material- books, filmstrips, visuals, Bible Studies, lives of saints contemporary discussion of Christian values- becomes effective to the degree that communicates the love and sprit of Christ. The focus of our efforts to educate our beloved children in the Orthodox Christian Faith must remain in our Sunday School program. When we bring our children regularly to Sunday School we provide them with a gift of knowledge that has lifelong value and significance. The need of Christian education is as immediate as when the disciples first appealed to Jesus: Teach us to pray. Luke 11:1 Christian education is an essential and abiding ministry in the Church. As other important ministries, it is never finished. It can be as vital and meaningful as the whole body of the Church makes it through provision of adequate personal, spiritual and financial resources. The validity of Christian education is demonstrated by the truth that a well informed Christian is a spiritually committed Christian within the greater body of the Church. The commission of Christian education comes from the Lord Himself: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, to the close of the age. Matt 28: Our St. Athanasios Sunday Church School Program begins on September 8 th at 10:00 A.M. Parents: Bring your children to Sunday School. Your personal example and involvement in the religious education of your children are extremely important. The priest and teachers can not do the job alone. Here is how you can help develop the spiritual life and moral upbringing of your children. Register your child to our Sunday Church School Program.

10 Bring them to Church on time. Stay and worship at the Divine Liturgy in the Church. Be positive about Church. Discuss with them what they learned each Sunday. Teach them to bring their weekly stewardship offering. Give your personal example of Christian living. Emphasize regular repentance and Holy Communion. Put Church before every other activity on Sunday. Avoid criticism of others. Let your love for Our Lord Jesus Christ radiate.

11 SYNDAY CHURCH SHOOL NEWS Dear Parents, Father Anargyros and the Sunday Church School staff greet everyone as the summer soon draws to a close and we enter the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical year and the new school year. We pray that the summer months have been a time of physical and spiritual renewal for our children and our families; a time that bonds families together in a joyful way. Registration and First Day of Class This year Sunday Church School Registration and the first day of classes will take place on Sunday September 8. Registration will take place immediately following Church services in the coffee hour room. The Registration Forms will be ed to everyone; they will also be available at the bulletin board, in the Church Newsletter, in the Church Office, and in the Bulletin. Please complete the Registration Forms in advance, before registering your child in order to expedite the registration process. Complete all of the required information clearly and accurately because this information will serve as the data and communication base for you for the entire year. Bring the completed form with you on Registration Sunday Sept. 8. The Registration fee will remain the same, $35 per student, and will cover the cost of books and supplies for the year. ***Note: Registering Pre-schoolers Little Angels Age: Your child must be 3 ½ by October 1 st Pre-K Age: Your child must be 4 ½ by October 1st Be sure to sign the Parent Snack Sign-Up sheet. The Snack Sign-up sheet will be available at the Registration tables. We urge all parents to take at least one Sunday to bring in a snack for the Sunday School. Instructions for your snack day will be provided or ed. Attached to the Registration Sheet is also a Parent Sign-up sheet. Please volunteer for at least one activity during the school year. Attendance Attendance in Sunday Church School is IMPORTANT. We are offering your children an education in our Greek Orthodox faith. If they do not attend, we cannot teach them properly. Religious Education is a joint parent/church school effort. Please bring your children to church. Students can earn Perfect Attendance by not missing more than 5 classes, Excellent Attendance for not missing more than 8 classes during the year. Pin awards will be distributed to students with Perfect Attendance and special recognition certificates will be given to students with Excellent Attendance at graduation. If your child attends another church on a given Sunday, please ask them to tell the teacher so that he/she is given credit for the Sunday.

12 Stewardship Envelopes At registration all students will be given a set of stewardship envelopes that we ask your children to use as a gift to God. Our program teaches that stewardship is a response to God s generosity to us. Please encourage your children to put aside some money each week and to place it in their stewardship envelopes each Sunday. It is best if your child places the money aside from his own resources, or if he has none, that he/she ask you for something to give to the Church. I wish everyone a Blessed Ecclesiastic year. Athena Georgotas Sunday Church School Director

13 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS On behalf of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Irene, we hope that you are enjoying your summer vacations. We would like to thank you for your continued support of Philoptochos and our efforts over the past 2 years. Through the endeavors of our chapter members, and the support of the St. Athanasios Community we distributed over $52,000 (Sept 2011 June 2013) to Philanthropic Charities and Families in need of Social Services Assistance. We are most proud to recognize the winner of annual achievement based scholarship for $1000, which was awarded to Miss Elena Andreou. Elena graduated from Glen Rock High School, her cumulative GPA at the time of her scholarship application was over 4.2. She will be attending John Hopkins University in the fall, pursuing the field of medicine. Elena is the daughter of Andreas and Phyllis Andreou. Congratultions to Elena and her family. We pray for your continued success, and that your love of learning inspires you to do great things. At our June 4, 2013 meeting we held our bi-annual elections of officers: I am proud to announce that the following people will hold officer roles during the term: Karen Scoullos, President Vasiliki Panagopoulos, 1 st Vice President Marguerite Lahanas, 2 nd Vice President Arete Pavlou, Recording Secretary Ann Kamvosoulis, Corresponding Secretary Xanthippi Nakopoulos, Treasurer Patricia Ekonomidis, Assistant Treasurer Theodora Portelos, Advisor Congratulations and Panta Axia to our new officers and Board Members. We plan a running things with a different format come the fall. We will be corresponding with our membership, and requesting that they select committees to participate in, whereby we hope to streamline the business discussed in our monthly meetings, and provide more time for fellowship and special events. We are in the midst of finalizing our fall schedule, and have planned many exciting events. Our monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 7:30 pm Membership is open to Orthodox Christian Women over age 18, who are inspired to assist those in need. We will be participating once again in the Lord & Taylor Annual Charity Benefit Bash, date in October which is to be determined. The cost of admission to this event is $5.00, which will benefit our various Philoptochos Charities. Please save the dates for our annual Philoptochos Retreat to St. Basils Academy on October 26, We are also planning for our fashion show, which will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 6:30 pm at The Venetian.. At this event we will be sponsoring a 50/50 raffle which will benefit The Lustgarten Foundation, whose mission is to fund research to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.

14 As always, we thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing you at our events. Sincerely, Karen Scoullos & Thea Portelos GREEK SCHOOL NEWS Η τελετή των εξετάσεων του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου που έγινε την 8 η Ιουνίου 2013, θα μείνει αξέχαστη. Απολαύσαμε χαρούμενα τραγούδια από τους μικρούς μας μαθητές, ένα ωραιότατο θεατρικό από τους μαθητές της έκτης τάξης και τις συγκινητικές εκθέσεις τους, πολλά χαμόγελα και ενθουσιασμό από όλους τους γονείς. Συγχαρητήρια στις δασκάλες για την επιμέλεια και την παρουσίαση του προγράμματος, αλλά και στους μαθητές μας για την φανταστική τους απόδοση. Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω πολύ όλες τις δασκάλες του Σχολείου μας όπως και τις βοηθούς μας, για την άψογη συνεργασία τους, και την ακούραστη προσφορά τους, καθ ολη την διάρκεια της Σχολικής χρονιάς. Δασκάλες Δεσ/νίς Χριστίνα Καραμπέτσου Νηπ.-3 Κα Αγγελική Αντωνάκου Δελάνυ Προν. 4-5 Κα Χρύσα Καρρά Νηπιαγωγείο Κα Σταυρούλα Μουτάφη Πρώτη τάξη Κα Θεοδώρα Ασπρά Δευτέρα τάξη (Β-1) Κα Ρίτα Ευαγγέλου Δευτέρα τάξη (Β-2) Κα Μαρία Αμανεζή Τρίτη τάξη Κα Αμαλία Αρμενάκη Τετάρτη τάξη Κα Θέα Ζογώτη Πέμπτη τάξη Κα Καλλιόπη Ζανάκη Έκτη τάξη Βοηθοί Έμη Ασπρά Αντωνία Δ. Ζανάκη Καλλιόπη Δ. Ζανάκη Αλεξάνδρα Κατέχη Ελένη Μπακογιάννη Θερμά ευχαριστώ επίσης στον Σύλλογο Γονέων, για την βοήθεια και υποστήριξή τους. Εκτιμούμε όσα έκαναν για τους μαθητές τους μας την χρονιά που πέρασε. Τέλος ευχαριστούμε, τον Ιερατικό Προϊστάμενο τον Πατέρα Ανάργυρο, για την καθοδήγηση, συμπαράσταση και ενδιαφέρον του, και εσάς τους γονείς, για την αγάπη και εμπιστοσύνη που μας δείξατε! Σας εύχομαι καλό καλοκαίρι, και χαρούμενες διακοπές

15 CONGRATUATIONS to all Greek School students for their wonderful performance at the Graduation ceremony, that took place on June 8th, and good luck to our GRADUATES!!! I wish to thank all our teachers for a job well done! TEACHERS ASSISTANTS Miss Christina Karabetsos PreK-3 Emmie Aspras Mrs. Angela Antonakos Delaney Pre-K-4-5 Antonia D Zanakis Mrs. Chrysa Karras Kindergarten Kalliopi D. Zanakis Mrs. Stavroula Moutafis First grade Alexandra Katechis Mrs. Theodora Aspras Second grade (B-1) Eleni Bakogiannis Mrs. Rita Evangelou Second grade (B-2) Mrs. Maria Amanezis Third grade Mrs. Amalia Armenakis Fourth grade Mrs. Thea Zogotis Fifth grade Mrs. Kalliopi Zanakis Sixth grade A special THANK YOU to the PTO, for their continuous support and help. GREEK SCHOOL will re-open the 9 th of September 2013! Finally, I want to thank Father Anargyros for his guidance and support throughout the year. Sophia Stamatiou Principal HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER PASTORAL GUIDELINES ECCLESIASTICAL DIVORCE In the unfortunate instance, where a marriage cannot progress and where it becomes spiritually detrimental and a civil divorce has been obtained, an Orthodox Christian is to seek counsel of the parish priest. An Ecclesiastical or church divorce must also be obtained in these instances. Fr. Anargyros will assist this person in obtaining the Ecclesiastical divorce from the Metropolis but it is crucial he is aware of these instances affecting the lives of parishioners. As per Archdiocesan policy, letters of Good Standing cannot be issued until an Ecclesiastical Divorce has been obtained after the issuance of a civil divorce. Orthodox Christians who have obtained a civil divorce but not an Ecclesiastical Divorce, may not participate in any Sacraments of the church.. WEDDINGS Weddings are no longer allowed to be scheduled on Wednesdays or Fridays, with the exception of the fast free weeks of Christmas, Pascha and Pentecost. As always, weddings are still not performed during fasting seasons or on the Feasts of the Church,

16 specifically: September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross), December (Nativity), January 5 & 6 (Theophany), Great Lent, Holy Week, Pascha, Pentecost, August 1-15 (Dormition of the Theotokos), and on August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist). BAPTISMS Baptisms will now be permitted from the 25th of December through the Feast of the Theophany. Previously, Baptisms were not allowed to be performed during this time period. As always, Baptisms are still not performed during Holy Week or on any Great Feast Days of the Lord. Η ΥΨΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ: Παρακαλούμε όσους έχουν Βασιλικό στο σπίτι των για τήν εορτή του Τιμίου Σταυρού, να το φέρουν στην Εκκλησία την Πέμπτη, 14 Σεπτεμβρίου και να το δώσουν στο γραφείο. EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS We ask all parishioners to bring their Vasiliko plants to church on Tuesday, September 13th and give them to our Neokoro. The Vasiliko will be used for the Feast of the Holy Cross on September 14th. METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY HOLY CROSS CELEBRATION IN ASBURY PARK, NJ - SUNDAY, SEPTMEBER 15, 2013 Buses will be available only if enough parishioners pre-register. Please plan on attending and supporting our divers. If interested in taking the bus along with the rest of the community, please contact the church office no later than Friday, September 6th.

17 ST. ATHANSIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH HELLENIC FOLK DANCE PROGRAM Our purpose is to continue the positive experiences of camaraderie and fellowship under the umbrella of our Greek Orthodox Church. DANCE CLASSES WILL START ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20th, COME AND JOIN US! Beginners: (ages 5-7): Fridays 5:00-5:45 p.m. Cost $150 Intermediate (Ages 8-11) Fridays 5:45-6:30 p.m. Cost: $150 Contact Helen hdanas@yahoo.com GOYA: (7th -12th grades): Fridays 6:30-8:00 p.m. Cost: $200 Contact Athena athee3@msn.com Adults: Fridays 8:00 9:00 p.m. Cost $150 Contact: Joanne krousos1@aol.com Thursday, September 5th - 7:00 p.m. All parents are invited to this very important meeting regarding the youth ministries of our parish

18 We are pleased to announce that our community will be having a New Year s Eve Gala! Additional information will be available soon! THE MINISTRIES OF ST. ATHANASIOS: SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL GREEK SCHOOL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY P.T.O. CANTOR CHOIR NEOKOROS ALTAR BOYS H.O.P.E. (ages 4-7) J.O.Y. (ages 8-11) GOYA (ages 12-18) FOS (Outreach Parish Ministry) HELLENIC SENIORS BIBLE STUDY & Catechism GREEK DANCING EPISKEPSIS (Visitations) DIAKONIA AGAPES (Help the needy-food Pantry) SONS OF PERICLES AHEPA Athena Georgotas - Director Sophia Stamatiou - Principal Karen Scoullos - President Eleni Karounos - President Chris Haramis Lee Kotsambas, Director Kostas Gianakopoulos Contact: Sotirios Karabetsos Penny Antonopoulos, Irene Zervoudis Penny Antonopoulos, Irene Zervoudis Tina Marcopoulos - Head Advisor, Eleni Backos, President Karen Scoullos Helen Manztouranis Fr. Anargyros Eleni Karounos, Athena Kostopoulos Fr. Anargyros Presbytera Christina, Christina Georgotas Pavlos Toronidis, Meet every 1st Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Louis Arvanitis, President - Meets every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

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