The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 May/June 2010 Volume 8 Issue 3 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George The Voice of Saint George The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the LORD. (Matt.3:3) «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» A Message From Our Pastor Beloved in the Lord, Christ is Risen! In This Issue PTO News Philoptochos June Luncheon 2010 Festival News Stewardship Report New Roof Donors Holiday Poems In Every Issue Pastor s Message President s Message Church Calendar Sunday School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Voice of St. George Submission Dates With solemnity and the ages-old Holy Tradition, we have celebrated the beautiful, uplifting Services of Holy Week that made us participate spiritually in the Sacred Passion of Christ. We walked with Him in the valley of Cedron, and prayed with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane; we stayed with Him in jail, we suffered with Him and we co-crucified our passions and our sins on His Crucifixion. We also put to death our weaknesses and we participated in His glorious Resurrection to become like new people. We humbled ourselves and asked Him to pardon us through the Holy Confession, and we were united with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Holy Communion. We enlightened our soul with the glorious Light of His Holy Resurrection, and we took part in that Holy Light of the Feast of Feasts. So now we continue our lives as new, reborn Christians, bringing the Good News to the world by proclaiming: Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! As the Pastor of this Holy Community, I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in the solemn Holy Services. Also, I would like to thank the volunteers who worked with me on the different tasks as well as in the preparation and performance of these Holy Services: The Parish Council Members, the Choir, the Cantors, the Sexton, the Office Staff, the Altar Boys, the Parent Teachers Organization, the Myrofores, the boys that took part in the Feet Washing Ceremony, the ladies who dyed the eggs, our Youth Group who made the Palm Crosses and helped decorate the church, the ladies who cooked and served on Holy Wednesday, the parishioners who donated the wreaths, the people who donated different items for use in the Holy Week Services, the ladies and the gentlemen who decorated the Epitaphion and the Church with flowers, everyone who helped clean up, and everyone who sent their Paschal donation. Especially, I would like to thank ShopRite Supermarkets, the Mavrodes family and anyone that I may have forgotten to mention. God bless you and thank you! We are proud of you! Keep up the good work and continue the centuries-old Holy and Sacred Traditions. Now we are approaching another great Feast Day, the Day of the Pentecost. It is the Day that the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, descended upon the heads of the Apostles as tongues of fire as it is described in the second chapter of the book of Acts. Pentecost is the day of the constitution, the establishment of the Church, the Birthday of the Church that in Greek is called Ecclesia, meaning the place that calls people to come and get saved, because there is no salvation outside the Church. The Church went through many difficult times, executions, bloody martyrdom and extreme persecution. All who persecuted the Church have either disappeared during the course of history or their names remained synonymous with tyrants. However, despite all these difficulties, the Church survived and flourished from Jerusalem, the mother of all Churches, the Holy Zion, to all five continents bringing Christianity to all people because the Holy Spirit dwells in Her. Continued on pg. 4

2 May/June 2010 Page 2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Parish Ministries The Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Pastor Parish Council President Emanuel Manioudakis Vice President / Administration Vassilis Keramidas Vice President / Operations George Athanasopoulos Evangeline Emanuel, Secretary Michael Sirimis, Treasurer Katerina Leftheris, Comptroller Members Lampros Bourodimos Katherine Catanzaro James Exarchakis Nick Manikopoulos Peter Manikopoulos George Petrantonakis Perry Petsanas George Rodoussakis Peter Sirimis Special Thanks to the Voice of St. George Volunteers Very Rev. Alexander Kile Board of Trustees Arete Bouhlas Daughters of Penelope Evie Georgopoulos Eftihia Karayiannidis Kay Kehayas Georgia Peterson Polly Ploussiou Eleni Giannakou-Wyatt Evellyn Tsiadis, Editor Church Organizations Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Pegi Zajac, President Cantors and Choir Yiorgos Bilalis, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Katerina Kourti, Angeliki Papasavas, Chrisoula Plias, Iro Mavrianos, Teachers Parent Teacher Organization Athinoulla Bizos, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer GOYA Nicholas Albanese, President Advisors Eleni Banis, George Hadjiloucas, Nellie Tsipoura, Jim Exarchakis, Fotini Mangafas, Costas Makrelis, Roseanne Rexines, Mike Sirimis, Annie Sullivan, Evie Georgopoulos JOY/HOPE Helen Sirimis Moms & Tots Sonia Petinatos Senior Citizens Anna Stevens, President Focus Nicholas Kambitsis Church Committees Festival John Lyssikatos Mike Dimitrakis House and Grounds George Athanasopoulos Memorial John Stroumtsos New Parking Lot Nicholas Kambitsis Lampros Bourodimos Parking/Rutgers Peter Manis Stewardship Katerina Leftheris Web-Site Jim Exarchakis Peter Sirimis To Our St. George Parishioners The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete. Very Rev. Alexander Kile St. George Parish Council

3 The Voice of St. George Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MAY Sunday 2: The Samaritan Woman Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16 Gospel: John 4:5-42 Saturday 8: Apostle & Evangelist John Sunday 9: Sunday of the Blind Man Epistle: Acts 16:16-34 Gospel: John 9:1-38. Wednesday 12: Reinstitution of Easter Thursday 13: The Ascension Sunday 16: Fathers of the 1 st Ecumenical Council Epistles: Acts 20:16-18 Gospel John 17:1-13 Thursday 21: Sts. Constantine and Helen Saturday 22: Saturday of Souls Sunday 23: Holy Pentecost Epistle: Acts 2:1-11 Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12 Monday 24: Holy Trinity Sunday 30: All Saints Day Epistle: Hebrews. 11:33-40, 12:2 Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30 JUNE Sunday 6: 2 nd Sunday of Matthew Epistle: Romans 2:10-16 Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23 Sunday 13: 3 rd Sunday of Matthew Epistle: Romans 5:1-11 Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33 Sunday 20: 4 th Sunday of Matthew Epistle: Romans 6:18-23 Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13 Thursday 24: St. John the Baptist Sunday 27: 5 th Sunday of Matthew Epistle: Rom. 10:1-10 Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1 Tuesday 29: Saints Peter and Paul Wednesday 30: Synaxis of the 12 Apostles EΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9:00 π.μ. - 11:00 π.μ. ΜΑΙΟΣ Κυριακή 2: Της Σαμαρείτιδος Αποστ. Πραξ. 13:7-16 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 4:5:42 Σάββατο 8: Αγ. Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου Κυριακή 9: Του Τυφλού Αποστ. Πραξ. 16:16-34 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 9:1:38 Τετάρτη 12: Απόδοσις του Πάσχα Πέμπτη 13: Ανάληψις του Χριστού Κυριακή 16: Των Άγίων Πατέρων Αποστ. Πραξ. 20:16-18 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 17:1-13 Πέμπτη 21: Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης Σάββατο 22: Ψυχοσάββατο Κυριακή 23: Της Πεντηκοστής Αποστ. Πραξ. 2:1-11 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 7:37-52, 8:12 Δευτέρα 24: Αγίας Τριάδος Κυριακή 30: Των Αγίων Πάντων Αποστ. Εβραίους 11:33-40, 12:2 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ Κυριακή 6: 2 α Κυριακή Ματθαίου Αποστ. Ρωμαίους 2:10-16 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 4:18-23 Κυριακή 13: 3 η Κυριακή Ματθαίου Αποστ. Ρωμαίους 5:1-11 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 6:22-33 Κυριακή 20: 4 η Κυριακή Ματθαίου Αποστ. Ρωμαίους 6:18-23 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 8:5-13 Πέμπτη 24: Του Αγίου Ιωάννου Κυριακή 27: 5 η Κυριακή Ματθαίου Αποστ. Ρωμ. 10:1-10 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 8:28-34; 9:1 Τρίτη 29: Αγίων Πέτρου και Παύλου Τετάρτη 30: Σύναξις των Δώδεκα Αποστόλων

4 May/June 2010 Page 4 As the Holy Gospel says, not even the gates of hell will be able to destroy Her. The Church is the Ark of Salvation just like Noah s Ark, where everyone who entered was saved. Let us keep ourselves inside the Ark so we can be saved. We have to regularly attend Church Services with our family on Sundays, and on the Feast Days. This is one of the main obligations of Baptized Christian. Showing up only during Holy Week and Christmas is a sin because it means that Christ and the Salvation of our souls are not our first priority. Let us reorganize our lives so Christ will be the first priority, and let us attend the Holy Liturgy on Sundays and on Feast Days with our families. Now that the season is almost over, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their generous support through stewardship and other donations towards the community. I thank you for your fellowship in the different organizations, and the beautiful events that you supported with your participation. Special thanks to our Youth Group who always makes us proud when they take part in many different activities and competitions. Also, I offer my sincere thanks to our Sunday School and Greek School Teachers who sustain the beautiful educational program of our community, as well as to the many organizations and individuals for their hard work during the year, especially during the preparation and execution of the yearly Festival. Thank you, God bless you and have a Wonderful Summer! We are so grateful to our Lord, and Patron Saint George that we are surrounded by dedicated brothers and sisters like you, who help Christ s Mission flourish and continue the success of our Greek Orthodox Community with genuine Christian Love. Thank you for your love to our beloved and historic community. As the summer season is starting, I wish everyone a nice summer vacation, and to those who are traveling to Greece or to other places, a safe trip and a safe return. With Love in Christ The Pastor Very Rev. Alexander Kile Archimandrite SAINT GEORGE FESTIVAL The annual festival will be held on May 14 th, 15 th and 16 th. This year we need the help of all the parishioners of St. George. Please do not hesitate to contact the chairperson, John Lyssikatos Offers of help will never be turned away. We are always open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with us. With the current uncertainty in the economy, the Festival Committee will be working to provide our guests the best value for their money. This year may be our biggest challenge to continue the financial success of our festival. I believe the committee is up to the challenge. We will have a calendar, outlining all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. The calendar will be posted on the church bulletin board and communicated in the weekly announcements. We will also be baking and cooking in May. As always, we are seeking everyone s help! The more people who get involved, the easier the activities, and the more fun we will have. We cannot depend on the same people year in and year out. Please bring a friend and join-in on the weekly preparations for the festival. As a group, we can achieve our goals! As always, the meetings are open for everyone s participation. Festival Meetings May: 6 th 7:00 to 9:00 pm June: 10 th Year End Meeting 7:00 to 9:00 pm Preparation Schedule Diples - May 4 th 10:00 am Dolmades - May 13 th 10:00 am (at the Cretan House)

5 The Voice of St. George Page 5 Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί Χριστός Ανέστη! Με κατανυκτικότητα και με την αρχαία Ιερά Παράδοση της Εκκλησίας, τελέσαμε τις Ιερές Ακολουθίες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος που μας αναπτέρωσαν πνευματικά και μας έκαναν συμμέτοχους του Ιερού Πάθους του Χριστού. Περπατήσαμε μαζί Του στην κοιλάδα του Κεδρώνα, συμπροσευχηθήκαμε στον κήπο της Γεθσημανής, μείναμε μαζί Του στην φυλακή, συμμετείχαμε στο Πάθος Του και συσταυρώσαμε τις αμαρτίες μας στη Σταύρωσή Του. Συνταφιάσαμε τις αδυναμίες μας και ως νέοι άνθρωποι συμμετείχαμε στην ένδοξη Ανάστασή Του. Ταπεινώσαμε τον εαυτό μας ζητώντας συγγνώμη κατά την Ιεράν Εξομολόγησην και ενωθήκαμε με τον Κύριον και Σωτήρα μας μέσω της Θείας Κοινωνίας. Λαμπρύναμε την στολή της ψυχής μας με το Ανέσπερο Φως της Αναστάσεώς Του και λάβαμε μέρος εις Αυτό το Άγιο Φως της εορτής των εορτών. Ανανεωμένοι και αναγεννημένοι Χριστιανοί συνεχίζουμε τις ζωές μας φέρνοντας τον Ευαγγελισμό στον κόσμο και κηρύττοντας ότι «Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς Ανέστη!» Ως Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος αυτής της Ιστορικής και Ιεράς Κοινότητος, θα ήθελα να εκφράσω την ευαρέσκειά μου σε όλους εσάς που συμμετείχατε σ αυτές τις κατανυκτικές Ακολουθίες. Επίσης θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τους εθελοντές που συνεργάστηκαν για την σωστή τάξη και εκτέλεση αυτών των Ακολουθιών και Ιερών Παραδόσεων: το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο, την Χορωδία, τους Ιεροψάλτες, τα Ιερόπαιδα, τα μέλη του Συλλόγου Γονέων και Διδασκάλων, τις Μυροφόρες, τα παιδιά που συμμετείχαν στην Ακολουθία του Νιπτήρα, τις κυρίες που έβαψαν τα αυγά, την νεολαία που έπλεξε τους Σταυρούς από Βάγια και βοήθησε στον στολισμό του Ναού, τις κυρίες που μαγείρεψαν για τα παιδιά την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, τα άτομα που δώρισαν Στέφανα για τον Εσταυρωμένο, τα άτομα που δώρισαν διάφορα αντικείμενα για χρήση κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος, τις κυρίες και κυρίους που βοήθησαν στον στολισμό του Επιταφίου και του Ναού με άνθη και κορδέλες, τα άτομα που βοήθησαν στον καθαρισμό και όλους τους ενορίτες που έστειλαν δωρεές για το Πάσχα. Ιδιαιτέρως ευχαριστώ τα καταστήματα ShopRite, την οικογένεια Μαυροδή, και όλους που ίσως να ξέχασα να ευχαριστήσω. Όλα αυτά μας έδειξαν την αφοσίωση, την πίστη και την συνεργασία σας. Ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί και πάλι σας ευχαριστώ. Η κοινότητα είναι υπερήφανη για σας. Συνεχίσατε, και κρατήσατε τον καλόν αγώνα των αιωνίων Χριστιστιανικών Παραδόσεων που είναι Ιερός και Άγιος. Τώρα πλησιάζουμε την Μεγάλη Εορτή της Πεντηκοστής, την ημέρα που ο Παράκλητος, το Άγιον Πνεύμα, εκάθισε ως πύρινη γλώσσα επάνω στις κεφαλές των Αγίων Αποστόλων που ήταν συγκεντρωμένοι στο υπερώον, όπως μας πληροφορεί το δεύτερο κεφάλαιο των Πράξεων των Αποστόλων. Η Πεντηκοστή είναι η ημέρα της ιδρύσεως της Εκκλησίας, η γενέθλιος ημέρα της Εκκλησίας που καλεί τους ανθρώπους να σωθούν, διότι εκτός της Εκκλησίας, σωτηρία δεν υπάρχει. Από την ημέρα της Ιδρύσεώς Της, η Εκκλησία έζησε πολύ δύσκολες ημέρες με διωγμούς, αιματηρές μαρτυρίες, και εκτελέσεις Αγίων. Όσοι εδίωξαν και κυνήγησαν την Εκκλησία χάθηκαν εις τον ρουν της ιστορίας, ή χειρότερα, έμειναν στην ιστορία ως τύραννοι. Η Εκκλησία όμως, παρά τις τόσες καταστροφικές δυσκολίες και διωγμούς, άνθισε από τα Ιεροσόλυμα, την μητέρα Σιών, την μητέρα των Εκκλησιών, εξαπλώθηκε στις πέντε ηπείρους και πρόσφερε σε όλους τους ανθρώπους τον Χριστιανισμό. Το Άγιο Πνεύμα από την ημέρα της Πεντηκοστής ζει και ενεργεί μέσα στην Εκκλησία, που ούτε «αι Πύλαι του Άδου» μπορούν να την γκρεμίσουν, όπως μας λέει το Ιερόν Ευαγγέλιον. Η Εκκλησία είναι η Κιβωτός της Σωτηρίας, ο τόπος όπου ζει το Άγιον Πνεύμα, που όπως στην Κιβωτό του Νώε, όποιος μπήκε σώθηκε. Ας κρατήσουμε τον εαυτό μας μέσα στην Κιβωτό που λέγεται Εκκλησία. Παρακολουθούμε τακτικά την Θεία Λειτουργία τις Κυριακές και τις Εορτές με την οικογένειά μας; Μία από τις μεγαλύτερες υποχρεώσεις του βαπτισμένου Χριστιανού είναι να εκκλησιάζεται τις Κυριακές και τις Εορτές. Το να εμφανιζόμαστε στην Εκκλησία μόνο τα Χριστούγεννα και τη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα είναι αμαρτία. Γιατί; Διότι η προτεραιότητά μας δεν είναι ο Χριστός και η σωτηρία μας, αλλά, άλλα πράγματα έχουν πάρει την θέση τους στη ζωή μας. Ας αναδιοργανώσουμε την ζωή μας με τις σωστές προτεραιότητες, δίνοντας πρώτη θέση στον Χριστό και την Σωτηρία μας και συμμετέχοντας οικογενειακώς στην Θεία Λειτουργία τις Κυριακές και μεγάλες Εορτές. Καθώς φτάνουμε στο τέλος του χειμερινού προγράμματος, και οι εκδηλώσεις των διάφορων οργανώσεων τελειώνουν για το καλοκαίρι, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον καθένα από σας για την υποστήριξή που δείχνετε στην κοινότητα μέσω της λογίας. Επίσης ευχαριστώ για την υποστήριξη με την παρουσία σας, των διαφόρων προγραμμάτων και εκδηλώσεων. Συγχαίρω τη νεολαία μας για την συμμετοχή της σε πολλές εκδηλώσεις και τα επιτεύγματά της. Μας κάνουν υπερήφανους.

6 May/June 2010 Page 6 Προσφέρω θερμές ευχαριστίες στις διδασκάλισσες και τους διδάσκαλους του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου και του Ελληνικού Σχολείου που συγκροτούν το σύστημα εκπαίδευσης στην κοινότητά μας. Επίσης, προσφέρω θερμές ευχαριστίες σ όλα τα μέλη των οργανώσεων για την εργασία και τις διάφορες προσφορές τους, προπαντός όσους εργάστηκαν στην προετοιμασία και στην διάρκεια του ετήσιου Φεστιβάλ. Ευχαριστούμε όλους, ο Θεός να σας έχει καλά και καλό καλοκαίρι. Ευγνωμονούμε τον Θεό ως Ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου, διότι μας έδωσε πολλούς αφοσιωμένους αδελφούς ώστε με τις προσφορές τους να μπορούμε να εκτελούμε λαμπρώς την Αποστολή του Χριστού και το κοινοτικό έργο στην περιοχή που μας έστειλε ο Θεός με καθαρή Χριστιανική αγάπη. Σας εύχομαι Καλό Καλοκαίρι, καλές διακοπές, και σε όσους πάνε στην Ελλάδα ή σε άλλα μέρη, καλό ταξίδι και εις το επανιδείν. Με εν Χριστώ Αγάπη, Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αρχιμ. Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ Με μεγάλη συγκίνηση και απέραντη αγάπη, ευχαριστούμε από βάθους καρδιάς, τους συγγενείς μας, τους καλούς μας φίλους και αγαπητούς γνωστούς, όπως και όλη την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου, για την τόσο μεγάλη κατανόηση, υποστήριξη και συμμετοχή τους, στο βαρύ πένθος της θυγατέρας μας, αδελφής μας και θείας μας Αγγέλας Ε. Μπουροδήμου. Ευχαριστούμε Με αγάπη για όλους Η Μητέρα: Ο Πατέρας: Η Αδελφή: Ο Αδελφός: Ελένη Μαντζουράνη Μπουροδήμου Ευστάθιος Λ. Μπουροδήμος Σόνια Μπουροδήμου Πετινάτου Δημήτριος Πετινάτος και παιδιά, Ελευθερία και Ιάσωνας Λάμπρος Ε. Μπουροδήμος Ναϊόμη Μπουροδήμου και παιδιά, Διονύσιος, Μαρία και Ιούλιος With great emotion and boundless love, we thank from the depths of the heart, our relatives, our good friends and dear acquaintances, and also the whole Community of Saint George, for their great understanding, support and participation, in the deep mourning of our daughter, our sister and our aunt Angela E. Bourodimos. Thank you With love to all Mother: Father: Sister: Brother: Eleni Mantzouranis Bourodimos Efstathios L. Bourodimos Sonia Bourodimos Petinatos Dimitrios Petinatos and children, Eleftheria and Jason Lampros E. Bourodimos Naomi Bourodimos and children, Dionisios, Maria, and Julius

7 The Voice of St. George Page 7 President s Message Dear Parishioners, My message in this issue of The Voice of St. George is devoted to thanking one of the many parishioners who has given unselfishly to our church. I am referring to none other than John Kehayas. Recently, John advised me that after Easter, he will not be able to handle his duties as the right hand man of Fr. Kile in the altar and that he will retire and fade quietly into the sunset. That leaves a big void! Who are we going to get to fill John s shoes? As I mentioned in a previous issue of this publication, John is a product of this community. His father, Themistocles, owned Tom s Busy Corner that was located in New Brunswick, at the present site of the Hyatt Hotel. After his father died, he devoted his entire life to his mother Eleni, and to the church of St. George. John would always be the first one in church and the last one to leave. After the liturgy, he would clean up the altar and clean the lipstick from the icons in the narthex. During the week, John would come to church to prepare for any memorial service by having all of the bags for the koliva stacked and ready to fill once the memorial service was over. He was a shining light and example to the generations of altar boys who have served our church under John s tutelage. John even put a sign up in the altar advising the altar boys after he leaves at exactly what time to have the censer ready and at what time to have the hot water ready for the preparation of the communion. He would meticulously cut the prosphoron into uniform pieces. John did everything in the altar that every one of us took for granted. Now, John, what are we going to do without you? On behalf of the entire community, I would like to thank John for an entire lifetime of devotion to OUR church. Speaking for myself, John is the closest thing to a saint that I ll ever see. God Bless you, John. I would now like to thank the many people who have donated money, their gift to St. George, for the installation of the new roof on the sanctuary. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Even donors whom I haven t seen in church for many years have generously responded to our plea. It gave me great satisfaction to know that these people are still out there and that they still support OUR church when the need arises. This new roof will stand as a monument to all who have donated; for their lifetime as well as their children s and grandchildren s lifetimes. Every time they go by and look up at the tile on the roof, they can proudly say: I gave for the glory of St. George. Last year, I reported that it costs $856 per member to meet the fixed expenses of OUR church, i.e., to pay the salaries and medical insurance of our employees, to pay for the heat and electricity, to pay our assessment to the Archdiocese, to supplement the tuition of the Greek School, etc. I am happy to announce that this year that number has dropped to $797 per member. This is due to some of the cost cutting measures that we have instituted and the new members we have gained. Again, the most costly item on the budget is the salaries and medical insurance of our employees. It costs every member $392 to pay for that expense. The next highest expense is the money that we are assessed by the Archdiocese; $112 per member. Sadly to say, the average donation that we received from our membership as of 31 January 2010 is $413 per member, a slight increase from one year ago when the average donation was $396 per member, but it still only represents about 50% of our actual cost. As I said last year, without the monies derived from the festival and the parking for the Rutgers football games, it would be impossible to operate just from the financial support that we receive from our members. One of the basic tenets of every religion is tithing, which stipulates that one tenth of your income should be set aside for the Lord s work (Genesis 28:22, Numbers 18:26). I know that no one is going to give OUR church 10% of his income, but try to at least pay your share of the expenses that are badly needed to operate OUR church. Please help us to perpetuate OUR church, the church that our forefathers built with their nickels and dimes and their sweat and tears. For those of you who come to church, you will notice that some of the front doors are missing. These doors are being refinished by skilled Amish craftsmen in Pennsylvania. I m now looking for some of our skilled painting contractors of OUR community to volunteer to paint the windows of OUR church. The next time you come to church, just look up at the window above the front entrance of the church. I can t believe that you would let the windows in your house look like that. Isn t there one painter out there who will volunteer to paint one or two windows of OUR church? By the time you receive this newsletter, the festival will be rapidly approaching. I urge all of you to support OUR festival. In addition, we sorely need volunteers to help in all of the stands, the kitchen, the gyro station etc. Come on out and participate, you ll enjoy it. Be proud to be a member of the St. George Community. See you there. Emanuel Manioudakis, President United We Stand Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους

8 May/June 2010 Page 8 Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες, Το μήνυμά μου σε αυτό το τεύχος Η Φωνή του Αγίου Γεωργίου είναι αφιερωμένο σε έναν από τους πολλούς ενορίτες που ανιδιοτελώς προσέφερε στην εκκλησία μας. Δεν αναφέρομαι σε κανέναν άλλο παρά στον Γιάννη Κεχαγιά. Πρόσφατα ο Γιάννης με ενημέρωσε ότι μετά το Πάσχα, δεν θα είναι πλέον σε θέση να εκπληρώνει τα καθήκοντά του ως βοηθός του πατρός Κιλέ και ότι θα αποχωρήσει, σεμνά θα αποσυρθεί στο δειλινό. Αυτό αφήνει ένα μεγάλο κενό! Ποιον μπορούμε να βρούμε να πάρει την θέση του Γιάννη; Όπως είχα αναφέρει σε μία προηγούμενη έκδοση αυτού του περιοδικού, ο Γιάννης είναι γέννημα θρέμμα αυτής της κοινότητας. Ο πατέρας του, ο Θεμιστοκλής, ήταν ιδιοκτήτης του καταστήματος Busy Tom Corner που βρισκόταν στο New Brunswick, εκεί που σήμερα βρίσκεται το ξενοδοχείο Hyatt. Μετά τον θάνατο του πατέρα του αφιέρωσε ολόκληρη τη ζωή του στη μητέρα του Ελένη και στην εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Ο Γιάννης είναι πάντα ο πρώτος που ερχόταν στην εκκλησία και ο τελευταίος που έφευγε. Μετά τη λειτουργία καθάριζε το ιερό και τα κραγιόν από τις εικόνες στο νάρθηκα. Κατά τη διάρκεια της εβδομάδας, ο Γιάννης ερχόταν στην εκκλησία για να προετοιμάσει τα σακουλάκια και να τα έχει έτοιμα να γεμιστούν με κόλλυβα μόλις τελείωνε το μνημόσυνο.ο Γιάννης ήταν ένα λαμπρό παράδειγμα στις γενεές των ιερόπαιδων που έχουν υπηρετήσει την εκκλησία μας, υπό την διδασκαλία του. Ο Γιάννης φρόντισε να βάλει ένα σημείωμα μέσα στο ιερό για να ξέρουν τα ιερόπαιδα ακριβώς τι ώρα πρέπει να έχουν έτοιμο το θυμιατήρι και ποια στιγμή θα χρειαστεί να υπάρχει έτοιμο ζεστό νερό για την προετοιμασία της Θείας κοινωνίας, όταν πια εκείνος θα έχει αποχωρήσει. Επιδέξια έκοβε το πρόσφορο σε ομοιόμορφα κομμάτια και έκανε τα πάντα στο ιερό, αυτά που ο καθένας μας θεωρεί δεδομένα. Τώρα Γιάννη, τι θα κάνουμε χωρίς εσένα; Εκ μέρους ολόκληρης της κοινότητας, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον Γιάννη για την αφοσίωση μιας ολόκληρης ζωής στην Εκκλησία ΜΑΣ. Μιλώντας προσωπικά, ο Γιάννης είναι το πιο κοντινό πράγμα σε άγιο που έχω δει ποτέ. Ο Θεός να σ ευλογεί, Γιάννη. Τώρα θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλα τα άτομα που έχουν προσφέρει το "δώρο" τους στον Άγιο Γεώργιο, για την εγκατάσταση της νέας στέγης του ναού. Τους ευχαριστώ από τα βάθη της καρδιάς μου. Ακόμα και αυτούς τους χορηγούς που δεν έχω δει για πολλά χρόνια στην εκκλησία, αλλά ανταποκρίθηκαν γενναιόδωρα στην αίτηση μας. Μου έδωσε μεγάλη ευχαρίστηση να γνωρίζω ότι υπάρχουν ακόμα οι άνθρωποι αυτοί εκεί και ότι υποστηρίζουν την εκκλησία ΜΑΣ όταν υπάρξει ανάγκη. Αυτή η νέα στέγη θα σταθεί ως ένα ενθύμιο σε όλους όσους έχουν δωρίσει, κατά την διάρκεια δικής τους ζωής καθώς και των παιδιών τους και των εγγονιών τους. Κάθε φορά που θα περνούν και θα βλέπουν τα κεραμίδια πάνω στη στέγη, μπορούν να λένε με περηφάνια: "Έδωσα για τη δόξα του Αγίου Γεωργίου." Πέρυσι, ανέφερα ότι θα κοστίζει 856 δολάρια ανά μέλος για την κάλυψη των κυρίων δαπανών της εκκλησίας ΜΑΣ, δηλαδή, για να πληρωθούν οι μισθοί και η ιατρική ασφάλιση των υπαλλήλων μας, για να πληρωθεί η θέρμανση και το ηλεκτρικό, για να πληρωθεί η εισφορά μας προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή, για τη συμπλήρωση των διδάκτρων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου, κλπ. Είμαι ευτυχής να ανακοινώσω ότι φέτος ο αριθμός αυτός μειώθηκε στα 797 δολάρια ανά μέλος. Αυτό οφείλεται σε ορισμένα από τα μέτρα περικοπής κόστους που έχουμε καθιερώσει και τα νέα μέλη που έχουμε αποκτήσει. Και πάλι, το πιο δαπανηρό μέρος του προϋπολογισμού είναι οι μισθοί και η ιατρική ασφάλιση των υπαλλήλων μας. Κοστίζει σε κάθε μέλος 392 δολάρια για να πληρωθεί η εν λόγω δαπάνη. Η αμέσως επόμενη μεγάλη δαπάνη είναι τα χρήματα που αξιολογούμαστε από την Αρχιεπισκοπή, τα οποία είναι 112 δολάρια ανά μέλος. Δυστυχώς σας αναφέρω ότι ο μέσος όρος δωρεάς που λάβαμε από τις συνδρομές μέχρι την 31η Ιανουαρίου του 2010 είναι 413 δολάρια ανά μέλος, αυτή είναι μία μικρή αύξηση από τον περασμένο χρόνο, που ο μέσος όρος δωρεάς ήταν 396 δολάρια ανά μέλος, αλλά αυτό εξακολουθεί να αντιπροσωπεύει μόνο το 50% του τωρινού κόστους. Όπως σας είπα και πέρυσι, χωρίς τα χρήματα που προέρχονται από το φεστιβάλ και το πάρκινγκ από τους αγώνες ποδοσφαίρου του πανεπιστημίου Rutgers, θα ήταν αδύνατο να λειτουργήσει η εκκλησία μόνο από την οικονομική υποστήριξη που λαμβάνουμε από τα μέλη μας.

9 The September Voice of 2008 St. George Page 9 Μία από τις βασικές αρχές της κάθε θρησκείας είναι η αφιέρωσις, η οποία ορίζει ότι ένα δέκατο των εισοδημάτων σας, θα πρέπει να διατεθεί για το έργο του Κυρίου (Γένεση 28:22, Αριθμοί 18:26). Ξέρω ότι κανείς δεν πρόκειται να δώσει στην εκκλησία ΜΑΣ το 10% του εισοδήματός του, αλλά προσπαθήστε τουλάχιστον να καταβάλετε το μερίδιο σας για τις δαπάνες που είναι απολύτως απαραίτητο για τη λειτουργία της εκκλησίας ΜΑΣ. Βοηθήστε μας να διαιωνίσουμε την εκκλησία ΜΑΣ, την εκκλησία που οι πρόγονοί μας χτίσανε με πεντάρες και δεκάρες, με τον ιδρώτα και δάκρυα τους. Για εσάς που έρχεστε στην εκκλησία, θα παρατηρήσατε ότι μερικές από τις μπροστινές πόρτες λείπουν. Αυτές οι πόρτες ανακαινίστηκαν από ειδικευμένους Amish τεχνίτες από την Πενσυλβάνια. Τώρα ψάχνω να βρω εθελοντές ειδικευμένους εργολάβους ελαιοχρωματιστές της κοινότητας ΜΑΣ για να βάψουν τα παράθυρα του ναού ΜΑΣ. Την επόμενη φορά που θα έρθετε στην εκκλησία, κοιτάξετε μόνο το παράθυρο πάνω από την μπροστινή είσοδο της εκκλησίας. Δεν μπορώ να πιστέψω ότι θα αφήνατε τα παράθυρα του σπιτιού σας να φαίνονταν έτσι. Δεν υπάρχει ένας ελαιοχρωματιστής κάπου εκεί που θέλει εθελοντικά να βάψει ένα ή δύο παράθυρα της εκκλησίας ΜΑΣ; Όταν θα λάβετε αυτό το ενημερωτικό δελτίο, ο καιρός του φεστιβάλ θα έχει πλησιάσει. Σας καλώ όλους να υποστηρίξετε ένθερμα το φεστιβάλ ΜΑΣ. Επιπλέον, έχουμε μεγάλη ανάγκη από εθελοντές για να βοηθήσουν σε όλες τις θέσεις όπως στην κουζίνα, στο γύρο κ.ο.κ. Ελάτε όλοι να συμμετάσχετε, θα το απολαύσετε πολύ. Να είστε υπερήφανοι που είστε μέλη της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Πιστεύω να σας δούμε όλους εκεί. United We Stand Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους Μανώλης Μανιουδάκης, Πρόεδρος Parent Teacher Organization - PTO Won t You Join the Saint George P.T.O. Executive Board? There are many advantages for joining the PTO Executive Board! There is no better way to stay connected and know what is happening at St. George Greek and Religious Educational Schools. PTO functions are also a great way to meet other parents and build rapport with teachers and other parishioners. We can use your wisdom, skills and talent! Without your help many of the PTO events and activities could not be possible. Please consider joining the St. George P.T.O. Executive Board for the term. For this term, we would like to have two people for every position; two Presidents, two Vice-Presidents, two Secretaries and two Treasurers. Doing this, the responsibilities will be distributed between more people during PTO events and more new fun activities for both children and their families can be organized. If you think you can make a difference or need more information, please contact anyone from the PTO Executive Board or send an to sgpto@optonline.net The Saint George P.T.O. Executive Board Officers

10 May/June 2010 Page 10 Want to make a difference for OUR church? Join these fellow parishioners by making a contribution to offset the costs of replacing OUR Church Roof. Make an investment in OUR Church that many generations of OUR children will benefit from. George & Barbara Abadiotakis Margaret Agnostak Carmine & Sophia Albanese Evangelia Alexander Emanuel & Frances Alvarez Manuel & Ann Alvarez Miss Savoula Amanatidis Dimos & Sofia Amaxopoulos Demetris & Eleni Andronikou M John & Rose Angelakos Demetrios & Afrodite Antipas Emanuel & Angie Aretakis Stamatis & Pauline Arkoulakis George & Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos Nektarios & Eleni Banis Mrs Vasiliki Bliziotis Dimitri N & Maria D Bouhlas George & Mary Boulegeris Helen Bouzos Ralph & Maria Caputo Francis J & Katherine Catanzaro James & Christine Colitsas Gregory & Elaine Comsudis Ariadne Coules Gerasimos & Kristen Diagelakis Ioannis & Gerasimoula Diamantis Mary Diamantis Michael Dolianitis Spyridon & Vicki Drecolias Michael & Evangeline Emanuel Nicholas & Helen Englezos Georgia Exarchakis James G & Sophia Exarchakis Athanasios & Stavroula Frestis John & Bertha Garris Robert & Katina Garthe Dimitrios Gavalas & Katherine Kourti Anthony & Helen Gegelys Lynne Gementgis Ned K & Elizabeth George George & Panagiota Georgiou Maria Georgiou Christos & Helen Giannios Evangelos & Mitza Giannos Evangelos & Mitza Giannos Dimetrios & Michele Greberis Christine H Gussis George & Lefkothea Hadjiloucas Evangelos & Stamatoula Hionis Joseph & Kathryn Hirschman Arkady Honchariv Pericles & Daphne Ioulianou George & Alexandra Janow John & Evelyn Kallas Anthony & Maria Kamarinopoulos Athanasia Kambitsis Demetrius Kambitsis Dimitra Kambitsis Leonila Kambitsis Nicholas Kambitsis Anastasia Kangos Markos & Maria Kantilierakis Stamatis & Anastasia Kantilierakis Toula Karamarkos Spiro & Sofia Karas James & Tasoula Kartatos Alice Kartikis Basil S & Katherine B Kasimis Michael & Priscilla Kasternakis John Kehayas Katina Kehayas Nicholas T Kehayas Vassilis & Elaine Keramidas Very Rev Alexander Kile George & Georgia Kolias Nickie Kopanakis George & Athena Kostis Anthony & Zoe Koulouris Nicholas & Christine Koumarianos Simon & Elizabeth Koumis John & Linda Kourakos George & Lisa Koutsoubis Dennis & Vaseleke A Krousos Dr Katerina Leftheris Mr Gus Leontarakis Michael Levas Nancy Liverakos Casandra Lorincz Anthony & Anna Lorino Constantine Lydakis Panagiotis & Marianne Lysicatos Constantinos & Helen Lyssikatos John & Evanthia Lyssikatos Thomais Lyssikatos Venetia Makris Evangelos & Olga Makropoulos Emanuel & Anna Manioudakis James & Niki Marketos Elpida Marolis Ioannis & Iro Mavrianos John & Helen Mellos Nicholas & Sylvia Menedis Mary Messner Minas & Mary Rose Mina Thomas & Maria Moutafis Nicholas & Antonia Mpletsakis Emmanuel & Katina Papamanolis Chrysso Papanastasiou Michael & Angelica Papasavas Christ S Pappas Helene A Pappas Helen Patestos Karl & Dimitra Paulus Georgia C Peterson Michael & Deborah Petkovski George & Maria Petrou Perry & Leah Petsanas Socrates & Polly Ploussiou H James & Rita Polos Thomas J & MaryAnn Prenderville Roland & Karen Rodriguez Iacovos & Florentia Savva Helen Scalia Kostas Schadas Angelo & Margaret A Scopelianos Steven & Christel Sgourakis Nicholas & Regina Siliverdis Chris & Maria Sirimis Kyriakos & Meropi Sirimis Michael & Helen Sirimis Dean V Solomos James & Elizabeth Solomos

11 The Voice of St. George Page 11 Elena Stavrianidis Panos & Maggie Stavrianidis Paul V & Alice J Stevens Victor P & Teresa Stevens Jr George & Eleni Stoupas John D & Linda Stroumtsos John & Bella Sturges Manuel & June Sturges Thomas & Viveca Sulich Titus & Gertude Tarnovetchi Georgios & Maria Thanos Liberty Toto & Richard Krembecki John & Stella Tsinetakes Fotios & Eleni Tsivelekidis George Tsolakis George & Beatrice Vassil Christos & Effie Voloudakis Dr William Wadsworth Edward & Malvina Wilkens St George Youth Peter Zaboglou John & Pegi Zajac George & Anastasia Zalokostas Konstantinos & Maria Zalokostas Dimitri Zambas Tasos & Sharon Zambas Vasilios Zarokostas Total Roof Cost: $82, Total Donations as of 04/15/2010 $29, Memorial Day Prayer Dear God, On this day we remember the sacrifices made for us by those who were willing to give their lives to ensure that our own would be spent in freedom. Pray for the protection of our soldiers in their efforts, and bring them home safely at the end of their duties wherever that home may be. Amen Let us never forget to pray, not only for the dead, but also for those still living and working in the cause of freedom around the world. As we celebrate and enjoy this time, give comfort and grace to those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our sake.

12 May/June 2010 Page 12 Ladies Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara On Orthodoxy Sunday, March 8, 2009, the annual community Lenten Luncheon held by the Ladies Philoptochos Society in the Ahepa Hall was very well attended. Speaker for the afternoon was Mr. James Karamanos, a graduate of Holy Cross Seminary, who informed the gathering of the status of Hellenic College and Holy Cross. We thank Mr. Karamanos for his most informative speech. As a result of the generosity of our parishioners at this luncheon, the amount of $1,500 will be sent to National Philoptochos to benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross. Additional donations were sent for the following obligations: Autism, St. Photios Shrine, American Heart Association and the Orthodox Mission Center. A donation of $1,500 was given for the festival baklava preparation, $200 was given to our church for the Independence Day parade and $500 was donated to each of the four Food Banks in our area. A $1,000 donation was made by our Philoptochos at the Metropolis Philoptochos Luncheon benefiting the children of St. Basil Academy. At this luncheon, his Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios and his Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos honored our very own member Ms. Evellyn Tsiadis, President of the St. Basil Board of Trustees, for her dedication, hard work and efforts toward St. Basil Academy. To Evellyn we extend our heartiest congratulations-- και εις ανώτερα! Our Easter Bread Sale which took place on March 27 and on Palm Sunday was very successful. On April 10 the annual visitation to St. Michael s Home in Yonkers will take place. Representing our Philoptochos at this visitation will be Eleni Andronikou and Eleni Parlapanides. Plans are being made for the celebration of our St. George Holiday with Vespers on April 22 and Divine Liturgy on April 23. On Monday, May 17, the Metropolis Clergy/Laity dinner will be held in Garfield, NJ. Representing our Philoptochos and being honored for her efforts and dedication to the Philoptochos will be Eleni Andronikou. Our delegate to this meeting will be Eleni Parlapanides. Our annual June Luncheon will take place on June 13 at the Stoney Brook Grille. The National Biennial Clergy/ Laity meeting will take place in Atlanta, GA on July 4. To all our members and the entire St. George Community we extend our best wishes for a happy and safe summer. THE LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY SAYS THANK YOU! Yes! The Ladies Philoptochos Society says `THANK YOU to our parishioners who have heeded our requests and have complied with our prior newsletter remarks on: 1. United Way contributions and 2. Gift Matching donations. As we all know, the needs and obligations of the Philoptochos are many and varied. It is most gratifying, therefore, when our parishioners understand how they can assist us and, in turn, assist the entire St. George community. Their assistance comes as follows: 1. United Way--When you ask that your United Way contributions be directed to the St. George Needy Cases Fund, your donations will be either mailed to the Fund via the U.S. Postal Service or will be electronically deposited in the Fund. After that takes place, the Philoptochos has the moneys available to assist those in need. In the past, we have given monetary assistance for funerals and memorials; payment of individuals rents and utilities; food for the homeless and battered women; 4 food banks in our area, and other needs of our parishioners as they arise. We also assist those in need when the request comes from our Metropolis Philoptochos or the Archdiocese. 2. Gift Matching--When you make a donation to the Philoptochos and work for an organization that will match your donation, all you have to do is: 1) Obtain a matching gift form from your personnel office, 2) Complete the employee s section of the form and 3) bring it to the Philoptochos and the Philoptochos will do the rest. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact any of the Philoptochos officers and they will give you the necessary information. Since 1998 when the United Way contributions and Gift Matching donations were established in our community by the Philoptochos, we have received parishioners contributions from organizations such as United Way of Tristate, United Way of Burlington County, United Way of Greater Mercer County, United Way of Hunterdon County, Monadnock United Way, Greater New York City United Way, Bank of America, Colgate Palmolive Co., Home Depot Foundation, MobilExxon Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon, Prudential Foundation, American Express Foundation, Merrill Lynch & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, and Pfizer Foundation. Once again, parishioners of St. George, thank you for your continued support of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. **Remember to direct your UNITED WAY donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund-- United Way Reference Number **

13 March/April The Voice of 2010 St. George Page 13 Sunday School News Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope you had a blessed Holy Pascha and Christos Anesti! On behalf of Father Alex, our teachers and staff, we would like to thank our community for your support of our Religious Education Program that provides an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to our children. Our Religious Education program is proceeding for the ecclesiastical year with vigor and enthusiasm. Each class is following the curriculum that has been set by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; our students are learning key liturgical hymns and prayers, and they are participating in the Divine Liturgy. Upon the directives of His Eminence, our Religious Education Program for Grades 1 st through Teen Rap has been modified; our program now begins following Holy Communion at about 11:30 am and ends at 12:15 pm; thus each class has a 45 minute uninterrupted lesson. This change was implemented as a result of a harmonization initiative by his Eminence with all communities of the Metropolis of New Jersey. It is expected that the children attend the Divine Liturgy with their families and then following Holy Communion, the parents take them to their classrooms. Grades Cradle through Kindergarten follow the program that was already established; i.e., classes begin at 10:30 am. The 2010 St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival of our Parish was held on Sunday, April 11 th following the Divine Liturgy. Members of our youth (grades 7 th through12 th ) researched, wrote and presented to the community on subjects of our Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. It is the hope that this experience will strengthen our youths understanding and appreciation of our faith and cultivate spiritual growth. The topics were selected by The Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which sponsors the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. Congratulations to all our participants and to those who will represent our church at the NJ District Oratorical Festival. The winners are: Junior Division - Zoe Makropoulos, Senior Division - Elena Georgopoulos. We would also like to thank the P.T.O. for sponsoring the awards, and the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Committee (Mrs. M. Boyiadjis, Mrs. M. Stavrianidis and Mrs. L. Malahias-Miko) for all their efforts. We would like to thank Mrs. N. Liverakos and her team for working tirelessly this year as well as many previous years in preparing and organizing the Easter eggs that were distributed to all the children and staff of our Religious Education program. We truly thank you!! We also thank Mrs. G. Peterson for managing the 'Orthodox Christian Mission Center Coin Program during the Holy Lenten Period. The OCMC Coin program helps support our ministries and missionaries who dedicate their lives to spreading Christianity around the world. The Mobile Book Store is being held monthly in the AHEPA Hall following church services. Please check us out; we have an excellent selection of religious books (including children s books), and we would be pleased to take orders on related books we may not have. Lastly, when passing by our bulletin board on the 1 st floor, please glance at the display of our students original works. Each month we exhibit the works of a different grade on a theme appropriate for that month. The set curricula and the many projects carried out throughout the year, under the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Alex, provide a complete picture of our Religious Education Program. We are truly proud of our program and of the many committed volunteers for their efforts, dedication and perseverance. May God Bless, St. George Religious Education Staff

14 May/June 2010 Page 14 Stewardship Report through December 2009 Number Amount of Pledges Pledged Average Summary as of: December 31, 2009 December 31, 2008 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, , , , , , , December 31, 2004 December 31, , Stewardship Report - February 2010 Number Amount Amount Summary as of: of Pledges Pledged Average Collected Feb 28, , ,280 Feb , ,512 Feb 28, , ,167 As of February 28, 2010, we received 293 pledges totaling $114,805 for an average pledge of $392. The 293 pledges compare unfavorably to the 296 pledges we had as of February, Of the total pledges, $85,280 has been collected. The average pledge of $392 as of February, 2010 compares favorably to the $379 average pledge as of February, 2009.

15 The Voice of St. George Page 15 Voting Qualifications Recently, the Board of Trustees adopted Stewardship qualifications for running and voting for the Board of Trustees. To run for the Board of Trustees, a parishioner must be in good standing both ecclesiastically and financially. A member is considered to be in financial good standing if: Person has been a member of the community less than one year: Must be paid in full 6 months prior to election (i.e. by May 1 st ) Person has been a member of the community for one year or more: Member must be paid in full through the previous year; A Stewardship card must be filled out 6 months prior to the election (i.e. by May 1 st ); The Stewardship should be paid in full at least one month prior to the election (i.e. by Nov 1 st ). Parishioners in good standing can vote if they are paid in full by the day of the election and can pay the day of the election. However, a husband/wife who each wants to vote separately must have notified the Church office at least two weeks prior to the election that this is their intention. The minimum Stewardship in order to vote for Board of Trustee elections is: $350 for a married couple, $350 for a single adult 18 to 64, $250 for married seniors age 65 and over and $200 for single seniors and college students. In order for both a husband and wife of a married couple to vote, they each need to contribute the minimum stewardship of $350 and be paid in full at the time of the election. In order for both a senior husband and senior wife to vote, they each need to contribute the minimum of $200 and be paid in full at the time of the election. What "Mother" Means "Mother" is such a simple word, But to me there s meaning seldom heard. For everything I am today, My mother s love showed me the way. I ll love my mother all my days, For enriching my life in so many ways. She set me straight and then set me free, And that s what the word "mother" means to me. Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom! The Perfect Father I love you because you're my father, But you're really so much more; a guide and a companion; You and I have great rapport. You pay attention to me; You listen to what I say. You pass on words of wisdom, Helping me along the way. Whenever I'm in trouble, You always have a plan. You are the perfect father, And I'm your biggest fan!

16 May/June 2010 Page 16 Greek Orthodox Youth Association - G. O. Y. A. Χριστος Ανεστη!!! Our GOYA has been busier than ever! Sights and Sounds paid off after months of practice. Piscataway GOYAns came home with awards in Sights as well as Sounds. Congratulations to all participants and great job! Overall Piscataway placed 7 th SIGHTS RESULTS CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR PARTICIPANTS - GREAT JOB!!! Pastels 1st Place Katina Kontos Pencil 1st Place Maria Exarchakis Soft Sculpture 1st Place Annamaria Koutsoras Black & White Photography 2nd Place Markos Kantilierakis Decorative Woodworking 2nd Place Frederiki Thanos Embroidery/Cross Stitch 2nd Place Andreas Thanos Colored Pencil 2nd Place Vasilis Viazis Furniture Woodworking 3rd Place Katerina Albanese Jewelry Kit 3rd Place Ioanna Kontos Jewelry Original Design 3rd Place Nicole Hadjiloucas Mosaics 3rd Place Andreas Thanos Pen & Ink 3rd Place Katina Kontos Sewing 3rd Place Annamaria Koutsoras Watercolors 3rd Place Katina Kontos Collage Honorable Mention Katina Kontos Functional Woodworking Honorable Mention George Parais Molded Ceramics Honorable Mention Zoe Makropoulos Opaque Oil Painting Honorable Mention Katina Kontos Poetry Junior Div. Honorable Mention George Parais 2010 SOUNDS RESULTS CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR PARTICIPANTS - GREAT JOB!!! Greek Folk Dancing 3rd Place Greek Play 3rd Place Senior Greek Monologue 2nd Place Evangelia Psarakis Senior Singing Solo 3rd Place Markos Kantilierakis Senior Singing Solo 5th Place Evangelia Psarakis Junior Instrumental Solo 3rd Place George Exarchakis Junior Greek Monologue 4th Place Frederiki Thanos

17 The Voice of St. George Page 17 On March 12, the GOYA held its Charity Night, at which the teens cooked and delivered food to a local homeless shelter, Elijah s Soup Kitchen, in New Brunswick, NJ. Father Alex held a religious discussion for the GOYA on the 26 th. On the Saturday of Lazarus, the GOYA made 3,000 palm crosses that were handed out on Palm Sunday. Palm Cross sale was a success and the money collected will be donated to our church. We announced our Lamb Raffle winner, Mrs. Sofia Amaxopoulos and Mr. Pericles Ioulianou. Congratulations and enjoy! The GOYA took an active role during Holy week in the Altar and assisting with the decorating of the Epitaphio. For the month of April GOYA is hosting Coffee Hour. Many Youth proudly attended the Annual Independence Day Parade in New York City on April 18 th. Soccer practices and track practices have begun for Junior Olympics. Enjoy the celebration for our great Feast Day of St. George on April 23 rd. The Soccer Tournament is April 24 th. Good luck to our soccer team! May promises to be even more eventful. Nominations will take place on May 2 nd. Indoor Olympics are on the 8 th, as is GOYA festival set-up. The GOYA will be working a booth at the festival, as well as helping out wherever needed. Our dance group will be performing all three days. Junior Olympics will be over Memorial Day weekend at Monmouth University this year. Good luck to all our athletes. Respectfully Submitted Maria Exarchakis Historian

18 The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara Presents its Annual Spring Luncheon Sunday, June 13, p.m. fàéçxç UÜÉÉ~ ZÜ ÄÄx ;YÉÜÅxÜÄç axã büäxtçá exáàtâütçà< 1285 Route 28 North Branch NJ Mezedakia Avgolemono Soup Greek Salad $27.00 per person Choice of : Skirt Steak Broiled Salmon Chicken Asiago Reserve by June 6th by calling: Effie Bouziotis

19 2010 PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX FESTIVAL 1101 RIVER ROAD PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY PHONE: (732) FAX: (732) th Annual Greek Festival! VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEET NAME: HOME PHONE : WORK PHONE : BEST TIME TO CONTACT ME: DATES & TIMES AVAILABLE FRIDAY, MAY 14 TH SATURDAY, MAY 15 TH SUNDAY, MAY 16 TH 11 A.M. 2 P.M. 11 A.M. 2 P.M. 12 P.M. 2 P.M. 2 P.M P.M. 2 P.M P.M. 2 P.M P.M. 5 P.M P.M. 5 P.M P.M. 5 P.M P.M 8 P.M P.M. 8 P.M P.M. CHECK THE AREA IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK (ONE PER SIGN-UP SHEET) KITCHEN STAFF DINING ROOM CALAMARIA GYROS GREEK FRIES LOUKOUMADES BAR/BEVERAGES BAKERY ADMISSIONS CHURCH TOURS TIROPITES/COFFEE RAFFLE (NEED HELP) TREASURER SUPPORT TAKE-OUT SALAD PREPARATION FESTIVAL TEAR DOWN DECORATIONS GIFT SHOP T-SHIRTS YOUTH ACTIVITIES REGISTERS/FOOD YOUTH BUS BOYS/YOUTH BUS GIRLS (CLEANING TABLES)

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