Christmas Donations TOTAL: $2,195. St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Cape Cod. February & March 2014 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CAPE COD

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1 Christmas Donations and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth. Acts 1:8 Christos & Maria Alex Chris & Mary Argys Rose Botsivales Emanuel & Mary Cavas Rosetta Chalpara Mary Childs Charlie & Stella Constas Arthur & Fran Dimitres Frances Fairneny Kalliope Garoufes Constantenos & Gloria Georgalis Photine Georgopoulos Fr. Peter & Presvy. Paula Giannakopoulos Athena Grigoriadis George & Athena Grigoriadis Jim & Frances Haidas ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CAPE COD Rev. Fr. Panagiotis K. Giannakopoulos Protopresbyter 1130 Falmouth Road Centerville, MA Phone: (508) Church Fax: (508) w w w. s t g e o r g e - c a p e c o d. c o m Mr. & Mrs. John C. Houhoulis Tim & Eileen Kandianis Christos & Evangeline Kapsambelis Lefteri & Alexandra Karacalidis Tim & Aphrodite Karaniikolas George & Stacey Kazarian Steve & Theresa Kostas George & Margarita Kraniotakis Leo & Katherine Limberakis Vasilios & Vasiliki Maragozakis Sophia Menaxopoulos Alex & Katie Mitrokostas Kostas & Frederika Mitrokostas Socrates & Nancy Mitrokostas Evelyn Nakos Rita Neuman Diana Nicholas Paula Pizzano Theodore & Vicki Polizos Veni Lemos Prifti Sam Rafail Nicholas & Mary Raftelis Helen Rowell Joanne Statires Arthur & Carol Surabian Deon & Eleni Theoharidis Magdalene Theoharidis Jim & Pat Trempelas Nicholas & Anne Votze Mary Vrountas Denis & Claire Yannatos Elpiniki Yannatos TOTAL: $2,195 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Centerville, MA Permit No. 18 St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Cape Cod February & March 2014 Feast of the Three Holy Fathers Great Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom During the reign of the Emperor Alexius Comnenus ( ), a controversy arose in Constantinople among men learned in Faith and zealous for virtue about the three holy Hierarchs and Fathers of the Church, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. Some argued for Saint Basil above the other two because he was able, as none other, to explain the mysteries of the Faith, and rose to angelic rank by his virtues. Organizer of monastic life, leader of the entire Church in the struggle with heresy, austere and demanding shepherd as to Christian morals, in From left to right: Saint Basil the Great, Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Gregory the Theologian (detail). him there was nothing base or of the earth. Hence, said they, he was superior to Saint Chrysostom who was by nature more easily inclined to absolve sinners. The partisans of Saint Chrysostom retorted that the illustrious Archbishop of Constantinople had been no less zealous than Saint Basil in combating vices, in bringing sinners to repentance and in raising up the whole people to the perfection of the Gospel. The golden-mouthed shepherd of matchless eloquence has watered the Church with a stream of homilies in which he interprets the divine word and shows its application in daily life with more accomplished mastery than the two other holy Doctors. According to a third group, Saint Gregory the Theologian was to be preferred to the others by reason of the majesty, purity and profundity of his language. Possessing a (Continued on page 6)

2 ORTHODOX WITNESS You shall be My witnesses The official monthly publication of ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1130 Falmouth Road (Rt. 28), Centerville, MA Rev. Fr. Panagiotis K. Giannakopoulos, Protopresbyter Office: / Home: / Church Fax: agios@stgeorge-capecod.com / Web Page: CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS & GROUPS PARISH COUNCIL Regina Bisgounis BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Emilios Rigas PARISH COUNCIL SECRETARY Catherine DiMauro STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE USHERS COMMITTEE Adoree McGillvary Eleni Siamos FINANCE COMMITTEE Maria Kaldis SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE PHILOPTOCHOS Sophie Joakim YOUTH DIRECTOR Claire Yannatos EDUCATION DIRECTOR Sunday School & Greek School SENIORS OF ST. GEORGE Elpiniki Yannatos SENIORS SOCIAL GROUP Emily Stys VISION COMMITTEE Arthur Surabian GOYA Matthew Mullin DANCE DIRECTOR Claire Yannatos STAFF CHANTOR Vasilios Meimaris ORGANIST Roxanne Pappas GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER Anna Lemanis CUSTODIAN Gregory Racheotes CHURCH OFFICE Kim Corners SEXTON Igor Janev CHURCH SERVICES Winter Hours Orthros 8:30 a.m., Divine 9:30 a.m. Classroom lesson is from 10:00-11:50 a.m. Weekday services as scheduled. CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday Friday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday By Appointment Meeting Times for Ministries 2nd Mondays 1:30 p.m. Seniors of St. George Tuesdays weekly 11:00 a.m. Seniors Social Group 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. AHEPA 4th Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parish Council 1st Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Philoptochos General Meeting 3rd Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Philoptochos Board 3rd Wednesday 1:00 p.m. Daughters of Penelope 4th Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group Layman's Ten Commandments - Good reading 1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout the journey. 2. So why is a Car's WINDSHIELD so large and the Rear View Mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So look ahead, and move on. 3. Friendship is like a BOOK: It takes a few minutes to burn, but it takes years to write. 4. All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either. 5. Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold! 6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, Sweetheart, it's just a bend... not the end! 7. When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems, HE has faith in your abilities. 8. A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!" 9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE. Live simply. Love generously; Care deeply; Speak kindly; Leave the rest to God. St. Katherine s Philoptochos Society 2013 Community Christmas Card (Additional contributors) Penelope, Jorge, Alexia & Aris Caicedo Dina Decas Helen Kossifos of By the Sea Guests Mr. Christos Kapopoulos Nicholas & Margaret Zantos Next Philoptochos GENERAL MEETING March 5, :00 p.m. Anasis Library BAKE SALE April 11, 2014 Look for baking schedule to be announced! 15

3 Seniors of Saint George The next meeting is: Monday, March 10, :30 p.m. Anasis Library This will be a brief meeting and a surprise!!! You need to bring 3 quarters. Hope to see you there! We are also planning the Pot Luck meeting and checking out new venues for the lobster bake. Should have more details by the April 14th meeting. Elpiniki Yannatos, President Our 2014 Parish Council It is a pleasure to welcome Maria Kaldis, Christine Vancisin and Maria Zombas to this year s council. In addition we extend our gratitude to the other council members who are willing to give of their time to be a part of the leadership team of St. George. Thank you! 14 Parish Council Officers Regina Bisgounis, President Emilios Rigas, VP Maria Kaldis, Treasurer Adoree McGillvary, Asst. Treasurer Catherine DiMauro, Secretary Christina Carey, Asst. Secretary Council Members Igor Janev, Chrisitine Keller, George Malliaroidakis, Penelope Psomos, Eleni Siamos (Continued from page 5) να το φάω και έτσι να με εκδικηθείς; Του απάντησε ο δάσκαλος, με ειρήνη και γαλήνη: -Είμαι χριστιανός. Και τώρα που πρόκειται να φύγω από τον κόσμο αυτό, και να παρουσιασθώ ενώπιον του Θεού, δεν θα ήθελα να βαρύνω την ψυχή μου με μια αμαρτία τόσο βαριά. Ο τούρκος αξιωματικός συγκλονίζεται, για μια ακόμη φορά. Στρέφεται και λέει στους στρατιώτες του: -Αν έβρισκα έναν τέτοιο τούρκο, θα έδινα και τη ζωή μου ακόμα! Μαζέψτε τα όπλα και αφήστε τους ελεύθερους όλους! Εφημερίδα «Ηπειρωτικόν μέλλον» Making a Difference Just Got Easier St. George has partnered with Viridian Energy, a socially responsible energy company, to offer our parishioners a way to save money while helping St. George raise funds. Viridian offers a solar program through SolarCity, America s largest and leading solar energy provider that will save you money on your electric bill. For the entire time you have your solar panels, St. George will receive residual income every month from Viridian based on the amount of electricity each one of us uses. Contact Roxanne Pappas ( ) for more information. LITURGICAL CALENDAR - EORTOLOGION FEBRUARY FEBROUARIOS MON 10 SUN 16 SAT 22 SUN 23 SAT 1 SUN 2 MON 3 St. Haralambos the Martyr. Ag. Carala>mpou Ieroma>rturov Orthros 9:00 a.m. 17th Sunday of Luke (Prodigal) IZ > LOUKA. TOU ASWTOU. Epistle: I Corinthians 6:12-20 Gospel: Luke 15: Saturday of Souls. Yucosa>bbato. Orthros & Divine with 8:30-11 a.m. Judgement Sunday (Meatfare) KURIAKH THS APOKREW. Epistle: I Cor. 8:8-13; 9:1-2 Gospel: Matthew 25: MARCH 2014 MARTIOS 2nd Saturday of Souls. B > Yucosa>bbato. 8:30-11 am Orthros & Divine FORGIVENESS SUNDAY (Cheesefare). KURIAKH THS TUROFAGOU. Epistle: Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 Gospel: Matthew 6: Great Lent begins. KAQARA DEUTERA. ARCH MEGALHS TESSARAKOSTHS FRI 7 SAT 8 SUN 9 FRI 14 SUN 16 FRI 21 6:00 pm Great Compline followed by a light Lenten supper. KOULOUMA. 5:00 p.m. Presanctified Prohgiasme>nh Q. Leitourgi>a. 7:00 p.m. 1st Salutations. A > CAIRETISMOI. 3rd Saturday of Souls. G > Yucosa>bbato. Ag. Qeodw>rou tou Th>rwnov. 8:30-11 am Orthros & Divine. Sunday of Orthodoxy. KURIAKH THS ORQODOJIAS. 40 Martyrs of Lake Sebaste. Epistle: Hebrews 12:1-10 Gospel: John 1: :00 pm Presanctified Prohgiasme>nh Q. Leitourgi>a. 7:00 pm 2nd Salutations. B > CAIRETISMOI. 2nd Sunday of Lent. B > NHSTEI -WN. St. Gregory Palamas. AG. GRHGORIOU PALAMA. Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3 Gospel: Mark 2: :00 p.m. Presanctified. Prohgiasme>nh Q. Leitourgi>a. 7:00 p.m. 3rd Salutations. G > CAIRETISMOI. (Continued on page 4) 3

4 (Continued from page 3) SUN 23 TUE 25 FRI 28 3rd Sunday of Lent. G > NH- STEIWN. Stauroproskunh>sewv. Holy CROSS. Epistle: Heb. 4:14-16; 5:1-6 Gospel: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1. Annunciation of Theotokos. Euaggelismo>v thv Qeoto>kou. 8:30-11:30 am Orthros & Divine. Doxology Greek Independence Day. 5:00 p.m. Presanctified. Prohgiasme>nh. Discovering Orthodox Christianity LITURGICAL CALENDAR (Continued) Watch Episode 11 of the series "Discovering Orthodox Christianity," sponsored by the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund and produced by Greek Orthodox Telecommunications. The program, "The Ecumenical Patriarchate: Aspects of Past and Present," is presented by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America DVDs are now available of the entire 26 part series. For more information please contact GOTelecom at or gotel@goarch.org SUN 30 7:00 p.m. 4th Salutations. D > CAIRETISMOI. 4th Sunday of Lent. St. John of Climacus. D > NHSTEIWN. Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20 Gospel: Mark 9: Flowers for the Salutations will be appreciated. Please check with Father Peter or the church office. Thank you! Stewardship January 2014 Stewardship Goal $125,000 Pledged YTD $61,635 Total collected YTD $39,645 # of Pledges 96 Average Pledge per Family $613 Everything we have is temporal. We don t know for how long we have it. The fundamental question, though, is how will we use all that we have for the glory of God? List of Stewards for Year-to-Date (Feb. 14) Christos & Maria Alex John Anasis Nicholas Anestis Ted & Denise Apostol Katina Atsalis George Bisgounis Radu Borcau Charles & Vassilikis Canelos Christina Carey Emanuel & Mary Cavas Rosetta Chalpara Cassandra Chamallas Maria Chatzinakis James Chekos Sophia Malita Christakis Charlie & Stella Constas Pat Davis James Demetri Orestes & Hloy Demetriades Mark Despotopulos Helen Doll Katherine Dorshimer Andy & Elaine Efstathiou John & Catherine Fackos Christine Fairneny Jim Fotiades Constantenos & Gloria Georgalis Photine Georgopoulos Van & Connie Geraniotis Fr. Peter & Presvy. Paula Giannakopoulos Joe Graziosi Barry & Elaine Gremilas Feb Boston Byzantine Music Festival April 6 April 13 Jim & Frances Haidas George & Nancy Nichols Susan 13 Hansen Manuel 12 & Elizabeth Orfanos Marie Henn Jim & Martha Papadonis Igor Janev George & Irene Papadopolos Nick & Sophie Joakim Alex Pappas James Jumes Arthur & Diane Pappas John Kacoyanis Jim & Elizabeth Pentikis Maria Kaldis Emily Pereira James Kalperis George & Maria Poravas Tom Kalperis Nassos Prapas Tim & Eileen Kandianis Penelope Psomos George and Joan Kapoutsos Gregory & Joyce Racheotes Christos & Evangeline Kapsambelis Nick & Mary Raftelis John Karacalidis Michael Rodolakis Lefteri & Alexandra Karacalidis Kostas & Despina Siempos Efthimios & Aphrodite Karanikolas Vivian Siempos Costas & Anne Kefalas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Skordas Steve Kostas Artie & Van Speros Anna Kraniotakis Toula Stasinos George & Margarita Kraniotakis Joanne Statires Peter & Van Lambrinos Emily Stys Eleftherios Lengas Art & Carol Surabian Helen Lentell Peter Theoharidis Ken Liatsos Dionysios & Alexandra Tsourides James Limberakis Ivan & Diyana Tutov Vaillios & Vasiliki Maragozakis Vladimir and Tatiana Uspensky Adoree McGillvary Zac Verros Sophia Menaxopoulos Louis & Zacharie Vinios Dino Mitrokostas Angie Vournazos Kostas & Frederika Mitrokostas Mary Vrountas Maria-Rallou Moore Mary Wade Dean & Anne Murphy George & Cathy Lee Zografos Evelyn Nakos Tony & Voula Zombas Diana Nicholas Maria Zombas Save These Dates Greek Parade Fish Luncheon April 27 May 4 June 8 Pan-Orthodox Pot Luck Lunch General Assembly Sunday School Graduation July Grecian Festival Sep. 22 Nov. 9 Dec. 7 Golf Tournament General Assembly Elections 4

5 (Continued from page 6) of human life please go to the Archdiocese s website at and search for Pastoral Guidelines. You will find the following position on Cremation listed there as well as other positions. Because the Orthodox Faith affirms the fundamental goodness of creation, it understands the body to be an integral part of the human person and the temple of the Holy Spirit, and expects the resurrection of the dead. The Church considers cremation to be the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made and ordained for us. The Church instead insists that the body be buried so that the natural physical process of decomposition may take place. The Church does not grant funerals, either in the sanctuary, or at the funeral home, or at any other place, to persons who have chosen to be cremated. Additionally, memorial services with kolyva (boiled wheat) are not allowed in such instances, inasmuch as the similarity between the "kernel of wheat" and the "body" has been intentionally destroyed. (Copied p.269) ΤΟ ΜΕΓΑΛΕΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΠΙΣΤΕΩΣ (ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ) Πέμπτη, 13 Φεβρουάριος :15 agiosmgefiras.blogspot.gr Ήταν καλοκαίρι του Τα τουρκικά στρατεύματα εισβάλουν στην Κύπρο. Και σκορπούν το θάνατο. Στη Μόρφου συμβαίνει ένα συνταρακτικό γεγονός. Τούρκοι στρατιώτες συλλαμβάνουν 15 Ελληνες. Τους φέρνουν στην αυλή του σπιτιού ενός ελληνοκύπριου δάσκαλου, και ετοιμάζονται να τους εκτελέσουν. Ετοιμάζουν τα όπλα. Στήνουν τους αιχμαλώτους (άνδρες, γυναίκες, μικρά παιδιά) στον τοίχο. Θρήνος, κλαυθμός, οδυρμός. Τραγικές στιγμές για τους μελλοθάνατους. Περιμένουν μέσα σε κλίμα φόβου και αγωνίας τον Τούρκο αξιωματικό να έλθει και να διατάξει «πυρ». Στρέφουν τότε το νου τους και την καρδιά τους στην ελπίδα των απελπισμένων. Και προσεύχονται όλοι τους θερμά για... το τελευταίο τους ταξίδι και ιδιαίτερα ο δάσκαλος, «Θεέ μου, συγχώρησε μας και δέξου μας κοντά σου. Μνήσθητι ημών, Κύριε, εν τη Βασιλεία Σου.» Ο τούρκος αξιωματικός έρχεται. Κοιτάζει τους στρατιώτες του με τα όπλα, κοιτάζει βλοσυρός και τους μελλοθάνατους. Ρίχνει μια ματιά προς τα πάνω. Μια κληματαριά απλώνεται και σκεπάζει την αυλή. Ζητάει ένα τσαμπί σταφύλι, για να παρατείνει έτσι σκόπιμα την αγωνία των αιχμαλώτων. Παίρνει το τσαμπί. Μα, ενώ ετοιμάζεται να το φάει, ακούγεται δυνατή η φωνή του δασκάλου: -Μην το φας! Προχτές το ράντισα με φάρμακο. Είναι ισχυρό δηλητήριο! Θα πεθάνεις! Ο αξιωματικός μένει άναυδος. Και γεμάτος κατάπληξη ρωτάει: -Καλά, αφού ξέρεις, ότι σε λίγο θα δώσω διαταγή να σας σκοτώσουν, γιατί δεν με άφησες (Continued on page 3) 40 Day Blessing/ SARANTISMOI The third child/boy of Demetrius and Julia Kalkanis was churched. NA SAS ZHSH! God bless him! Funerals/KHDEIAI The following parishioners fell asleep in the Lord: Antoinette Rafail Anna Bowser To their families, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathies. AIWNIA H MNHMH AUTWN! Memorials. MNHMOSUNA Memory eternal! AIWNIA H MNHMH AUTWN! Peter Kandianis Theodore Vrountas Peter Malitas Alexandros Christakis Arthur Apostol 28 yrs 1 yr 2 yrs 10 yrs 40 days Memorial Donations December 2013 & January 2014 Christos D. Alexander John Papagianias Alex Christakis Peter Malita Arthur Apostol Total Donations: $655 In the Hospitals: The following parishioners and friends were hospitalized. We pray for their good health and quick recovery. Spiridoula Stoupis, Mary Janikies, George Vasiliadis, James Grevelis, Charlotte Bourne, Michael Stavros, Victor Theodos, Maria Demetras, Roushdi Henin, Baby Boy Boudreau, Mia Siempos, George Carras, Julia Katantzis, Clio N. Pappas, Nicholas C. Constas, George Lagodimos, Thais A. Scardino, Maria Adalis, Irene Provas, Kimon Kalaitzidis and Gleb Zelenoy. We wish them PERASTIKA and a quick recovery. Kalh> ana>rrwsh! Plhroforh>ste ton iere>a h> to Kkoinotiko grafei>o a>n pro>keitai na noshleuqh>te. Parishioners who plan to be or are hospitalized should call the office or Father Peter if they wish a pastoral visit. 5

6 Orthodox Christian Celebration of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs The Feast and commemoration of the Three Hierarchs is celebrated with the Divine of Saint John Chrysostom which is conducted on the morning of the feast and preceded by a Matins (Orthros) service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast. Scripture readings for the Feast of are the following: At Vespers: Deuteronomy 1:8-17; Deuteronomy 10:14-21; and the Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9. At the Matins: John 10:9-16. At the Divine : Hebrews 13:7-16, Matthew 5: In many Greek Orthodox parishes the Feast of the Three Hierarchs is combined with a celebration of Greek Letters. This usually includes special events which are dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of the ideals of Orthodox Christianity and Hellenic education. The Three Hierarchs were great men of letters who were not only defenders of Orthodox Christianity, but supporters of Greek learning. The relationship of these Fathers of the Church to education and learning is addressed in an article on our web site by Rev. Dr. Demetrios J. Constantelos entitled Hellenic Paideia and Church Fathers Educational Principles and Cultural Heritage. (Continued from page 1) sovereign mastery of all the wisdom and eloquence of ancient Greece, he had attained, they said to such a pitch in the contemplation of God that no one had been able to express the dogma of the Holy Trinity as perfectly as he. With each faction setting up one of the Fathers against the other two in this way, the whole Christian people were soon caught up in the dispute, which far from promoting devotion to the Saints in the City, resulted in nothing but ill -feeling and endless argument. Then one night the three holy Hierarchs appeared in a dream to Saint John Mauropus, the Metropolitan of Euchaïta (5 Oct.), separately at first, then together and, speaking with a single voice, they said: As you see, the three of us are with God and no discord or rivalry divides us. Each of us, according to the circumstances and according to the inspiration that he received from the Holy Spirit, wrote and taught what befits the salvation of mankind. There is not among us a first, a second or a third, and if you invoke one of us the other two are immediately present with him. Therefore, tell those who are quarrelling not to create divisions in the Church because of us, for when we were on earth we spared no effort to re-establish unity and concord in the world. You can conjoin our three commemorations in one feast and compose a service for it, inserting the hymns dedicated to each of us according to the skill and knowledge that God has given you. Then transmit it to the Christians with the command to celebrate it each year. If they honor us thus as being with and in God, we give them our word that we will intercede for their salvation in our common prayer. At these words, the (Continued on page 7) (Continued from page 7) ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τηρηθείη (Α Θεσ. 5,23). Δηλαδή, εἴθε αὐτός ὁ Θεός, ἀπό τόν ὁποῖο πηγάζει ἡ πραγματική εἰρήνη, νά σᾶς ἁγιάσει ὁλόκληρους, καί ὁλόκληρος ὁ νοῦς σας καί ἡ ψυχή καί τό σῶμα σας, νά διαφυλαχθοῦν ἄμεμπτα κατά τήν παρουσία τοῦ Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἐπιτρέπεται, λοιπόν, νά κάψουμε τό σῶμα μας, τό ὁποῖο καλούμαστε νά διατηρήσουμε ἄμεμπτο, μέχρι τή Δευτέρα Παρουσία;Ἐπιπλέον, ἡ καύση ἀποτελεῖ βίαιη πράξη κατά τοῦ σώματος τοῦ νεκροῦ, ἀλλά καί ἐναντίον τῆς φύσεως, ἀφοῦ τό φυσικό εἶναι ἡ ἀποσύνθεση. Μᾶς βεβαβιώνει ὁ Θεῖος λόγος γῆ εἶ καί εἰς γῆν ἀπελεύσῃ (Γεν. 3,19). Τό σῶμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου διαλύεται φυσιολογικά μέσα στήν ὕλη ἀπό τήν ὁποῖα πλάσθηκε. Κάθε ἄλλη πρακτική ἀποτελεῖ ἀσέβεια καί βεβήλωση. 3) Θεμελιώδης καί βασική ἀλήθεια τῆς πίστεώς μας εἶναι ἡ ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν, ὅπως διατυπώνεται στό ἱερότατο Σύμβολο τῆς Πίστεως: προσδοκῶ ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν. Κατά τή Δευτέρα Παρουσία τοῦ Κυρίου μας, τό σῶμα πρόκειται νά ἀναστηθῇ μεταμορφωμένο καί ἀνακαινισμένο, γιά νά ἐνωθῇ μέ τήν ἀθάνατη ψυχή καί νά ζήσῃ ὁ ἄνθρωπος αἰωνίως. Ὁ Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος σέ ὅσους ἀμφισβητοῦν τήν ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν, προβάλλει τό παράδειγμα τοῦ σπόρου: ἐκεῖνο πού σπέρνεις δέν λαμβάνει ζωή, ἄν δέν ἀποθάνει καί δέ σαπίσει μέσα στή γῆ, οὕτω καί ἡ ἀνάστασις τῶν νεκρῶν σπείρεται ἐν φθορᾷ, ἐγείρεται ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ (Α Κορ. 15,42). Ἔτσι, κατ ἀναλογίαν θά γίνῃ καί ἡ ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν. Σπέρνεται τό σῶμα στόν τάφο, σέ κατάσταση φθορᾶς καί ἐγείρεται σέ κατάσταση ἀφθαρσίας. Μέ τήν ταφή τοποθετοῦμε τό σῶμα στή γῆ σάν σπόρο μέ ἐλπίδα βλαστήσεως καί καρποφορίας. Ἀντίθετα, ἡ καύση τοῦ σώματος ὑποδηλώνει ὅτι τό σῶμα παραδίδεται στήν πλήρη ἐξαφάνιση καί αἰώνια ἀπώλεια. 4) Οἱ ἱεροί Εὐαγγελιστές κατέγραψαν μέ τήν ἐπιστασία τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος, τά σχετικά μέ τήν Θεόσωμη ταφή τοῦ Κυρίου τό Μεγάλο Σάββατο. Ἔκδηλη ἡ ἱερότητα τῆς πράξεως αὐτῆς πού ὑπογραμμίζει τό χρέος τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς τιμῆς πού διά τῆς ταφῆς ἀποδίδουμε στούς νεκρούς μας. Αὐτή τήν ἀρχαιότατη παράδοση υἱοθέτησε ἡ Ἐκκλησία καί πιστᾶ τηρεῖ 2000 χρόνια τώρα. Ἀδιάψευστος μάρτυρας ἡ ὕπαρξη τῶν κατακομβῶν. Ἄν ἐφαρμοζόταν ἡ καύση τῶν νεκρῶν, ἡ Ἐκκλησία θά στεροῦταν τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ἱερῶν λειψάνων, τά ὁποῖα κατέχει ὡς ὕψιστη εὐλογία καί πηγή ἁγιασμοῦ τῶν πιστῶν μελῶν της. 5) Συνοψίζοντας, ἰσχυριζόμαστε ὅτι γιά τούς ὀρθοδόξους χριστιανούς δέν ὑπάρχει δίλημμα στό θέμα ταφή ἤ καύση τῶν νεκρῶν. Ἡ καύση ὁδηγεῖ στήν πυρά πατροπαράδοτες καί αἰώνιες ἀξίες. Ἡ ταφή ἀποτελεῖ θέμα τιμῆς καί σεβασμοῦ, ἔκφραση πίστεως καί ἐλπίδος, δεῖγμα ἀφοσιώσεως στήν Παράδοση τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας. Ἀπέναντι στή μηδενιστική ἀπαισιοδοξία καί καταστροφική μανία τῶν ὑποστηρικτῶν τῆς καύσεως τῶν νεκρῶν, ἀντιπαραθέτουμε τή δέουσα τιμή πρός τό ἀνθρώπινο πρόσωπο ὡς ψυχοσωματική ἑνότητα καί τήν ἐλπιδοφόρα πίστη μας στήν ἀέναη μεταθανάτια συνέχιση τῆς ζωῆς. For more information on the Greek Orthodox Church s positions regarding the sanctity (Continued on page 12) 6 11

7 Ταφή ή καύση των νεκρών; Γράφτηκε από τον/την Ι.Μ. Μαρωνείας Του Σεβασμιωτάτου Μητροπολίτου Μαρωνείας και Κομοτηνής κ. Παντελεήμονος Ὁ θόρυβος γιά τήν καθιέρωση τῆς καύσης τῶν νεκρῶν εἶναι συνεχής καί ἐπανέρχεται περιοδικά στό προσκήνιο. Μέ τό σύντομο αὐτό ἄρθρο, θά ἐπιχειρήσουμε νά παρουσιάσουμε τή θέση τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου Ἐκκλησίας ἐπί τοῦ ζητήματος, ὡς ἀπάντηση στούς ἐλάχιστους θιασῶτες τῆς καύσεως, καθ ὅτι ὁ Ἑλληνικός Λαός στή συντριπτική του πλειονοψηφία παραμένει ἀδιάφορος σέ ἀθεϊστικές καί μηδενιστικές ἀντιλήψεις πού ἐπιχειροῦνται νά τοῦ ἐπιβληθοῦν ἄνωθεν, προωθώντας τήν ἀποσύνδεση τῆς Ἐκκλησίας ἀπό τήν κοινωνική ζωή. 1) Ἡ Ἱεραρχία τῆς Ἐκκλησίας τῆς Ἑλλάδος διεξοδικῶς μέ τό ζήτημα αὐτό σέ δύο συνεδριάσεις της ( καί 22/ ). Ἡ Ἱεραρχία διακήρυξε ὅτι ἐμμένει σέ προηγούμενη ἀπόφασή της, σύμφωνα μέ τήν ὁποῖα: α) Γιά τούς Ὀρθοδόξους Χριστιανούς ἡ Ἐκκλησία γνωρίζει καί συνιστᾶ ὡς μοναδικό τρόπο ἀποσυνθέσεως τοῦ νεκροῦ σώματος τήν ταφή, 10 σύμφωνα μέ τήν ἁγία Διδασκαλία της καί τῆς ἀπ αἰώνων Παραδόσεώς της, καί β) δέν ἔχει ἀντίρρηση γιά τήν καύση τῶν νεκρῶν γιά τούς ἑτεροδόξους καί ἑτεροθρήσκους. Ἡ παραπάνω ἀπόφαση στηρίζεται σέ ἰσχυρά καί ἀναντίλεκτα ἐπιχειρήματα (θεολογικά, ἱστορικά, κοινωνικά) πού ἀναλύθηκαν ἀπό εἰδικούς ἐρευνητές καί ἐπιστήμονες. 2) Ἐμεῖς θά περιοριστοῦμε νά δώσουμε μιά συνοπτική ἀπάντηση στό ΓΙΑΤΙ ἀναγνωρίζει ἡ Ἐκκλησία μας μόνο τήν ταφή καί δέν ἐπιτρέπει τήν ἀποτέφρωση τῶν νεκρῶν. Ἡ ταφή ἀποτελεῖ ΠΡΑΞΗ ΤΙΜΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΕΒΑΣΜΟΥ πρός τό ἀνθρώπινο σῶμα. Σύμφωνα μέ τόν Θεόπνευστο λόγο τοῦ Ἀποστόλου Παύλου, τό σῶμα μας εἶναι ναός τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος (Α Κορ. στ,19). Ἡ λατρευτική καί μυστηριακή παράδοση τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας ἀπευθύνεται στόν ὅλον ἄνθρωπο καί δέν περιορίζεται στήν ψυχή του, π.χ. μέ τό ἅγιο Βάπτισμα καί τό Ἱερό Χρίσμα ἁγιάζεται τό σῶμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου πού βυθίζεται στήν κολυμβήθρα καί σφραγίζεται μέ τό Ἅγιο Μύρο. Ὁ ἁγιασμός γίνεται πιό φανερός στά ἱερά λείψανα τῶν Ἁγίων, τά ὁποῖα διατηροῦν τή χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ καί γι αὐτό θαυματουργοῦν. Χαρακτηριστικοί εἶναι οἱ λόγοι τοῦ Θεοπνεύστου Ἀποστόλου τῶν Ἐθνῶν Παύλου: Αὐτός δέ ὁ Θεός τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιᾶσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς, καί ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τό πνεῦμα καί ἡ ψυχή καί τό σῶμα ἀμέμπτως (Continued from page 6) Saints were taken up into heaven in a boundless light while conversing with one another by name. Saint John immediately assembled the people and informed them of this revelation. As he was respected by all for his virtue and admired for his powerful eloquence, the three parties made peace and every one urged him to lose no time in composing the service of the joint feast. With fine discernment, he selected 30 January as appropriate to the celebration, for it would set the seal to the month in which each of the three Hierarchs already had a separate commemoration (Saint Basil January 1; Saint Gregory January 25; Saint John (translation of relics) January 27). The three Hierarchs an earthly trinity as they are called in some of the wonderful troparia of their service have taught us in their writings and equally by their lives, to worship and to glorify the Holy Trinity, the One God in three Persons. These three luminaries of the Church have shed the light of the true Faith all over the world, scorning dangers and persecutions, and they have left us, their descendants, this sacred inheritance by which we too can attain to utmost blessedness and everlasting life in the presence of God and of all the Saints. With the feast of the three Hierarchs at the end of January the month in which we keep the memory of so many glorious bishops, confessors and ascetics the Church in a way recapitulates the memory of all the Saints who have witnessed to the Orthodox faith by their writings and by their lives. In this feast we honor the whole ministry of teaching of the holy Church, namely, the illumination of the hearts and minds of the faithful through the commemoration of all the Fathers of the Church, those models of evangelic perfection which the Holy Spirit has raised up Hymns of the Feast Apolytikion: First Tone The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all of the world with the rays of doctrines divine and true; they are the sweetlyflowing rivers of wisdom, who with godly knowledge have watered all creation in clear and mighty streams: The great and sacred Basil, and the Theologian, wise Gregory, together with the renowned John, the famed Chrysostom of golden speech. Let us all who love their divinelywise words come together, honoring them with hymns; for ceaselessly they offer entreaty for us to the Trinity. Kontakion: Second Tone Receive, O Lord, the Sacred Heralds who preached God, the pinnacle of Teachers, unto the enjoyment of Your riches and rest. You have received their labors and their suffering as being above and beyond all fruitful offering. For You alone glorify Your Saints. Adapted from The Synaxarion: The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church, Vol. 3, compiled by Hieromonk Makarios of Simonos Petra and translated from the French by Christopher Hookway (Chalkidike, Greece: Holy Convent of the Annunciation of Our Lady, 2001) pp

8 MARCH 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 3 GREAT LENT BEGINS! 12:00 pm Bible Discussion 6:00 pm Great Compline/ Koulouma :30 pm Seniors of St. George Hall Ren- 12:00 pm Bible Discussion 4 5 1:00 pm Philoptochos General Mtg pm Presanctified 7 pm 1st Salutations pm Presanctified Rental Cape Kids Hall 7 pm 2nd Salutations :00 am Philoptochos Board Mtg. 1:00 pm Daughters of Penelope HALL RENTAL :30 am Annunciation of Theotokos w/ Orthros & Div 7 pm Parish Council 26 10:30 am Prayer Shawl Group 1 2nd Sat of Souls / Orthros & Div 8:30-11 a.m. 8 3rd Sat of Souls 8:30-11 am Orthros & Div HALL RENTAL HALL RENTAL HALL RENTAL pm Presanctified 7 pm 3rd Salutations pm Presanctified 7 pm 4th Salutations 29 Library Rental What is your personal connection to St. George? At the stewardship brunch in January, Parish Council President Regina Bisgounis asked everyone who attended if they would consider signing up to be on one of the church s committees. Then we mailed out the stewardship commitment cards and asked people to fill out the back of the cards indicating how they could help out with St. George s ministries. We have had some response but it would be great if everyone would sign up to help out in some capacity. Below are listed some of our committees and their responsibilities and people who have volunteered to work on them: USHERS/PANGARI COMMITTEE Assist parishioners with seating, lighting candles and helping as needed. Members: Maria Alex, Catherine DiMauro, Katherine Dorshimer, George Kraniotakis, Adoree McGillvary, Christine Keller, George Bisgounis, Pat Davis, Regina Bisgounis, Eleni Siamos, Maria Zombas VISITATION COMMITTEE Visit with elderly and those who are homebound throughout the year. Check in on those who haven t been seen in church in a while. Members: Evangelina Lambrinos, Candace Spyrou FINANCE COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to consider all matters of finance and make recommendations as appropriate to the Parish Council for approval or disapproval. Plan, recommend and promote the annual church budget. Administer the budget and all spending in accordance with the financial policies of St. George. Members: Van Geraniotis, Achilles Papavasiliou, Greg Racheotes, Chris Alex, Tim Kandianis, Maria Kaldis, Denis Yannatos YOUTH COMMITTEE -- Plan periodic activities for children, coordinating them through the Sunday School, Greek School and Music program. Encourage and attempt to involve the parents of children in one of the ongoing ministry programs to children. Members: Maria Alex, Claire Yannatos BUILDINGS & GROUNDS -- The purpose of this committee is to have general charge of the administration and upkeep of the grounds and buildings and make recommendations. Members: Emilios Rigas, Greg Racheotes, Arthur Liatsos, Tim Karanikolas, Igor Janev GREEK INDEPENDENCE VISION COMMITTEE Members are Arthur & Carol Surabian Other committees we need up and running but don t have any volunteers are the Parish Life Committee, Scholarship Committee, and Stewardship Committee. So get connected! Contact the office if you feel you can help in any of these wonderful ministries.