THE AGIASMA UPCOMING EVENTS. Μετάστασις Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου τοῦ Θεολόγου ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 26- September 26th SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014

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1 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 The New Front Face of Our Church UPCOMING EVENTS Sunday, 7 September- Agiasmos for Greek School and Sunday School students and teachers. Monday, 8 September- Greek School Starts. Thursday, 18 September- Youth Bonfire at St. Markella...5:00pm Saturday, 20, September- GOYA Holiday Hill Retreat in Prospect, CT from 11am-7pm for ages (12-18). Come Join the Fun!! Sunday, 21 September- Sunday School Begins... 10:45am Tuesday, 07 October- Greek School Halloween Party in the church hall...6:00pm Saturday, 11 October- Benefit Dance for Ag. Markella sponsored by the Amades Society..7:00pm Μετάστασις Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου τοῦ Θεολόγου ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 26- September 26th Ἀπολυτίκιον. Ἦχος β. Ἀπόστολε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ ἠγαπημένε, ἐπιτάχυνον ῥῦσαι λαὸν ἀναπολόγητον δέχεταί σε προσπίπτοντα, ὁ ἐπιπεσόντα τῷ στήθει καταδεξάμενος ὃν ἱκέτευε Θεολόγε, καὶ ἐπίμονον νέφος ἐθνῶν διασκεδάσαι, αἰτούμενος ἡμῖν εἰρήνην καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. St. John was "the apostle Jesus loved." When all had forsaken Jesus, John stayed beneath the cross with the Theotokos whom he cared for as a mother right to her falling asleep. Exiled to Patmos by Emperor Domitian, he wrote the Revelation and his Gospel there. He is called "the theologian" because his five New Testament writings, that is the Gospel, Revelation, and the three epistles show him to be " the breath of the Holy Spirit." He was over a hundred years old when he died. When his disciples later opened his tomb, they found his body was not there. Often the expression "Dormition" or "falling asleep" is used for his death. Sunday, 26 October- OXI Day celebration by the Greek School Children. Sunday, 02 November - Save the Date for the Grand Opening of Our Church. IMPORTANT DATED MATERIAL return service requested Ἀρκετοὶ εἶχαν τὴν ἄποψη ὅτι ὁ Άγιος Ἰωάννης δὲν πέθανε, ἀλλὰ μετατέθηκε στὴν ἄλλη ζωή, ὅπως ὁ Ἐνὼχ καὶ ὁ Ἠλίας. Ἀφορμὴ γι' αὐτὴ τὴν ἄποψη ἔδωσε τὸ γνωστὸ εὐαγγελικὸ χωρίο, Ἰωάννου κα 22. Ὅμως, ὁ ἀμέσως ἑπόμενος στίχος κα 23 διευκρινίζει τὰ πράγματα. Ἡ παράδοση ποὺ ἀσπάσθηκε ἡ Ἐκκλησία μας εἶναι ἡ ἕξης: Ὁ Ἰωάννης σὲ βαθειὰ γεράματα πέθανε στὴν Ἔφεσο καὶ τάφηκε ἔξω ἀπ αὐτήν. Ἀλλὰ μετὰ ἀπὸ μερικὲς ἡμέρες, ὅταν οἱ μαθητὲς του ἐπισκέφθηκαν τὸν τάφο, βρῆκαν αὐτὸν κενό. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία μας, λοιπόν, δέχεται ὅτι στὸν ἀγαπημένο μαθητὴ τοῦ Κυρίου συνέβη ὅτι καὶ μὲ τὴν Παναγία μητέρα Του. Δηλαδή, ὁ Ἰωάννης ναὶ μὲν πέθανε καὶ ἐτάφη, ἀλλὰ μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρες ἀναστήθηκε καὶ μετέστη στὴν αἰώνια ζωή, γιὰ τὴν ὁποία ὁ ἴδιος, νὰ τί λέει σχετικά: «Ὁ ἔχων τὸν υἱὸν ἔχει τὴν ζωήν, ὁ μὴ ἔχων τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὴν ζωὴν οὐκ ἔχει». Ἐκεῖνος, δηλαδή, ποὺ εἶναι ἑνωμένος μέσῳ τῆς πίστης μὲ τὸν Χριστὸ καὶ τὸν ἔχει δικό του, ἔχει τὴν ἀληθινὴ καὶ αἰώνια ζωή. Ἐκεῖνος, ὅμως, ποὺ δὲν ἔχει τὸν Υἱὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ, νὰ ἔχει ὑπ ὄψιν του πὼς δὲν ἔχει καὶ τὴν ἀληθινὴ καὶ αἰώνια ζωή.

2 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 5am till 5pm 6 days Proudly Serving The Food Industry And Their Families Since WANTAGH FLORIST Park Ave, Wantagh, NY Tel: Fax: wantaghflorist@yahoo.com Wedding Celebrations Corporate Events Fresh Cut Fruit Gift Baskets Page 2 Page 23

3 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 The Icon Story in English The Falling Asleep of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian Η θαυματουργή εικόνα της αγίας Μαρκέλλας που προσκυνείται στον ιερόν νοό μας. Κάθε πιστός έχει την ευκαιρία να προσλάβει την εικόνα στην οικία του για μια εβδομάδα ως ευλογία. Όσοι έχουν την επιθυμία παρακαλούντε να επικοινωνήσουν με τον πατέρα Σαράντη. ************** The Miraculous icon of St. Markella has its home in the altar of our church. Faithful are encouraged to take the icon home for a week for blessing. All interest are to call Fr. Sarantis for arrangements. HOSPITAL VISITATION Nowadays, due to the new HIPAA laws, it is difficult for Fr. Sarantis to obtain and to visit parishioners in the near by hospitals. These laws do not allow the hospital to release any information, or even the name of the patient, unless you are their doctor or family member. Nonetheless, Fr. Sarantis continues his regular hospital visits to Mercy Memorial Hospital, South Shore, which still allows him to see the names of Greek Orthodox patients in its computer, but in other are hospitals he is not able to get these names. In order for Fr. Sarantis to be more effective in visiting you or your loved ones in the hospital, or at home, you must please inform him by contacting the church. He will not know to visit you unless he knows that you are in the hospital. When you register at the local hospitals please make sure you inform the admissions office that you wish to be listed as a member of Saint Markella and as a Greek Orthodox Christian. If you also wish to receive Holy Communion, please let the church know beforehand. We thank you for your assistance and cooperation. CONFESSION:** Fr. Sarantis is available for Holy Confession by appointment, please call in advance (516) Page 22 The Holy, Glorious All-laudable Apostle and Evangelist, Virgin, and Beloved Friend of Christ, John the Theologian was the son of Zebedee and Salome, a daughter of St Joseph the Betrothed. He was called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be one of His Apostles at the same time as his elder brother James, leaving behind their father. After his calling, the Apostle John did not part from the Lord, and he was one of the three apostles who were particularly close to Him. St John was a witness to the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor. During the Last Supper, he reclined next to the Lord, and laid his head upon His breast. He also asked the name of the Savior s betrayer. The Apostle John was there in the courtyard of the High Priest during the interrogations of his Teacher and he resolutely followed after him on the way to Golgotha, grieving with all his heart. At the foot of the Cross he stood with the Mother of God and heard the words of the Crucified Lord addressed to Her from the Cross: Woman, behold Thy son. Then the Lord said to him, Behold thy Mother (John 19:26-27). After the Dormition of the Mother of God the Apostle John went to Ephesus and other cities of Asia Minor to preach the Gospel, taking with him his own disciple Prochorus. They boarded a ship, which floundered during a terrible tempest. All the travellers were cast up upon dry ground, and only the Apostle John remained in the depths of the sea. Prochoros wept bitterly, bereft of his spiritual father and guide, and he went on towards Ephesus alone. On the fourteenth day of his journey he stood at the shore of the sea and saw that the waves had cast a man ashore. Going up to him, he recognized the Apostle John, whom the Lord had preserved alive for fourteen days in the sea. During this time there had begun a persecution of Christians under the emperor Nero (56-68). They took the Apostle John for trial at Rome. St John was sentenced to death for his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle was given and drank a cup of deadly poison, but he remained alive. After this, they sent the Apostle John off to imprisonment to the island of Patmos, where he spent many years. Proceeding along on his way to the place of exile, St John worked many miracles. On the island of Patmos, his preaching and miracles attracted to him all the inhabitants of the island, and he enlightened them with the light of the Gospel. He cast out many devils from the pagan temples, and he healed a great multitude of the sick. The Apostle John withdrew with his disciple Prochoros to a desolate height, where he imposed upon himself a threeday fast. As St John prayed the earth quaked and thunder rumbled. Prochoros fell to the ground in fright. The Apostle John lifted him up and told him to write down what he was about to say. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, said the Lord, Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (Rev 1:8), proclaimed the Spirit of God through the Apostle John. So in about the year 67 the Book of Revelation was written, known also as the Apocalypse, of the holy Apostle John the Theologian. In this Book were predictions of the tribulations of the Church and of the end of the world. In the year 95, the Apostle John wrote his Gospel at Ephesus. He called for all Christians to love the Lord and one another, and by this to fulfill the commands of Christ. The Church calls St John the Apostle of Love, since he constantly taught that without love man cannot come near to God. In his three Epistles, St John speaks of the significance of love for God and for neighbor. St John when he was more than a hundred years old had by far outlived the other eyewitnesses of the Lord, and for a long time he remained the only remaining eyewitness of the earthly life of the Savior. When it was time for the departure of the Apostle John, he went out beyond the city limits of Ephesus with the families of his disciples. He bade them prepare for him a cross-shaped grave, in which he lay, telling his disciples that they should cover him over with the soil. The disciples tearfully kissed their beloved teacher, but not wanting to be disobedient, they fulfilled his request. They covered the face of the saint with a cloth and filled in the grave. Learning of this, other disciples of St John came to the place of his burial. When they opened the grave, they found it empty. Each year from the grave of the holy Apostle John on May 8 came forth a fine dust, which believers gathered up and were healed of sicknesses by it. Therefore, the Church also celebrates the memory of the holy Apostle John the Theologian on May 8. The Lord bestowed on His beloved disciple John and John s brother James the name Sons of Thunder as an awesome messenger in its cleansing power of the heavenly fire. And precisely by this the Savior pointed out the flaming, fiery, sacrificial character of Christian love, the preacher of which was the Apostle John the Theologian. The eagle, symbol of the lofty heights of his theological thought, is the iconographic symbol of the Evangelist John the Theologian. The appellation Theologian is bestown by Holy Church only to St John among the immediate disciples and Apostles of Christ, as being the seer of the mysterious Judgments of God. Page 3

4 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 Μετάσταση Αγίου Ιωάννου Θεολόγου και Ευαγγελιστού The Icon Story in Greek Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Θεολόγος και Ευαγγελιστής καταγόταν από τη Βησθαϊδά και ήταν ο αγαπημένος μαθητής τού Χριστού. Ο Ιωάννης ήταν γιος του Ζεβεδαίου και της Σαλώμης και νεώτερος αδελφός του αποστόλου Ιακώβου. Στην αρχή ήταν μαθητής του Αγ. Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου και κατόπιν έγινε μαθητής του Κυρίου. Ήταν ένας από τους δώδεκα μαθητές του Χριστού και μάλιστα μαθητής «ον ηγαπα ο Ιησους» (Ιωαν. ια 20), δηλαδή, τον οποίο αγαπούσε ιδιαίτερα ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός. Η Εκκλησία του απένειμε την προσωνυμία του Θεολόγου και στην αγιογραφία εικονίζεται με έναν αετό κοντά στο κεφάλι του. Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Θεολόγος είναι ο Ευαγγελιστής της αγάπης. Όχι μόνο γιατί αναφέρεται συνεχώς στην αγάπη, αλλά κυρίως γιατί την βίωνε και την εξέφραζε. Αγαπούσε πολύ τον Διδάσκαλό του. Τον ακολούθησε και στις πιο δύσκολες ώρες της επίγειας ζωής Του. Όταν οι άλλοι μαθητές ήταν κρυμμένοι «διά τον φόβον των Ιουδαίων», αυτός ήταν παρών στην σύλληψή Του, στην δίκη και στον Γολγοθά, όπου κάτω από τον Σταυρό του εμπιστεύθηκε ο Χριστός την μητέρα Του. Μαζί με τον αδελφό του Ιάκωβο και τον Πέτρο αποτελούσαν την τριάδα τον μαθητών που έλαβε μαζί του ο Χριστός στο όρος Θαβώρ, όπου «μετεμορφώθη έμπροσθεν αυτών», καθώς και στην Γεσθημανή, όπου προσευχήθηκε πριν από το πάθος Του. Ο Ιωάννης είναι ο συγγραφέας του 4ου κατά σειρά Ευαγγελίου στην Καινή Διαθήκη, το θεολογικότερο όλων και θεωρούμενο ως Ευαγγέλιο της αγάπης, καθώς επίσης τριών Καθολικών Επιστολών και της Αποκάλυψης. Τη ζωή του κοντά στον Κύριο τη γνωρίζουμε μέσα από τα Ευαγγέλια της Καινής Διαθήκης. Ο Ιωάννης συνέχισε έντονα την δράση του και μετά την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου. Αυτός και ο Πέτρος ήταν οι πρώτοι που κήρυξαν μετά την επιφοίτηση του Αγ. Πνεύματος σε όλο τον κόσμο το λόγο του Κυρίου. Η παράδοση, επίσης, μας λέει ότι ο Ιωάννης κήρυξε το Ευαγγέλιο στη Μικρά Ασία, και ιδιαίτερα στην Έφεσο, όπου με την προσευχή του κατέστρεψε το ναό της Αρτέμιδος και οδήγησε στο Χριστιανισμό τετρακόσιες χιλιάδες ειδωλολάτρες. Στα χρόνια του αυτοκράτορα Δομετιανού βασανίστηκε και εξορίστηκε στη Πάτμο, όπου έγραψε την Αποκάλυψη. Τι γνωρίζουμε για τη μετάσταση του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου; Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Θεολόγος, σε ηλικία 105 ετών, άφησε ειρηνικά την τελευταία του πνοή στην Έφεσσο. Κατά την παράδοση, προγνώρισε τον θάνατό του. Η παράδοση λέει οτι: Πέρασε αρκετόν χρόνον της ζωής του στο σπίτι του Δόμνου, που ο ίδιος τον ανέστησε μαζί με τους επτά μαθητές του, και τέλος έφυγε μαζί μ' αυτούς από το σπίτι. Αφού έφθασε σ' ένα τόπο, στους μεν μαθητές του παρήγγειλε να καθίσουν εκεί, αυτός δε αφού προχώρησε μπροστά σε μικρή απόστασι, προσευχήθηκε. Έπειτα, αφού επέστρεψε, πρόσταξε τους μαθητές του να σκάψουν τη γη σε σχήμα σταυρού, τόσο μόνον, όσο ήτο το μέτρον του σώματός του. Αφού ξαπλώθηκε λοιπόν μέσα σ' εκείνον τον σκαμμένον τόπον, αποχαιρέτησε τους μαθητές του που έκλαιγαν πικρά και είπε:... «Σύρετε το χώμα της γης που είναι μητέρα μου και με αυτό σκεπάστε με». Εκείνοι αφού τον ασπάσθηκαν και τον αποχαιρέτησαν, σκέπασαν το σώμα του μέχρι τα γόνατα. Έπειτα πάλι αφού τον ασπάσθηκαν τον σκέπασαν μέχρι τον λαιμό. Και πάλι αφού για τρίτη φορά τον ασπάσθηκαν έβαλαν πάνω στο ιερό του πρόσωπο ένα μανδήλι. Και έτσι κλαίγοντας πικρά σκέπασαν όλο το σώμα του. Αφού έκλαψαν οι μαθηταί, γιατί έμειναν ορφανοί από τον δάσκαλό τους, εγύρισαν στην πόλι διηγούμενοι τα σχετικά με τον Απόστολον. Οι άλλοι αδελφοί όταν τα άκουσαν αυτά επήγαν στον τάφο και αφού έσκαψαν δεν βρήκαν τίποτε. Τότε λοιπόν επέστρεψαν κλαίγοντας θερμώς για τη στέρησι τέτοιου ποιμένος. Η Εκκλησία μας, λοιπόν, δέχεται ότι στον αγαπημένο μαθητή του Κυρίου συνέβη ότι και με την Παναγία μητέρα Του. Δηλαδή, ο Ιωάννης ναι μεν πέθανε και ετάφη, αλλά μετά τρεις ημέρες αναστήθηκε και μετέστη στην αιώνια ζωή. Page 4 YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR KITCHEN OR BATHROOM? Best prices for Granite, Marble, and Porcelain. Specialize in Gold, Sand, and Granite. 18X18 on 12X12, $10.00 /ft, COMPLETELY INSTALLED (Price includes labor & material) Porcelain $6.00 a foot, COMPLETELY INSTALLED (Price includes labor & material) Ceramic tile 12X12 $4.50 /ft Page 21

5 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 Πνευματικό Μήνυμα του Πατέρα Σαράντη Σεπτεμβρίος 2014 ΑΙΝΕΙΤΕ τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου, αἰνεῖτε, δοῦλοι, Κύριον, οἱ ἑστῶτες ἐν οἴκῳ Κυρίου, ἐν αὐλαῖς οἴκου Θεοῦ ἡμῶν. αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, ὅτι ἀγαθὸς Κύριος ψάλατε τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ, ὅτι καλόν Ψαλ 134:1-3 On Sunday, September 15 th, parishes across North America celebrated College Student Sunday (CSS) recognizing our college students and bringing awareness to Orthodox campus ministry. National statistics report as many as 60% of Christian students who leave for college never return to Church. To counteract this trend, OCF is on the front lines of campuses engaging our students in the Orthodox faith through fellowship, education, worship, and service. Through this four-tiered approach, college students who participate in OCF make their way from schools to parishes spiritually stronger and ready to serve. Our parishes commit to support OCF to help sustain local parish life, to see the Orthodox Church flourish in North America, both now and in the future, and most importantly, to strengthen the lives of thousands of young people in a transitional time, empowering them to live lives full of grace, mercy, love, and service for Christ and His Church. Page 20 Ευλογία Κυρίου! Αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί εν Κυρίω Ιησού Χριστώ! Ευτυχισμένος ο καινούριος χρόνος! Είναι με ιδιαίτερη χαρά που σας καλωσορίζω όλους πίσω στην Κοινότητας μας της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας από τις θερινές διακοπές σας. Είναι η προσευχή μου ότι απολαύσατε το διάλειμμα από την καθημερινή δρομολόγηση σας και χαλαρωμένοι επεστρέψατε μ ένα ανανεωμένο πνεύμα. Καλώς ήρθατε πίσω και ευτυχισμένη αρχή του νέου εκκλησιαστικού χρόνου με όλες τις ευλογίες του! Ευλογίες; Ναί, τώρα που βρισκόμαστε πίσω στην καθημερινή μας ρουτίνα, και πάλι στη μέση του φορτωμένου προγράμματος μας, είναι πολύ εύκολο να απορροφημευθούμε πάλιν...δουλειά και οικογένεια... οικονομικά και σχέσεις...συνθήκες του κόσμου και προσωπικά προβλήματα. Στην πραγματικότητα, μπορούμε να είμαστε τόσο συγκλονισμένοι με τα θέματα αυτά που ξεχνάμε το πιό σημαντικό πράγμα στη ζωή μας: τη σχέση μας με τον Θεό! Ο Ψαλμωδός βασιλιάς Δαβίδ στον ανωτέρω ψαλμό, μας υπενθυμίζει να δώσουμε προσοχή καθώς ζούμε την καθημερινή ζωή μας και να θυμημούμαστε τον Κύριο, και ότι έχει κάνει για μάς. Ωστόσο, υπονοεί ότι στη ζωή μας, είμαστε τόσο απασχολημένοι που ξεχνάμε να ευλογήσουμε το όνομα του Κυρίου, και έτσι χάνουμε τις ευλογίες του. Έτσι ο Ψαλμωδός μας προσκαλεί και μας υποχρεώνει να σταματήσουμε τα πάντα, να επικεντρωθούμε σ Αυτόν, και να Τον ευλογήσουμε! Πώς; «Ανω σχώμεν τας καρδίας!» Σηκώνοντας τα χέρια μας. Η άρσης των χεριών μας είναι μια πράξη παράδοσης, μια αναγνώριση που υποδυκνύει ότι χωρίς Θεόν δεν υπάρχουμε. Αυτή η φυσική πράξη ενεργοποιεί το μυαλό και τα συναισθήματα μας, και διακηρύσσει ότι είμαστε λαός Του. Είναι μια πράξη λατρείας. Ευλογώντας τον Θεό μάς βοηθά να κρατήσουμε σωστά τις προτεραιότητές μας. Μας υπενθυμίζει ότι Αυτός έκανε τον ουρανό και τη γη, καθώς και ότι η ζωή μας εξαρτάται απο τις ευλογίες Του. Απλά, ευλογώντας τον Θεό αποκτούμε περισσότερες ευλογίες. Αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί, την 1η Σεπτεμβρίου, καθώς θα γιορτάσουμε την νέα περίοδο της Ινδίκτου, του νέου εκκλησιαστικού έτους (όπως κάνουμε κάθε χρόνο), καλώ όλους να συμμετέχουμε στις εκκλησιαστικές ακολουθίες με παρουσία σώματος και ψυχής. Να δώσουμε προσοχή στους ύμνους και τις προσευχές της κάθε ακολουθίας, ειδικότερως της Θείας Λειτουργίας που ψάλλονται για λογαριασμό μας. Ας συγκεντρώσουμε τις σκέψεις μας προς τον Χριστόν. Να συμμετέχουμε στην θεία κοινωνία τακτικά και να συμμετάσχουμε στο μυστήριο της εξομολόγησης. Ομολογώντας ότι ο Χριστός είναι ο Κύριος (σημαίνει ότι παραδίδουμε τον εαυτό μας σ Αυτόν), είναι ένας τρόπος που μας ευλογεί ο Θεός. Κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της νέα Ινδίκτου, και καθώς θα μπούμε επίσημα στη εκκλησία μας τον Νοέμβριο, όλα τα προγράμματα της κοινότητάς μας θα είναι σε πλήρη ταχύτητα, σ όλα χρειάζεται η συμμετοχή και η βοήθεια σας. Ζητώ από όλους σας να συμμετάσχετε σ ένα από αυτά, σύμφωνα με την δύναμη και τα χαρίσματα που σας έχουν δοθεί από τον Θεό μας. Φέτος, για τρίτη φορά κατά την τελευταία δεκαετία θα υπογραμμίσουμε την νεολαία. Υπάρχουν τόσα πολλά που χρειάζεται η συμμετοχή ΣΑΣ. Ειλικρινά, ας έχουμε υπ όψιν ότι όπως "ένα κάρβουνο μακριά από τη φωτιά εξαφανίζεται, ενώ στην πυρκαγιά ενεργοποιεί περισσότερο. Έτσι και εμεις, μακρυά απο την εκκλησία (=κοσμος) είμαστε χωρις ευλογία. Ελάτε όλοι να γίνουμε "φλεγόμενα κάρβουνα. " Είμαι πολυ αισιόδοξος ότι όλοι σας θα βρείτε ένα τρόπο να λάβατε συμμετοχή σε κάποια απο τις ιδιότητες που επιθυμεί η καρδιά σας, και αν είστε ντροπαλοί ή χρειάζεστε οδηγίες, θα χαρώ πολύ να σας καθοδηγήσω σ ένα μέρος ενός προγράμματος που θα ευλογειθείτε. Ας ευλογήσουμε όλοι μαζί τον Θεό, έτσι να χαρούμε ο ένας του άλλου την ευλογία. Ας υψώσουμε τα χέρια και τις καρδιές μας προς τους ουρανούς εις δέησιν. Ομολογώντας την καλοσύνη και μοιράζοντας την αγάπη Του. Δόξα τω θεώ και χαίρου τις ευλογίες Του. Είθε η χάρης του Κυρίου Ιησού, και η αγάπη του Θεού Του Πατέρα, και η κοινωνία του Αγίου Πνεύματος μέσω των πρεσβειών της Θεοτόκου και της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας και Πάντων των Αγίων να είναι πάντα μαζί σας και στις οικογένειες σας ως προστασία, καθοδήγηση, ευημερία και υγεία. Αμήν Page 5

6 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 A Spiritual Message by Fr. Sarantis September 2014 Behold, bless the LORD, all servants of the LORD, who serve by night in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth. Psalm 134:1-3 Do you want to be blessed? My beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ! Happy New Year! It is with utmost joy that I welcome all of you back to our community of St. Markella from your summer break. It is my prayer that you enjoyed your break from your daily routing and have relaxed, and came back with a renewed spirit. So welcome back and happy New Ecclesiastical Year with all its blessings! Blessings? Well, now that we are back to our normal daily routine, and again in the midst of our busy schedules, it s easy to become preoccupied work and family finances and relationships world conditions and personal problems. In fact, we can be so overwhelmed with these matters that we forget the most important thing in our lives: our relationship with God! The Psalmist King David in the above saying reminds us to stop what we re doing and remember the Lord and all that He s done for us. He addresses all servants of the Lord, you and I, people who knew and served God. However, he implies that in our lives we become so busy that we forget to bless the name of the Lord, and so we are missing out of His blessings. So the Psalmist invites and even compels us to stop everything, focus on Him, and bless Him! How? By lifting up our hands. Lifting our hands is an act of surrender, an acknowledgment of His greatness and our submission to Him. This physical act energizes our minds and emotions, and it declares that we are His people. It is an act of worship. Blessing God helps us keep our priorities right and our focus fixed on Him. It reminds us that He made heaven and earth, and that we depend upon Him for all the blessings of life. Blessing Him puts us in a position to experience even more of His blessings. My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, on September 1st, as we will be celebrating the new ecclesiastical year, (as we do every year) I invite all of you to be participants in our church services in spirit and body. As we attend the Divine Liturgy on Sundays, let us pay attention to hymns and prayers that are being chanted and prayed on our behalf. Let us come to church and concentrate our thoughts to the Lord Jesus, our God. Let us participate in Holy Communion and partake in the sacrament of Confession. Confessing that Christ is the Lord (Confession = means that we are surrendering to him), is a way that we bless God (asking for his help). During this new ecclesiastical New Year, I urge all of you to keep God in mind in all of your daily routines. By the end of the year, and as we will officially enter our church in November, all the ministries of our community will be in full speed, and will need your participation and assistance. I ask all of you to be part in one of the ministries of the church, according to your strength and wisdom (gifts, given to you by our God). This year, for the third time in the past decade we will emphasize the youth and evangelism ministries. There are so many things that need YOUR participation. Kindly remember that a charcoal away from the fire extinguishes itself, while in fire it energizes itself. Let us all be the flaming charcoal. I am so sure that all of you will find a way to be involved in the church ministries in any capacity that your heart desires, and if you shy or need instruction, I will be very happy to guide you to a part of the right ministry. Let us together bless the Lord and be blessed together, don t let anything keep you from blessing the Lord! Lift up your hands and shout! Tell of His goodness, and share His love with everyone. Dedicate your life to Him. Praise His name and you will be blessed. May the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit through the intercessions of the Theotokos and St. Markella and all saints be always with you and your family for your protection, guidance, prosperity and health. Amen. Page 6 GREEK SCHOOL This Book of the Law (Bible) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it... Then you will have good success. Joshua 1:1-9 Dear Parents of the Greek School, As we begin a new school year, it is my fervent aspiration to wish each and every student of our school a great year and prokopi (success). Real success, however, comes only by knowing Christ, the Teacher and His book, the Holy Bible. For this, I urge all parents to bring the children to Sunday school on Sundays and expecting them to do well. It is mine, but more thoughtful your responsibility to see that it happens. During the Chinese New Year it is customary for hongbaos (small red envelopes containing money) to be given away. When parents give five hongbaos to their children, it is also to wish them prosperity and success. Knowing that this sincere wish is insufficient, however, they also remind their children to study hard. Chinese people generally believe that a good education is the key to one's success in life. It is like when I was young, I remember that my parents were putting coins in our shoes on New Year s Day and expecting from us to be good children for the rest of the year. Oh, yes, now days, Santa brings gifts to those who were good. In Joshua 1, God told Joshua that his ways could prosper as he assumed Moses' leadership role. But he and the people needed to display courage in the face of stiff opposition as they entered the Promised Land. God promised to give them success if they observed His Book of the Law" (The Ten Commandments.) Believers today also need to live according to God's Word if we are to enjoy success in our natural and spiritual walk. The Bible contains not only the do's and don ts for living but also records the life experiences of those who pleased or displeased God. We, and our children, are like Joshua, have God's promise that He will be with us always (Matt. 28:20). In light of the last founding of the survey that 6 out of 10 children going to college this year will be lost to other faiths, i.e., Islam, Judaism, or even become atheist, so I urge all the parents to pay a serious thoughts for your children spiritual growth. It is a matter of life and death (spiritually that is.) I do not believe that you want this to happen to one of our children. (Theos filaxee). Let us all then work together, and see how we may balance out their sports activities on Sundays, or any other dance lessons or whatever else maybe. Sunday school is one of the most vital aspect of the spiritual life of our children. The life that counts now, tomorrow and forever. Let us see our children grow in God and let us be pleased in the endeavors as the Lord Jesus would be as well. I am counting on you and so I challenge you. Let us trust God and we will be glad. Church does the body good! And so Sunday school does the soul good! May the blessings of the Lord be upon you and your family always! +Fr. Sarantis Important School Dates Registration: Sunday August 31st and September 7th. The Service of the Blessing for the New Year: Sunday September 7. All students must attend the service at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Greek School starts: Monday / Tuesday September 8th and 9th. Sunday school: Registration Every Sunday and begins Sunday September 21st. Page 19

7 Mr. & Mrs. Chris Antonakis THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE Paid Stewards of Saint Markella Greek Orthodox Church STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE The land is Mine, for you are strangers and so journers with Me. Leviticus 25:23 Everything belongs to God. Everything! Although it is easy to make this statement, it can be difficult to apply this in our lives and realize what it really means. In fact, many problems are caused when we don t understand this truth. How much time is spent worrying about things? How many wars are fought over control and ownership? How much mental and emotional energy is consumed when we cling to things we think we own? How much of our time is wasted when we strive and compete, seeking to acquire more and more material possessions? Our attitude changes when we recognize that everything belongs to God! Nothing is truly ours: not money, homes, resources, or abilities. However, this truth should give us great peace and freedom. It should help us learn to trust in God for everything we have is His. We are simply His servants! This is why it s so important to learn to live by faith. Every day, we must believe that God will deliver, protect, and provide for us. He will keep His promises, no matter what appears on the surface. We must pray every day, Give us this day, our daily bread. Every day, we need to seek first His Kingdom, and realize it doesn t do any good to worry (Matthew 6:9-34). Right now, let us stop and think about our life. Take an inventory of everything we "own, and realize it all belongs to God. Take this moment to release everything back to Him. Give it into His hands. Realize that your responsibility is to be a good steward of His possessions. Make sure to seek Him and ask what He wants you to do with the resources He has entrusted to you. Let Him take away your worries and fears, so He can give you His peace and direct your path. Kindly fulfill your stewardship offering to our church of St. Markella. We thank you and may God bless you! Mr. & Mrs. Christos Kovoros Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Bachas Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Kovoros Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Sazaklis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bachas Mr. George Kouimanis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Siozios Mr. Vasilios Caras Mr. & Mrs. Jaime Krempa Mr. & Mrs. George Skiriotis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Condos Mr. & Mrs. Charalambos Lalousis Mr. & Mrs. Francis Sotiriou Mrs. Konstas Charas Mr. & Mrs. Peter LaRosa Mr. & Mrs. Pantelis Splinis Mrs. Peter D Angelo Mr. & Mrs. Elias Liadakis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Theodorou Mr. & Mrs. Leo Davis Mr. Stephanos Liadakis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Tsakos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Diamantis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Liapis Mr. & Mrs. Stamatis Tsakos Mrs. Kaliope Diapoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Lilikas Mr. George Tsimis Mr. & Mrs. John Eleftheriou Mr. John Lilikas Mr. & Mrs. Alex Tsimakalis Mrs. Maria Fasolas Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Linaris Mr. & Mrs. Gerasimos Tsimaras Mr. & Mrs. George Gasparis Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Linaris Mr. & Mrs. John Varthis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Gonias Mr. & Mrs, Demetrios Gonias Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Gonias Mr. Michael Gonias Mr. & Mrs. Soterios Gregoriou Mrs. Angeliki Hionis Ms. Theodora Ierides Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kalas Mrs. Despina Kaneris Mr. & Mrs. John Kaneris Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kaneris Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Kaneris Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Karambatsakis Mr. Ioannis Katsigiorgis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Katsigiorgis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kershaw Mr. Vasilis Kefalas Mr. & Mrs. Nick Malafis Mr. & mrs. Emmanouil Manolakis Mr. & Mrs Theofanis Melios Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Mihail Papazis Mr. & Mrs. Bill Papoulis Mr. John Papoulis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Papoulis Mr. & Mrs. George Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Petrakis Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Parikos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pipelias Mr. & Mrs. John Potamousis Mr. & Mrs. Christo Rallis Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Psillis Ευχαριστούμε θερμά όλους για την εμπιστοσύνη σας. Ο Κύριος να σας ευλογεί πάντοτε! We wish to thank all the stewards for their prompt blessings. May God bless you all! 2014 St. Markella Raffle Winners 1. Grand Prize (Mercedes)- Heidi Savino 2. 5 Day Aruba Vacation- Mike Panagatos 3. 5 Day St. Thomas Vacation- Nick Aristidou 4. 5 Day Las Vegas- Mary Kaneris 5. Apple Mac Book Pro- Erasmia Theodorou 6. LCD Plasma TV- Gus Psillis 7. " "- Skoutakis 8. " "- George, Markella, Nikoletta Lios 9. " "- Ioannis, Demetri Hillas 10. " " - Dora Ierides 11. Ipad Mini- John Lilikas 12. " "- Gus Vasilakis 13. " "- Nikolas Manolakis Jr. 14. " "- Demetris Koukounis 15. " "- North Shore Recycling 16. Play Station 4- Maria Kovoros 17. " "- Janine Katsigiorgis 18. " "- Skoutakis 19. " "- Mike Stamatinos 20. " "- Gus Psillis 21. Kindle Fire- Nikos Koutsilianos 22. " "- Soterios Gregoriou 23. " "- Stavros Haviaras 24. " "- Eleni Galitos 25. " " John Tsapelis 26. Digital Camcorder- John Lilikas 27. " "- Eleni Markopoulos 28. " "- Peter & Despina Abazis 29. " "- Sophie Mihalakis 30. " "- George Liadakis 31. Keurig Brewing System- Theodore & Angela Kalas 32. " "- Nick & Markella Malafis 33. " "- Gabby Tia Rios 34. " "- Mr. & Mrs. Athanasoulis 35. " "- Nikoloas Mihales 36. American Express Gift Card- Kosta & Maria Tsimis 37. " "- Anthony Sblendarno 38. " "- Skoutakis 39. " "- Peter Skalkos 40. " "- Chris Tsakos 41. Digital Camera- Nicole Potamousis 42. " "- Arianna Abazis 43. " "- Joseph Giambrone 44. " "- Kostas Michalakis 45. " "- Theodora Galitos 46. Portable DVD- Peter Markopoulos 47. " "- Lake Grove Diner 48. " "- Angeliki Hionis 49. " "- Pat Trougakis 50. " "- Tasos Galitos Mr. John Klidas Page 7 Page 18 Η Επιτροπή της ετησίας Λαχειοφόρου, εκ μέρους του πατέρα Σαράντη, του Προέδρου Κ. Κωνσταντίνου Γαλίτου και ολοκλήρου του εκκλησιαστικού Συμβουλίου εκφράζει στους σεβαστούς υποστηρικτές της Λαχειοφόρου την απέραντη ευγνωμοσύνη μας για την υπεράσπιση σας. Επίσης και τα θερμά Συνχαρητήρια προς τους τυχερούς και να χαίρονται τα δώρα τους. Είθε η χάρης του Κυρίου μας με τις ικεσίες της αγίας Μαρκέλλας να είναι προστασία, υγεία και ειρήνη σε όλους σας. Ευχαριστούμε! The Grand Raffle Committee on behalf of Fr. Sarantis, the President of the Parish Council and the entire Membership of the Parish Council wishes to convey to all of our supporters of the Grand Raffle our sincere gratitude and thanksgiving for your generous support. We wish also to congratulate the winners and they may enjoy their gifts. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ through the intersessions of St. Markella be a blessing to you and your family always of health, peace, and prosperity. Thank you!

8 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 Το Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Σεβαστοί πάροικοι και υποστηρικτικές της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας. Είναι η ευχή μου ότι όλοι περάσετε ένα ωραίο και αναπαυτικά καλοκαίρι. Τον Ιούλιο όπως κάθε χρόνο η εκκλησία μας γιόρτασε την γιορτή της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας με ευπρέπεια όπως πρέπει. Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ.κ. Δημήτριος επισκέφθηκε την κοινότητα μας και ευχαριστήθηκε πάρα πολύ για την πρόοδο της. Γρήγορα τον Νοέμβριο θα ξαναγυρίσει για να ευλογήσει τα επίσημα άγια Θυρανοίξια της. Όπως γνωρίζετε οι περισσότεροι, το οικοδομικό έργο έφθασε στις τελευταίες λεπτομέρειες καθώς έχουμε τελειώσει την μπροστινή είσοδο που στόλησε τόσο πολύ την εκκλησία μας. Εκ μέρους του Εκκλησιαστικού Συμβουλίου εκφράζω την ευγνωμοσύνη μας για την απέραντη υποστήριξη σας και ιδιαιτέρως για τη λαχειοφόρο που κληρώθηκε την γιορτή της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας. Όπως γνωρίζετε η Λαχειοφόρος γίνεται την παραμονή πρωτοχρονιάς. Είναι ο σκοπός του συμβουλίου η ημέρα της κληρώσεως να ξαναγιρίσει πίσω την παραμονή πρωτοχρονιάς εφέτος ή του χρόνου. Συγχαρητήρια στους τυχερούς που τα ονόματα τους έχουν διαφημιστεί στο διαδύκτιο της εκκλησίας μας Μπορείτε να επισκεφθείτε το σάϊτ που περιέχει πάρα πολλές πληοφορίες για κάθε χρήση σας. Τελειώνοντας, προσκαλώ άπαντας που έχουν θέληση να γίνουν ηγέτες για την κοινότητα να έλθουν να βοηθήσουν το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο. Μαζί, η ενορία μας θα γίνει πιο δυνατή και πιο ζωηρή κοινότητα που θα την χαιρόμαστε όλοι. Ελάτε!Εύχομαι σε όλους καλή εκκλησιαστική και πνευματική χρονιά. Μετά μεγάλης τιμής Κωνσταντίνος Γαλίτος, Πρόεδρος Ε. Σ. President's Message Dear Parishioners and Supporters of St. Markella. It is my hope that all of you had a wonderful summer. This summer we celebrated the feast of patron Saint in splendor, as His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios visited our community and he was very happy with the progress of our church. Soon, in November He will be back to officiate the "official Grand opening" of our church. As most of you already seen that the construction is down to the final details as we have finished the front entrance of the church, and it looks amazing! On behalf of the P.C. Members, and Fr. Sarantis, I wish to convey my gratitude for your dependable support and most recently for the grand annual raffle, which we had on St. Markella's feast instead on New Year's eve. We will give our best efforts to bring it up to its original date possibly this year, if not next year. Once again thank you and congratulations to the winners whose names were posted immediately at the church's website at You can visit the site for any quick information you may need. In closing, I wish to invite as many of you who have leadership inclination to be involve with the parish council. Together we can be strong and vibrant community. I think you will feel the same way. The P.C. Members are waiting for you. Let's work together. I wish to all of you to have a joyful and prosperous spiritual ecclesiastical year. Respectfully, Gus Galitos, President of the P.C. Page 8 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Dear Sisterhood, It is my hope that all of you have enjoyed your summer vacation. This summer and more directly in July, Mrs. Zanelotti I and had the opportunity to attend the Clergy Laity in Philadelphia. It was an amazing experience, one to remember and very spiritually guided. Although our stayed was short of the 4 scheduled day, it was packed with so much information and hands on experience valuable to our sisterhood, which I would like to share with you some that we were touched by the stories of guest speakers. First we had a surprise apprearance from His all Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew via Skype. Each speaker shared a traumatic time in their life and how their faith in God carried them thought it. They were experiences describing the meaning of the word P H I L O P T O C H O S. A woman who fell victim to human trafficking is now the CEO of GEMS (Girls Education Mentoring Services). A teenage girl who needed to leave her home life situation spoke of patience, mindfulness, and forgiveness and how her life turned for the better when she discovered St. Basil s Academy. One chapter from each of the 9 metropolises presented their Chapter Challenges. The projects they chose really made a difference in the lives of many. When one attends a clergy laity conference sees the total picture of Philoptochos. We met some wonderful Philoptochos members. We left the conference fully energized with an anxiety to go out and help the world!!! Thank you for the opportunity. I would like take this opportunity to thank all those who helped during the Feast Day of St. Markella serving His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. He was delightful and grateful of our service. We really did volunteer our services for our church. It is my hope that this year, we will expand our membership. I called upon each and every one of us to bring just one member to participate in this good work of God s calling. Thank you and God bless you. Wishing you all a happy new ecclesiastical year. Marion Koinis MOMMY & ME This year our Mommy and Me group is very excited to start meeting in our new Church Community Hall! Once again under the direction of Joanna Georgatos, we will do story time in both Greek and English, circle time, arts and crafts to enhance fine motor skills through cutting pasting and drawing, field trips, and park adventures. Mommy and Me is open to all preschool age children ranging from 18 months to 5 years old, and everyone, including grandparents, are welcome to attend. Continuous Registration will be each meeting. We will be meeting Thursdays at 11:30 starting September 19th. We look forward to seeing all of you there! Page 17 For further information please contact teacher Joanna or assistant Maria: jgeorgatos@gmail.com mariaspartalis@hotmail.com or call the church's office

9 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 a Church. it does a body good!... A sermon about lying A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17." The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying." Question and answer - Biblical Questions and Answers Q. Who was the greatest financieer in the Bible? A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation. Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he got married? A. Ruth-less. Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? A. Samson. He brought the house down. Q. Where is the first baseball game in the Bible? A. In the big inning, Eve stole first, Adam stole second. Cain struck out Abel, and the Prodigal Son came home. The Giants and the Angels were rained out. Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible? A. David. He rocked Goliath to sleep. Q. Why was Goliath so surprised when David hit him with a slingshot? A. The thought had never entered his head before. Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? A. Moses. Because he broke all 10 commandments; at once. Q. How do we know that Job went to a chiropractor? A. Because in Job 16:12 we read, "I had come to be at ease, but he proceeded to shake me up and he grabbed me by the back of the neck and proceeded to smash me." SAVE THE DATE!!! Our Official Grand Opening of Our New Church November 2, 2014 Details to follow. THE AGIASMA A BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF ST. MARKELLA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WANTAGH, NEW YORK REV. FR. SARANTIS LOULAKIS, PRESBYTER Parish Council President...Gus Galitos Philoptochos President....Mary Koinis Religious Education...Markella Melios, Antonia Fotinos, & Christina Zanelotti Chanter.. Nicholas Dembris & Georigos Lilikas Sexton..Athanasios Hatzis & Christos Rallis Honoree Sexton....Ioannis Papoulis Greek Afternoon School PTA President..Chrysoula Kayantas Greek Afternoon School Principal.Tanya Laloudakis Golden Stars (Senior Citizens)......Every Thursday at 12:00 YAL. Forming now GOYA...Debbie Markopoulos JOY Angelica Gizas Mommy & Me.....Joanna Georgatos & Maria Eleftheriou Internet Ministry...Konstantina Granelli Building Committee Peter Bachas OFFICE HOURS M-F 9-2 PHONE : / FAX: saint.markella@yahoo.com Page 16 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS It is our hope that you have enjoyed your summer break and came back with a new renew spirit. Kindly note that classes will begin the third Sunday of September, the Sunday, September 21 st. It gives me a great joy to convey my sincere gratitude first, to the parents of the children for their genuine effort to bring the children early to church last year, second to the children for their willingness to make Sunday school part of their lives, and thirdly to our faithful teachers who care and love so much our children for the glory of the Lord Jesus. It is our hope that more will follow their lead and share our God s love and blessings. This year we will follow again the same schedule as last year, however, we will begin 15 minutes later, at 10:45am. We will meet again in church for a 5 minute sermonette right after the reading of the Holy Gospel, so more of you may participate in the Divine Liturgy. Children will be up for Holy Communion and return to their classes until 12 noon. This year, as we will try to expand the number of classes from 3 to 4, we would like to ask those who have a teaching profession or those who are inclined to education to volunteer their services as Sunday school teachers or assistants. It is our hope that with the grace of the Holy Spirit some of you will take this opportunity or calling and act graciously. The curriculum packet will be given out during registration. It will open Registration at the end of the Sunday services and FREE from all fees. For any questions kindly see Fr. Sarantis. As the Lord Jesus said: Bring the children to me! With love in Christ, +Fr. Sarantis Page 9

10 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 Σεπτεμβρίου Κυριακή, 31 Αυγούστου. - Μέγας εσπερινός του αγίου Συμεών, προστάτης Συλόγου Αγίου Συμεών Τρυπουσιών. Ο Σύλλογος προσκαλεί πάντα στη εορταστική τους εκδήλωση μετά το πέρας του Εσπερινού, στην κοινοτική αίθουσα. Δευτέρα, 01 Σεπτεμβρίου - ΑΡΧΗ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ. Κυριακή, 07 Σεπτεμβρίου- * Κυριακή προ της Υψώσεως. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ. Λειτουργία...10:00πμ * Αγιασμός Ελληνικού & Κατηχητικού Σχολείων Δευτέρα, 08 Σεπτεμβρίου-* Γεννέθλιον της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου. Θ. Λειτ...8:45πμ * Έναρξη Ελληνικού Σχολείου. ΚΑΛΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ & ΚΑΛΗ ΠΡΟΟΔΟ Σάββατο, 13 Σεπτεμβρίου- Μέγας Εσπερινός Ύψωσης Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Brooklyn & Whitestone. Κυριακή, 14 Σεπτεμβρίου- *Η Ύψωσης του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ. Λειτ.10:00πμ Τρίτη, 16 Σεπτεμβρίου- *Μέγας Εσπερινός Αγίας Σοφίας, Ελπίδας, Πίστεως & Aγάπη. Θ. Λειτ...7:00πμ Κυριακή, 21 Σεπτεμβρίου- *Κυριακή μετά της Υψώσεως. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ. Λειτουργία...10:00πμ Τρίτη, 23 Σεπτεμβρίου - Μελέτη Αγίας Γραφής...7:00μμ Παρασκευή, 26 Σεπτεμβρίου- *Κυριακή Μετάστασης Αποστόλου & Ευαγγελιστή Ιωάννη του Θεολόγου. Θ. Λειτουργία...9:00πμ Κυριακή, 28 Σεπτεμβρίου- *Κυριακή 1η του Λουκά. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ. Λειτουργία...10:00πμ Οκτωβρίου Κυριακή, 05 Οκτωβρίου- Κυριακή 2η του Λουκά. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ. Λειτουργία...10:00πμ Τρίτη, 07 Οκτωβρίου- Πολύχρονης Ιερομάρτυρος. Όρθρος...9:00πμ-10:00πμ Κυριακή, 12 Οκτωβρίου- 7η Οικουμενική Σύνοδος. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ. Λειτουργία...10:00πμ Τρίτη, 14 Οκτωβρίου - Μελέτη Αγίας Γραφής...7:00μμ Κυριακή, 19 Οκτωβρίου- *Κυριακή 3η του Λουκά. Όρθρος..8:45πμ./Θ.Λειτουργία...10:00πμ Σάββατο, 25 Οκτωβρίου- Αγ. Δημητρίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος. Εσπερινός στην Εκκλησία του Αγ. Δημητρίου στο Merrick...7:00μμ Κυριακή, 26 Οκτωβρίου- Αγ. Δημητρίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος. *Κυριακή 6η του Λουκά. Όρθρος...8:45πμ./Θ.Λειτουργία...10:00πμ Τρίτη, 28 Οκτωβρίου - Μελέτη Αγίας Γραφής...7:00μμ Τετάρτη, 29 Οκτωβρίου- * Αναστασίας της Ρωμαίας Οσιομάρτυρας. Όρθρος...9:00πμ-10:00πμ PRESIDENT- GUS GALITOS 1st VICE PRESIDENT GONIAS, MICHAEL / 2nd VICE PRESIDENT LILIKAS, JOHN / 3rd VICE PRESIDENT - KATSIGIORGIS, IOANNIS / A' SECRETARY SAZAKLIS, MANOLI/ ASST SECRETARY - GONIAS, NIKKI ASST SECRETARY LIADAKIS, ELIANA - / A' TREASURER BUSSI, THOMAS / B' TREASURER POTAMOUSIS,JOHN / PUBLIC RELATIONS TSAKOS, CHRIS /MEMBER BACHAS, PETER/ MEMBER KATSALAS, JOHN/ MEMBER - RALLIS, CHRISTOS / MEMBER - RALLIS, GUS / MEMBER - TSIMARAS, GERASIMOS /MEMBER- PAPOULIS, JOHN/MEMBER- NIKOLIS, STAMATI/ MEMBER - KOUKOUNIS, JOHN / MEMBER - GONIAS, DIMITRIOS / MEMBER KOVOROS, COSTA/ MEMBER - GONIAS, PAULINE / MEMBER - MEMBER- GEORGE, GASPARIS/ MEMBER- PAPOULIS, MICHAEL Page 10 Parents, beware! 60 % of children who go to college this year do not return to faith Dear Parents, Many of you know that the loss of our Christian youth is a staggering problem today in our country. Statistics show us that more than 60% of our young people are graduating high school, going to college and never returning to their faith group. I do not mean their parish or community, but their faith. In other words, more than 6 out of 10 Orthodox young adults will abandon Orthodoxy. This is a huge challenge for all of us. As the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) works on behalf of all Orthodox to connect students to Christ and His Church during college. Through its campus-based chapters, regional events and programs such as College Conference and Real Break, OCF engages Orthodox college students across the continent in fellowship, education, worship, and service. To fulfill this mission and seeking to reverse the trend of loss of faith so prevalent among our young people, OCF has just launched its third year of the First Forty Days Initiative a program designed to help your parish s high school graduates seamlessly join the OCF network by integrating them into the life of an OCF chapter during the first forty days of their college experience. It is critical to personally contact every first-year Orthodox college student so that they know that an Orthodox family awaits them on campus. Research has shown that most college students build the habits and peer groups they will maintain for their entire college career in the first six weeks of their freshman year. The Church must be here for them during this critical time. The First Forty Days Initiative allows local OCF student leaders, spiritual advisors, and lay coordinators to introduce themselves to all new incoming students, making sure that they know about Orthodoxy on campus and nearby Orthodox parishes. These students will also receive a summer mailing directly from the OCF Office with information and materials to help them navigate their freshman year of college as Orthodox college students. It is our hope that through this personal connection, our young college students will not only stay connected but deepen their faith during their years in post-secondary education and graduate to be faithful stewards of parishes across the country. Fathers, I am writing to you for your assistance and am expecting your compliance. I ask that you please submit your parish s high school students information online to the OCF North American Office by July 31st to ensure that your students will be directly contacted by OCF and greeted on their college campuses at the beginning of the fall semester. Please visit the following webpage to submit your information to OCF online: contacts/ Please be assured that contact information will remain confidential and will be only released internally to the OCF network. I am most appreciative for your assistance in this important matter, assuring you of a remembrance in prayer, I remain Page 15

11 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 OXI DAY OCTOBER 28 28th October The Day Greece said a Loud OXI - NO - to Mussolini and the 2nd World War Took a Different Turn! It s not just for Greeks, it s stood for the entire world. What leaders of the world said about the OXI DAY "Until now we used to say that the Greeks fight like heroes. Now we shall say: The heroes fight like Greeks." Sir Winston Churchill - Prime Minister United Kingdom (From a speech he delivered from the BBC in the first days of the Greco-Italian war) One of the more well known salutes to the heroism of the Greek people was given by the US President Franklin D Roosevelt, who summed it all up beautifully... "On the 28th of October 1940 Greece was given a deadline of three hours to decide on war or peace but even if a three day or three week or three year were given, the response would have been the same. The Greeks taught dignity throughout the centuries. When the entire world had lost all hope, the Greek people dared to question the invincibility of the German monster raising against it the proud spirit of freedom." -Franklin D Roosevelt, US President ( ) "For the sake of historical truth I must verify that only the Greeks, of all the adversaries who confronted us, fought with bold courage and highest disregard of death.. - Adolf Hitler (speech he gave at Reichstag, 4 May 1941) "The word heroism I am afraid does not render the least of those acts of self-sacrifice of the Greeks, which were the defining factor in the victorious outcome of the common struggle of the nations, during WWII, for the human freedom and dignity. If it were not for the bravery of the Greeks and their courage, the outcome of WW II would be undetermined." -Winston Churchill (speech to British Parliament, 24 April 1941) In the name of the captured yet still alive French people, France wants to send her greetings to the Greek people who are fighting for their freedom. The 25th of March, 1941 finds Greece in the peak of their heroic struggle and in the top of their glory. Since the battle of Salamis Greece had not achieved the greatness and the glory which today holds. -Charles de Gaulle, President of the French Republic It would not be an exaggeration to say that Greece upset the plans of Germany in their entirety forcing her to postpone the attack on Russia for six weeks. We wonder what would have been Soviet Union's position without Greece. -Sir Harold Leofric George Alexander (British Field Marshal during WWII) Paraphrased from a speech of his to the British parliament on 28 October 1941) You fought unarmed and won, small against big. We owe you gratitude, because you gave us time to defend ourselves. As Russians and as people we thank you Moscow Radio Station following Hitler's attack on the U.S.S.R The war with Greece proved that nothing is firm in the military and that surprises always await us. -Benito Mussolini (From a speech he delivered on 10/5/1941) THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 SEPTEMBER Sunday, 31 August- Great Vespers of St. Symeon of Stylite, Patron Saint of St. Symeon Society of Trypes. The Society of St. Symeon wishes all to join them in the festivities celebration following the Great Vespers at the church social hall.. 7:00pm * The New Ecclesiastical New Year. Monday, 01 September *LABOR DAY* Office will be closed Sunday, 07 September- Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross. Orthros...8:30am.Divine Liturgy...10:00am *Blessing service for Hellenic School/Sunday School starting the new school year. Monday, 08 September- The Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Div. Lit...9:00am *Hellenic School Classes begin. Wishing all students & teachers a great and prosperous year! Saturday, 13 September- Great Vesper Service of the Elevation of the Cross at Brooklyn & Whitestone. Sunday, 14 September- Elevation of the Holy Cross. Orthros 8:45am...Divine Liturgy...10:00am Tuesday, 16 September- Great Vesper Service...7:00pm * St. Sophia & her Three daughters Hope, Faith, & Agape the Martyrs. Sunday, 21 September- * Sunday after the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Orthros 8:45am...Divine Liturgy...10:00am Tuesday, 23 September- Bible Study...7:00pm Bible Study will be every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month. Friday, 26 September- The Falling asleep of Saint John the Apostle & Theologian. Div. Lit :00am Sunday, 28 September- 1st Sunday of Luke. Orthros 8:45am...Div. Lit...10:00am OCTOBER Sunday, 5 October- 2nd Sunday of Luke. Orthros 8:45am...Div. Lit...10:00am Tuesday, 7 October- Polychronis the Hieromartyr. Orthros.... 9:00am-10:00am Sunday, 12 October- 7th Ecumenical Council. Orthros 8:45am...Div. Lit...10:00am Sunday, 19 October- 3rd Sunday of Luke. Orthros 8:45am...Div. Lit...10:00am Saturday, 25 October- Great Vesper Service for St. Demetrios at St. Demetrios in Merrick. Sunday, 26 October- 6th Sunday of Luke. St. Demetrios the myrrh-streamer. Orthros 8:45am...Div. Lit...10:00am Wednesday, 29 October- St. Anastasia of Rome. Orthros... 9:00am-10:00am Page 14 Page 11

12 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 THE AGIASMA SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 03 PROSFORO The Sunday Offering "Let's teach others how to make this wonderful gift and share the joy." The Prosforon (ANTITHORON). Prosforon, as most Orthodox Christians know, plays a very important role in each and every Divine Liturgy. The word "Prosforo" translates to Altar Bread, an offering to God." In consuming Prosforon, during communion, it becomes a part of us. It is consecrated during Divine Liturgy. Therefore, when we bake and offer the Prosforon to Him, we offer it as a gift of our love for our Lord God. The preparation of Prosforon begins with the preparation of the baker who must not only be physically clean, but also spiritually clean. Prayers for the baker and the baker s family are said throughout the preparation. An icon, such as The Bread of Life, and a lighted candle is a good thing to have on your counter during the preparation. It instills utmost reverence. This is a spiritual event and not to be seen as a chore. It is an honor to bake your Prosforon and know that it is served during the Divine Liturgy to all who accept communion. May God s blessings shine upon you as you bake! HOW TO MAKE PROSFORO FOR THE BREAD 1 cup of dark (rye or other) flour AND 1 cup of white whole wheat flour AND 4 cups of white bread flour OR 6 cups of bread flour 1 teaspoon of sea salt 2 cups (approximately) of lukewarm water (105 F, 40 C) 2 rounded teaspoons of active dry yeast FOR BAKING Prosforo seal flour Preparation: Sprinkle yeast on top of 1/2 cup of the lukewarm water and stir to dissolve. Sift the flours together into a large bowl. (If using 6 cups of white flour only, sift now.) Whisk in salt to distribute. Make the sign of the cross into the flour (or make a well in the center of the flour) and add yeast mixture and remaining water. Use hands to mix, rotating in a circular motion to pull flour gradually into the center. When the dough sticks together, turn out onto a floured work surface and knead to form a smooth, elastic, firm dough (about 20 minutes). Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes, then knead again for about 5 minutes longer. Lightly flour an 8-inch cake pan. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into two round loaves. Flatten one loaf slightly and place in the middle of the cake pan. Press the seal firmly into the dough until the dough fills the pan around the sides. Flatten the second loaf and place on top of the first. Dust the seal with flour and press down firmly to get the best possible imprint. If needed, use a brush or small spoon to gently fix any uneven edges in the imprint from the seal. Use a wooden skewer to poke small holes at the 12 corners of the cross on the seal (4 in the middle and 8 around the edges). Cover with a clean towel (make the sign of the cross and place a small cross on the towel), and allow to rise for 20 to 25 minutes. While the loaf is rising, preheat oven to 355 F (180 C). Bake at 355 F (180 C) for about 1 hour and 15 or 20 minutes. During baking, if the top starts to get too dark, cover loosely with a piece of foil. When done, remove loaf from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Cover with a clean towel until cooled, and then brush away any flour that may remain on top from the seal. LEARNING THE ORTHODOX FAITH THROUGH TRADITION The Proper Understanding and Use of Antidoron Question: Please help me to understand the significance of antidoron. How should one receive it and handle it? If one takes it home during the week for daily "communion" is this wrong? Is there a proper way of doing it before a prayer, before a meal, etc.? When can you or should you take propsphora to Church? Should you also take wine and oil? Do you bring the names of people to be commemorated with these gifts? This is a subject of great importance. When we do not commune at Liturgy, we receive antidoron (an-deetho-ron, with a hard "d" and a soft "d," as in "the") at the end of Liturgy (that is, blessed bread which substitutes for the Gifts; thus, antidoron, "instead of the Gifts"). Those who commune during the Liturgy receive antidoron or antidoron and wine immediately after communing and should not take it again at the end of Liturgy. Since it is blessed, the antidoron should be carefully handled and no particles of it should be allowed to fall on the ground. This means that children must be carefully watched while consuming antidoron and taught to treat it with pious reverence. It should be received from the Priest at the end of Liturgy and immediately consumed. Since antidoron is given in place of the Gifts, it is also received on an empty stomach, for which reason Orthodox Christians do not eat or drink anything from the midnight before the Divine Liturgy, whether communing or not. Antidoron may also be taken home for use during the week. It is a pious custom for Orthodox Christians to begin the day, after their morning prayers and before eating, by consuming a particle of antidoron and drinking agiasmos, or blessed water. Prosforo(n), the word for bread which we offer at the Divine Liturgy, comes from the Greek word for an offering, prosfora. It is customarily baked in the home with prayers and taken to Church, where it is offered for the Divine Liturgy. (Incidentally, women, out of piety, should not prepare prosforon during their monthly periods.) One may also give oil and wine along with prosforon other "offerings" so as to provide for the oil lamps and the remaining element of the Eucharist, though this is not mandatory. This can be done for any Liturgy. It is also customary to offer the names of Orthodox Christian family members, of friends, and of relatives with the prosforon, so that the Priest may commemorate them at the Service of Preparation (Proskomide). PRAYER (Said at the time of preparing the dough for Prosphoron) In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. (3) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (3) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. PRAYER Lord, I thank you for this holy hour, that with my sinful hands, you have made me worthy to prepare the most worth gifts of your love. I ask you to send down your all Holy Spirit who blesses all the mysteries of the church, to also bless these gifts so that they may become good and worthy for your Holy Sacrifice. And I ask that you accept them as you accepted the sacrifice of Able, the glorification of the Magi, the tears of Peter, and the penitent thief. And may you make me worthy to offer to you always these gifts. Amen. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen. Page 12 Page 13