St. Theodore the General Monthly Newsletter

Transcript

1 St. Theodore the General Monthly Newsletter METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY Greek Orthodox Metropolis Of New Jersey His Eminence Metropolitan EVANGELOS Volume 4, Issue 1 January 2012 Print &Web Edition On Stealing from the Poor by St. Basil the Great ( 379 A.D) St. Theodore the General Greek Orthodox Church 7101 Cipriano Road Lanham, MD Phone: Fax: Website: office@sttheodores.org Parish Proistamenos His Eminence Metropolitan PANTELEIMON of Antinoes Church Office Hours Monday through Friday 10:00 am 2:00 pm Church Secretary Juliana Moniodis PARISH COUNCIL Officers: Stella Higgs George Kollaros Ourania Manessis John Maroulis Nicholas Michaelides Konstantinos Muller Ioannis Perelas Nora Presti Anthony Quebral James Speropulos Pantelis Zairis PHILOPTOCHOS President Maria Kapsalis Vice President Anthie Zairis Treasurer Ourania Manessis Secretary..Angelina Alexion Asst. Treasurer..Elaine Michaelidis ORGANIZATIONS Sunday School..Christina Villano Greek School. Nora Presti PTO... Nora Presti Naked did you not drop from the womb? Shall you not return again naked to the earth? Where have the things you now possess come from? If you say they just spontaneously appeared, then you are an atheist, not acknowledging the Creator, nor showing any gratitude towards the one who gave them. But if you say that they are from God, declare to us the reason why you received them. Is God unjust, who divided to us the things of this life unequally? Why are you wealthy while that other man is poor? Is it, perhaps, in order that you may receive wages for kindheartedness and faithful stewardship, and in order that he may be honored with great prizes for his endurance? But, as for you, when you hoard all these things in the insatiable bosom of greed, do you suppose you do no wrong in cheating so many people? Who is a man of greed? Someone who does not rest content with what is sufficient. Who is a cheater? Someone who takes away what belongs to others. And are you not a man of greed? are you not a cheater? taking those things which you received for the sake of stewardship, and making them your very own? Now, someone who takes a man who is clothed and renders him naked would be termed a robber; but when someone fails to clothe the naked, while he is able to do this, is such a man deserving of any other appellation? The bread which you hold back belongs to the hungry; the coat, which you guard in your locked storage-chests, belongs to the naked; the footwear moldering in your closet belongs to those without shoes. The silver that you keep hidden in a safe place belongs to the one in need. Thus, however many are those whom you could have provided for. From St. Basil s Homily, On the Saying from Gospel of St. Luke, I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones. 7 (PG 31, 276B 277A) General information on St. Basil may be found at: In English: In Greek: Hymn on the Circumcision of Jesus Christ by St. Ephraim the Syrian ( 373 A.D) On the eighth day that circumcised the Hebrews, Let them now confess Him, He who had commanded His namesake Joshua, to circumcise with flint the People whose body was circumcised but whose heart was unbelieving from within. Behold on the eighth day as a babe The Circumciser of all came to circumcision. St Ephrem the Syrian, Twenty-Sixth Hymn of the Nativity. (Source: Ephrem the Syrian: Hymns, translated by Kathleen McVey, 1989.

2 THE TRADITION OF THE VASILOPITA Page 2 The tradition of baking and cutting a special "pita" (which can mean a loaf of bread, a cake, or even a pie!) each year on January 1" is observed in honor of our Holy Father Basil the Great, archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia - hence its name Vasilopita. This tradition is observed in both parish churches and in the homes of the faithful. For more information on the Cutting of the Vasilopita and its connection to St. Basil, see: Simple Recipe for Vasilopita There are a number of different recipies for Vasilopita; here is a simple one. Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 1 3/4 cups white sugar 5 eggs 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a large bowl, blend together the butter or margarine and the sugar. Separate 3 of the eggs; add the yolks and the 2 remaining whole eggs to the butter mixture. Stir in the vanilla and water. In another bowl, sift together the baking powder and flour. Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Whip 3 egg whites until they are foamy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar. Continue to whip the whites until they are stiff, but not dry. Fold whipped whites into batter. Pour the batter into a greased 10 x 4 inch tube pan. Wrap a large coin in foil, and place the coin in the batter. Press the coin down; it should be completely hidden. Sprinkle the nuts and seeds on top of the batter. Bake the cake for about 70 minutes, or until done. Cool on a wire rack. Annual Blessing of the Waters (Service of Agiasmos) for Holy Theophany St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Ocean City, Maryland invites all local parishes to celebrate the 13th Annual Blessing of the Waters (Service of Agiasmos) on Saturday, January 14, Divine Services begin with Orthros at 8:30am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church followed by Hierarchal presided by Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey Blessing of the Waters will follow at the Buddy Jenkins Pier near the Inlet A luncheon will be held at the Carousel Hotel, on 118th Street, directly behind the beach where the blessing will take place. All youth are encouraged to come prepared to dive for the cross. For information, contact St. George Church office,

3 Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 3 Ο π. ΘΕΟΔΩPΟΣ CHELPON ΞΑΝΑ ΣΤΟΝ ΑΓΙΟ ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟ Την Κυριακή, 4 Δεκεμβρίου, 2011, είχαμε την τιμή να συμπροσευχηθούμε, για δεύτερη φορά, με τον Αιδεσιμολογιώτατο Πρωτοπρεσβύτερο π. Θεόδωρο Chelpon. Της Θείας Αρχιερατικής Λειτουργίας προέστη ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Αντινόης κ.κ. Παντελεήμων. Στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας, ο Σεβασμιώτατος μύρωσε τους πιστούς με αγιασμένο λάδι από την Παναγία Πορταϊτισσα του Αγίου Όρους και μοίρασε κομβοσχοίνια που κατασκευάστηκαν στo Κελί της Αποκεφάλισης του Τιμίου Προδρόμου της Σκήτης της Αγίας Άννης. REV. FR. THEODORE CHELPON AT ST. THEODORE On Sunday, December 4, 2011, we had the honor to pray with the Rev. Protobresbyter Fr. Theodore Chelpon. His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon presided the Hierarchal and addressed the faithful. After the Diving Liturgy, His Eminence anointed the faithful with blessed oil originating from the holy icon of Our All-holy Lady the Keeper of the Portal (Portaitissa) of Holy Mountain and distributed kombosxoinia (prayer ropes), which were made at the Monastery Cell of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Skete of St. Anna. ΕΠΙΣΚΕΠΤΗ ΑΠΟ ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ Την Κυριακή, 11 Δεκεμβρίου, 2011, είχαμε την τιμή να καλωσορίσουμε τον από την Νέα Υόρκη κ. Γεράσιμο Kent, φίλο και συμφοιτητή του Διακόνου μας, π. Χαραλάμπους Chelpon. Ο κ. Kent, κατά την διάρκεια της Θείας Λειτουργίας, βοήθησε μέσα στο Ιερό Βήμα. VISITOR FROM NEW YORK On Sunday, December 11, 2011, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Gerasimos Kent, a friend and classmate at Holy Cross Seminary of our Deacon Fr. Haralambos Chelpon. Mr. Kent assisted during the in the Holy Altar. ΓΙΟΡΤΑΣΤΗΚΕ ΜΕ ΑΡΧΙΕΡΑΤΙΚΗ ΛΑΜΠΡΟΤΗΤΑ ΣΤΟΝ ΑΓΙΟ ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟ Η ΓΙΟΡΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΟΣ Την Δευτέρα, 12 Δεκεμβρίου, 2011, γιορτάστηκε με κάθε λαμπρότητα η μνήμη του εν αγίοις πατρός ημών Σπυρίδωνος Επισκόπου Τρυμηθούντος της Κύπρου, στον Ιερό Ναό του Αγίου Θεοδώρου, Lanham MD. Κατά την Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία, προέστη ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Αντινόης κ.κ. Παντελεήμων, συμπαραστατούμενος από τον Αιδεσιμώτατο Πρεσβύτερο π. Dennis Buck (OCA), ιερατικό προϊστάμενο του Ιερού Ναού Αγίας Αικατερίνης (433 Liberty Str., Hagers Town, Maryland). Τον θείο λόγο κήρυξε ο Θεολόγος κ. Κωνσταντίνος Καλάλας, ο οποίος αναφέρθηκε στη ζωή του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος και στον ρόλο που έπαιξε κατά την Α Οικουμενική Σύνοδο, υπεραμυνόμενος την θεότητα του Ιησού Χριστού, του δευτέρου Προσώπου της Αγίας Τριάδος. ST. SPYRIDON FEAST CELEBRATED AT ST. THEODORE S CHURCH On Monday, December 12, 2011, the feast day of St. Spyridon Bishop of Trymithous of Cyprus, there was celebrated at St. Theodore s Greek Orthodox Church. His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Antinoes presided at the Divine Liturgy, assisted by the Rev. Fr. Dennis Buck, dean of St. Catherine s Orthodox Church [(OCA), 433 Liberty Str., Hagers Town, Maryland]. The sermon was given by the lay theologian, Mr. Constantinos Kalalas, who emphasized the sacred life of St. Spyridon and the role he played during the 1 st Oecumenical Council of Nicene (325 AD) in defending the deity of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.

4 Page 44 Page 4 St. Theodore s 2011 Greek Orthodox Youth of America Christmas Celebrations JINGLE BELL JAMBOREE On Friday, December 9, 2011, the Jingle Bell Jamboree took place at St. Theodore s Founders Hall. Here are some photos from that lovely evening:

5 Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 5 ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ St. Theodore s 2011 Greek & Sunday School Christmas Celebrations Την Κυριακή, 18 Δεκεμβρίου, 2011, μετά από τη Θεία Λειτουργία, γιορτάστηκε η Χριστουγεννιάτικη Γιορτή για τα παιδιά του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού Σχολείου της Ελληνικής Κοινότητας Αγίου Θεοδώρου. On Sunday, December, , after the Divine Liturgy, a Christmas celebration for the children of the Greek School and Sunday School took place at St. Theodore Greek Orthodox Community. Συγχαρητήρια στους καθηγητές κ. Ευγενία Καλλή και κ. Παντελή Ψώρρα για την σκληρή και καλή εργασία στο Ελληνικό Σχολείο. Congratulations to the teachers Mrs Eugenia Kallis and Mr. Pantelis Psoras for their hard and good work in the Greek School. Ακολουθούν μερικές φωτογραφίες από την εκδήλωση: Here are some photos from the event: ΕΠΙΣΚΕΨΗ ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΤΙΔΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ Το Σάββατο, 17 Δεκεμβρίου, 2011, έφθασε στο Διεθνές Αεροδρόμιο του Dulles προερχόμενη από την Ελλάδα η Δ/νίς Ευαγγελία Νύκταρη, συνεργάτιδα του Σεβασμιωτάτου στην Ορθόδοξο Ιεραποστολή στην Αφρική. Η Δ/νίς Νύκταρη προσκλήθηκε από τον Σεβασμιώτατο με σκοπό να τον βοηθήσει στην αγιογράφηση του Ιερού Ναού Αγίου Θεοδώρου, Lanham MD. VISIT FROM GREECE On Saturday, December 17, 2011, Miss Evangelia Nyktari, arrived at Dulles International Airport. Miss Nyktari was invited by His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Antinoes to assist him in painting icons for St. Theodore Greek Orthodox Church, Lanham MD.

6 The Ladies Philoptochos Society of of Saint George Bethesda, Maryland Invites YOU to The Biennial Tea of the Metropolitan Philoptochos Chapters Page 6 Saturday, January 14, :00 4:00 p.m. The Presvytera Maria Grand Hall at Saint George 7701 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland Guest Speaker Dr. Michael Datch Our Gifts at Work: An Orthodox Mission in Africa A Raffle will be held to benefit the Children s AGAPE Foundation of the Greater Washington Area Philoptochos Societies RSVP by January 4, 2012 JoanneSimeon@gmail.com,

7 Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 7 Please find below the 2012 Stewardship Commitment Card for St. Theodore s Church. Our church is supported by all of us, and our commitment to serving God s church and His people. You may fill in and submit this form, or you may obtain a commitment card in the Church narthex. For questions, feel free to contact any Church council member, or the Church Office. Thank you.

8 Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 8 January 2012 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Circumcision of Christ St. Basil the Great Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Τhe Cutting of the Vasilopita 8 Sunday after Theophany 9:30 am Eve of Theophany Small Blessing of Waters 7 pm Theophany 9:00 am Greek School 5pm Byzantine Music 7pm 7 Synaxis John Baptist 9:00 am Great Vespers 7pm 14 Greek Language for Adults 6pm Great Vespers 7pm 15 12th Sunday of Luke St. Anthony the Great 18 St. Athanasios :30 am 22 15th Sunday of Luke 9:30 am Greek School 5pm Byzantine Music Lesson 7pm Greek School 5pm Greek Language for Adults 6pm Great Vespers 7pm 28 Byzantine Music Lesson 7pm Great Vespers 7pm 29 17th Sunday of Matthew 9:30 am 30 Three Hierarchs 31 The Three Hierarchs School Feast

9 Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 9 Ιανουάριος 2011 Κυ Δε Τρ Τε Πέ Πα Σά 1 ΠΕΡΙΤΟΜΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ Μ.ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:30 πμ Κοπὴ τῆς Βασιλόπιτας ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ 6 ΤΑ ΑΓΙΑ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ ΟΡΘΡΟΣ ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ 9:00 πμ 7 ΑΓ. ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ ΒΑΠΤΙΣΤΟΥ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:00 πμ 8 ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΜΕΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΩΝ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:30 πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 5 μμ ΕΚΚΛ. ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ 14 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΓΛΩΣΣΑ 6μμ η Κυριακή Λουκά. ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:30 πμ ΑΓ. ΑΝΤΩΝΙΟΥ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:00 πμ 18 ΑΓ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:00 πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 5 μμ ΕΚΚΛ. ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ 21 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΓΛΩΣΣΑ ΓΙΑ ΕΝΗΛΙΚΟΥΣ 6μμ η Κυριακή Λουκά ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:30 πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 5 μμ ΕΚΚΛ. ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ 29 17η ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΥ 30 ΤΡΙΩΝ ΙΕΡΑΡΧΩΝ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ 9:30 πμ ΤΩΝ ΤΡΙΩΝ ΙΕΡΑΡΧΩΝ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗ ΓΙΟΡΤΗ

10 Volume 4, Issue 1 Stewardship If you have not already done so, please submit your pledge form indicating your membership amount. The financial level at which you arrive should be a spiritual expression of gratitude and love to God for all you have received. We have extra forms in the church narthex for your convenience. Page 10 Stewardship donation form is now online For those for whom it may be convenient, there is an online Stewardship pledge form on the Church s website main page. Please see, in the center column, under Church Office Hours, the link: Stewardship We re On the Web!. Safeway s escrip program is a *FREE*, *easy* way for you to support St. Theodore s school programs! St. Theodore s member# Contact the church office or Nora Presti for more information. Every purchase counts, so sign up today! Making Arrangements for Sacraments & Home Blessings Please call the Church Office, or directly to the parish president, Mr. John Maroulis, to schedule Weddings and Baptisms at least 3 months in advance, and for Artoclasies, Trisagia, Memorial Services as well as home blessings at least 2 weeks in advance. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Go to: sttheodores.org/ and click under: Monthly Newsletter GREEK 4 KIDS Sunday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 pm, Greek Education & Music Hosted by Prof. Kleanthi E. Mavrogiannaki, MA Greek 4 Kids, Inc is an independent afternoon Greek Language School and Cultural Center founded in 2005 in Newton, Massachusetts. The radio program focuses on educational and cultural issues. The radio program may be access through the internet at: greek4kids.html General Website:Greek-4-Kids.com Happy New Year! Ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος from St. Theodore the General Greek Orthodox Church 7101 Cipriano Road Lanham, MD St. Theodore s Greek Orthodox Church