The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 May 2004 Volume 2 Issue 4 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey The Voice of Saint George The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD. (Matt.3:3) by Father John Theodosion Inside this issue: Priest s Message 1 President s Message 5 Sunday School Senior Citizens News Philoptochos News 7 6 WHAT ARE YOU CHASING AFTER? Friends in Christ, the Bible tells us do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25 (NIV) Here is a little story to help us keep perspective on our pursuits in life. An American investment banker was vacationing in a small village in Greece. While walking near a pier he observed a small boat with just one fisherman. Inside the boat with the village fisherman were several yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the man on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. "Only a little while," replied the fisherman. The American then asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish. The man said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" The fisherman responded, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take an afternoon nap with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I relax and play guitar with my friends. I have a full and busy life." The American scoffed, "You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat and with the proceeds generated from the bigger boat buy a fleet of boats. Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you could sell directly to a processor. You could eventually open your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this small village and move to a big city where you could run your expanding enterprise." The village fisherman asked, "But how long will this take?" The American replied, "15 to 20 years!" "But then what?" asked the fisherman. The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. You can sell your business and retire and (Continued on page 3) Feast of Holy Pentecost 8 Stewardship Update Goya News Children s Choir Young Artists Program PTO Happenings 13 Church Bulletin Ads 14 Meetings, Events & Ministries 15 Τι κυνηγάς στη ζωή σου; Aπό τον Aιδ. Ιωάννη Θεοδοσίου Φίλοι µου εν Χριστώ, η Βίβλος µας λέει στο κατά Ματθαίον Ευαγγέλιο 6:25 «Μη µεριµνάτε για την ζωή σας, τι θα φάτε και τι θα πιείτε, ούτε για το σώµα σας, τι θα ντυθείτε. Η ζωή δεν είναι σπουδαιότερη από την τροφή; Και το σώµα δεν είναι σπουδαιότερο από το ντύσιµο;» Η παρακάτω ιστοριούλα µας δίνει µιά άλλη άποψη για το τι επιδιώκουµε στη ζωή µας. Ένας Αµερικανός τραπεζίτης έκανε τις διακοπές του σε ένα µικρό νησί στην Ελλάδα. Καθώς έκανε την βόλτα του σε µία προβλήτα πρόσεξε µία µικρή βάρκα. Μέσα στην βάρκα ήταν ένας ψαράς και αρκετά µεγάλα ψάρια. Ο Αµερικάνος θαύµασε την εξαιρετική ποιότητα και φρεσκάδα των ψαριών και ρώτησε τον ψαρά πόση ώρα χρειάστηκε για να πιάσει όλη αυτή την ψαριά. «Μόνο λίγες ώρες» απάντησε ο ψαράς. Ο τραπεζίτης τότε τον ρώτησε γιατί δεν έµεινε παραπάνω ώρες στην θάλασσα ώστε να πιάσει και άλλα ψάρια. Ο άνθρωπος του (Continued on page 3)

2 Page 2 The Voice of Saint George GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Parish Ministries Reverend John Theodosion, Pastor Reverend Anthony N. Pappas, Pastor Emeritus Parish Council President Demetrios Arhontoulis Vice President / Administration Katerina Leftheris Vice President /Operations Constantinos Theokas Secretary Petra Knox Treasurer George Psyllos Comptroller Nick Banis Members Constantine Apostolakis Lampros E. Bourodimos Maria Kaouris Christodoulatos Michael Dimitrakis Bill Fottis Panos Georgopoulos Anthony Kalogridis George Petrantonakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Philoptochos Society St.Barbara Eleni Andronikou, President Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Helene Pappas, Director Greek School Panos Georgopooulos, Director Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Parent Teacher Organization Christina Milano, President GOYA Nicholas Parais, President GOYA Advisors Eileen Stellakis Diane Parais Sandy Stratoudakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Andriana Tolis George Papagrigorakis George Hadjiloucas FOCUS Nick Kambitsis Senior Citizens Dorothy Coniaris JOY/HOPE Lefkie Hadjiloucas, Helen Sirimis, Evie Georgopoulos Sophia Exarchakis MOMS & TOTS Thomai Chronis Elaine Thermos Committee Chairpersons Stewardship Petra Knox, George Psyllos Church Festival John Lyssikatos Web Design Bill Fottis Welcome/Hospitality Peter Alexander Church Bulletin Rev. John Theodosion Special Thanks to all volunteers, Sunday School staff, Workers, Coaches, Greek Dance Instructors & Parents who support all of our church organizations, programs, and events. Special Thanks to the Bulletin Committee: Evie Georgopoulos, Mariea Kazantzis and Evellyn Tsiadis. We encourage all of our community organizations & ministries to post their events in The Voice of St. George. We remind you that events should be advertised a month in advance. Information should be submitted one month prior to issue in which it will appear. We thank you for your cooperation. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! CHRIST IS RISEN!

3 May Page 3 WHAT ARE YOU CHASING AFTER? by Father John Theodosion (Continued from page 1) move to a small coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take naps with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could relax and play guitar with your friends. You would have a full and busy life." The village fisherman smiled at the American, quietly gathered his catch and walked away. What are you chasing after in life? How (and with whom) you spend the bulk of your time may reveal much about your priorities. Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV) Each one of us must ask ourselves, What kind of treasures am I building? Are these treasures temporary or will they last forever? We must take a look at our lives and examine our priorities. Are you satisfied with your priorities? Are the investments you make in time and relationships in line with your priorities? And, are your priorities in synch with the teachings of the Lord, the Bible, and the teachings of His Church? Take some time for self-examination look into your heart and pray that the Lord will enlighten your mind and heart to do all things for His glory. Τι κυνηγάς στη ζωή σου; aπό τον Aιδ. Ιωάννη Θεοδοσίου (Continued from page 1) απάντησε ότι αυτά που έπιασε είναι αρκετά για αυτόν και τις ανάγκες της οικογένειάς του. «Μα, πως περνάς τον υπόλοιπο καιρό σου;» τον ρώτησε απορηµένος ο τραπεζίτης. Ο ψαράς απάντησε «Κοιµάµαι αργά το βράδυ, χαίροµαι µε τα παιδιά µου και την γυναίκα µου, πάµε βόλτα στο χωριό κάθε βράδυ και καλοπερνάµε µε τους φίλους µας τρώγοντας και τραγουδόντας. Έχω µιά πολύ όµορφη και γεµάτη ζωή.» Ο Αµερικάνος του απάντησε κοροϋδευτικά: «θα έπρεπε να δουλεύεις πιό πολλές ώρες, να πιάνεις πιό πολλα ψάρια, να αγοράσεις µεγαλύτερη βάρκα, να πιάνεις ακόµα περισσότερα ψάρια και µε τα κέρδη σου να αγοράσεις πολλές βάρκες, να εξαπλώθούν οι δουλειές σου σε όλο τον κόσµο. Θα µπορέσεις να φύγεις από αυτό το µικρό ψαροχώρι να µετακοµίσεις σε µιά µεγάλη πόλη και να διευθύνεις την εταιρία σου.» Απορηµένος ο ψαράς τον ρώτησε «Πόσο καιρό θα πάρει να γίνουν όλα αυτά;» «15 µε 20 χρόνια!» απάντησε µε στόµφο ο τραπεζίτης. «Και µετά τι θα γίνει;» ξαναρώτησε ο ψαράς. Γελώντας του απάντησε ο τραπεζίτης «Αυτό είναι το καλύτερο σηµείο. Θα πουλήσεις την εταιρία σου, και µε τα λεφτά που θα πάρεις θα µπορέσεις να αποσυρθείς σε ένα µικρό νησάκι όπου θα ψαρεύεις λίγο, θα χαίρεσαι µε τα παιδιά σου και την γυναίκα σου, και θα κάνεις τις βόλτες σου τα βράδυα καλοπερνόντας µε τους φίλους σου. Θα µπορείς να έχεις µιά πολύ όµορφη και γεµάτη ζωή.» Ο απλός ψαράς χαµογέλασε στον πλούσιο Αµερικανό και σιγά-σιγά µ άζεψε την ψαριά του και αποµακρύνθυκε. Τι κυνηγάς στην ζωή σου; Σκέψου πού και µε ποιούς περνάς τις περισσότερες ώρες σου; Ποιές είναι οι προτεραιότητές σου; Ο Χριστός µας είπε: «Μη µαζεύτε θησαυρούς πάνω στη γη, όπου τους αφανίζει ο σκόρος και η σκουριά, κι όπου οι κλέφτες κάνουν διαρρήξεις και τους κλέβουν. Αντίθετα, να µαζεύτε θησαυρούς στον ουρανό, όπου δεν τους αφανίζουν ούτε ο σκόρος ούτε η σκουριά, κι όπου οι κλέφτες δεν κάνουν διαρρήξεις και δεν τους κλέβουν. Γιατί όπου είναι ο θησαυρός σας εκεί θα είναι και η καρδιά σας.» κατά Ματθαίον 6: Ας ρωτήσουµε τους εαυτούς µας: Τι θησαυρούς µαζεύουµε; Είναι κάτι προσωρινό ή είναι κάτι που θα αντέξει γιά πάντα; Ας εξετάσουµε τις προτεραιότητές µας. Είµαστε ικανοποιηµένοι µε τις επενδύσεις µας; Είναι οι επενδύσεις µας σε πλήρη αρµονία µε την διδασκαλία του Χριστού µας, της Βιβλου και της Εκκλησίας; Aς ρίξουµε µία προσεκτική µατιά στον τρόπο της ζωής µας και ας προσευχηθούµε ο Κύριος να φωτίσει το µυαλό και την καρδιά µας ώστε κάθε µέρα της ζωής µας να είναι γιά την όξα Του.

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5 May Page 5 President s Message Dear Parishioners: CHRIST HAS RISEN! Once again we experienced record attendance during the Holy Week. I like to thank everyone for their attendance, patience, and orderly behavior. Concerning our search for a replacement Priest, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees was invited and has met with His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos to discuss the matter. The Metropolitan has provided us with his recommendation for a replacement Proistameno. The entire Board of Trustees is planning to meet with the selected candidate. On the Stewardship front, although late, everyone should have received by now some sort of Stewardship materials to enable you to make this year s pledge. On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, I like to strongly encourage you to make your annual commitment as soon as possible! In the event you do not have a Stewardship card, they are available in the Narthex, or you may call the Church office and will mail you one. Church! Please support your Regarding the parking lot, we have some good news! George Psyllos, Parking Lot Committee Chairman has informed the Board of Trustees that all applications have been filed with the Piscataway Township Planning Board, the Middlesex County Planning Board, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency. We expect to have our first hearing with Piscataway Township by mid summer. I want to thank the committee and best wishes for a speedy approval! Our annual Festival is fast approaching! We would like to make this year's Festival the best ever! It can only happen with your help! Please come and enjoy the fun but remember to volunteer some of your time! THANK YOU ALL The President Demetrios Arhontoulis Αγαπητοί Πάροικοι, ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! Και φέτος η εκκλησία µας πληµµύρισε από πιστούς την Μεγάλη Εβδοµάδα! Θα ήθελα να σας ευχαριστήσω για την συµµετοχή σας, την υποµονή σας, και την τάξη που δείξατε. Όσον αφορά τήν προσπάθειά µας να βρούµε αντικαταστάτη ιερέα, ο Σεβασµιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Ευάγγελος προσκάλεσε και συναντήθηκε µε το ιοικητικό Συµβούλιο της εκκλησίας µας όπου συζητήθηκε το θέµα. Μας πρότεινε αντικαταστάτη Προϊστάµενο Ιερέα µε τον οποίο. Θα συναντηθούµε όλοι σύντοµα. Εάν και αργά, όλοι µέχρι τώρα θά έχετε λάβει τις κάρτες για τήν Εκούσια Εισφορά σας. Εκ µέρους της Επιτροπής Εκούσιας Εισφοράς, θά ηθελα να σας παρακαλέσω να συµπληρώσετε τίς κάρτες και να τις στείλετε. Εάν για κάποιο λόγο δέν έχετε αυτή τήν κάρτα, µπορείτε να βρείτε στόν Νάρθηκα της εκκλησίας µας ή να τηλεφωνήσετε στο γραφείο για να σας την στείλουµε. Παρακαλώ υποστηρίξετε την εκκλησία σας! Έχουµε καλά νέα για τον νέο χώρο στάθµευσης. Η επιτροπή υπεύθυνη για τον καινούργιο χώρο στάθµευσης πληροφόρησε το Συµβούλιο ότι έγιναν όλες οι αιτήσεις στο Πολεοδοµικό του Piscataway Township, Middlesex County, και στο γραφείο Προστασίας Περιβάλλοντος της Νέας Υερσέης. Περιµένουµε να εξεταστεί η υπόθεσή µας στα µέσα του καλοκαιριού. Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω την επιτροπή και να ευχηθώ να έχουµε σύντοµα την έγκριση! Το ετήσιο Φεστιβάλ πλησιάζει και θα προσπαθήσουµε νa γίνει καλύτερο από κάθε άλλη χρονιά! Αυτό θα είναι δυνατόν αν βοηθήσουµε όλοι. Ελάτε να διασκεδάσετε, αλλά µήν ξεχάσετε, να προσφέρετε και λίγο από τον χρόνο σας! Σας Ευχαριστώ Ο Πρόεδρος ηµήτριος Αρχοντούλης Το Ελληνικό Σχολείο της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου ζητεί δασκάλα ή δάσκαλο γιά µ ερική απασχόληση. Οι υποψήφιες ή υποψήφιοι πρέπει να έχουν ανώτερες σπουδές στην Ελλάδα, Κύπρο ή στην Αµερική, άµεσα σχετικές µε την εκπαίδευση. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες αποτανθείτε στην κυρία Τούλα Καραµάρκου στο τηλέφωνο: (732)

6 Page 6 The Voice of Saint George The successful completion of the 2004 study of Easter was climaxed during the Children's Liturgy on the Saturday of Lazarus when the Sacrament of Confession was explained and administered by Father John Theodosion to the assembled youth of our community. This was followed by the Sacrament of Communion. The traditional PTO Communion Breakfast and Easter activities were then held, and the Saturday of Lazarus activities ended with the making of the crosses for distribution on Palm Sunday. The Sunday School continues to follow the curriculum assigned to each grade, including the study of selected prayers, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and selected service projects. The music program continues with its dual objectives-the teaching of the hymns of our church to our students as an enrichment of their Liturgical study and the coordination of activities of Sunday School students who are participating in the Children's Liturgical Choir. Under the co-chairmanship of Mrs. Maria Boyadjis and Mrs. Lemonia Malahias-Miko, our Sunday School THE SUNDAY SCHOOL students entered the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. This festival is under the sponsorship of the Department of Religious Education of the Archdiocese and provides our youth with the opportunity to learn and speak about their beliefs, their church, and their heritage. Students were asked to select one of the topics on this year's theme, "Pentecostarion," to research it, to write about it, and finally to deliver it orally to parishioners and judges for evaluation. On April 25 our local level presentations were held. The judges, Mrs. Virginia Theokas, Judge Jamie Susan, and Dr. Lampros Bourodimos, selected one junior and one senior to represent St. George on the district level. James Polos of our community has come forth with a plan which, once implemented, will put into effect safeguards to protect our children while they are in the academic area. He further plans to continue drills for the evacuation of our building for emergencies. We welcome his interest and eagerly await his professional assistance. Four members of our Sunday School St. George Youth and one advisor will join "Project Mexico" at the St. Innocent Orthodox Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, this summer. They will remain in Mexico for six days where they will construct a two-room home for a family in need. Our service-oriented group requires financial sponsorship in this undertaking. Anyone wishing to become part of this project may send contributions directly to the Sunday School in an envelope addressed " PROJECT MEX- ICO." Two major projects remain to be completed by the Sunday School. One is the "COOKIE DOUGH SALE," the proceeds dedicated to the support of the four children we have adopted. This project is under the direction of Mrs. Dimitra Nicastro. The second project is a service project undertaken by the Fourth Graders under the direction of teachers, Miss Pauline Giannos and Miss Margaret Lymberis. This group is planning a "Sunday School Walk" for charity. Awards Assembly is scheduled for June 13. At that time, students will be recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year, and teachers and parishioners will be acknowledged for their contributions. The season that brings beauty to our lives - A season that observes ST. GEORGE SENIORS Easter. May each of us recognize our neighbors and extend to them our sincere good wishes for happiness. On March 13th, the St. George Seniors held their monthly meeting. We had an informative speaker, Tiffany Sorkan, from Middlesex County Live Like Screening. The talk was on the importance of early screening to avoid future problems. There was a screening test for our Seniors on March 17th at St. George. There are plans for trips and shows. More information to follow. A date to remember is June 29, 2004, where we will honor our Mothers and Fathers. The dinner will be held at Sir John s Restaurant at 1:30 pm.

7 May Page 7 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS On March 27, 2004, the Ladies Philoptochos Society held its monthly meeting in the Memorial Room with President Eleni Andronikou presiding. President Andronikou and Ann Stevens reported on the Metropolis Clergy/Laity Meeting which was held earlier this month in Philadelphia. Metropolitan Evangelos spoke to the ladies. Metropolis Philoptochos President Bessie Drogaris presided over the meeting which was attended by ladies representing their Philoptochos organizations throughout the New Jersey Metropolis. At this Clergy/Laity meeting the philanthropic commitments of the National Philoptochos and the Metropolis (formerly known as the Diocese) Philoptochos were reviewed. Preparations are being made for the Greek Orthodox Clergy/Laity Conference scheduled for July, At our March meeting, obligations were fulfilled and donations were made to the following: Archdiocesan Missions, Hellenic College/Holy Cross, Sisterhood of Presbyteres, Choir Federation, and Deborah Hospital. Our Easter Bread Sale was a huge success; and, during the month of April, the holiday of St. George will be celebrated with Vesper Services on the evening of April 22 and Divine Liturgy on the morning of April 23-- both will be followed with coffee and refreshments prepared by the Philoptochos ladies. Plans are being made for the our Philoptochos June Luncheon scheduled for June 6, 2004, at the Pines Manor following the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Please reserve that date; more details will follow. Reminders: Our next meetings are scheduled for April 24 and May 22. The meetings will take place in the Memorial Room at 11:00 a.m. Please pay your dues for the year 2004 and any previous years that you may have neglected. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNITED WAY DONATIONS Many of our St. George parishioners have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George s Needy cases Fund. In a recent memo from The United Way, we were informed that some of our parishioners employed by the following corporations have opted to have their United Way contributions sent to our St. George Needy Cases Fund: COL- GATE-PALMOLIVE, PFIZER, JOHNSON & JOHNSON, AND MERRILL LYNCH. For their interest and support, the Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its many thanks. Once again, we remind all our parishioners who are employed and have a payroll deduction for the United Way Program to consider having their contribution given to the St. George s Needy Cases Fund. It is so easy. All you have to do is take a few minutes to contact your payroll office and request to have your contribution forwarded to the St. George s Needy Cases Fund, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Our United Way Reference Number is If you have any questions please contact Mary Boulegeris at (908) THE LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON HONORING FATHER JOHN THEODOSION Sunday - June 6, :00 pm PINES MANOR Menu Options: Chicken Francaise Roast Top Sirloin or Orange Roughy Dessert - Coffee - Tea per person FOR RESERVATION CONTACT: Ann Ballas: Harriet Perna: KINDLY RESPOND BY MAY 31, 2004

8 Page 8 The Voice of Saint George The Feast of Holy Pentecost is celebrated each year on the fiftieth day after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha (Easter) and ten days after the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The Feast is always celebrated on a Sunday. The Feast commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, a feast of the Jewish tradition. It also celebrates the establishment of the Church through the preaching of the Apostles and the baptism of the thousands who on that day believed in the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Feast is also seen as the culmination of the revelation of the Holy Trinity. Biblical Story The story of Pentecost is found in the book of The Acts of the Apostles. In Chapter two we are told that the Apostles of our Lord were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, a sound came from heaven like a rushing wind, filling the entire house where they were sitting. Then, tongues of fire appeared, and one sat upon each one of Apostles. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as directed by the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). This miraculous event occurred on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, celebrated by the Jews on the fiftieth day after the Passover as the culmination of the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10). The Feast of Weeks began on the third day after the Passover with the presentation of the first harvest sheaves to God, and FEAST OF HOLY PENTECOST it concluded on Pentecost with the offering of two loaves of unleavened bread, representing the first products of the harvest (Leviticus 23:17-20; Deuteronomy 16:9-10). Since the Jewish Feast of Pentecost was a great pilgrimage feast, many people from throughout the Roman Empire were gathered in Jerusalem on this day. When the people in Jerusalem heard the sound, they came together and heard their own languages being spoken by the Apostles (Acts 2:5-6). The people were amazed, knowing that some of those speaking were Galileans, and not men who would normally speak many different languages. They wondered what this meant, and some even thought the Apostles were drunk (Acts 2:7-13). Peter, hearing these remarks, stood up and addressed the crowd. He preached to the people regarding the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He spoke about Jesus Christ and His death and glorious Resurrection. Great conviction fell upon the people, and they asked the Apostles, "What shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38-39). The Bible records that on that day about three thousand were baptized. Following, the book of Acts states that the newly baptized continued daily to hear the teaching of the Apostles, as the early Christians met together for fellowship, the breaking of bread, and for prayer. Many wonderful signs and miracles were done through the Apostles, and the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47). Orthodox Christian Celebration of the Feast of Pentecost This great Feast of the Church is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom on the Sunday that is the fiftieth day after the celebration of Pascha. The Liturgy is conducted on the day of the Feast, and is preceded the evening before by a Great Vespers service and on the morning of the Feast by the Matins service. On the day of the Feast a Vespers service is conducted that includes the kneeling prayers. These prayers mark the beginning of the practice of kneeling during the Liturgy at the time when the holy gifts of bread and wine are consecrated as the body and blood of Christ. The practice of kneeling has been suspended during the Paschal season. On the Monday following the Feast, the Divine Liturgy is conducted in commemoration of the All-holy and Lifecreating and All-powerful Spirit, Who is God, and One of the Trinity, and of one honor and one essence and one glory with the Father and the Son.

9 May We are Member of the Church True and Original Church If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church in the year If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII, in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to re-marry. If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England, founded by the Samuel Senbury in the American Colonies in the 17th century. If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in If you are of the Dutch Reformed Church, by Rev. Dr. M.B. Efthimiou you recognize Michelis Jones as a founder because he originated your religion in New York in If you are a Methodist, your religion was founded by John and Charles Wesley in England in If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, New York in If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born to Mary Baker Eddy as its founder. If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as Church of the Nazarene, Pentecostal Gospel, Holiness Church, or Jehovah s Witnesses, your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past hundred years. If you are Page 9 Roman Catholic, your church shared the same rich apostolic and history, since during the first millennium they were one and the same church. Lamentably, in 1054, the Pope of Rome broke away from the other four Apostolic Patriarchies (which include Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem), by tampering with the Original Creed of the church, and considering himself to be infallible. Thus, your church is 1000 years old. If you are an Orthodox Christian, your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It has not changed since that time. Our Church is now almost 2000 years old and it is for this reason, that Orthodoxy, the Church of the Apostles and the Fathers is considered the true one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. This is the greatest legacy that we can pass on to young people in this new millennium. There are times during the Divine Liturgy which are considered so Church Etiquette important that we should know when to enter and when to stand. A guide is always found in the Divine Liturgy Book, but an easy rule of thumb is as follows: One should always stand when: Reciting the Creed or the Lord s Prayer During the administering of Holy Communion Anytime we are called upon to rise - Sophia Orthee When a blessing is offered by the Priest We should keep in mind that the Church is a very holy place and we are there in front of God; therefore we stand in the presence of God, unless we are unable to do so because of advanced age or health reasons. Let us try to keep order and proper decorum within the Church. We should not enter the Church at these times: During the Small Entrance During the Epistle Reading During the Gospel Reading During the Great Entrance During the Creed During the Se Imnoumen During the Lord s Prayer During Holy Communion During the Sermon Whenever the Priest faces the Congregation

10 Page 10 The Voice of Saint Page George 10 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE The Stewardship Committee is pleased to report the following as of March 31, 2004: Total number pledges received: 293 Total amount pledged: $115,100 Total amount collected: $90,331 Average pledge: $393 An integral part of the success of stewardship in the St. George community is the participation of each member of this parish. We are aware that these are difficult times for many parishioners and yet the Church is here for you regardless if you choose to support it or not. The Committee thanks all parishioners who have pledged and encourages those who have not to please do so. The Stewardship program is a new way for us, the Orthodox Christians with which to meet all our obligations to our Church with responsibility, dignity and equity. Pledge cards have been mailed to all our parishioners and by now you should have received your copy. The Church needs your help and welcomes any and all pledges. THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Reverend Father John Theodosion Petra Theodos Knox, Chair George Psyllos, Chair Eleni Giannios Katina Kehayas Maria Sirimis Eleni Banis Michael Sirimis Goya News Just like the universities all around the country, the GOYA of Saint George was in pure March Madness. Our youth parishioners participated in Sight and Sounds in a commendable, dedicated, whole-hearted, and sportsmanlike fashion. Along with an array of individual achievements, our GOYANS brought home 4th in American Group Singing, 3rd in Choral Speaking, 2nd in Greek Theatrical Production, 1st in Greek Folk Dancing, and 5th place overall. Our community's Greek Folk Dance squad also had the prestigious honor of performing in front of his Eminence, Patriarch Bartholomew. Our GOYANS also paraded down 5th Avenue in New York in this year's Greek Independence Day parade. The month of April promises to be as eventful as March was. Our GOYANS will be assisting with palm cross making, and Epitaphio decorating during Holy Week. The following weekend, our GOYANS will be headed to the Great Outdoors in Fairview for a Spiritual Retreat. The GOYA will also be attending Indoor Olympics, having a Gyro Sale, and hosting our community Oratorical Festival. April also marks the beginning of our Junior Olympics preparations. On a final note, the advisors, officers, and GOYANS wish that all the parishioners of St. George feel the life saving and repenting power of our Lord's resurrection. Christos Aneste. Festival Pastry Committee - The Pastry Committee of St. George Festival seeks your support. In order to offset the cost of ingredients we ask you to consider making a cash donation. Any donation large or small will be greatly appreciated. Please make your check payable to the St. George Festival Committee and leave at the church office in an envelope marked Pastry Committee or mail it to Mrs. Anna Kalogridis, 11 Bartha Avenue, Edison, NJ Το Ελληνικό Φεστιβάλ φέτος θα γίνει στις 14, 15 και 16 Μαίου. Προετοιµασίες έχουν ήδη αρχίσει. Χρειαζόµαστε βοήθεια. Αν θέλετε να βοηθήστε για µερικές ώρες ή για µια µέρα σας παρακαλούµε να τηλεφωνήστε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας, Η επιτροπή Γλυκισµάτων του Φεστιβάλ ζητεί την χρηµατική σας υποστήριξη για την αγορά των υλικών. Κάθε προσφορά, µεγάλη ή µικρή, θα βοηθήσει στο έργο της επιτροπής. Φέρτε την δωρεά σας στην εκκλησία ή ταχυδροµήστε την στη, Αννα Καλογρίδη, 11 Bartha Avenue, Edison, NJ

11 May Page 11 Children's Liturgical Choir The Children's Liturgical Choir of St. George is now being formed and fulfills a long time dream come true for our parish. As heirs of the rich legacy of Greek Letters, Byzantine music and Hellenic culture, we strive to keep before our eyes at all times those things of excellence, which in turn inspire us to truth, wisdom, and the knowledge of God. Above all, we must educate our children, in the tradition of the Orthodox Faith and Hellenic wisdom. Your ongoing support, cooperation and commitment is needed to ensure we embrace this for our faith, our children and the future of our community. The choir, under the direction of Mr. Dimitrios Fousteris and his wife, Helena, meets for practice each Sunday, immediately after church for approximately 45 minutes in the 7th Grade Classroom on the 2nd floor. The children are also being asked to be in the church Memorial room promptly at 9:45am for warm-up and to later participate in the early part of the Liturgy, before being released to their Sunday School classes. Children that are interested, should make every effort to attend on time, so that they can benefit more from the beautiful experience of prayer, glorification and participation in our Divine Liturgy. To make this program a success your full commitment and participation in rehearsals is required. For more information please contact: Maria Makropoulos (732) or via mmakropoulos@att.com Young Artist s Program The Young Artists Program, under the Direction of Mr. Dimitrios Fousteris and the guidance of the Hellenic American Conservatory of New York is a unique ensemble of children that are introduced to a variety of repertoire musical experiences with focus on Byzantine, Classical, Greek traditional and folk music. Children will learn and perform hymns and songs of various styles, both as solos and as a group. Rehearsals focus on vocal study, emphasizing vocal/singing techniques, correct posture breathing, tone production, diction and rhythm recognition. The ensemble currently meets at St. George each Saturday afternoon through April, unless otherwise noted and will perform in various concert events and appearances. Our community is extremely fortunate to have Mr. Fousteris initiate and direct this effort. He is a Graduate and Affiliate of the renowned Juilliard School (Institute of Musical Art) in New York. Mr. Fousteris and his wife Helena, have many years of musical, conducting and teaching experience with children and adults and performances held at forums such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. This unique program is tuition based ($10/hourly session), prepaid monthly to the Hellenic American Conservatory of N.Y. Any questions regarding the Young Artist program specifics and upcoming events can be discussed directly with Mr. Dimitris Fousteris, Director or Maria Makropoulos at (732) or via mmakropoulos@att.com. No prior musical experience is necessary. Congratulations to Eleftheria Fiotakis and Panagiotis Koutsoupias! They are the recipients of the Archdiocese's prize for getting perfect scores in the Regents Exam in Modern Greek for the year 2003, prepared annually by the Archdiocesan Department of Foreign Language requirements for accredited schools in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Συχγαρητήρια παιδιά σε σας, τους γονείς σας και τις δασκάλες σας! Η Κοινότητά µας είναι υπερήφανη για σας! Και εις ανώτερα!

12 Page 12 The Voice of Saint George On September 28, 2003, following the Liturgy in Saint Constantine and Helen Church in Annapolis, Maryland Katina Kehayas was awarded the Patriarch Athenagoras I Distinguished Service Medallion by the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Musicians. This award was established in 1996 as a means of giving recognition within an individual diocese to meritorious individuals whose diocesan contributions to the music ministry of the Church are worthy of this distinction. The recipient shall have significantly contributed talents and/or service to the development and perpetuation of the choirs within the diocese served by the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Chanters. By so doing, this individual shall have fostered the aims and goals of the Federation and the National Forum. Some of the contributions cited for Katina are: served as St. George choir director for over 25 years, has been a very active member of the New Jersey Staten Island District and is a former District Supervisor, has acted as conductor for the annual Lenten Musical Offering, helps organize the annual Holy Cross Celebration in Asbury Park, helps organize district workshops, Church Music Institutes, and Christmas concerts. Although a chemistry teacher by profession, she has helped to musically improve her choir with her love for singing, chanting, conducting and self educating herself through the years. She is a never ending source of information about liturgical matters to our district as well as her own choir. The presenter concluded by saying that a very special qualification of Katina is her dedication and love for her religion and the ability to translate this love to her choir members. We congratulate Katina on achieving this award. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE 1ST Young Artist s Spring Concert Under the Auspices of the Hellenic American Conservatory of Music Directed by Dimitrios and Helena Fousteris On Sunday, May 23, 2004 Immediately following Church services St. George AHEPA Hall 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ A light lunch will be served after the Program For further information please contact: Toula Velmahos: Maria Makropooulos: Donation $10 To support the Young Artist s Program The Young Artist's program of Piscataway, NJ, is welcoming and honoring the internationally known opera singer Mr. Dimitri Kavrakos. Dimitri Kavrakos is one of opera's most sought after basses. He appears regularly on the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Royal Opera Covent Garden, the Paris Opera, La Scala Milan, Teatro Comunale in Florence, Teatro dell'opera in Rome, Bologna, Bordeaux, Marseilles, Genova, and Cologne. He has appeared in leading roles in prominent European festivals, including those of Salzburg, Bregenz, Aix-en-Provence, and Glyndebourne. A native of Athens, Greece, Dimitri Kavrakos made his professional debut as Zaccaria with the National Theatre of Athens. His Italian debut was as bass soloist in Verdi's Requiem at Spoleto, and his 1976 American debut was in Refice's Cecilia at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. He has recorded the Commendatore in the Glyndebourne Don Giovanni for EMI/Angel under Bernard Haitink, and Lodovico in Otello for Decca/London under Georg Solti. He has also recorded Les Danaides and Rossini's La Petite Messe Solennelle for EMI, and Norma, La Vestale, and Rigoletto for SONY under Riccardo Muti. He is currently the only Greek Bass at the Metropolitan Opera.

13 May Page 13 PTO Happenings Well, if you were one of the hundreds of people and children that attended the Easter Communion Breakfast you would know that it was an amazing event.. With all of the beautiful Spring colors that everyone was wearing -- it was a special event. It s a time when all the dark colors are gone and the pastels are out. The children enjoyed the adventure of the Easter Egg Hunt from the toddlers to the pre-teens from parents to grandparents. You are never too old to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt!! We would like to thank Lemonia Malahias for managing this Communion Breakfast again along with all the volunteers that helped to make this a success. As we near the end of the school year, we are preparing for the PTO year end dinner, which will be held on Thursday, June 3, will be distributed. Also, as we end our two-year term, we are looking for new Board Members to continue with the events throughout the year and support the Greek School and Sunday school in their efforts to enrich our children. The PTO positions that are available are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Correspondent Secretary. If you are interested, please contact any of the Board Members. They can provide further details on their positions. Elections will be held on Thursday, May 6, President, Christina Milano Vice President, Dorothy Koutsoras Secretary, Maria Boyadjis Treasurer, Helen Giannos Correspondent s Secretary Eleni Banis As everyone enjoyed the coming of Spring with all of its signs of renewal and rebirth, let us remember to enjoy one another and reflect on ways we can renew and revitalize our own lives our relationships with family and friends and our church community. God Bless PTO Board Ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και ιδασκάλων οργάνωσε, για µία ακόµη φορά, µιά χαρούµενη εκδήλωση γιά τα παιδάκια της κοινότητάς µας και τις οικογένειές τους. Όλοι απολαύσαµε το νηστήσιµο πρόγευµα µετά την ευλογία της Θείας Κοινωνίας καθώς τα παιδιά πήραν µέρος σε πολλά παιχνίδια. Ιδιαίτερα ευχαριστούµε την κυρία Λεµονιά Μαλαχία που είχε την επιµέλεια αυτής της όµορφης ηµέρας. Καθώς πλησιάζουµε στο τέλος αυτού του σχολικού έτους, υπενθυµίζουµε ότι το δείπνο κυριών θα γίνει την Πέµπτη, 3 Ιουνίου και περισότερες πληροφορίες θα δοθούν προσεχώς. Επίσης, πλησιάζοντας στο τέλος της διετούς θητέιας µας σαν µέλη του.σ. του Σ.Γ.. σας προσκαλούµε στις εκλογές που θα γίνουν στις 6 Μαιου. Υπάρχουν πέντε θέσεις που περιµένουν καινούργιους ανθρώπους, µε καινούργιες ιδέες και ενδιαφέροντα. Ας µην ξεχνάµε ότι ο Σ.Γ.. υπάρχει για να στηρίζει το Ελληνικό Σχολείο, το Κατηχητικό Σχολείο και να κρατάει τα παιδιά µας πιστά στα ήθη και έθιµα της µητέρας µας Ελλάδας. Ελάτε να εργαστούµε µαζί για τα παιδιά της κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου! Για περισότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά µε τις συνεδριάσεις ή αν θέλετε να βοηθήσετε το Σ.Γ.. µε οποιοδήποτε τρόπο αποτανθείτε σε ένα από τα µέλη του.σ. Χριστίνα Μιλάνο ωροθέα Κουτσώρα Μαρία Μπογιατζή Ελένη Γιάννιου Ελένη Μπάνη Ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί πάντα. Γιά το. Σ. του Σ.Γ.. Πρόεδρος Αντιπρόεδρος Γραµµατέας Ταµίας Γραµµατέας Happy Mother s Day!

14 Page 14 VOICE OF ST. GEORGE ADS The Voice of Saint George Michael Theokas 1411 Stelton Road - Piscataway, NJ CRABIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS David B. Crabiel, Founder (NJ Lic. 2301) MILLTOWN The Crabiel Home for Funerals Paulette Crabiel Wahler, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3875) 170 N. Main Street-at Riva Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel Frank S. Facchini, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3217) 329 Livingston Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK GOWEN FUNERAL HOME, LLC John Mezaros, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 2862) 233 Somerset Street Thomas Vastardis, CPA Member AICPA Tax Planning & Preparation Accounting Services Financial Check-Up 41 Jensen Street Phone East Brunswick, NJ Fax CREATIVE COLOR LITHOGRAPHERS, INC. 611 South Avenue Garwood, NJ Tel : (908) Fax: (908) Quality printing, Personal Service Zenon & Zachy Christodoulou

15 May April Meetings, Events & Ministries Su M Tu W Th Fri Sa LITURGICAL SCHEDULE ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟΝ Liturgy St. John the Theologian 20 Liturgy Ascension 21 Liturgy Saints Constantine and Helen 24 Liturgy St. Symeon the Righteous 30 Pentecost Sunday 31 Liturgy for the Holy Spirit 23/ 30 24/ May Meeting Calendar 1 Joy-Hope Gathering 2 GOYA Meeting 5 Parish Council Meeting 6 PTO Meeting & Elections 9 Mother s Day 13 Philoptochos Cooking for the Homeless St. George Festival 19 Parish Council Meeting 20 GOYA Officers & Advisors Meeting 22 Philoptochos Meeting 23 St. George Children s Choir Concert 29 GOYA - Outdoor Olympics

16 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Paid New Brunswick, N.J. Permit No River Road Piscataway, NJ ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: Fax: WE RE ON THE WEB! STGEORGEPISCATAWAY.ORG ADVERTISE WITH THE VOICE OF ST. GEORGE BUSINESS CARD: $ mos Contract: $ mos Contract: - $ /4 OF A PAGE: $ mos Contract - $ mos Contract: $ /2 OF A PAGE : $ mos Contract - $ mos Contract: $ Call for more information Or send in your contract signed with your request and check to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ Attention: Voice of St. George Newsletter ================================================================ Name: Tel # Address: Please, print message or attach business card: