Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George & The Shrine of Saint Nectarios Clifton, NJ

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1 Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George & The Shrine of Saint Nectarios Clifton, NJ Fall Issue: September 2014 November 2014 Wishing everyone a Blessed Ecclesiastical New Year Please note new Sunday Liturgy hours posted on page Save The Dates: Details Inside Ministry Sunday September 7 Pancake Breakfast September 28 Beefsteak Dinner October 4 Indoor Greek Festival November 1 & 2 Tricky Tray November 14 Celebration for Married Couples married 50 years + November 16 Some Highlights In This Issue: Fr. Peter s Message.Page 1 & 3 Fr. John s Message..Page 6 President s Message Page 4 Stewardship Update...Page Treasurer s Corner..Page 5 Recipe...Page 21 Church Sacraments Page 28 Support our Sponsors Pages Ministry Updates throughout Fr. Peter s Message: New Church Year; Become A Force For Good Dear friends and parishioners of St. George, By the time you read this writing the new ecclesiastical year will be in full swing. Between the schools, the various organizational activities, the Divine Services, the church will be buzzing and we all will find ourselves trying to keep all the balls up in the air. There lies the danger, deceived by the busy-ness, immersed in doing good works, thoroughly convinced that we are doing it all for the glory of God, sometimes we may find that we are involved in just enough things that we crowd God out of our lives. It is not a conscious decision that we make to leave Him out; rather it is our indecision about keeping him in. You know how the story goes, we walk out of meetings with lists of action items, and more items are generated in the next meeting before we are done with the first ones. The family and the home life have their own lists and next thing you know there is no time to pray. Day after day we go without praying. Without making the time to strengthen the special relationship that God wants to have with us. Thinking of it in a different way, we lose the spiritual battle. The Lord warned us about this. He said it is a characteristic of pagans, to worry about everything and leave God out. God knows what is needed in our life and He delights in giving it to us, but He wants to see us looking to do His will first. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of itself. (Matthew 6:33-34). Continued on Page 3 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

2 We extend to you a warm and heartfelt Christian welcome! Our parish is dedicated to imitating the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ by sharing the Gospel with our words and living it with our lives. We seek to strengthen and encourage one another in the faith so that we may be equipped to welcome many more into our family as fellow disciples of Jesus Christ. Church Ministries & Church Information The Orthodox Light The Official Publication of St. George Greek Orthodox Church 818 Valley Road Clifton, NJ Phone: Fax: s: Elaine / Office: S t G e o r g e A d m g m a i l. c o m Fr. Peter: S t G e o r g e Re g m a i l. c o m Treasurer: S t G e o r g e Tr s g m a i l. c o m Website: Facebook: Shutterfly Picture Sharing Site: REVEREND PETER G. SOURITZIDIS, PROISTAMENOS REVEREND JOHN P. ORFANAKOS, PASTOR EMERITUS PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS President Nicholas Marcopulos 1st Vice President John Foukas 2nd Vice President Spyro Demetropoulos Secretary Nickitas Alexiades Assistant Secretary Efrosine Sullivan Treasurer Angela Delaney Assistant Treasurer Christothea Pavlou-Pandazis PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Alec Alexiades Sean Mish Anthoula Bozios William G. Nicholas Dr. Panos Diamandopoulos Nicholas Poulis Steve Drimones Dr. George Scordilis Peter Koukounas Kostas Tsanakos Dr. John Malindretos Emmanuel Tzavlakis Steven Manis George Zachos Church Office Hours Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Church Liturgical Schedule Sunday Divine Liturgy Schedule Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Weekday Divine Liturgy Schedule Orthros & Divine Liturgy: 8:30am PARISH MINISTRIES Bible Study Fr. Peter Souritzidis & Dr. Peter Salierno Philoptochos President Helga Diamandopoulos Choir Directors Yannis Magiros & Angelo Duvlaris Church School Directors Barbara Pepe, Alicia Pepe & Presvytera Margaret Greek School Chairman Anastasios Koularmanis Greek School Director Joyce Logothetis GOYA Advisors Sophie Logothetis, Popi Pelidis, Phyllis Lambridis, Angela Delaney GOYA Coaches Michael Halkias, Kalliope Vergis, Spyro Katechis & Nick Mariolis GOYA President Kalliopi Logothetis Hope/Joy Advisors Elaine Manoliadis & Angela Delaney Hellenic Music Society Yannis Magiros Orthodox Life Institute Dr. Peter Salierno Kali Parea Tina Stames Chanters Moschos Scoullis, Ross Halkias & Anastasia Pagonis Daughters of Penelope Athens Zambelis Church Secretary Elaine Catsicas Orthodox Light Anthoula Bozios Orthodox Light Sponsor Ads Christothea Pavlou-Pandazis Religious Book Store Gordon Condos, Irene Houlis 2 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

3 Fr. Peter s Message continued from page 1 The work of the church first and foremost is to save our soul, to distribute to us God s Holiness and sanctification. To pave the way for us to walk on, to go to heaven. Unless the church provides this for us she is falling short on her mission. She needs to be our greatest supporter in our struggle against evil. When functioning correctly and doing her work, the church needs to be there for her people, from day one to the very end when we triumphantly enter the kingdom of God. She needs to lead the way in our effort to defeat Satan and his evil. In an effort to do this, on behalf of the church I ask you my dear friends in Christ to take part in a 4R, four-part campaign. The four parts are: Refocus-Reveal-Resist and Realize. Refocus your way of life to seek and serve the Lord. Reveal the parts of your life that Satan has you thinking are so bad and unique to you and you can not/should not reveal them to anyone. Deceived by him we lose out on the love and support that the prayer of a righteous friend would provide for us. Allow at least one other person to pray for you, to support you. Resis the devil and his temptations. Realize that you are fragile, vulnerable and you need the power of God s Holy Spirit to help you carry this campaign for spiritual victory in your life. We will discuss the first part in this issue, and the other three in future church publications. Refocus: There is always a way out. When it feels like temptation is too much to bear, God will never leave us alone to drown in it. He will provide protection. He has given us the guidelines. Here is a verse that explains what Refocus means. Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts. (II Timothy 2:22).. When we are being tested or tempted, struggling to chose between right and wrong, the best thing to do is to walk away from the wrong, the evil thing that does not agree with God s ways. Another way to think of it is like this. When Satan calls and gives you his tempting but ungodly option, do not sit there and have a conversation with him, hang up the phone. If you stay on the phone long enough, he will convince you, he will outsmart you. You see, he has been at this for thousands of years; he has every excuse and every lie in his bag of tricks. Just hang up and walk away. But remember this the wrong desires that come into your life aren t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation s power so that you can bear up patiently against it (1 Corinthians 10:13 Living Bible, TLB). In other words, God promised that he would not test us in a way greater than we can handle. So my beloved friends, as we begin this new church year, let us make it our top priority to engage in the spiritual struggle. The Church is here to help with the power of God and the holy Sacraments, come and partake, and do not let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Have a blessed new church year, With Love in Christ the Lord, +Fr. Peter Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. II Timothy 2:8 - Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. Hebrews 2:16 - We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 3:1-2 - And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God s messenger and High Priest. 2 For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God s entire house. 3 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

4 Parish President s Message by Nick Marcopulos Dear Parishioners of St. George: I pray that all is well with you and your families and that you had an enjoyable summer. As we approach the end of the season, I look forward to the new Church year beginning in September and continuing to grow our parish. As president, I can state that our community is strong and thriving. During my short term so far this year, I ve had the pleasure to greet and meet the various ministry heads in order to gain a better understanding of the needs of our parish and ministries. Our parish is blessed to have so many talented and dedicated individuals. I encourage that you all attend the displays on Ministry Sunday (to be held this September) and actively enroll and volunteer. The Parish Council will also roll-out several committees this day which will help us function efficiently. This will also afford our parishioners the opportunity to take a leadership role in our Church outside of the Parish Council. The Parish Council has worked diligently during the summer months to deliver the following: Fundraising Plans are underway for a Beefsteak to be held in October with profits to help meet operational expenses. Plans are also underway for a Fall Greek Food Festival further details to be announced. Finances The 2015 budget along with a 5-year financial plan are being developed and finalized. This will serve as a blue-print for our parish to meet our operational expenses moving forward and will be presented during the General Assembly meeting in November. In June, the Saint George Endowment fund was approved by the parish with a starting amount of $400,000 and the Aspasia Smith Capital Improvement Matching Grant Fund in the amount of $76,000. The by-laws are being drafted and an Endowment Committee is being established for approval by the parish in September. The Parish Council is continuing to look at ways to eliminate waste and reduce costs. Capital Improvements A plan (i.e. outdoor lighting, gym floor, kitchen renovations) is being developed and will also be presented to the General Assembly in November. As you can see, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but also have much to be thankful for. I look forward to seeing you all soon and working together as a Community of Faith. God bless you, Nicholas Marcopulos LIKE US on The official page name is: St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Clifton, NJ 4 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

5 Treasurer s Corner by Angela Delaney (Parish Treasurer) ST. GEORGE'S 2014 FIRST & SECOND QUARTER INCOME AND EXPENSE REPORT Jan - Mar 14 Jan - Mar 13 $ Change Income Bookstore $262 $567 -$305 Candles $48,459 $45,555 $2,904 Flower Donations $500 $550 -$50 Greek School $1,050 $750 $300 Hall Rental $2,350 $3,750 -$1,400 less income due to snow plowing costs House Rental (810 Valley Rd.) $15,380 $15,760 -$380 In Memory $6,580 $2,960 $15 Miscellaneous $6,488 $1,550 $4,938 Seasonal/Holy Day $6,715 $9,820 -$3,105 Stewardship $135,658 $140,018 -$4,360 Summer Camp $7,675 $4,800 $2,875 Church School $659 $1,347 -$688 Tray Collections $19,289 $19,911 -$622 collection of income varies throughout year Ad Journal $850 $4,745 -$3,895 Orthodox Light Ads $2,900 $4,700 -$1,800 Festival $91,556 $66,644 $24,912 Festival Donation $1,894 $270 $1,624 Grand Raffle $18,640 $3,430 $15,210 Festival Vendor $550 $950 -$400 Social Events $1,590 $4,105 -$2,515 Scholarship Donations $292 $0 $292 Soup Sales $1,505 $2,357 -$852 Total Income $370,842 $334,539 $36,303 Expense Archdioceses Fair Share $38,500 $39,130 -$630 Metropolis Miscallaneous $6,420 $2,645 $3,775 Priest, Secretary, Caretaker, Chanter, Choir Director Salaries $91,590 $90,990 $600 Payroll Taxes $7,975 $7,440 $535 Health Insurance $13,809 $12,528 $1,281 Flowers $4,726 $3,059 $1,667 Liability Insurance $6,872 $7,631 -$759 Workerk's Comp Insurance $1,214 $2,402 -$1,188 Building Repairs 818 Valley Rd. $0 $116 -$116 Maintenance 810 Valley Rd. $0 $380 -$380 Increase due to snow plowing costs Maintenance 818 Valley Rd $20,375 $15,359 $5,016 Utilities 810 Valley Rd $252 $249 $3 Thanks to the Polar Vortex Utilities 818 Valley Rd $32,751 $22,142 $10,609 Property Taxes 810 Valley Rd $11,093 $10,924 $169 Purchases vary throughout the year Candle Purchases $10,165 $6,345 $3,820 Office Supplies $5,528 $3,791 $1,737 Professional Fees $330 $1,214 -$884 Printing Expense $1,579 $1,131 $448 Miscellaneous Expense $8,038 $905 $7,133 Greek School Salaries $18,125 $18,025 $100 Greek School Miscellaneous $224 $2,376 -$2,152 Church School Exp $1,088 $1,593 -$505 Bookstore Exp $311 $1,261 -$950 Summer Camp Exp. $529 $1,087 -$558 Scholarship Awards $2,272 $2,000 $272 Special/Miscellaneous $6,082 $528 $5,554 Festival Exp $40,645 $34,577 $6,068 Annual Raffle $9,465 $1,540 $7,925 Hall Rental Exp $600 $750 -$150 Soup Sales Exp $103 $1,162 -$1,059 Seasonal/Social Events $3,500 $3,930 -$430 Mortgage Paid in Full Mortgage 810 Valley Rd $0 $14,947 -$14,947 Fr. John Visiting Clergy $7,700 $11,150 -$3,450 Total Expense $351,861 $323,307 $28, st & 2nd Quarter +/- 18,981 NET INCOME 5 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

6 Σύμβολον Αγάπης Και Λυτρώσεως υπó Πατρóς Ιωáννου Κάθε τι μεγάλο στη ζωή στηρίζεται στη θυσία. Καί το γεγονός της σωτηρίας τού ανθρωπίνου γένους στηρίχθηκε στη σταυρική θυσία τού Θεανθρώπου Ιησού. Αυτό το γεγονός της σωτηρίας μας προβάλεται με την ύψωσι του Τιμίου Σταυρού πού εορτάζει η Εκκλησία μας την δεκάτην τετάρτην Σεπτεμβρίου. Ο Σταυρός του Χριστού είναι το ορατό όργανο της σωτηρίας μας. Απόδειξις της αγάπης τού Θεού γιά τον άνθρωπο δεν ήτο δυνατόν να υπάρξη μεγαλύτερη. «Μείζον ταύτης αγάπην ουδείς έχει, ίνα τις την ψυχήν αυτού θή υπέρ των φίλων αυτού.» Ο μαρτυρικός θάνατος τού Σταυρού μας το βεβαιώνει αυτό. Πως να μπορέση ο άνθρωπος να μετρήση αυτό το πέλαγος της θείας αγάπης; Ολη η ζωή τού Κυρίου, από την θείαν του ενσάρκωσι μέχρις της Αναστάσεως καί της Αναλήψεώς του, είναι μιά κίνησις αγάπης. Ενα ανείπωτο έργο θυσίας. Θυσίας πού σώζει. Θυσίας πού προσφέρει τη ζωή τού Θεανθρώπου υπέρ της τού κόσμου σωτηρίας. Γι αυτό καί ο Σταυρός δεν είναι μόνο σύμβολον αγάπης, αλλά είναι καί σύμβολο σωτηρίας καί λυτρώσεως. Εκείνος πού στρέφεται προς τον Σταυρό δεν πεθαίνει από το κεντρί της αμαρτίας. Διότι επί τού Σταυρού έχυσε το Πανάγαιον Αίμα Του ο Κύριος ημών Ιησού Χριστός, έσχισε το χειρόγραφο των πταισμάτων μας, καί μας συμφιλίωσε με τον πατέρα μας το Θεόν. Εξέλειψε η έχθρα τού προπατορικού αμαρτήματος. Ο Σταυρός τού Χριστού είναι το αιώνιο σύμβολο της Θείας αγάπης καί της σωτηρίας μας. Είναι απόδειξις μοναδικής αγάπης καί σύμβολο της λυτρώσεως μας. Επάνω σε δύο γεγονότα στηρίζεται η χριστιανική πίστις. Στο Σταυρό τού Χριστού πρώτα καί στην ένδοξο Ανάστασι Tου ύστερα. Οπλο κατά τού διαβόλου χαρακτηρίζει τον τίμιο Σταυρό ο υμνογράφος της Εκκλησίας μας. «Εν τούτω έθνη βαρβάρα ήττηνται.» Καί οί πιστοί, πού τον προσκυνούν με πόθο καί ψυχική λαχτάρα λαμβάνουν τα ιάματα της ψυχής των καί τού σώματος των. Από το ένα μέρος λοιπόν, το «ζωηφόρον φυτόν» τού Σταυρού έχει δύναμι προστατευτική, μας προστατεύει, καί από το άλλο έχει δύναμι αγιαστική, μας αγιάζει καί μας σώζει. «Σταυρός ο φύλαξ πάσης της οικουμένης. Σταυρός, η ωραιότης της Εκκλησίας. Σταυρός, βασιλέων το κραταίωμα. Σταυρός, πιστών το στήριγμα. Σταυρός, αγγέλων η δόξα καί των δαιμόνων το τραύμα.» 6 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

7 Orthodox Life Institute by Dr. Peter Salierno The Orthodox Life Institute of St. George Greek Orthodox Church will be offering a two semester course entitled: The Roots of Faith; The Law, The Prophets and the Gospels beginning Sept. 16, 2014 and ending May 19, The course will include a biblical approach in scriptural studies both in prophecy and application. All who attend should prepare to open their hearts and minds in applying the Scriptures to the creeds, ritual expressions and faith of the Greek Orthodox Church. Come lift up your minds and hearts to the Lord and walk before Him in the path of the Patriarchs and Prophets. The course is given at NO TUITION and all you need to bring is your notebook, your Bible and your faith! Please come join us every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM in the lower hall. As St. Paul urges us to study the scriptures and work out our salvation before the Lord, so it is counted unto us as righteousness when we study the Word of God. Come and be blessed, have your life enriched, and find a community of like-minded people who are zealous for the Word of God and the Orthodox Faith. We hope to see you there on Sept. 16! FALL SEMESTER Sept. 16, 23 Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov. 4, 11, 18 Dec. 2, 9, 16 SPRING SEMESTER Jan. 20, 27 Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 HOLY WEEK - NO CLASS Apr. 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19 C H R I S T T H E T E A C H E R Knitting & Crocheting for Charity Free lessons! Beginners welcome! Tuesdays at St. George 4:00-6:00 pm Calling all knitters and crocheters! We need you! Help us help others by sharing your God -given talents to make knitted and crocheted items for various charities. Stop by our table on Registration Sunday to see what we do. For more information, please call Diane Peppes at THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

8 Our Greek School by Joyce Logothetis Our St. George Greek School completed another successful year providing a learning environment enriched by dedicated teachers instilling the love of the Greek language, history, culture, and faith to our youth. Following this year s events OXI Day Celebration, Thanksgiving celebration, Harvest Party, Christmas Brunch, Three Hierarchs/Cultural Exhibit- our dedicated teachers and students collaboratively worked diligently for a wonderful Greek Independence Day program in March. All of the student performances were filled with great ethnic pride as they demonstrated their talents with songs, poems, narrations, and skits paying tribute to the heroes of the Greek Revolution of The Greek School hosted the annual Easter Egg Hunt for all the children in our community following the AGAPE Easter Sunday Service. Thereafter in May, our little Greek School stars in Grades Pre K, 1st, and 2nd shared their loving wishes to all of our Mothers and Grandmothers in our parish with heartfelt Mother s Day poems. To mark the end of our Greek School year, a pizza party for all of the students sponsored by the Lekas Family took place. Following, the Greek School hosted an ice cream truck for our Greek School families to enjoy. Soon after, the Greek School honored all of its students at our annual 6th Grade Graduation and Promotions Ceremony in the Fellowship Hall. Each grade level from Pre K to 5th performed a brief end of the year poem/song; received their Archdiocese Promotion Certificates; and were awarded academic Achievement medals. Our evening started with our talented 6th Grade students humorous performance as they reminisced on their years of Greek School. An outstanding job was done by all of the students that day. Congratulations to our St. George Greek School Graduating Class of 2014: Alexa Alexiades, Megan Fitzpatrick, Efthymia Koleros, Alexandra Lekas, Harry Mastrogiannis, Athina Pramagioulis, and Yianni Soumilas. Ms. Stacy Mentzelopoulou touched the audience and her 6th grade students with her moving thoughts and inspirational words. Along with Ms. Mentzolopoulou, Mr. Nick Marcopoulos, Parish Council President, and Mr. Anastasios Koularmanis, School Board Chairman, assisted in distributing the graduates diplomas, plaques, and Greek School gifts sponsored by our Greek School. This year, special recognition is extended to Efthymia Koleros, 6th Grade Valedictorian of the Class of 2014 and recipient of The Holy Three Hierarchs Award of Excellence by the Archdiocese. Additionally, special recognition is extended to Harry Mastrogiannis, recipient of the St. George Award This year, the graduating class and their families had a celebratory dinner at Stamna following the graduation ceremony. Lastly, extra special appreciation and acknowledgement goes to our dedicated teaching staff again this year for their patience and commitment to our language program: Ms. Georgia Kantsoulis, Mrs. Bessie Batalas-Long, Mrs. Rita Evangelou, Mrs. Marietta Frangou, Mrs. Zoe Batemits, Mrs. Maria Amanezis, Mrs. Helen Foukas, and Ms. Anastasia Mentzelopoulou. On behalf of our entire Greek School Board and Teaching Staff, we applaud all of our Greek School graduates and students on another year of learning our valuable Hellenic language, culture, and faith. United together, we can all maintain the legacy of our ancestors and continue to keep our Greek language and culture alive today - and for many generations to come. Greek School registration for the school year is in progress. Registration forms can be found in the church office for everyone s convenience. The first day of Greek School will be on September 9, 2014, and we look forward to seeing all of our returning and any new families. 8 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

9 Our Greek School by Joyce Logothetis Our Greek School School Year & Graduation Ceremony 9 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

10 10 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

11 The Stewardship Committee would like to offer a very special THANK YOU to all of you who have submitted a stewardship pledge for 2014! We are making good progress! Our updated Stewardship totals as of 7/11/14 are 293 stewards with pledges totaling $166,645. $133,438 has been collected and $33,207 remains outstanding. Our goal is to reach 400 Stewards and to attain our budgeted amount of $220,000 for We ask that those who have not yet submitted a pledge card or made an offering for this year, to please give prayerful consideration to make a commitment at this time. Please complete a 2014 Stewardship card (printed below) and mail it back to the Church office at your earliest convenience. If you are making your best efforts in supporting the church, thank you. If you feel you can do better, we thank you for your present stewardship and hope you will consider extending your commitment and support for our church for the remainder of the year. The Parish Council Treasurers would like to update you and let you know how we have progressed financially in the second quarter of Remember that during the 1st quarter of 2014, St. George had incurred expenses that were exceeding our budgeted monthly expenses. Nevertheless, we had a fruitful Holy Week and a successful Spring Greek Festival which allowed us to catch up to our expenses. We are cautiously optimistic about the 3rd quarter of the year. During the summer months the revenue we receive decreases, however, our expenses also lessen for a short time. The 4th quarter is where we will all, once again, have to work together to meet the final Operating Expenses of our Parish for the remainder of the year. Stewardship 2014 by Angela Delaney Our community will be hosting 2 major fundraisers in the Fall. Our Beefsteak will be held on October 4th and our Fall Festival will take place on November 1st & 2nd. If we put our best efforts into making them a success by volunteering our time and talents, and arranging to bring family and friends to these events, we surely can surpass our budgeted income goals. May St. George the Great Martyr and St. Nectarios the Wonderworker be with you and your loved ones always. 11 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

12 Stewardship List 2014 Mr. & Mrs. Alec & Frances Alexiades Mr. & Mrs. Nickitas & Maria Alexiades Ms. Sophia Alexiades Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios & Rallou Amolochitis Mr. & Mrs. William & Patricia Anagnostos Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Helen Anastasia Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Matina Anastos Mrs. Carole Andreou Mr. & Mrs. Efstathios & Linda Andriopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Brennian & Stephanie Antell Mrs. Vivian Antonakis Mr. Bobby Antoniades Mr. & Mrs. Adam & Andrea Antoniou Mr. & Mrs. Antonis & Angeliki Antoniou Mr. & Mrs. Leo E. & Alexandra P. Argiris Mr. Peter Argitis Ms. Nikki Astipalitis Mr. & Mrs. George & Konstantina Avramidis Mr. & Mrs. Manos & Marianne Avramidis Ms. Felicetta Babieri Mrs. Suzanne Bauer Ms. Anca Irina Bejan Ms. Georgia Bellias Ms. Maria Elena Botei Ms. Anthoula Bozios Mr. & Mrs. Christos & Lia Bozios Mr. Evangelos Bozios Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Jennifer Brown Mr. & Mrs. Jerry & Debbie Cammarata Mr. & Mrs. Kevin & Andrea Cartwright Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Linda Chelius Ms. Theodora Chichi Mr. & Mrs. Michael Chilimintirs Mr.& Mrs. Angelo & Eva Chrisafinis Mr. & Mrs. Constantine & Dorothy Christakos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Christakos Mr. Peter J. Christakos Ms. Kalliopi Chryssos Ms. Cleo Coloritis Mr. Gordon J Condos Ms. Sophia Constandinou Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Eleni Corbosiero Mr. & Mrs. Ronald & Evanthia Corrado Ms. Maria D'Accampo Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Mary Dakos Mr. & Mrs. George & Eleni Dakos Mr. & Mrs. Forrest & Jamie De Visser Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Angela Delaney Mr. & Mrs. Spyros & Athena Demetropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nick & Maria Dessipris Mr. & Mrs. Panos & Helga Diamandopoulos Ms. Vasiliki Diamond Mr. & Mrs. Franco & Irina DiMaio Mr. Dimitrios S Doris Mr. & Mrs. Antonios & Christina Drakas Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios & Angela Drakas Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Olga Drimones Mr. & Mrs. Maios & Alice Eliades Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Esther Exarchos Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos & Maria Fasilis Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Irene Ferrolho Mr. & Mrs. James & Katherine Fitzpatrick Mr. & Mrs. Kiriakos & Theodora Floris Mr. & Mrs. Ryan & Alexia Folsom Dr. & Mrs. Dimitrios & Kassandra Fotiadis Mr. & Mrs. John & Helen Foukas Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Christina Foukas Mr. & Mrs. John & Alexia Gaffney Mr. & Mrs. Nikos & Nikoletta Galiatsis Mr. & Mrs. James & Kelly Gardner Mr. & Mrs. James & Kathy Genakos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Mary Georgaros Mr. & Mrs. Perry & Camille Georgison Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Hope Gergatsoulis Mr. & Mrs. Ronald & Rita Gerhold Ms. Angeliki Giannoglou Ms. Potoula Gieger Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Paraskevi Golematis Mr. Harry A Golematis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Irene Gregoriou Mr. & Mrs. Petros & Carrie Gregory Mr. & Mrs. David J. & Katerina M. Grimes Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Angela Gyftopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Demetris & Margarita Hailos Mr. & Mrs. Stylianos & Katerina Hailos Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Jeanette Halkias Mr. & Mrs. Ross & Antionette Halkias Ms. Fotini Haniotis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Vaia Haralam Mr. Gus Haritos Ms. Helen Haritos Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios & Nadia Hatzinas Ms. Maria Hatzipetros Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Anna Hios Mr. & Mrs. John & Kathleen Hiras Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Konstantina Holevas Ms. Irene Houlis Ms. Cecelia J. Iberer Mr. & Mrs. John & Maria Ikonomidis Mr. & Mrs. John & Susan Ioannou Ms. Fotini Joannidis Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas & Judith Joannidis Ms. Mary Kalazan Ms. Lucinda Kallimanis Mr. & Mrs. George & Ellen Kaloroumakis Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Christine Kamakaris Ms. Stella Kamakaris Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Effie Kambourakis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Christine Kanellos Mr. & Mrs. Dino & Alexandra Kaousias Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Maria Karagiorgis Mr. George Karkanias Mr. & Mrs. George & Maria Karoullas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas P. & Cathy Ann Kartanos Ms. Chrisanti Kasimos Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Elizabeth Kastrunis Mr. Emmanuel Kavalos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis & Stella Kavalos Mr. & Mrs. Martin & Shirley Kemp Mr. & Mrs. Eric & Artemis Kinzer Ms. Anna Kitsos Mrs. Alexandra Kleiner Ms. Christina Kliener Mr. & Mrs. Spiro & Helen Klimentos Ms. Eugenia Kofitsas Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos & Nora Kokozos Ms. Kallie Kolyvas Ms. Stella Konstantinou Mr. & Mrs. Kostas & Eleni Koufidis Ms. Eleni Koukoularis-Mainkar Ms. Maria Koukoularis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis & Vasiliki Koukounas Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios & Mary Koularmanis Mr. & Mrs. Donald & Helen Kraft Mr. & Mrs. Dean Kyriacou 12 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

13 Mr. & Mrs. George & Tina Lambridis Ms. Afrodite Lewnes Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Christina Kyriazis Loeser Mr. & Mrs. George & Mary Logothetis PhD Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Antoinette Logothetis Mr. & Mrs. Phillip & Clarissa Logothetis Mr. & Mrs. Pothetos & Sophhie Logothetis Mr. & Mrs. James & Barbara Loizides Mr. & Mrs. Shannon & Zoe Luke Mr. & Mrs. Yannis & Phyllis Magiros Mr. & Mrs. John & Matina Malindretos Mr. Manuel Mamonas Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Patricia Manis Mr. & Mrs. Nick & Lisa Marcopulos Mrs. Ljijana R. Markanovic Mr. & Mrs. Hercoules & Katina Marmaras Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Liz Marzulli Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Maria Mastrogiannis Ms. Darla Matsakis Dr. & Mrs. Chris & Sophie Mattheou Ms. Vasiliki Menegakis Ms. Anastasia Mentzelopoulou Dr. John Merianos Ms. Zoi-Heleni Michalopoulou Mr. & Mrs. Sean F. & Panagiota Mish Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Rica Missbrenner Mr. & Mrs. Elio & Angela Fae Ms. Katherine Mitas Mr. & Mrs. Gerard & Christina Mosiello Mr. & Mrs. Teddy & Jeaneen Moustakis Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Paraskevi Muller Ms. Pope Nicholaides Mr. & Mrs. Nicky & Sophie Nicholaides Ms. Irene G. Nicholas Mr. & Mrs. William & Irene Angelides Nicholas Mr. & Mrs. Dimitris & Maria Nissirios Mr.& Mrs. Themistoklis & Maria Nissirios Fr. John & Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos & Anastasia Pagonis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos & Zoe Pagonis Mr. & Mrs. George & Elefteria Pagoulatos Mr. Harry Pagoulatos Mr. & Mrs. Spyro & Harriet Panagakis Ms. Stella Panagakis Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Christothea Pandazis Mr. & Mrs. Arpad & Alina Pap Mr. & Mrs. Alkis & Kalliope Papadakos Ms. Konstandina Papadakos Mr. & Mrs. Cleovoulos & Lu Papadatos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Helen Papadatos Mr. Charles E. Papadelis Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Carla Papasavas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Katherine Papastavrinouidis Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis & Ekaterine Papatherapontos Mrs. Olga Parks Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Eleni Paslis Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Athena Patrikios Ms. Alicia Pepe Mr. & Mrs. Dominick & Barbara Pepe Ms. Melissa Pepe Ms. Dionnysia Peppes Ms. Antonia Periclou Ms. Catherine Perrdick Mrs. Militsa Phillips Ms. Stella Phillips Stewardship List 2014 Mrs. Diana E. Pitsikoulis Ms. Mary Pologeorgis Ms. Anca Popa Mr. & Mrs. Ivan & Alexandra Popov Mr. & Mrs. Jose & Joanna Portela Mr. & Mrs. George & Efrosini Potamoussis Mr. & Mrs. Nick & Helen Poulis Mr. & Mrs. Christos & Gina Pramagioulis Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Sandy Prassakos Mr. & Mrs. Anna P. Protopapas Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Maria Protopapas Mr. & Mrs. John & Kalliroy Protopsaltis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Jasmine Psomas Mr. & Mrs. Marc & Karen ReCasino Mr. John Reier Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Dorothea Rentzis Ms. Katerina Richardson Ms. Frosini Rigas Mr. & Mrs. William & Eleanore Rigoppoulos Mr. & Mrs Kostika & Entela Rixha Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Katherine Romanoff Ms. Gurgina Romanos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas & Xenia Ropas Mr. & Mrs. Eli & Alexia Sakellakis Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Anna Sakellakis Mr. & Mrs. George & Sophia Sakellaris Mr. & Mrs. Ardian & Olga Sako Dr. Peter Salierno Mr. Zachary Savvides Dr. & Mrs. George & Joanne Scordilis Dr. & Mrs. Peter & Kristin Scordilis Mr. & Mrs. John & Mary Sergentanis Ms. Dina Shavelli Ms. Constantina Simotas Mr. & Mrs. Konstandinos & Catherine Siskas Mr. Manny Skounakis Mrs. Morfia Sokolic Mr. James Soteriou Ms. Mary Sotiro Fr. Peter & Presvytera Gigi Souritzidis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos & Odalis Spiratos Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios & Anna Stamos Mrs. Effie Standler Mr. & Mrs. George & Rosemary Stathis Mr.& Mrs. Peter& Marisa Stavrinou Mr. & Mrs. Spiro & Panagiota Stillianesis Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Zinovia Stone Ms. Julia Stoumbos Mr. & Mrs. John & Evangelia Stoupakis Mrs. Katherine Stratos Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Efrosine Sullivan Mrs. Helen V. Therianos Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Marilyn Triantafilos Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Dimitra Tsakonas Mr. & Mrs. John & Julie Tsanakos Mr. & Mrs. Kostas & Athena Tsanakos Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios & Maria Elena Tsatsaros Mr. & Mrs. George & Catina Tsiamtsouris Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Tsimpedes Ms. Joanna Tsimpedes Mr. & Mrs. Theodore & Maria Tsimpedes Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Antigone Tsipas Mr. & Mrs John & Diana Tsividakis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Sophia A. Tzavaras Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel & Alyssa Tzavlakis Mr. & Mrs. John & Maria Tzortzinis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore & Frances Vagias Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Georgia Vangelas Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Roxanne Vasilopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Dimetrio & Irene Vasilopoulos Ms. Joanna Vasilopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Carmela Vazopolos Mr. George Verdis Mr. & Mrs Michael & Jamie Verdis Mr. & Mrs. Miquel & Carrie Vieira Ms. Angie Visvardi Mr. & Mrs. Ted & Valerie Vittas Mr. & Mrs. Jim Vlachakis Mr. & Mrs. George & Panagioula Vlachos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Monica Vlantes Mrs. Voula P. Vogt Mr. & Mrs. Darren & Angelique White Mr. & Mrs. Arthur & Barbara Woolis Mr. & Mrs. George & Elaine Xanthos Ms. Kathy Xanthos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Frageska Xanthos Mr. & Mr. Stratis & Maria Xanthos Ms. Cathy M. Youlios Mr. & Mrs. John & Catherine Zacharias Mr.& Mrs. George & Irene Zachos Mr. & Mrs. John & Athens Zambalis Mr. Evan Zaros Mr. & Mrs. John & Alexandra Zazanis Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Labia Zoulia 13 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

14 Το Γενέθλιο της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου (8 Σεπτεμβρίου) Δεν προλάβαμε να σταματήσουμε τις δοξολογίες για την Υπεραγία Θεοτόκο του μηνός Αυγούστου μήνας που καταγαύζεται, όπως όλοι γνωρίζουμε, από την Κοίμησή της, αλλά και την κατάθεση της τιμίας ζώνης της και ξεκινάμε νέους πανηγυρισμούς, επί τη εορτή των Γενεθλίων της. Αλλά η Εκκλησία μας δεν παύει ποτέ να εορτάζει την Μητέρα του Κυρίου, σε καθημερινή μάλιστα βάση, αφού όλοι οι ύμνοι της επιστεγάζονται από τα τροπάρια γι αυτήν, τα γνωστά «Θεοτοκία», όπως και όλες οι μεγάλες εορτές των αγίων μας έχουν ως σημαιοφόρο τους κανόνες γι αυτήν. Και ευλόγως: η Παναγία αποτελεί τύπο της Εκκλησίας, διότι όπως Εκείνη γέννησε τον Υιό του Θεού ως άνθρωπο, έτσι και η Εκκλησία γεννά τον Χριστό στις καρδιές των ανθρώπων. Όχι μόνο λοιπόν στις Θεομητορικές εορτές, αλλά σε όλες τις εορτές και πάντα, η Παναγία έχει την πρώτη θέση. Τι συγκεκριμένα προβάλλει όμως η σημερινή εορτή, ώστε να διαφοροποιείται αυτή από τις άλλες της Παναγίας; 1. Καταρχάς, θα πρέπει να εξηγήσουμε κάτι που φαίνεται ως αντίφαση και που έχει τονιστεί βεβαίως πολλές φορές: η χριστιανική ορθόδοξη πίστη δεν προβάλλει τα γενέθλια ενός ανθρώπου ως ημέρα εορτής, αλλά την ημέρα που εορτάζει ο άγιός του. Πώς λοιπόν εδώ έχουμε εορτή Γενεθλίων, όπως το ίδιο συμβαίνει και με τον άγιο Ιωάννη τον Πρόδρομο; Η εξήγηση δεν είναι δύσκολη. Τα γενέθλια ενός ανθρώπου, η ημέρα του ερχομού του στον κόσμο λειτουργεί στο επίπεδο μίας οριζόντιας πορείας απλώς του ανθρώπου, η οποία στην πραγματικότητα τροφοδοτεί τον θάνατο. Ο άνθρωπος έρχεται στον κόσμο μέσα σε πλαίσια φθοράς και γνωρίζει ότι το τέλος του είναι ο θάνατος. Τι να γιορτάσει λοιπόν; Η ημέρα όμως που εορτάζει ο άγιος ενός ανθρώπου, αυτός του οποίου φέρει το όνομα, ή έστω η ημέρα της βαπτίσεώς του, ως ημέρα εντάξεώς του στο ζωντανό σώμα του Χριστού, την Εκκλησία, ως μέλος αυτού, αυτό συνιστά την ανάμνηση της χάρης εκ Θεού που δέχτηκε, συνεπώς την απαρχή της σωτηρίας του. Αν κάτι εορτάζεται στην Εκκλησία είναι γιατί έχει πάντοτε σωτηριολογικό χαρακτήρα. Από την άποψη αυτή, είναι ηλίου φαεινότερο γιατί η Εκκλησία μας εορτάζει τα Γενέθλια της Παναγίας ή του αγίου Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου: τότε έρχονται στον κόσμο εκείνοι που κατεξοχήν συνεργούν στον ερχομό του Χριστού και συνεπώς στη σωτηρία του κόσμου. «Η Γέννησίς σου, Θεοτόκε, χαράν εμήνυσε πάση τη οικουμένη. Εκ σου γαρ ανέτειλεν ο ήλιος της δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών». 2. Κι ακριβώς το γεγονός αυτό, δηλαδή η σύνδεση της Γεννήσεως της Παναγίας με τον Ιησού Χριστό, είναι εκείνο που κατεξοχήν εξαγγέλλει η εορτή. Δεν προβάλλεται η Παναγία μας καθεαυτήν ως άνθρωπος. Ποτέ κανείς άνθρωπος από μόνος του, όσο σπουδαίος κι αν είναι, δεν μπορεί να βοηθήσει ουσιαστικά τους ανθρώπους: όλοι ενεργούν και υπάρχουν μέσα στα πλαίσια της φθοράς, όπως είπαμε, και του θανάτου. Η Παναγία έρχεται στον κόσμο μέσα στο θείο σχέδιο σωτηρίας του κόσμου από την αμαρτία και τον θάνατο: είναι η προορισθείσα εκ πασών των γενεών να γίνει Μητέρα του Θεού, παραμένοντας Παρθένος κόρη, όπως διαλαλούν οι ύμνοι της εορτής της. Είναι εκείνη που ο ερχομός της, ως προαναγγελία του Σωτήρα του κόσμου στάμνος και μάννα είτε ως ράβδος του Ααρών είτε πολύ περισσότερο ως «η κεκλεισμένη πύλη, η κατά ανατολάς βλέπουσα», την οποία έδειξε στον προφήτη Ιεζεκιήλ ο Θεός, αποκαλύπτοντάς του ότι δεν θα την διέλθει άλλος, παρά μόνον ο Ίδιος, και γι αυτό θα την κρατήσει έπειτα και πάλι κεκλεισμένη. Η Γέννηση της Παναγίας λοιπόν τονίζεται και υμνολογείται τόσο εξαίσια, διότι ακριβώς παραπέμπει στον Ιησού Χριστό. Ο Χριστός είναι Εκείνος που δίνει την αξία στη Μητέρα Του, χωρίς την οποία όμως δεν θα ήταν Αυτός που είναι: εκτός από τέλειος Θεός και τέλειος άνθρωπος. Γι αυτό και η μοναδικότητα του Ιησού Χριστού αποκαλύπτει και τη μοναδικότητα της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου. Κανείς ποτέ δεν υπήρξε ούτε πρόκειται να υπάρξει παρόμοιος με την Παναγία. Το ύψος της αγιότητάς της είναι υπέρμετρο και πάντοτε θα παραμένει, κατά την πατερική ποιητική υπερβολή ίσως, «Θεός μετά Θεόν». Κατά συνέπεια κατανοείται και το γιατί υπάρχει τόσο μεγάλη χαρά στη σύμπασα οικουμένη. Διότι με τη Γέννηση της Παναγίας ξεκινά η διαδικασία Γεννήσεως και της Χαράς του κόσμου, του Χριστού. Στον κόσμο πια θα υπάρχει η δυνατότητα υπέρβασης της αμαρτίας, κατάργησης του διαβόλου, καταπάτησης του θανάτου. Στον κόσμο θα υπάρχει η αληθινή Ζωή. Είναι δυνατόν να μη χαίρει ο κόσμος γι αυτό; «Σήμερον της παγκοσμίου χαράς τα προοίμια σήμερον έπνευσαν αύραι, σωτηρίας προάγγελοι». 3. Ένα σημείο, στο οποίο πρέπει κανείς να σταθεί, από εκείνα που μαρτυρεί για την εορτή η Εκκλησία, είναι η συχνή επίκληση του προορισμού της για το ρόλο της στη θεία οικονομία. Η Παναγία προορίστηκε να γίνει Μητέρα του Θεού ως ανθρώπου. Το θέμα του προορισμού έχει προκαλέσει πολλές συζητήσεις, και μάλιστα στο παρελθόν. Είναι δε από εκείνα που οριοθετούν την αλήθεια από την πλάνη της αίρεσης. Υπάρχει προορισμός του ανθρώπου; Κι αν ναι, τότε πού βρίσκεται η ελευθερία του ανθρώπου, η οποία καταγράφεται στην Αγία Γραφή ως το βασικότερο στοιχείο του εικονισμού του Θεού στον άνθρωπο; Δεν θα μακρηγορήσουμε σ αυτό. Παρ όλη τη σοβαρότητα και τη δυσκολία ίσως που έχει η διαπραγμάτευσή του μη ξεχνάμε ότι ο ιερός Αυγουστίνος, ο μεγαλύτερος θεολόγος του Δυτικού χριστιανισμού, αλλά και άγιος της δικής μας Εκκλησίας, δίδαξε τον λεγόμενο «απόλυτο προορισμό», δηλαδή τον εξαρχής χωρισμό των ανθρώπων από πλευράς του Θεού, των σωσμένων και των χαμένων, γεγονός που επηρέασε πάρα πολύ έπειτα και τους Προτεστάντες μπορούμε να κάνουμε μερικές απλές επισημάνσεις: ο Θεός βεβαίως δημιουργεί ελεύθερο τον άνθρωπο, αλλά δεν καταργείται με αυτό η δική Του παγγνωσία και προόραση. Για τον Θεό τα πάντα είναι «γυμνά και τετραχηλισμένα» ενώπιόν Του, συνεπώς γνωρίζει εκ των προτέρων οτιδήποτε κι αν συμβεί, οτιδήποτε κι αν σκεφτεί ως λογισμό ο άνθρωπος. Άλλωστε στον Θεό χρόνος δεν υπάρχει, τα πάντα δηλαδή γι Αυτόν είναι παρόντα. Το γεγονός λοιπόν ότι ο Θεός προγνωρίζει τα πάντα δεν σημαίνει ότι καθορίζει και τα πάντα, σαν να είναι Αυτός ο απολύτως υπεύθυνος. Ο άνθρωπος κινείται και σκέφτεται ελεύθερα, αλλά ο Θεός μπορεί απλώς να επέμβει για να τροποποιήσει αυτό που η ελευθερία του ανθρώπου αποφάσισε και ενήργησε. Την πραγματικότητα αυτήν τη βλέπουμε και στα αρνητικά, αλλά και στα θετικά. Και στα θετικά είναι η Γέννηση και της Παναγίας: ο 14 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

15 Το Γενέθλιο της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου (8 Σεπτεμβρίου) προγνωρίζοντας τη θετική κλίση της ψυχής της στο πανάγιο θέλημά Του, την προετοιμάζει να γίνει ό,τι και έγινε. Η Παναγία θέλησε να είναι με τον Θεό. Ο Θεός προετοίμασε να γίνει η Μητέρα Του, προβλέποντας τη στροφή της θελήσεώς της σ Εκείνον. Με τον τρόπο αυτό, όσο είναι δυνατόν να εκφραστεί απλά, κατανοούμε και τον προορισμό της Παναγίας, ίσως ένα είδος σχετικού προορισμού, για το οποίο μιλούν οι ύμνοι της Εκκλησίας μας. 4. Και βεβαίως η Εκκλησία μας δεν παύει, προβάλλοντας με ποιητικότατο και θεολογικότατο τρόπο την εορτή, να καλεί και εμάς τους πιστούς όλων των αιώνων στην πρακτική διάσταση αυτής: δηλαδή αφενός να κινηθούμε σε δοξολογία του Θεού μας για την ευεργεσία Του να αναδείξει την Παναγία κατοικητήριό Του, αφετέρου να κατανοήσουμε ότι «ταις πρεσβείαις της Θεοτόκου» ο Κύριος θα μας σώζει, και τρίτον, να διδαχθούμε από την Παναγία στον τρόπο της ζωής της, ακολουθώντας αυτό που την ανέδειξε σε τόσο μεγάλη αγιότητα: το «ιδού η δούλη Κυρίου, γένοιτό μοι κατά το ρήμά Σου». Η Εκκλησία αδιάκοπα μας υπενθυμίζει ότι είμαστε κλημένοι για τη θέωση, δηλαδή να γινόμαστε κι εμείς Παναγίες, σαρκώνοντας τον Χριστό μέσα μας. Κι ο λόγος για την προοπτική αυτή που ξεπερνά οποιαδήποτε φαντασία είναι η ένταξή μας στο σώμα του Χριστού διά του αγίου βαπτίσματός μας. Είμαστε μέλη Χριστού, είμαστε ενδεδυμένοι Εκείνον, συνεπώς μπορούμε να ζούμε σαν την Παναγία. Αρκεί βεβαίως να το θέλουμε και να το επιτηζούμε. παπα Γιώργης Δορμπαράκης 9 Great Ways to Be Extremely Strange Love: Loving others even when others may seem unlovable. Joy: Being joyful, in spite of the circumstances around you. Peace: Providing a calming peace to those around you. Patience: Demonstrating patience even in chaos Kindness: Being kind to one another, even when others aren t so kind. Goodness: Not advocating perfection, but genuinely striving to be a better person and serving as a witness to that endeavor for others. Faithfulness: Standing firm with loyalty and commitment to Christ, even when others are rejecting what s true Gentleness: Not wimpy, but carefully balancing strength and truth with grace and love. Self-Control: Disciplining self to live out a strange kind of life, often sacrificing what s temporary for what is eternal. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) 15 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

16 16 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

17 BRINGING INCENSE TO THE CHURCH IS A DELIGHTFUL PRACTICE, PLEASING TO THE LORD Προσέφεραν εις Αυτόν δώρα, χρυσόν, λιβάνι και σμὐρναν To θυμίαμα κατ αρχήν συμβολίζει την προσευχή, που ανεβαίνει προς τον Θεό. Είναι η ορμή της ψυχής προς τα άνω. Και ταυτόχρονα συμβολίζει και τη ζέουσα επιθυμία μας να γίνει η προσευχή μας δεκτή «εις όσμήν ευωδίας πνευματικής». Συμβολίζει ακόμη τις γλώσσες πυρός της Αγίας Πεντηκοστής, όταν ο Κύριος εξαπέστειλε στους Μαθητές Του το Πανάγιό Του Πνεύμα «εν είδει πυρίνων γλωσσών». Το ευώδες θυμίαμα συμβολίζει εξ άλλου και τον αίνο, που απευθύνεται προς τον Θεό. Η καύση του θυμιάματος σημαίνει τη λατρεία και τον εξιλασμό. Το δε θυμιατήριο, όπου καίγονται τα κάρβουνα και τοποθετείται το θυμίαμα, συμβολίζει την κοιλία της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου, η οποία δέχθηκε στα σπλάχνα της σωματικώς την Θεότητα, που είναι «πύρ καταναλίσκον», χωρίς να υποστεί φθορά ή αλλοίωση. Με το θυμίαμα που προσφέρουμε την ώρα της προσευχής υποβοηθείται η ανάταση της ψυχής προς τα υψηλά «άνω σχώμεν τάς καρδίας». Η προσφορά θυμιάματος στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη αποτελούσε εντολή του Θεού. Έπρεπε να προσφερθεί θυμίαμα στην αρχή της ημέρας το πρωί και το βράδυ με το άναμμα των λύχνων καὶ θυμιάσει ἀπ αὐτοῦ Ααρὼν θυμίαμα σύνθετον λεπτόν τὸ πρωΐ πρωΐ, ὅταν ἐπισκευάζῃ τοὺς λύχνους, θυμιάσει ἐπ αὐτοῦ, 8 καὶ ὅταν ἐξάπτῃ Ααρὼν τοὺς λύχνους ὀψέ, θυμιάσει ἐπ αὐτοῦ θυμίαμα ἐνδελεχισμοῦ διὰ παντὸς ἔναντι Κυρίου εἰς γενεὰς αὐτῶν. (Έξοδ. 30: 7-8).Αυτή η καλή συνήθεια μεταφέρθηκε και στη χριστιανική λατρεία. Το λατρευτικό αυτό μέσο δημιουργεί κατανυκτικό κλίμα προσευχής και ελκύει την αγιαστική χάρη του Θεού. TRANSLATION In principle, incense symbolizes the prayer, which ascends to God. It is the momentum of the soul upward. And at the same time it symbolizes our fervent desire for our prayer to become accepted by the Lord as a "spiritual aromatic offering. Also, it symbolizes the tongues of fire of the Holy Pentecost, when the Lord sent to his disciples the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire. Moreover the fragrant incense symbolizes a praise that is directed towards God. The burning of incense means worship and Atonement. And the thymiatirio (sensor), where the coals burn and the incense is placed, symbolizes the most Holy Incense Theotokos, who received in her the Divine Body of the Lord, which is an all consuming fire, without suffering corruption or change. With the incense we offer at the hour of prayer, we aid the uplifting of the soul towards spiritual heights, "let us lift up our hearts. Offering incense in the Old Testament was God's requirement. Incense was to be offered at the beginning of the day in the morning and in the evening at the time of lighting lamps. Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. 8 He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come. (Exodus 30: 7-8). This good practice was transferred to the Christian worship. This devotional instrument creates an environment of devout prayer and attracts the sanctifying grace of God. If you wish to bring an offering of incense to be used during the Services, please see Fr. Peter for specific information on what type is preferable. 17 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

18 New Jersey Metropolis Clergy Laity Assembly 2014 CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY & PHILOPTOCHOS CONVENTION On May 12 th members of the Orthodox community gathered together at the Venetian in Garfield to attend the annual awards banquet of the Clergy-Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey presented awards to parishioners from our Church and other Churches in our Holy Metropolis. Awards were presented to the following parishioners in the following categories: Most Senior Steward Honoree Diane Peppes Philoptochos Honoree Shirley Kemp Community Honoree Yannis Magiros Goya Honoree Christina Panagakis Parish Council Honoree Dominick Pepe Honoree Presbytera Georgia Souritzidis Church Caretaker Honoree Efthimia Triantafylou 18 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

19 So much has happened in our Sunday School over the past few months! We said some goodbyes but also welcomed some new changes into our program. Our graduates ended their Sunday School journey on June 14 this year. We had six graduates: Heleena Anastos, Melissa Haag, James Kinzer, Maria Matsakis, Alexandros Pandazis, and Fotis Tsambounieris. We are so proud of all our graduates and know that they will continue to serve and make a difference in our church. In fact, many of our graduates will be joining the staff of our Sunday School to help shape the minds of the future generation of Orthodox Christians! JUNIOR STEWARDSHIP Along with graduation also comes the beginning of a new year for Sunday School. Last year, we began a new Junior Stewardship program, which encourages our Sunday School students to donate their time, talent, and treasure to the church. Children were given the opportunity to assist in the altar, sing in the choir, and help out with various church activities such as the festival. In addition, a new Stewardship bank was purchased to collect donations from the children every Sunday. The program was started in January and by the end of Sunday School, we had collected just over $250 from our children. This is an incredible amount and we are so proud of our children for understanding the importance of giving back to our church and to God. Since the program will be running for a full school year this year we have increased our pledge amount to $500. We have no doubt that with the dedication and support of our wonderful children we will reach this goal. We hope that the parents and other parishioners in our community take note of these children s dedication and fill out their own pledge to the church as well. JUNIOR CHOIR Another program that we changed this year is our Junior Choir. We have devised a schedule that allows each class to participate in a Junior Choir lesson twice a month. The children are divided into two groups K-4 and 5-8 and each group attends Junior Choir for the last twenty minutes of their regular Sunday School lesson during their scheduled Sunday. We are so lucky to have Diana Pitsikoulis as our Junior Choir instructor and are so grateful for all that she has done with the program. We are looking forward to this program continuing this September. NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR Speaking of September, Sunday School registration will be held during St. George s annual Registration Sunday which will be held Sunday, September 7. Our Sunday School by Alicia Pepe Children as young as three years old, by October 1, can register for Sunday School with the Little Angels. Little Angels, Pre-School, and Kindergarten classes meet from 10:00 to 12:00 and all other classes meet right after Communion around 10:30. Children are encouraged to sit in the reserved front pews during the Liturgy and then proceed to their Sunday School classes after Holy Communion. A simple snack will be provided in our lower Church hall and parents are encouraged to sign up to assist us in providing this snack. The first day of Sunday School this year is September 28, where we will have a short Parent Orientation in the church upon completion of the Divine Liturgy. Class pictures for Sunday School will be October 26. As the holiday season approaches, our Sunday School will organize a Thanksgiving Food Collection, to be held from November And as always, we will have our Angel Tree gift collection during the Christmas season, from November 30 through December 14. Our annual Christmas Pageant, a touching reenactment of our Savior s birth, will be on December 21 this year. As another summer ends and a new school year begins we must remember that endings are just another way for God to open up another path for us. It is important to follow that path to a new beginning, one filled with love, charity, and faith. Sunday School is an important way to teach your children how to follow that path. We know that everyone s lives get so busy during the school year but it is so important to make Sunday School a priority. We have seen an increase in attendance over the last year and are hoping that this trend will continue. Don t forget we offer awards and certificates for students who earn Excellent Attendance (absent 3-5 times) and Perfect Attendance (absent 0-2 times). While these awards are certainly incentives to attend church and Sunday School, remember that the biggest incentive is the reward you will earn with God. SUNDAY SCHOOL SOWING SEEDS FOR CHRIST 19 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT

20 Greetings and welcome back from your summer vacations both near and far. Hope you had a relaxing time and are revitalized to continue the mission of our Philoptochos. As we prepare for the beginning of a new Ecclesiastical year we will attempt to initiate new and creative ways to fundraise and give to those who are in most need. It is our mission: To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fundraising efforts; To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council. The charitable work of the Society is to perform with discretion, courtesy and kindness. CLERGY-LAITY Several of us were fortunate to attend the 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress & the National Philoptochos Convention in Philadelphia, PA this past July along with 450 ladies from as far as Hawaii. All 9 metropolises from across the United States were represented and although the days were packed from early morning to late into the evenings with discussions, presentations and voting we listened with pride as our National President Aphrodite Skeadas presented donations to organizations of good causes. From a moving video tribute to veterans created from the personal archives of Philoptochos stewards, to a panel discussion on mental health issues in the Greek Orthodox community, to an interactive discourse on the traditional Greek diet, "family" was front and center in the program, bolstered by the Orthodox faith. Under the leadership of National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and Convention Tri-Chairs Anastasia Michals, Martha Stefanidakis and Evellyn Tsiadis, the program included guest speakers, Our Philoptochos by Denise Cecchini professional training, and award presentations, in a framework of spiritual growth. Key speakers included Michael Emanuel, Chief Congressional Correspondent for FOX News who delivered presentations on The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Religious Freedom and a personal reflection titled, Serving on the Front Line, presented in conjunction with a tribute to veterans. A representative from the archdiocese traced the timeline and fundraising plan to rebuild the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero. President Skeadas read the personal appeal of Archbishop Demetrios asking the delegates for unified Philoptochos support to which there was a resounding, Yes! There were times when we laughed and there were moments when we cried as we listened to the presentation made by representatives of SNAP, a Special Needs Athletic Program in the Metropolis of New Jersey, to a 13 year old young girl who attends St. Basil s Academy. Speaking on human trafficking was Rachel Lloyd, Founder of Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS), who escaped exploitation as a teenager with the help of a missionary group. The humanitarian work borne of her struggles brought tears to the eyes of the audience. Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Spiritual Advisor to Philoptochos, added that Archbishop Demetrios was appointed to a White House advisory council that seeks to end human trafficking. Several weeks prior to the convention chapter presidents were asked to bring a donation for Philabundance, an organization that feeds the homeless and less fortunate in the Philadelphia area. At the back of the auditorium was a mailbox designated for the donations. Every day you would see the ladies slipping their envelopes into the box. On the last day of the convention President Skeadas presented Philabundance a check for $11,500. By the end of the convention we, the Ladies of Philoptochos, had donated $212,000 to various charities throughout the United States of America. In 2013, we the ladies of Philoptochos, donated over $2,382, What astounding numbers! And.we, the ladies of St. Paraskevi Philoptochos, are a part of this wonderful ministry who are making a difference. Philoptochos is the largest Christian women s organization in the United States and we should all be proud of the hard work that we do. So as you can see, the Philoptochos is about making a difference in our local community. as well as the community at large. Please join us in September, become a member and make a difference!! 20 THE ORTHODOX LIGHT