DOXA. Saint Katherine Glen Carlyn Road Falls Church, VA DECEMBER 2011 MERRY CHRISTMAS INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

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1 Saint Katherine Glen Carlyn Road Falls Church, VA DOXA The monthly newsletter of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Volume 9, Number 12 DECEMBER 2011 MERRY CHRISTMAS When the Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judah, Magi coming from the East worshipped God made man. And eagerly opening their treasures, they offered Him precious gifts: refined gold, as to the King of the ages; frankincense, as to the God of all; myrrh they offered to the Immortal One as one three days dead. Come all nations, let us worship Him Who was born to save our souls. (Compline of the feast day of the Nativity) Gifts are what come to most people s minds when we think about Christmas. Which pleasures us most giving or receiving a gift? The answer is that both giving and receiving are equal in the eyes of God. Let us be gracious in our reception of the most important gift of all, Jesus Christ Incarnate. Are we willing to be satisfied this year knowing that God the Father giving us His Son is the most awesome gift the gift of eternal life, the gift that is and should be the number one request on our Christmas list? We should be humbled by how God thinks of each one of us. Now, what do we give to our Lord? What gift do you think God would want? Calling the Magi by a star, heaven brought the first fruits of the Gentiles unto Thee, a Babe lying in the manger: and they were amazed to see neither scepter nor throne but only utter poverty. For what is meaner than a cave, what is humbler than swaddling clothes? Yet therein shone forth the wealth of Thy divinity: glory to Thee, O Lord. (Hypakoe of Nativity Matins) The Lord rejoices when we treat each other as brothers and sisters. The Lord rejoices when we love one another. The Lord rejoices when we care for each other. I want to thank all of you for the early Christmas present we, the congregation of Saint Katherine, gave to the children of the Hogar Rafael Ayau Home for Children in Guatemala. Nicole Leontsinis, team leader; along with Alex and Jennifer Carr; Korinna Garbis; Jerry Rich, DDS; Betty Slanta; Mary Stathopoulos; and I have some very memorable moments of receiving the smiles, hugs, and joys of being with the orphaned children. Our children, here in the United States, have the freedom to participate in activities outside of their homes on a daily basis. The children at the Hogar do not. They broke out in cheers when the gates opened and our mission team took them to a park. A simple gift? Not at all. A gift that is at the core of Christian outreach? Definitely! We received much more than we gave. Make your list and check it twice. Do you have God at the top of your list? If not, you have plenty of time to add, or move, Him to the number one spot. I will see all of you in church as we celebrate the blessing of giving and receiving together. INSIDE THIS ISSUE... AHEPA Christmas Ornament... 6 Bookstore Calendar... 9 Catechetical School... 4 Community Christmas Card... 6 Daughters of Penelope Family Fun Night... 8 GOYA (ages 13-18) Greek Article and School... 5 HOPE (ages 7 and under)... 4 Missions and Outreach... 7 New Year s Eve Party... 8 Nursery PAIDEIA Preschool... 6 Parish Council... 3 Philoptochos Registry Stewardship Weekday Services... 6 Women s Book Club AND MORE! Today Christ is born of the Virgin in Bethlehem. Today He who knows no beginning now begins to be, and the Word is made flesh. The powers of heaven greatly rejoice, and the earth with mankind makes glad. The Magi offer gifts, the shepherds proclaim the marvel, and we cry aloud without ceasing: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. (Great Doxology and Dismissal) Christ is born! Glorify Him!

2 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Glen Carlyn Road Falls Church, VA phone facsimile CLERGY Rev. Protopresbyter Konstantinos A. Pavlakos, Proistamenos cell, home STAFF John Vlachos, Chief Financial Officer Anna Vassilopoulos, Assistant Financial Officer Sophia Tsangali, Secretary/Teacher Roberto Medina-Valdez, Maintenance Supervisor Theodoros Theocharis, Information Technology PARISH COUNCIL Daphne Papamichael, President Maria Wills, Vice President Christina Vazquez, Secretary TBD, Treasurer TBD TBD John Andre Iacovos Ioannou Andrea Ballard Martha Lampros Frances Campbell Costas Mavromatakis Chris Christou Bill Polizos Dr. John Demakis Bill Porter Christian Demeter Dr. George Silis Chris Euripides Pierre Tavoularis Korinna Garbis CHURCH SCHOOLS Adult Bible Study (Sundays) Bill Polizos Adult Catechetical (Sunday) School Bill Polizos Youth Catechetical (Sunday) School Christian Demeter, Principal Greek School Sophia Tsangali, Principal Journey to Orthodoxy Elena Ziu (An intro class to the Orthodox Faith) Georgia Kazakis PAIDEIA Bilingual Preschool Maria Papathanassiou, Director MINISTRIES Acolyte Captains Anastasios Galatis (First Liturgy) TBD (Second Liturgy) AHEPA #370 (Mt. Vernon) George K. Eliades, President AHEPA #438 (P. Derzis) Angelo Toutsi Bookstore Christopher and Frances Kalavritinos Choir John Doulis Daughters of Penelope Helle #283 Jane Moore, President DOXA Presv. Pauline Pavlakos GOYA (ages 13-18) Tiffani Wills, President GRACE Fr. Costa Pavlakos Greek School Auxiliary Elena Lagos, President HOPE (ages 7 and under) Kelly Alexis, Director kalexis76@gmail.com Listserv ( list) Presv. Pauline Pavlakos przpauline@stkchurch.com JOY (ages 8-12) Tina Papamichael, Director athena02@verizon.net Missions and Outreach Dr. John Demakis demakis9931@gmail.com Parish Committees, List of Philoptochos Andrea Ballard, President andreaballard1@verizon.net Psalters James Loizou, Protopsaltis dimitri14@verizon.net Safeway escrip Elvira Garnett villa45@hotmail.com Website Presv. Pauline Pavlakos przpauline@stkchurch.com Women s Book Club Christina Vazquez czvmail@aol.com YAL (Young Adult League) TBD

3 PARISH COUNCIL Dear Saint Katherine Family, It seems like just yesterday it was January 2011 and now the year is drawing to a close! It is a busy, festive time but also a time to reflect on the year that has passed, as well as the one that is quickly approaching. We reflect on our goals and see if we have met them. We think about our hopes for We do this as a church, too. If we have fallen short, we ask God for the strength to do His will and His work. Our Parish Council elections will be held Sunday, December 4. Thank you to those who have chosen to take on this important ministry of our church! The Annual Christmas Pageant will take place on December 11, following the Divine Liturgy. This tradition continues after so many years as the children of our schools come together to tell the story of the birth of Christ. Have you double-checked your Christmas list? Is Saint Katherine on your gift list? It s still not too late to fulfill your 2011 Stewardship pledge. Nor is it too early to fill out your 2012 Stewardship pledge card! This time of year always brings to mind those dear to us. It is also a time to acknowledge those people who work so hard for our faith and our Church: our office staff, those who teach and guide our youth, the members of our choir and our chanters, and those who reach out to the poor and helpless. Thank you to our faithful Stewards--YOU are our Church! Wishing you all a blessed Christmas, I am Your servant in Christ, Daphne Papamichael President, Parish Council Merry Christmas! Καλά Χριστούγεννα! GEORGE MASON STUDENT NEEDS A RIDE TO CHURCH A George Mason student needs a ride to church. If you are able to offer assistance, please contact Fr. Costa. What a blessing it is that a young person, away from home, wants to come to church. Let s make this happen. Thank you! December 4, :00am Pierre Tavoularis, Captain Costas Mavromatakis Andrea Ballard Bill Polizos Chris Christou Bill Porter Martha Lampros *One Liturgy Only* SUNDAY CHURCH DUTY ROSTER December 11, 2011 George Silis, Captain Chris Christou Chris Euripides Korinna Garbis December 18, :00am Frances Campbell, Captain Iacovos Ioannou John Andre Daphne Papamichael Andrea Ballard Christina Vazquez Christian Demeter *One Liturgy Only* December 25, 2011 Bill Porter, Captain Korinna Garbis Costas Mavromatakis Bill Polizos December 4, :30am John Andre, Captain Korinna Garbis Frances Campbell Daphne Papamichael Dr. John Demakis George Silis Chris Euripides 9:30am Iacovos Ioannou Martha Lampros Christina Vazquez *One Liturgy Only* December 18, :30am Chris Christou, Captain Chris Bota, GOYA Captain Dr. John Demakis plus 5 add l GOYAns Chris Euripides Maria Wills 9:30am George Silis Pierre Tavoularis Maria Wills *One Liturgy Only* 3

4 CATECHETICAL (SUNDAY) SCHOOL Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasure, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-2; 2:11) FOR OUR YOUTH AND OUR FAMILIES, the most significant aspect of the month of December is Christmas and, like the three wise men, our focus is on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On December 11, the students of both the Catechetical (Sunday) and Greek Schools will present our annual Christmas Pageant. The Pageant will give our young people the opportunity and privilege to present the scriptural narrative of the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to our community. The actors will pantomime as narrators recite Biblical passages in both Greek and English. Some of our other students from both schools will be angels and some will be singers. The singers, together with members of our Adult Choir, will sing the accompanying music. A number of our senior high school students will serve as guides and ushers. A cast request list and rehearsal schedule has been distributed to all students to take home. Parents are urged to review the schedule and make sure that the children meet their rehearsal assignments. On December 10, beginning at 10:00am, we will have a dress rehearsal and following that enjoy a party and a visit from Saint Nicholas. The Pageant will be presented on Sunday, December 11 in the Meletis Charuhas Center, immediately after the Divine Liturgy. Our students are very excited about this presentation, and we are certain that our parents will be eager to see and hear them as they relay to us the TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. In the last issue of DOXA, we related to you that during both November and December our young people and staff focus on the scriptural lesson that, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Through the kindness and devotion of Mrs. Sherry Maggio, a Giving Tree has been decorated and placed in the downstairs foyer of the community center. Each student has been given the opportunity to take one of the tags from the tree. The tag suggests the purchase of a gift for an adult male or female. It is requested that the gift consist of new warm clothing such as a sweater, gloves, scarf, hat, socks, etc. It is requested that the giver wrap this gift and place the tag from the giving tree amidst the ribbon used to make the bow. Our young people will bring in their presents for the homeless and place them under the Giving Tree on either Sunday, December 4, 11, or 18. On December 18, the gifts will be taken to the homeless shelter in Falls Church.We know that when our students return to school on January 8 they will be excited talking about Christmas and New Year s. We look forward to that reunion. HOPE (ages 7 and under) JOIN HOPE IN FOUNDERS HALL ON DECEMBER 4, after the second liturgy, as we celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a Christmas craft, pizza lunch, and the story of the Nativity for our little ones. We ask that you bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Please RSVP to Kelly Alexis (Kalexis76@gmail.com or ) so we can have enough food and craft materials on hand. We look forward to seeing everyone! PAIDEIA WE VE BEEN QUITE BUSY these past weeks: We found out about our families and neighborhoods; and all about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. We noticed the changes in nature as winter approaches; and learned our letters and numbers, of course. We talked about being healthy and eating healthy foods, and enjoyed a delicious vegetable stew that we made ourselves. We also learned to be thankful for what we have and about helping those in need. To share our blessings we will collect Toys for Tots. We talked about the people who help the poor in our community and around the world like Doctors Without Borders and the mission teams from our church. We also made pretty holiday cards, which our parents will take to the Bailey s Crossroads homeless shelter where they will serve dinner on December 8. With many holiday festivities coming up, we practiced our table manners at a formal dress-up lunch. So, Mom and Dad, we re ready! Best of all, we are preparing for the birth of Baby Jesus! We re making wonderful crafts and decorations to put up in our classrooms. We are baking cookies and learning how Christmas is observed in Greece and elsewhere. Our music teacher, Mrs. Gilda Vretea Kornhauser is teaching us Greek carols. Mrs. Shelby Tombras has choreographed a lovely routine for our movement class. We look forward to performing these at our Christmas Program on December 22. We are so blessed to have these two delightful and talented ladies working with us, in addition to our wonderful PAIDEIA teachers: Mrs. Elsa Papageorgiou, Mrs. Elena Papadopoulou, Mrs. Yianna Kehaiov, Mrs. Chryssa Giakoumaki Cook, and Miss Fotini Kotsoroni. Καλά Χριστούγεννα σε όλους σας! May the Blessings of Christmas be with you throughout the New Year! In other news: Enrollment for the Spring 2012 session is now open! Meet our teachers and learn about our program at the Open House on Wednesday, December 7 from 8:30am to 10:30am. Please contact the director, Maria Papathanassiou, at mpapathanassiou@gopaideia.org or , for more information. December Dates to Remember 01 Parent-Teacher Conferences, No Aftercare 15 Toys for Tots collection 22 Christmas Program, 4:00pm-5:30pm Christmas Break 4

5 Η ΠΙΟ ΓΛΥΚΕΙΑ ΑΡΜΟΝΙΑ! Σοφία Δ. Τσαγκάλη ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ! Έφτασαν κι όλας! Και οι χριστιανοί, μικροί - μεγάλοι, προσφέρουμε στο Θείο Βρέφος ύμνο, την ζωή και τις πράξεις μας, όπως οι άγγελοι στον ουρανό. Ουράνιο, αγγελικό τραγούδι αντήχησε στην γη τη νύχτα εκείνη! Και ο ουρανός έγινε πιο λαμπρός από ποτέ άλλοτε. Μυριάδες άγγελοι φτερούγισαν από τον ουρανό στη γη και αυτά τα αγγελικά τους φτερουγίσματα λες και έδιωξαν την παγωνιά από τα σώματα και τις καρδιές των ανθρώπων. Ζεστασιά και γαλήνη σκορπίστηκε στην πλάση από την παραδεισένια, γλυκειά αρμονία της αναρίθμητης αγγελικής στρατιάς, που γλύκανε τις πονεμένες ψυχές των ποιμένων. Ελπίδα, γαλήνη, ανακούφιση φέρνει στην καρδιά τους. Και άγρυπνοι, καθώς φύλαγαν την νύχτα εκείνη τα πρόβατά τους στα λιβάδια εκεί πιό πέρα, ξαφνιάστηκαν, θαμπώθηκαν με μιάς, όταν άστραψε ολόγυρά τους το θεϊκό φως. Σταλμένος από τα ύψη του ουρανού ο αρχάγγελος τους φέρνει το χαρμόσυνο μήνυμα «Ευαγγελίζομαι υμίν χαράν μεγάλην... ότι ετέχθη υμίν σήμερον Σωτήρ»!... Και στη συνέχεια πλήθος αγγέλων σπορπά ολόγυρα «Δόξα εν υψίστοις Θεώ και επί γης ειρήνη εν ανθρώποις ευδοκία». Τί ουράνια μελωδία! Τί αγγελική αρμονία! Πόσες φορές δεν έχουμε επιθυμήσει κι εμείς να ήμασταν την θεία εκείνη νύχτα εκεί, να ακούγαμε την θεϊκή υμνωδία και να υμνούσαμε κι εμείς μαζί με τους αγγέλους το Θείο Βρέφος! Και όμως! Κι εμείς μπορούμε να ακούσουμε την γλυκειά εκείνη αρμονία και να την κηρύξουμε και στους συναθρώπους μας! Αλλά πώς; Αν ανοίξουμε την καρδιά μας καθαρά και ταπεινά σαν την φτωχική φάτνη γιά να δεχτούμε τον Χριστό με την Θεία Κοινωνία. Με τον εκκλησιασμό, όπως οι φτωχοί ποιμένες πήγαν στην φάτνη γιά να τον προσκυνήσουν. Με να τον βάλουμε στην καρδιά μας Πατέρα και Σωτήρα μας. Με το να πράττουμε το άγιο θέλημά Του! Τότε σίγουρα θα νοιώσουμε μεγάλη χαρά και θα μπορέσουμε να ακούσουμε τα γλυκοτόνιστα τραγούδια της καλωσύνης. Οι μελωδικοί σκοποί θα συγκινούν την ψυχή μας, την ώρα που θα δίνουμε στοργικά το χέρι μας στον άρρωστο, στον ηλικιωμένο, στον φτωχό, στον πονεμένο. Θα τους νοιώσουμε τους πρωτογνώριστους σκοπούς, όταν δώσουμε από το εορταστικό μας φαγητό και γλυκό, όταν δώσουμε ένα ένδυμά μας, ένα χέρι βοηθείας σε κάποιον ανήμπορο, σε κάποιον που ζει μόνος χωρίς οικογένεια, σε κάποιο ορφανό. Θα ακούσουμε αγγελικό ύμνο στην καρδιά μας, όταν μονοιάσουμε με τον μαλωμένο συνάνθρωπό μας, γιατί όχι και με τον εχθρό μας; Θα σκορπίσουμε τριγύρω μας χαράς τραγούδια, όταν καταφέρουμε και τους άλλους συνανθρώπους μας να λευκάνουν την φάτνη της ψυχής τους με κάθε έργο αγαθό. Κι όταν με αγάπη κλεισμένη στέρεα στην καρδιά μας θα τρέχουμε να βοηθήσουμε εκεί, όπου υπάρχει ανάγκη, χωρίς να μας καλέσουν, τότε γλυκόλαλους σκοπούς θα γεμίζει στην ψυχή μας ο φύλακας άγγελός μας, μαζί με όλα τ άλλα αγγελούδια του ουρανού! Τότε η καρδιά μας θα είναι πράγματι κομμάτι του ουρανού! Με χαρούμενη την καρδιά και την όψη μας, με τους γλυκούς, χριστουγεννιάτικους (Continued on page 15, column 2) ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ! Οπως κάθε χρόνο, έτσι και φέτος, με χαρά μεγάλη περιμένουμε την Γέννηση του Χριστού μας! Να προσφέρουμε κι εμείς με το δικό μας τρόπο την ευγνωμοσύνη μας στο Θείο Βρέφος! Μαζί με το Κατηχητικό σχολείο, ετοιμαζόμαστε πυρετωδώς γιά το Χριστουγεννιάτικο πρόγραμμά μας, που θα γίνει την Κυριακή 11 Δεκεμβρίου, αμέσως μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Θα μας δοθεί έτσι η όμορφη ευκαιρία να μπούμε στο πνεύμα των Χριστουγέννων για να μπορέσουμε να κάνουμε αγνή σπηλιά την καρδιά μας έτσι, ώστε να κατοικήσει παντοτινά η χαρά μέσα μας, που δεν τελειώνει ποτέ και που δεν είναι άλλη καμμιά, παρά ο Λυτρωτής του κόσμου, ο Ιησούς Χριστός! Οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού Σχολείου μαζί με τους δασκάλους και γονείς τους θα τραγουδήσουν και φέτος σε σπίτια, σε καταστήματα κι εστιατόρια τα παραδοσιακά Κάλαντα. Κατ αυτόν τρόπο, όχι μόνο παίρνουμε και δίνουμε χαρά και δεν χάνεται αυτή η όμορφη παράδοσή μας, αλλά παράλληλα βοηθούμε και το σχολείο μας και κατά συνέπεια την διαιώνιση της ιδέας «Ελλάδα», που τόσο πολύ έχει πληγεί τώρα τελευταία, αλλά και της Ορθοδοξίας! Ευχαριστούμε θερμά όλους που πρόσφεραν τα δώρα τους κατά τον μήνα Νοέμβριο σε εκείνους, που δεν έχουν την δυνατότητα να τα αγοράσουν. Χαρούμενα Χριστούγεννα! Παρακαλούμε σημειώστε τις ημερομηνίες που ακολουθούν. GREEK SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 11, the Greek School, together with the Catechetical School, will present the Christmas Pageant. The Pageant will help us to think more of Christ s Incarnation and let Him live in our hearts forever. Our students, with their teachers and parents, will again sing Christmas Carols at homes and businesses. When singing the Christmas Carols, we give and receive joy, and keep this beautiful tradition of ours alive. Furthermore, we help our Greek School and consequently the perpetuation of the idea of Greece, which lately suffers so much, as well as our Orthodoxy. Warm thanks to our students who offered presents to those who are less fortunate than we are, during the month of November. Please make note of the following dates: Dec. 03 Teachers Meeting, 1:30pm Dec. 10 Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal, 10:00am Christmas Luncheon with Santa Claus, 12:30pm Dec. 11 Christmas Pageant, 12:30pm December 10, 11, 19, and 20 Christmas Caroling December 22 January 7 No Classes Christmas/New Year s Break 5

6 WEEKDAY SERVICES December 06* Nicholas the Wonderworker December 09* Conception of the Theotokos by Saint Anna December 12* Spyridon the Wonderworker *9:30am Orthros 10:30am Divine Liturgy ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE Friday, December 23 10:30am: Orthros, Great Hours Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve 6:00pm Orthros 7:00pm Divine Liturgy, Great Vespers Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day 9:30am Orthros 10:30am Divine Liturgy AHEPA # CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT THE PETER N. DERZIS AHEPA CHAPTER #438 is proud to continue the sale of the Fourth Annual Community Christmas Ornament. These collectable ornaments have grown in popularity from year to year and are beautiful. This year s ornament is no exception! A stunning 3-D rendition of The Star of Bethlehem serves as the inspiration for our 2011 offering to the community a perfect ornament for the Christmas season, depicting the divine light that served as a beacon to all mankind, heralding the joy of the Nativity. These high quality ornaments are manufactured by the same firm that creates the famous White House Christmas ornaments. The decorative boxed packaging makes them ideal for gift giving...they are the perfect stocking stuffer. The cost is $20, with proceeds supporting our AHEPA Charities such as Vacation Bible Camp, Greek School, Church Missions, and College Scholarships. Please support our chapter with your purchase of these highly collectable and sought- after ornaments. Place your orders by ing jstoucker@verizon.net or calling or COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD YOU ARE INVITED TO participate in the annual Christmas card of our parish. Our Community Christmas Card brings us together as a family, expressing prayers and love to all of our brothers and sisters. It will be mailed by the church office to everyone on our mailing list for only $ Please send your name, as you want it to appear in the card, and a check payable to Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church to the Church Office by Monday, December 5. Thank you and Merry Christmas! November 2011 Guatemala team and Madre Ines, Abbess, with the Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Trinity-Lavra Mambre in the background. 6

7 MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL and thank you for your support of the Missions and Outreach Committee s activities during 2011! GLOBAL MISSION ACTIVITIES November s Guatemala mission team to the Hogar Raphael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala has returned safely. The January team is making final preparations for their mission trip. Fr. Maximus Urbanowicz is the spiritual leader and Antonia Chelpon is the team leader. Other members include Alicia Banks, Katerina Chelpon, Maria Chelpon, Frank Landry, Tasso McCarthy, Vivian Spathopoulos, Daphne Vaccarello, and Maria Wills. To see more of the orphanage and hear its charismatic abbess, Mother Ines, as she describes the special challenges they face, watch the YouTube video: watch?v=vwrdz-aqw-u. Maria Roeber, the OCMC long-term missionary to Tanzania from the DC area, recently participated in a health care assessment project in the Lodwar area of Kenya. She reports: MISSIONS AND OUTREACH Contact Gregory McKinney at for more information. God willing, parish teams will also return to Guatemala in Orthodox Christian Mission Center 2012 Mission Team Opportunities. These short-term mission trips offer evangelism, health care, construction, catechism, and/or youth ministry in eight foreign countries: Mongolia, Kenya, Uganda, Guatemala, Moldova, Romania, Tanzania, South Korea, and Alaska in the United States. More information is available at Support our Troops. If you know of someone serving in the military overseas, send their names and APO addresses to Christina Vazquez at czvmail@aol.com or Ray Vazquez at rayvazquez1@aol.com. The soldier will be prayed for during Liturgy and we will send them a bag of toiletries and sweets, along with the name and website address of our church and assurance of our continuing prayers for them. To contribute, please make your checks out to Saint Katherine with Support our Troops in the memo line. The person need not be Greek or Orthodox. Thanks to the Vazquez family for initiating this important ministry. [T]here is a lot of healthcare education that can and needs to be accomplished, along with supporting the goals of the government healthcare officers...[o]ne of the biggest challenges for the government is recruitment and retention of healthcare workers to live and work in the area, since the cost of living is so high and the environment so harsh. I will admit, I was very intimidated about the idea of possibly serving in such a remote, hot, dry climate, and being so far from the healthcare resources I would want as backup. But then again, this is why it is so important for us to be ministering in Christ s name to go to the people others cannot or do not wish to serve. Christ doesn t tell us only to minister where it s pleasant, or convenient, or even where it s safe...i ask for your prayers for the people of Lodwar and the surrounding region. The joyful and uplifting part of the trip, for me, was witnessing the celebration of the first Orthodox liturgy in one of these remote villages, and to be there to help welcome 110 souls into the Church. The baptisms took place after a liturgy, in a river that appeared overnight after a surprise rainstorm. While Fr. Martin [Ritsi, OCMC Director] stood waist-deep in muddy water, baptizing men, women, and children...i sat on the riverbank with some children and prayed for those who were beginning their new life in Christ. I had a beautiful view of Fr. Martin, a line of faithful waiting patiently in the water for their turn, and of camels standing under palm trees on the other side of the river, looking on. A couple of children sat with me, and started to mimic me as I made the sign of the cross at each submersion three for each new Christian. It was fun to teach the kids how to participate in the service, and to pray with them. Glory to God for that day! Learn more about Maria s work at MissionaryId=17. Watch for news about a Saint Katherine mission team to Alaska, which is in the planning stages for summer LOCAL OUTREACH Diaper Collection. On Sunday, December 4, we will have our third annual Saint Nicholas Diaper Drive. Emergency food pantries in the immediate area love to have disposable diapers to aid the numbers of parents who come in for help, since families cannot use food-assistance dollars to purchase diapers. Please bring any size disposable diapers, in their original packaging (but no pull-up pants types), to the foyer of the Meletis Charuhas Center. Furniture Donations. The Bailey s Crossroads shelter collects furniture to be used by people leaving the shelter for housing. The shelter will pick up the furniture within, roughly, a ten-mile radius. To arrange pickup or if you have questions, please call the Shelter Director, Thomas Nichols, at Please do not bring the furniture to church. Clothes and Toiletries Collection. We continue to collect new and used (clean) clothing and toiletries for the shelter. There is a collection bin in the foyer of the Meletis Charuhas Center. With winter approaching, warm clothing in new to good used condition, is needed especially coats, scarves, long underwear (new), etc., in adult sizes. Emergency and Hygiene Kits. Thanks to everyone who helped with the collection of items and/or assembled the Emergency and Hygiene Kits for clients at the shelter. Each winter, many people end up being turned away from the shelter because of lack of space. They use of each kit from November to March. Our parish was able to assemble over 300 kits on Sunday, November 20, thanks to generous donors and church organizations. Christ is born! Glorify Him! 7

8 Family Fun Night! JOIN OUR FAMILY NIGHT fun, dancing and a delicious dinner! Saint Katherine YAL invites you to celebrate New Year s Eve 2012 with the one and only Saturday, January 21, :30pm - 10:00pm DJ Cash Bar Face Painting (6pm-7pm) Raffle Tickets 1 for $5, 5 for $20, 15 for $40) Win great prizes: restaurant gift certificates, electronics, and more! Adults: $25 Children: $10 Kids 5 and under are FREE! with Zephyros Meletis Charuhas Center Saturday, December 31, :30pm - 2:30am Full Dinner Buffet Midnight Champagne Toast All proceeds benefit the Saint Katherine Bilingual Preschool and Nursery To reserve your seat and purchase raffle tickets: paideiaffn@gmail.com Call Call Reserve today space is limited. Open Bar Raffle For more information: Call Visit 8

9 DECEMBER 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday New Year s Eve 2012! Saturday, December 31, :30pm - 2:30am See page 8 for information. 1 Adult Greek School 6:00pm Intermediate 7:30pm Advanced 2 5:00pm Greek School 3 9:30am Greek School 1:30pm Greek School Teachers Meeting 4 10th Sunday of Luke Barbara the Great Martyr 8:00am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Orthros and Catechetical School 10:30am Divine Liturgy Diaper Drive ~Parish Council Elections~ HOPE Lunch, Craft, and Nativity Story 11 11th Sunday of Luke 9:30am Orthros and Catechetical School 10:30am Divine Liturgy Christmas Pageant 5 6 Nicholas the Wonderworker 9:30am Orthros 10:30am Divine Liturgy Deadline for the Community Christmas Card 12 Spyridon the Wonderworker 9:30am Orthros 10:30am Divine Liturgy 7:30pm YAL Deuteri Deutera Adult Greek School 6:00pm Introductory II 7:30pm Introductory I 13 Adult Greek School 6:00pm Introductory II 7:30pm Introductory I 7:30pm AHEPA # :30am PAIDEIA Open House (thru 10:30am) 10:30am Women s Book Club 6pm Conversational Greek 14 10:30am Women s Book Club 6pm Conversational Greek Deadline for December DOXA Submissions 8 Adult Greek School 6:00pm Intermediate 7:30pm Advanced 15 Adult Greek School 6:00pm Intermediate 7:30pm Advanced 9 Conception of the Theotokos by Saint Anna 9:30am Orthros 10:30am Divine Liturgy 5:00pm Greek School and and Practice for Kalanda 16 5:00pm Greek School and Practice for Kalanda 10 9:30am Greek School 10:00am X-mas Pageant Dress Rehearsal SS. C & H, Newport News Tournament 17 9:00am Challenge Liturgy at Saint George 9:30am Greek School 18 Sunday before Nativity Sebastian and His Companions 8:00am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Orthros and Catechetical School 10:30am Divine Liturgy Pageant Snow Date Adult Greek School 6:00pm Introductory II 7:30pm Introductory I 21 6pm Conversational Greek 22 4:00pm PAIDEIA Christmas Program 23 10:30am Orthros, Great Hours 6:00pm GOYA Making Lunches for the Homeless in Washington, DC 24 Eve of the Nativity Christmas Eve 6:00pm Orthros 7:00pm Divine Liturgy, Great Vespers 25 Holy Nativity Christmas Day 9:00am GOYA distributing lunch bags to the homeless in DC 9:30am Orthros 10:30am Divine Liturgy New Year s Eve 8:30pm New Year s Eve Party Please check the online calendar, for the most current information.

10 PHILOPTOCHOS THIS MONTH, OUR NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS commitments are for UNICEF, benefiting the United Nations Children s Emergency Fund, and to the General Medical Fund, which provides financial resources for individuals in need of assistance not specifically covered by other restricted National Philoptochos funds or programs. This year, in addition to supporting the 18 National Philoptochos Commitments/Programs and those in need, we have supported local charities such as the World Foundation for Children Volunteer Farms Program to help combat children s hunger, Bailey s Crossroads Fire Department, Bailey s Crossroads Shelter, Saint Katherine Missions and Outreach programs, as well as the Saint Katherine heating/air conditioning fund. We hope to sponsor a local Marine Corps family through the Marine Corps Adopt a Family Program at Henderson Hall in Arlington again this year. Philoptochos dues for 2012 are due in January. Please consider joining us by becoming a member. Many things can be accomplished by working together. Quoting Metropolitan Evangelos, speaking of Philoptochos, You are not only the Right Hand of the Church, you are the mothers of the Church who unselfishly nurture every need that arises and follow the path of Philanthropy without complaint, but with a smile on your faces. May you receive the Lord s Blessings and continue to help those in need. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Christ is born! Glorify Him! SAINT KATHERINE BOOKSTORE Featured Items for December: Orthodox Calendars Daily Lives, Wisdom, and Miracles of the Saints and Fasting Calendar On each page there is a story about the life of a saint celebrated that day, a listing of other saints commemorated that day, a quote from a saint or elder of the Church, fasting guidelines, and Scripture reading for the day. This is one of the most complete Orthodox calendars available. This calendar could also be used as a daily devotional. (Journal format) The 2012 Icon Calendar. This full-color wall calendar, measuring 11" x 12", features icons of saintly families and large calendar boxes for recording your important date reminders. It also lists major saint and feast days traditionally celebrated in Orthodox countries around the world (dates according to the new calendar). The 2012 St. Herman Calendar. Dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the repose of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose), the 2012 St. Herman Calendar features an article by Fr. Seraphim entitled, How to read the Holy Scriptures, taken from a lecture given by him at the St. Herman Pilgrimage in Also included are selections from Fr. Seraphim s writings on some of the feasts, icons, saints, and righteous ones listed in the calendar. This year s calendar is eight pages longer than last year s. Many additional saints have been included, especially new martyrs of Russia. (Journal format) WOMEN S BOOK CLUB THE WOMEN S BOOK CLUB will meet on Wednesdays, December 7 and 14 at 10:30am. We just finished our discussion on Ella: Princess, Saint & Martyr last month. This book was about the life of Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr of Russia. Prior to becoming a nun, Ella lived in this world and was known as Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna of Russia. Having read about her great love for Christ, we will now turn our attention to Bishop Kallistos Ware s book, The Inner Kingdom. Bishop Kallistos begins his book with the story of his personal journey to Orthodoxy and then focuses on repentance and confession, prayer, monasticism, martyrdom, fools for Christ, and concludes with salvation. If you are interested in attending the discussions and/or would like to learn more about the Women s Book Club, contact Christina Vazquez at czvmail@aol.com or , please. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE HELLE SISTERS CELEBRATED FOUNDERS DAY with our sisters from Arion and Hermione chapters at Alfio s Trattoria in Chevy Chase. We remembered our departed sisters at a memorial service and hosted the coffee hour afterwards. We collected lots of canned goods and boxed food items which we are donating to a local food bank. By the time you read this, you should have already made your reservations for our Christmas Luncheon on Sunday December 4 at Westwood Country Club in Vienna. The event this year promises to be an elegant affair. If you would like to attend, please contact Kathy Misleh at to see if there are any seats still available. The donation for this event is $40 for adults and $22 for children 10 and under. Spouses and guests are welcome! Please bring a new, unwrapped winter hat, gloves, mittens, or scarf for our Children s Winter Coat Drive (ages 3 to 12). Our chapter plans to go to Oatlands Historic House and Gardens near Leesburg on Saturday, December 10 for Afternoon Tea and a tour of the mansion. The cost is $24.95 (plus tax) for tea, plus an additional $5 for the tour. The tea starts at 1:00pm. The menu includes assorted delicate tea sandwiches, delicious sweets, scones with preserves and cream, and Oatlands Afternoon Tea Blend. Join us at Oatlands, a place for all seasons. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Cavallo (kcavallo1@aol.com or ) as soon as possible because this is a busy time for the plantation. Upcoming in January a bowling tournament against the Brothers in AHEPA Chapter #438! The challenge is ON! From all the Sisters in Helle Chapter #283, our best wishes to all of you for a wonderful Christmas holiday and a New Year filled with much health and happiness! 10

11 Baptisms Elizabeth Desta Akosua (November 12) daughter of David and Zemma Chachu Godparents: Zeleka Mekuria and Dennis Owusu Fianko REGISTRY Weddings Cinthia Minan and Omiros Giannakos (November 5) Koumbaroi: Robert and Georgia Dendrinos Andrew Kenneth (November 19) son of Trent and Joanna O. Rogers Godparents: George and Taryn Sifakis George Odysseas (November 19) son of Dimitri and Cheryl Ann Alexson Godparents: Andreas and Suzette Xenos Toni Loiza (November 26) daughter of Christopher Michael & Anna Loiza Conroy Godparent: Andrea Kyriacos Pieri Christos Angelo (November 27) son of Angelo and Eleni Linardakis Godparents: Panagiotis and Penny Zoutis Kiriaki George Avramidis and Daniel James Kelly (November 12) Koumbara: Lynn Patsis Congratulations! Funerals Correction: John Tsempales (October 10) Kamil N. Haje (October 28) Christoforos D. Mamalis (November 3) May their memories be eternal. ΠΡΟΣΕΥΧΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΝΕΟΥΣ ΜΑΣ Χριστέ μου, Προστάτευσε και Ευλόγησε τους Νέους μας. Στην καρδιά τους να έχουν Εσένα και το Φώς να τους οδηγεί στον δρόμο της αρετής. Εσύ μόνο μπορείς να Ασφαλίσεις και να Προστατεύσεις τα παιδιά μας. Να καταλάβουν ότι οι επίγηες χαρές και ευτυχίες προσφέρουν μία φευγαλαία απόλαυση γιατί αφήνουν την ψυχή άδεια, έρημη και σκοτεινή. Όταν τα κύματα του πειρασμού χτυπούν μανιασμένα, όταν η σάρκα επαναστατεί τότε να σκέπτονται το ατίμητο θησαυρό που κρύβουν μέσα τους, την ψυχή τους. Τα λόγια τους να είναι σεμνά και ταπεινά. Να κυριαρχεί στην ψυχή τους ο φόβος του Θεού που θα τους προφυλάσσει από την αμαρτία και η αγάπη που θα τους κατευθύνει στον όμορφο δρόμο της αρετής. Να εξετάζουν την συνείδηση, τα λόγια, τις σκέψεις, τις πράξεις κατά πόσον είναι σύμφωνες με το θέλημά Σου. Να καλλιεργούν την αρετή της Προσευχής, της Νηστείας, της Ελεημοσύνης, της Αγάπης που εξευγενίζουν την ψυχή. Η προσευχή και η Θεία Κοινωνία γίνονται φάρμακο αθανασίας και γεύσης αιωνιότητος, γεύση παραδείσου και θείας μακαριότητος! Χριστέ μου, δώσε δύναμη και κουράγιο και σε μας τους γονείς. Εσύ γνωρίζεις την αγωνία, τον πόνο, την ολοκληρωτική μας προσφορά. Να μην απελπιζόμαστε αλλά να έχουμε στραμμένα τα μάτια της ψυχής σε Σένα. Κάνε την ψυχή τους όμορφη εικόνα δική Σου. Αμήν. In an attempt to go green and save green (money), starting with the March 2012 issue of the DOXA, an with a link to an electronic copy of the newsletter will be sent to everyone for whom we have an address. A hard (paper) copy will continue to be mailed to everyone for whom we do not have an address. A message will be sent to those on our listserv, along with instructions on how to opt-in for a hard copy of the newsletter, if so desired. 11

12 WHAT DOES STEWARDSHIP MEAN TO YOU? What does Stewardship mean to you? Does it mean signing a pledge card and sending in your weekly or monthly pledge? Does it mean selling baklava at the Festival? Does it mean volunteering to take on a project for one of our Ministries? Of course, there isn t one correct answer. Each answer to the question, What is Stewardship?, is as unique as each of us. One definition of Stewardship is the conducting, supervising, or managing of something, especially the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one s care. The something is our Orthodox faith and Church. An Orthodox Christian definition of Stewardship encourages spiritual growth and strengthens our faith. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from God. Stewardship calls the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed. This last sentence is so important. We are to give willingly and happily that which we feel shows our thanks and love to God for His many gifts. We often hear the phrase time, talent, and treasure when referring to Stewardship. Singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, cooking a meal for the homeless shelter, doing carpentry or plumbing work for the church are just a few ways of offering time and talents. Our skills are treasures that we offer to the Church. Often, though, treasure refers to funds donated towards the Ministries, programs, and operations of one s Church. Our Stewardship goal for 2011 is $504,000. This figure has been the same for the past few years and has yet to be reached. Just because we have not yet accomplished this goal does not mean that we cannot. At a projected $504,000, that still accounts for less than 50 percent of our revenue. The rest comes, primarily, from our Festivals and rentals. How can we reach this goal? The following Stewardship figures from 2010 might explain why the goal has not been met Stewardship Amounts for Families or Individuals $1 - $ $2,001 - $3, $251 - $ $3,001 - $5, $501 - $1, $5,000 - $10,000 6 $1,001 - $2, $10, If we could all consider increasing our Stewardship by $5, $10, or even $20 per week, the results would be dramatic. This would allow us to support our Ministries and meet our obligations without such great dependence on our Festivals and rentals. As it is often said, each of us must examine our list of priorities and decide where our Church is on that list, in order to decide how we give our time, talent, and treasure. Additional giving may require an additional sacrifice on the part of each Steward, but it will also bring financial stability to our parish. It might be difficult to reach our 2011 Stewardship goal of $504,000, but it is not impossible. It is definitely within our power and ability to do so. God often challenges us to go beyond that which is easy. Each of us will decide if this challenge will be met and what our roles will be. With thanks, Daphne Papamichael Parish Council President Maria Wills Stewardship Chairman 12

13 STEWARDSHIP SHOWN BELOW is a list of families and individuals who participated in the 2011 Saint Katherine Stewardship Program as of October 30. Thank you for responding to the needs of our church. Our stewardship pledge form is on page 15. If you have not yet sent a pledge, please complete the form and send it to the office as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may pledge online today at Your Church and community depend on your stewardship commitment. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Vassilopoulos at or avassilopoulos@stkchurch.com. Donald and Irenelee Adams Mr Frank Agnos M/M John Agnos M/M Nicholas Agnos Mr Anthony Alatis Dr/Mrs James Alatis Ms Marianne Alberti Ms Karen Aldana Ms Petranda Alevrofas M/M Tony Alexis M/M Dimitri Alexson M/M Peter Aliferis M/M Elias Alpos M/M James Anagnos M/M Larry Anagnos Mrs Cleoniki Anastasiou Ms Helen Anderson M/M John Andre Mr Alexandros Andreou M/M Paul Anson M/M Tasie Anton Mrs Voula Antonaiou Mrs Helen Apergis Mr George Apostolakos Mr Pericles Apostolou M/M Dennis Argerson Dr/Mrs Nicholas Argerson Mr James Argodale M/M Nektarios Athanasiou Ms Kiriaki Avramidis M/M Michael Bakatsias Mrs Panagiota Bakatsias Capt/Mrs James Ballard M/M James Ballis M/M Konstantinos Balos M/M Andreas Baltatzis Mr Richard Bambacus Dr/Dr George Banks M/M Dennis Barborak M/M George Barborak M/M Michael Barborak Mrs Sophie Barfield Mrs Hope Bazaco M/M Tom Beck Dr Dean Bellas Mrs Irene Bells M/M George Bilidas M/M Adam Birnbaum M/M Michael Bohle Mr Constantinos Bokis Mr Basil Boobas Mrs Eleni Boosalis and Mr Cary Scot M/M George Boosalis M/M Peter Boosalis M/M Jeff Borst M/M John Broening Mrs Joanna Bose Hanford Ms Beth Botsis M/M Theodore Bousbouras M/M James Brackman Mr Brackney and Mrs Galifianakis M/M David Buddendeck Mrs Theresa Burrage M/M Christopher Bursenos M/M Bryan Burton M/M Elias Burton M/M John Calamos Col/Mrs Paul Calbos M/M Edward Cameron M/M Michael Campbell, Jr Mrs Catherine Speleos Canard Mrs Gisella Caparell M/M John Capetanakis M/M Aggie Capsalis M/M Manuel Capsalis Ms Kiki Caracostis Mr George Caridakis and Mrs Casandra Becker M/M Alexander Carr M/M Todd Carr Dr/Mrs Dumitru Carstea M/M Adam Caskey Mrs Katherine Cavallo Mrs Anna Chaconas M/M Christopher Chaconas Mr Paul Chaconas Ms Georgia Chakeris M/M Pete Chambers M/M Peyton Chandler M/M Demetris Charalambous M/M George Charuhas Mr Telly Charuhas Miss Antonia Chelpon M/M Constantine Chelpon Miss Ekaterina Chelpon M/M Harry Chelpon Rev/Presv Theodore Chelpon M/M Louis Cherpes M/M Mark Cherpes Mr/Ms Peter Cherpes M/M Christopher Chiames M/M Emmanuel Chiaparas Mrs Emerald Chiotakis M/M John Chipouras M/M Louis Cholakis Ms Afrodite Christ M/M George Christacos Dr Nicole Christacos M/M Stavros Christacos Dr/Mrs Andrew Christopher M/M Aristotle Christou M/M Chris Christou M/M Christos Christou M/M Paul Christou Mr Aristotelis Chronis M/M Athanasios Chronis Mr Themistocles Chronis Miss Ljiljana Ciric Mrs Mirjana Ciric Mr Kenneth Cline and Mrs V Hatzigeorgalis M/M Charles Cogar Mrs Nadia Comninidis Mr Constantine Constant Mrs Froso Constant Dr/Mrs James Constantine Mrs Ileana Constantinescu Dr George Contis M/M Harry Contos Ms Christine Cope Dr Susan Coronis M/M Gus Costas M/M Adamantios Coulouris M/M Gus Coutlakis Adm/Mrs Robert Cowley Mrs Betty Craten Mrs Theodora Dacales M/M Nikolaos Dais Mr Michael Dakes M/M Stephen Dakes Mrs Theodosia Dampier M/M Ivan Danzig Dr/Mrs Nicholas Darzenta Mr Lycurgus Davey M/M Michael Davey Mrs Dorothea Davidian Mr Apostolos Dedes and Mrs Evangelia Tzanavara M/M James Dehart Dr/Mrs John Demakis Mrs Antoinette Demeres M/M Christian Demeter M/M Demetrios Demetriou Ms Elpida Demetriou M/M Lambros Demetriou M/M Peter Demetriou M/M Demetrios Demson Ms Venetia Demson Ms Nancy Deoudes Mrs Helen Derzis M/M James DeSatnick Mrs Mary Diakides Ms Effrossini Dianelli Miss Alexandra Diapoulis Mrs Kaliope Diapoulis M/M Nicholas Diapoulis Ms Georgia Dimitras M/M Alexios Dimopoulos M/M Arthur Dimopoulos Dr/Mrs Harry Dinella Mr/Dr Stephen Dinos Mr James Dishaw Mr Nicholas Dopuch M/M John Doulis Mr/Dr Steven Doulis Mr Gregory Drake Mrs Mary Drakoulis M/M Stavros Drosos M/M Spiros Drossos M/M Konstantin Economou Mrs Nicolitsa Economou Mr Paul Economou Mrs Catherine Edginton M/M Christos Elefantis Dr/Mrs Peter Ellis M/M Michael Emanuel M/M James Eskinzes M/M Christopher Euripides Mr Kyriacos Charlie Euripides Mr Richard Euripides Ms Rosemary Filou M/M Samuel Fischer M/M Argires Flevarakis M/M John Flevarakis M/M Dennis Floros M/M Pete Floros M/M Stephanos Flossos Mrs Dianne Kavros Fogarty Ms Despina Foster Mr Spiros Fotelargias M/M Vasilios Fotinos Mrs Vasiliki Fotopoulous M/M James Francis M/M Stephen Francis Mr Demetrios Gadonas M/M Dimitrios Gadonas Mr William Galanis Mr Demetrios Galatis M/M Richard Gamble Ltc and Mrs Dennis Garbis M/M John Garbis Ms Korinna Garbis M/M Martin Gardner M/M David Garnett Mr Thomas Garzlaff and Mrs Angela Goanos M/M George Gasparis M/M James Gasparis M/M Chris Gavras M/M Demetrios Gellios Mrs Aspasia Georgatos M/M Evans George M/M George Georgeadis Mr Nicholas Georgeadis Mrs Angelina Georgelas Mr Nicholas Georges Ms Mary Georghiou M/M Frank Gerow, Jr Mrs Helen Gianelos Mr Omeros Giannakos M/M Constantinos Giannoukos Mrs Helen Glekas M/M Michael Goldsmith M/M Arthur Gomez M/M Dimitrios Goranitis M/M John Gouvis M/M Peter Gouvis Mr Tony Grantsaris and Mrs Leah W M/M George Greanias M/M Corey Greeneltch M/M Spiro Grivas M/M Mark Gull Mrs Christina Kehayia Hadigian M/M Andreas Hadjichristodoulou M/M Doros Hadjidamianou Ms Hera- Maria Hadjidamianou Ms Thecla Hadjidamianou Mr Menbere Haile M/M John Hall M/M Donald Halstead Mrs Antigone Harocopos M/M Peter Hatzi M/M Karl Hickson Ms Georgia Higley M/M Dimitrios Hios M/M Bryan Holloway Mrs Agoritsa Holmes Mr Steve Hondros M/M James Howard M/M Dennis Hughes Ms Alissa Iatridis Mrs Eftihia Ioannidou Mrs Hariklia Ioannou M/M Iacovos Ioannou Col/Mrs George Jatras M/M James Jatras Mrs Marieta Koustenis Jemison Mr James Jeweler M/M John Jeweler Mr John Joannou Ms Kim Johnson M/M Timothy Johnson M/M Gregory Joiner M/M Tom Jouvanis Mr Benjamin Jurado and Mrs Smaragda Strifas Mr Christ Kacoyannakis and Mrs Nancy Thompson Mrs Irene Kakaviatos Mr Kalamatianos and Mrs Adamopoulos M/M James Kalaris Mr Mark Kalaris M/M Christopher Kalavritinos Mrs Maria Kalis Mr Nicholas Kalis Ms Naomi Kaloudis Dr/Mrs Stergos Kaloudis Ms Christina Kanakis M/M Tom Kanakos Mr Constan Kanellos Mr John Kapelos and Mrs Niki Viglas M/M George Kapetanakis Mrs Konstantina Kapetanakis Ms Joanna Kappas Mrs Anastasia Kapranos M/M Bill Kapsidelis Ms Koula Karabelas M/M Apostolos Karageorge M/M Peter Karageorge M/M Michael Karagiannis Ms Persephoni Karakosta M/M Dimitrios Karamanis M/M John Karamanis Mrs Helen Karambelas M/M Nick Karanikas Mrs Lula Karas M/M Peter Karounos Mrs Rene Katsaitis M/M Anthony Katsakis M/M Eythimios Katsapis M/M Dean Katsikes M/M George Kavarligos Mr Vasilios Kavarligos and Mrs Demetra Tsantes M/M George Kavros M/M Michael Kavros M/M Pete Kayafas Mrs Anne Kaylor Ms Susan Kaylor M/M George Kehaiov M/M Anastasios Kehayias M/M Michael Kiklis Mr Chris Kiros and Mrs. Vasiliki Stafilatos M/M Mike Kiros M/M Thomas Kiszka Mrs Panagiota Kitsantas M/M Andreas Kokkinis M/M Costas Kolas Mr Stavros Kolas M/M Steven kolias M/M Konstantinos Kollias M/M Nickolaos Kollas M/M Alexandros Kolovos Mr Nicholas Kolovos M/M Peter Kolovos Mrs Barbara Koltos Ms Penelope Koltos M/M George Konstas M/M Panos Konstas M/M George Kontzias Mr Zachary Kontzias M/M Justin Konz Mr Vitali Kopylov M/M Dionisios Korkos M/M Christos Kosmakos M/M George Kosmakos Miss Sofia Kosmetatos Ms Vanessa Quick Kostopoulos M/M Peter Kouchis M/M Konstantinos Koukides M/M John Koukis Mrs Danae Koulizakis Mrs Marika Koumanelis M/M George Koumarianos Mrs Paraskeve Koumarianos Mr Teddy Koumarianos M/M Dimitris Kouretas Mrs Maria Koustenis Dr/Mrs Panos Koutrouvelis Ms Georgia Koutsaris M/M Angelo Koutsoupias M/M Gregoris Kozakos Ms Christine Krithades Mr Konstantinos Kteniadakis M/M Peter Kulic M/M Ken Kunec M/M John Kushner Ms Christina Kutschenreuter Dr/Mrs Andy Kydes Mr Nicholas Kyrus Mr Vasilios Lagakos and Mrs Kyriaki Kyriakou Mrs Alike Lagos M/M Nicholas Lagos Mrs Maria Laliotis M/M Thomas Lallas Mr Aris Lambropoulos M/M Arthur Lambros M/M Lambros Lambrou M/M Sheldon Lampert M/M Michael Lampros Mr Nicholas Larigakis M/M Lee Larsen Ms Anna Lecos M/M Brian Lehman M/M Vassilios Lekkas M/M Spiro Lekoudis M/M John Lemondes Ms Nicole Leontsinis Mr Nikolaos Liappis and Mrs Maria Panagopulos Mrs Bessie Ligelis Ms Elaine Ligelis Ms Tina Ligelis Mrs Georgia Lindroth M/M David Lobue Mr Logman and Mrs Katsenes Logman M/M James Loisou M/M James Loizou Mrs Koula Lolos M/M Michael Loulakis M/M George Louvis M/M Robert Lower M/M Klaus Luthardt Mrs Patricia Lyristis M/M Allen Lyubinsky Mr Joseph Macekura M/M Nikolaos Makrigiorgos Miss Gaye Mallis Mark and Mary Mallus Ms Rebecca Malone Dr Thomas Mandes Dr/Mrs Spiros Manolas M/M George Manoleras Mr Nagi Mansour Mr Aristides Mantzavinos M/M Constantinos Mantziaras Mrs Angelike Maoury Dr Joan Markessini M/M Peter Marketos M/M James Marko M/M Christos Markogiannakis M/M John Markogiannakis Mrs Anne Masters M/M John Masterson, Jr. Mrs Stasia Mastorakis M/M Georgios Mavromatakis Mr Constantinos Mavromatakis Mr Tassos McCarthy M/M William McCarthy M/M Gregory McKinney Ms Joanna Meadows M/M David Mentis Mr/Ms Gary Michel M/M Peter Michos Mr Andrew Miller M/M Brett Miller Mrs Kathyleen Milton Ms Melissa Mimidis M/M Marwan Mina Mrs Evdoxia Mitchell M/M Louis Mitchell M/M Kosmas Mitrakas M/M Nicholas Monis Ms Jane Moore M/M William Moore M/M George Moratis Mrs Paraskevi Morlock M/M Ralph Morris Mr Stylianos Moschou and Mrs Efthymia Rapti M/M John Moschopoulos Mrs Anna Moshos Mr George Moshos M/M Gus Moshos M/M James Moshos Ms Tina Moshos M/M Nickolaos Moustakas Mr Emanuel Mpras Mr/Dr Michael Mpras M/M Nicholas Mpras Ms Mary Mullekom M/M Nicholas Myseros Ms Mitzi Natsios Dr/Mrs Peter Neff Mrs Iro Nestoros Mrs Erma Nettles M/M Veldon Newtson M/M Demetrios Nicholakos Dr/Mrs George Nichols Ms Virginia Nicolaidis Mr/Ms Clayton Nightingale Mr Greg Nightingale Mrs Nadia Nikas Mrs Eugenia Nobes Dr/Mrs Constantine Nonas Mrs Catalina Novac and Mr Igor Bosnjak Mrs Roula Oktay M/M George Opacic M/M Crysilios Orphanides Mr Evan Owen and Dr Joanna Athanasopoulos M/M Anthony Pagonis M/M Kyriakos Pagonis Mrs Jean Panagakos M/M Demetrios Panagopoulos M/M Alkis Panagoulias Mr John Panagoulias M/M George Panteleos M/M Nickolas Panteleos M/M Chris Papachristos Mr John Papadopoulos Mr Panagiotis Papadopoulos Mr Nico Papafil Mrs Maria Papageorgiou Dr E.C. Papailias Mrs Anastasia Papalios Ms Crystallo Papamichael Ms Daphne Papamichael Mrs Mamie Papamichael Mr Konstentino Papaminas Dr/Mrs Alexander Papas M/M Panayiotis Papasavvas Dr/Mrs George Papastergiou M/M Dennis Papathanasopoulos Mrs Agatha Papathanassiou Ms Maria Papathanassiou M/M Athanasios Pappas Dr/Mrs Chris Pappas M/M Jim Paras M/M Dimitrios Paraskevopoulos M/M Haralabos Paraskevopoulos M/M Michael Parrish M/M Charalambos Pashiardis M/M Christos Passakos M/M Dimitrios Patrianakos M/M Costas Patsalosavvis M/M Paul Pattak Ms Alexandra Pattaras (Continued on page 14) 13

14 (Continued from page 13) Mr Andrew Pavlakos Mr Christopher Pavlakos Rev/Mrs Konstantinos Pavlakos M/M Pavel Pekarsky M/M Nick Pekatos M/M Patrick Pennella Mrs Katherine Pergola Mrs Kathy Pesavento M/M John Petalas Mrs Eli Petrova Col/Mrs Daniel Peyser Mrs Catherine Phass Dr/Mrs Dean Phass Mr Andrea Kyriacos Pieri Ms Anna Loiza Pieri Mrs Loiza Pieri Mr Chris Pikrallidas M/M Demetrios Pikrallidas M/M Euripides Pikrallidas M/M Kostas Pikrallidas Mr Dean Pilarinos Mrs Frances Pilarinos M/M Nick Ploutis Mr Jerry Pnevmatikatos M/M Bill Polizos M/M John Polizos M/M John B Polizos M/M Manolis Ponirakis Mr John Pors M/M William Porter, Jr Mr Pete Poulos M/M Cary Prokos Mrs Sylvia Psarakis M/M George Psihas M/M Anthony Quebral M/M Stephen Rader M/M Mitchel Raftelis Dr/Mrs Demosthenes T. Rantis M/M Theofanis Rantis M/M Kevin Reinhardt Mrs Kathy Rice Dr/Mrs Jerry Rich M/M Ronnie Rinaldi Dr/Mrs Haris Riris Mr Stephen Rogers and Mrs. Joanna Apergis Rodgers M/M George Roiniotis Mr Spiro Roiniotis and Ms Julia Young M/M Dimitri Romais M/M Douglas Rosenburg M/M Basil Rousos M/M Emanuel Rouvelas Mr Larry Rouvelas Mr Aaron J. Rusnak and Mileva Sturgis Mrs Evangelia Sabbarese M/M Anastasios Sakkas M/M William Salavantis Ms Stephanie Samergedes M/M Panagiotis Sapountzis M/M Christos Sarantis Ms Sophie Sarantis Ms Christina Sarris M/M George Sarris M/M Michael Sarris M/M Milton Sarris Mr Nicholas Sarris M/M George Sauter, Jr Mrs Kaliope Sauter M/M Andrew Scafetta Mrs Katherine Scourby Mrs Ann Sedor M/M John Seward Mr Jon Sheldon and Mrs Tina Papamichael Mr Eric Shiflett and Ms Lilyanna Peyser M/M William Shipley M/M Panos Siatis Mr Perry Siatis Dr George Silis Dr/Dr Manny Silis M/M Panagiotis Silis Mrs Katherine Simmons Mr/Dr George Smaragdis M/M John Smaragdis M/M Eleftherios Smirniotopoulos Mr Chris Snear Mrs Helen Snear Mr Frank Sofocleous M/M James Soiles M/M Alex Solomos M/M Gregory Soter Mr Jason Soter Mr Peter Soukas M/M Harry Spanos Ms Helen J. Spanos M/M John Spanos Ms Stella Spathopoulos M/M Nicholas Spyros M/M Louis Stack Mrs Vasiliki B. Stafilatos Ms Panorea Stalter M/M Nick Stames M/M John Stamos M/M Apostolos Stamoulas Ms Maria Stamoulas Ms Stephanie Stanga Mrs Helen Stassinos M/M John Stathis M/M Peter Stathis M/M George Stathopoulos Dr/Dr William Steele M/M Ioannis Stefanopoulos M/M Peter Stefanou M/M Demetrios Stergiou M/M James Stoucker Dr/Mrs Tom Stoumbos Mr Clifford Stouts M/M Evangelos Stoyas M/M Vasilios Stratakos Rev/Mrs Milan Sturgis M/M Tommie Summers M/M Marcus Talbott Mr Alexander Taousakis M/M Panagiotis Taousakis M/M Pierre Tavoularis Mrs Mary Tetradis M/M Leonidas Theodorakoglou M/M Athanasios Theodoropoulos M/M Craig Thomas M/M James Thomas M/M Gene Thornton Dr/Mrs John Topping Mr Angelo Toutsi Mr Thomas Toutsi Mr Christakis Trahili Dr/Mrs Michael Trahos M/M Basil Trikas M/M Michele Trizio Ms Sophia Tsangali Mrs Angelika Tsatsakis M/M George Tsempales Mr John Tsempales M/M Thomas Tsianakas Mrs Anna Tsimbidis Mrs Helen Tsintolas Ms Marilena Tsipoulas M/M Constantine Tsoukatos M/M Constantine Tzafolias M/M Themis Tzamarias M/M Craig Underhill Mrs Marie Unkle M/M Thomas Vaccarello Ms Ann Vaffis Dr/Mrs Charles Valases Mr Peter Vamvakaris Col/Mrs Nicholas Vamvakias Ms Catherine Vangellow M/M Christopher Vargas M/M Stratis Varlas Ms Christine Varoutsos Hon/Mrs George Varoutsos Mrs Olga Varoutsos Stefan and Cristina Leventis Vasilis Mr Constantine Vassilopoulos M/M George Vassilopoulos M/M Ramon Vazquez Mr George Veletsis M/M Stavros Veletsis Col/Mrs James Velezis Miss Joanna Veltsistas M/M Pete Veltsistas Mr Thomas Veltsistas M/M Larry Visos Mr John A Vlachos Mr Peppino Vlannes M Volakis M/M Demetris Voudouris Mrs Nausika Vouvalis M/M Sakellarios Vouvalis M/M Jim Vricos M/M George Vroustouris M/M Colin Waitt Rev Christodoulos Wallace M/M Pavlos Washburn Mrs Galatia Whittemore Mr Carter Wilkinson and Mrs Andrea Gevas M/M Donald Wills Mrs Deatra Wood Mr Jack Wuerker and Mrs Effie Triarhos Mr Peter Xefteris Mrs Elaine Xenos Mrs Aliki Xepapas Ms Antonia Xereas M/M Panagioti Xereas Rev Michael Yachnis M/M Aris Yortzidis Mrs Dimitra Yowell M/M Nicholaos Zacharatos M/M Angelos Zaloumis M/M Elias Zarkadoulas M/M Manuel Zavolas M/M Nicholas Zavolas M/M Stratis Zervos Capt/Mrs Christos Zirps M/M John Ziu M/M Mihail Ziu Mr Peter Ziu Did you know that Saint Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara? At that time, the area was Greek. It is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was young. Obeying Jesus words, sell what you possess and give to the poor (Matthew 19:21), Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Below are the lyrics to one of the most popular Greek carols (kalanda), Agios Vasilis Erhete, in English phonetics and with an English translation. Now you can join in the singing of this popular carol (and understand it, too). Ayios Vasilis erhete Ke den mas katadehete Apo, apo tin Kessaria. Si sa arhon, si sa arhondissa Kiria! Vastaei penna ke harti Zaharokandio zimoti Harti, harti ke kalamari Des kai eme, des kai eme, to pallikari! To kalamari egrafe Ti mira tou tin elege Ke to, ke to harti milouse To hriso, to hriso mas kariofili! Arhiminia ki arhihronia Psili mou dendrolivania, Ke arhi, ke arhi kalos mas hronos. Eklisia, eklisia, me t ayio throno! Arhi pou vgike o Hristos Ayios ke Pnevmatikos, Sti gi, sti gi na perpatisi Ke na mas, ke na mas kalokardisi! Saint Basil comes, And does not acknowledge us From Caesarea. You are, you are the mistress of the house! He holds a pen and paper And leavened sweets Paper, paper and ink. Look at me, look at me, the brave one! The ink wrote And told fortunes, And the, and the paper spoke. Our golden, our golden clove! It is the first day of the month and the year, My tall rosemary, And from, and from the beginning a good year for us. The church, the church with the holy throne! Christ came in the beginning, Holy and Spiritual; On earth, on earth he walked To give us, to give us good cheer! 14

15 GOYA OUR GOYA BOYS B TEAM will participate in the Saints Constantine and Helen, Newport News Basketball Tournament the weekend of December On Sunday, December 18, GOYA has Church Duty. Chris Bota will be GOYA Captain and read the Epistle. Five other GOYAns will join him in executing church duty. Proceeds from the second tray will be used to purchase food gift cards for GOYA s annual Feed the Homeless in DC on Christmas Day project. GOYAns will prepare lunch bags on Friday, December 23, at 6:00pm. On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, GOYAns will meet at church at 9:00am to distribute these lunch bags (Christmas cards and food cards included) in the District. They will return in time for Liturgy. Upcoming events include the Epiphany Celebration in Ocean City, MD on Saturday, January 7, cooking for and feeding the homeless at Bailey s Crossroads Homeless Shelter on Tuesday, January 10, and Ice Skating at the Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC on Friday, January 13. All teenagers of our community are invited to join us. GOYA would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community for their support throughout the year and wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with love, health, and happiness. Christ is born! JOURNEY TO ORTHODOXY The Journey to Orthodoxy class will meet on Sundays, 9:30am-10:30am, in the hall where coffee is served. In addition to covering the fundamental teachings of the Orthodox Church, the class will provide an open forum for participants to address questions and concerns about becoming Orthodox. Those interested may contact Georgia Kazakis at gkazakis@cov.com or Elena Ziu at eziu@cox.net. We hope to see you there! (Continued from page 5, column 1) ύμνους μας, με την καλωσύνη μας και με της αγάπης μας τα δώρα, θα φέρνουμε στους γύρω μας το μήνυμα «επί γης ειρήνη»! Θα κάνουμε να ξανακουστεί στον πλανήτη μας εκείνη η θεϊκή, η αγγελική, η πιο γλυκειά αρμονία «Δόξα εν υψίστοις Θεώ και επί γης ειρήνη, εν ανθρώποις ευδοκία»! Στόχος μας λοιπόν και τα φετεινά μας Χριστούγεννα, να γίνει η ζωή μας ολόκληρη ύμνος αγγελικός! Ευλογημένα Χριστούγεννα! «Τ ουρανού και γης ο Κτίστης εγεννήθηκε στη γη, μεσ στης νύχτας τη σιγή. Ας χαρεί κάθε πιστός, εγεννήθη ο Χριστός»! It s not too late to become a 2011 Steward! In faith, prayer, and sacrifice, my family and I wish to share in the support and work of our Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Katherine. Out of our love and gratitude to God for all His blessings, we would like to pledge the amount of $ for the year 2011 Today s Date: Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Telephone and address: Με πίστη, προσευχή και θυσία, η οικογένειά μου και εγώ επιθυμούμε να συμμετάσχομε στην υποστήριξη και υπηρεσία της Ελληνικής Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας Αγ. Αικατερίνης. Από αγάπη και ευγνωμοσύνη στον Θεό γιά τις ευλογίες Του, θα θέλαμε να υποσχεθούμε το ποσόν των $ γιά το έτος 2011 Ημερομηνία (σημερινή): Όνομα: Διεύθυνση: Πόλη, Νομός, Ταχ. Κώδικας: Τηλέφωνο και Διεύθυνση 15

16 SAINT KATHERINE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Glen Carlyn Road Falls Church, VA Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U. S. POSTAGE Paid Falls Church, VA Permit No. 19 ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Please expedite. Dated material. The Saint Katherine Nursery is located on the lower level of the church. This space is available to parents with young children who need a place to take a break with their babies and toddlers and for moms who want to nurse. Children must be supervised at all times.