The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 September/October September/October Page 1 Volume 11, Issue 5 A Publication of the Greek Orthodox Church The Voice of Saint George of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey ΔΙΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD. (Matt.3:3) «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3) A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR In This Issue Annual Dance Stewardship Our Faith AHEPA Awards Joy-Hope GOYA Dedication In Every Issue Priest s Message President s Message Church Calendar PTO News Sunday School News Greek School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Dear Faithful, As we begin our New Ecclesiastical Year in the month of September, the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 writes, Be watchful. Stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong, let all that you do be done in love. Be watchful. The temptations are many in our present culture: materialism, leisure and apathy as well as indifference, greed, drugs and sex, pornography, an ego-centric lifestyle, extreme secularism that often express hostility to Christ and the Church. Our Orthodox faith, based on the Church and the Bible, teaches us to live at a much higher level than just to please our passions, our desires and every last trend. Distractions from the spiritual life never cease, writes St. Peter (5:8). "Stand firm in your faith or hold to your convictions", as a modem translation puts it. Our Church has 2,000 years of a successful sacred tradition which has blessed people to grow in a Christ-centered faith. This tradition includes the 10 Commandments, the Golden Rule, the Sermon on the Mount, the Bible and Christian morality as Orthodoxy has understood it. Let us hold tight to what has proven to be excellent and life changing. "Be Courageous... be strong" is also translated "Give it all you've got, be resolute." The martyrs of our faith did just that. They remained firm and steady even in times of severe persecution. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,"writes St. James the Apostle (James 4:7-8). Let us not be seduced by the lure of pleasure and faithlessness. Christ enables us to overcome the temptation of apostasy. "Let all that you do be done in love" as "love without stopping." The Holy Spirit inspires us to live in agape-love, the world's most powerful force. Agape-love is invincible. The worst evil cannot overcome it. Christ proved it on the cross when He forgave his crucifiers, "Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they are doing." Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos ~~~~~~~~~~ Welcome Back ~~~~~~~~~~ Since we are all back from our vacations, it is NOW the perfect time when our beloved St. George can truly use our help and our volunteerism. Please lend a Helping Hand to our St. George, in whatever capacity you can, so that our Programs and Activities for the coming Ecclesiastical Year may run smoothly.

2 Page 2 September/October 2013 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Parish Ministries Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Priest Parish Council President George Petrantonakis Vice President / Administration Lampros Ε. Bourodimos Vice President / Operations George Zalokostas Secretary Bill Fottis Treasurer Andreas S. Savva Comptroller Antonios Kalogridis Jr. Members Demetrios Anastasatos Constantine Apostolakis George Athanasopoulos John Blazakis Katherine Catanzaro Thomas Kalanekos John Millas Perry Petsanas Dean Solomos The Voice of St. George Published bi-monthly by the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ Tel.: Fax: sggoc@optonline.net Editor in Chief: Alexandra Avgitidis Committee Members: Arete Bouhlas, Eftihia Karayiannidis, Polly Ploussiou, Katina Kehayas, Georgia Peterson. Periodical postage paid at Kilmer, NJ 08817, Permit # 379. The Voice of St. George is produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be found on the internet at Subscription is free for the members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. George GOC, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Effie Bouziotis, President Georgia Peterson, 1st Vice President Malvina Wilkens, 2nd Vice President Virginia Theokas, Rec. Secretary Anna Stevens, Corresp. Secretary Evangelia Manolakis, Treasurer Georgia Kouridakis, Ast. Treasurer Cantors and Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Katerina Kourti, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Iro Mavrianos, Teacher Church Organizations Parent Teacher Organization Aliki Doninger, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Kathy Miller, Secretary Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer GOYA George Stavrianidis President Ioanna Kontos, Vice President Joanna Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secretary Evangelia Makropoulos, Rec. Secretary Demetri Demos, Treasurer Hope Sirimis, Historian GOYA Advisors Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor John DeLaurentis, George Demos, Sophia Exarchakis, Evie Georgopoulos, Rita Polos, Roseanne Rexines, Peter Sirimis, Annie Sullivan JOY/HOPE Lefki Hadjiloucas Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Church Committees GET INVOLVED We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office Annual St. George Dinner Dance Bookmobile Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek School Historic Committee House & Grounds Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Relations Religious Artifacts Stewardship Technology Services Voice of St. George To Our St. George Parishioners The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.

3 September/October 2013 Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. Sunday 1 Sunday 8 Saturday 14 Sunday 15 Sunday 22 Sunday 29 SEPTEMBER Induction Ecclesiastical New Year Sunday before Holy Cross Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sunday after the Exaltation No Liturgy in our Parish. Divine Liturgy at Paramount Theater, Asbury Park, NJ 1 st Sunday of Luke 2 nd Sunday of Luke ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές ώρες 9 π.μ. Κυριακή 1 Κυριακή 8 Σάββατο 14 Κυριακή 15 Κυριακή 22 Κυριακή 29 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Της Ινδίκτου Κυριακή προ της Υψώσεως Ύψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού Κυριακή μετά την Ύψωσιν Δεν θα γίνει Θεία Λειτουργία στην Εκκλησία μας. Πανηγυρική Λειτουργία στο Asbury Park Α Κυριακή Λουκά Β Κυριακή Λουκά OCTOBER ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ Sunday 6 Sunday 13 Friday 18 Sunday 20 Saturday 26 Sunday 27 3 rd Sunday of Luke 4 th Sunday of Luke Apostle Luke 6 th Sunday of Luke St. Demetrios the Myrrhbearer 7 th Sunday of Luke Κυριακή 6 Κυριακή 13 Παρασκευή 18 Κυριακή 20 Σάββατο 26 Κυριακή 27 Γ Κυριακή Λουκά Δ Κυριακή Λουκά, των Αγ. Πατέρων Αποστόλου Λουκά ΣΤ Κυριακή Λουκά Αγίου Δημητρίου Μυροβλύτου Ζ Κυριακή Λουκά General Assembly Meeting - Sunday, October 13, 2013 We ask that everyone attend this very important meeting. Many important issues will be discussed concerning the progress of our community. In addition, nominations for the Parish Council will be taken. First Call: October 6, 2013 ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER SERVICES Altar Boys: Please make sure that you follow the schedule accordingly. If any Altar Boy cannot make the schedule please contact Mr. Peter Sirimis at September October September 1 Group A October 6 Group Α September 8 Group B October 13 Group Β September 15 No Church Service October 20 Group C September 22 Group C October 27 Group D September 29 Group D "Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with exultation." (Ps. 100:2) It is an unforgettable experience for any young man to serve the Lord as an acolyte, (altar boy ) at the Holy Altar. The experience and awesomeness of this sacred service lights a bright flame within the soul of a young boy where he accepts this particular calling to God's service and is accepted in the Sanctuary of God. Fr. Nick extends an invitation to all boys who have reached the age of ten to enter the Sanctuary and serve the Lord as an Altar Boy during the Divine Service. Parents please encourage your young son/s in becoming an Altar boy and serving our God at His Holy Altar. There will be an Altar Boy meeting of all current and new Altar boys, on Saturday, October 5 at 11:00 am in the Church. This is a very important meeting, because all Altar Boys will be assigned to one of four groups. ALL ALTAR BOYS MUST ATTEND.

4 Page 4 September/October 2013 ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΤΟΣ Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί, Ενώ εισερχόμαστε στο νέο Εκκλησιαστικό Έτος τον μήνα Σεπτέμβριο, ο Απόστολος Πέτρος στο Κορινθίους 16:13-14 γράφει, «Παραμείνετε άγρυπνοι. Εμμείνατε στην πίστη σας, μη χάσετε το θάρρος και την δύναμη της ψυχής σας και αφήστε την αγάπη να καθοδηγεί τις πράξεις σας.» «Μείνατε άγρυπνοι». Ο πειρασμός της αμαρτίας βρίσκεται παντού στην κουλτούρα μας: υλισμός, απάθεια και αδιαφορία, απληστία, πλεονεξία, ναρκωτικά, πορνεία, ένα εγωκεντρικό τρόπο ζωής, τελείως κοσμικό και συχνά εχθρικό προς τον Χριστό και την Εκκλησία. Η Ορθόδοξος μας πίστη, βασισμένη στην Εκκλησία και στην Βίβλο μας διδάσκει να ζούμε σε ένα υψηλότερο επίπεδο, μακριά από τα πάθη και τις καταχρήσεις που επιβάλλει η νέα μόδα. «Οι πειρασμοί ποτέ δεν παύουν να υπάρχουν», όπως μας λέγει ο Άγιος Πέτρος (5:8). «Μείνε σταθερός στη πίστη σου και στις αξίες σου». Η Εκκλησία μας για 2,000 χρόνια ευλόγησε τους πιστούς τη με την ιερή παράδοση ώστε να ωριμάσουν στην αγκαλιά της με επίκεντρο τον Χριστό. Αυτή η Παράδοση συμπεριλαμβάνει τις Δέκα Εντολές, τον Χρυσό Οδηγό, την Βίβλο και την Χριστιανική ηθική όπως την ερμήνευσε η Ορθοδοξία. Ας κρατηθούμε γερά λοιπόν, σε αυτό που επέδειξε ωφέλιμο και σανίδα σωτηρίας για την ζωή. «Κρατήσου γενναίος και δυνατός» μεταφράζεται επίσης σαν «κάνε κάθε δυνατή προσπάθεια». Οι μάρτυρες της πίστεως έκαναν ακριβώς αυτό. Παρέμειναν πιστοί και θαρραλέοι ακόμη και την ώρα του σκληρού διωγμού. «Πολέμησε τον διάβολο και θα φύγει μακριά σου, πλησίασε τον Θεό και ο Θεός θα πλησιάσει εσένα», γράφει ο Απόστολος Ιάκωβος (Ιάκωβος 4:7-8). Ας μην επιτρέψουμε στον εαυτό μας να παρασυρθεί από τις ανέσεις και την απιστία. Ο Χριστός μας δίνει την δύναμη να υπερπηδήσουμε τους πειρασμούς και την αποστασία. «Η αγάπη ας οδηγεί πάντα τις πράξεις σου» σαν «διακαής αγάπη». Το Άγιο Πνεύμα μας φωτίζει να ζούμε με Αγάπη, το μεγαλύτερο όπλο του κόσμου! Η Αγάπη είναι ανίκητη. Ο χειρότερος εχθρός δύναται να υπερνικηθεί. Το απέδειξε ο Χριστός πάνω στον σταυρό όταν είπε, «Συγχώρεσε τους, Κύριε, διότι δεν γνωρίζουν τι κάνουν». Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός June 22 July 14 July 21 July 27 July 27 June 29 July 13 OUR PARISH OUR PEOPLE Dimitrios Kostadinos Papanastasiou Son of John Papanastasiou & Georgia Leontarakis Godparent: George Kontos Hailey Alexandra Dougherty Daughter of Brian & Nancy Dougherty Godparent: Dorothy Erbacher Maria Elease Herrera Daughter of Enndy Herrera & Andrea Boyadjis Godparent: Theodora Boyadjis Marinos Athanasatos Son of Alexios & Ann Athanasatos Godparent: Anna Koukoutsis Nikoletta Athanasatos Son of Alexios & Ann Athanasatos Godparent: Maria Zisi Weddings Julian Agoras & Crystal Badalamenti Koumbara: Panagiota Goumbourou Nicholas Parlapanides & Dana Slack Koumbaro: Constantine Katsifis Baptisms August 24 August 25 August 25 August 25 George Demetrios Son of: Demetrios & Mistilee Pasigos Godparent: Vasiliky Pasigos Lucas Aristide Kanellidis Son of Spero & Christine Kanellidis Godparents: Panos & Constantine Stavrianidis Milo Georgios Kanellidis Son of Spero & Christine Kanellidis Godparent: Theodora Panico Zoey Mariana Aphrodite Kanellidis Daughter of Spero & Christine Kanellidis Godparent: Nikie & Kyra Sourlis Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal June 12 July 18 August 9 August 21 Nicholas P. Menedis Lynne P. Gementgis Gregory Comsudis Anthoula Catsoulis

5 September/October 2013 Page 5 STEWARDSHIP Dear Stewards of St. George, If we are to survive and progress in all areas of our Parish, Stewardship is the one vital area that we must develop and support with all our strength. Although Stewardship was implemented years ago, many of our faithful have not taken a position. Some very conscientious parishioners have taken this program seriously and have truly become stewards of our Parish by giving of themselves, and by increasing their Stewardship from last year. Others have not done that yet. If we are to be a strong viable Parish, then we must do better in our involvement and in our giving. The spirit of giving is something that cannot be taught because it comes from the heart. The human body cannot function properly without the heart. What the heart is to the body, the Stewardship Program is to the Church. When the heart stops beating, the body is dead. When our faithful stop giving, the Church cannot function anymore. When we are in need of the Lord s blessings, His Love, His Grace, Jesus does not ask "How much are you going to give me for my blessings." But rather, He gives His blessings abundantly. Let us do the same when it comes to our giving to our Church. Let us all give abundantly and without hesitation. In our Parish, there are many young adults over the age of 18 who are employed and earn a salary. According to the policy of the Church, they do not fall under the membership of their parents. Our St. George needs the help and support of everyone so that we may be able to maintain what we have and work for the future. Let us hope that our children will look back and say one day, "Our beloved St. George Church and Parish exists today because our parents and grandparents cared enough. I am going to do the same.". STEWARDSHIP REQUIREMENTS Any person can give any amount for Stewardship. However, to be considered a member in good standing, to participate in the sacraments of Baptism or Wedding, and to have one vote in the General Assembly, the following minimums must be met: $350 for single adult or husband and wife (age 18-64): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $350; ($700 total, both can vote) $250 for a married senior couple (Age 65+): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $200; ($400 total, both can vote) $200 for single senior and college student (age 18-24, must show proof of attending college full time) Greater than the required contributions: those who have been blessed should consider a greater contribution. ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ Αγαπητά Μέλη του Αγίου Γεωργίου, Για να επιζήσουμε και να προοδέψουμε σαν Κοινότητα, η Εκούσια Εισφορά είναι ζωτικό σημείο, που αξίζει την υποστήριξή μας δυναμικά. Αν και το πρόγραμμα της Εκούσιας Εισφοράς έχει εφαρμοστεί εδώ και πολλά χρόνια, ακόμη οι πιστοί μας δεν έχουν πάρει θέση. Μερικοί πάροικοι έγιναν σοβαροί υποστηρικτές προσφέροντας, άλλοι όμως δεν έχουν δώσει την πρέπουσα σημασία. Αν θέλουμε την Κοινότητα μας να είναι δυνατή και γεμάτη ζωή, πρέπει να δώσουμε από τον εαυτό μας και να την υποστηρίξουμε οικονομικά. Η γενναιοδωρία πρέπει να προέρχεται από την καρδιά. Το σώμα δεν δύναται να επιζήσει χωρίς την λειτουργία της καρδιάς. Ότι είναι η καρδιά για το σώμα, είναι και η Εκούσια Εισφορά για την Εκκλησία. Αν οι χριστιανοί αδιαφορούν και δεν προσφέρουν τότε η Εκκλησία δεν δύναται να επιζεί και να λειτουργεί. Όταν χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια του Κυρίου και τον παρακαλούμε, δεν μας ρωτά «πόσα θα μου δώσεις για την ευλογία μου και την βοήθεια μου». Μας βοηθά πλουσιοπάροχα. Ας κάνουμε και εμείς το ίδιο για την Εκκλησία Του. Ας βοηθήσουμε χωρίς δισταγμό και πλουσιοπάροχα. Στην κοινότητα μας υπάρχουν πολλοί νέοι άνω των 18 ετών, που εργάζονται και έχουν δικό τους μισθό. Αυτοί οι νέοι δεν καλύπτονται από την προσφορά των γονέων τους. Πρέπει και αυτοί να γίνουν συνδρομητές της Εκκλησίας μας. Χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια τους. Η Εκκλησία χρειάζεται όλους για να κρατήσουμε ότι έχουμε και να βαδίσουμε προς το μέλλον. Ας ευχηθούμε κάποτε τα παιδιά μας, κοιτάζοντας πίσω, να πουν: Ο αγαπημένος μας Άγιος Γεώργιος είναι εδώ γιατί οι γονείς μας και οι παππούδες μας τον φρόντισαν με αγάπη. Θα κάνω κι εγώ το ίδιο». ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ Ο καθένας μπορεί να προσφέρει ότι μπορεί. Όμως, για να θεωρηθείτε κανονικό μέλος, να μπορείτε να πάρετε μέρος στα Mυστήρια της Βάπτισης και του Γάμου και να έχετε δικαίωμα ενός ψήφου στην Γενική Συνέλευση, απαιτούνται οι κάτωθι ελάχιστες εισφορές: $350 ανά ανύπαντρο άτομο ή οικογένεια (18-64 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $350 έκαστος (σύνολο $700) ψηφίζουν και οι δύο) $250 ανά ηλικιωμένο ζευγάρι (άνω των 65 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $200 έκαστος (σύνολο $400), ψηφίζουν και οι δύο) $200 για μόνους ηλικιωμένους και φοιτητές (18-24 ετών, πρέπει να αποδείξουν ότι είναι φοιτητές): μία ψήφος Πέραν του καθορισμένου ποσού: όσοι έχουν ευλογηθεί με οικονομική ευχέρεια θα πρέπει να προσφέρουν περισσότερο από ότι καθορίζεται πιο πάνω.

6 Page 6 September/October 2013 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA We hope that everyone in our St. George community had an enjoyable summer. We finalized our summer activities with a successful June luncheon, sponsored the one-year memorial for our late Very Reverend Father Alexander Kile, and hosted the coffee hour for the month of August. As we begin the new ecclesiastical year, we will make some changes in our meeting days and time. The first 3 meetings are scheduled as follows: September 19, 7:00 p.m. October 17, 7:00 p.m. November 21, 7:00 p.m. This is done to accommodate so many of our members who cannot participate in our Saturday meetings. With that in mind, we invite all the ladies of our community to become members of our St. Barbara Philoptochos Society. Come, join us and participate in a busy and exciting year. The following listing summarizes our schedule of activities for the remainder of the year 2013: Cooking for the Homeless and Warming of America throughout the year. Baby blankets will be sewn in October. Visitation to the shut-ins throughout the year and, in particular, prior to the holidays. Preparation (Nov. 18) and sale (Nov. 24) of Baklava and Spanakopita in November. Community Christmas Card preparation, assembling and mailing beginning in October. Celebrating our patron saint St. Barbara s holiday with a liturgy and artoklasia, December 1, St. Barbara s Luncheon, December 8, Sale of Christmas Bread and Vasilopites on December 21, 22. Fulfilling all our National and Metropolis Philoptochos obligations. A notice to all our parishioners: When writing a check to the Philoptochos, please make all checks payable to: St. Barbara Philoptochos Society. Our dear and beloved members Lynn Gementgis passed away on July 13, 2013 and Anthoula Catsoulis passed away on August 21, They will be greatly missed. May their memory be eternal. BAKLAVA & SPANAKOPITA SALE The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava and spanakopita for the holidays. All baklava and spanakopita must be preordered by November 10, It will be sold on November 24, Place your orders early! Call Koula Athanasopoulos, , or Effie Bouziotis, Christmas Bread and Vasilopites will be sold December 21, 22 PARTICIPATE IN THE UNITED WAY PROGRAM! It s that time of the year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2013/2014 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they and their many friends consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past several years the St. George Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their continued support. Remember to direct your UNITED WAY donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number The Ladies Philoptochos Society Invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 8, 2013 (More information will follow!)

7 September/October 2013 Page 7 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD 2013 Dear St. George Parishioners: We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the Philoptochos will prepare the St. George Community Christmas Card which will be mailed to every member of our parish and which will carry our holiday greetings to all our parishioners. This Community Christmas Card becomes possible through your donations. However, not only does your donation extend holiday greetings to all but, more importantly, it is used for the much needed assistance to the needy of our community. Your contribution truly represents the Christian spirit of helping those in need. And so we ask you, once again, to give your donation to the Needy Cases Fund. In so doing, you will be helping those in need and you will be assuring that your name will be included on the Community Christmas Card. You may give your donation by filling in the form below and bringing it to the church or by mailing it to PHILOPTOCHOS, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Please make checks payable to the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. To assure that your name is included on the Christmas Card, your contribution must be received no later than November 24, The names of contributors received after November 24 will be listed in the January church bulletin. In addition, if you are employed by a company that participates in a Gift Matching Program, please bring the necessary forms so we may benefit from this program. Obtain a gift matching form from your personnel office, complete the employee s section and bring the form to us. We ll do the rest. Thank you and God Bless you always, NEEDY FUND COMMITTEE Detach and return the form below with your donation no later than Sunday, November 24, ============= ========================================================================== I would like to participate in the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. Enclosed you will find my donation for $. Please list my name on the Christmas Card as follows: Name: Address: Telephone Number: ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL FUND All donations to the Memorial Fund are greatly appreciated. As we all know, we have a beautiful Memorial Tree located in the Memorial Room of the Community Center. Anyone wishing to purchase a leaf ($350), a dove ($2,000), or a stone ($1,500) in memory of a loved one, May their memory be eternal, please contact either John Stroumtsos or Fr. Nick Pastrikos by calling the church office

8 Page 8 September/October 2013 St. George Greek Orthodox Church 97th Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday, October 19, 2013 (AHEPA Hall, Piscataway, NJ) **This year we will be honoring Mr. Nickolas Koumarianos** Ad Journal Contract Name Address Phone No. Please specify the page you wish to purchase: Gold Page $200 Silver Page $150 Full Page $100 Half Page $50 Quarter Page $25 Total Amount Check # Please place your message in the space provided and attach your picture or business card, or you may your message along with your business card (as a pdf file) or your picture (as a jpg file) to Mrs. Eleni Banis at magaritsidis@comcast.net. Please note the deadline for Ads is October 6, 2013 All donations are Tax Deductible- Tax ID# Make checks payable to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church Mail to: 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854

9 September/October 2013 Page 9 St. George Greek Orthodox Community 97 th Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday, October 19, :30 pm to 12:00 am in the AHEPA Hall of St. George Community Center Piscataway, NJ honoring Nicholas Koumarianos Seating will be limited Reservations must be made and paid in advance. (Deadline 10/15/13) Donation is $50 for adults, $20 for children 18 & under, and children under 5 are free. (Any tickets purchased at the door with no reservation are an additional $10.00 per ticket) The evening will consist of mezedakia, a full prime rib dinner with two complimentary carafes of wine per table, dessert and coffee, with fabulous door and raffle prizes Music by JTK Express Entertainment Come celebrate our community as one family. Please consider placing a family photo in the Ad Journal as a family keepsake and as an addition to our community s history. We are also looking for donations as well as volunteers to help with this year s Dinner Dance. Chairperson George Athanasopoulos Ad Journal- Eleni Banis Reservations- Helen Sirimis

10 Page 10 September/October 2013 Dear Parishioners, Welcome back to the Ecclesiastical Year. JOY - HOPE Hope, children ages 3-6 Joy, children ages 7-11 The focus of Joy (children 7-11 years old) and Hope (children 3-6 years old) organizations is to build a foundation of friendship and spiritual growth among not only the children, but parents and extended families as well. Establishing this relationship prior to GOYA is extremely beneficial to all in many ways. By making friendships earlier on, the children will want to come and participate later for GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) and generally become involved within our Greek community and on to what we all hope will be a lifelong commitment to our Greek Orthodox Faith. Establishing friendships, getting to know other parents and parishioners, involving Father Nick and encouraging his interaction in a more casual environment enhance and encourage the love of our wonderful Greek Orthodox Community by our children. The events are geared not only in bringing the children together in a fun and educational way, but to start planting the seeds of giving back to the community through charity projects. The kids love getting together, sharing their ideas while playing games and making crafts. Various fun programs include having movie parties, making Prosforo, learning how to make kolyva, making crafts for our St George Seniors and other fun activities. During the events, the kids will be broken into their respective age groups during the teachings to ensure age appropriate discussions. Our first event will take place on Saturday October 12th, 2:00-4:00 pm at St George s AHEPA Hall Center and it is open to all the children in our parish that are between the age groups mentioned above. For our first meeting the children will enjoy painting and carving pumpkins. Following are the JOY & HOPE meeting dates for the school year A letter will be send prior to the meeting informing you of any changes, and letting you know what the theme will be for that meeting. November 9 th, December 13 th, January 18 th, February 8 th, March 15 th, May 3 rd. For more information, please feel free to contact Lefkie Hadjiloucas (609) or Iro Mavrianos. Please also us at StGeorgeJoyandHope@gmail.com with your children s names, age and your contact information so we can add you to our distribution list. SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION The things that children learn in their early years remain with them for the rest of their lives. It is true with school, with athletics, and it is also true with our children s Religious education. Indeed Religious education proves to be a vital force that helps our children deal with the common emotions and feelings which accompany human existence. When a person learns to live in the grace and light that only comes from God, then he can truly love himself and love others. God is the love which enriches the world. The Sunday Catechism School is one of the places in which our children learn of their Faith, of their Religious Heritage, of God and His rich mercies. The other place of course, is the home. One cannot take the place of the other because they both complement each other. We are about to embark on yet another chapter and program in our Religious education history here at St. George. Our program is to be a learning experience as well as fun filled. We pray that the chapter will have the same ending as we all anticipate; that is that our children will be regular attendees in this very special program. You see, a teacher cannot teach if there are no children in the class. A child cannot learn if he is not in class to hear and listen to the teacher teach the lesson. That is why for our Sunday Catechism Program we urgently ask for the full cooperation and willingness of the parents throughout the year. For the school year, our Sunday Catechism Program will begin on Sunday, September 22. There will be registration for new students. WE ARE URGING ALL PARENTS TO PLEASE ENROLL THEIR CHILDREN IN THIS VITALLY IMPORTANT PROGRAM. ΕΓΓΡΑΦΗ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ Ότι μάθει το παιδί μικρό, δεν το ξεχνά σε όλη τη ζωή του. Και ότι το παιδί διδαχτεί στο Κατηχητικό Σχολείο της Εκκλησίας του, δεν θα το ξεχάσει ποτέ. Η θρησκευτική μόρφωση του παιδιού είναι ζωτικό στοιχείο της ζωής του, διότι το βοηθά να αντιμετωπίσει ψυχικές αναταραχές και συναισθήματα που συνυπάρχουν στην ζωή του ανθρώπου. Όταν κάποιος διδάσκεται να ζει με χάρη θεϊκή, ο άνθρωπος αυτός αγαπά και τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους. Ο Θεός είναι αγάπη που πλουτίζει τον κόσμο. (Continued on page 14)

11 September/October 2013 Page 11 SUNDAY SCHOOL Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope that everyone had a pleasant and relaxing summer with time for reflection on all the gifts God is providing us. On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we welcome all the children and their families back to our Catechism program on the 22nd of September for the Ecclesiastical year. Our graduation ceremony in June 2013 was very impressive and well attended. We had 8 graduates from 9 th grade; John Apostolakis, Victoria De Laurentis, Nicolette Garthe, Louis Kavouras, Alexia Kostis, Nicolette Polos, Kyra Sirimis and Jason Stavrianidis. We congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment and we know that God will always be with you in all your future endeavors. John Apostolakis was presented with the Helene Arianas Pappas Award for Excellence, an award that is given to a 9 th grade student who excelled in our catechism program. We are so proud to inform you that most of these students will return to our program in September either as a Teacher s Aide or as part of our Teen Rap program. On this day, we also honored Mrs. Georgia Lambros, who has tirelessly worked in our program as a teacher for 35 years; she is currently our Kindergarten head teacher. We are truly so blessed to have Georgia among us. Her angelic, calm, quiet and assertive personality is an inspiration to all of us. We look forward to having Mrs. Lambros with us for many years to come. We have an exciting program scheduled for this year that will provide a solid foundation of our Greek Orthodox faith and of leading a true Christian life. As always, our goal is to improve upon the past; details of upcoming changes, which include curricula updates, will be communicated to the parents of our students by early September. We encourage all parents to please bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that of the preceding week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. The set curriculum, the hymnology, the participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects carried out throughout the year, under the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Nicholas, provide a complete picture of our program. Our Catechism Program is entirely a volunteer organization; we appreciate all the support you provide us. If you are interested in volunteering your time or talents, you may me at lmalahias@yahoo.com, or you may complete the form below and place it in the Sunday School mailbox that is located in the Main Office. We are very proud of our religious education program and of our commitment to your children. We pray that we see you on the 22nd of September. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Religious Education Staff May You Have an Enjoyable and Productive School Year

12 Page 12 September/October 2013 G.O.Y.A. GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION DEDICATED TO ELLIAS SARRINIKOLAOU This year the G.O.Y.A. is saying goodbye to one of our coaches. After 17 years of hard work and dedication, we would like to say thank you to Ellias Sarrinikolaou for all the years of coaching Volleyball to our Youth. Coach Ellias was a member of St. George Piscataway Goya himself. He later went on to become the coach for the Girls Volleyball team and the GOYA Olympics Volleyball team. Throughout all the years of volunteering his time, he was not only a coach but also a mentor. He taught all his players valuable lessons on and off the volleyball court. He had a calm method of coaching, never raised his voice, but we always knew when he meant business. The attitude he instilled upon his players led him and our teams to numerous championships throughout the years. In addition to coaching, he guided his players to become assistant coaches and coaches themselves and return after they graduated GOYA to help out with our youth. We greatly appreciate all his time, effort and love to our St. George Piscataway Youth. Ellias, we will truly miss you and wish you Good Luck in Monroe Chapter # 75, Piscataway, NJ AHEPA Monroe Chapter held its last meeting before summer recess on Wednesday, June 26. It took place at the Stony Brook Restaurant in North Branch. We had a very nice turn out, about 70 members and relatives attended this dinner. This evening we honored our High School Graduates and we gave Scholarship awards to four applicants related to a member of Monroe Chapter. The Milton Marikakis scholarship of $1.000 was granted to Constantine Rexines. The Georgia Katsifis Scholarship of $1.000 sponsored by Brother Chris Katsifis was granted to Nicole Demos. The John Mellos Scholarship of $1.000 was granted to Niki DelGuercio. The Steven Achaves Scholarship of $500 was granted to Dionisios Bourodemos.

13 September/October 2013 Page 13 OUR FAITH Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE ORTHODOX FAITH SWEET BASIL (VASILIKO) Do you know the official flower of your state? Every state has an official flower. The Orthodox Church also has an official flower. It is called Vasiliko, Sweet Basil in English. We have adopted this strange flower as the official flower of our Church and we hold it in great esteem. Many of us have several plants in our homes or in our gardens. Others bring Sweet Basil to Church on certain Feast Days. What does this particular flower have to do with our Faith? How is it associated with our worship service? Actually, the Basil flower became special to the Church over 1600 years ago. St. Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, in the year 329, had journeyed to the Holy Land to rebuild many of the precious Christian Shrines which laid in ruins for many years. She built many Churches and Shrines, which include the church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of the Ascension, and a Tower and Chapel at Mt. Sinai for the pious monks. While she remained in Jerusalem, she searched diligently for the area known as Golgotha in the hope of finding the true Cross of Jesus Christ. After many weeks of searching, a beautiful flower was found growing in this area, and St. Helen ordered her soldiers to dig deep into the earth at the exact spot where this unusual flower was growing. It was here that they found the three crosses upon which Jesus and the two thieves were crucified. St. Helen was most anxious to find out which of the three crosses was the true cross of Jesus Christ. A very sick person was brought to the area and placed on the crosses. When the afflicted person was finally placed on the third cross, the man was cured of his sickness. This is how they found the True Cross of Christ. EXPLAINING THE FEAST OF THE RAISING OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS On September 14 of each year Orthodox Christians observe a great feast day dedicated to the cross: the Feast of the Raising of the Precious Cross! Let us consider this feast day as it speaks about the cross and its meaning to us. The Feast of the Raising of the Precious Cross commemorates the discovery of the precious cross. The Cross, as you may recall, remained lost for nearly four hundred years. It was discovered in the fourth century by St. Helen, St. Constantine's mother. St. John Chrysostom, in 395, speaks of the three crosses discovered by the Empress Helen beneath the mount of Golgotha: that of Christ identified because it was found in the middle and bore the inscription. The Feast of the King A certain legend states that the Empress Helen did not know where on Golgotha to look for the cross. As she searched she came upon a sweet-smelling plant and decided to dig under the spot. It was there that she found the cross. From that time on, according to tradition, the plant was named Basilikos in Greek, Basil in English, which means literally, royal, regal or the plant of the King. Basil is often used in the religious services of the Eastern Orthodox Church. We use it for example for the sprinkling of holy water during religious ceremonies. It has taken the place of another plant, hyssop, which was used in the religious ceremonies of the Old Testament. The Raising To celebrate the discovery of the precious cross the bishop, standing on a platform in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem, raised the cross as the faithful sang "Kyrie eleison." This ceremony of the "ipsosis," or raising was celebrated in the early church since the fourth century to commemorate the discovery and raising of the cross out of the mound of Golgotha where it lay hidden for nearly 400 years. Knock on Wood St. Cyril of Jerusalem, in 349, said. "Already the whole universe is filled with fragments of the wood of the cross." There is an interesting custom which we still practice today that dates back to this time. Most Christians at this time carried with them pieces of wood which they believed were parts of the original cross. When danger threatened, they would touch the wood, thereby signifying that by the power of God through the cross they would be able to endure. This is how the habit of "knocking on wood to avoid danger originated. Originally it was not knocking on wood but touching a piece of wood which they believed to be a fragment of the cross.

14 Page 14 September/October 2013 OUR FAITH Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ In the year 628 A.D. the infidel Persians succeeded in pushing back the Byzantine armies. They captured Jerusalem, then belonging to the Christian empire. Among the booty they carried off was the very cross upon which our Lord Jesus Christ had been crucified. The Christian Empire could not tolerate such irreverence and desecration. Fresh forces were organized to recapture Jerusalem and win back the precious cross from the pagan enemies. The Recovery of the Cross Under Emperor Heraclius III, the Persians were repulsed and the precious cross was recovered. The victory was celebrated in a most fitting manner. The ceremony of the Raising of the Precious Cross was again performed amid great rejoicing; this time to celebrate not only its discovery by St. Helen, but also its recovery from the hands of the infidel. The chanting of the "Kyrie eleison" (Lord, have mercy) arose in unison as the cross was raised once again before the adoring eyes of thousands of Christians. This centuries-old ceremony is repeated every year on the Feast of the Precious Cross. The precious cross of Christ, surrounded by sweet-smelling basil, is first lowered to the ground to denote that for 400 years it was buried, lost, and then it is raised to commemorate its discovery by St. Helen in the fourth century and its eventual recovery from the Persians in the seventh century. The Son of Man Was Lifted Up But there is a deeper significance to the raising of the Cross as we practice it on this day. Our Lord refers to it when He says in John 3:14, 15 "... as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." Jesus is referring to the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness. They were rebellious and complaining. Because of their disobedience, God sent poisonous snakes to punish them. The people were dying from the bites. They went to Moses with a protest and an appeal for help. Moses, as always, took his troubles to God. God told him to raise the standard of a brazen serpent and to tell the people to look at it when bitten. Healing would come by looking at the standard. And it did. Those who looked at the brazen serpent were healed. Perhaps this is why the serpent today is used as an emblem by medical doctors. As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, says Jesus, so must the Son of man be lifted upon the cross that whoever believes in Him might have eternal life. Thus, every year on this Feast day the Church raises the cross in our midst. She raises it so that we today may find healing and strength in the uplifted cross of Christ. For we, too, become infected with the deadly poison of sin and guilt. Salvation for us too, is in a look a look of faith and repentance and commitment to the crucified and risen Christ. Parents will combine the above explanation with the experience of the liturgy on this day where the actual burial, discovery, recovery and raising of the Precious Cross will be enacted before them. The sweet-smelling Basil we receive on this day reminds us of the exquisite treasure we find in the Risen Christ. We take the plant home and keep it by our family icon as a constant reminder of the sweetness of salvation in Christ. (Continued from page 10) Το Κατηχητικό είναι το σχολείο που διδάσκει στα παιδιά μας την Πίστη, την Θρησκευτική Παρακαταθήκη, και εκεί που το παιδί μαθαίνει για τον Θεό και όλες τις ευλογίες Του. Και το σπίτι, φυσικά, έχει επίσης την θέση του. Το Κατηχητικό σχολείο και το σπίτι είναι αλληλένδετα στην θρησκευτική μόρφωση των παιδιών. Είμαστε έτοιμοι να αρχίσουμε ένα καινούργιο κεφάλαιο, ένα νέο πρόγραμμα θρησκευτικής μόρφωσης στον Άγιο Γεώργιο, με νέες γνώσεις, γεμάτες ευχάριστες εμπειρίες και ευχόμαστε όλοι να έχουμε λαμπρά αποτελέσματα. Θέλουμε τα παιδιά να παρακολουθούν τα μαθήματα τακτικά. Οι δάσκαλοι χωρίς παιδιά δεν μπορούν να διδάξουν. Και το παιδί δεν μπορεί να διδαχτεί αν δεν είναι στην τάξη. Γι αυτό, για την επιτυχία του Κατηχητικού προγράμματος, ζητούμε την συνεργασία των γονέων και την επιθυμία τους να φέρνουν τα παιδιά στην εκκλησία όλο το χρόνο. Το Κατηχητικό Σχολείο αρχίζει την Κυριακή, 22 Σεπτεμβρίου όπου θα γίνουν εγγραφές για τα καινούργια παιδιά. ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΝΤΑΙ ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΓΟΝΕΙΣ ΝΑ ΕΓΓΡΑΨΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΠΑΙΔΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ!!!

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16 Page 16 September/October Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE Paid New Brunswick, N.J. Permit No. 379 S A I N T G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: sggoc@optonline.net WE RE IN COLOR ON THE WEB! STGEORGEPISCATAWAY.ORG We keep trying to improve The Voice of St. George and we welcome your comments and suggestions. We cannot do it without your help. Our is voicestgeorge@optonline.net. The Voice is produced entirely by volunteers but, still, we are responsible and apologize for any omissions, delays, and imperfections associated with this and any other issue. Please help us make the next one better. Happy New Year! Συνεχίζουμε τις προσπάθειες μας για συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου μας. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, για το πως να κάνουμε αυτό το δελτίο πιο χρήσιμο είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Το δελτίο αυτό είναι μεν αποτέλεσμα εθελοντικής εργασίας, είμαστε όμως υπεύθυνοι και ζητούμε συγγνώμη για όποιες καθυστερήσεις, παραλείψεις, ή λάθη αναπόφευκτα γίνονται. Ζητούμε την κατανόηση σας και την βοήθεια σας να κάνουμε το επόμενο τεύχος καλύτερο. Το ηλεκτρονικό μας ταχυδρομείο είναι voicestgeorge@optonline.net. Καλή Χρονιά! If you prefer to receive The Voice of St. George electronically, please fill out the form below and return to the church office. Going paperless will help the Church reduce operating expenses by cutting printing and mailing costs. All information is confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of notifications, website updates, church events and publications. Remember to include sggoc@optonline.net in your address book. Mr./Mrs./Mr. & Mrs./Ms. Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: (H) ( ) (C) ( ) E mail 1: E mail 2: IMPORTANT NOTICE The Voice of St. George is published on a bi-monthly basis. We are asking all organizations and individuals to please submit their articles to voicestgeorge@optonline.net or bring them to the office by the following deadlines. Include your photos in.jpg format. Articles/images will not be accepted after deadline dates. There will be no exceptions. Thank you. BI-MONTHLY ISSUE SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATES September/October August 1 November/December October 1 January/February December 1 March/April February 1 May/June April 1 July/August (with Calendar) June 1