The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 March/April 2012 Volume 10 Issue 2 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George The Voice of Saint George ΔΙΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ 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» (Ματθ. Γ:3) A Message From Our Pastor THE UNSINKABLE SHIP Let s all pull together! Dear Faithful, In This Issue General Assembly Notice Greek School/Day of Letters Stewardship/Members St. George Memorial Fund 39th Annual Festival In Every Issue Pastor s Message President s Message Church Calendar PTO News Sunday School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Voice of St. George Submission Dates I am sure that most of us have heard about the ship Titanic and its futile maiden voyage. The owners and the builders of this ship declared it Unsinkable. There were many movies made about the Titanic and its very prestigious, very wealthy and well known passengers. Thousands upon thousands of movie fans flocked to the theaters to watch TITANIC, the latest epic of that ship, and see this great story for themselves. As the story unfolds, we hear the morbid echoes of the proud, confirming the ever popular motto of the ship unsinkable. Unfortunately, all of us are aware of the terrible tragedy which took place. On her maiden voyage across the North Atlantic the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank, killing over 1,500 passengers and leaving only 700 survivors. For those who saw the movie, I m sure they felt sorrow and sadness, as well as terror and fright for all those passengers on board. Speculations lead us to believe that this great ship, built by man, was ultimately brought down by his arrogance and ignorance. If the captain and those aboard listened to that which they knew to be true, the tragedy could have been avoided. To add insult to injury, mankind has not learned from its mistakes. Just like the captain who knew that going full speed into the dangerous waters would endanger the lives of all those on board the Titanic, nevertheless, he allowed the pressures and allure of glory to blind his thoughts and vision. So too we, who are Orthodox Christians living in this world, have been entrusted with a specific map which will lead us to Paradise. The map is the faith and teachings of the Orthodox Church. We, who are Orthodox, know that the teachings of the Church and the faith are true, because these teachings have been consecrated by the blood of the martyrs who have protected the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ Himself. Having accepted and understood this reality, how then can we live a life which is in direct contradiction to our Faith? How can we hold a map which gives us direction, and shows us the eternal treasure, and willingly walk the wrong way? Indeed, our vision has been altered with the same sins of arrogance and ignorance. The worst part about this situation is that ultimately lives and souls are lost. We go through our time on earth, never really paying attention to that which we know to be true. Christ himself reminds us, When the Son of Man comes in His glory, He will separate the sheep from the goats (the goats) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the sheep into eternal life (Matthew 25:31-46). Going back to the Titanic, we are reminded that if the captain had made the right decision sooner, lives would have been saved. Unfortunately, the way we live gives a clear message that we are leaving salvation for tomorrow. One thing is certain, after death there is no repentance. The time to prove our eternal worth is now. The hours, days and years we live on earth are the only time we have to turn our ship around. Continued on pg. 4

2 March/April 2012 Page 2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Parish Ministries Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Pastor Parish Council President Vassilis Keramidas Vice President / Administration John Lyssikatos Vice President / Operations George Zalokostas Secretary Kathy Catanzaro Treasurer Katerina Leftheris Comptroller Katerina Leftheris Members George Athanasopoulos John Blazakis Lampros Bourodimos James Exarchakis Anthony Kalogridis Jr. Tom Kouridakis George Petrantonakis Perry Petsanas Peter Sirimis Special Thanks to the Voice of St. George Volunteers Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos Board of Trustees Alexandra Avgitidis Arete Bouhlas Katina Kehayas Eftihia Karayiannidis Georgia Peterson Polly Ploussiou Church Organizations Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Effie Bouziotis, President Cantors and Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, 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 Eftychia Mattas, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Aliki Doninger, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer GOYA Yanni Frangos, President Advisors Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor John DeLaurentis George Demos Sophia Exarchakis Evie Georgopoulos Rita Polos Roseanne Rexines Mike Sirimis Annie Sullivan JOY/HOPE Helen Sirimis Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Senior Citizens Anna Stevens, President Church Committees GET INVOLVED We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office (732) Bookmobile Annual St. George Dinner Dance Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek School Historic Committee House & Grounds Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Steward Relations Religious Artifacts Technology Services Voice of St. George Help Also Needed Join an Organization Choir Ladies Philoptochos Society PTO - Sunday School GOYA JOY/HOPE Love & Faith 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.

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. MARCH Friday 2: 1 st Salutations 7 p.m. Saturday 3: 3rd Saturday of Souls Saint Theodore Sunday 4: Sunday of Orthodoxy Monday 5: Great Compline 7 p.m. Wednesday 7: Presanctified Liturgy 9a.m. Friday 9: 2 nd Salutations Sunday 11: 2 nd Sunday of Lent Monday 12: Great Compline 7 p.m. Wednesday 14: Presanctified Liturgy 7 p.m. Friday 16: 3 rd Salutations 7p.m. Sunday 18: Veneration of the Holy Cross Monday19: Great Compline 7 p.m. Wednesday 21: Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m. Friday 23: 4 th Salutations 7 p.m. Sunday 25: Annunciation of the Theotokos Monday 26: Great Compline 7 p.m. Wednesday 28: Presanctified Liturgy 7 p.m. Friday 30: The Akathist Hymn 7 p.m. APRIL Sunday 1: 5 th Sunday of Lent Monday 2: Great Compline 7 p.m. Wednesday 4: Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m. Saturday 7: Saturday of Lazarus Communion Breakfast for the youth Sunday 8: Palm Sunday Bridegroom Service 7:00 p.m. Monday 9: Holy Monday Tuesday 10: Holy Tuesday Wednesday 11: Holy Wednesday Thursday12: Holy Thursday Friday 13: Holy Friday Saturday 14: Holy Saturday Sunday 15: Holy Pascha-The Resurrection Friday 20: Life Giving Fountain Sunday 22: Sunday of Thomas St. George Vespers 7 p.m. Monday 23: St. George Sunday 29: The Myrrh Bearers The Easter Program will be mailed separately ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9:00 π.μ. ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ Παρασκευή 2: Α Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7μ.μ. Σάββατο 3: Γ Ψυχοσάββατο Αγίου Θεοδώρου Κυριακή 4: Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας Δευτέρα 5: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7μ.μ. Τετάρτη 7: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ. Παρασκευή 9: B Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7μ.μ. Κυριακή 11: Β Κυριακή Νηστειών Δευτέρα 12: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7μ.μ. Τετάρτη 14: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 16: Γ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ Κυριακή 18: Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως Δευτέρα 19: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 21: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ. Παρασκευή 23: Δ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ Κυριακή 25: Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Δευτέρα 26: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7μ.μ. Τετάρτη 28: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 30: Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7 μ.μ. ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ Κυριακή 1: Ε Κυριακή Νηστειών Δευτέρα 2: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 4: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ. Σάββατο 7: Σάββατο του Λαζάρου Πρόγευμα μετά την Θεία Κοινωνία Κυριακή 8: Κυριακή των Βαΐων Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7: 00 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 9: Μεγάλη Δευτέρα Τρίτη 10: Μεγάλη Τρίτη Τετάρτη 11: Μεγάλη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη 12: Μεγάλη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή 13: Μεγάλη Παρασκευή Σάββατο 14: Μεγάλο Σάββατο Κυριακή 15: Άγιον Πάσχα Παρασκευή 20: Της Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Κυριακή 22: Κυριακή του Θωμά Εσπερινός Αγίου Γεωργίου 7 μ..μ. Δευτέρα 23: Αγίου Γεωργίου Κυριακή 29: Κυριακή τον Μυροφόρων Το Πασχαλινό Πρόγραμμα θα ταχυδρομηθεί ξεχωριστά

4 March/April 2012 Page 4 Continued from pg. 1 If we leave it for tomorrow, we may be caught off guard. No one knows the hour, nor the day, of their death. (Matthew 25:31) Use this Lenten Season which is upon us to embrace the repentant joy taught by our Orthodox Church. However, what good is knowledge if we ignore it? What good is a map if we refuse to read and follow it? Through proper and appropriate prayer and fasting, with the Sacrament of Holy Confession, and the guidance of a Spiritual Father, willingly accept the challenges of the renewal period. The Church is a great ship which travels on faith, calling everyone to enter. She cannot force anyone to come aboard. Nor can she keep anyone on board who does not want to be there. But two things are certain. The Orthodox Church is bringing her faithful passengers to Paradise, and the Church, the Orthodox Church, is Unsinkable!!! Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου ΤΟ ΑΒΥΘΙΣΤΟ ΠΛΟΙΟ Ας συνεργαστούμε όλοι μαζί! Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες, Είμαι βέβαιος πως όλοι μας γνωρίζουμε την ιστορία του Τιτανικού πλοίου και το τραγικό του παρθενικό ταξίδι. Οι κατασκευαστές του πλοίου όπως και οι ιδιοκτήτες του το διακήρυξαν «Αβύθιστο». Πολλές ταινίες έχουν γυριστεί για το μοιραίο αυτό πλοίο και τους διάσημους επιβάτες του. Όλοι έχουμε δει την τελευταία ταινία με το όνομα «ΤΙΤΑΝΙΚΟΣ». Ακούμε τις ζητωκραυγές όλων που αποκαλούν το πλοίο αβύθιστο. Δυστυχώς, όμως όλοι μας είμαστε γνώστες της τραγωδίας που πρόκειται να εξελιχθεί: Βρισκόμενο αντιμέτωπο με το πελώριο παγόβουνο βυθίζεται παίρνοντας μαζί του 1500 ζωές. Όσοι έχουν δει την ταινία, είμαι βέβαιος πως έχουν αισθανθεί λύπη και τρόμο για τους επιβάτες και την τύχη που τους βρήκε. Η κοινή λογική μας λέει πως αυτό το υπέροχο πλοίο, κατασκευασμένο από ανθρώπινα χέρια έχει βυθιστεί λόγω της ανθρώπινης υπερηφάνειας και αλαζονείας. Αν ο πλοίαρχος και όλοι οι υπεύθυνοι ακολούθησαν την απλή λογική, η τραγωδία θα αποφεύγοταν. Ο άνθρωπος όμως, δυστυχώς δεν έχει μάθει από τα λάθη του. Ακριβώς όπως ο πλοίαρχος ενώ γνώριζε πως έπρεπε να αποφύγει τα επικίνδυνα νερά του Βορείου Ατλαντικού, θέλησε να διακινδυνεύσει τις ζωές όλων των επιβατών. Η αγάπη του για την δόξα τύφλωσαν την κρίση και την όρασή του. Έτσι και σε μας τους Ορθοδόξους Χριστιανούς που ζούμε σ αυτή την κοινωνία, μας έχει εμπιστευθεί ο Κύριος με το χάρτη που οδηγεί στον Παράδεισο. Ο χάρτης αυτός είναι η Πίστη και τα διδάγματα της Ορθοδόξου εκκλησίας. Σαν Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, γνωρίζουμε πως τα διδάγματα της εκκλησίας και η Πίστη είναι αληθή, γιατί αυτά τα διδάγματα έχουν καθαγιαστεί από το αίμα των μαρτύρων εκείνων που θυσιάστηκαν για την διατήρηση των διδαγμάτων του Ιησού Χριστού. Γνωρίζοντας και παραδεχόμενοι την πραγματικότητα αυτή, γιατί εξακολουθούμε να ζούμε μια ζωή που βρίσκεται σε αντίθεση με την Πίστη μας; Πως μπορούμε να κρατάμε ένα χάρτη που μας δίνει την κατεύθυνση και μας υποδεικνύει τον αιώνιο θησαυρό και εντούτοις παίρνουμε τον αντίθετο δρόμο; Πραγματικά, η κρίση μας και η όρασή μας έχουν αλλοιωθεί από την άγνοια και την αλαζονεία μας. Το χειρότερο είναι ότι ζωές και ψυχές χάνονται. Ζούμε πάνω στη γη χωρίς να δίνουμε προσοχή σ αυτό που γνωρίζουμε ότι είναι αληθινό. Ο ίδιος ο Χριστός μας υπενθυμίζει, «Όταν ο Υιός του Ανθρώπου έλθει με Δόξα...θα χωρίσει τα πρόβατα από τις γίδες...οι γίδες θα οδηγηθούν στον τόπο της αιωνίας κολάσεως, ενώ τα πρόβατα προς την αιώνιο ζωή.» (Ματθαίου 25:31-46) Γυρίζοντας πίσω στον Τιτανικό, αν ο πλοίαρχος έπαιρνε την ορθή απόφαση νωρίτερα, οι ζωές των επιβατών θα σώζονταν. Δυστυχώς όμως, όλοι αφήνουμε την σωτηρία μας για την επαύριο. Ένα πράγμα είναι σίγουρο το ότι μετά τον θάνατο δεν υπάρχει σωτηρία. Ο καιρός να απαλλαγούμε από τα αμαρτήματα μας είναι τώρα. Οι στιγμές, οι ημέρες και τα χρόνια που ζούμε εδώ στη γη είναι ο μόνος χρόνος που έχουμε για να οδηγήσουμε το πλοίο μας προς την ορθή κατεύθυνση. Αν το αφήσουμε για αύριο, ίσως να είναι πολύ αργά. «Κανείς δεν γνωρίζει την ώρα ή την ημέρα του θανάτου του.» (Ματθαίου 25:31) Συνέχεια στη σελίδα 5

5 The Voice of St. George Page 5 Ας εκμεταλλευτούμε αυτήν την περίοδο της Νηστείας για να νοιώσουμε την χαρά της μετάνοιας. Αλλά, ποιο το όφελος της γνώσεως αν δεν την κάνουμε πράξη; Ποιο το όφελος του χάρτη εάν αρνούμαστε να τον διαβάσουμε και να τον ακολουθήσουμε; Μέσω της σωστής προσευχής και νηστείας και με την Εξομολόγηση, όπως και την Καθοδήγηση, ας δεχθούμε την πρόσκληση για πνευματική ανανέωση. Η Εκκλησία είναι ένα αγέρωχο πλοίο που ταξιδεύει με πίστη, καλώντας όλους να το επιβιβαστούμε. Δεν μπορεί να μας εξαναγκάσει να επιβιβαστούμε. Ούτε και μπορεί να μας κρατήσει εάν δεν θέλουμε να παραμείνουμε επιβιβασμένοι σ αυτό. Αλλά δύο πράγματα είναι βέβαια: Η Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία οδηγεί τους πιστούς ταξιδιώτες της στον Παράδεισο και η Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία είναι ΑΒΥΘΙΣΤΗ!!! Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός Parent Teacher Organization P. T. O. Pulling Together for Our Kids We would like to thank all for organizing and coordinating our very special tribute to the teachers of our Greek School and Religious Education School on January 29 th, 2012, in celebration of the Three Hierarchs. We would also like to thank the ladies and gentlemen who helped make this event a success. It is with your continued support and contributions that we are able to celebrate our culture and heritage which in turn gives our children a solid future. On Sunday February 12 th the P.T.O celebrated Godparents Day. We would like to thank everyone who helped decorate the lampathes and corsages. Thank you to everyone who purchased and celebrated the day with their godchildren as well. On Sunday February 19 th, the P.T.O. celebrated the annual Apokreatiko Glendi. We wholeheartedly want to thank everyone for making the event a success. On Saturday March 24 th, at 11:00 am, the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grade Greek School students will celebrate Greek Independence Day by reciting poetry in memory of this very important day in our history. Please join them and their families at the AHEPA Hall. On Saturday April 7th, the Day of Lazarus, the P.T.O. will host the Lenten Communion Breakfast after church services. Everyone in our community is welcome to join us. The children will color their Easter eggs right after the breakfast. On Easter Morning, April 15 th, following the Agapi service, the children and their families will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt. Send an to stgpto@optonline.net if you can help with the Egg Hunt set-up that morning. We would like to thank all families who supported and sold for the chocolate sale making it a great success. Through your generous donations and support over the years, the P.T.O. has been bringing wonderful programs to our church. Our Community events have doubled in attendance each year as we continue to bring new and exciting programs for all families and the community. It is important that the work we are doing for the community and the Greek and Sunday Schools continue. We need your help to move forward with all current and future programs! The Saint George PTO Board Officers We need your support!!

6 March/April 2012 Page 6 President s Message Dear Parishioners, In the first meeting of the New Year, the newly elected Board for 2012, held elections for the Executive Committee. I was re-elected President and I want to thank my fellow Board members for their vote of confidence to lead the Board and the St. George Church and Community for another year. John Lyssikatos was re-elected Vice President of Administration, George Zalokostas takes over as Vice President of Operations (many thanks are due to George Athanasopoulos for his many years of service in that role), Kathy Catanzaro is our new Secretary (with assistance from Peter Sirimis, who will take the meetings minutes; gratitude to Jim Exarchakis for doing such an excellent job during the past year), Katerina Leftheris is our new Treasurer and Vassilis (Bill) Fotis is the new Comptroller. We are all dedicated and ready to serve you. However, the affairs of the Church are too demanding to be handled by the Board members alone. As before, I urge you again: Get involved and join us in the service of St George. Another important change is the arrival of Dimitri Fousteris, who will be our Protopsalti and Choir Director and his wife Helena who will be his assistant. I want to thank George Bilalis for his years of service and wish him the very best. Dimitri and Helena are professionals, who are being charged with strengthening and improving our existing choir, so that we continue to hear the hymns that uplift us and enhance our liturgical experience. More importantly, they are charged with starting a Youth and Children s Choir. This daunting challenge cannot be accomplished by Dimitri and Helena alone. The children of today are a very busy lot. Musical activities and participating in the choir may not be high on their things to do list. All of us, and especially the parents and youth advisers, must make the commitment to help accomplish this lofty goal. Speaking of commitment to help, preparations for our annual festival, our strongest revenue generating venue, co-chaired again by John Lyssikatos and Mike Dimitrakis, are already under way. Come to the Festival meetings, help John and Mike, volunteer to head, or simply join a Committee. They need your help. By the time you read this, it will be time for our March General Assembly. As we approach our 100 th anniversary, thanks to the hard work of our predecessors, our Community is now united and stable. We have steadily increasing revenues and very active youth programs. And so, it is time, as I mentioned in my three previous Messages, to start discussions for establishing a vision for our Church s future. It is time, especially for the younger members, who are the future, to come and offer their ideas. Usually, the attendance at General Assembly meetings is disappointingly low. Let s change that. Please plan to attend the March General Assembly Meeting, on March 18, 2012 We have a lot to talk about: how to grow our Stewardship program, the status of our rental, revenue generating properties, ways of paying back the loan we took for purchasing 7 Kroger Lane, what should we plan to do with our real estate holdings, and much more... See you all on March 18th and Kali Sarakosti. Vassilis G. Keramidas, President

7 The Voice of St. George Page 7 Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Αγαπητοί Πάροικοι, Στην πρώτη συνεδρίαση του Νέου Έτους, το νεοεκλεγμένο Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο, διεξήγαγε τις εκλογές για την Εξελεγκτική Επιτροπή του Επανεκλέγην Πρόεδρος και θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τους συνάδελφούς μου για την ψήφο τους και την εμπιστοσύνη τους να ηγηθώ της Εκκλησίας και της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου για ένα ακόμα έτος. Ο Γιάννης Λυσικάτος επανεκλέγει Αντιπρόεδρος για τα Διοικητικά και ο Γιώργος Ζαλοκώστας αναλαμβάνει καθήκοντα Αντιπροέδρου για τα Επιχειρησιακά. Πολλά ευχαριστώ στον Γιώργο Αθανασόπουλο για τα πολλά χρόνια υπηρεσίας του σε αυτόν τον ρόλο. Η Κατερίνα Catanzaro είναι η νέα μας Γραμματέας με βοηθό τον Παναγιώτη Συρίμη ο οποίος θα καταγράφει τα πρακτικά των συνεδριάσεων. Τις ευχαριστίες μας στον Δημήτρη Εξαρχάκη για την εξαιρετική δουλειά σε αυτόν τον τομέα στην χρονιά που πέρασε. Η Κατερίνα Λευθέρη είναι η νέα μας Ταμίας και ο Βασίλης Φώτης ο νέος μας Ελεγκτής. Είμαστε όλοι αφοσιωμένοι και έτοιμοι να σας εξυπηρετήσουμε. Παρ όλα αυτά, οι υποθέσεις της κοινότητας μας είναι πολύ απαιτητικές για να τις χειρίζονται μόνο τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου. Όπως και πριν, σας παροτρύνω: Λάβετε όλοι μέρος και ενωθείτε μαζί μας στην υπηρεσία του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Μια άλλη σπουδαία αλλαγή είναι η επιστροφή του Δημήτρη Φουστέρη ο οποίος θα είναι ο Πρωτοψάλτης μας και Διευθυντής της Χορωδίας μας μαζί με την σύζυγο και βοηθό του Έλενα. Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω τον Γιώργο Μπιλάλη για τα χρόνια της υπηρεσίας του και να του ευχηθώ ότι καλύτερο. Ο Δημήτρης και η Έλενα είναι επαγγελματίες και αναλαμβάνουν να δυναμώσουν και να καλυτερεύσουν την Χορωδία μας, έτσι ώστε να συνεχίσουμε να ακούμε ύμνους που θα μας ανυψώνουν και θα εμπλουτίζουν την εκκλησιαστική μας γνώση. Το πιο σπουδαίο βέβαια θα είναι το ξεκίνημα της παιδικής χορωδίας και της χορωδίας των νέων. Αυτό δεν μπορεί να γίνει μόνο από τον Δημήτρη και την Έλενα. Τα σημερινά παιδιά είναι πολυάσχολα. Η μουσική τους παιδεία και η συμμετοχή τους στην χορωδία ίσως να μην είναι στην κορυφή των προτεραιοτήτων τους. Όλοι μας, και ειδικά οι γονείς και οι σύμβουλοι της νεολαίας πρέπει να δεσμευτούμε ότι θα βοηθήσουμε να επιτευχθεί αυτός ο ιερός σκοπός. Μιλώντας για υποχρεώσεις και δεσμεύσεις για βοήθεια, σας υπενθυμίζω ότι οι προετοιμασίες για το ετήσιο Φεστιβάλ έχουν ξεκινήσει. Το Φεστιβάλ του Αγίου Γεωργίου είναι αυτό που μας φέρνει το μεγαλύτερο εισόδημα και το έχουν αναλάβει και πάλι ο Γιάννης Λυσικάτος και ο Μανώλης Δημητράκης. Ελάτε στις συνεδριάσεις του Φεστιβάλ και βοηθήστε τον Γιάννη και τον Μανώλη με το να αναλάβετε μια επιτροπή ή απλά να συμμετέχετε σε αυτή. Χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια όλων. Μέχρι να διαβάσετε αυτό το τεύχος, θα έχει έρθει η μέρα της Γενικής Συνέλευσης. Βαδίζουμε προς την 100 η επέτειο μας και χάρη στην σκληρή δουλειά των προκάτοχων μας, η κοινότητα μας είναι τώρα ενωμένη και δυνατή. Έχουμε σταθερά ανερχόμενο εισόδημα και πολύ ενεργό πρόγραμμα για την νεολαία μας. Έτσι, ήρθε ο καιρός, όπως έχω πει και στα προηγούμενα τρία μηνύματα μου, να αρχίσουμε να συζητούμε την εδραίωση ενός οράματος για το μέλλον της κοινότητας μας. Είναι πλέον καιρός, ιδιαίτερα για τους νέους μας που είναι και το μέλλον μας, να έρθουν και να προβάλουν τις ιδέες τους. Συνήθως η παρουσία των μελών στις Γενικές Συνελεύσεις είναι απογοητευτικά χαμηλή. Ας το αλλάξουμε αυτό. Σας παρακαλώ σχεδιάστε να παρευρεθείτε στην Γενική Συνέλευση, στις 18 Μαρτίου Έχουμε πολλά να συζητήσουμε: πώς να μεγαλώσουμε το πρόγραμμα της εκούσιας εισφοράς και άλλους τρόπους εισοδήματος, τι θα κάνουμε με τις ιδιοκτησίες μας και άλλα πολλά. Ευελπιστώ να σας δω όλους στις 18 Μαρτίου, Καλή Σαρακοστή. Βασίλης Γ. Κεραμιδάς, Πρόεδρος

8 March/April 2012 Page 8 Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara The annual Vasilopita Celebration benefiting St. Basil Academy, sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society, took place on January 15, 2012 in the Ahepa Hall and was very well attended. Fr. Nicholas began the celebration with a prayer and his comments regarding the support which St. Basil Academy needs, not just from our community, but from all communities throughout our nation. President Effie Bouziotis thanked everyone for attending and reminded the gathering that their donations will benefit the children at St. Basil Academy. She also reminded everyone that two members of our community serve on the St. Basil Board of Trustees: Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis, President of the St. Basil Board of Trustees, and Mr. Charles Theokas. Because of the generosity of our parishioners who attended this activity, the Philoptochos will be sending $1,200 to St. Basil Academy. Fr. Nicholas presided over the cutting and distribution of the delicious pites, which the ladies had baked and donated for the activity. We thank these ladies as well as all those who made such generous donations for this occasion. Pres. Bouziotis thanked chairladies Anna Kalogridis and Christine Petrantonakis, and all those who worked so hard to make this event such a success. On Sunday, March 4, a Memorial Service for our deceased members will be held. Following the memorial and Divine Liturgy, our annual Lenten Luncheon for the entire community will take place in the AHEPA Hall. A delicious lenten luncheon is planned for this occasion and all our parishioners are encouraged to attend. Once again, the Philoptochos Needy Cases Fund Committee extends its heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to the parishioners and organizations of the St. George Community for their generous donations to the Needy Cases Fund through their participation in the 2011 community Christmas Card. Also, special thanks to those parishioners for their continued support through their participation in the United Way and Matching Programs at their place of employment. We wish to acknowledge the following names that did not appear on the 2011 Christmas Card: Milton and Anastasia Ballas, Harry and Evelyn Mataras, Mr. & Mrs. P. Stavrianidis and Family, and In Memory of Olga Schadas On February 4, 2012, the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos held its AGAPE Luncheon at the Pines Manor. The honorees at this luncheon were Philoptochos 50 year members from throughout the Metropolis. Representing our Philoptochos were our 50 year members Mary Blazakis, Nancy Liverakos, Evelyn Mataras, and Mary Kuklakis. We are very proud of our ladies and thank them for their continued dedication to the Philoptochos. To all four of our ladies we extend our congratulations and best wishes for this most deserving honor. Our next meetings are scheduled for February 25, March 31, and April 28 at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Room. To all our members and to the entire St. George Community, we extend our best wishes for a very Happy Easter! **Remember to direct your UNITED WAY donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number ** *************************** Easter Tsourekia Sale April 7 and 8, 2012 Order your tsourekia early! **************************** You are invited to attend the LENTEN LUNCHEON Sunday, March 4, 2012 After the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall Sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara Donations Will Benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary

9 The September Voice of 2008 St. George Page 9 St. George Memorial Fund The wall covering for the Memorial Room has been completed. The sconces in front of the church will soon be reinstalled. The painting of the interior of the church including the ceiling is being scheduled. As we all know, we have a beautiful Memorial Tree located in the Memorial Room of the Community Center. Anyone wishing to purchase a leaf ($350); a dove ($2,000) or a stone ($1,500) in memory of a loved one May their memory by eternal, please contact either John Stroumtsos and/or Fr. Nick Pastrikos by calling the church office. General Assembly Meeting - Sunday, March 18, 2012 We ask that everyone attends this meeting. Many important issues will be discussed concerning the progress of our community. This is where your voice will be heard! First call: March 11, 2012 ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE - MARCH/APRIL 2012 (The Altar Boy Schedule for 2012 will be published in The Voice on a bimonthly basis) Altar Boys: Please make sure that you follow the schedule accordingly. If any Altar Boy cannot make the schedule please contact Mr. John Makropoulos at March 2nd Groups A (Evening) April 1 st Group B March 3rd Group B (Saturday) April 7 th Group C (Saturday) March 4th Group C & D April 8 th Group D (Palm Sunday) March 9th Group A (Evening) April 9 th Group A (Holy Monday) March 11th Group B April 10 th Group B (Holy Tuesday) March 16th Group C (Evening) April 11 th Group C (Holy Wednesday Afternoon) March 18th Group D & A April 11 th Group D & A (Holy Wednesday Evening) March 23rd Group B (Evening) April 12 th Group B & C (Holy Thursday Evening) March 25th Group C April 13 th Group D (Holy Friday Afternoon) March 30th Group D & A (Evening) April 13 th Group A & B (Holy Friday Evening) April 14 th Group C (Holy Saturday Morning) April 14 th Group D & A (Resurrection Service) April 15 th Group B (Easter Service 11:00 am)

10 March/April 2012 Page 10 Greek Orthodox Youth Association G. O. Y. A. GOYA has been extremely busy in the new year. January and February were full of events. Congratulations! Starting in January we began our Sights and Sounds practices. Our dancers are looking great, the play is very entertaining, and our choral speaking and singing groups sound great. We even have a band this year. We are very proud and excited for our groups. Advisors and parents have volunteered their time in making this event successful. Also in January we had a Lock-In at Toms River along with the Trenton GOYA where we had lots of fun as well as discussions about Liturgy. On January 22 nd we had our GOYA Gyro Sale and we would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraiser. Lastly we had volleyball and basketball Play-Offs. All teams played well and exhibited great sportsmanship. We all had a fun time at Toms River and would like to thank everyone who came out to support us. 1st Place Girls Volleyball Team CONGRATULATIONS to our Girls Volleyball Team for winning 1 st Place and to our Sr. Boys Basketball team for winning 3 rd Place! Great Job Everyone! February is going to be a month we all can say is stressful, but yet extremely exciting! All volleyball and basketball practices have ended and Sights & Sounds is getting closer! Practices will be getting more intense. All the groups will perform for our Church on February 26 th, in the AHEPA Hall after church, so please come out and support the GOYA! Then finally, Sights & Sounds is on Saturday, March 3 rd, at Westfield. Wish us luck! Respectfully submitted, Ekaterini Robles Goya Historian 3rd Place Sr. Boys Basketball Team Our Parish Chanter Dimitrios Fousteris would like to form a Byzantine Choir. This group is open to everyone who is interested in learning this enriching tradition of our church. If you are interested please contact Father Nicholas at as soon as possible. As yet a date has not been set, it will depend on the interest shown.

11 The Voice of St. George Page 11 Greek School / Ελληνικό Σχολείο The Feast of the Three Hierarchs, which is celebrated on January 30, has also been established as a celebration of Greek Letters. On January 29, our Greek school celebrated the Feast of the Three Hierarchs with poems that were recited by students of the fourth, fifth and sixth grade, and with a short speech about the life and work of the Three Hierarchs read by Phivos Christodoulides, a 6th grade student. That same evening, at the Clifton church, the Metropolis of New Jersey held an event in honor of the day of the Letters, and our school children recited poems. We are very proud of our children for successfully reciting their poems. For the great Feast of the Annunciation, which is also Greek Independence Day, our school will celebrate with poems and skits. We invite the whole community to honor us with its presence on Saturday, March 24, as we admire our children. We would like to thank the ladies of the PTO who work so hard and offer their valuable time for the needs of our school. We would also like to wish all parents of our school and our community a Happy Easter, and may our Lord grant health and joy to all. The school will be closed throughout Holy Week from April 9 until April 15. Sincerely, The teachers of the Greek School Την εορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών που είναι στις 30 Ιανουαρίου και καθιερώθηκε ως εορτή των Ελληνικών γραμμάτων το Ελληνικό σχολείο μας γιόρτασε με ποιήματα που είπαν μαθητές της 4 ης, 5 ης και 6 ης τάξης και με μια σύντομη ομιλία από τον μαθητή της 6 ης Φοίβο Χριστοδουλίδη για τη ζωή και το έργο των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Την ίδια ημέρα στις 6 η ώρα το βράδυ, στην εκκλησία του Clifton, η Μητρόπολη της Νέας Ιερσέης για να τιμήσει την ημέρα των γραμμάτων είχε μια εκδήλωση και τα παιδιά του σχολείου μας απήγγειλαν ποιήματα. Είμαστε πολύ υπερήφανοι για τα παιδιά μας που με τόση επιτυχία είπαν τα ποιήματά τους. Στην μεγάλη εορτή του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου που είναι και η εθνική μας εορτή, το σχολείο μας θα γιορτάσει με ποιήματα και σκετς και προσκαλούμε όλη την κοινότητα στις 24 Μαρτίου να μας τιμήσει με την παρουσία της και να καμαρώσει τα παιδιά μας. Θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε τις αξιότιμες κυρίες του PTO που εργάζονται τόσο σκληρά και προσφέρουν την πολύτιμη ώρα τους για τις ανάγκες του σχολείου μας. Επίσης θα θέλαμε να ευχηθούμε σε όλους τους γονείς του σχολείου μας και σε όλη την κοινότητα Καλό Πάσχα και ο Αναστάς κύριος να χαρίζει σε όλους υγεία και χαρά. Το σχολείο θα είναι κλειστό όλη την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα από τις 9 μέχρι τις 15 Απριλίου. Με εκτίμηση, Οι δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου

12 March/April 2012 Page 12 Stewardship/ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ (Εκούσια Εισφορά της Εκκλησίας) Summary as of: Stewardship Report through December 31, 2011 Number of Pledges Amount Pledged Average December 31, , December 31, , December 31, , Variance vs >> (24) Variance vs >> (52) (14,135) 9 Above is the Stewardship Report as of December 31, In summary, as of December 31, 2011, we received 600 pledges totaling $232,630 for an average pledge of $387. The $232,630 pledged as of December 31, 2011 compares favorably to the $231,785 pledged as of the same time last year. The 600 pledges for calendar year 2011 compare unfavorably to the 624 pledges received for Of the total pledges, $228,360 has been collected. The average pledge of $387 for 2011 compares favorably to the $371 average pledge for As a reminder, please submit your Stewardship pledge for Members as of January 31, 2012 George & Barbara Abadiotakis George & Elizabeth Abadiotakis Jr John & Sofia Abadiotakis Mrs Kathryn Achaves Mr Alexander Adamides Thanasis & Anastasia Agoras Peter & Stella E Agrapides Carmine & Sophia Albanese Mrs Evangelia Alexander John & Maxine Alexis John & Emilia Alexopoulos Mrs Aspasia Alfaro Ms Liberty Alfieris Mrs Demetria Alfieris Mrs Helen Allinder Larry & Stacey Alphas Emanuel & Frances Alvarez Manuel & Ann Alvarez Miss Savoula Amanatidis Dimos & Sofia Amaxopoulos John & Vanessa Amaxopoulos Elias & Leina Atallah Vasilios & Constance Amaxopoulos Mr Andreas Athanasopoulos Demetrios & Kanella Anastasatos George & Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos Panayiotis & Peggy Anastasiou Anestis & Alexandra Avgitidis Mrs Virginia Andrews Mr Antonios Ballas Evan & Tina Andricopoulos Milton C & Anastasia Ballas Demetris & Eleni Andronikou Joseph & Dana Balsamo M John & Rose Angelakos Nektarios & Eleni Banis Emanuel & Irene Antonakakis John & Linda Barbagiannis Andreas & Panagiota Antoniou Mrs Mary Barre' Constantine & Eleni Apostolakis Paul & Rose Batsarika Frank & Camille Araps Daniel Baurkot & Peggy Baurkot Raptis Miguel & Nikolitsa Araujo Mrs Bertha Bekiaris Demetrios & Anastasia Arhontoulis Theodore & Mary Belcheff Elpidoforos D & Stephanie Arhontoulis Athanasios & Foteini Bizekis Miss Maria Arhontoulis Mike & Athinoulla Bizos Stamatis & Pauline Arkoulakis Mrs Mary Blazakis Dr Lia S Arvanitidou Mr John Blazakis Miss Andrea Asimoglou Mrs Vasiliki Bliziotis Elias & Olga Asimoglou Nick & Voula Bonis

13 The Voice of St. George Page 13 Konstantine & Carrie Bonis John Botzolakis & Dionyssia Petropoulou Dimitri N & Maria D Bouhlas George & Mary Boulegeris Mrs Eleni Bourodimos Lampros E & Naomi Bourodimos Sotirios & Christy Bouziotis Stavros & Effie Bouziotis Mrs Helen Bouzos Joseph & Maria Boyadjis Arthur & Niki Brachowski Mrs Helen Breznak Michael Bordieri & Alexis Bordier Salvatore & Demetra Buono Carlyle G & Mary J Caldwell Peter & Debra Camamis Michael & Ellen Cambilis George & Mary Captain Ralph & Maria Caputo Francis J & Katherine Catanzaro John & Tammy Lynne Chafos John & Catherine Chick Andrew M & Kelly Chiotis Miss Dana Christianis Christos & Maria Christodoulatos Savvas & Maria Christodoulides Theodoros & Thomai Chronis James & Christine Colitsas Anthony & Mary Colletto Mr Dennis Columbis Mr Peter Combates Mihai & Maria Constantin Mrs Anastasia Copachiarys Thomas P & Areti Copeland Mrs Ariadne Coules Joseph & Ellie D'Elia Panagiotis & Heather Dafnos Stefanos & Kathy Damianakis Mrs Despina Danas Mr Dimitris Danas Nikolaos & Patricia Dazos Jon & Kathryn Dean Perikles & Dina Dedopoulos Mrs Melanie McDermott Hughes John & Chrisoula DeLaurentis Lawrence & Athanasia DelGuercio Mrs Stamatiki Demelis Mr George Demetriou George Demos Jr & Maria Demos Mr James Demules Mr Lee Dervech Gerasimos & Kristen Diagelakis Ioannis & Gerasimoula Diamantis Mrs Mary Diamantis Dimitrios & Katholiki Dimitrakis Mike & Mary Dimitrakis Stilianos & Hrisoula Dimitrakis Bogdan & Sanda Donose Brian & Nancy Dougherty Jon & Debbie Drake Michael & Evangeline Emanuel Nicholas & Helen Englezos Mrs Anne Erbacher Mrs Georgia Exarchakis James G & Sophia Exarchakis Mrs Afroditi Farag Conrad F & Joanna Feist Themis & Niki Fiotakis Mrs Bessie Forakis Mr Basil Fottis Nicholas & Renee Michelle Fottis Andreas & Eve Fragioudakis Ms Irene Frangos George & Kyriaki Dyer George & Nicole D Gagis Serafim & Sotiria Galatas Phillip P & Maria Gaito Nicholas & Helen Gargalidis Robert & Katina Garthe Dimitrios Gavalas & Katherine Kourti Anthony & Helen Gegelys Mrs Lynne Gementgis Ned K & Elizabeth George Mrs Widad George Constantine & Nancy Georgiades George & Panagiota Georgiou Panagiotis & Evie Georgopoulos Stanley & Nickie Gerondelis Nikolaos Giannikouris & Irene Papasavvas Michael & Diane Gianakos Christos & Helen Giannios Evangelos & Mitza Giannos Nicholas & Vasiliki Gianoukakis Miss Christina Ginter Kostas S & Argie Glynos Edward T & Evagelia Gomolka Mr Nicholas Gonedes John & Peggy Gonis Dimetrios & Michele Greberis Evangelos & Matilde Dimitrakopoulos Arthur & Jennie Gussis George & Carol Ann Gussis Mrs Christine H Gussis Dimitri & Maria Hadjiapostoli George & Lefkothea Hadjiloucas Mrs Vasiliki Hadzimichalis Emanuel & Amalia Halkiadakis Nickos & Evmorfia Halkias Dimitrios & Evangelia Hantsoulis Mr Peter Happas Eric Hargreaves & Konstantina Matsoukas Mrs Martha Harris Nikolaos & Koula Hatzis Efthimios & Nora Hionis Evangelos & Stamatoula Hionis Mr Gerasimos Hionis Joseph & Kathryn Hirschman Panagis & Lynn Hionis Spiros & Angeliki Hionis Mr Spiros Hionis John & Victoria H Horvath Niels & Louise Hoyvald Pericles & Daphne Ioulianou George & Alexandra Janow Thomas & Susan Joannou Mrs Grammatiki N Kagdis Lazaros & Constantina Kakalis Damianos & Kathy Kalabratzidis Evan & Calli Kalambakas Mr Thomas Kalanekos Gregory & Roseanne Kaldes John & Evelyn Kallas Nicolas & Maria Kallas Mrs Anastasia Kallias Emmanuel & Anna Kalogridakis

14 March/April 2012 Page 14 Anthony & Anna Kalogridis Georgios & Eve Kontos Mr Antonios Jr Kalogridis Petros & Diane Kontos Miss Chrisoula Kalogridis Mrs Nickie Kopanakis Eftihios & Anastasia Kalogridis George & Athena Kostis Ioannis N & Sandy Kalogridis Dr John B Kostis Mr Michael Kalogridis Kyriakos & Kathy Kostis Anthony & Maria Kamarinopoulos John & Sophia Kastanis Mr Demetrius Kambitsis Apostolos & Asimina Koufis Mrs Dimitra Kambitsis Christos & Jennifer Koukourdelis Mr Nicholas Kambitsis Georgios & Raquel Koukourdelis Mrs Leonila Kambitsis Telemahos & Maria Koukourdelis John & Maria Kanaras Nicholas & Christine Koumarianos Stylianos & Katerina Kanellos Simon & Elizabeth Koumis Mrs Anastasia Kangos Pantelis & Despina Kounelias Mr Anthony Kanterakis John & Linda Kourakos Mrs Chrysanthe Kanterakis Thomas & Georgia Kouridakis Emmanuel & Irene Kanterakis Nick & Irene Kousoulis Markos & Maria Kantilierakis George & Dorothy Koutsoras Stamatis & Anastasia Kantilierakis George & Lisa Koutsoubis Hristos & Argyro Kapasakis John & Virginia Koutsoupias Mrs Aspasia Karagiozis Mrs Mary Kuklakis John & Angela Karakoglou Andrew & Andrea Lagermasini Mr James Karamanos Robert & Myrsine Lambides Mrs Toula Karamarkos Timothy & Despina Laverick Sr Athanasios & Virginia Karandrikas Mr Nicholas Lazos Spiro & Sofia Karas Stephen & Catherine Leach Demetrios & Eftihia Karayiannidis Dr Katerina Leftheris James & Tasoula Kartatos James F & Evangelia Lemberis Mrs Alice Kartikis Mrs Irene Leontarakis Mr David Horowitz & Family Richard & Akaterina Lewis Kosmas & Dimitra Kasimatis Mr Chris Liakakos Basil S & Katherine B Kasimis Mrs Nancy Liverakos John & Efstathia Katsiaficas Ms Casandra Lorincz Mr Christos Katsifis Anthony & Anna Lorino Thomas & Maria Kavouras Efstratios & Assimina Loukidis John & Marietta Kazan George & Athena Lyristis Thomas M Keeney III & Lauren Keeney Mrs Thomais Lyssikatos Mr John Kehayas Constantinos & Helen Lyssikatos Mrs Katina Kehayas John & Evanthia Lyssikatos Mr Nicholas T Kehayas Ms Stacy Remantas Tim & Jody Kehayas Emmanuel & Kalliope Mahlis James & Marigoula Keller Constantine & Nicki Makrelis Vassilis & Elaine Keramidas Evangelos & Olga Makropoulos Dimitri & Tatiana Kika John & Maria Makropoulos Robert R & Christina Kincel Mr Christopher Malekkides Christos & Joanna Kokkinakos Michalis & Fotini Mangafas George & Georgia Kolias Mrs Evangelia Manikopoulos Constantine & Athina Komandis Mr Nick Manikopoulos Mrs Anna Manioudakis Emanuel & Anna Manioudakis Mr Elias J Manolakis Kostas & Evangelia Manolakis Mrs Maria Marinov Ken & Allison Markakis James & Niki Marketos Mrs Elpida Marolis Matthew & Meropi Martini Robert & Myrianthe Marton Jack & Felicia Mascarenhas Mr Chris P Master Harry & Evelyn Mataras Elias & Eftychia Mattas Ioannis & Iro Mavrianos T John & Nickie Mehl John & Helen Mellos Nicholas & Sylvia Menedis Steven & Stacy Merkler Dimitrios & Eugenia Metaxas Mr Luke Metaxas Trian & Eleni Mihelis Mr James L Mihopulos Mr Louis Mihopulos Peter Miko & Lemonia Malahias Miko Mr John Millas Geoffrey & Kathryn Miller Gregg & Nicole Miller Minas & Mary Rose Mina Mr Larry Minguet George & Vasso Mitchels Stilianos & Dimitra Mitossis Jerry G & Soula Moschonas Thomas & Maria Moutafis Emanuel & Amelia Nafpliotis Stavros & Carla Natsopoulos Miss Penelope Nicolas Stratton & Toula A Nicolas Konstantinos & Efstathia Nikolaou Ricardo & Christina Orozco Anthony & Sophie Ousouljoglou Tony & Susan Ousouljoglou John M & Linda Ann Paitakes Mrs Catherine Paitakis Demetrios & Eudoxia Palavros Bill & Irene Paliouras Mrs Erifili Panaretos Stephen N & Effie Pantagis

15 The Voice of St. George Page 15 John & Argie Panzarino Andreas & Happy Papadakis Mrs Chrysoula Papadakis George & Frangitsa Papadakis Nikolaos & Antonia Papadakis Mr Louis A Papadakos Kosmas & Eftihia Papadelias Sam & Mary Papadelias Andrew & Demetra Papadopoulos John & Georgia Papanastasiou Michael & Angelica Papasavas John & Agorasti Papoutsakis Mrs Artemis Pappas Mr Christ S Pappas Mrs Evanthia Pappas Mrs Helene A Pappas Paul Pappas Jr & Aubrey Pappas Emanuel & Diane Parais George & Helen Paraskevopoulos George & Allison Parlapanides Mr Thomas Parlapanides Jr Demetrios & Mistilee Pasigos George & Maria Pasigos Rev & Mrs Nicholas Pastrikos Karl & Dimitra Paulus Efstratios & Elpida Pavlounis Jordan D & Anastasia Perel Mrs Georgia C Peterson Demitre & Sonia Petinatos Michael & Deborah Petkovski Konstantinos & Varvara Petrakis George & Christina Petrantonakis Chris & Georgette Petromelis George & Maria Petrou Rousos & Argyro Petroulakis Perry & Leah Petsanas Harry V & Mallene Pilitsis Dr John V Pilitsis Mrs Jean Plaganis Lazaros & Chrisoula Plias Socrates & Polly Ploussiou H James & Rita Polos Mrs Mary G Ponticas Thomas J & MaryAnn Prenderville Mrs Diana Protopapadakis John & Connie Protopapadakis Panagiotis & Esther Psarakis Triffin & Nancy J Psyhojos Ryan & Maria Rapp Steven W & Angela Remantas Stephen & Macy Remolina Dimitris & Roseann Rexines Charalambos & Calliope Rissiotis Peter & Grace Robas Evangelos & Maria Roditis Mr Emmanuel Rodoussakis George & Irene Rodoussakis Mrs Irene Rodoussakis Miss Vicky Rodoussakis Roland & Karen Rodriguez Mr George Rompos Robert & Debra Rooyakkers Matthew & Katie Roussos Joseph & Agnes Sagliocco John & Irene Saia Steve & Stella Sakoutis Dino & Mona Sarafoglu George & Anthoula Sarigeorgiou Abdo & Gladys Sauma Bassam & Bonnie Sauma Sami & Roula Sauma Suhayl & Regina Sauma Samir & Michele Sauma Andreas & Ekaterini Savva Iacovos & Florentia Savva Mrs Helen Scalia Mr Kostas Schadas Douglas & Harriet Schneider Mrs Liberty Schwalje Adam Scicchitano Jr & Aphrodite Angelo & Margaret A Scopelianos Stan & Mia Sedwick Mr Steven Sgourakis William & Sotiria Shibley Mehael & Kelly Siacavelas Nicholaos & Yiannoulla Sideris Dionyssios & Eleni Siliverdis Nicholas & Regina Siliverdis Constantine & Jennifer Simos Michael & Helen Sirimis Peter & Maria Sirimis Kyriakos & Meropi Sirimis Chris & Maria Sirimis Emmanuel & Sofia Siskopoulos Mrs Emily Skaltsiotis Dimitrios & Debra Skandalos Konstantinos N & Maria Skandalos Mr Gerasimos Skontrianos Haralabos & Eleni Skontrianos Thomas & Angela Skourlis James & Elizabeth Solomos Mr Dean V Solomos Mrs Katina Spanos Peter & Matina Speronza Albert Spry & Nellie Spry Tsipoura John & Vasilia Statis Thomas & Maria Stavrakis Mrs Elena Stavrianidis Panos & Maggie Stavrianidis Mrs Anna Stevens Victor P & Teresa Stevens Jr Robert Stieglitz & Katerina Stieglitz-Ts Stylianos & Stacy Stoupas John & Bella Sturges Manuel & June Sturges Thomas & Viveca Sulich Lawrence & Anna S Sullivan Walter F & Mary Sullivan Douglas J & Jamie D Susan Kypros & Andrea Tamanas Marios & Georgia Tamanas Nick A & Irene Tantaros Titus & Gertude Tarnovetchi Georgios & Maria Thanos Paul & Elsie Theodorou Constantinos & Virginia Theokas Mr Andreas Theophanous Steve & Stamatia Timbinaris John & Adriana Tolis Kenneth & Paige Topolewski Liberty Toto & Richard Krembecki Konstantinos & Stavroula Trastelis Mr Louis Troulis Mr Komninos Tsakon Ioannis & Brigitte Tsampalis Constantinos & Maria Tsatsos Steve & Evellyn Tsiadis Michael & Darby Tsilimidos John & Stella Tsinetakes Salvatore & Nicoletta Urciuoli Kostantinos & Tammy Varelis Theodoros & Xia Vaskopulos Thomas & Barbara Vastardis Mrs Penelope S Vekiaris

16 March/April 2012 Page 16 Vasilios & Panayiota Velmahos Chris & Marianthi Viazis Kevin & Andrianni Viscariello Mrs Eleni Vlachos Demetrios & Aphrodite Vlahos Mrs Artemis Vlastaras Filippos & Denise Vokolos Christos & Effie Voloudakis Apostolos & Sophia Voudouris Dr William Wadsworth Hany & Eleni Wahba Edward & Malvina Wilkens Alan Wyatt & Eleni Giannakou Mr Peter Zaboglou Angelos & Kaliope Zafirelis Mr Nikos Zafirelis George & Kathryn Zahos John & Pegi Zajac Dimitrios & Anthy Zalokostas George & Anastasia Zalokostas Tasos & Sharon Zambas John & Vasiliki Zimnis Georgios & Nathalie Ziras Mrs Polixeni Zotos Nicholas & Karen Zubulake GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE 5 th Avenue, New York City Sunday March 25, 2012 Busses leave from the church parking lot 11:30 a.m. sharp. Please be at the bus by 11:15 a.m. The cost is $25 for adults, college students $10 with ID. All GOYA members, Sunday & Greek school students are free of charge. **A complimentary lunch will be provided on the bus** Church attire is mandatory. No sneakers or jeans will be allowed if you are marching with the church and representing our community. Children that have Greek costumes should proudly wear them. For reservations contact: George Rodoussakis: Jim Exarchakis: ; jexarchakis@gmail.com Seating is limited and will be provided on a first come-first serve basis. Thank You For Your Support! Η Ελληνορθόδοξη Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου προσκαλεί όλα τα μέλη της στην ετήσια Παρέλαση για την Ημέρα της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας, 25ης Μαρτίου Η Παρέλαση θα γίνει στην 5η Λεωφόρο της Νέας Υόρκης την Κυριακή 25 Μαρτίου Θα υπάρχουν λεωφορεία που θα φύγουν από τον χώρο στάθμευσης του Αγίου Γεωργίου το πρωΐ της ημέρας της παρέλασης, στης 11:15. Το κόστος των εισιτηρίων είναι $25 για τους ενήλικες (δωρεάν για τα παιδιά). Αν ενδιαφέρεστε να παρελλάσσετε με το άρμα της κοινότητας, πρέπει να είστε ντυμένοι κατάλληλα. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και λεπτομέρειες αποταθείτε στον υπεύθυνο της παρέλασης: Γιώργο Ροδουσάκη Δημήτρη Εξαρχάκη

17 The Voice of St. George Page 17 Sunday School Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring and with the Lenten period upon us, we wish everyone Kali Sarakosti. On behalf of Father Nicholas, our teachers and staff, we would like to thank our community for your support with our Religious Education Program which provides an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to our children. On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we would like to thank everyone for the support and trust you have placed with us in providing an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to your children. We are very proud of our religious education program and of the many committed volunteers. We would like to share with you the news of our program. We participated in the Three Holy Hierarchs festivities with speeches from the two children who advanced to the Metropolis of New Jersey level in the 2011 Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical festival (George Stavrianidis and Zoe Makropoulos). We would like to tell you that we are very excited about the upcoming St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival that will be held on Sunday, April 1, 2012, following the Divine Liturgy. Students from Grades 7 th, 8 th, 9 th and Teen Rap are currently preparing for our parish s St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. The purpose of this festival is to give our youth an opportunity to research, learn, write and speak about their Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. It is our hope that this experience will strengthen their understanding and appreciation of our faith and cultivate spiritual growth. With Holy Week upon us, we ask parents with daughters of 8 to 13 years-old to discuss with them about volunteering to be Myrrh bearing Women. The Myrrhbearers or Μυροφόραι were women who followed Jesus during His ministry, were with him during His Passion, came to his tomb each day following His Crucifixion, and were the first to witness His Resurrection. What an honor to participate in this humbling experience! If your daughter(s) is(are) interested in volunteering or for additional information, please visit our Administration desk, which is located on the second floor. In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we present a summary of the curricula that is followed by several grades. In this issue, we present the curriculum of Grades K, 1 and 2. Grade K: What We See and Do in Church : An introduction to basic Church teachings, events in the liturgical calendar, Bible stories and hymns. Each lesson has a brief text and an illustration for coloring. Grade 1: Prayer in Daily Life - Discussions address when and how we pray. Each student is creating a personal prayer journal which includes the Lord s Prayer, bedtime, mealtime, and other short prayers. PARENTS: if you have not already done so, please send in (1) 4x6 picture of your child, and (1) 4x6 picture of your family. Class pictures will be taken on Palm Sunday! Grade 2: Loving God Love at home, in church, serving others and obeying rules are the emphasis of this grade. We reemphasize the Lord s Prayer and we learn the Jesus Prayer. We also begin to take a walk through the Orthodox Church by learning the parts of the Church building, the meaning of icons, candles, the altar table, etc. The students of all three grades learn of the feast days being celebrated at that time and of Great Lent and Holy Pascha. Our Religious Education Program for all grades consists of a set curriculum developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Religious Education, liturgical hymnology and participation in the Divine Liturgy, and of many projects carried out throughout the year. We are pleased to inform you that a Junior Choir was recently formed, as part of our program, which meets once a month on Sunday mornings. We pray that we continue to have a successful year. For your valuable feedback, please contact me at lmalahias@yahoo.com. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Religious Education Staff

18 March/April 2012 Page PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 39th ANNUAL FESTIVAL 1101 RIVER ROAD PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY PHONE: FAX: * greek.fes val@comcast.net 39 th Annual Greek Festival Our 39 th Annual Festival will be held on May 18 th, 19 th and 20 th. As always, this is the weekend directly following Mother s Day. The Festival Committee will be meeting on Tuesdays (schedule below) during the months of January, February, March, April and May. Meetings will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, with the exception of Holy Week. We welcome all parishioners who are interested in supporting this year s festival to attend the meetings. As with prior years, we are always in the need for help prior, during, and after the festival. One new position which needs to be filled is Public Relations. Our goal is to reach out to the local community to solicit advertising of businesses who wish to sell their services. Examples would be banks, mortgage, insurance, and realtors. We have the ability to raise an additional $20,000 to $25,000. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact the chairperson, John Lyssikatos ( ). As always, no help will ever be turned away. We are always open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with the Festival Committee. We have a calendar outlining all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. We will be baking and cooking in March, April and May. As always, we again are seeking out everyone s help. The more people who get involved, the easier the activities and the more fun we will have. We cannot depend upon the same people year-in and year-out. The Festival is a vital fundraiser for our church. Please show your stewardship by helping at this year s Festival. It only takes a few hours a day of everyone s time in order to make a difference. This is a great event in which to get involved, gather with your fellow church members and show our Greek hospitality. We will have Festival sign-ups after church on Sundays in March and April. We look forward to seeing everyone at this year s Festival. John Lyssikatos, Co-Chairman Mike Dimitrakis, Co-Chairman Festival Meeting Calendar March 6, 13, 20 and 27 April 3, 17 and 24 May 1 and ANNUAL FESTIVAL PREPARATION SCHEDULE Tyropites March 6 10 am Baklava March 13 9 am Galaktroboureko March am Koulourakia March am Melomakarona April 3 10:30 am Kourambiedes April 17 10:30 am Ke edes May 1 10 am Diples May 7 10 am

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