May His Memory Be Eternal Archon Nickolas Pantazes

Transcript

1 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women April 26, 2015 May His Memory Be Eternal Archon Nickolas Pantazes

2 YMNOI THΣ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἀναστάσιμον/ Ἦχος βʹ Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾍδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι. Ὁ εὐσχήμων Ἰωσήφ, ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου καθελών, τὸ ἄχραντόν σου Σῶμα, σινδόνι καθαρᾷ, εἰλήσας καὶ ἀρώμασιν, ἐν μνήματι καινῷ, κηδεύσας ἀπέθετο ἀλλὰ τριήμερος ἀνέστης Κύριε, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Ταῖς μυροφόροις Γυναιξί, παρὰ τὸ μνῆμα ἐπιστάς, ὁ Ἄγγελος ἐβόα Τὰ μύρα τοῖς θνητοῖς ὑπάρχει ἁρμόδια, Χριστὸς δὲ διαφθορᾶς ἐδείχθη ἀλλότριος, ἀλλὰ κραυγάσατε Ἀνέστη ὁ Κύριος, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion Mode 2 When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You. When he took down Your immaculate Body from the Cross, the honorable Joseph wrapped it in a clean linen shroud with spices and laid it for burial in a new tomb. But on the third day You arose, O Lord, and granted the world Your Great Mercy. The Angel standing at the sepulcher cried out and said to the ointment-bearing women: The ointments are appropriate for mortal men, but Christ has been shown to be a stranger to decay. So go and cry aloud, The Lord has risen and granted the world His great mercy. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Apolytikion of Sts. Constantine & Helen Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Aπολυτίκιον Αγ. Ανδρέα Ὡς τῶν Ἀποστόλων Πρωτόκλητος, καὶ τοῦ Κορυφαίου αὐτάδελφος, τὸν Δεσπότην τῶν ὅλων Ἀνδρέα ἱκέτευε, εἰρήνην τὴ οἰκουμένη δωρήσασθαι, καὶ ταὶς ψυχαὶς ἡ μῶν τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Apolytikion of St. Andrew As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy. Κοντάκιον/Ἦχος πλ. δʹ Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες Ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾅδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος, Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος, ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν. 2 Kontakion/Mode 4 Though You went down into the tomb, O Immortal One, yet You brought down the dominion of Hades; and You rose as the victor, O Christ our God; and You called out "Rejoice" to the Myrrh-bearing women, and gave peace to Your Apostles, O Lord who to the fallen grant resurrection.

3 HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHURCH SERVICES ON YOUR SMART PHONE/IPAD Step 1: Open your smart phone/ipad. Step 2: Turn on WiFi. Step 3: Select WiFi name: Greek Orthodox Step 4: Use password: greekwireless Step 5: Launch a browser. Type in Step 6: Tap on Step 7: Select the date of the service. You will see Matins. Tap on GR-EN Text/Music. Step 8: When Matins is completed go back to the Table of Contents and tap on Divine Liturgy. Tap on GR-EN Text/Music. HOW TO ACCESS THE FM RADIO STATION: PEMPTOUSIA.FM Step 1: Open your smart phone/ipad/pc. Step 2: Launch a browser. Type in You re done Follow this 24 hours WEB Radio Broadcast 3

4 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΣ Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 6:1-7 Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, πληθυνόντων τῶν μαθητῶν, ἐγένετο γογγυσμὸς τῶν Ἑλληνιστῶν πρὸς τοὺς Ἑβραίους, ὅτι παρεθεωροῦντο ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ αἱ χῆραι αὐτῶν. Προσκαλεσάμενοι δὲ οἱ δώδεκα τὸ πλῆθος τῶν μαθητῶν, εἶπον, Οὐκ ἀρεστόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς, καταλείψαντας τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ, διακονεῖν τραπέζαις. Ἐπισκέψασθε οὖν, ἀδελφοί, ἄνδρας ἐξ ὑμῶν μαρτυρουμένους ἑπτά, πλήρεις πνεύματος ἁγίου καὶ σοφίας, οὓς καταστήσωμεν ἐπὶ τῆς χρείας ταύτης. Ἡμεῖς δὲ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ διακονίᾳ τοῦ λόγου προσκαρτερήσομεν. Καὶ ἤρεσεν ὁ λόγος ἐνώπιον παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους καὶ ἐξελέξαντο Στέφανον, ἄνδρα πλήρης πίστεως καὶ πνεύματος ἁγίου, καὶ Φίλιππον, καὶ Πρόχορον, καὶ Νικάνορα, καὶ Τίμωνα, καὶ Παρμενᾶν, καὶ Νικόλαον προσήλυτον Ἀντιοχέα, οὓς ἔστησαν ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ προσευξάμενοι ἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας. Καὶ ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ηὔξανεν, καὶ ἐπληθύνετο ὁ ἀριθμὸς τῶν μαθητῶν ἐν Ἱερουσαλὴμ σφόδρα, πολύς τε ὄχλος τῶν ἱερέων ὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει EPISTLE Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7 IN THOSE DAYS, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochoros, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaos, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. 4

5 ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΟ Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 15:43-47, 16:1-8 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθὼν Ιωσὴφ ὁ ἀπὸ Αριμαθαίας, εὐσχήμων βουλευτής, ὃς καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν προσδεχόμενος τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, τολμήσας εἰσῆλθε πρὸς Πιλᾶτον καὶ ᾐτήσατο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ιησοῦ. ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἐθαύμασεν εἰ ἤδη τέθνηκε, καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τὸν κεντυρίωνα ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν εἰ πάλαι ἀπέθανε καὶ γνοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ κεντυρίωνος ἐδωρήσατο τὸ σῶμα τῷ Ιωσήφ. καὶ ἀγοράσας σινδόνα καὶ καθελὼν αὐτὸν ἐνείλησε τῇ σινδόνι καὶ κατέθηκεν αὐτὸν ἐν μνημείῳ, ὃ ἦν λελατομημένον ἐκ πέτρας, καὶ προσεκύλισε λίθον ἐπὶ τὴν θύραν τοῦ μνημείου. ἡ δὲ Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία Ιωσῆ ἐθεώρουν ποῦ τίθεται. Καὶ διαγενομένου τοῦ σαββάτου Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ιακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν αὐτόν. καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῆς μιᾶς σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολὴν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν. ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε Ιησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ὧδε ἴδε ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. ἀλλ ὑπάγετε εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ GOSPEL The Gospel of Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8 At that time, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. 5

6 Συμβολον Της Πίστεως Πιστεύω εἰς ἕνα Θεόν, Πατέρα, Παντοκράτορα, ποιητὴν οὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς, ὁρατῶν τε πάντων καὶ ἀοράτων. Καὶ εἰς ἕνα Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ, τὸν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντα πρὸ πάντων τῶν αἰώνων φῶς ἐκ φωτός, Θεὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ, γεννηθέντα οὐ ποιηθέντα, ὁμοούσιον τῷ Πατρί, δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο. Τὸν δι' ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ σαρκωθέντα ἐκ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου καὶ Μαρίας τῆς Παρθένου καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα. Σταυρωθέντα τε ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου, καὶ παθόντα καὶ ταφέντα. Καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρα κατὰ τὰς Γραφάς. Καὶ ἀνελθόντα εἰς τοὺς οὐρανοὺς καὶ καθεζόμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Πατρός. Καὶ πάλιν ἐρχόμενον μετὰ δόξης κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, οὗ τῆς βασιλείας οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. Καὶ εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸ Κύριον, τὸ ζωοποιόν, τὸ ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκπορευόμενον, τὸ σὺν Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ συμπροσκυνούμενον καὶ συνδοξαζόμενον, τὸ λαλῆσαν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν. Εἰς μίαν, Ἁγίαν, Καθολικὴν καὶ Ἀποστολικὴν Ἐκκλησίαν. Ὁμολογῶ ἓν βάπτισμα εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν. Προσδοκῶ ἀνάστασιν νεκρῶν. Καὶ ζωὴν τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Ἀμήν. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen. Κυριακή Προσευχή Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου. Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον. Καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν. Καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ρῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ. The Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ΕΥΧΕΣ ΠΡΟ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΙΑΣ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ Πιστεύω, Κύριε, και ομολογώ ότι συ ει αληθώς ο Χριστός, ο Υιός του Θεού του ζώντος, ο ελθών εις τον κόσμον αμαρτωλούς σώσαι, ων πρώτος ειμί εγώ. Έτι πιστεύω, ότι τούτο αυτό εστί το αχράντον Σώμα σου και τούτο αυτό εστί το τίμιον Αίμα σου. Δέομαι ουν σου, ελέησόν με και συγχώρησον μοι τα παραπτώματά μου, τα εκούσια και τα ακούσια, τα εν λόγω, τα εν έργω, τα εν γνώσει και αγνοία, και αξίωσόν με ακατακρίτως μετασχείν των αχράντων σου μυστηρίων, εις άφεσιν αμαρτιών, και εις ζωήν αιώνιον. Αμήν. Ιδού βαδίζω προς Θείαν Κοινωνίαν, Πλαστουργέ, μη φλέξης με τη μετουσία, Πυρ γαρ υπάρχεις τους αναξίους φλέγον. Αλλ ουν κάθαρον εκ πάσης με κηλίδος. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το 6

7 μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. Θεουργόν Αίμα φρίξον, άνθρωπε βλέπων, Άνθραξ γαρ εστί τους αναξίους φλέγων, Θεού το Σώμα, και θεοί με, και τρέφει, Θεοί το πνεύμα, τον δε νουν τρέφει ξένως. Έθελξας πόθω με Χριστέ, και ηλλοίωσας τω θείω έρωτι, αλλά κατάφλεξον πυρί αϋλω τας αμαρτίας μου, και εμπλησθήναι της εν σοι τρυφής καταξίωσον, ίνα τας δύο σκιρτών μεγαλύνω, Αγαθέ, παρουσίας σου. Εν ταις λαμπρότησι των αγίων σου, πως εισελεύσομαι ο ανάξιος; Εάν γαρ τολμήσω συνεισελθείν εις τον νυμφώνα, ο χιτών με ελέγχει. Ότι ουκ έστι του γάμου, και δέσμιος εκβαλούμαι υπό των Αγγέλων, καθάρισον, Κύριε, τον ρύπον της ψυχής μου, και σώσον με, ως φιλάνθρωπος. Δέσποτα φιλάνθρωπε, Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, ο Θεός μου, μη εις κρίμα μοι γένοιτο τα Άγια ταύτα, δια το ανάξιον είναι με, αλλ εις κάθαρσιν και αγιασμόν ψυχής τε και σώματος, και εις αρραβώνα μελλούσης ζωής και βασιλείας. Εμοί δε το προσκολλάσθαι τω Θεώ αγαθόν εστί, τίθεσθαι εν τω Κυρίω την ελπίδα της σωτηρίας μου. Του Δείπνου σου του μυστικού, σήμερον, Υιέ Θεού, κοινωνόν με παράλαβε, ου μη γαρ τοις εχθροίς σου το μυστήριον είπω, ου φίλημα σοι δώσω, καθάπερ ο Ιούδας, αλλ ως ο Ληστής ομολογώ σοι. Μνήσθητι μου Κύριε, εν τη βασιλεία σου. PRAYERS BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION I believe, Lord, and I confess, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. Moreover, I believe that this is Your immaculate Body, and that this is Your precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray to You: have mercy on me, and forgive me my transgressions, those voluntary and involuntary, those in word, those in deed, those in knowledge and those in ignorance; and make me worthy to partake of Your immaculate Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen. Behold, I approach for divine Communion; Creator, burn me not as I partake; For You are Fire, which burns the unworthy. But, rather, cleanse me from every impurity. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Be awe-stricken, O man, beholding the deifying Blood; For it is a lighted Coal that burns the unworthy. The divine Body both deifies and nourishes me; It deifies the spirit, and wondrously nourishes the mind. You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by Your divine zeal You have changed me; but burn away my sins with immaterial Fire, and make me worthy to be filled with delight in You; that, leaping for joy, O good One, I may magnify Your two comings. Into the brilliant company of Your saints, how shall I the unworthy enter? For if I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my garment betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels; Lord, cleanse my soul of pollution, and save me, for You love mankind. Master, Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ my God, do not let these Holy Things be to me for judgment because of my unworthiness, but rather may they be for the purification and sanctification of soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave to God, to put my hope of salvation in the Lord. Of Your Mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Your enemies; nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief I confess You: Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Master, when You come into Your Kingdom! Remember me, Holy One, when You come into Your Kingdom! 7

8 SAINTS AND FEASTS The Holy Hieromartyr Symeon, Kinsman of the Lord April 27th Symeon was a first cousin of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the son of Clopas (or Cleopas, also called Alphaeus), the brother of Joseph the Betrothed. He became the second Bishop of Jerusalem, as a successor to James the Brother of God. He ended his life when he was crucified during the reign of Trajan, in 107, at the age of James the Apostle & brother of St. John the Theologian April 30th James was one of the Twelve, like his brother John (celebrated on Sept. 26), whom the Lord called "Sons of Thunder," because they became great preachers and because of their profound theology. It was the Saint's boldness in preaching the Gospel that Herod Agrippa, the son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great, could not endure, and so he took him into custody during the days of the Passover, and slew him with the sword (Acts 12: 1-2); and thus he drank the cup of which the Saviour had spoken to him prophetically (Matt. 20:23). As for Herod, the following year he went down to Caesarea, and, as the Acts of the Apostles records: "Upon a set day, Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration" to the elders of Tyre and Sidon; and the flatterers that surrounded him "gave a shout, saying, 'it is the voice of a god, and not of a man.' And immediately an Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and like his grandfather (see Dec. 29) "he was eaten of worms and gave up the spirit" (Acts 12:21-23) 8

9 PRAYER LIST If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact the church office. Maria, Simeon, Nikitas, Andreas, Constantine, Andreas, Pavlos, Elena, Elaine, Presbytera Flora, Louis, Fr. Peter, Kathy, Kalliope, Maria, Chris, John, Georgia, Jennie, Dean, Chrisanthi, Aziz, Wendy, Achilleas, Bill, and Sylvia. PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent Your onlybegotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit and heal me Your servant from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant me patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You heal me as Your servant and grant me the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 9

10 April 10, 2015 Ten-Year Memorial of the Repose of Archbishop Iakovos To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On behalf of our Holy Eparchial Synod, I am writing to you in recognition of the ten-year anniversary of the falling asleep in the Lord of our beloved Archbishop Iakovos, late Archbishop of North and South America. This month is also the 56 th anniversary of His Eminence s enthronement as Archbishop, and we have reflected on his legacy of leadership in the recent events marking the 50 th anniversary of the historic March on Selma in which Archbishop Iakovos participated. In the ongoing ministry of our Holy Archdiocese and in the vitality of our witness of our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage, we continue to see the work and vision of Archbishop Iakovos through his many years of dedicated service to Christ and His Church. In memory of his life and service as a faithful shepherd of the people of God, I ask all of our parishes to conduct a ten-year memorial service on Sunday, April 26. In the joy and light of the Paschal Season, may we celebrate his inspiring life. May we continue to be inspired by the life and leadership of Archbishop Iakovos and honor his memory and example by building on the foundation of Christ a sacred and enduring work of faith and love. With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America 10

11 Please join us TODAY for our stewardship brunch, following the Divine Liturgy!! FESTIVAL: Looking for interested vendors for our May Festival. If you are interested in being a vendor or have any contacts for vendors, please call Effie THE MORE YOU KNOW VISITATION: Not everyone has . Not everyone has the ability to come to church on Sundays. The place of the priest is primarily in front of the altar then he should be in your home or business not sitting in his office. I am inviting myself to your home/apartment to share with you the good news of our parish. Please contact Father Michael at (301) CONFESSION: Father Michael is available for confession at your convenience. Please call on his cell phone at (301) or fm@papouli.net for an appointment. ATTENTION PARENTS: Do you have a college-aged son or daughter? We are again sending out college care packages to the college-aged young adults of Sts. Constantine & Helen. Please call or your son s or daughter's college mailing address to Heidi Mantzouranis at by April 19th. This is a congratulatory gift from their parish that they will treasure always. 11

12 REMARKS BY: HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS OF AMERICA ON GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY WHITE HOUSE - APRIL 16, 2015 Mr. President, Once again, favored by your kindness, we have as Greek American Orthodox Community the great honor and special privilege to celebrate Greek Independence Day at the White House. This is truly a sacred and awesome tribute to the heroic Revolution of March 25, 1821, by which our ancestors, against all negative predictions, regained their freedom and established the independent Hellenic State after four bitter centuries under harsh foreign occupation. We are deeply moved and wholeheartedly grateful to you, Mr. President, for offering to us such a unique opportunity. We are also very grateful for your declaration on the occasion of the celebration of Greek Independence Day. Your declaration was received with great appreciation and tremendous enthusiasm here and abroad. This enthusiasm is the result of the fact that in your text you delineate in a precise, unequivocal and beautiful language the long-standing unbroken bond of love, appreciation and permanent alliance between the United States of America and Greece. You eloquently present the common passion and struggles for democracy, freedom and justice for all, the respect for the human person and the promotion of human dignity and human rights for all peoples. This time, however, Mr. President, there is an important new element in our yearly celebration at the White House. This time we meet after Easter while we celebrate in ineffable joy the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The vision and perspective of the Resurrection inspired the fighters of the Greek Revolution of 1821, because the Resurrection establishes as a fact that nothing is impossible. The vision and perspective of the Resurrection has also been one of your powerful guiding principles as manifested in the series of Easter Breakfasts for the leaders of the Faith Communities of our country which you have established, the sixth of which we celebrated in this very Hall ten days ago. As you said, the Resurrection of Christ coming after His most dramatic Passion offers a terrific perspective in resolving difficult current issues. We believe in the Resurrection, therefore, any impasse in Near, Middle or Far East can be overcome. We believe in the Resurrection, therefore, violent conflicts in Africa can be eradicated. We believe in the Resurrection, therefore, the issues of the Religious Freedom of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, the persisting Cyprus tragic division, the financial crisis in Greece and the continuous dispute over the name of FYROM, can be successfully confronted and resolved. We believe in the Resurrection, therefore, the painful dark issues of human trafficking, racism and violence of all sorts can be drastically eliminated. We are with you, Mr. President, your administration and your noble Family, as you diligently work and unyieldingly fight to resolve these issues. We are with you in fervent prayer fully sharing the firm faith that through the Resurrection nothing is impossible. If the Crucified and Risen Christ has transferred humanity from death to life, and from earth to heaven, if He led the Greek people in 1821 from slavery to freedom, from subjugation to independence, then He certainly will lead us out of our impasses and problems to new creative life filled with love, joy and happiness, in the spirit of true and full liberty and freedom. After the Passion, the Resurrection is simply inevitable. Thank you. 12

13 STEWARDSHIP By: Fr. Stephen Freeman The Work That Saves Do we cooperate in our salvation? Do our efforts make a difference? These questions lie at the heart of a centuries-old religious debate in Christianity. Classically, the Protestant reformers said, No, to these questions, arguing that we are saved solely and utterly by God s grace, His unmerited favor. The Catholic Church replied that faith without works is dead and that faith alone is insufficient. This debate, with various twists and turns, has continued down through the centuries of Christian culture. At one point, there were complaints of cheap grace, where the exaltation of pure grace over works led to a very complacent and lazy Christianity. There were also periods of extreme reaction, with guilt-driven excesses of devotion. Eastern Orthodoxy is a late-comer to this debate, but it is not a stranger. Contemporary Orthodox are quick to latch on to the doctrine of synergy and take sides against the cheap grace of Protestant Evangelicalism. Classically, Orthodox thought holds both that we are saved through the action of God (grace), but that we necessarily cooperated in that work (synergy=cooperation). For many converts, this balance has seemed attractive and a needed corrective to the feel-good theology of contemporary Christian culture. But it has a dark side. That dark side is found in the echoes of the guilt-ridden specters of works-righteousness. How much cooperation is enough? For it is obvious that we do not pray as we should or give as we should or do anything as we should. If our cooperation is required, are we failing? For many in our culture the answer is inevitably, Yes. They never do enough, anywhere at any time. Their lives are haunted with disapproval and shame, wellworn paths that rarely let them venture into joy. But it is a mistake to embrace synergy as part of the classical Protestant/Catholic debate. It was an answer to a question asked in a very different context and in centuries that long-predated the modern conversation. Synergy is not a talking-point within the grace-versus-works debate. Synergy is certainly an affirmation of the human role in salvation. Its most famous example is found in the yes of the Mother of God in the Incarnation of Christ. Her acceptance and embrace of the heavenly announcement are seen as necessary components in God-becoming-man. God does not impose Himself upon human freedom. Our free response is required for the life of true Personhood that is the hallmark of salvation. Synergy is properly seen as response rather than work. The whole life of salvation is marked by grace and is gracious in all its aspects. Consider this statement in St. Paul: Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness (Rom 4:4-5). There is a kind of work that has no wages and does not belong to the world of debt described by St. Paul. And it is this sort of work that is encompassed in the term synergy. That work can be described as gracious response. It is worth noting two instances in which the work of our spiritual lives is described: Then they said to Him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent. (Joh 6:28-29) and Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Th 5:16-18) In the first case, work is equated with believing. It means that the work we do is to love Christ and to keep His commandments. In the second case, the will of God is fulfilled in giving thanks for all things. The dynamic of saving grace in our lives is marked by becoming like God. God gives graciously and freely. We receive graciously and freely by giving thanks for all things. In this manner, our own work is itself marked by a kind of grace. We cannot hear the meaning of grace in English, but in the Greek, it also carries the meaning of gift (it s the same word). Gifts are never given with an expectation of return they are gracious and free. But 13

14 (continued from pg. 13) they are only rightly received with thanksgiving. This is true of the life of grace in the believer. There is a highly moralized version of synergy, in which God is seen to give us grace, but we must do something in our lives to make it effective. In this model we are always judging the results of our cooperation with grace, and assuming that the lousy outcomes we see are simply our fault. This experience becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and remorse. It is a distortion of grace-filled synergy. I have written about the unmoral Christian. My intention has been to unmask and disarm this false notion of synergy. We indeed are not saved through the works that Protestants tend to criticize. The work we do is largely a state of heart from which all subsequent grace-empowered actions flow. That state of heart is best described as grateful thanksgiving. The Eucharistic life is the true existence of the Christian. The giving of thanks is the first of all works and the sine qua non of the spiritual life. Everything that proceeds from the giving of thanks works to our salvation. That which does not proceed from the giving of thanks tends to work to our destruction. In discussions of synergy, the wrong treatment of pastoral matters can produce despair and distrust in naive readers whose expectations have been raised through the reading of the lives of the saints and yet whose experience is marked by the same repeated moral failures that they have always known. Well-intentioned but ignorant writers argue that what is needed is yet more moral goading. I have been criticized for possibly lightening the moral load or suggesting that all moral effort is of no use. One form of moral effort is indeed of no use. It belongs to the same category as the works criticized by Protestant theology. We pray, with no understanding, laboring to complete a prayer rule that amounts to little more than going through the motions. We fast as though every slip were a matter of sin in need of confession. Some go so far as to carefully search through the labels on every grocery product, seeking for tale-tell signs of milk products, having invented for themselves a new yoke of bondage that turns Orthodox fasting into a new version of kosher. In short, there is a form of asceticism that is ill-taught and ill-practiced and produces either despairing Christians or oppressive Pharisees. The grounding of the Christian life is thanksgiving. If you cannot fast with thanksgiving, your fast will be of little use. The same extends to all Christian practices and commandments. The essential work of the Christian life is grateful thanksgiving. It is for this reason that Fr. Alexander Schmemann wrote: Anyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation. There are very deep forms of asceticism, but even these are rightly rooted in the giving of thanks. In the 20th century, perhaps no saint is better known for his ascetical achievements than St. Silouan of Athos. He is known to have endured some 15 years of the experience of hell in his prayers. At its depth, he heard Christ say, Keep your mind in hell and despair not. His interpreter and biographer, the Elder Sophrony of Essex, however, is reported to have said, If you will give God thanks always and for all things, you will fulfill the saying, Keep your mind in hell and despair not. The first duty of a spiritual father is to lead a soul into the practice of giving thanks. In this manner they will acquire the Spirit of Peace and be able to sustain the Christian life. But without thanksgiving, they will only fall into despair or delusion. Thanksgiving is the foundation of the Christian life. When this is understood and in place, other things can be properly understood. For example, it is common to read in the spiritual writings of Orthodoxy terms such as self-loathing. This is quite common, for example, in the Elder Sophrony s work. It is very easily taken in the wrong way and those without a proper foundation will likely come away with a terrible distortion. Self-loathing, in the sense that it is used, is not brought about by the contemplation of our sins (a moral condemnation and disgust with the self). It is rather brought about by the contemplation of God s love and His fullness of being. It is only as we see ourselves in the light of God Himself, that we can achieve the self-loathing that Sophrony describes. But even this is joyful, because it takes place in the gracious presence of the grace-giving God. Thanksgiving, as gracious gift, draws us into the very life of the Trinity. For it is that Life that is described by St. John Chrysostom in his Liturgy: The priest prays: but account me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer gifts to You. For You are the Offerer and the Offered, the Receiver and the Received, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. It is this gifting life of the Offerer and the Offered, the Receiver and the Received that we enter as we rightly give thanks always for all things. This is our work, our true synergy, without which we cannot be saved. 14

15 What Do the 153 Fish Caught by the Apostle Peter Signify? By St. Maximus the Confessor Simon Peter went up and drew the net to the land, full of large fish, a hundred and fiftythree; and though there were so many, the net was not torn"[jn. 21:11]. What does the number of the one hundred and fifty-three fish in the Gospel signify? By beginning at one and adding until seventeen [ = 153], you will generate this number. Thus, this signifies that precisely through the fulfillment of the ten commandments and through the seven activities of the Holy Spirit, those who are being saved will enter into the kingdom of the heavens; or also, it signifies those who are being saved and made worthy of the kingdom through the Faith of the Holy Trinity and by the hope of things to come - for the number fifty goes beyond the sevenfold [number] of weekly time - and by the operation of the commandments, which is signified by the number one hundred. From Questions and Doubts, "Question 56," trans. Despina D. Prassas (DeKalb, IL: Northern Illinois University Press, 2009), p

16 Stewards as of April 26, 2015 The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen. Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one by mail! Mr. & Mrs. Harry Adams Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Aggelis Mr. & Mrs. John Alexiou Ms. Janis Anderson Mrs. Pauline Andrakakos Anonymous Mr. Marinos Apostolopoulos Mrs. Hazel Iris Aravanis Mr. & Mrs. Haralambos Athanasakis Mr. Emmanuel Atsalinos Ms. Marie Bedard Mr. & Mrs. George Bergeris Mr. Nicholas Bergeris Mrs. Pauline Bergeris Mrs. Bessie Bezantakos Mr. & Mrs. John Binford Miss Victoria Binford Mr. & Mrs. John Bokas Mrs. Efstathia Bourdosis Mr. & Mrs. George Bourzikos Mr. Stelios Callas Mrs. Helen Calles Mr. Anthony J. Calomeris Ms. Maria Calomeris Mrs. Pauline Calomiris Ms. Kathy Campoli Mr. & Mrs. George A. Caperones Mr. & Mrs. George W. Caperones Mr. Nick Caviris Mr. & Mrs. George Chahalis Mrs. Helen Chanakas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Chapin Ms. Sofia Chatos Mr. & Mrs. James P. Cheakalos Mr. & Mrs. John T. Cheakalos Mrs. John W. Cheakalos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cheakalos Miss Alexia Christian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Christian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Clifton Mr. & Mrs. Pete Dakoulas Mr. & Mrs. Jim Deligianis Miss Georgia Dialektakos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Dialektakos Mr. George D. Dimopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Dizelos Ms. Agapi Doulaveris Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Doulaveris Father & Mrs. Michael Eaccarino Mr. & Mrs. Joanna Eisenacher Ms. Georgia Ferentinos Mr. & Mrs. Max Ferentinos Mr. & Mrs. Metaxas K. Ferentinos Mrs. Sophia Ferentinos Mrs. Geneva Foster Mr. Christo Foundas Mr. & Mrs. George Galiachatos Mr. & Mrs. David Gamzon Mr. & Mrs. George Georgiou Ms. Demetra Georgopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Georgopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Sarantos Georgopoulos Miss Anastasia Gerohristodoulos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Gerohristodoulos Mr. George Gerohristodoulos Miss Sophia Gerohristodoulos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Glekas Ms. Xenia Hajicosti Mr. & Mrs. George Haramis Mr. George Haris Mrs. Paraskevoula Hays Mr. & Mrs. Gus Ioakim Ms. Patricia E. Jenkins Mrs. Maria Kafarakis Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Kafarakis Mr. Bill Kalamoutsos Mrs. Eleni Kalamoutsos Mr. & Mrs. George Kalargyros Mrs. Coula Kaleyias Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kaldis Miss Angeleke Kaldis Mr. Spiros A. Kaldis Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kaldis Miss Anna Karadimas Mr. Athanasios Karadimas Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Karadimas Mr. & Mrs. John Karagiannis Mr. & Mrs. Erman Karakaya 16 Mr. & Mrs. George Katsafanas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kavadias Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Kavadias Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kavadias Ms. Theodora Kavadias Mrs. Vasso G. Kavadias Mrs. Kalliopi Kavoures Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Keith Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kontos Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kontos Mrs. Maria Koskinas Ms. Olympia Koskinas Mr. & Mrs. Demetre Koutras Mr. & Mrs. George A. Koutras Mr. & Mrs. John Koutsouli Ms. Anastasia Kyritsopoulos Ms. Catherine Kyritsopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas Lalekos Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Lappas Mr. Dimitrios Lappas Miss Maria Lappas Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Levantis Ms. Georgia Lindroth Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Mantzouranis Mr. Constantine G. Mantzouranis Mr. George A. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. George C. Mantzouranis Mr. George J. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. John A. Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. John G. Mantzouranis Mrs. Theano Mantzouranis Mrs. Ernest A. Mantzouris Ms. Sophie Manus Ms. Stella Manus Mr. Christos Marafatsos Mr. Dimitrios P. Marafatsos Mr. & Mrs. George Marafatsos Mr. & Mrs. Petros Marafatsos Mr. & Mrs. Petros G. Marafatsos Mr. Georgios Marinos Mr. Alex & Dr. Despina Markogiannakis Mr. & Mrs. George Markopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Markos Mr. & Mrs. Cleon Marlas

17 Stewards as of April 26, 2015 The following names are of families who love their God and have renewed their Commitment to the Church Ministries of Sts. Constantine & Helen. Stewardship pamphlets are available in the Narthex of the Church, or you may contact the Church office, and we will gladly send one by mail! Mr. & Mrs. Efrem Maroules Mr. & Mrs. Harriet Maroules Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Mathis Mrs. Terpsie Matrakas Mr. & Mrs. Theodore G. Matrakas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Matthews Mr. Josif Mavridis Miss Cassiane Mavromatis Miss Cornelia Mavromatis Mr. Elias Mavromatis Mr. Jacob Mavromatis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Mavromatis Ms. Sylvia Michael Mrs. Alexandra Michaels Mr. Constaninos J. Mihailidis Mr. & Mrs. John Mihailidis Miss Vasilki Mihailidis Mr. Louis Mikedes Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Morton Mr. George Moshogianis Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Moshogianis Mr. & Mrs. James Moshovitis Mr. Efstratios Mourtzanakis Ms. Maria Nasios Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios Nasios Ms. Zoe Nasios Mr. & Mrs. Costas Nathenas Ms. Pelagia Nathenas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Nixon Mr. & Mrs. Michael O Donnell Mr. Patrick O Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Demetri Paidas Ms. Anastasia Panos Mr. Dimitrios Papaloizos Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Papaloizos Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Papaloizos Mr. & Mrs. James Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas P. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Charles Papuchis Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Paschalidis Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Paspalis Mr. & Mrs. Harry Perrus Mr. & Mrs. James Perrus Mr. & Mrs. Robert Perry Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Petropoulos Mr. Michael Pittas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Pittas Mrs. Barbara Pollos Ms. Stella Marafatsos-Prokopic Mr. & Mrs. Charilaos Psallidas Ms. Angela Rakis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Rakis Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Raptis Mr. Anastasios Recachinas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew A. Recachinas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Recachinas Mrs. Helen Retzos Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Rozakis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Sakkos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Sakkos Mrs. Demetra Santorios Mr. & Mrs. Max Schindler Mrs. Litsa Sekas Ms. Sophia Severino Mrs. Angeliki Sideris Mr. & Mrs. George Sideris Miss Georgia Sideris Miss Theodora Sideris Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Siegel Mr. George Siozios Mr. & Mrs.Vasilis Skaltsas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Solomos Mr. & Mrs. Pete T. Spiropoulos Miss Maria Stamos Mr. & Mrs. William Stamos Mr. Sokratis Stassinos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Stathes Mr. & Mrs. John P. Stathes Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stathes Mrs. Athena Strates Ms. Panagiota Strats Miss Viktoria Taradouki Mr. & Mrs. Peter Themistokleous Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Themistos Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Thornberg Mr. & Mrs. Charles Tiches, II Mrs. Louis J. Tiches Mr. Louis J. Tiches, II 17 Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios Tiches Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Triantis Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Trischuk Mr. & Mrs. Peter Tsahalis Miss Maria Tsigas Mr. & Mrs. George Tsioros Mr. Stelios Tsioros Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios P. Tsipianitis Mr. Panayioti Tsipianitis Mr. Konstantinos Tsonis Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tzamaras Mr. & Mrs. Avgerinos Vakalopoulos Mr. Xenofon Vakalopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Vithoulkas Mr. Spiros Vithoulkas Miss Alexandra Ward Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Ward Mr. & Mrs. Anton Wasef Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wells Mr. David Wooten Mr. George Xeron Mr. Peter E. Yakas Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Yeonas Mr. & Mrs. George Yfantis Mr. Chirs Yfantis Ms. Vasso Yfantis Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Zayas Mr. & Mrs. Petros Zervas Mrs. Anastasia Zibragos

18 Do You Believe? By: Bill Marianes I understand death. I ve seen it. I buried a goldfish that my daughter really loved but which died notwithstanding her great love. I have buried a father, two in-laws, grandparents and best friends, all of whom I have loved very much. Death is all around us and it s touched all of us. It s about all the evening news likes to talk about. I get death. And I know it will one day get me. What I have trouble with sometimes is resurrection. I haven t seen it. I don t actually know anyone who came back from the dead. My daughter s goldfish is still buried in our back yard. The physical remnants of loved-ones are scattered in cemeteries all over this country and in Greece. So is resurrection real? Am I the only person who sometimes has doubts? I got to wondering, so I decided to do some research. That s what lawyers do. In his outstanding book, America Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, Harvard researcher Robert Putman presents the amazing fact that with respect to Americans: Eighty percent are absolutely sure that there is a God. And yet he reports that only sixty percent are absolutely sure that there is a heaven, although fewer (52%) have this level of certainty about life after death Which led to his conclusion that: the vast majority of Americans also believe in God, but Americans are less sure about life beyond the grave. Well maybe it is just a modern American thing. Perhaps it is that secular humanist, anti-christian epidemic that seems to be overtaking our One nation under God. So I decided to research the best believers I could find who lived in a different time and place. Christ s Apostles. Among the most faithful men of all times who gave up everything to follow our Lord and ultimately died executing his final instructions to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19). For several years, almost every day of their lives, they walked with Christ, they ate with Christ, they were directly taught by Christ, and they saw miracle after miracle He performed. Indeed, right before the triumphant entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem (on the day we now celebrate as Palm Sunday), they saw what had to be the ultimate proof of his divinity and the promise of resurrection. Four days after the death of a dear friend of our Lord (according to John 11:5), Christ brings Lazarus back from the dead and clearly says: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11:25) It can t get any clearer than that, can it? Christ makes resurrection definitive, undeniable, and the Disciples (and others) see it with their own eyes. No witness can possibly have any more doubts about resurrection, right? Well, not so fast. Just a few days later, these very saintly and devout Disciples actually did doubt. I couldn t believe it. They saw with their own eyes, and yet they doubted. Could that be true? Now I am no theologian or Biblical scholar, but it seemed to this simple country lawyer that again, research was called for. I encourage you to seek proper guidance from a Theologian or scholar. But I just had to see for myself. So I looked at what the Apostles told us in their very own words in the Gospels they wrote. And I found it easily. They didn t attempt to hide their lack of faith or disbelief in an effort to make themselves somehow sound better or more courageous. They were honest and just told us the truth. They doubted. These holiest of holy men repeat 18

19 (continued from pg. 18) edly heard our Lord describe resurrection, and they saw him demonstrate it with his friend Lazarus (and others). Yet once they witnessed Christ s death on the cross, that perhaps devilish doubt overcame them. Not once, or just one of them. But they all confessed it to us, their descendants. In Mark 16:11-13 we learn, first hand, what happened when Christ appeared to his faithful after his death and resurrection: And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. (emphasis added) After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. (emphasis added) As Matthew describes the Lord s appearance in giving the Disciples their Great Commission, he acknowledges that when the 11 disciples saw our Lord: they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17) (emphasis added). And the Apostle Luke also acknowledges that they did not believe in Luke 24:11. What in the world is going on? It appears that there was an epidemic of disbelief from those closest to our Lord. Those who saw Him, and heard Him, and professed to believe in Him. Yet all the eye witnesses, and the most faithful, publicly confess to us that they had their doubts about resurrection. I don t know about you, but this made me feel a little better when I sometimes have my doubts about things. It s like they knew we might sometimes need to be encouraged when we suffer our own occasional disbelief. And the synonym for doubt, Thomas, had his disbelief forever documented in John 20: To this day, we call one who lacks belief a doubting Thomas. The Apostle John tells us that Thomas would confess his belief only after our Lord let him reach out and touch the unthinkable injuries Christ suffered during His crucifixion. And in that precious and amazing moment, it s as if Christ speaks to all of us in this day and time: Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed. (John 20:29) There it is my brothers and sisters. A clear path to receiving our Lord s blessings. The simple act of belief. Belief in His resurrection. Not because we are like the over 500 hundred live witnesses who saw a resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 15:5-8), including the Apostle Peter (called Cephas in Holy Scripture), the other Apostles, James, and St. Paul who chronicles Christ s appearance after his death on the cross. We receive the promise that resurrection will be our fate, if only we have faith. And Hebrews 11:1 teaches us what faith is. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. So we come full circle. I haven t seen a human resurrection. Neither probably have you. And yet we are given a test of faith. What can we use to pass that test? How about a promise from our Lord? We hear such a promise in one of the many times our Lord promised us life after death. In John 13:36 when Simon Peter asks Christ: Lord, where are you going? Jesus answered him, Where I am going you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow Me afterward. So why do we have doubts? Why do at least 48% of us believe there is NOTHING after this life? And what can we do to learn to have faith? Now this is an important question each of us has to answer for ourselves. It s perhaps one of the most critical questions to which we must seek our own answers. But if we answer that we believe, our lives must change. No longer can we merely focus on the 50, 60, 70, 80 years we will have on this earth. We have to focus on a much larger objective and a longer period. All of eternity. Perhaps at this point you re wondering if I will share a secret formula or hidden pathway to belief. I will not. I can t. That s for you to prayerfully seek and find for yourself. However, I confess to you, that I do believe. I know resurrection to be the truth. How, you ask? How can you know and believe that which you have not seen? I have never seen subatomic particles, but I believe they exist. So I started to make a list of things I believe in but have never seen. My list included 19

20 (continued from pg. 19) sound, earthquakes, Mount Everest, energy, dreams, dinosaurs, emotions, the past, electrons, the Holy Spirit, the bottom of the ocean, that ALL people have good in them, cancer cells, gut feelings, my ability to lose the 20 pounds I have been losing for the last 20 years, very unsuccessfully. OK, I admit, that last one may not actually exist given my significant and well-chronicled inadequacies. But as I started to make my list I realized it was endless. Let s keep the dialogue on this going. If there is something you believe in but have not seen, me at Bill@stewardshipcalling.com. I will periodically update this list and the dialogue. I believe that if you prayerfully reflect on this you will discover many things in which you believe that you have not seen. These are all proofs that you have faith. Anyone who has ever flown in an airplane or driven a car understands faith. You trust that the other person in control of these multi-ton, fuel-filled projectiles will either stay out of your way or land it, and you, safely. But I also realized I have seen so many miracles in my own life that should help me with this faith journey. I have seen the miracle of the births of my two amazing daughters. I have seen the miracle of a sunset (the death of a day), followed by the resurrection of the sunrise on the next day. I have seen people sacrifice significantly and willingly without seeking a return on this earth. Can anything else explain our parents or those who serve and protect us every day. What about the love that we have all experienced, perhaps even when we didn t always deserve it. How about you? What miracles have you seen in your life. Again, share them with us all by ing me at Bill@stewardshipcalling.com. Not so that we can be voyeurs into your life or beliefs. But so that we too can believe without seeing and share this belief and faith together. Blind people do not physically see as we who have been given the blessing of sight do. And yet they are full of beliefs and will tell you that they believe that they see things sometimes more clearly than we sighted people do. In some respects, blindness can be both a physical phenomenon and a spiritual one. It can also be a self-inflected wound as it was for the Apostles and those who saw our Lord suffer and did not believe, that is, until they saw him after his resurrection. So do you believe in a resurrected Lord? Can you accept the word of holy eyewitnesses: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James and hundreds of others who saw and believed and shared their seeing and believing so that we who inherited these stories might also believe. If you do believe and call yourself a Christian, what are you doing with your life to demonstrate that belief? How are you living today, so that you can prepare yourself for the eternal life we have all been promised. When you discover WHY you are here on this earth, and what your Lord has called you to do, you prove you believe and have faith. When you figure out how to take the many gifts he has given you and deploy them for His greater glory and to help prepare you for theosis and salvation, you prove you believe and have faith. When you decide that every day you have left on this earth you will actually live your stewardship calling, you prove you believe and have faith. And when you believe and have faith, you actually become a steward of our Lord s gifts to you. It is to that purpose that I have decided to dedicate the remainder of my life as a stewardship calling evangelist. What s your purpose? What s your why? What s your stewardship calling? And most importantly, what are you doing, every day, to prepare a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ? I pray that you believe and have faith and become a living icon of Christ s presence every day. May God bless you on your journey as you discover and live your stewardship calling. My prayer for you is that you SOTPAETJ (stay on The Path and enjoy the journey). God Bless. 20

21 ARTICLE OF THE WEEK The Resurrection - Exclusive to Christianity ARCHIMANDRITE ARSENIOS KATERELOS Never and nowhere, in any false religion or human philosophy, has anyone ever given any thought whether seriously or in jest that it could ever be possible to vanquish the most undesirable intruder in man s life and our worst enemy death which is undoubtedly the supreme form of anguish in the present lifetime. Christ s Resurrection, which had abolished Death, has the common resurrection of all the dead as its immediate outcome. This is a truth that is genuinely Christian. It was not coined by the Disciples of Christ those simple fishermen who obviously were not predisposed for philosophies and theories. Victory over death is not a human invention; it is the work and the revelation of the Holy, Glorious, Triune God for the sake of fallen mankind. Never has anyone in antiquity from the wisest, the most intellectual, scientific, fanciful, romantic, to the most naive, lying, storytelling individual ever considered that it would be possible to defeat death. It has never been mentioned - not even in fairytales. It didn t even exist as nostalgia, and not because people would not have desired it quite the opposite. Quite simply, they regarded it as something so elusive, that they never dared to desire it or to even think of it. And we all know how in life we usually desire those things that we have some - even if only the slightest - possibility of attaining, or have seen others attain them Christianity is not a mere teaching; it primarily involves tangible and secured facts, from within which automatically springs forth the truth, without words - at least of its core teaching regarding God, mankind, the world, etc.. In the present instance, the Resurrection of Christ will have as its consequence the resurrection of the dead. Since Christ had foretold that He would rise from the dead and did in fact rise, and He had also said that we too would be resurrected, then, given that the former was realized, it is certain that the latter will also take place, since both are humanly impossible. The Resurrection of Christ is doubly secured: both by prophecy and by history, therefore it is the most certain of facts in mankind s history. That is why, over and over again, many times, Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen! 21

22 Γιατί ελιές και όχι λάδι Αναζητήσεις, Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή, Πνευματική Ζωή «Τώρα ποῦ μπήκαμε στήν περίοδο τῆς νηστείας ἔχω, μαζί μέ ἄλλους, δύο ἀπορίες. Ἡ πρώτη ἔχει σχέση μέ τήν ἑβδομάδα τῆς Τυροφάγου: Γιατί ἐπιτρέπεται τό γάλα καί τά γαλακτοκομικά προϊόντα καί δέν ἐπιτρέπεται τό κρέας; Ἀπαγορεύονται τά κοτόπουλα καί ἐπιτρέπονται τά αὐγά. Ἡ δεύτερη. Γιατί στόν καιρό τῆς Μ. Τεσσαρακοστῆς δέν τρῶμε ψάρια καί τρῶμε τά «θαλασσινά» καί τό χαβιάρι ἤ μερικές φορές τρῶμε ἐλιές καί ὄχι λάδι;» Εὔστοχη ἀπάντηση καί στά δύο ἐρωτήματα ἔχει δώσει ὁ ἅγιος Ἀθανάσιος ὁ Πάριος, μεγάλος διδάσκαλος τῆς Ἐκκλησίας. Γράφει σ ἕνα γιατρό: «Κατηγορεῖς τόν φίλο σου ἐπειδή τήν ἑβδομάδα τῆς Τυρινῆς τρώγει αὐγά δέν τρώγει ὅμως τήν κότταν ποῦ γεννᾶ τά αὐγά Ἀλλά ποία σύγκρισις ἠμπορεῖ νά γίνη μεταξύ του αὐγοῦ, ποῦ δέν εἶναι ζῶον καί τῆς κόττας, ποῦ εἶναι ζῶον; Τό αὐγό εἶναι πολύ κατώτερον ἀπό τήν ὄρνιθα. Καί ὡς ἀπόδειξιν ἐπικαλοῦμαι τήν δικήν σας γνώμην, δηλαδή τήν γνώμη τῶν ἰατρῶν. Εἰς ὅσους εἶναι ἄρρωστοι καί ἀρχίζουν νά εἰσέρχωνται εἰς τό στάδιον τῆς ἀναρρώσεως ὁρίζετε ὡς τροφήν τά μικρά καί τρυφερά κοττόπουλα καί ὄχι μίαν μεστωμένην ὄρνιθα. Διά ποῖον λόγον τό κάμνετε αὐτό; Διότι, λέγετε, τό παχύ καί λιπαρόν φαγητόν θά βλάψη αὐτόν ποῦ τώρα ἀρχίζει νά συνέρχεται ἀπό τήν ἀσθένειάν του, ἐπειδή ὁ στόμαχός του δέν ἔχει ἀκόμη τήν δύναμιν νά δεχθῆ καί νά χωνεύση βαρείας τροφᾶς. Ἀφοῦ λοιπόν ὑπάρχει διαφορά μεταξύ μικροῦ κοττόπουλου καί μεγάλης κόττας καί τό κοττόπουλον εἶναι ὡς τροφή πολύ κατώτερον εἰς δύναμιν ἀπό τήν κότταν καί οὐδείς ἰατρός εἶπε ποτέ ὅτι αὐγό, κοττόπουλον, κόττα εἶναι ὁμοία τροφή καί ἐξ ἴσου κατάλληλος διά τούς ἀσθενεῖς, δέν εἶναι φανερόν ὅτι ἀνοήτως μᾶς κατηγοροῦν διατί τρώγομεν αὐγά καί ὄχι ὄρνιθας; Μᾶς κατηγοροῦν ἀκόμη διατί τρώγομεν ἐλαίας, ὄχι ὅμως καί ἔλαιον, ἐνῶ μέσα εἰς τά ἐλαίας ὑπάρχει ἔλαιον. Ἀλλά καί μέσα εἰς τά σταφύλια ὑπάρχει οἶνος. Ὅσα ὅμως σταφύλια ἄν φάγωμεν δέν πρόκειται νά μεθύσωμεν, τό πολύ πολύ νά βαρυστομαχιάσωμεν». Ἄλλωστε οἱ ἐλιές ἀποτελοῦν ξηροφαγία. Τρώγονται, δηλαδή ὡς καρπός μέ ψωμί καί ξηρούς καρπούς σέ καιρό αὐστηρῆς νηστείας, ἐνῶ τό λάδι ἀφορᾶ στά φαγητά πολυάριθμα καί νοστιμώτατα ποῦ παρασκευάζονται μέ τό λάδι. Γιά τά πανάκριβα θαλασσινά καί τό χαβιάρι δέν θά μποροῦσε κανείς νά κάνη λόγο. Ἀποτελοῦν παρωδία νηστείας. Ὁ θεσμός τῆς νηστείας ἔχει μεγάλο πλάτος καί βάθος καί δέν περιορίζεται μονάχα στή χύτρα μας. Ἔχει βαθύ πνευματικό περιεχόμενο. Γιά τόν πνευματικό σκοπό τῆς νηστείας γράφει στήν «Ἐπί τοῦ Ὅρους Ὁμιλία» ὁ ἀείμνηστος π. Σεραφείμ Παπακώστας τά ἑξῆς: «Ἡ νηστεία εἶναι σπουδαῖο μέσο ἐπιβολῆς ἐπί τοῦ ἑαυτοῦ μας καί κυριαρχίας ἐπί ἐπιθυμιῶν τοῦ σώματος, ποῦ δύνανται νά ὁδηγήσουν εἰς πάσαν ἁμαρτίαν Ἡ νηστεία εἶναι ἐπίσης σπουδαία ἄσκησις καί γυμνασία, διά νά ἀποκόπτη ὁ Χριστιανός τό ἴδιον θέλημα, νά ταπεινώνεται, νά ὑπακούη, νά πειθαρχῆ εἰς ἀνωτέραν αὐθεντίαν, καί δή εἰς τόν Θεόν καί τήν Ἐκκλησίαν Ἀκόμη βοηθεῖ τόν Χριστιανόν ἀφ ἑνός νά ἐπιμένη καί προσκαρτερή εἰς τήν προσευχήν, διότι κάμνει τόν νοῦν καθαρώτερον καί προσεκτικώτερον Ἀφ ἑτέρου δέ βοηθεῖ εἰς τήν ἐλεημοσύνην», ὅταν φυσικά κάνουμε οἰκονομία μέ τή νηστεία. Σχετική εἶναι καί μιά ἄλλη ἐπιγραμματική διατύπωση: «Οὐ τό βραδυφαγῆσαι τοῦτο μόνον νηστεία ἐστίν, ἀλλά καί τό βραχυφαγῆσαι καί τό μή ποικιλοφαγῆσαι». Συμπληρωματική καί ἡ παρακάτω φράση: «Ἄσκησίς ἐστι τράπεζα ἐν μονοειδῆ τροφή συνισταμένη». Δέν ἀρκεῖ, δηλαδή, μονάχα νά περιμένης τό βράδυ γιά φαγητό. Πρέπει καί ἡ τροφή νά εἶναι μετρημένη. Καί προπάντων ὄχι πολυδάπανες νηστίσιμες ποικιλίες, ποῦ εἶναι παρωδία καί ἐμπαιγμός τῆς νηστείας. Σ αὐτό τό σημεῖο ἰδιαίτερα ἐπιμένει ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἡ πατερική σοφία. Ἡ νηστεία δέν εἶναι ἕνας ξηρός τύπος. Εἶναι προπάντων διάθεση ψυχική. Συνδυάζεται πάντα μέ τίς ἄλλες ἀρετές, τήν ἐγκράτεια, τήν προσευχή, τή φιλανθρωπία. «Τιμή νηστείας οὐ σιτίων ἀποχή, ἀλλά ἁμαρτημάτων ἀναχώρησις» τονίζει ὁ ἱερός Χρυσόστομος. Ἡ νηστεία μάλιστα πρέπει νά εἶναι ἔκφραση εἰλικρινοῦς μετανοίας, χωρίς τήν ὁποία τίποτα δέν μᾶς ὠφελεῖ. Ἴσα-ἴσα μπορεῖ νά μᾶς παραπλανᾶ καί νά μᾶς δημιουργῆ τήν ψευδαίσθηση τῆς πνευματικῆς αὐταρκείας. Μᾶς τό ὑπογραμμίζει τόσο καθαρά ὁ Θεός μέ τό στόμα τοῦ προφήτου Ἠσαΐα. Ἡ γλώσσα ποῦ χρησιμοποιεῖ ὁ φλογερός προφήτης ἐξ ὀνόματος τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἶναι πολύ σκληρή, ἀλλά καί ἀφυπνιστική. Στηλιτεύει τόν ὕπουλο πειρασμό τῆς ἀποκοιμιστικῆς τυπολατρίας, στόν ὁποῖο μπορεῖ νά καταντήση ἡ νηστεία (Ἤσ. ἅ 13, νή 3-7). «Μήν περιορίζης τό καλό της νηστείας μονάχα στήν ἀποχή ἀπό τά φαγητά. Νηστεία ἀληθινή εἶναι ἡ ἀποξένωση ἀπό τίς κακίες», τονίζει ὁ ὑμνητής τῆς νηστείας ὁ Μ. Βασίλειος. Απόσπασμα από το βιβλίο Ερωτήματα στον Ιησού Χριστό, Τόμος Α, του Γεωργίου Β. Μελέτη 22

23 Building Fund Ministry Social Event On Sunday April 19 th, the Roumeliotes of Washington DC and the Evrytanian Assoc. of America Chapter 10 Itia held a fundraiser at the Hellenic Center to benefit the Saints Constantine & Helen Nea Zoe Building Fund. There were over 100 people present and all enjoyed a great spread of food and drink. A brief presentation was made by Father Michael and the project architect Christ Kamages, updating the progress of the project and introducing some of the plans around the religious artifacts and iconography. The event raised $20,000 for the benefit of our new Church Home being built. On behalf of the community of Saints Constantine & Helen, we THANK the Roumeliotes and the Evrytanians for their love, hard work and commitment to our church. May God Bless You and all that you do!!!

24 24 Lead to Serve Last month, I had the honor of attending the Metropolis of Boston Young Professionals Leadership Summit with my cousin, Joe Mayes. This was an experience that proves that the church cares about its youth and young adults as it made an effort to bring people from this demographic together in fellowship to learn and connect on similar grounds. The theme of the entire weekend was lead to serve. The summit was opened by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, who gave a beautifully academic and inspiring presentation on leadership that outlined how Christ changed the way of leadership, from being served to serving. His Eminence outlined that leading in politics, intelligence, physical prowess, the work place, etc are all perishable forms of leadership because they are in constant competition with each other and thus, are unsustainable. Only leadership as exemplified in the Greek words and are comparable to Christ which means that these are the types of leadership we must emulate in all facets of our lives; at work, at home, and in the community. After the His Eminence spoke, the rest of the summit was lead by Mr. Tim Tassopoulos- Executive Vice President of Operations at Chick -fil-a. As many know, Chick-fil-A is a company with strong Christian morals and so it s no surprise that Mr. Tassopoulos is the highest ranking non-family employee in the organization, as he remains highly involved in his church community by teaching Sunday School and sitting on the Board of Trustees for Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Through multiple interactive lessons, young adults learned about leadership and its fundamentals as well as best practices and associated challenges. Sitting at tables consisting of between six and eight young adults, we were joined by an experienced leader in the community as we discussed the importance of setting goals and tackled scenarios such as how do leaders work for those around them. Other keynote speakers included Mr. Jim Speros- Executive Vice President of Corporate Communication Services at Fidelity Investments, Mrs. Catherine Avgiris- Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Comcast Cable, and Mr. Dean Triantafilou- Executive Director and CEO of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). At the end of the summit, a panel was held with each of the aforementioned keynote speakers (sans His Eminence) where many questions were asked and answered. As I am truly unable to do justice to the responses of these wonderful people and strong leaders, I wish to leave you with some quotes I was able to pull from the panel session: Fail forward. You re going to stumble on your journey, just make sure that you re moving forward when you do Forget Google, ask me! Let those that you lead know that you are approachable and willing to teach and help. Trust is earned, not something that you assert. Work-life balance is really just life. Be a servant, not a volunteer. When we volunteer it s most likely because it s convenient to us. Be a servant to those that you lead to truly lead to serve and embody the care that you wish to portray. Success is getting what you want, happiness is liking what you get. Don t give family the leftovers. Often we get home from work or school or community functions and are so tired from the good leading we ve done that we give what s leftover to our family. It s not fair, it s not enough, don t do it. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask that you make an effort to lead at work, at home, and in the community by being a servant. God expects a lot of us, but it isn t anything we can t achieve through faith and trust in Him! With Love, Elias Mavromatis And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. -Psalm 78:72

25 25

26 TODAY!! 26

27 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command to let the children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 27

28 28

29 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) Protocol Number 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command to let the children come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 29

30 OLI MAZI! Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Churc h of Washington, DC Temporary Church Address: St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD Office Address: 701 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD Phone: (240) office@schgocdc.org Website: Rev. Michael Eaccarino, Presiding Priest Cell Phone: (301) & fm@papouli.net We welcome all visitors among us always! We hope you find our worship true and reverent and our people here friendly and cordial. If you are seeking a spiritual home, we would be honored by your presence in our family. We are glad you chose to worship with us today. ALTAR BOYS Joe Mayes joem1222@gmail.com STEWARDSHIP Sotirios Nasios snasios@yahoo.com GREEK LANGUAGE MINISTRY Ifigenia Kambanis agkambanis@msn.com Erini Iatrou eirini.iatrou@gmail.com OUTREACH MINISTRY Ms. Anastasia Kyritsopoulos (301) a.kyritsopoulos2@gmail.com CHOIR Dr. Theodore Papaloizos ted@greek123.com Jr. GOYA/Sr. GOYA Alexandra Pittas pittasa@verizon.net GREEK DANCE MINISTRY Elaine Romas eromas@verizon.net Kristina Maria Paspalis kmpaspalis@gmail.com YOUNG AT HEART Helen Thornberg bwt602r@aol.com Christina Clifton Christina.Clifton@verizon.net CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Tara Kavadias tarakavadias@yahoo.com Assisted By: Voula Vithoulkas voulavithoulkas@gmail.com YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAL) Viktoria Taroudaki Victoria.taroudaki@gmail.com PHILOPTOCHOS Paraskevoula Hays voulaphilo@landmark.org HOPE & JOY Athanasia Raptis (301) Maria Poulakis maria.poulakis7@gmail.com 30

31 GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY Tel: (212) Fax: (212) YOUR PRIEST IS AVAILABLE TO YOU Protocol Number 24/7! 01/15 January 1, 2015 Feast of Saint Basil and New Year Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) Please call or text FM s cell phone ( ) or (fm@papouli.net) for anything you might need, including To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, appointments, the Day, Afternoon, questions and Church Schools, or any the Philoptochos special Sisterhoods, events. the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Fr. Michael: (301) Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, Ο ΙΕΡΕΥΣ youth, and families ΣΑΣ in need. ΕΙΝΑΙ Serving Orthodox ΣΤΗ children ΔΙΑΘΕΣΗ from throughout ΣΑΣ the United 24/7. States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve. Παρακαλώ να τον καλείτε στο κινητό τηλέφωνο για οτι This vital mission of Saint Basil Academy, carried out by the directors, staff, trustees and benefactors, is in keeping with our Lord s command θελετε. to let the Σας children ευχαριστούμε! come to me. This is accomplished through this ministry by bringing the love of Christ to those in need. Everything that is offered for the children and youth at Saint Basil s is offered in the name and presence of Christ. In daily care, in counseling and teaching, in recreation, and in worship, the students encounter Christ and His abundant and comforting love. Saint Basil Academy is also a place where the lives of the children and youth are guided in Christ. On the beautiful campus, in a nurturing environment of prayer and grace, they are led in the path of truth and love. They are shown the blessings of the life in Christ, how to follow His will and to find strength and assurance in His promises. They see the hope, joy, and power in a life of faith and a lifelong relationship with Him. This sacred work was also the focus of the patron saint of the Academy, Saint Basil. For the sick, orphans, travelers, and many others in need, he offered an encounter with Christ by taking His love to them. For others he guided them in truth and love through teaching and preaching, as a faithful and caring pastor, to their Savior and Redeemer. This is also our calling today. In our support for Saint Basil Academy, we are led by our Ladies Philoptochos Society and our local Philoptochos chapters in collecting an offering and in the celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopeta. We are also led by Christ and by the example of Saint Basil to fulfill the command of our Lord and let the children come to me. In your ministry in the parish and in your daily life in Christ, you are called to offer Him and guide others to an encounter with the Lord that will lead to abundant and eternal life. On this day may we offer our prayers and generous support for Saint Basil Academy. May we strengthen this vital work to children and youth in fulfilling the request of our Lord and in honoring the legacy of all who have established and supported this ministry in the past seventy years. May you also receive the abundant and rich blessings of our Lord at the beginning of this new year as we offer Him glory and honor unto the ages of ages! With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL MINISTRY 31