THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL. Monthly Newsletter. Volume 5, Issues 2 and 3 February and March 2015

Transcript

1 THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Monthly Newsletter Volume 5, Issues 2 and 3 February and March 2015 BEING BREAD By Father George Wilson I recently had the wonderful blessing of being in the company of our Metropolitan Alexios, more than half of the priests of our Metropolis, and almost all of the deacons serving in the Metropolis. I was at the Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, South Carolina, for the annual Lenten Clergy Retreat. His Eminence also wanted to do the groundbreaking for his new Panagia chapel at the center. The temperature was sub-freezing, so we did not go out to the building site but rather celebrated an Aghiasmos service in the existing tiny chapel on the Retreat Center s grounds. Also present was His Grace Bishop Gregory of the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese, your former proistamenos (Father Grigorios Tatsis), who sends his blessings and regards to all. The retreat leader was Deacon Dr. Stephen Muse, a pastoral counselor in Columbus, Georgia. He highlighted some of the personal stories from his book Being Bread. One of the reviewers of the book wrote: Muse adds new depths to a sentence most of us pray at least daily, Give us this day our daily bread. As we have now just entered the season of Great Lent, perhaps we might meditate on the title of this book Being Bread and pray about how this might allow us to grow spiritually during Lent. The image of bread is central in our worship celebrations. The faithful people provide the offering bread to be mystically transformed into the Body of Christ. With this example we see Christ as bread - the Bread of Life. As Christians we are encouraged to become more like Christ, so by using the metaphoric image of bread as Christ perhaps we may say that being bread would be akin to being Christ-like. Our Lord Jesus lived his whole earthly life in communication with God the Father. Through prayer He was very aware what God s Will was for His life. As we too seek to be in communication with our Father: God, I pray that we all might discover what God s Will is for us, and then I pray that we have the courage to do that Will. As Orthodox Christians this is a central understanding of our life in Christ. Continued on next page 1200 ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA First Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America

2 So, as we endeavor to live our life Being Bread, we shall see ourselves entering into prayer with our creator, God, more regularly; we shall see ourselves choosing to learn more about the life of our Lord through our personal regular Bible reading; we shall see ourselves reaching out to our brothers and sisters, who are in need of assistance physically, financially, and spiritually! Ultimately, Being Bread is being Christ to others as we are each called to fulfill the mission of love, mercy, and compassion to the world, or at least our little corner of the world. As we attend the Divine Liturgy each Sunday, I pray that we each might pray about how we might be empowered by receiving the Bread of Life though hearing His Word and receiving Holy Communion. As we become one with Christ through the gift of Holy Communion, may we walk away from the Liturgy strengthened to reach out in the Name of our Lord, to be Christ to others: to be the vessel through which they too might receive their Daily Bread! Kali Sarakosti - Have a Blessed Lent! ΚΥΡΙΑ ΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ MISS SARAKOSTI ΚΥΡΙΑΚΕΣ ΟΡΤΗΟΔΟΧΙΑΣ ΓΡHΓΟΡΙΟΥ ΠΑΛΑΜΑ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΣΕΩΣ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ ΚΛΙΜΑΚΟΣ ΜΑΡΙΑΣ ΑΙΓΥΠΤΙΑΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΒΑΙΩΝ ΑΓΙΟΝ ΠΑΣΧΑ SUNDAYS ORTHODOXY GREGORY PALAMAS HOLY CROSS JOHN CLIMACUS MARY OF EGYPT PALM SUNDAY HOLY PASCHA The people of Greece use this unique image of Miss Sarakosti to count down the seven Sundays (listed above) between Great Lent and Pascha. A shoe is removed each week. Symbolically, Miss Sarakosti has no mouth for fasting, crossed hands for prayer and piety, and a foot for each Sunday. The Lenten journey begins on Clean Monday when the faithful fast for forty days during the period called sarakosti. This is derived from the time that Christ fasted in the desert after His baptism. SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED The Sunday School Program needs teachers and teachers' assistants for the coming school year. If interested, please contact Sunday School Director Patrick Latour (patlat@att.net) or Father George. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana Fax holytrinitycathedral.org Liturgical Services Sundays Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am Clergy Reverend Father George Wilson priest@holytrinitycathedral.org Chanters: Demetrios Pappas Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos 2015 PARISH COUNCIL President: Constandinos Vennis 1 st Vice President: W. Paul Andersson 2 nd Vice President: Petros Christakis Treasurer: Eleftherios Toras Secretary: Barbara Wolf Members: Maria Anastasiou, Konstantinos Frezoulis, Manoli Ioannidis, Argeta Labatut, Angela Lear, and Ginny Zissis The Flame: Editor, Victoria Catsulis EDUCATION Greek School: Instructor, Fay Kalergi Hymnology: Instructor, Viki Moustoukas Sunday School Following Holy Communion Director: Patrick Latour ORGANIZATIONS Acolytes and Readers Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons AHEPA: President, Socrates Toras Daughters of Penelope President: Barbara Stavis Wolf Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Chairman: Steven E. Psarellis GOYA Coordinator: Maria Patselikos President: Jonathan Labatut Advisors: Maria Stokes, Argeta Labatut, Despina Patselikos, Lenna Korominas Hellenic Dancers: Coordinator, Vivi Demarinis Assistant, Manoli Ioannidis Assistant, Maria Patselikos Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Angeliki Frezoulis HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) Coordinator: Vicki Mantikos McCallef Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sina Lawrence, Donna Venturatos Philoptochos: President, Connie Tiliakos PTA: President, Dimitra Chouliaris Real Estate Committee Chairperson: John Salles-Tsatsoulis St. Markella of Chios President: Maria Anastasiou Support: Secretary, Victoria Catsulis Maintenance: Dimitri Vatakis 2

3 ORTHODOXY AND THE MONTESSORI METHOD Billie Andersson, PhD In a world where celebrity status is commonly confused with being a hero, how do we help children establish their own sense of virtue and morality? In the Orthodox Church we seek to address this challenge by instilling a sense of faith and order in our children by calling upon the long standing traditions of orthodoxy. The Montessori Method, a century-old philosophy of education, shares with the Orthodox Church a respect for order, a hope for peace, and a system of values rooted in respect for every human being. After witnessing the effects of two world wars, Dr. Maria Tecla Artemesia Montessori famously said, Establishing lasting peace is the work of education. Of course, this is also the work of religions around the world. But, informed by her survival of world wars and her in depth studies of education, Dr. Montessori developed a firm belief that children are taught self-discipline and problem solving skills through self-directed, engaged learning. Dr. Montessori believed that children learn wisdom, virtue, courage, honesty, and character by hearing, reading, and telling stories that model these virtues. Stories about the human condition give meaning to our own existence. Putting theory into practice, the students of Cathedral Montessori hear many such stories during our time spent at Chapel. The Montessori Method is focused on the whole child physically, spiritually, emotionally and academically. After thorough research of the study of character virtues and their modeling, the Montessori program developed lessons regarding grace, courtesy, and conflict resolution. Importantly, the Montessori Curriculum provides a challenging educational environment, one that encourages each child to realize his or her highest potential. In our class room children develop a love of learning and a respect for self, others, and the global community. Through education we seek to produce responsible and respectful citizens, who may affect positive changes in the world. A major goal of the Montessori method is to provide children support in understanding their unique and important place in society. Montessori teaching provides children with the necessary environment and tools to become introspective, compassionate, and hopeful. As a matter of practice, conflict resolution is taught in our class room in the peace corner, a designated area where peaceful habits and attitudes are fostered. Here, we create an environment of acceptance where children learn to respect each other s differences and work harmoniously to meet each other s needs. 10 Dr. Montessori believed that faith resides in every human being. Kindness, independence, openmindedness, and moral duty are tenants shared by Orthodoxy and the Montessori Method. At Cathedral Montessori, we foster an environment that celebrates the complementary philosophies and beliefs of the Church and the Montessori curriculum.

4 MESSAGE ON STEWARDSHIP FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Dear Holy Trinity Parishioners: Good Stewardship is the realization that God has blessed you and expects you to bless others with the same gifts. It is the acknowledgment of His influence and power in your life. It is thanking Him through His Church for everything. Rooted in the Scriptures, the parables of Christ, and the writings of the Church Fathers, Stewardship is nothing less than everything that God expects from you. It is your time, talent, and treasures your whole being offered to God in grateful thanksgiving. In other words we should give to God wholeheartedly. When Christ says that He can find what is most valuable to you (your treasure) by where your heart is, we should ask ourselves the following questions, Where is my heart? For what am I living? What am I teaching the next generation with my actions? What am I thinking while at work or at home? At least in part, God expects the answer to be HIM! We should all see our Church not as a place that serves us but as the place that we serve. It is not payment for services rendered but Stewardship for the ministry of God. How much is that worth to you? How much needs to be done here and throughout the world to carry out the message of the Gospel? This is a task given to us by Christ, a task that He entrusts to all of us. In Matthew 6:19, Jesus instructs us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal..." Often in life we pursue and collect those things that do not last. We must ask, "One hundred years from now, where will our possessions be?" Our greatest blessing is our family. As Orthodox Christians we are called to be stewards of this great gift. If we are faithful to this calling, perhaps our Lord will say to us as he did to the faithful steward, "Well done good and faithful steward." Matthew 25:23 As an officer of the Church for the past three years, I have been inspired by many wonderful people, who explained to me why they give and what it personally means to them. I have also heard from many good people why they do not give. Usually, the latter group is upset with how something was handled or that someone or some group hurt their feelings. I ask everyone to remember that life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. What I have learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting community. Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right and forgive and have compassion for the ones who do not. But, do not forget what is most important and why we are here at Church. Mother Teresa said it best, For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. ADOPT A DAY PROGRAM As many of you are well aware, to have basic services such as a Priest, property insurance, utilities, salaries, and Archdiocese assessment, our Church annually needs over $365,000. To this end, the current Board of Trustees will continue to enthusiastically support the Adopt-A-Day" and Adopt-Half-A-Day campaign that netted us a record Stewardship 2014 year but well short of the actually $365,000 goal. For those that are unfamiliar with this program, we encourage each steward of the Church to designate a specific calendar date for his or her annual contribution in increments of $1,000 for a full day or $500 for a half day. The commemorative options are endless anniversaries, birthdays, memorials, etc. and adoptions may be made publicly or anonymously. To chart the selection process and to keep everyone updated on our progress and what days still need to be adopted, boards will be placed in the Hellenic Cultural Center and will be marked with either a donor s name or the word anonymous on each chosen day. Please consider supporting this program. The financial stability and future subsistence of our Holy Trinity Cathedral is in the balance. Your generosity is the difference between just getting by versus leaving our children and grandchildren with a thriving community. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 we read, Each person should give what he/she has decided in his/her heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. We can all give back something for all the blessings we have been given. I am hopeful that everyone will consider a minimum of at least $10 a week. 4 Faithfully yours, Constandinos John Vennis Parish Council President DONATION EXAMPLES $10 per week = $520 per year $20 per week = $1,040 per year $50 per week = $2,600 per year $100 per week = $5,200 per year $200 per week = $10,400 per year

5 ΜΕΤΑΦΡΑΣΗ Αγαπητοί ενορήτες της Αγίας Τριάδας: Η οικονοµική συνεισφορά στην φροντίδα της εκκλησίας ταυτίζεται µε την αποδοχή του γεγονότος ότι ο Θεός σας έχει ευλογήσει και αναµένει να ευλογήσετε και εσείς άλλους µε τα ίδια δώρα. Πρόκειται για την αναγνώριση της επίδρασης και ισχύς του Θεού στη ζωή σας. Προκειται για εκδήλωση ευγνωµοσύνης διαµέσου της εκκλησίας για όλα όσα ο Θεός προσφέρει. Η ανάληψη της φροντίδας της εκκλησίας έχει τη βάση της στις γραφές, στις παραβολές του Ιησού και στα γραπτά κείµενα των Πατέρων της εκκλησίας. Δεν είναι τίποτε παρά όσα ο Θεός αναµένει από εσάς. Είναι ο χρόνος σας, το ταλέντο σας, ό,τι είναι πολύτιµο για σας, όλος σας ο εαυτός προσφερόµενος στο Θεό ως ένδειξη της ευγνωµοσύνης σας προς Αυτόν. Με αυτό τον τρόπο πρέπει να προσφέρουµε στο Θεό: Με όλη την ψυχή µας. Όταν ο Χριστός λέει ότι µπορεί να βρει τι είναι πολύτιµο για σας βλέποντας που είναι αφοσιωµένη η καρδιά σας, πρέπει να αναρρωτηθούµε για τα εξής: Που αφοσιώνεται περισσότερο η καρδιά µου; Για ποιο λόγο ζω; Τι διδάσκω την επόµενη γενιά µε τις πράξεις µου; Τί σκέφτοµαι όταν είµαι στη δουλειά ή στο σπίτι; Ο Θεός αναµένει οι απαντήσεις σας να έχουν Αυτόν ως επίκεντρο, τουλάχιστον µερικώς. Πρέπει να δούµε την εκκλησία σαν ένα τόπο που δεν υπηρετεί εµάς αλλά που εµείς υπηρετούµε. Δεν πρόκειται για την αµοιβή επί παρεχοµένων υπηρεσιών αλλά φροντίδα για τη διακονία του Θεού. Ποσο αξίζει η τελευταία κατά τη γνώµη σας; Τι χρειάζεται να γίνει εδώ και σε όλο τον κόσµο για να διαδοθεί ο λόγος του ευαγγελίου; Αυτή είναι η αποστολή που µας έχει αναθέσει ο Ύψιστος. Στο Κατά Ματθαίου Ευαγγέλιο (6,9) ο Ιησούς συµβουλεύει τα εξής: Μην αποθηκεύετε για τον εαυτό σας τους θησαυρούς της που καταστρέφει η σκουριά και ο σκώρος και που είναι δυνατό να κλαπουν. Συχνά αναζητούµε και συγκεντρώνουµε πράγµατα που δεν έχουν αξία στο χρόνο. Πρέπει να ρωτήσουµε το εξής: Που θα είναι τα πράγµατα που βρίσκονται στην κατοχή µας σε εκατό χρόνια από τώρα; Η µεγαλύτερη ευλογία είναι η οικογένειά µας. Ως Χριστιανοί Ορθόδοξοι καλούµεθα να υπηρετήσουµε αυτό το σηµαντικό δώρο. Και αν είµαστε πιστοί στο κάλεσµα της εκκλησίας, µπορεί ο Κύριος να πεί και σε µας ό,τι είπε και παλαιότερα σέ έναν άλλον πιστό: «Εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ, ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω.» Υπηρετώντας την εκκλησία ως διοικητικό στέλεχος τα τελευταία τρία χρόνια, εµπνεύστηκα από πολλούς υπέροχους ανθρώπους που µου εξήγησαν γιατί προσφέρουν στην εκκλησία και τι σηµαίνει γι αυτούς προσωπικά. Ακουσα επίσης απο πολύ καλούς ανθρώπους το λόγο για τον οποίον δεν προσφέρουν στην εκκλησία. Οι άνθρωποι αυτοί ανήκουν στην οµάδα αυτών που δυσαρεστήθηκαν µε κάποιο πρόσωπο ή προσωπα ή µε τον τρόπο αντιµετώπισης κάποιων θεµάτων. Αυτόπου µου έχει διδάξει η ζωή είναι ότι το κλειδί για να δηµιουργηθεί µια υγειής, εξελισσόµενη και µε αντοχή στο χρόνο κοινότητα είναι το να αποδεχθούµε τα ελαττώµατα ο ένας του άλλου και το να µας χαροποιούν οι διαφορές µας. Η ζωή είναι πολύ σύντοµη και δεν µας επιτρέπει να ξυπνάµε µετανοιώνοντας για τις πράξεις µας. Ας αγαπάµε και ας συγχωρούµε τους ανθρώπους που µας συµπεριφέρονται σωστά και ας συµπονούµε όσους δεν το κάνουν. Ας µην ξεχνάµε το πιο σηµαντικό, αυτό που τελικά καθορίζει το λόγο που είµαστε στην εκκλησία και που η Μητέρα Τερέζα εκφράζει καλύτερα: «Τελικά ό,τι συµβαίνει, συµβαίνει ανάµεσα σε σένα και το θεό και δεν πρόκειται σε καµιά περίπτωση για υπόθεση ανάµεσα σε σένα και σε αυτούς.» ΠΡΟΓΡΑMMΑ: ΥΙΟΘΕΤΩ ΤΗΝ ΗMΕΡΑ Όπως γνωρίζετε πολλοί από σας για να µπορούν να προσφέρονται βασικές υπηρεσίες όπως το να έχουµε ιερέα και να πληρώνονται η ασφάλεια για το ακίνητο, τα κοινόχρηστα, οι µισθοί υπαλλήλων και η αξιολόγηση της Αρχιεπισκοπής, η εκκλησία χρειάζεται πάνω από $ 365,000. Γι αυτό το λόγο το συµβούλιο της ενορίας θα εξακολουθήσει να υποστηρίζει µε ενθουσιασµό το πρόγραµµα «Υιοθετώ µια Μέρα και Υιοθετώ µισή Μέρα» που κατέληξε να αποφέρει ικανοποιητικά έσοδα το 2014 χωρίς όµως να µας φέρει κοντά στο στόχο µας που ήταν τα 365,000 δολλάρια. Για όσους δεν έχουν ενηµερωθεί σχετικά µε το πρόγραµµα, παροτρύνουµε καθένα που θέλει να υποστηρίξει οικονοµικά την εκκλησία να ορίσει µία ή µισή µέρα. Εκείνη η ηµέρα θα µπορεί να αφιερωθεί σε γενέθλια, επετείους, µνηµόσυνα συνδεδεµένα µε την οικογένειά του ως αντάλλαγµα για την ετήσια συνεισφορά του, επώνυµη ή ανώνυµη, που µπορεί να κυµαίνεται από 1000 δολλάρια-όταν υιοθετείται µια µέρα-ως 500 δολλάρια όταν υιοθετείται µισή µέρα. Για να υπάρχει συνεχής ενηµέρωση σχετικά µε την πρόοδο του προγράµµατος και µε το ποιες µέρες είναι ακόµα διαθέσιµες προς υιοθεσία αλλά και για να χαρτογραφηθεί η διαδικασία επιλογής θα αναρτηθεί πίνακας στο Ελληνικό Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο. Στον πίνακα θα σηµειωθεί το όνοµα του δωρητή ή η λέξη ανώνυµος δίπλα στην επιλεγµένη µέρα. Καλέιστε να υποστηρίξετε το πρόγραµµα µια που η οικονοµική σταθερότητα και η υπόσταση του Καθεδρικού ναού της Αγίας Τριάδας βρίσκονται σε οριακό σηµείο. Η γενναιοδωρία σας θα κάνει τη διαφορά ανάµεσα στο να επιβιώνουµε απλά και στο να παραδώσουµε µια ακµάζουσα κοινότητα στα παιδιά και τα εγγόνια µας. Στην Προς Κορινθίους Επιστολή (9:7) διαβάζουµε: «Ο καθένας ας δίδη σύµφωνα µε την αγαθήν διάθεσιν της καρδίας του, όχι µε λύπην η από ανάγκην. Διότι ο Θεός αγαπά εκείνον, που δίδει µε καλωσύνην και γλυκύτητα. Όλοι µπορούµε να προσφέρουµε σε ανταπόδωση της ευλογίας που λαµβάνουµε. Ελπίζω ότι τα 10 δολλάρια την εβδοµάδα, που είναι η ελάχιστη συνεισφορά, δεν θα αποδειχθεί ποσό δυσβάσταχτο για κανέναν. Με εκτίμηση, Κωνσταντίνος Ιωάννου Βέννης Πρόεδρος της Ελληνικής Ορθόδοξης Κοινότητας ΔΩΡΕΑ ΠΑΡΑΔΕΙΓΜΑΤΑ 10 δολλάρια την εβδομάδα = 520 δολλάρια το χρόνο 20 δολλάρια την εβδομάδα = 1040 δολλάρια το χρόνο 50 δολλάρια την εβδομάδα = 2600 δολλάρια το χρόνο 100 δολλάρια την εβδομάδα = 5200 δολλάρια το χρόνο 200 δολλάρια την εβδομάδα = δολλάρια το χρόνο 5

6 F E B RUA RY P H I LO P TOC H O S AC T I V I T I E S NO-SEW BLANKETS Olga Christakis, Diane Chronis, Billie Andersson, and Elaine Nugent packed nosew blankets in bags for delivery to the sick. MILITARY PROJECT Cornelia Koniditsiotis, Connie Tiliakos, Carol Venturatos, Diane Chronis, Christina Pappas, and Viki Moustoukas met to prepare the boxes for mailing to the six service men in our community. PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING Athena Kontaxis, Maggie Maag, and Maria Anastasiou prepared delicious refreshments for the meeting. SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCHEON The February Philoptochos meeting was both educational and philanthropic. Kathy Lorio (pictured above) presented a very interesting program titled Law School Summer School in Greece and explained that the Loyola Law School program on Spetses Island is designed to examine legal, economic, and social issues in both an academic and experiential way. Angie Kringas reported that the Cathedral Care Committee will meet again before Easter. Elaine Nugent asked that garage sale items be brought to the center all during the year. Donations were made to Autism Assistance Fund and to Saint Photios Shrine. 6 Cathy Vial presented a table decoration bingo prize to Angie Kringas. Despina Moustoukas and other seniors were served by Presbytera Harriet. Our cooks Alex Tiliakos and John Koniditsiotis enjoyed fellowship with Manuel Tiliakos and Chris Kontos. Many thanks are given to Barbara Stavis Wolf and an anonymous donor for sponsoring the luncheon.

7 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE FEBRUARY In addition to contributing to Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Daughters decided at the February 22 meeting to make charitable donations to Penelope House and Penelope s Place Family Violence Centers, The Friedreich s Ataxia Research Alliance, Sjogren s Foundation, and University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center (formerly Papanicolaou Center). A thank you was given to the volunteers, who helped Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army in December. Plans for the April 5th AHEPA FAMILY Palm Sunday Luncheon were discussed as was fundraising for St. Nicholas Shrine at Ground Zero. After the meeting the members celebrated the chapter s 78 th birthday, founded on February 26, 1937, and enjoyed delicious refreshments and birthday cake provided by hostesses Denise Ammons, Stella Dabbs, Adrienne Dabbs Owen, Sophia Pappas, Anna Razza, and Sophie Theodoron. The next Daughters of Penelope meeting will be Sunday, March 15. February Meeting Hostesses Denise Ammons, Sophia Pappas, Stella Dabbs, Adrienne Dabbs Owen, Anna Razza, and Sophie Theodoron PHILOPTOCHOS LENTEN POT LUCK DINNER Philoptochos will sponsor a Lenten Pot Luck Dinner on Friday, March 27, at the conclusion of the last Salutations of the Theotokos Service. Everyone is cordially invited to participate and share in the fellowship by offering a Lenten dish of choice. Please consider bringing your favorite Lenten salad; vegetable; pasta, rice, vegetable, or shrimp entrée; fruit pie; havla; cake; fresh fruit; or a nut, raisin, and cranberry mix. Bread will also be needed. Chairpersons Mary Kontos ( ) and Helen Malachias ( ) will appreciate hearing from you so they can better coordinate the evening meal. Hopefully, you will join the other parishioners at this spiritual gathering as we anticipate and prepare for Holy Week and Holy Pascha. PRE-GREEK FESTIVAL PASTRY SALE The Pastry Committee will sell several pastries to assist you with your paschal holiday preparations. Frozen tiropites, almond rolls, and galaktobourika will be available at $12 per dozen. Koulourakia ($6) and Easter tsourekia ($10) will also be available. You may place your order by calling Stacy Rico Monday through Wednesday or mail in your order. Order forms are enclosed for your convenience. Tsourekia will be ready Wednesday, April 8, at the conclusion of the afternoon Holy Unction Service. All other items will be ready Palm Sunday. The Committee looks forward to filling your order and thanks you in advance. OLY WEEK BOOKS A new shipment of Holy Week-Easter books arrived. They are published in the original Greek with a new modern English translation on the opposing pages. Each is $25 and may be purchased from the Cathedral office or in the Narthex from a Parish Council member. 7

8 HOPE & JOY ACTIVITIES ABOUND Message from Director Vicki McCallef Dear Holy Trinity Parishioners, I want to thank everyone for the love and support you provided during the various projects undertaken by HOPE & JOY. For those who do not know, HOPE stands for HOLY ORTHODOX PRIMARY EDUCATION, and JOY stands for JUNIOR ORTHODOX YOUTH. All Holy Trinity Cathedral children between the ages of 5 and 11 are automatically members of HOPE & JOY. It is not a club, and there are no membership fees. In the past younger and older siblings were welcomed, as well as parents and grandparents, who love to participate in what we do. Throughout the year the children are engaged in different activities that include making crafts and giving back to the community. I could never accomplish these endeavors without the help of many including my family, the parents and grandparents of the children, Father George and Presbytera Harriet, numerous parishioners who generously donate financial support, and the Educational, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Committee. I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone. Your combined efforts, love, and support enable us to build a better tomorrow for our children today. Sincerely, Vicki Mantikos McCallef, HOPE and JOY Director OPERATION SCHOOL KITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY PORCELAIN CROSSES WORKSHOP LEFT Ellen Dupriest mixed paint for the commemorative porcelain crosses that she donated for this project. Her son Ross Dupriest drew a depiction of The Little Greek Church, which Ellen transferred onto each cross before the children personalized them. Afterward, the crosses were fired in a kiln and returned to each child as a keepsake of the 150 th Anniversary Celebration. RIGHT A close up of the porcelain cross CHRISTMAS IN THE OAKS OUTING 8 LEFT A group photo was taken after the children assembled 100 school kits that were later mailed to International Orthodox Christian Charities. Parishioners, non-parishioners, and community organizations donated financial support to purchase the materials. RIGHT HOPE & JOY and GOYA enjoyed a festive holiday outing to Christmas in the Oaks. The event was sponsored by Holy Trinity PTA and the church community. NATIVITY ICON WORKSHOP and FASTING LUNCH The children made nativity icons, which were then placed in the altar for over 40 days to be blessed. The icons were returned to the children during a ceremony in church that included an aghiasmos for them and their parents. Later, Father George spoke to the children. (Photos on opposite page)

9 MORE HOPE & JOY HOPE & JOY CHRISTMAS CAROLING LEFT Vicki McCallef prepared a Lenten lunch for the HOPE & JOY members before they ventured out on their annual tradition of Christmas caroling. The group was joined by Father George, Presbytera Harriet, and her mother Mary Pepps. NATIVITY ICON CANDLE JARS FUNDRAISER RIGHT Candle jars that Vicki McCallef made and donated for the Community Christmas Party were sold to raise funds for the church in honor of HOPE & JOY. Jars are still available. VALENTINE BOOKMAKERS AND PIZZA PARTY LEFT Children proudly display the foam book markers that they crafted for the Ferncrest Manor Nursing Home in New Orleans. A close up of the colorful book markers illustrates the individuality of this project. The craft was followed by a pizza party. In Celebration of Greek Independence, HTC PTA cordially invites you to the GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PROGRAM Sunday, March 22, 2015, following Divine Liturgy in the Hellenic Cultural Center Lenten Appetizers, Lunch, Drink, and Dessert will be served. Tickets will be sold the day of the event. Adults - $10.00 and Children 12 and under - $6.00 9

10 HOLY TRINITY ARCHIVES COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER MARCH 2015 Thank you very much for all your Memorial Gifts May Their Memory Be Eternal. Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη. Nancy Athas, Diane and Nick Chronis, Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis, Mary and Chris Kontos, Patrick Latour, Elaine Nugent, and Cathy Vial in memory of Petros Demarinis Mary and Chris Kontos to honor the memory of Mary Giannopulos Thank you very much for your Honor Gifts Messrs. and Mmes. Sammy Booras and John Georgiafandis for their Christmas gifts in honor of Ilya Malachias and Bobby Malachias 150 th Anniversary Photo of the Little Greek Church The Archives Committee reproduced the oldest photo of the Little Greek Church that is presently in the Holy Trinity Archives collection and is selling these reproductions with a Certificate of Authenticity for $10. All proceeds will support the conservation and archival needs of our historic collection. Please contact Maggie Maag at or any Committee member, if you wish to purchase this wonderful photo reproduction. It will make a very special present. The Certificate of Authenticity reads as follows: The Little Greek Church This is an approved print of the original photo of the Little Greek Church. Holy Trinity is the first Greek Orthodox Church in the Americas built at 1222 North Dorgenois Street in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. The original photo, archived in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Historic Collection, is a gelatin silver photographic print on heavy-weight paper. It depicts the front facade of classic Greek architecture for the church building with the congregation posing on its front steps. Across the frieze of the building appear the words Eastern Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity in Greek and English. The priest is Archimandrite Paisios Ferentinos. c Committee Members Fred Ammons, Nancy Athas, Karen Clark, Fay Kalergi, Magdalene Maag, Helen Malachias, Nick Moustoukas, Elaine Nugent, Virginia Pepis, Connie Tiliakos, Dina Vatranis, Cathy Vial, Father George Wilson, Nikolas Xiros, Georgia Zervoudis, and Ginny Zissis Archives Committee News Kalliope Kountouroudas, who recently moved to Florida, will be greatly missed, as well as the love and care that she gave to our precious artifacts. Best wishes are extended to her and her husband Markos. The Committee welcomes Georgia Zervoudis and is most grateful for her interest and support of the wonderful work that is done. 3

11 2015 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDS As of March 1, the Cathedral office has received 59 commitments totaling $39, Of this $12, was paid with an average pledge of $ per unit. Thank you to all, who support the 2015 Stewardship Ministry. Reverend George and Presbytera Harriet Wilson Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Andres, Christine P. Andrews, Bethlehem K. Angelico, Robert and Kathy Conklin Baldrachi, Peggy Tsatsoulis Bobeica, Luiza and Andrei Cabali, Juanita Cathedral Montessori School Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Constantinou, Laurie and Antonis Doussa, Sandra Frezoulis, Angeliki and Konstantinos Fyssas, Despina and George Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Georges, Constantine Gervais, Angela and Derrick Health, Angela Howard, Homer Howard, Stela Howard, Stephan Ioannidis, Eleftherios Johnson, Helen Maskas and Ben Konos, Marcella and Pete Kontaxis, Athena Korominas, Lenna and George Lambousy, Katherine and Peter G. Lawrence, Mersina Gavmrogianis Leporda, Daniela and Petru Lupu, Luminita and Viorel Maag, Maggie and Richard MacInnes, Deborah Madonia, Arlene and Jason Mailhes, Konstantina Mantis, Rosy and Thomas Michailakis, Bridgett and Kosta Michailakis, Michael Michailakis, Pam and Gus Michailakis, Petroula and Pete Moustacas, Maria and Constantinos Moustaka, Dimitra Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Nevels, Anastassia and John Max Nugent, Elaine Michalos Owen, Adrienne Dabbs and Greg STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2015 Pepps, Mary Popa, Maria and Vasile Psilos, Gail and Tony Ramirez, Anna and Jesus Salles-Tsatsoulis, Kathy and John Stokes, Maria and Brian Surucean, Gabriela and Sergiu Tadros, Katherine and Daniel Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Tsimboukis, Suzanne and Efthimios Vaveris, Matthew K. Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Whitehead, Martha and Joel Zannis, Marie Stewardship Chairperson Paul Andersson will give a brief presentation on the 2015 Stewardship Campaign at end of church services on Sunday, March 8, A tray will be passed to collect 2015 Commitment Cards, which will then be blessed by Father George. Stewardship packets were mailed to each home but some are also available in the Cathedral Narthex. Please take time to complete your form and submit it on Stewardship Sunday or to the Cathedral office as soon as possible. P A R I S H R E G I S T R Y Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort, and Support 40-DAYS BLESSINGS November 12, 2014 Eleanor Maria Gumeniuc FUNERALS November 18, 2014 Pauline (Pappas) Millaras Daughter of Simona (Gronic) and Vitalie Gumeniuc December 3, 2014 Mary Castrinos Giannopulos December 14, 2014 William Matthew Sinclair December 23, 2014 Don Fedon Dimitrios Son of Cathy and Fred Sinclair January 7, 2015 Vassilios George Sabanis December 28, 2014 Matias Luis Bobeica January 9, 2015 Petros Demarinis Son of Elizabeth (Luiza Batrincea) and Andrei Bobeica BAPTISMS November 1, 2014 Brianna Antonia Chiruta TRISAGIONS November 2, 2014 Michael Zaharioudakis Daughter of Victoria Chiruta and Anton Pascal November 17, 2014 Demetri Zaharis Godparents: Ioana and Radu Cosman December 7, 2014 Michael Zaharioudakis, 40 Days November 29, 2014 John Vasilis Levendis December 14, 2014 Violet Pappas, 40-Days Son of Catherine (Kitchen) and John Levendis January 27, 2015 Petros Demarinis Godparents: Angela Fyssas Lear and Bill Pappas January 18, 2015 Eleanor Maria Gumeniuc MEMORIALS Daughter of Simona (Gronic) and Vitale Gumeniuc December 28, 2014 Mary Giannopulos, 40-Days Godparents: Viki and Nick Moustoukas, MD; Anna Sher February 8, 2015 Petros Demarinis, 40-Days February 1, 2015 Lia Leporda Ioannis Trombettas, 40-Days Daughter of Daniela Buruian and Petru Leporda February 15, 2015 Nicholas Catsulis, 1-Year Godparents Gabriela and Sergiu Surucean February 7, 2015 Konstantinos Efthimios Grass May their memories be eternal. Son of Kalliope (Vassilas) and Matthew Grass Godmother: Mersina Gamvrogianis Lawrence WEDDINGS February 8, 2015 Maximilian John Bradu December 6, 2014 Son of Lilia Bradu and Oleg Cojocaru Godparents: Cristina and Nick Cazacu Jennifer Sweat and Preston (Panagiotis) Dellinger Koubaro Constantine John Dellinger 11 1

12 S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T 150 TH COMMEMORATIVE MEMENTOS The 150th Anniversary Documentary DVD is available for $20 and may be purchased from the Cathedral office. A two DVD set of the October 12, 2014, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Celebration Banquet will be available shortly. You may contact Barbara Wolf at regarding either item. COFFEE HOUR SPONSOR The Spetsiotis Family is sponsoring the Coffee Hour during March in memory of Pagona Spetsiotis and Dimitrios Spetsiotis. The Cathedral family sincerely thanks them for their generosity and consideration. FAMILY RETREAT FAST APPROACHING Father George thanks all parishioners, who registered for the Community Family Retreat slated Saturday, March 14, 2015, in the Hellenic Cultural Center. It promises to be a special event for the adults and students of Holy Trinity during the Lenten period. Father Paul Costopoulos from Birmingham, Father Anthony Monteleone from Baton Rouge, and Presbytera Harriet Wilson will help Father George conduct the sessions. 10:00 am - Registration and Snack 11:30 am to 12:00 pm - Lunch 10:15 am to 10:30 pm - Church Service 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm - Second Session 10:30 am to 11:30 am - First Session 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm - Wrap Up GREEK FESTIVAL PASTRY WORKSHOPS Greek Festival Pastry Workshops are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, except Holy Week. Lunch is provided, and everyone is asked to come lend a hand with the preparations. Please join the weekly sessions. HELLENIC DANCE PRACTICE Those interested in participating in the Hellenic Dance group should note that practice will be every Thursday at 6:30 pm and every Sunday at 1:00 pm at the Hellenic Cultural Center unless otherwise advised. HTC YOUTH SOCCER SESSIONS Spring sessions for HTC Youth Soccer began on Friday, February 27, and run from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm during the Lenten season. They will continue through Friday, April 24, with hours extended after Pascha. This year the young athletes are coached by Petros Christakis, Kosta Frezoulis, and Dimitri Vatakis. If anyone has questions or would like more information on this ministry, please Director Angeliki Frezoulis at frecco1@yahoo.com. NOTE FROM SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR PATRICK LATOUR Every Sunday immediately after Holy Communion, Sunday School students meet in the upstairs Common Area for Hymnology before going to their Sunday School classrooms. Parents/Grandparents are welcome to sit with their youngsters. After the lesson, students can partake of the refreshments from the Kiddy Table. The Sunday School staff thanks the parents/grandparents for bringing their children to Sunday School. There are 80 students registered. We have an excellent staff of teachers and teachers' assistants to prepare wonderful lessons for the students and ask that every effort be made to bring the children to class every Sunday. SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMNOLOGY: PARENTS SAVE THE DATE APRIL 11, 2015 On HOLY SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 11, the students will chant the Hymn of the Three Youths. All children of the community are welcome to participate. Practices are held in Sunday School and will continue every Sunday until that day. Children must be in church by 8:45 am on April 11. We are also currently learning Christos Anesti - Christ is Risen. The response to the Hymnology Program has been wonderful. The students are very willing and eager to learn, and they have improved a great deal over the past year and a half. If you have any questions about this program, feel free to Viki Moustoukas at vmoustouka@aol.com. Thanks to Patrick Latour, teachers, and parents for their support!

13 M A R C H The Spetsiotis Family is sponsoring the Coffee Hour during the month of March. SUNDAY, MARCH 1 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday of Orthodoxy Visitors from University of Kentucky 12:00 pm GOYA Meeting 12:00 pm Keepers of the Faith Pan Orthodox Icon Exhibit 12:00 pm Kids Cafe 12:00 pm Youth Greek School and Dance Practice 5:00 pm Vespers for Orthodoxy Sunday at St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church MONDAY, MARCH 2 6:00 pm Great Compline Service 6:00 pm Adult Beginner Greek School 7:00 pm Adult Elementary Greek School TUESDAY, MARCH 3 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Presanctified Divine Liturgy and Pot Luck Dinner THURSDAY, MARCH 5 6:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 6 5:30 pm HTC Youth Soccer 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos SATURDAY, MARCH 7 8:00 am GET FIT HTC 10:00 am GALLEGUILLOS BAPTISM 10:00 am Youth Beginner Greek School 11:00 am Youth Elementary Greek School SUNDAY, MARCH 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas STEWARDHIP SUNDAY "APOPT-A-DAY" CAMPAIGN CALLIOPE KYRIAKOS 1-YEAR MEMORIAL 12:00 pm Kids Cafe 12:00 pm PTA Meeting 12:00 pm Youth Greek School and Dance Practice 1:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 9 6:00 pm Great Compline Service 6:00 pm Adult Beginner Greek School 7:00 pm Adult Elementary Greek School 7:00 pm Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Meeting TUESDAY, MARCH 10 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Presanctified Divine Liturgy and Pot Luck Dinner THURSDAY, MARCH 12 6:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 13 5:30 pm HTC Youth Soccer 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos IOCC Visitors SATURDAY, MARCH 14 8:00 am GET FIT HTC 10:00 am Community Lenten Family Retreat 7:00 pm Hall Rental

14 SUNDAY, MARCH 15 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday of the Holy Cross Sunday of the Holy Cross Philoptochos Tray for Seminary 12:00 pm Daughters Meeting 12:00 pm Kids Cafe 12:00 pm Youth Greek School and Dance Practice 1:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 16 6:00 pm Great Compline Service 6:00 pm Adult Beginner Greek School 7:00 pm Adult Elementary Greek School 7:00 pm CMS Board Meeting TUESDAY, MARCH 17 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Presanctified Divine Liturgy and Pot Luck Dinner THURSDAY, MARCH 19 6:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 20 5:30 pm HTC Youth Soccer SATURDAY, MARCH 21 8:00 am GET FIT HTC LAST SESSION 10:00 am Youth Beginner Greek School 11:00 am Youth Elementary Greek School SUNDAY, MARCH 22 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday of the Holy Cross 12:00 pm Greek Independence Day Program and PTA Luncheon MONDAY, MARCH 23 6:00 pm Great Compline Service 6:00 pm Adult Beginner Greek School 7:00 pm Adult Elementary Greek School TUESDAY, MARCH 24 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Annunciation 10:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop THURSDAY, MARCH 26 6:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 27 11:00 am Archives Committee Meeting 5:30 pm HTC Youth Soccer 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos Akathist Hymn 8:30 pm Philoptochos Pot Luck Dinner SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Western Conference Oratorical at St. Athanasius Church Gulf Shores 10:00 am Philoptochos Board Meeting 10:00 am Youth Beginner Greek School 10:30 am Philoptochos Meeting 11:00 am Youth Elementary Greek School 2:00 pm Ozanam Inn Outreach SUNDAY, MARCH 29 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday of Mary of Egypt 12:00 pm Kids Cafe 12:00 pm PTA Meeting 12:00 pm Youth Greek School 1:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 30 6:00 pm Great Compline Service 6:00 pm Adult Beginner Greek School 7:00 pm Adult Elementary Greek School TUESDAY, MARCH 31 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop

15 Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos & Family Life Ministry p re s e n t Christ the Good Shepherd He loves us. He takes care of us. He blesses us. Created for families with children on the Autism Spectrum! What is Family Camp? Schedule includes: The Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos, in yet another meaningful expression of concern for the youth of the Church, has mobilized ministries to establish a family camp for special needs focusing on Autism. A key partner for this camp is the Metropolis of Atlanta Family Life Ministry. We are providing a faith based camp helping children with Autism grow in their relationship with God. We will have a 1:1 ratio of trained counselors for each special needs child. Families will stay in cabins and experience all that our beautiful retreat center has to offer: recreation, art programs, special parent seminars, bonding opportunities with other families, and spiritual nourishment. This is the first Special Needs Family Camp in our Metropolis and we are limiting the session to 10 families to ensure we accommodate the physical, social/emotional, spiritual, and dietary needs of all. contact: Despina Koulianos! Inclusion church services Breakfast Engaging camp activities Lunch Free time Recreational activities outside/family session Dinner & evening activities When: May 22 25th, 2015 Memorial Day Weekend Where: Diakonia Retreat Center Salem, South Carolina Who: Families with children on the Autism Spectrum (ages 9-13). Siblings / parents included. Additional special Parent Seminars Cost: $100 donation/family Remainder of cost is a gift to our families with special needs gkoulianos@aol.com