ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ Μ ΗΝΙ ΑΙΟ ΔΕΛ ΤΙΟ ΤΗ Σ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔ ΟΞΗ Σ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙ ΑΣ ΤΗ Σ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕ ΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟ ΚΟ Υ

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1 JANUARY/ ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ 2017 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1 The H ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ M ONTHL Y BULLE TIN OF THE ASS UM PTION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS GREEK ORTHODOX CH U RCH Μ ΗΝΙ ΑΙΟ ΔΕΛ ΤΙΟ ΤΗ Σ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔ ΟΞΗ Σ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙ ΑΣ ΤΗ Σ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕ ΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟ ΚΟ Υ Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 111 Island Pond Road Manchester NH Phone: (603) Fax: (603) info@assumptionnh.org Join us on Facebook INSIDE THIS ISSUE Monthly Calendar (Greek)... 2 Ministries List... 3 Parish News... 4 Philoptochos News... 4 Youth News... 5 Stewardship Monthly Calendar (English) January 6 th, Holy Epiphany

2 Ιανουάριος 2017 ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ ΤΡΙΤΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ 1 ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑ Αγίου Βασιλείου Ορθρος: 9:00 πμ Family Sunday:10:00πμ Θεία Λειτ: 10:00 πμ Συνάντηση Φιλοπτώχου 6:30 µµ 5 Μεγάλες & Βασιλικές Ωρες των Θεοφανείων 9:30 πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο & Ελληνικός Χορός 3:30-7:30 µµ 6 Άγια Θεοφάνεια Όρθρος: 8:30 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 9:30 πμ Μέγας Αγιασμός 7 Αγίου Ιωάννου Προδρόμου Όρθρος: 8:30 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 9:30 πμ 8 Κυριακή μετά τα Θεοφάνεια Όρθρος: 9:00 πμ Κατηχητικό: 9:45 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 10:00 πμ Κοπή Βασιλόπιτας 15 12η Κυριακή Λουκά Όρθρος: 9:00 πμ Κατηχητικό: 9:45 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 10:00 πμ Επίσκεψη στο Philoxenia House Συνάντηση στην Εκκλησία 1:00 μμ η Κυριακή Λουκά Όρθρος: 9:00 πμ Κατηχητικό: 9:45 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 10:00 πμ Ορκομωσία Ενοριακού Συμβουλίου Συσσίτιο Απόρων (New Horizons) 4:00-6:00 μμ 29 Κυριακή της Χαναναίας Όρθρος: 9:00 πμ Κατηχητικό: 9:45 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 10:00 πμ Συνάντηση Διοικητικού Συµβουλίου 7:00 µµ 17 Αγίων Αντωνίου & Αθανασίου Εσπερινος: 6:00 μμ Θεία Λειτ: 6:30 μμ Παιδικη Συγκένρωση Νηπίων Mommy & Me 9:30-10:30 πμ 30 Τριών Ιεραρχών Όρθρος: 8:30 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 9:30 πμ Αγίου Γρηγορίου Θεολόγου Όρθρος: 8:30 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 9:30 πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο & Ελληνικός Χορός 3:30-7:30 µµ Ελληνικό Σχολείο & Ελληνικός Χορός 3:30-7:30 µµ 26 Ελληνικό Σχολείο & Ελληνικός Χορός 3:30-7:30 µµ Πρόβα Χορωδίας 6:30 µµ 31 1 Φεβρουαρίου 2 Φεβρουαρίου Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου Όρθρος: 8:30 πμ Θεία Λειτ: 9:30 πμ

3 Reverend Father Gregory Trakas Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 12-3 PM or by appointment Parish Council President... James Folopoulos Vice President... Nick Karagianis Secretary... Mike Rokas Treasurer... Ted Rokas Arthur Bakolas Costa Georgopoulos Harold Guidicelli Peter Lazos Charles Mardanes Kathy Papakostas Penny Papastathis Helen Rainey Philoptochos Board 2016 President...Lucie Skouteris Vice President...Maria Chronas Recording Secretary...Andrea Moutsioulis Corresponding Secretary... Sophia Annas Treasurer..Georgia Palaskas Assistant Treasurer..Nancy Mardanes Natl. & Local Boards Liaison Mariana Gasis Advisor...Esther Kereakoglow Martha Galanis Artemis Lazos Staff Evangelia Gregorious Secretary...Janet Malin Chanter.Vasilios Rokas Choir Director.Joan Virga YOUTH MINISTRIES Directors GOYA... Stavroula Bakolas JOY... Julie Karagianis Mommy & Me Ranya Karatzoulidis PARISH SCHOOLS Sunday School Directors N. Condodemetraky & T. Kapellakis Teachers.Nicole Condodemetraky Theohare Kapellakis Ranya Karatzoulidis Rita Gallos Joni Stamoulis Greek School Director George Kitsis Teacher.Alexandra Bruttaniti Advisor.Connie Stamoulis Fr. Gregory Trakas Nick Karagianis Sophia Annas Helen Rainey Ellen Healy Newsletter Editors James Folopoulos Janet Malin Nancy Mardanes Kathy Papakostas Address Changes Please notify the Church office if you are moving so that we may update our database. Thank you! Pastoral Home Visitation If a loved one is in the hospital, in a nursing home, or house-bound for any reason, please contact Fr. Gregory Trakas at the Church office to arrange a visit. The Ark is published monthly by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH

4 Parish Priest Happy and Blessed New Year to one and to all! Thank you for your love in the House of our Lord and His Holy Mother, our Panagia! The month of January is full of feasts! The first day of the year is dedicated to the Circumcision of our Lord and the feast of St. Basil the Great. Then follows Holy Epiphany on January 6 th, and the feast of St. John the Baptist the next day. We will celebrate the feasts of Saints Anthony and Athanasios in a joint vesperal (evening) Divine Liturgy on January 17 th. Then, St. Gregory the Theologian on the 24 th & the Three Hierarchs on the 30 th. In our Orthodox Christian faith every day of the year is a feast. We have not reduced our faith to a Sunday-only gathering. The joy of being Christian fills all the days of our lives. However, our busy lifestyles and the many distractions around us push us to attend church as little and as quickly as possible. Some do not even attend at all! This year, with Christmas falling on a Sunday, Christmas itself became a distraction in attending church! This is perhaps because we have permitted the secular aspect of Christmas to overshadow the religious and spiritual essence of it. Yet, Christmas is one of the most beautiful and instrumental to our salvation feasts of our faith. My sisters and brothers, it is up to all of us to resist the pressure of the times. Celebrating feasts in church is pleasing to our Heavenly Father, to our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Holy Spirit, to our Panagia and all the saints who we occasionally honor. We should consider it a blessing to be in church two and three times per week, and this month is giving us this opportunity. To make it even easier, January 17th we will try an early evening service, which is shorter and it can accommodate working people and school children. Please follow our monthly schedule and join us in worship. Praying at home is by itself pleasing God. However, partaking in the communal thanksgiving of our Church, the Holy Eucharist, is one of the principal ways we show our love and gratitude to God. Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) is the Sacrament of Sacraments, the ultimate opportunity to unite with our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ during our earthly lives. He asked us to do this in memory of Him (Luke 22:19), to do so in a group (Matt 18:20) and as often as possible (Rom 12:12) not only once a week, and definitely not only 2-3 times per year! Happy Name Day to all named after the many saints celebrated this month! - Fr. Gregory Parish Council News Join us for our annual Vasilopeta Celebration on Sunday, January 8 th, after Divine Liturgy. Also, a big thank you goes to all those who ran for Parish Council positions and to our Election Committee. All six available positions were filled and names will be announced next month after ratification of results. The new board members will be sworn in on Sunday, January 22 nd, at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Philoptochos News Happy New Year! Our thanks to all who donated money for the poinsettias and helped decorate the church and the hall for the Christmas season. Our church looked beautiful and the hall was quite festive, thanks to the efforts of so many. The Philoptochos will host the cutting of the Vasilopeta on Sunday, January 8. During the month of January, we will collect much needed items in order to assist homeless veterans in their transition to independent living and establishing 4

5 their homes in the community. We d appreciate everyone s participation for this most worthy cause (see flyer for details). Please remember to pay $25.00 for your 2017 dues. Philoptochos is always ready to welcome new members. Our next Board meeting will be on Wednesday, January 4 th, at 6:30 pm. New Horizons Soup Kitchen New Horizons Soup Kitchen is Sunday, January 22 nd, 4-6 PM. We are always looking for volunteers to join our group. This is such a rewarding experience! Please join us for less than two hours of fellowship with the group from the Assumption Church. If you have any questions, please call the church office at Thank you! Choir Calling all parishioners! We are looking for volunteers to join our talented choir. All ages are welcome! All that is required is your passion and love for our church! Please contact our Choir Director, Joan Virga at or the church office. Youth Ministry News A big thank you goes to everyone who assisted with and contributed to our Youth Christmas Pageant and Holiday Coffee Hour on December 18th. Our children did a wonderful job presenting the Pageant in church, and everyone enjoyed the fun and festive celebration afterwards. A special thanks to our Youth Team members, our Youth families and our parish community for your assistance and your support. Our parish children are blessed to have you all! CLASSES RESUME: JANUARY 5 th, GREEK SCHOOL / JANUARY 8 th, SUNDAY SCHOOL JANUARY FAMILY YOUTH EVENT - "GIFTS OF GIVING" DELIVERY AND PHILOXENIA HOUSE VISIT - SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 th On Sunday, January 15th, our GOYA, along with all interested youth families, will be visiting Philoxenia House in Boston, to deliver the "Gifts of Giving" items our parish collected throughout December (please see enclosed flyer). We will be meeting in our church hall immediately after Youth Coffee Hour and will car pool at 1:00. Everyone is welcome to join! For further questions, please contact the church office at or Stavroula Bakolas at ssbakolas@gmail.com MOMMY & ME MONTHLY GATHERING TUESDAY, JAN. 24TH Our Mommy & Me ministry will gather on Tuesday, January 24th from 9:30-10:30 am in the Youth Center. Join us for toddler playtime, a small activity/craft and snacks & refreshments in the School Building. For more information contact Ranya Karatzoulidis at: rkapellakis@gmail.com IT S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN US! Our school teachers and the entire Youth Ministry team are looking forward to seeing new children. We welcome new students and encourage all families to bring their children to Sunday School and Greek School, and to participate in all our Youth Ministries! Call for more information. WISHING ALL OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH FAMILIES A BLESSED 2017! 5

6 REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS OPERATION HOUSEWARMING Operation Housewarming was established several years ago to assist homeless veterans in their transition to independent living. These brave service men and women have made great sacrifices to serve our country and to protect us all. It is important to show them we appreciate their sacrifice; we care and are eager to assist them as they return to civilian life and begin a new chapter in their lives. Throughout the month of January 2017, our Philoptochos of the Assumption Church will be collecting much needed items in order to help homeless veterans in transitioning and establishing their homes in the community. HOMELESS VETERANS WISH LIST (EVERYTHING NEW NO USED ITEMS PLEASE) Broom & dustpan, mop & bucket Inflatable bed with air pump toilet brush & holder Bed pillows Shower curtain & shower rings Bed blankets Dishpan dish rack or tray Non-slip plastic mat for inside the shower 2 Bed covers (1 Twin & 1 Full Size) Cloth mat for outside the shower Dish cloth & kitchen towel 1 Set of Twin Size bed sheets Flashlight & batteries 1 Set of full size bed sheets All-purpose cleaner 1 Set of plastic dishware & cups (for 4 people) Dish soap 1 Set of pots & pans Toothpaste Coffee maker Bar soap (pkg of 4) Electric toaster oven Toilet paper (pkg of 4) Cooking utensil container Paper towels (pkg of 4) Liquid hand soap Bath towels & wash cloths Tea kettle Medium kitchen trash container & trash bags Mattress pads or protectors Small bathroom trash container Gillette razors Laundry detergent Women s hygiene items Set of silverware (for 4) Manual can opener Cleaning sponges Set of cooking utensils (stirring spoons, spatulas) Monetary contributions or gift cards are also welcome. Funds will be used by the Philoptochos to purchase items listed above. Please make checks payable to Assumption Church Philoptochos Society. Items collected will be delivered to the Manchester Veterans Affairs (VA) located at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH in February Thank you for your support and generosity. Should you have any questions, please leave a message for Lucie Skouteris, Philoptochos President, at

7 ΔΕΝ ΞΕΧΝΟΥΜΕ ΤΟΥΣ ΒΕΤΕΡΑΝΟΥΣ «ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΗ ΚΑΙΝΟΥΡΓΙΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ» Η «Επιχείρηση Καινούργιο Σπίτι» ξεκίνησε πριν από μερικά χρόνια για να βοηθήσει τους άστεγους βετεράνους να καταφέρουν να ζήσουν ανεξάρτητοι. Αυτοί οι γενναίοι άνδρες και γυναίκες έχουν κάνει μεγάλες θυσίες στην υπηρεσία της χώρας μας και για την προστασία όλων μας. Είναι σημαντικό να τους δείξουμε ότι εκτιμούμε τη θυσία τους, και οτι νοιαζόμαστε και είμαστε πρόθυμοι να τους βοηθήσουμε να αρχίσουν μιά νέα ζωή μέσα στη κοινωνία μας. Καθ 'όλη τη διάρκεια του Ιανουαρίου 2017, η Φιλόπτωχος της Κοίμησεως της Θεοτόκου θα μαζεύει διάφορα απαραίτητα είδη γιά να βοηθήσει τους άστεγους βετεράνους να ανοίξουν το σπίτι τους στην κοινότητά μας. ΑΠΑΡΑΙΤΗΤΑ ΕΙΔΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΣΤΕΓΟΥΣ ΒΕΤΕΡΑΝΟΥΣ (ΟΛΑ ΝΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΚΑΙΝΟΥΡΙΑ ΟΧΙ ΜΕΤΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΜΕΝΑ ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΜΕ) Σκούπα & φαράσι, σφουγγαρίστρα & κουβά βούρτσα τουαλέτας με θήκη κουρτίνα ντους & κρεμαστάρια Θήκη στεγνώματος πίατων με δίσκο στραγγίσματος Φουσκωτό στρώμα (Twin & Full size) με τρόμπα Μαξιλάρια Κουβέρτες Αντιολισθητικό πλαστικό χαλάκι γιά μέσα στο ντους 2 Κάλυμματα κρεβατιού (1 Twin & 1 Full size) Πάνινο χαλάκι γιά έξω από το ντους Πιατόπανο & πετσέτα κουζίνας Φακός & μπαταρίες Καθαριστικό για όλες τις χρήσεις Σαπούνι για τα πιάτα Οδοντόκρεμα Σαπούνι μπάνιου (4 τεμάχια) Χαρτί υγείας (4 τεμάχια) Xαρτοπετσέτες (4 τεμάχια) Πετσέτες μπάνιου & πετσετάκια πλυσίματος Μεσαίο δοχείο απορριμμάτων & σακούλες σκουπιδιών Μικρό δοχείο απορριμμάτων για το μπάνιο Απορρυπαντικό πλυντηρίου 1 Σετ σεντόνια σε μέγεθος Twin Size 1 Σετ σεντόνια σε μέγεθος Full Size 1 Σετ από πλαστικά πιάτα και ποτήρια (4 ατόμων) 1 Σετ κατσαρόλες και τηγάνια Καφετιέρα Ηλεκτρική τοστιέρα Θήκη για κουτάλες Υγρό σαπούνι χεριών Βραστήρα Τσαγιού Προστατευτικά καλύμματα στρωμάτων (Twin & Full size) Ξυραφάκια Gillette Γυναικεία είδη υγιεινής 1 Σετ μαχαιροπήρουνα (γιά 4 άτομα) Ανοιχτήρι γιά κονσέρβες (όχι ηλεκτρικό) Σφουγγάρια για καθάρισμα Σετ από είδη μαγειρέματος (κουτάλες, σπάτουλες) Χρηματικά ποσά και κάρτες δώρων (gift cards) είναι επίσης ευπρόσδεκτα. Τα χρήματα θα χρησιμοποιηθούν για να αγοραστούν τα ανωτέρω είδη. Παρακαλούμε κάνετε τις επιταγές πληρωτέες στo Assumption Church Philoptochos Society. Τα είδη που θα συγκενρωθούν θα παραδοθούν τον Φεβρουάριο του 2017 στο Manchester Veterans Affairs (VA), στη διεύθυνση: 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH. Σας ευχαριστούμε για την γενναιοδωρία σας και υποστήριξη. Γιά οποιαδήποτε ερωτήση, αφήστε μύνημα στην Λούσυ Σκουτέρη, Πρόεδρο της Φιλοπτώχου, στο

8 St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral 650 Hanover Street Manchester, New Hampshire Invites you to An Apokreatiko Celebration Saturday, February 18, pm 11:00pm In the church hall DJ: The Salonica Boys Greek and American Dancing Variety of Hors D oeuvres Cash Bar $15.00 per person Children under 12 are free Toula Barber at or the Cathedral office at

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10 Sacraments & Services When planning a baptism or wedding, please check church availability BEFORE booking your reception hall. Thank you! Memorial Services Other Services January 15 th - 1 year John Xintaras January 22 nd - 1 year Glykeria Papakostas January 8 th - Vasilopeta Celebration January 22 nd - Parish Council Oath Donations & Offerings Donations Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Pashos Fuel Fund Peter Camberis Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Pervanas Donations in Memory of George Skouteris John & Agorou Kitsis Robert Schultz Julia Pournaras James Franggos Iris Belinsky Vasilios, Stavroula, David & Susan Planning Memorials When planning for a memorial, please contact the church office at There is a certain kind of altar wine and incense we use, so please call for details 10

11 Stewardship Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bakolas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Burnett Mr. & Mrs. Nicholaos Chronas Mr. & Mrs. John Costes Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dryer Mr. & Mrs. George Gasis Mr. & Mrs. Costas Georgopoulos Evangelia Gregorious Patrick Healy Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Kapellakis Mr. & Mrs. John Kitsis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kitsis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Meimetis Mr. & Mrs.Athanasios Moutsioulis Likourgos Papastathis Panagiota Papastathis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Predaris Mr. & Mrs. John Stergioulis Mr. & Mrs. James Tournidis Fr. Gregory Trakas Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Tsekrekas Jean Vlangas This is the last month to submit your 2016 Stewardship Pledge Stewardship is our God-given OBLIGATION and the PRIMARY source of income for our church! Seek first God s Kingdom and His Righteousness and all other things shall be added to you. (Matt 6:33) And some seeds fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold. (Luke 8:8) Give to Cesar what is Cesar s and to God what is God s. (Mark 12:17) He who sows bountifully, will also reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver. (St. Paul 2 nd Corinthians 9:6-8) Rich is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what one gives away, he keeps for all eternity. (St. John Chrysostom) Thank you for your love to the House of the Lord and Panagia! May our Lord bless you a hundredfold and remember you in His Kingdom. 11

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13 Delivered some coats to the Army of Salvation and on we started with our youth Christmas celebration Mary and Joseph were looking for a place to stay shepherds & angels were singing the Lord s birth day Thanks to a star everyone got to the right place and they all huddled up in the cozy small space Some wise guys showed up with fancy shiny gifts to give to one and to all the spirit of peace 13

14 There was jolly good music, a tree, and gifts to pick and an ol big guy called Vasili or Nick. Ho, Ho, Ho, Meeeery Christmas, he said! And a Happy New Year to all who wear red! BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISING If you would like to advertise your business card in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Church office. A business card format, about 2 ½ x 1 ½ will run for a period of 12 months for one set fee of $ a year. This will help us defray the ever-increasing costs of printing and mailing these bulletins to our homes and at the same time you will be advertising your business to our parishioners, and through word of mouth, to their friends. This is a great opportunity for all! 14

15 JANUARY 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 NEW YEAR S DAY St. Basil the Great Orthros: 9:00 AM Family Sunday:10:00AM Div. Lit: 10:00 AM Philoptochos Meeting 6:30 PM 5 Great & Royal Hours of Theophany 9:30 AM Greek School & Greek Dance 3:30-7:30 PM 6 Holy Theophany Orthros: 8:30 AM Div. Lit: 9:30 AM Great Blessing of the Waters (Holy Water) 7 St. John the Baptist Orthros 8:30 AM Div. Lit: 9:30 AM 8 Sunday after Theophany Orthros: 9:00 AM Sunday School: 9:45 AM Div. Lit: 10:00 AM Vasilopeta Celebration Greek School & Greek Dance 3:30-7:30 PM th Sunday of Luke Orthros: 9:00 AM Sunday School: 9:45 AM Div. Lit: 10:00 AM Philoxenia House Visit Meet at church: 1:00 PM 16 Parish Council Meeting 7:00 PM 17 Feast of Saints Anthony & Athanasios Vespers: 6:00 PM Div. Lit: 6:30 PM Greek School & Greek Dance 3:30-7:30 PM th Sunday of Luke Orthros: 9:00 AM Sunday School: 9:45 AM Div. Lit: 10:00 AM Swearing in of Parish Council New Horizons Soup Kitchen 4:00-6:00 PM Mommy & Me 9:30-10:30 ΑΜ 25 Feast of St. Gregory the Theologian Orthros 8:30 AM Div. Lit: 9:30 AM 26 Greek School & Greek Dance 3:30-7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Sunday of the Canaanite Orthros: 9:00 AM Sunday School: 9:45 AM Div. Lit: 10:00 AM 30 Three Hierarchs Orthros 8:30 AM Div. Lit: 9:30 AM 31 1 February 2 February Presentation of our Lord Orthros 8:30 AM Div. Lit: 9:30 AM. 15

16 ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 111 Island Pond Road Manchester, NH NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO Christmas Pageant