The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 September/October 2009 Volume 7 Issue 5 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 Dear Parishioners: In This Issue Greek School Information Feast of Holy Cross United Way Reminder Etiquette Corner Announcements Annual Church Dance 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 God s Grace, on September 1 st we begin a New Ecclesiastical Year. The feast of Indiction has been celebrated from the time of Emperor Justinian. Also on this day our Church has pledged its support to the Protection of the Environment. God has blessed us and has put us on this earth to enjoy and protect it, not to destroy it. The greediness of mankind is destroying the planet and the seasons have started to change. As Orthodox Christians, as human beings, and as inhabitants of this planet, we must protect our planet and leave a livable Earth to the coming generations. With the start of the New Ecclesiastical Year here at our Godly protected community, we also begin our educational and social programs. Our Catechetical School starts on September 27th. Our well-trained teachers and aides will start a new curriculum that seriously covers all of the aspects of religious education. The three principals: Mrs. Lemonia Miko, Mr. Paul Stevens and Mrs. Maggie Stavrianidis, are taking on the many responsibilities and projects of our Sunday School, which promise to be as good as in previous years. I would like to ask all parents to make a sacrifice for their children and bring them to church every Sunday, so they may learn these treasures and be enlightened about their Holy faith. I want to repeat myself that this is the only place where your children can have a responsible, academic Eastern Orthodox religious education. It is truly worth all of your efforts to bring your children to give them this Christian religious education. Our Greek School will begin on September 14, Please enroll your children so that they can learn the language of their forefathers from our well-educated and experienced teachers. At our afternoon Greek School not only is the Greek language taught to our 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd generation Greek Americans, but also tradition, history, geography, dances and theatrical sketches are taught to and performed by the children. The Greek School with its teachers and students are the pride of our community. Please send your children to Greek School. Our Youth programs: Moms & Tots, JOY, HOPE and GOYA also start their activities in September. Please enroll your children. These programs have been created to educate your children and increase their interaction with other young people. The dance lessons also start in September, together with Basketball and Volleyball practices and games. Our Philoptochos Society, who with their dedication and hard work are considered the mother of our church, will resume their philanthropic endeavors in order to assist with many different programs. Ladies, if you are not a member of Philoptochos, please join this group this fall. Our golden age group, the Senior Citizens, gather once a month. They have wonderful times at their meetings and many different activities in and outside of the church. Continued p. 4

2 Page 2 The Voice of St. George GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE The Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Pastor Parish Council President Emmanuel Manioudakis Vice President / Administration Perry Petsanas Vice President / Operations George Athanasopoulos Evangeline Emanuel, Secretary Michael Sirimis, Treasurer Katerina Leftheris, Comptroller Members Lampros Bourodimos James Exarchakis Basil Fottis Demetrius Kambitsis Vassilis Keramidas Nicholas Kourmarianos George Petrantonakis 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 Anna Kalogridakis Eftihia Karayiannidis Kay Kehayas Georgia Peterson Polly Ploussiou Evellyn Tsiadis 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 Nicki Makrelis, Secretary 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 Nicki Kopanakis, President Focus Nicholas Kambitsis Church Committees Events/Fundraising Nicholas Kambitsis Festival John Lyssikatos Mike Dimitrakis House and Grounds George Athanasopoulos Memorial John Stroumtsos Parking Lot Nicholas Kambitsis Lampros Bourodimos Stewardship Katerina Leftheris Web-Site Bill Fottis To Our St. George Parishioners We invite all our parishioners to join and support our many church organizations and committees and become an active part of the success and progress of our beloved St. George community. Very Rev. Alexander Kile St. George Parish Council

3 September/October 2009 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES September and October 2009 Sunday Summer Hours Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m. Winter Hours Begin Sunday, September 13 th Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. SEPTEMBER Tuesday 1 st Beginning of the New Ecclesiastical Year Sunday 6 th 13 th Sunday of Matthew Epis: I Cor. 17:13-24, Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42 Tuesday 8 th Nativity of the Theotokos Wednesday 9 th Sts. Joachim and Anna Sunday 13 th Sunday before the Holy Cross Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18, Gospel John 3:13-17 Monday 14 th Exaltation of the Holy Cross (one day strict fast) Procession of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Thursday 17 th Sts. Sophia, Faith, Hope and Love **Sunday 20 th Sunday after Holy Cross No Liturgy in our Parish Common Divine Liturgy by all parishes of New Jersey Paramount Theater Asbury Park, NJ Saturday 26 th St. John the Theologian Sunday 27 th 1 st Sunday of Luke Epistle: II Cor. 6:1-10, Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 OCTOBER Sunday 4 th 2 nd Sunday of Luke Epistle: II Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1, Gospel: Luke 6:31-36 Sunday 11 th Fathers of the VII Ecumenical Epistle: Titus 3:8-15, Gospel: Luke 8:5-15 Sunday 18 th 3rd Sunday of Luke Epistle: Colossians 4:5-11, 14-18, Gospel: Luke 10:16-21 Monday 19 th Great Vespers: St. Gerasimos of Cephalonia 7p.m. Tuesday 20 th Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia Friday 23 rd St. James the Apostle The Brother of God Sunday 25 th 6 th Sunday of Luke Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19, Gospel: Luke 8:26-39 Monday 26 th St. Demetrios the Myrrhbearer Wednesday 28th Holy Protection of the Theotokos Great Doxology for OXI Day Page 3 EΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Σεπτεμβρίου Οκτωβρίου 2009 Κυριακές: Όρθρος 9 π.μ. Θ. Λειτουργία 9:45 π.μ. Οι Χειμερινές ώρες αρχίζουν την Κυριακή 13 Σεπτεμβρίου Όρθρος 9 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9 π.μ. ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Τρίτη 1 Αρχή Ινδίκτου Κυριακή 6 ΙΓ Κυριακή Ματθαίου Απόστ. Ι Κορ.17:13-24, Ευαγγ. Ματθ. 21:33-42 Τριτή 8 Το Γενέσιον της Θεοτόκου Τετάρτη 9 Συναξις Ιωακείμ και Αννης Κυριακή 13Κυριακή προ Ύψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού Απόστ. Γαλ. 6:11-18, Ευαγγέλιο Ιωάν. 3:13-17 Δευτέρα 14 Υψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού Πέμπτη 17 Αγίων Σοφίας, Πίστεως, Ελπίδος και Αγάπης των Μαρτύρων **Κυριακή 20 Κυριακή μετά από την Ύψωση του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Δεν θα γίνει Θεία Λειτουργία στην Εκκλησία μας λόγω της Πανηγυρικής Λειτουργίας στο Asbury Park με συμμετοχή όλων των Ενοριών της Νέας Ιερσέης Σάββατο 26 Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου Κυριακή 27 Α Κυριακή Λουκά Απόστ. ΙΙ Κορ. 6:1-10, Ευαγγέλιο Λουκά 5:1-11 ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ Κυριακή 4 Β Κυριακή Λουκά Απόστ. ΙΙ Κορ. 6:16-18, 7:1 Ευαγγέλιο Λουκά 6:31-36 Κυριακή 11 των Αγ. Πατέρων (Ζ Οἰκ. Συν.) Απόστ. Τίτου 3:8-15, Ευαγγέλιο Λουκά 8:5-15 Κυριακή 18 Γ Κυριακή Λουκά Απόστ. Κολ. 4:5-11, 14-18, Ευαγγέλιο Λουκά 10:16-21 Δευτέρα 19 Μέγας Εσπερινός: Αγ. Γερασίμου Κεφαλληνίας 7 μ.μ Τρίτη 20 Αγίου Γερασίμου Κεφαλληνίας Παρασκευή 23 Αποστόλου Ιακώβου Του Αδελφοθέου Κυριακή 25 ΣΤ Κυριακή Λουκά Απόστ. Κολ. 1:11-19, Ευαγ. Λουκά 8:26-39 Δευτέρα 26 Μεγαλομάρτυρος Αγίου Δημητρίου του Μυροβλύτου Τετάρτη 28 Αγίας Σκέπης Εθνική Εορτή Όχι

4 September/October 2009 Page 4 At the end of July, we sent you the Yearly Calendar, which contains dates and times of all meetings, activities, Feast Days and church services. Please keep that calendar as your guide and attend as many programs as your schedule allows. We cover from ages 5 to 95. Everyone! If you haven t done so, please renew your Stewardship for We understand that times are hard, but our church has to pay its bills and it comes from your Stewardship. With your Stewardship you support the ministries of Christ and you support the Orthodox Faith to which you belong. With your Stewardship you allow the parish to accomplish its religious and social mission among the parishioners and in society. Whatever we have, whatever we do, it is all because of your generous financial support through Stewardship and other personal donations. That is why we are blessed; because we are surrounded by wonderful, dedicated Christians such as you. Thank you on behalf of the entire community of St. George! Let us remember the words of St. James, the brother of our Lord, who said Faith without action is a dead faith. We demonstrate our faith by supporting the work of Christ in any opportunity; the mission of Christ that we have performed in our community for almost a century, 90 years. Besides Stewardship, we have other plans for the community s buildings and the church, that the printouts will mention. As you read this message, the church s roof will be replaced and tiles will cover the roof, but donations are needed. The windows of the school and offices will be changed as well to help conserve heat and air conditioning. The parking lot will also be repaired. I am asking you to help us accomplish these important projects. In mid-october we will be blessed with a visit of His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos, who will be visiting the Tri-State area with a Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios in Astoria, New York on October 26, 2009, an Archons dinner in Manhattan, and a visit to our Metropolis at the Annapolis, Maryland parish on November 2, May you have a blessed New Ecclesiastical Year. If you wish to communicate with me you can call me on my cell phone If I do not answer please leave a message. Have a healthy, blessed and happy New Ecclesiastical Year! With much love in Christ in His service The Pastor, Very Rev. Alexander Kile Archimandrite Happiness is Singing in the Choir! The St. George Choir has had many people grace the Church Divine Liturgy by sharing their voices in song and praising God. Participation in the Divine Liturgy throughout the ecclesiastical year and the special Lenten period services by your church choir members has been a blessing that has remained a constant for over the years that St. George has existed, from the tiny church on River Road in Highland Park, to its present beautiful home in Piscataway. The St. George Choir is a member of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians/New Jersey District (EFGOCM) and many choir members participate in Federation Conferences, District Workshops and Church Music Institutes, (CMI), Holy Cross Celebration, Lenten Program Offerings and Christmas Concerts. If you have been blessed with the ability to sing, you should consider sharing this talent with your fellow parishioners each week. The choir needs new voices in order to enhance the service the choir offers to the music ministry of St. George. We need you!! If you wish to join us, please see Dr. George Bilalis, Choir Director and Psalti, or any member of the choir for additional information.

5 The Voice of St. George Page 5 President s Message Dear Parishioners: By the time you receive this message, most of you will have returned from vacation. While you were away, the Board had been working to repair the three homes that you own on Riverview Avenue. New roofs have been installed on the garage of each of the properties; new vinyl siding has been installed on the garages at 34 and 36 Riverview, and new vinyl siding has been installed on the home at 36 Riverview. These properties should not need any repairs for the next twenty years. The money that we have spent to rehabilitate these homes that have been neglected for so many years should be recouped in about one year. This Board has introduced a policy that should be followed by each Board that succeeds us. This policy is to inspect each of our rental properties every six months in order to ascertain that the tenants are taking care of and not abusing our properties. I vividly recall removing the carpeting at 15 Riverview which was saturated with dog urine. The house smelled so bad that you could hardly breathe. I don t want that to ever happen again to any of our homes. We have also awarded a contact for the installation of new windows in our school building. These new windows are extremely energy efficient. As a matter of fact, the glass has a better insulating value than the walls. These windows are triple glazed and have the blinds sandwiched between the inner and outer panes of glass. Installation should commence sometime in September. While we re on the subject of the school, our teachers and children will return this fall to a school that has been thoroughly cleaned; the floors have been waxed and the walls have been painted by our custodian, Kosta Apostolakis. All new ceiling tiles have also been installed. Good job, Kosta! New split-system high efficiency air conditioning units have been installed in Fr. Kile s and Eftihia s offices. Prior to this, Fr. Kile had to turn on the 10-ton air conditioning unit in the Memorial Room in order to cool his office. This is another dollar savings project that we have completed for our community. We have had a structural evaluation performed on the roof of the church in order to see if it is strong enough to have a terracotta roof installed. If the roof can sustain the weight, we will come to the General Assembly to ask permission from you to install a new terracotta roof on the church. In our opinion, this Mediterranean look will greatly enhance and beautify the appearance of our church. This roof will last for at least the next 75 years. Your grandchildren s children won t have to worry about it! This is our policy: Do it once, and do it right. Another energetic project that we have embarked on is to eventually replace all of the fluorescent fixtures in the building. There are 174 lights installed that have been in the building since it was built and they are now inefficient and obsolete. Very soon we will not be able to get replacement ballasts and fluorescent tubes for them. Under the New Jersey Clean Energy Program we are eligible for a rebate if we replace the old fixtures with the new T-8 high efficiency units. These lights, which are 1-inch in diameter, use 40 percent fewer watts, produce 40 percent less heat (which is important in warmer months when air conditioning is needed), and they emit 10 percent more light. Our average utility bill is $3,663 per month, so every watt we save is important, not only for our pocketbook but also for our environment. If you see that lights are on in a room that is not being used, please shut them off, just as I expect you would do in your own home. We have been blessed to receive two generous donations recently. One was from John Mellos, who gave a very generous donation to purchase hymnals that will be placed in the pews of the church; and the other was from Frank Araps, who donated the delicious meal that was served on the 15 th of August, the Dormition of the Theotokos. Frank made this donation in memory of his mother and grandparents. For those of you who may not know, Frank s mother Mary, was one of the very few women of her generation that attended college. In those days, many girls didn t even complete high school let alone graduate from college. In addition to Frank s mother, Frank s grandfather, Nick Junjulas was one of the founding fathers of our community. He also was a charter member of our local AHEPA chapter. Mr. Junjulas owned the Paris Confectionary in downtown New Brunswick. May their memory be eternal and thank you, Frank.

6 September/October 2009 Page 6 In closing, I would like to welcome you all back from vacation. Please support us by attending our annual dinner-dance on 24 October. We are also having nominations for a new Board on 11 October. I would like to ask the many young, very qualified professionals in our community to come forth and serve on the Board. The future of our church is in your hands. Don t just sit back and let the other guy do it. Those of my generation have grown tired and weary. On a personal note, I have served this church for a half-century. It s now time for the younger element to take up the reins and lead this great historic community into the twenty-first century. We have a legacy to perpetuate. Our parish is the biggest and the best in the Diocese. It s up to you to maintain the momentum started by our forefathers in 1916, by keeping it in the forefront. Remember: second place is first loser. United We Stand Sincerely, Emmanuel Manioudakis President «Αγαπήσωμεν αλλήλους» Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Αγαπητοί Πάροικοι, Μόλις λάβετε το μήνυμα αυτό, οι περισσότεροι από εσάς θα έχετε επιστρέψει από τις διακοπές σας. Ενώ βρισκόσαστε μακριά, το συμβούλιο εργαζόταν για να επισκευάσει τις τρεις κατοικίες πού έχουμε στη Riverview Avenue. Νέες στέγες και εξωτερικές πλευρές εγκαταστάθηκαν στα γκαράζ της κάθε μίας από τις κατοικίες 34 και 36 Riverview, και επίσης στο σπίτι της 36 Riverview. Αυτές οι ακίνητες ιδιοκτησίες δεν θα χρειαστούν επισκευές για τα επόμενα είκοσι χρόνια. Τα χρήματα που έχουμε ξοδέψει για την επανόρθωση αυτών των κατοικιών, που είχαν παραμεληθεί για τόσα χρόνια, πρέπει να καλυφθούν σε περίπου ένα έτος. Αυτό το Συμβούλιο, εφάρμοσε ένα τρόπο διαχείρισης που θα πρέπει να ακολουθηθεί από κάθε συμβούλιο που θα μας διαδεχθεί. Η τακτική αυτή είναι να επιθεωρείτε η κάθε μία από τις ιδιοκτησίες μας κάθε έξι μήνες, προκειμένου να διαπιστωθεί ότι οι ενοικιαστές μας τις φροντίζουν και δεν τις εκμεταλλεύονται. Ζωντανά θυμάμαι όταν βγάλαμε τα χαλιά στο σπίτι στη 15 Riverview ήταν διαποτισμένα με τα ούρα των σκυλιών που μύριζε τόσο άσχημα που δεν μπορούσαμε να αναπνεύσουμε. Δεν θέλω αυτό να ξανασυμβεί ποτέ σε κανένα από τα σπίτια μας. Έχουμε επίσης υπογράψει συμβόλαιο για την νέα εγκατάσταση των παραθύρων στο νέο κτίριο του σχολείου μας. Αυτά τα νέα παράθυρα είναι εξαιρετικά υψηλής ενεργειακής απόδοσης. Είναι γεγονός ότι το γυαλί τους έχει πολύ καλύτερα μονωτικά τοιχώματα. Αυτά τα παράθυρα έχουν τριπλό υαλοπίνακα και τα ρολά είναι μεταξύ του εσωτερικού και του εξωτερικού υαλοπίνακα. Η εγκατάσταση πρέπει να αρχίσει κατά το μήνα Νοέμβριο. Ενώ βρισκόμαστε στο θέμα του σχολείου, οι δάσκαλοι και τα παιδιά μας θα επιστρέψουν το φθινόπωρο σε ένα σχολείο που τα πατώματα έχουν πέρα για πέρα καθαριστεί και οι τοίχοι έχουν χρωματιστεί από τον επιστάτη μας, Κώστα Αποστολάκη. Επίσης τοποθετήθηκαν νέα πλακάκια σε όλες τις οροφές. Μπράβο Κώστα! Νέο κλιματιστικό σύστημα υψηλής απόδοσης εγκαταστάθηκε στα γραφεία του πατρός Κιλέ και της Ευτυχίας. Πριν για να δροσίσει το γραφείο του πατρός Κιλέ έπρεπε να ανοίξει κλιματιστικό 10 τόνων στη Αναμνηστική Αίθουσα. Αυτό είναι άλλο ένα πρόγραμμα αποταμίευσης που έχουμε ολοκληρώσει για την κοινότητα μας.

7 The September Voice of 2008 St. George Page 7 Είχαμε μια δομική αξιολόγηση στην στέγη της εκκλησίας, προκειμένου να δούμε αν είναι αρκετά ισχυρή για να εγκατασταθεί μία οροφή με κεραμίδια τερακότας στην εκκλησία. Αν η οροφή μπορεί να στηρίξει το βάρος, θα ζητήσουμε την άδεια από εσάς στη Γενική Συνέλευση για την εγκατάσταση της νέας στέγης. Κατά τη γνώμη μας, αυτό το "Μεσογειακό" στιλ θα τονίσει και καλλωπίσει την εμφάνιση της εκκλησίας. Αυτή η στέγη θα αντέξει τουλάχιστον για τα επόμενα 75 χρόνια. Τα εγγόνια σας και τα παιδιά τους δεν θα πρέπει να ανησυχούν! Αυτή είναι η τακτική μας: Κάντο μια φορά, και κάντο σωστό. Τελικά ένα άλλο ενεργητικό έργο που πρόκειται να ξεκινήσουμε είναι να αντικατασταθούν όλα τα φωτιστικά φθορισμού στο κτίριο. Υπάρχουν 174 φώτα που έχουν εγκατασταθεί στο κτίριο όταν χτίστηκε και τώρα είναι πλέον ανεπαρκή και ξεπερασμένα. Πολύ σύντομα δεν θα είμαστε σε θέση να μπορούμε να σταθεροποιήσουμε ή να πάρουμε φωτιστικά αντικατάστασης. Σύμφωνα με το Πρόγραμμα Ενέργειας της πολιτείας της Νέας Ιερσέης είμαστε επιλέξιμοι για έκπτωση, αν θέλουμε να αποσύρουμε τα παλαιά εξαρτήματα με νέες μονάδες "T-8" υψηλής απόδοσης. Αυτά τα φώτα, τα οποία είναι 1-ίντσα σε διάμετρο, χρησιμοποιούν 40 τοις εκατό λιγότερα watt, παράγουν 40 τοις εκατό λιγότερη θερμότητα (η οποία είναι σημαντική στους θερμότερους μήνες όταν απαιτείται κλιματισμός), και εκπέμπουν 10 τοις εκατό περισσότερο φως. Ο μέσος λογαριασμός μας το μήνα είναι $3.663, τότε κάθε watt μας γλιτώνει σημαντικό ποσό, όχι μόνο για το πορτοφόλι μας, αλλά και για το περιβάλλον μας. Αν δείτε ότι τα φώτα είναι "ανοικτά" σε έναν χώρο που δεν χρησιμοποιείται, μπορείτε να τα κλείστε, όπως ακριβώς θα κάνετε στο δικό σας σπίτι. Είμαστε ευλογημένοι που πρόσφατα λάβαμε δύο γενναιόδωρες δωρεές. Η μία ήταν από τον κ. Γιάννη Μέλλο, που έδωσε μια πολύ γενναιόδωρη δωρεά για καινούργια υμνολογικά που θα τοποθετηθούν στα στασίδια της εκκλησίας και η άλλη ήταν από τον κ. Φώτη Αραπάκη ο οποίος δώρισε το νοστιμότατο γεύμα που προσφέρθηκε την 15 Αυγούστου, Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου. Ο Φώτης έκανε αυτή τη δωρεά στη μνήμη της μητέρας του και των παππούδων του. Για όσους από εσάς μπορεί να μη γνωρίζετε, η μητέρα του Φώτη, Μαρία, ήταν μια από τις ελάχιστες γυναίκες της γενιάς της που φοίτησε σε κολέγιο. Εκείνο το καιρό, πολλά κορίτσια δεν ολοκλήρωσαν το Λύκειο πόσο μάλλον να περάσουν στο κολέγιο εκτός από τη μητέρα του Φώτη, ο Φώτης ο παππούς του, ο Νίκος Τσούτσουλας ήταν ένας από τους ιδρυτές της κοινότητάς μας. Επίσης, ήταν ιδρυτικό μέλος του τοπικού οργανισμού της ΑΧΕΠΑ. Ο κ. Τσούτσουλας ήταν ιδιοκτήτης του Ζαχαροπλαστείου Παρίσι στο κέντρο του Nιού Μπρόνγουικ. Αιωνία η μνήμη τους και σε ευχαριστούμε Φώτη. Κλείνοντας, θα ήθελα να σας καλωσορίσω πίσω από τις διακοπές σας. Παρακαλούμε να μας υποστηρίξτε με την παρουσία σας στην ετήσια χοροεσπερίδα στις 24 Οκτωβρίου. Έχουμε επίσης διορισμούς υποψηφιότητας για το νέο συμβούλιο στις 11 Οκτωβρίου. Θα ήθελα να ζητήσω από τους πολλούς νέους, τους πολύ ειδικευμένους επαγγελματίες στην κοινότητας μας να έρθουν και να υπηρετήσουν στο συμβούλιο. Το μέλλον της εκκλησίας μας είναι στα χέρια σας. Όχι μόνο να κάθεστε πίσω και να αφήνετε "τον άλλον να να το κάνει." Όσοι είναι της γενεάς μου έχουν κουραστεί. Εγώ προσωπικά έχω υπηρετήσει αυτή την εκκλησία περίπου μισό αιώνα. Είναι πλέον η ώρα για τη νεότερη γενεά να αναλάβει τα ηνία και να οδηγήσει αυτή τη μεγάλη και ιστορική κοινότητα στον εικοστό πρώτο αιώνα. Έχουμε ευθύνη να διαιωνίσουμε την κληρονομιά μας. Η ενορία μας είναι η μεγαλύτερη και η καλύτερη στην Μητρόπολη. Εξαρτάται από σας να διατηρήσετε στην πρώτη γραμμή τις δυναμικές αρχές που άρχισαν οι πρόγονοί μας το Θυμηθείτε: Δεύτερη θέση είναι ο πρώτος ηττημένος. Ενωμένοι επιβιώνουμε «Αγαπήσωμεν αλλήλους» Ειλικρινά, Μανώλης Μανιουδάκης Πρόεδρος

8 September/October 2009 Page 8 Ladies Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara We hope that everyone in our St. George community had an enjoyable summer and that we re all ready to begin our new ecclesiastical year. With that in mind we quote the following excerpt from the Uniform Regulations of the National Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society: The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited national ladies philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America... The local chapters of the Philoptochos Society shall be an integral part of the parish in which they are situated. The charitable work of the society, at any level, must always be performed with discretion, courtesy, and kindness. Once again, we invite all of the ladies of our community who are not yet members of the Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara to come and join us. We look forward to a busy and exciting year. The following listing summarizes our schedule of activities for the remainder of 2009: Cooking for the Homeless and Warming of America throughout the year. Baby blankets will be sewn in October. Visitation to the shut-ins throughout the year and, in particular, prior to the holidays. Preparation and sale of Baklava and Kourampiedes in November. Community Christmas Card preparation, assembling and mailing in November and December. Celebrating our patron saint St. Barbara s holiday with a liturgy and artoklasia, December 4, St. Barbara s Luncheon, December 6, Sale of Christmas bread and Vasilopites on December 19 and 20. Fulfilling all our National and Metropolis Philoptochos obligations. Our meetings are scheduled to take place at 11:00 am on the last Saturday of the month unless noted differently because of a holiday: September 26, October 24, November 21 (before Thanksgiving), and December 19 (before Christmas). We encourage all of our members to attend all of the meetings! **The measure of a man s life is the well-spending of it and not the length. -- Plutarch** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ B A K L A V A S A L E The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava and kourampiedes for the holidays All baklava must be preordered by November 15, 2009 it will be sold November 22, 2009 Place your order early! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ***Christmas Bread and Vasilopites will be sold December 19 and 20***

9 The Voice of St. George Page 9 United Way Reminder for 2009/2010 Contributions! It s that time of year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2009/2010 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they once again consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past several years the St. George Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George s Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their support. Therefore, we are reminding all our parishioners who are asked to contribute to the United Way Fund at their place of employment to direct their donation to our Philoptochos St. George Needy Cases Fund. Our United Way Reference Number is ! For further information you may contact Mary Boulegeris at ========================================================= The Ladies Philoptochos Society Invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 6, 2009 (More information will follow!) =================================================================== Orthodox Christian Celebration of the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross The Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is celebrated each year on September 14. The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the Emperor Constantine sent his mother Saint Helen to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places and to find the site of the Holy Sepulcher and of the Cross. Relying upon the oral tradition of the faithful, Saint Helen found the precious Cross together with the crosses of the two thieves crucified with our Lord. However, Helen had no way of determining which was the Cross of Christ. With the healing of a dying woman who touched one of the crosses, Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem identified the True Cross of Christ. Saint Helen and her court venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross along with many others who came to see this great instrument of Redemption. This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted on the day of the feast and preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the feast. On the day of the Feast at the conclusion of the Matins or of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is held. The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by branches of basil and is taken in solemn procession through the church to the chanting of the Hymn of the Feast. The tray is placed on a table, and the priest takes the Cross and offers petitions from each side of the table, the four directions of the compass. This represents the universal nature of the offering of Christ upon the Cross. As the people respond by chanting "Lord have mercy", the priest raises and lowers the cross, a commemoration of its finding and exaltation. At the conclusion of the service, the people come and venerate the cross and receive the basil from the priest. The basil is used and offered, as it was the fragrant flower growing where the Cross was found. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,

10 September/October 2009 Page 10 Greek School SCHOOL YEAR PLEASE KEEP THIS CALENDAR UNTIL THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR The Greek School year begins Monday, September 14, 2009, and ends Friday, June 11, TESTS First Bimester December 7-11 Report Cards December Second Bimester March 8-12 Report Cards March Third Bimester May Report Cards June 7-11 THE SCHOOL WILL REMAIN CLOSED THE FOLLOWING DAYS: October 16 Rutgers Home Game November 12 Rutgers Home Game November Thanksgiving Day December 24 until January 1 Christmas Holidays (School reopens on January 4) March 29 - April 2 Holy Week (School reopens on April 5) April 23 St. George (Patron Saint of our Community) May Greek Festival week May 31 Memorial Day Saturday, March 20 Saturday, June 12 SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Celebration of Greek Independence Day, 11:00 am Graduation Exercises, 10:00 am PLEASE NOTE Report cards and tests will be given to the parents the week following the tests so that the teachers and the parents have the opportunity to discuss the progress of their children. During conference week the school will dismiss its students 30 minutes earlier (6:00 pm) You are kindly requested to call the church office (732) or your child s teacher during bad weather so you can be informed if classes will be held. As a result of the decision of the Greek School Committee, all Greek School children are required to attend the March 25th and the Graduation programs. Greek School begins at 4:30 sharp. We ask that all children be in class by 4:25, so that class is not interrupted. Your cooperation is appreciated. HAVE A GOOD YEAR!

11 The Voice of St. George Page 11 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΝΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΑΓ. ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΝΤΑΙ ΟΙ ΓΟΝΕΙΣ ΝΑ ΚΡΑΤΗΣΟΥΝ ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΟΛΟ ΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΟ ΕΤΟΣ Πρώτη ημέρα του Σχολείου Δευτέρα, 14 Σεπτεμβρίου ΔΙΑΓΩΝΙΣΜΟΙ 1 ο Δίμηνο: Διαγωνισμοί 7-11 Δεκεμβρίου Έλεγχοι Δεκεμβρίου 2 ο Δίμηνο: Διαγωνισμοί 8-12 Μαρτίου Έλεγχοι Μαρτίου 3 ο Δίμηνο: Διαγωνισμοί Μαΐου Έλεγχοι 7-11 Ιουνίου ΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΘΑ ΠΑΡΑΜΕΙΝΕΙ ΚΛΕΙΣΤΟ: 16 Οκτωβρίου Παιχνίδι στο Rutgers 12 Νοεμβρίου Παιχνίδι στο Rutgers Νοεμβρίου Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών 24 Δεκεμβρίου μέχρι 1 Ιανουαρίου Διακοπές Χριστουγέννων(το σχολείο ανοίγει 4 Ιανουαρίου) 29 Μαρτίου μέχρι 2 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα (Το σχολείο ανοίγει 5 Απριλίου) 23 Απριλίου Ημέρα Αγίου Γεωργίου Μαΐου Φεστιβάλ 31 Μαΐου Ημέρα των Ψυχών ΣΧΟΛΙΚΕΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΕΣ: Γιορτή της 25 ης Μαρτίου, Σάββατο 20 Μαρτίου στις 11:00 π.μ. Γιορτή Εξετάσεων, Σάββατο, 12 Ιουνίου 10:00 π.μ. ΥΠΕΝΘΥΜΙΣΕΙΣ: Οι έλεγχοι και τα διαγωνίσματα θα δίδονται στους γονείς την επόμενη εβδομάδα των διαγωνισμών ώστε οι δασκάλες και οι γονείς να έχουν την ευκαιρία να συζητήσουν την πρόοδο και εξέλιξη των παιδιών. Την εβδομάδα που θα δίδονται οι έλεγχοι, η διδασκαλία τελειώνει 30 λεπτά νωρίτερα (6:00 μ.μ.) Σας παρακαλούμε να τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας (732) (ή στις δασκάλες των παιδιών σας) όταν είναι ημέρα με κακοκαιρία, για να μάθετε αν το σχολείο θα λειτουργήσει. Με απόφαση της Σχολικής Επιτροπής, τα παιδιά του Ελληνικού σχολείου είναι υποχρεωμένα να λαμβάνουν μέρος στις Σχολικές Γιορτές της 25 ης Μαρτίου και στη Γιορτή των Εξετάσεων. Το σχολείο αρχίζει τα μαθήματα στις 4:30 μ.μ. ακριβώς. Όλοι οι μαθητές πρέπει να είναι στην τάξη τους το αργότερο στις 4:25 μ.μ. Τελευταία ημέρα του Σχολείου θα είναι η 11 η Ιουνίου ΚΑΛΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ!

12 September/October 2009 Page 12 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD September/October 2009 Dear St. George Parishioners: We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the Philoptochos will prepare the St. George Community Christmas Card which will be mailed to every member of our parish and which will carry our holiday greetings to all our parishioners. This Community Christmas Card becomes possible through your donations. However, not only does your donation extend holiday greetings to all but, more importantly, it is used for the much needed assistance to the needy of our community. Your contribution truly represents the Christian spirit of helping those in need. And so we ask you, once again, to give your donation to the Needy Cases Fund. In so doing you will be helping those in need and you will be assuring that your name will be included on the Community Christmas Card. You may give your donation by filling in the form below and bringing it to the church or by mailing it to PHILOPTOCHOS, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Please make checks payable to the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. To assure that your name is included on the Christmas Card, your contribution must be received no later that November 22, The names of contributors received after November 22 will be listed in the January church bulletin. In addition, if you are employed by a company that participates in a Gift Matching Program, please bring the necessary forms so we may benefit from this program. Obtain a gift matching form from your personnel office, complete the employee s section and bring the form to us. We ll do the rest. God Bless you always, NEEDY FUND COMMITTEE Detach and return the form below with your donation no later than Sunday, November 22, *************************************************************************** I would like to participate in the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. Enclosed you will find my donation for $. Please list my name on the Christmas Card as follows: Name: Address: Telephone Number:

13 Page 13 The Voice of St. George Sunday School News Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope that everyone had a pleasant and relaxing summer with time for reflection on all the gifts God is providing us. On behalf of Father Alex, the teachers and staff, we welcome all the children and their families back to our Sunday School program on the 27 th of September for the ecclesiastical year. We have an exciting program scheduled for this year that will provide a solid foundation of our Greek Orthodox faith and of leading a true Christian life. As always, our goal is to improve upon the past; we are revising the curricula of some classes to further enrich the children s religious education; we are revamping Teen Rap; we are eliminating Family Sunday (due to poor attendance), etc. We would like to encourage all parents to please bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that of the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. We are very proud of our religious education program and of our commitment to your children. The Sunday School Program is entirely a volunteer organization; we appreciate all the support you provide us. If you are interested in volunteering your time or talents, you may me at lmalahias@yahoo.com, or you may complete the form below and place it in the Sunday School mailbox that is located in the Main Office. As of 1 August 2009, we have the following open positions. Please note that any amount of time that you can give us is most appreciated. If you prefer to be in church on Sunday mornings, you can help us with the many programs being conducted throughout the year or with school supplies. Teachers: Our goal is to have 2 teachers per classroom to allow the necessary flexibility. All teachers cannot be present every Sunday morning, and thus having two teachers allows proper classroom coverage. o 1 st Grade: 1 teacher o 4 th Grade: 1 teacher o 7 th Grade: 2 teachers o 8 th Grade: 1 teacher Support Staff o Administrative support: managing administrative desk on Sunday mornings. o Support with Sunday School projects (i.e., Christmas Pageant, St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, Holiday Food Drives, End of the Year Awards, etc.) School Supplies o Pens, pencils, magic markers, Sharpies for whiteboard, crayons, etc. o Creative Supplies - Glue, scotch tape, pipes, etc. o Construction paper, folders, paper, etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Name: Telephone Number: I am interested in volunteering for Regrets that I cannot volunteer my time or talents at this time, but I would be pleased to provide you with: May God Bless, St. George Sunday School Staff (School supplies, funds, etc.)

14 September/October 2009 Page 14 Greek Orthodox Youth Association - G. O. Y. A. The GOYA year has come to a close. The year was filled with many events, combining charity, sportsmanship, Greek-pride, religion and of course fun. In June our GOYA had an awards luncheon, at which awards were distributed for various events from throughout the year. Our coaches were also recognized for their outstanding work; and scholarships were also awarded. In addition, the new board was elected into office: President: Nicholas Albanese Vice President: Demetri Frangos Corresponding Secretary: Elena Koumis Recording Secretary: Katina Kontos Treasurer: Philip Makrelis Historian: Maria Exarchakis In late June, about 20 Goyans visited St. Basil s Academy in Garrison, New York. The trip consisted of helping with the landscaping, cleaning the facilities, and spending time with the children of St. Basil s. We stayed there for three days and had a fantastic time; we plan on visiting again next year. Following this trip, the GOYA went on its annual trip to Six Flags Great Adventure. The thrill-filled day on roller-coasters with our friends was a great ending to a full year. Important Dates! 9/7 - All practices begin 9/13 - Artoklasia; Officer Installation & 1st Meeting 9/14 - Jr. Boys Basketball begins 9/18 - Ice Breaker 9/20 - Holy Cross Celebration 10/11 - Mr/Miss GOYA 10/17 - Bible Bowl & Dance We hope everyone had a great Summer! We look forward to seeing everyone at our first meeting of the year on September 13th. We will be having an Artoklasia, as well as the installation of our new officers. It is the first meeting for our new Goyans; we are excited to welcome them and their parents. On Friday, September 18th, we will have an icebreaker where we will get to introduce ourselves to the new (and old) Goyans. Another very important date is the Holy Cross Celebration on Sunday, September 20th, where 4 of our Goyans will be diving for the Cross at Asbury Park. September is the month when all practices begin. Sr. Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball as well as dance practice start the week of the 7 th ; Jr. Boys Basketball starts on the 14 th because of Labor Day. Don t forget to join! October will also be a very busy month. In addition to all of the practices and games we have, the Mr. and Mrs. Goya Pageant is on the 11 th and on the 17 th we have the Bible Bowl Tournament and Dance. Welcome back to everyone; we hope to have a wonderful year! For more information visit STGEORGEGOYA.COM Respectfully Submitted by Maria Exarchakis Historian GOYA St. Basil s Trip June 2009

15 Page 15 The Voice of St. George St. George Boy s Junior Basketball Wouldn t you like to be part of our church s Jr. Basketball Team? Come join our first practice Monday, September 14 th at 6:30 p.m. Ages 8-13 (cut off date Sept. 1, 1996)

16 September/October 2009 Page 16 Etiquette Corner Some things you should know while attending an Orthodox Christian Church LIGHTING CANDLES: Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship. We light them as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayer. The Orthodox typically light candles when coming into the Church. There are times, though, when candles should not be lit. It is not proper to light candles during the Epistle and Gospel Readings, during the Little or Great Entrances, the Sermon, and most of the times when the faithful are standing. If in doubt, a member of the Board is available to guide you THE IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUALITY: The time to arrive at Church is before the service starts. If you arrive after the Divine Liturgy begins, try to enter the Church quietly and observe what is happening. If the Epistle or Gospel is being read or the Little or Great Entrance is taking place, wait until it is finished then quickly find a seat. If Father is giving the Sermon, stay in the back until he has concluded. Try not to interrupt the Liturgy by your entrance. The best way to avoid this situation is to arrive on time. "LET US ATTEND": In the Orthodox cultures, crossing one's legs is taboo and considered very disrespectful. In our North American culture, while there are no taboos, we tend to cross our legs to get comfortable when sitting. Crossing one's legs in church is not permitted, not because it is 'wrong' but rather because it is too casual and relaxed for being in church. Remember, sitting in church is a concession, not the normative way of prayer. You surely do not want to get too relaxed and let your mind drift. In fact, when you do sit in church, you should sit attentively. Keep feet on the floor, ready to stand at attention, which is what "let us attend" means. EXCESSIVE COSMETICS: Women who wear lipstick to church should blot their lips well before venerating an icon, receiving Communion, kissing the Cross, or a priest's or bishop's hand. DURING CHURCH SERVICES COMMUNICATE WITH GOD... ONLY: Wait until coffee hour to say "Hi" to friends and family members. It is not appropriate to greet people and have conversations during the services. Talk to God while in church through your prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving. He is waiting to hear from you. LEAVING BEFORE DISMISSAL: Leaving church before dismissal deprives us of a blessing. Worship has a beginning, "Blessed is the Kingdom.." and an end "Let us depart in peace." To leave immediately after Communion is to treat the church like a restaurant where we come and go as we please. VENERATING ICONS: When you enter the church, it is traditional to venerate the icons. Usually, there are icons at the entrance to the church, and many churches have icon stands in the front as well. When venerating (kissing) the icon, please be aware that it is improper to kiss an icon on the face. HANDLING THE HOLY BREAD (ANTIDΟRON): After receiving Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread (antidοron) - the bread that was left over after Holy Communion was prepared. While antidοron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread, and as such, it should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to treat and consume the antidοron with respect. ATTIRE: USING GOOD JUDGEMENT: When attending services, there are those who feel that God will accept us regardless of our attire. Yes, God does accept us as we are, but what are we doing to prepare ourselves for Him? This is why we must take proper care in what we wear. We need not be dressed 'fancy' as to impress others. We need to be dressed 'respectfully' to present ourselves to God. Preferably, women should wear dresses and men should wear suits, or semi-formal attire during the summer season. From time to time, medical or other reasons arise which may prohibit the wearing of certain clothing. You should use your good judgment when these situations arise. Speaking with your priest will help also.

17 Page 17 The Voice of St. George Announcements General Assembly Meeting Sunday, October 11, 2009 We ask that everyone attend this meeting. Many important issues will be discussed concerning the progress of our community. Advertise in the Voice of St. George The Voice of St. George is printed bi-monthly throughout the year. If you would like to purchase an advertisement, or have any questions, please contact the Church Office, This is where your voice will be heard! Yours could be the winning number! 50/50 RAFFLE YOU COULD WIN 1ST PRIZE 25% 2ND PRIZE 15% 3RD PRIZE 10% Proceeds to benefit the St. George General Fund Drawing: October 24, :00 Ticket # 9999 Have you notified us of your recent move? Please complete the following form and return to the church office. Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Return to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ Information can also be ed to: sggoc@optonline.net

18 ATTENTION ALL ORGANIZATIONS A FRIENDLY REMINDER The Board of Trustees has no objections to any organization having fund raisers on any given Sunday; however, any and all organizations must have prior Board approval. Many times organizations start their fund raising activities before the end of church services, which I m sure you will agree, is not proper. We are asking that all organizations refrain from holding any fund raisers in the Community Center foyer as EXIT doors are being blocked which is a fire hazard. Please utilize the AHEPA Hall; however, if the hall is in use, the Board will advise what space can be used. REMEMBER, TO SCHEDULE A FUND RAISER, ALL ORGANIZATIONS MUST GET PRIOR BOARD APPROVAL AND EVERYONE MUST CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE TO CHECK THE CALENDAR. During Lent all fund raisers must be curtailed. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Board of Trustees St. George Greek Orthodox Church

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20 St. George Greek Orthodox Church 93 rd Annual Community Dinner Dance Saturday, October 24, :30 pm to 12:00 am in the AHEPA Hall of St. George, Piscataway Please join us with your family and friends for a great night of dinner, dancing, music provided by DJ Tommy Karas, and a special performance by our GOYA dancers. Donation is $45 for adults, $20 for children 18 & under, and children under 5 are free. Reservations must be made and paid in advance. Seating will be limited. The evening will consist of mezedakia, a full sit-down prime rib dinner with 2 complimentary bottles of wine per table, dessert and coffee, cash bar, and fabulous door prizes. ***Come celebrate our community as one family and please consider placing a family photo in the Ad Journal as a family keepsake and as an addition to our community s history*** For more information, please call Katerina Leftheris (908) or Sophie Exarchakis (732)