ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ T H E G O O D N E WS

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1 ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ T H E G O O D N E WS Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey Tel: Fax: Emergency Tel: info@stathanasiosnj.org OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015 Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos Ieratikos Proestamenos Parish Council 2015 President: Demetrios Xanthos Vice President: Paul Venizelos 2nd V. President: Andy Hios Treasurer: Tony Emmanouilidis Secretary: Peter Paizis Vasilios Fikaris Jason Fink Nicholas Gagis George Glavas Panagiotis Karounos Othon Katechis Emmanuel Kavrakis John Kiriakakis Kostas Lahanas Irini Mentakis Gus Panagiotopoulos George Siamboulis Chuck Tsocanos Dear Parishioners, One of the tragedies of many people today is the feeling that they have outgrown the need for God s word. The disaster they bring upon themselves as a result is tragic. But the person who reads the Bible believing that God is actually speaking to him through what he reads - this man s life is transformed. He finds healing, wholeness, power, peace, forgiveness, love and purpose. Most of us remember how St. Paul s life changed completely after he heard the word of God on the road to Damascus. Some of us recall that the conversion of Augustine the great sinner to Augustine the great saint and bishop happened when he picked up the Bible one day and read a passage that spoke to his soul. Why is it that this Book has had such enduring power through the centuries? The only answer is that it is God s Book. It speaks, as no other book can, to the heart and needs of man. It answers questions basic to life: who am I? Why am I here? where am I going? It speaks with power. The word of God contained in the Bible is not merely an inspiring thought or a good idea ; it is a power which transforms the lives of those who accept it; it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. Moreover, the Bible speaks with ultimate authority. Thus saith the Lord. God has spoken. He has given us goalposts. He has given us principles that are valid not for a few generations but forever. As someone so well said, God gave us commandments; He did not give us ammendments. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of God shall stand forever, says the Old Testament. Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away, said Jesus. In the Bible we find exactly the strength we need for every problem and sorrow of life. For those overcome with grief over the passing of a loved one, who can offer better comfort than Jesus who is the resurrection and the life? For those overcome by the cares and burdens of life, who can offer greater strength than Jesus Who says, Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. For those overcome by guilt, who can offer greater forgiveness, greater peace than Jesus Who said to the adulteress, Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more. For those who cannot stand the emptiness of life, who can fill it with more meaning than Jesus who said, I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall never hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst.

2 In the Orthodox church, we cherish the highest respect for the Bible. We keep the Gospel book enthroned on the altar constantly. Just as the Bible is enthroned on the altar of our church so it should be enthroned in the heart of every Orthodox Christian. By this we don t mean that it should be kept on some shelf at home as a magic charm. It should be opened and read daily. My dear Christians, set aside a regular time for daily reading preferably in the evening at the supper table when the whole family is together. When the children are young, mom or dad can do the reading. When the children grow older, they may share in the reading. Reading to the children is one of life s greatest joys. Children treasure it. Don t read too much or too fast. One chapter a day is sufficient. Let what you read sink in slowly. If the children are young, read from a Bible story book-one that has pictures which you can show children. Start with the biographies of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Read with the faith and expectation that God will really and truly speak to you through what you read. Don t worry about the passages you do not understand. Concentrate on what you do understand. The more you read, the more you will understand. One passage explains another. Each day memorize at least one verse that grips you. Say it out loud as a family three or four times. Encourage your children to fall asleep with this verse on their lips. With love in Christ, Fr. Anargyros Αγαπητοί μου Χριστιανοί, Η Εκκλησία μας περιβάλλει με μεγάλη τιμή το σημείο του σταυρού. Γι αυτό κάνει συχνότατη χρήση (του σταυρού) στη Θεία Λατρεία, στις λατρευτικές πράξεις και τελετές, στη ναοδομία, εικονογραφία, λειτουργικά βιβλία, ἀμφια και σκεύη. Το ίδιο πρέπει να κάνουμε και εμείς στην καθημερινή μας ζωή πρωϊ, μεσημέρι, βράδυ, νύχτα. Ν αρχίζουμε και να τελειώνουμε με το σταυρό, για να εξασφαλίζουμε τις απορέουσες από την δύναμη του ευλογίες η χάρη του προέρχεται από τον Θεό. Τα αποτελέσματα αυτά είναι θετικότερα και εμφανέστερα όταν κάνουμε το σταυρό μας: με πίστη (όχι ολιγοπιστία), με ταπείνωση (όχι υπερηφάνεια), με καθαρότητα (όχι αμαρτωλότητα) και αγάπη (όχι σκληροκαρδία ή αμετανοησία). Επίσης να κάνουμε το σταυρό μας σωστά όχι βιαστικά, όχι ντροπαλά, όχι κινώντας το χέρι πάνω στο στήθος μόνο, όχι στον αέρα, αλλά ακουμπώντας το χέρι στο σώμα μας. Όχι με επιδεικτικότητα, με μετάνοιες μπροστά σε άλλους ή πληθωρικά σταυροκοπήματα, αλλ ούτε με τρόπο που μοιάζει ότι προτιμούμε «την δόξαν των ανθρώπων μάλλον παρά την δόξαν του Θεού». Μην ξεχνούμε το λόγο του Κυρίου: «Αυτόν που θα με ομολογήσει μπρος τους ανθρώπους, θα τον ομολογήσω και εγώ μπρός στον Πατέρα μου τον ουράνιον και εκείνον που θα με αρνηθεί μπρος στους ανθρώπους θα τον αρνηθώ και Εγώ...»(Ματ. ι 32 33). Αγαπητοί μου, το σημείο του σταυρού κλείνει μέσα του όλα τα σωτηριώδη γεγονότα, που κληρονόμησε η άπειρη αγάπη του Θεού για τον «πεπτωκότα» άνθρωπο. Γι αυτό είναι σημείο σωτήριο, σημείο ζωοποιό, σημείο αγιαστικό, «νικοποιόν όπλον» (άγιος Σωφρόνιος Ιεροσαλύμων). Ας το χρησιμοποιούμε λοιπόν πιό συχνά και πιό σωστά, για να αγιαζόμαστε, καθημερινά.

3 Πως κάνουμε όμως το Σταυρό μα; Αρχικά ενώνουμε τα τρία πρώτα δάκτυλα του δεξιού χεριού, ομολογώντας έτσι την πίστη μας σ ένα Θεό, που είναι ταυτόχρονα και τρείς υποστάσεις, τρία πρόσωπα-ο Πατήρ, ο Υιός και το Ἀγιο Πνεύμα -, ομοούσια, ενωμένα μεταξύ τους «αχωρίστως» και «αδιαιρέτως», Τα άλλα δύο δάκτυλα, που ακουμπούν την παλάμη, συμβολίζουν τις δύο φύσεις, δύο θελήσεις και δύο ενέργειες του Κυρίου μας, την θεία και την ανθρώπινη. Μ αυτό τον τρόπο κάνουμε μία συμβολική ομολογία της ορθοδόξου πίστεώς μας, που βάσεις και θεμέλιά της αποτελούν το τριαδολογικό και το χριστολογικό δόγμα. Μετά φέρνουμε το χέρι στο μέτωπο, τη σωματική περιοχή της διανοητικής λειτουργίας, φανερώνοντας έτσι ότι αγαπούμε τον Θεό μ όλη τη διάνοιά μας, και ότι αφιερώνουμε σ Αυτόν όλες τις σκέψεις μας. Το χέρι έρχεται κατόπιν στην κοιλιά. Έτσι δηλώνουμε συβολικά ότι προσφέρουμε στον Κύριο όλες τις επιθυμίες μας και όλα τα συναισθήματά μας. Τέλος, φέρνουμε το χέρι στους ώμους, πρώτα στο δεξιό και μετά στον αριστερό, ομολογώντας έτσι ότι και κάθε σωματική μας δραστηριότητα ανήκει σ Εκείνον. Με αγάπη Χριστού Π. Ανάργυρος We would like to thank everyone who donated flowers and vasiliko for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Panagias) August 15th, and the Elevation of the Holy Cross, September 14th. A special thank you to Joanne Doulos and all the ladies for decorating our church and community area with all the beautiful flowers. We would also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Telly and Maria Zervoudis for their very generous donation towards the new whiteboards for all the classrooms. Choir practice is held every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in our Church Choir Loft. We invite all members and anyone interested in joining our Choir to attend practices.

4 Dear Parishioners, PHILOPTOCHOS Welcome back to our community from the long summer break! As a reminder, our meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30PM. We are currently over 50 members strong and we are continuing to grow. Please come and share your ideas and sign up to a committee of your choice. Your attendance and your input at these monthly meetings are important. In the previous ecclesiastical year we have helped many families in hardship. The need for our assistance continues in our society as the economic crisis and other uncontrollable factors carry on. Your active participation in our Philoptochos will make you an active participant of your faith and will bring forth the fruits that are pleasing to God. We are currently having our Lord and Taylor Benefit Bash. Please support this fundraiser. We are also soliciting for our fashion show journal. Please assist by asking a business or a professional you frequent to place an ad in our journal. Attached is a form for your convenience. Our annual fashion show will be held on November 12, 2015 at The Venetian. Please plan to attend and bring your parea with you. It will be a fun filled evening. Our fashions for this event will be provided by The Fig Leaf. Our 50/50 raffle this year will go to the building of St. Nicholas church at ground zero. Below are the ladies elected to our Executive Board for : Vasiliki Panagopoulos, President Ann Kamvosoulis, First Vice President Eleni Dedes, Second Vice President Aspasia Panagiotopoulos, Recording Secretary Stephanie Mouzakis Smith, Corresponding Secretary Anna Gourmos, Treasurer Patricia Ekonomidis, Assistant Treasurer Karen Scoullos, Advisor Congratulations to all for this awesome responsibility. Have a wonderful Ecclesiastical Year. With Love in Christ, Karen Scoullos Advisor

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6 SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Dear Parents, On behalf of Father Anargyros, Stella Dimatos, the co-director of our Sunday school and, myself, I would like to welcome you to a new ecclesiastical year. We are very excited to begin a new Church School year and witness the growth of our children every Sunday as they learn about our faith and Christian values. Our Sunday School classes continue to grow every year. We are still accepting registrations for this school year, so if you haven t registered your child yet, please do so it s not too late. There are many events planned and we welcome and embrace all students to join us. Our teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic about teaching the Greek Orthodox faith to our children. But we can only do this alongside you, the parents. We urge you to actively live your Greek Orthodox faith at home so that the children will learn to have their faith at the center of their life. If we live our faith at home, then church will not be another Sunday activity, but a way of life. Please remember that religious education begins and ends at home. Our teachers have distributed the stewardship envelopes to our children and they were taken home, so that each child has one package for the year. Every Sunday, the children are expected to bring one in class and hand it to their teacher s, so that from an early age they can learn and understand the meaning of giving back. Stewardship, as explained in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America site, is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed. We are pleased to announce the following upcoming Sunday Church School Events: Fall Plant Sale Thanksgiving Food Drive it begins on October 4th Class Pictures - October 18 The Sunday Church School Staff wishes everyone a blessed and spiritually enriching ecclesiastical year! Respectfully, Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D. Sunday School Director

7 G.O.Y.A. The advisors, board and all the members of the St. Athanasios GOYA hope that everyone had a restful and safe summer! As the new school year , kicks off, we wish to thank everyone who helped us throughout the past year. Many of our crowning achievements would not have been possible without your support! We also graciously thank the board & advisors of this new year, who are stepping up to help us through another wonderful and exciting year of GOYA!! Our very first GOYA meeting on September 17 th was successfully attended by many new and old familiar faces! We encourage everyone to attend the meetings, as GOYA is a spectacular and spiritual journey that everyone deserves to experience. On September 21 st, we had our annual diving for the Holy Cross Celebration held in Asbury Park. This year our church was represented by Zoi Larosiliere, Christos Katechis, Alicia Maria Pallikaropoulos and Joseph Jouvanis. Also, the annual Mr. and Mrs. GOYA Pageant will be on October 11 th at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Demos Backos and Eleni Stavris will be representing our Church and GOYA this year! In addition, we will be kicking off the year with the Bowling Tournament and Dance on October 24 th in Fairview. GOYA offers many unique opportunities for the young people of our community to learn and grow as Orthodox Christians, while making friends and having fun. This is achieved through participation in our Religious retreats, Community Service activities, Indoor & Outdoor Olympics, Sights & Sounds, the Bowling Tournament/Dance, and many other activities. Speaking of dancing, St. Athanasios is very proud of our Greek Dance Group, which meets weekly. However, if you are more of an athlete, we also offer great sporting activities through our basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams. We invite all young people to join us and help make the best year in GOYA! Once again, here is your GOYA board! Presidents Stefo Hunter & Dina Christopoulos Vice President Joe Jouvanis Treasurer Eleni Stavris Recording Secretary Demos Backos Corresponding Secretary George Makris With Love in Christ, Stefo Hunter & Dina Christopoulos GOYA Co-Presidents

8 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ Αγαπητοί γονείς Σας καλωσορίζουμε και πάλι στην νέα σχολική χρονιά του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου , και εχόμαστε σε όλους τους μαθητἐς μας καλή αρχή και πολύ πρόοδο. Ιδιαίτερα χαιρετούμε τις νέες οικογένειες του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου. Το διδασκαλικό μας προσωπικό δέχτηκε με πολλή αγάπη και στοργή τα παιδιά που γράφτηκαν φἐτος στο σχολείο μας, ενώ ο Πάτερ Ανάργυρος έκανε την έναρξη των μαθημάτων με τον καθιερωμένο αγιασμό στις 9 Σεπτεμβρίου, και ευλόγησε μαθητές, διδασκάλους, και γονείς. Το Σχολείο μας αρχίζει στις 4:30 μ.μ., και τελειώνει στις 6:30 μ.μ. Πρέπει να έρχεσθε να παραλαμβάνετε τα παιδιά σας από τις τάξεις, και όχι να τα περιμένετε στο προαύλιο του Σχολείου. Γιά την ασφάλεια των μαθητών μας, η πόρτα του σχολείου θα είναι κλειστή από τις 4:45-6:15 μ.μ. Σας παρακαλούμε να σημειώσετε τις κάτωθι ημερομηνίες. 21 Οκτωβρίου «Η ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΓΟΝΕΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΔΙΔΑΣΚΑΛΩΝ» 28 Οκτωβρίο «Ο Εορτασμός της 28 ης Οκτωβρίου» Dear parents, We welcome you again to the new Greek School year, which officially started the 9 th of September, with the Agiasmo service by Father Anargyros. We look forward to engage your children in our Greek language and culture program. We would like also to extend our warm welcome, to the new families who recently joined our St. Athanasios Greek School. The classes start at 4:30 p.m., and end at 6:30 p.m. Please make sure that you pick up your children from the classrooms, and not having them waiting for you at the parking lot area. In order to ensure our children s safety, the doors will remain locked from 4:45-6:15 p.m. If you need to enter the building during this time, please ring the bell. Please mark the dates: October 21 st October 28 th - BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - 28 th of October celebration Sincerely, Sophia Stamatiou Greek School Principal

9 P.T.O. Dear Parishioners, The Greek school program has commenced and our PTO is very excited about the various activities for this year! Starting October 5th, we are going to launch last years very successful fundraiser, selling chocolate bars ($1 each). This fundraiser is for our project to have traditional hats and stoles (vests) for our children to wear during our school celebrations! Here are some more of our events scheduled for October : October 7th--PTO 5pm October 11th--PTO hosting coffee hour and bake sale October 21st -- Back to school night October 28th-- OXI DAY celebration We will be continuing to ask for donations for our spanakopita sale. We thank you in advance for all the help, donations, and support! Orders will be running all through October into early November. Forms will be distributed to all Greek school students and will be available in the church office. In addition we have the following events for November: November 4th-- PTO 5pm November 8th-- PTO hosting coffee hour November 23rd-- picking up spanakopita orders November 25th-- Thanksgiving recess As you can read, our PTO has many new and traditional events coming up and we will need and appreciate any support our families can give in order to make our events awesome and successful! We understand the busy schedules of everyone but would love to see you at our monthly meetings. It's a great way to get information about our events, share suggestions, give feedback, get to know other Greek school parents, and participate in our children's school events!! As always the PTO board is here to answer any and all questions. We will be communicating with parents via handouts and s and in person. Please do not hesitate to ask us any and all questions or concerns!! Lastly, on behalf of the PTO board and Greek school families we would like to deeply thank Mr. & Mrs. Telly and Maria Zervoudis for their generous donation of the white boards and supplies for our classrooms! Rhoda Repousis PTO President Rhorhonj@aol.com

10 STEWARDSHIP REPORT Stewardship List as of 9/21/15 Giving to the church is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values. It is an opportunity to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It is an opportunity to participate in the work of God. We thank the following 302 parishioners who have already made their Stewardship Pledge for Those who have not yet made their pledge, please do so today! ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ EΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ : Υπενθυμίζομε ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθή στα σπίτια σας οι κάρτες Eκούσιας Εισφοράς για το Έχετε ανανεώσει την οικονομική σας προσφορά για το 2015; Εάν όχι, κατατάξατε το όνομά σας στήν κατάσταση των ενοριτών που έχουν τακτοποιήσει την οικονομική τους υποχρέωση προς την ενορία, συμπληρώντας την κάρτα καί επιστρέφοντάς την στο γραφείο μας, μαζί μέ το δώρο της αγάπης σας. Ευχαριστούμε τις 302 οικογένειες πού ήδη εκπλήρωσαν την υπόσχεσή των για το Mr. & Mrs. Adam Adams Mr. Bill Adams Mrs. Katina Agaliotis Mr. K. Agathangelou/Ms. T. Yiangou Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Alectorides Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Alexiades Mr. & Mrs. George Alexiades Mr. & Mrs. Paul Anagnostakos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Andreou Mrs. Silvia Andros Mr. Christopher Androulakis Mr. Evan Androulakis Mr. & Mrs. George Androulakis Ms. Renee Androulakis Mr. & Mrs. B. Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Sotiris Antonopoulos Mrs. Ubaldina Antonopoulos Mr. Michael Arotis Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Backos Ms. Bella Baker Mr. & Mrs. A. Barbagiannis Mr. & Mrs. George Barkouras Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Berenberg Mr. Andrew Berenberg Mr. Jason Berenberg Mr. & Mrs. John Betts Mr. & Mrs. Daryn Binder Mr. Allan Bittar Mr. Maryo Bittar Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boldrin Helen & Susan Boyas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Brandt Mr. & Mrs. James Burke Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Caravoulias Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Careri Mr. Carl Carfello Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cevallos Dr. & Mrs. George Christolias Mr. & Mrs. G. Christopoulos Mr. & Mrs. G. Christopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nikos Christopoulos Dr. & Mrs. George Christoudias Dr. & Mrs. Stavros Christoudias Mr. & Mrs. Chris Chucalas Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Clark Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Colantropo Mr. Marios Comodromos Dr. & Mrs. Ted Constandelis Mrs. Dot Constandelis Ms. Maria Constandelis Mr. Tom Contos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Cormas Mrs. Eve Cravits Mrs. Elaine Daoutis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dedes Mr. & Mrs. Aristidis Delis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Demetrakis Mrs. Maria Diacakis Mrs. Maria Diakos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Dimatos Mrs. Christina Dimitrakopoulos Mr. Michael Dimitrelis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Dorizas Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos Mr. & Mrs. A. Economou Mr. & Mrs. John Economou Mr. & Mrs. Elias Ekonomidis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Eliopoulos Ms. Alexandra Maria Eliopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John A. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. A. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. E. Emmanouilidis Mr. John H. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Evangelou

11 Mr. & Mrs. Sofoclis Fasitsas Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Ferriera Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Fikaris Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Fikaris Mr. Jason Fink Mrs. Artemis Gagis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gagis Mr. & Mrs. Emmanouil Galifos Mr. Elias Gatoulis Mr. Sergio Gatoulis Mr. Metaxas Georgatos Mr. & Mrs. Peter George Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Georgiadis Mr. & Mrs. Andy Georgiou Mrs. Athena Georgotas Ms. Christina Georgotas Mr. George Geornaras Mr. & Mrs. Victor Giamos Mr. & Mrs. George Glavas Mr. & Mrs. Athanase Gouliamos Mr. & Mrs. Efsratios Grammatas Ms. Mary Gregoras Mr. & Mrs. A. Hadjistavrinos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Haramis Mrs. Helen Hasterlis Ms. Maria Hasterlis Ms. Paraskevi Hatziorfanos Mr. & Mrs. Tom Higgins Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hios Mr. & Mrs. George Hios Mr. Panayiotis Hios Mr. George Hondros Mr. Paul Hourmouzis Mr. & Mrs. George Hrissikos Mrs. Madeline Jameson Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Joannidis Mr. & Mrs. A. Jouvanis Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Kalabakas Mrs. Sophie Kalivas Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kalogirou Mr. Alexis Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Damon Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kanakaris Mr. Nick Kantaris Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kapsaskis Mr. & Mrs. Elias Karantonis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Kardasakis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Karounos Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Kavrakis Mrs. Magdalene Keen Mrs. Kalliope Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. John Kiriakakis Mrs. Tonia Kirkham Mr. & Mrs. Charles Koehler Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kolaros Mr. & Mrs. Anastasis Kollias Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Kolovos Mr. Nick Konstantinakos Mary & Eva Konstantinidis Ms. Irene Konstantinidis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholaos Kontogiannis Mr. & Mrs. James Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Kourgelis MR. & Mrs. John Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kourgelis Ms. Pelagia Kourliouros Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kousis Mr. & Mrs. George Koutris Mr. & Mrs. Christos Koutsis Mr. & Mrs. Petros Kouvatsos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kovoros Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Krikelis Mr. & Mrs. Mihail Kritikos Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Lahanas Mrs. Toula Langas Ms. Christie Laoudis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Laouidis Mrs. Virginia Laoudis Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Larosiliere Mr. Truong Le Mr. & Mrs. Spero Leakas Mr. & Mrs. Ted Leakas Mr. George Leles Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Leou Mrs. Froso Levas Mrs. Mary Lignos Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Loukas Mr. Andreas Louros Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Makris Mr. & Mrs. James Makris Mr. & Mrs. James Malamas Mr. & Mrs. John Malandrucolo Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Mangafas Mrs. Helen Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Marcopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Jason Marcus Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mariano Mr. & Mrs. Dean Mastrojohn Mr. & Mrs. Petros Matthews Mrs. Vasiliki Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Mavrianos Mrs. Stella Megariotis Drs. Michael & Irini Mentakis Mr. & Mrs. James Michaels Mr. & Mrs. George Michalakis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Micholas Mr. & Mrs. G. Mihalitsianos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Miras Mr. & Mrs. Peter Miras Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mitchell Mrs. Olympia Molfetas Mr. & Mrs. Renan Morada Ms. Maria Moshouris Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris Mr. & Mrs. Leo Mourikes Mrs. Stephanie Mouzakis Smith Mr. Ignatius Mumtzis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Nakopoulos Mrs. Jordana Nicholas Mr. Demetrios Nicodimou Mr. Tom Nikolaidis Mr. & Mrs. James Nissirios Dr. & Mrs. Themis Nissirios Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nolan Ms. Christina Notas Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Ntarlagiannis Mr. & Mrs. John Oberle Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pahountis Mr. & Mrs. Costas Paissidis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paizis Mr. & Mrs. V. Pallikaropoulos

12 Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Panagakos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Panagiotopoulos Ms. Ariadne Panagiotou Mr. & Mrs. George Panagiotou Mr. & Mrs. A. Panagopoulos Mrs. Vaso Panagopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Dino Panayiotarakos Mr. & Mrs. Costas Papademas Mrs. Konstantina Papademas Mr. Harry Papademas Mrs. Androniki Papadopoulos Ms. Polixeni Papaioannou Ms. Klarida Papajani Mr. George Papanester Mrs. Eleftheria Pashalis Mr. & Mrs. Charles Paterson Mr. & Mrs. Tiago Patusco Mr. & Mrs. Menelaos Pavlou Mr. Angelo Payne Mr. George Pepines Mr. & Mrs. John Peponias Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Perides Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Petrou Ms. Helen Pettas Mr. & Mrs. John Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Ciro Pizzolato Mrs. Eleni Pollatos Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Portelos Mr. & Mrs. Laki Pothos Mrs. Ann Pouletsos Mr. John Pouletsos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Poulis Mr. & Mrs. George Protopappas Mr. & Mrs. John Psarianos Mr. & Mrs. John Psarros Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Raissis Mr. Anthony Rezitis Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Rodas Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Rodetis Mr. & Mrs. George Ropa Ms. Penelope Roumantzas Mrs. Eleanor Roumel Mr. & Mrs. John Roussos Mrs. Margie Russo Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Sahlaras Mr. & Mrs. Frank Salemme Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Samoilis Drs. Leonidas & Alexandra Samoulidis Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Sarno Mr. & Mrs. Costas Savvas Mr. & Mrs. John Scaglione Mr. & Mrs. William Scoullos Ms. Stacey Seretudis Mr. & Mrs. Justin Shafron Mr. & Dr. Peter Shikar Mr. & Mrs. Stergios Siabanis Mr. & Mrs. George Siamboulis Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Siderias Mr. & Mrs. Steve Siderias Ms. Maria Sidirokastritis Mr. Stephen Sidirokastritis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Sitounis Mr. & Mrs. John Skoutakis Mr. & Mrs. Brian Slattery Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sofos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Sogotis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Spirou Mr. & Mrs. George Stamatiou Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Stamelos Mr. & Mrs. Thouki Stavris Fr. & Presbytera A. Stavropoulos Mr. & Mrs. N. Stefanopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Stogianoglou Mr. & Mrs. Cristakis Stylianou Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Tevletidis Mr. & Mrs. Dean Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. Paul Toronidis Mr. & Mrs. George Trahanas Mr. & Mrs. George Trakas Mrs. Evelyn Triantos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsapelis Mr. & Mrs. Vassilis Tsarouhas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tsentas Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiklidis Mr. & Mrs. Charles Tsocanos Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Tsocanos Mr. & Mrs. John Tsocanos Mr. & Mrs. Gerasimos Tsongas Ms. Efthymia Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Stan Umowski Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Vanikiotis Ms. Mariea Vanikiotis Mrs. Eugenia Varias Mrs. Catherine Varveris Dr. E. Vassiliou/Dr. E. Antoniou Mr. & Mrs. George Vathianakis Mrs. Ethel Venetos Mr. & Mrs. Richard Venezia Mr. & Mrs. Paul Venizelos Mrs. Irene Veros Mr. & Mrs. George A. Vlamis Mr. & Mrs. Petros Vlasidis Mr. & Mrs. John Wain Mr. & Mrs. Randall Williams Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Xanthos Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Yannitsadis Mr. & Mrs. Louie Yannitsadis Dr. & Mrs. Ignatius Zairis Mr. & Mrs. Telly Zervoudis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zigarelli Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Ziotas Mrs. Irene Zisa Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Zodiatis

13 BAPTISMS July 5th - Dionysios (Kyriakos), child of Jenny and Elias Mourikes. The Godparent was Hristos Zevlikaris. August 9th - Katerina, daughter of Renique and George Christolias. The Godparents were Vassiliki Kranidiotis and Steven Anagnos. August 9th - Izabel (Elizabeth), daughter of Steven Sidirokastritis and Melissa Sampson. The Godfather was Nicholas Alectodiris. August 16th - Melania, daughter of Athanasia and Michael Zigarelli. The Gomother was Stamatia Seretoudis. August 30th - Sophia, daughter of Paras and Alexander Zodiatis. The Godmother was Agnes Christina Zodiatis. Lily (Demetra), daughter of Paras and Alexander Zodiatis. The Godfather was Christos Zodiatis September 6th - Irene, daughter of Christina & Giannis Christodoulakis. The Godmother was Mary Vergis. September 8th - Marcellos, son of Nancy and Nikolaos Stefanopoulos. The Godmother was Georgia Margariti. September 12h - John, son of Venessa and alexander Cormas. The Godmothers were Melpomeni Joanna and Denise Amorgianos. NA SAS ZISOUN!! WEDDINGS July 19th - Sherry Ariaga and Andrew Berenberg. The Koubaro was Jason Berenberg. August 23rd - Erin Kelly and Panayiotis Hios. The Koubaro was Athanasios Sophias. August 30th - Marilyn Martillo and Metaxas Georgatos. The Koubaro was Michael Savva. August 30th - Paras Zaveri and Alecxander Zodiatis. The Koubaro was Christos Zodiatis. September 13th - Stamatia Seretudis and Harutun Budak. The Koubaro was Michael Zigarelli. NA ZISETE! FUNERALS July 16th - Stavros Gouvanis August 11th - Anna Parides-Kart September 2nd - James K. Papas Jr. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES IN MEMORIAM It has become an accepted practice that at the death of a family member, the family requests that donations in memory of the departed, be made to St. Athanasios Church. This month, we wish to thank: IN MEMORY OF CON BAKALAKIS St. Irene s Philoptochos IN MEMORY OF BILL MIRAS Mrs. Stella Megariotis Represents donations made July 11th-September 21st IN MEMORY OF MARIA PANTELEAKIS Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. George Logothetis

14 ST. ATHANSIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH HELLENIC FOLK DANCE PROGRAM Beginners: (ages 5-7): Fridays 5:00-5:45 p.m. Cost: $175* Intermediate (Ages 8-11) Fridays 5:45-6:30 p.m. Cost: $175* GOYA: (7th -12th grades): Fridays 6:30-8:00 p.m. Cost: $200 *$175 per child for the first two children, $125 for each additional child. Dear Parishioners, ΜΑΙΝΤΕΝΑΝCE COMMITTEE The maintenance committee has worked all summer to make improvements and repairs to our Church and community center. Following are some of the projects we have worked on: We are in the process of installing energy efficient lighting throughout the buildings, through a PSE&G program We replaced the roof at the entrance of the community center We will be replacing and improving the church roof and dome area before the winter sets in Repaired all locks to secure the building Added interior and exterior security cameras throughout the buildings We will be enhancing our acoustics in the gymnasium/community center Installed all new whiteboards in all classrooms Replaced the community center and church air conditioning units We will be upgrading the re-landscaping of the property A lot of time and funds have been put into the maintenance and upgrading of our parish buildings. Please respect the facilities as you would your own home. Sincerely, Andy Hios Maintenance Committee Chairman

15 Love in Action This year St. Athanasios will continue the Homeless Outreach Program to bring much needed food and care to men, women, and children in our area who are in need. As many of you already know, last year we began an effort to collect food for donation in a Food Collection Box at the rear entrance of our church. This effort has already been a big success in helping to feed low-income families, and this year we would like to give even more. We will be putting our desire to help into action by partnering with a homeless shelter in Northern NJ to help prepare and serve warm meals for the needy. We hope to make this a community-wide effort, with every age group involved in some way - whether through food donation, meal preparation, driving, serving, or some other facet. We are still at the early stages but before we can begin this fruitful work, we are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping to develop and sustain this new program. If you would like to get involved, please contact Christina Georgotas at cgeorgotas@gmail.com. This is a time of great need for many people. For anyone who has ever felt a call to give back, this is an opportunity to really make a difference in someone's life. THE 2ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY The 2nd Annual General Assembly meeting will be held on Sunday, November 8th immediately after the Divine Liturgy Service. We urge all parishioners to attend this very important meeting. It is our obligation and responsibility as parishioners of St. Athanasios Church to attend and participate in the decisions of our Church and community. All parishioners will receive an individual mailing regarding the agenda for the General Assembly. CHRISTMAS FAST The forty day fast for the feast of the Nativity begins on Sunday, November 15th. According to the Church Canons, fish, wine and oil are allowed until December 17th, except for Wednesdays and Fridays. Strict Fast is observed from December 18th to the 24th. Την Κυριακή, 15 Νοεμβρίου αρχίζει η 40 ήμερη Νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων. Σύμφωνα με τους Ιερούς Κανόνες της Εκκλησίας μας, επιτρέπονται το ψάρι, το λάδι και το κρασί έως και τις 17 Δεκεμβρίου, εκτός Τετάρτη και Παρασκευή. Από τις 18 Δεκεμβρίου ως και τις 24 Δεκεμβρίου τηρείται αυστηρή νηστεία. ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ

16 SANCTIFY THOSE WHO LOVE THE BEAUTY OF THY HOUSE ΑΓΙΑΣΟΝ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΓΑΠΩΝΤΑΣ ΤΗΝ ΕΥΠΡΕΠΕΙΑΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥ ΣΟΥ Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church Iconography / Phase I and II 2015 Campaign for the Adornment of our Church We would like to thank the parishioners who have already committed to the Iconography project of our church. As of September 21, 2015 the following icons are still available: For additional information and to discuss your family s donation, please contact Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos. St. Ignatius St. Nikitas St. Paul SS. Sophia (Faith-Hope-Love) $4,500 $5,500 $5,500 $13,500 Moses and the Burning Bush The Sacrifice of Isaac $20,000 $20,000 HIOS Landscaping, LLC Paramus, NJ Dr. Peter Kantzilieris DC 237 W Midland Ave Paramus, NJ (201) Fax (201) nextstepchiropractic@gmail.com A Sub Acute Rehabilitative Care Center that Uses the latest techniques and equipment in Physical, Occupational, Respiratory, Cardiac, Orthopedic, Speech and Aquatic therapies Unparalleled Care! Assembled, at the Chateau, is a team of Highly recognized medical professionals Dr. Stefanos Pantagis, MD 96 Parkway, Rochelle Park, NJ Living Life to the Fullest Serving the community for over 25 years Owner operated NJ Licensed Landscape Contractor FINE CATERING At Rochelle Park Elaine Hios, Director of Admissions For all your Landscaping Needs & more THE EMPIRE CLUB The Chateau For more information, Or to schedule a tour, please call ANDY HIOS FINE CATERING 122 Moonachie Road Moonachie, NJ Telephone ((201) Fax: (201) graycliff.com E Weddings Christenings Special Occasions Corporate Events 136 Mehroff Road Little Ferry, NJ

17 Michael J. Mentakis, M.D. CHARLES TSAKRIOS,J R., M.D. Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate European Board of Cardiovascular Disease Fellow European Society of Cardiology Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, UMD of New Jersey Diplomate of American Board of Ophthalmology Cardiovascular Disease Consultations Internal Medicine Complete Physical Exams Echocardiography Nuclear Stress Testing Ambulatory / Holter Monitoring Pacemaker Implantation And Follow-up Office Hours by Appointment 357 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ RUBENSTEIN, MEYERSON, FOX, MANCINELLI, CONTE & BERN P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW ONE PARAGON DRIVE - SUITE 240 MONTVALE, NJ TEL: Matrimonial Law Guardianship & Elder Law Land Use & Real Estate Business Law Commercial Lending & Litigation Municipal Law Trust & Estate Planning WEBSITE: enissisios@rmfmclaw.com 30 West 60th Street, Suite 1Y tel: Bloomfield, NJ fax: metroeyemd.com NICHOLAS D. PANAGIOTOU, MD OPHTHALMOLOGY EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Diplomate American Board of Family Medicine 89 North Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ Office hours by appointment Telephone Office hours by Appointment Parkview Plaza 1200 East Ridgewood Ave West Wing, 2nd Ridgewood, NJ (201) Adult & Pediatric Complete Eye Care Waterford Towers 190 River Road Edgewater, NJ (201) The STATE street GRILL TEL: FAX: EVELYN NISSIRIOS New Jersey Keystone Physicians, PC Dedicated to a Gold Standard of Medical Care Allwood DINER Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner 913 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ State Street Bloomfield, NJ Hours of operation 7 days a week 6:00 a.m. - midnight Mon.-Thur. 6:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. Fri. & Sat. 6:00 a.m. 4:00 a.m. Sun. 6:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. James G. Logothetis & Family WESTWOOD FAMILY DENTAL John Nicholas, DDS UNION General & Cosmetic Dentistry For Adults & Children Full Range of Restorative Services State of the Art Equipment Cosmetic Bonding/Bleaching 231 Kinderkamack Road. Westwood, NJ Phone: Fax: Office hours by appointment WHOLESALE RESTAURANT SUPPLY 4 Lewis Street, Paterson, NJ Ted Khalil

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19 St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church 51 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Paramus, NJ Permit No. 121 THE MINISTRIES OF ST. ATHANASIOS: SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL GREEK SCHOOL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY P.T.O. CANTOR NEOKOROS ALTAR BOYS H.O.P.E. (ages 4-7) J.O.Y. (ages 8-11) GOYA (ages 12-18) ATHLETIC CO-ORDINATORS: FOS (Outreach Parish Ministry) HELLENIC SENIORS BIBLE STUDY & CATECHISM GREEK DANCING EPISKEPSIS (Visitations) DIAKONIA AGAPES (Help the needy-food Pantry) AHEPA Eliana Antoniou - Director Sophia Stamatiou - Principal Vaso Panagopoulos - President Roda Repusis - President Chris Haramis Christophoros Sardelis Sotirios Karabetsos Penny Antonopoulos Penny Antonopoulos Stella Backos / Reina Phillips Peter Paizis / Andy Hios Thea Portelos Helen Manztouranis Fr. Anargyros Stacey Kovoros (GOYA) Mia Petrou (HOPE/JOY) Fr. Anargyros Presbytera Christina, Christina Georgotas Chris Mavridis - Meets every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.