The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 January/February 2014 January/February 2014 Page 1 Greek Orthodox Church The Voice of Saint George of Saint George ΔΙΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Volume 12, Issue 1 A Publication of the Piscataway, New Jersey 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 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 Dear Faithful, New Year s' resolutions are good, if they are backed up with earnest PRAYER for help in keeping them. The following two stories will help us to RESOLVE this New Year to forgive and to be cheerful givers. The Beauty of Forgiveness! In This Issue New Year Our Faith Stewardship Daughters of Penelope Concert Review Cretan s Dance House Blessings Έθιμα Θεοφανείων Happy New Year 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 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:12 - From the Lord s prayer) When a faithful Christian considers how much God has forgiven him, he is able to extend pardon to others no matter what they have done. A Christian husband found this to be true when his wife, who had become an alcoholic, told him of an affair she had had with his best friend 10 years earlier. She said she experienced such feelings of guilt that the bottle was a means of escape. Anger and resentment began to sweep over him, for his wife s drinking had embittered their children and nearly destroyed their home. He was also deeply hurt by the fact that his close friend had betrayed his trust. Then he remembered Jesus words. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. As the thought of God s mercy toward him, he PRAYED for grace to do the Christ-like thing. Here is his description of what happened the next time he met the man who had caused him such heartache: With a sob in my soul, I reached out my hand and gripped his, and for the first time in my life I knew what it was to forgive. I felt a tremendous sense of release as the unbearable weight of bitterness was lifted from my heart. This freedom enabled me to renew my love for my wife, and to overcome the barrier that had arisen between us. When I said to her, "I forgive you and will accept you just as I did when I pledged to love and cherish you unto death. The healing process began its wonderful work. Beloved. God forgives freely and completely! "If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done." (Matthew 6:14-15) The teaching of the above lesson is: FORGIVE TO OBTAIN FORGIVENESS. He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass. Remember the Lancaster County schoolhouse shooting? MAY THE AMISH TEACH US TO FORGIVE. The More The Happier! But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:20) An ancient fable tells about three merchants crossing a desert. One moonless night as they came to a dried-up, creekbed, they were startled by a voice speaking to them out of the darkness. It commanded them to pick up stones and then journey on as far as possible before stopping again. The travelers were also told that when daylight came and they saw what they had gathered, they would be both happy and sad. Without hesitation they obeyed the instructions When the first gray streaks of the dawn appeared in the eastern sky, the men eagerly looked into the bags where the rocks had been placed. Instead of stones, they discovered precious jewels. It was then they understood the meaning of the strange yet significant words. You will be both happy and sad. They were glad because of their (Continued on page 4)

2 Page 2 January/February 2014 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 Comptroller Antonios Kalogridis Jr. Members Demetrios Anastasatos Constantine Apostolakis George Athanasopoulos John Blazakis Katherine Catanzaro Thomas Kalanekos John Millas Perry Petsanas Andreas S. Savva 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, Asst. 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 SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS Church Organizations Parent Teacher Organization Helen Sirimis, Co-Vice President Maria Petrou, Co-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! Annual St. George Dinner Dance Bookmobile Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek and Catechism Schools 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 January/February 2014 Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. Sunday 2 Sunday 9 Sunday 16 Sunday 23 JANUARY Wednesday 1 The Circumcision of our Lord St. Basil the Great Sunday 5 Eve of the Epiphany, Great Hours of Epiphany, Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great followed by the Blessing of the Waters Monday 6 Holy Epiphany, Orthros and Divine Liturgy Followed by the Great Blessing of the Waters Tuesday 7 Synaxis of St. John the Baptist Sunday 12 Sunday after the Epiphany Friday 17 St. Anthony the Great Saturday 18 Saints Athanasios & Cyrillos, Patriarchs of Alexandria Sunday th Sunday of Luke Saturday 25 St. Gregory Sunday th Sunday of Luke Thursday 30 The Three Hierarchs FEBRUARY Presentation of Our Lord 16 th Sunday of Luke, Sunday of Publican & Pharisee, Triodion Begins 17 th Sunday of Luke, Sunday of the Prodigal Son Judgment Sunday ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές ώρες 9 π.μ. Τετάρτη 1 Κυριακή 5 Ώραι Δευτέρα 6 Τρίτη 7 Κυριακή 12 Παρασκευή 17 Σάββατο 18 Κυριακή 19 Σάββατο 25 Κυριακή 26 Πέμπτη 30 Κυριακή 2 Κυριακή 9 Κυριακή 16 Κυριακή 23 ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ Περιτομή του Κυρίου Αγίου Βασιλείου Παραμονή Θεοφανείων, Βασιλικαί Θεοφανείων Εσπερινός μετά της Θείας Λειτουργίας Μεγάλου Βασιλείου, Αγιασμός των Υδάτων Τα Αγία Θεοφάνεια, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία. Ακολουθεί Μέγας Αγιασμός των Υδάτων Σύναξις Αγίου Ιωάννου του Βαπτιστού Κυριακή μετά τα Φώτα Αντωνίου του Μεγάλου Αγίων Αθανασίου και Κυρίλλου Πατριαρχών Αλεξανδρείας 1Β Λουκά Αγίου Γρηγορίου 1Ε Λουκά Των Τριών Ιεραρχών ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ Η Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου ΙΣΤ Λουκά, Τελώνου & Φαρισσαίου, Αρχή Τριωδίου ΙΖ Λουκά, Του Ασώτου Κυριακή της Απόκρεω ALTAR BOYS Altar Boys are required to be in the Altar on the Sundays that they are on duty, no later than 10:10 a.m. All Captains are asked to be in the Altar a little earlier, by 10:00 a.m., to make sure that everything is ready and to get instructions from Father Nicholas as to what will be happening for that day. As always, the appropriate dress code for All Altar Boys that are serving, without exception, is recommended: dress shirt, tie dress socks and dress shoes. No one will be admitted in the Altar with a polo shirt, jeans, sneakers or boot shoes. All Altar Boys, if they are not serving in the Altar are required to be in Catechism School. This rule will be strictly adhered to, because attendance will be taken every Sunday for ALL Altar Boys. PLEASE COME AND JOIN!!! GROUP A George Stavrianidis (Captain Gerasimos Georgopoulos (Co-Captain) Philip Catanzaro Michael Chiotis Elias Kavouras Yianni Kavouras George DeLaurentis Chris Henriquez GROUP B Dimitri Demos (Captain) Yianni Apostolakis (Co-Captain) Vasilios Petrou Kyriakos Sirimis Seraphim Sirimis Constantine Stavrianidis Dino Zalokostas Demetrios Kontos Yianni Petrakis GROUP C Jason Stavrianidis (Captain) George Wadsworth (Co-Captain) Andrew Apostolakis Konstantine Hantsoulis Nicholas Kehayas Apostolos Petsanas Gabriel Sirimis George Bizos GROUP D George Exarchakis (Captain) Konstantine Lyssikatos (Co-Captain) Nicholas Koutsoubis Demetrios Gad Antonis Kalogridis Demetrios Kalogridis Nicholas Koumis Anastasios Chiotis ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 Sunday, January 5 Group A Sunday, February 2 Group A Sunday, January 12 Group B Sunday, February 9 Group B Sunday, January 19 Group C Sunday, February 16 Group C Sunday, January 26 Group D Sunday, February 23 Group D

4 Page 4 January/February 2014 ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί, Οι αποφάσεις που παίρνουμε για το νέο έτος είναι καλές αν συνοδεύονται από τη προσευχή μας να τηρηθούν. Οι δυο ιστορίες που ακολουθούν θα μας βοηθήσουν στο νέο έτος. Η Ομορφιά της Συγχώρεσης «Και άφεσον ημίν τα οφελήματα ημών, ως και ημεις αφίεμεν τοις οφειλέτοις ημών...» (από το «Πάτερ Ημών») Όταν ένας πιστός αναλογισθεί τα αναρίθμητα αμαρτήματα τα οποία ο Θεός τον έχει συγχωρέσει, θα δυνηθεί να συγχωρέσει και αυτός, ανεξαρτήτως του αδικήματος εναντίον του. Ένας χριστιανός σύζυγος έπραξε ακριβώς αυτό, όταν η σύζυγος του, που ήταν αλκοολική, του εξομολογήθηκε για την σχέση που είχε πριν δέκα χρόνια με τον καλύτερο του φίλο. Του είπε πως το βαθύ αίσθημα ενοχής που είχε για την απιστία της την οδήγησε στο ποτό. Θυμός και αγανάκτηση τον κυρίευσαν για τον αλκοολισμό της γυναίκας του που είχε φέρει τόση πικρά στα παιδιά του και σχεδόν είχε καταστρέψει την οικογένεια τους. Είχε πικραθεί επίσης γιατί ο στενότερος του φίλος πρόδωσε την εμπιστοσύνη του. Τότε θυμήθηκε τα λόγια του Χριστού, «Κύριε, συγχώρεσε τις αμαρτίες μας όπως και εμείς θα συγχωρέσουμε εκείνους που αμάρτησαν εναντίον μας». Με συναίσθηση λοιπόν της ευσπλαχνίας του Θεού προς αυτόν, προσευχήθηκε να αποκτήσει την Χάρη να πράξει και αυτός το ίδιο. Να η περιγραφή του για το τι συνέβη όταν συνάντησε τον άνθρωπο που προκάλεσε τόσο πόνο: «Με λυγμό στην ψυχή μου, έτεινα το χέρι μου και άρπαξα το δικό του και για πρώτη φορά στην ζωή μου ένιωσα τι σημαίνει να συγχωρεί κανείς. Αισθάνθηκα ένα ανείπωτο συναίσθημα ανακούφισης ενώ το ασήκωτο βάρος της πίκρας έφυγε από την καρδιά μου. Η ελευθερία αυτή με βοήθησε να ανανεώσω την αγάπη μου για την σύζυγο μου και να εξαλείψω το φράγμα που μας χώριζε. Τη στιγμή που της είπα πως την συγχώρεσα και πως θα την δεχόμουν όπως την δέχτηκα όταν υποσχέθηκα πως θα την αγαπώ μέχρι θανάτου, πήρα τον δρόμο για την πλήρη ανάρρωση. Το δίδαγμα της ανωτέρω ιστορίας είναι: ΣΥΓΧΩΡΕΣΕ ΚΑΙ ΘΑ ΛΑΒΕΙΣ ΣΥΓΧΩΡΕΣΗ. Όσο Περισσότερα Τόσο και Καλύτερα «Να φυλάγεις όμως για τον εαυτό σου θησαυρούς στους Ουρανούς.» (Ματθαίος 6:20) Ένας αρχαίος μύθος μας λέγει για τρεις εμπόρους που διέσχιζαν μια έρημο. Μια νύχτα χωρίς φεγγάρι, ενώ πλησίαζαν ένα στεγνό ποταμάκι, ξαφνιάστηκαν από μια φωνή μέσα στο σκοτάδι. Η φωνή τους παρήγγειλε να μαζέψουν πέτρες και μετά να ταξιδέψουν όσο γίνεται πιο μακριά χωρίς να σταματήσουν για ανάπαυση. Η φωνή τους είπε επίσης, πως όταν χαράξει το φώς και δουν τι έχουν μαζέψει, θα νιώσουν χαρά και λύπη μαζί. Χωρίς κανένα δισταγμό υπάκουσαν στις προσταγές της φωνής. Όταν οι πρώτες ακτίνες άρχισαν να εμφανίζονται στον ορίζοντα με αγωνία οι τρεις άνδρες άνοιξαν τα σακούλια τους να κοιτάξουν τις πέτρες που είχαν μαζέψει. Αντί όμως για πέτρες, προς έκπληξη τους, είδαν κοσμήματα. Τότε αντιλήφθηκαν το νόημα των παράξενων λέξεων της φωνής «θα νιώσετε χαρά και λύπη». Ένιωσαν χαρά για τα πλούτη που αναπάντεχα απέκτησαν. ΕΝΟΙΩΣΑΝ ΟΜΩΣ ΚΑΙ ΛΥΠΗ ΓΙΑΤΙ ΔΕΝ ΜΑΖΕΨΑΝ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΠΕΤΡΕΣ. Αν πατούσαμε το πόδι μας στους ουρανούς, η αντίδραση μας θα ήταν η ίδια. Ανάμεικτα συναισθήματα θα διακατείχαν τις ψυχές μας. Θα νιώθαμε χαρά, αλλά και λύπη αναλογιζόμενοι τις ευκαιρίες που είχαμε στη ζωή να εμπλουτιστούμε με περισσότερα εφόδια για την είσοδο μας στη ΔΟΧΑ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ. Σκέψεις Εκμεταλλευόμαστε άραγε κάθε ευκαιρία να υπηρετήσουμε τον Κύριο. Είτε μαζεύοντας «Θησαυρούς» μέσω της υπηρεσίας μας προς τον Χριστό, είτε κάνοντας επένδυση στην Τράπεζα των ουρανών με την γενναιοδωρία μας, ή αποκτώντας «Στεφάνια» για την ταλαιπωρία μας, όσο περισσότερα κάνουμε ΤΩΡΑ, τόσο πιο ευτυχείς θα είμαστε ΤΟΤΕ. ΚΑΛΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ Message from our Priest (Continued from page 1) enrichment through the possession of such valuables. BUT THEY WERE SORROWFUL TO THINK THEY HAD NOT PICKED UP MORE! If we set foot upon Heaven's shore, our reaction may be much the same. Mingled emotions will fill our hearts. Certainly there will be joy, but also regrets as we contemplate the lost opportunities on earth which could have provided us with an even more abundant entrance into the realms of GLORY. Thoughts to Ponder Are we taking advantage of every occasion to serve the Lord? Whether we are gathering "Jewels" through our witness for Christ, making an "investment" in the bank of Heaven through our giving or acquiring "Crowns" through our suffering, the more we do NOW, the happier we will be THEN! WHAT WE WEAVE IN THIS WORLD, WE SHALL WEAR IN THE NEXT.

5 January/February 2014 Page 5 HAPPY NEW YEAR My Dear and Beloved Family of God, New beginnings, new hopes, new dreams, and new resolutions! Usually the beginning of the new year is a time of reflection and hope. Of course, we should pause to thank God for the innumerable ways He blessed us during this past year - with our faith and Church, our health and well-being, our families and loved ones, our work and the many opportunities of life, even for our crises and struggles. It is through difficulties that we learn to rely more on our Lord and see how He walks with us and helps us become stronger people. The New Year is also a time of hopeful expectation. Christmas reminded us how God acted in history in the most unique way. Our Lord has not forgotten us, but in fact, has come to walk with us throughout life.. The name which the angels gave to Jesus was Emmanuel, which means God is with us." If we remember this fact that God is with us" throughout the New Year, then we can face each day of 2014 with hopeful expectation! Everything is possible! With reflection and expectation also comes the need of preparation. What must we do to face the New Year in a truly Christian manner? How can we live life in a manner that will glorify God and fulfill His desire for us? For many, their way of preparation for the New Year is through making resolutions. This is a good beginning. To make the proper resolutions, however, we must ask ourselves a few questions. Where do you want to be at the end of 2014? When we think of success for the New Year, what do we think of? What are some concrete goals we can make? Goals not only related to our physical well being or professional life, but more importantly goals bettering our spiritual lives and our relationships with others. Of course, goals are not enough. They are a first step. The next essential step is to think about how will we reach our goal. What must we do to realize these goals? From a spiritual perspective, I have several suggestions. First, a good year or a bad year depends on the choices we make. Choices not only on how to live, but also on what attitude we hold! Will we face every unexpected event in the New Year choosing to believe that God is with us, in control, watching over us, and seeing us through, no matter what? There is a beautiful prayer I pray every morning, which says, "In any unforeseen events, help me to remember that all things are under Your care." If we choose this attitude, our New Year will be filled with optimism and hope! A second suggestion is to live in the present, live each moment to the fullest with God at your side. Too many people remain paralyzed by their past history whether from guilt, pain, disappointment, bad choices or sorrow. As Christians, we know that God is always ready to forgive us for our past, and He tells us not to worry about the future. No one even knows how long he or she has. The time we should focus on, is the present. If we live each moment in the presence of God, we can enjoy and discover His abundant peace and joy through the people we meet and the events we experience. A third suggestion is to always be ready for the unexpected. Each day holds a surprise. But many times, we can experience the joy and wonder of a surprise only if we expect it and wait for it. We should wake up each day making the sign of the Cross and asking ourselves, What will God do for us today? Who will He bring into our lives? How can I be ready for it? Finally, the art of living is to enjoy what God has given us, and not to complain about what we don t have. God has given each one off us precious blessings, if we have the eyes to see them. Let us pray that our spiritual eyes may be opened up, and we may begin to see the wonders of 2014 that God has prepared for us! May you have a most blessed New Year!

6 Page 6 January/February 2014 STEWARDSHIP Dear Faithful of St. George, What if God decided to bill us for this wonderful body He has given us. Think about it for one moment. The ears: A piano has 88 keys, but each of our ears has a key board with 1500 keys. They are so finely tuned that you can hear blood running through your vessels. The eyes: They are both microscopes and telescopes. They can gaze into the heavens and see a star millions of miles away. The feet: Did you know that each foot has 25 bones, none of which is wider than your thumb? But, it is manufactured with its ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints so that a 300 pound man can put all his weight on these tiny bones. The heart: Its size is about like your fist but pumps (beats) 4,320 times an hour. In a year that would mean 40 million beats. A drop of blood can make a round trip in your circulatory system in only 22 seconds. What if God sent you a bill for this marvelous body we live in? But God does not send us bills. He just loves us and takes care of us. Can we do anything less than return His love? We show Him our love by obedience to His Word and by faithful giving of that which He has entrusted to us. Just as you take good care of your body, then you are asked to take care of God s Church on Earth by being financial supporters. There are many in our Parish who do not and have not supported St. George with their annual stewardship for many years. They have always waited for someone else to take on their financial responsibilities. Please, do the right thing and be a Good Steward in all areas of your life. Without your help and support we will not be able to carry on the programs and the Ministry of St. George. Rev. Nicholas Pastrikos ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ Αγαπητοί πιστοί του Αγίου Γεωργίου, Τι θα γινόταν αν ο Θεός αποφάσιζε να μας στείλει ένα λογαριασμό για το υπέροχο σώμα που μας έχει δώσει; Σκεφτείτε το για μια στιγμή. Τα αυτιά: Ένα πιάνο έχει 88 πλήκτρα, αλλά κάθε ένα από τα αυτιά μας έχει πληκτρολόγιο με 1500 πλήκτρα. Είναι τόσο σωστά ρυθμισμένα, ώστε να μπορούν να ακούν και το αίμα που τρέχει μέσα στις φλέβες μας. Τα μάτια: Είναι τέλεια μικροσκόπια και τηλεσκόπια. Μπορούν να ατενίζουν στους ουρανούς και να βλέπουν τα αστέρια εκατομμύρια μίλια μακριά. Τα πόδια: Γνωρίζετε ότι κάθε πόδι έχει 25 οστά, από τα οποία κανένα δεν είναι μεγαλύτερο από τον αντίχειρά μας. Αλλά, είναι κατασκευασμένα με συνδέσμους, με τένοντες, μυς και αρθρώσεις, έτσι ώστε ο άνθρωπος των 150 κιλών να μπορεί να βάλει όλο το βάρος του πάνω σε αυτά τα μικροσκοπικά οστά. Η καρδιά: Το μέγεθός της είναι περίπου μια γροθιά αλλά αντλεί (παλμούς), φορές την ώρα. Αυτό σημαίνει 40 εκατομμύρια παλμούς μέσα σε ένα χρόνο. Μια σταγόνα αίμα μπορεί να κάνει ένα ταξίδι στο κυκλοφορικό σας σύστημα σε 22 μόνο δευτερόλεπτα. Τι θα γινόταν λοιπόν αν ο Θεός μας έστελνε ένα λογαριασμό για αυτό το υπέροχο σώμα που ζούμε; Αλλά ο Θεός δεν μας στέλνει λογαριασμούς. Μας αγαπάει και απλά φροντίζει για μας. Τι μπορούμε εμείς να κάνουμε για να ανταποδώσουμε την αγάπη Του? Δείχνουμε την αγάπη μας με την υπακοή στο Λόγο Του και πιστοί του δίνουμε αυτό που Εκείνος μας εμπιστεύθηκε. Ακριβώς όπως φροντίζουμε για το σώμα μας, πρέπει να φροντίζουμε και για την Εκκλησία του Θεού στη γη, με το να είμαστε οικονομικοί υποστηρικτές. Υπάρχουν πολλοί Ενορίτες που δεν είναι υποστηρικτές του Αγίου Γεωργίου και δεν υποστηρίζουν την Εκκλησία για πολλά χρόνια. Περιμένουν πάντα κάποιον άλλο να αναλάβει τις οικονομικές ευθύνες τους. Παρακαλούμε κάνετε αυτό που πρέπει και γίνετε καλοί διαχειριστές σε όλους τους τομείς της ζωής σας. Χωρίς τη βοήθεια και την υποστήριξή σας δεν θα είμαστε σε θέση να διατηρήσουμε τα τρέχοντα προγράμματα, νέες διακονίες και έργα του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Πρωτ. Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός 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. 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.

7 January/February 2014 Page 7 Christmas Concert By the time you read this, the first Christmas Concert, a unique experience in our Community s 96 th year history, would be a beautiful memory for those who were lucky to have been part of it. The idea of a Music Concert was introduced a couple of years ago, soon after the arrival of Maestro Fousteris and his wife Helena. It was part of the plan to create a Musical Education Program for our young people. The program would expose them to music and Church Hymns early on and provide a pipeline for future Choir members. Beyond that it would introduce them to new musical experiences. Thanks in good part to the Fousteris passionate engagement, and to support of the children's parents the program has taken hold and is growing nicely. We now have, as you know and have heard, a children s choir, a youth choir, a number of young soloists, a Byzantine music choir and of course a much improved adult Church choir. The Community s response, your response, to the Christmas concert initiative has been absolutely great. As I write this, we have already sold over 400 tickets (!). The interest and queries about the event have been numerous and enthusiastic. We are also thankful that a good number of Donors and Supporters have come forward to make generous donations to offset the costs of bringing in professional musicians to enhance the quality of the event. Another positive outcome is that it gives our Community the opportunity to bring in some of the local dignitaries and improve our relationship with the people amongst whom we live and work. The realization of the Concert is another example of what we can do when we all come together. The establishment and operation of The Cultural Committee, is in large part responsible for the success. Everyone has worked hard for it but Dimitra Kambitsis and Kathy Catanzaro deserve special mention. I am sure everyone on the Committee agrees. Let us hope that the success of this first event will usher the launching of more events of this kind, based always on your encouragement and support. With many thanks, Vassilis G. Keramidas OUR PARISH OUR PEOPLE Baptisms November 9 Christian Chrisovalantis Son of Evan & Tina Maria Andricopoulos Godparent: Chris Andricopoulos November 30 Zachary Edward Son of David & Angeliki Horowitz Godparent: Nicholas Kasapidis November 9 Spiros Chrisovalantis Son of Evan & Tina Maria Andricopoulos Godparent: Maria Wachtel December 8 Maria Daughter of James & Evdoxia Palavros Godparent: Eleftheria Fiotakis November 17 Angela Daughter of Michael & Fotini Moschonikolakis Godparent: Joanne Sountis December 21 Vasilios Athanasios Son of Athanasios & Foteini Bizekis November 17 Penelope Daughter of Frederick & Elpida Hanna November 24 December 31 Weddings Matthew & Lauren Mormando Koumbara: Marianthe Hadzimichalis David Patrick & Maryann Elaine Teichman Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal October 28 November 14 Vasilia Statis Steve Timbinaris 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 January/February 2014 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA With this first article of the New Year, The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara wishes all our parishioners a very happy and healthy new year filled with all of God s Blessings! And special wishes to our member Nancy Liverakos who celebrated her 100 th birthday last November! May God Bless her and keep her well always. It was a busy and outstanding ending of year 2013 for the Philoptochos ladies! We met our many National and Metropolis Philoptochos obligations, completed the sewing and distribution of the baby blankets and baby smocks, prepared and mailed the Community Christmas Card, baked and sold pans of baklava, sold Christmas Bread and Vasilopites, celebrated our St. Barbara s holiday with an artoklasia and our annual St. Barbara Luncheon, visited the shut-ins of our community throughout the year, continued the monthly cooking for the homeless and crocheting afghans for the Warming of America, knitted hats, mittens, and scarves for the children at St. Basil Academy, donated linens, etc. to the Ronald McDonald House, assisted monetarily to four (4) Food Banks in the area, distributed food baskets to local needy families during the holidays, provided much needed assistance through the Needy Cases Fund, participated and made donations to numerous St. George activities, and assumed the responsibility of greeting our parishioners as they enter the Narthex on Sunday mornings. Our St. Barbara s Luncheon held on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Pithari Restaurant was very successful. Congratulations to all the chairladies of these many activities and all those who assisted, for they did an outstanding job! We continue our busy schedule as we begin the year A light lunch will be served at our Vasilopita on January 12. Your donations at the Vasilopita will benefit St. Basil Academy. On February 2 we will sponsor Go Red Sunday in cooperation with the American Heart Association (AHA). Medical information will be available. Donations will go to the AHA On February16, our Membership Brunch will be held in the Ahepa Hall everyone s invited. This is an opportunity for the ladies who are not yet members to learn about the Philoptochos and become members. On March 9 (Orthodoxy Sunday) a Memorial Service for our deceased members will take place. On that same day, March 9, our Lenten Luncheon will take place. The entire community is invited to this Lenten Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The donations from the Lenten Luncheon will benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross. Our next 2 meetings will take place on January 25 and February 22 in the Memorial Room at 11:00 am. We encourage all our members to check their calendars for the dates of our monthly meetings and to attend all our meetings. CHRISTMAS CARD / NEEDY CASES FUND The Philoptochos Needy Cases Fund Committee extends its heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to the parishioners and organizations of the St. George Community for their generous donations to the Needy Cases Fund through their participation in the community Christmas Card of We wish to acknowledge the following name that did not appear on the Christmas card: Anna and Anthony Lorino. In addition, we thank those parishioners from our community who took the time to investigate their company s Gift Matching Program and/or their United Way Program which resulted in a substantial benefit to the Needy Cases Fund. As a result, we strongly encourage those parishioners of the St. George community who may be eligible to help us through their company s Gift Matching Program, or their United Way Program, to utilize this wonderful opportunity. Indeed, the needy of the St. George Community will reap the benefits. Again, we thank you one and all, and pray that the new year will bring to your hearts and homes the Blessings of the Christ Child! VASILOPITA CELEBRATION Following the Divine Liturgy on January 12, 2014, the annual luncheon and cutting of the Vasilopita will take place in the Ahepa Hall. Let us all attend this traditional event as one family and give our annual donation for the children of St. Basil Academy! You may also make your donation by mailing your check payable to St. Barbara Philoptochos Society (notation Vasilopita ) to: St. Barbara Philoptochos Society-Vasilopita 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ The Philoptochos Membership Brunch The Ladies Philoptochos Society invites the entire community to its annual Membership Brunch on February 16, 2014 in the Ahepa Hall immediately after the Sunday Liturgy. Join us and learn more about our Philoptochos and our many activities. A light lunch will be served. You are invited to attend the LENTEN LUNCHEON Sunday, March 9, 2014 After the Divine Liturgy in the Ahepa Hall Sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society `St. Barbara Donations Will Benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary Remember to direct your United Way donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number

9 January/February 2014 Page 9 G.O.Y.A. GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION As the GOYA year progresses, we continue to grow closer with God and each other. On October 18th, GOYANs from across the state came together in Westfield to celebrate the new GOYA year and to enjoy each other s company at the annual Harvest Dance. These types of fun events are a great chance to mingle with other GOYANs and to meet new people. In November, our GOYA had the pleasure of going to Boston to visit the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. At the school, we got to experience the spiritual guidance of the priests and students who attend the college. This year was by far one of the most memorable experiences. While in Boston, we attended many workshops with the college students, attended church services, and were still able to have fun in downtown Boston. No GOYAN who attended regretted going and we look forward to next year s trip! Shortly after Boston, our GOYA hosted our annual Taverna Night on November 23 rd. This year we sponsored the Embrace Kids Foundation. Just last September we supported this organization by participating in their walk-a-thon held in Johnson Park. The Embrace Kids Foundation is located right in New Brunswick and supports families who are going through a tough time watching their loved ones battle cancer and blood disorders. The night turned out to be a beautiful one with our Greek dancers performance and the positivity in the room. In December, the GOYA will once again have the chance to have fun at the annual Christmas dance in Union. Events like these really unify all the GOYANs, celebrating our faith and happiness as one. In order to surround our young people with the word of God, we must continue to keep this organization strong. We have many exciting events coming up. January and February are packed with Sights and Sounds practices. We are all looking forward to seeing our hard work pay off at the Sights and Sounds competition hosted by the Westfield church. May God continue to bless us all in 2014 with more GOYA memories that we will cherish. Respectably submitted, Hope Sirimis, GOYA Historian

10 Page 10 January/February 2014 P.T.O. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Dear Parents, As we start the New Year, the Saint George P.T.O. board wishes a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Year to all the parishioners. Our annual Bake Sale was a big success and thanks to all who baked and donated. We hope you all enjoyed some delicious treats. We would like to thank everyone who helped and supported the P.T.O Christmas Communion Breakfast by donating and/or helping. It is with your support and contributions that we can offer our children events that celebrate our culture and heritage. On Sunday January 26 th after the church service, the P.T.O will host a luncheon to celebrate the Three Hierarchs and honor the Greek and Religious Education (Sunday) School teachers. We are asking everyone, especially the families with children attending the Greek or Religious Education School, to honor our teachers by attending this event. Please send an to the official St. George P.T.O. address stgpto@optonline.net for more information and reservations. The donation is only $10 per adult and free for children and youth under 18 years old. On Sunday February 9 th, the P.T.O will celebrate Godparents day. Come to church with your Godparent or Godchild and enjoy a day dedicated to this blessed bond. The P.T.O will be selling Lambades and Corsages. Order forms will be distributed to all students and at the church. You must place an order in advance to secure a lambada or a corsage for that day. On February 22, we will have the annual Apokreatiko Glendi. This is the biggest fundraiser event and we are hoping to see you at the dinner dance. Flyers will be distributed to both Greek and Religious Education School students with more information. Once again we would like to inform you that the PTO would like to maintain a close working relationship between parents, teachers/staff and students. It is our goal to enhance the educational experience by supporting the students and teachers through fundraising efforts to provide additional equipment, services and projects. A strong PTO is evidence of parental interest and ensures a better environment for our children. The PTO holds monthly meetings to discuss and implement the ideas of parents and the teaching staff. The date and times are posted on the PTO board. We encourage that you attend the meetings and bring us new ideas to better the education, religion and heritage of our children. We would also like to remind you all, that throughout the year, the members of the board are always available to answer any of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us! St. George Parent Teacher Organization Helen Sirimis, Vice President-Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer - Kathy Miller, Secretary stgpto@optonline.net ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ - GREEK SCHOOL Αγαπητοί Γονείς και Πάροικοι της ενορίας μας, Σας ευχόμαστε υγεία, χαρά και ευτυχία για τον καινούργιο χρόνο 2014 και στα παιδιά καλή επιτυχία και καλή πρόοδο στα μαθήματά τους. Την πρώτη εβδομάδα του Δεκεμβρίου, όλα τα παιδιά του σχολείου εκτός απο τις μικρές τάξεις, πήραν το πρώτο διαγώνισμα και την δεύτερη εβδομάδα οι δασκάλες μίλησαν με τους γονείς σχετικά με την πρόοδο των παιδιών τους. Όσοι από τους γονείς δεν είχαν την ευκαιρία να μιλήσουν με την δασκάλα του παιδιού τους, μπορούν να την δουν μία άλλη μέρα μετά το σχολείο. Θέλουμε να έχουμε πάντα την συνεργασία των γονέων γιατί έτσι μπορούμε να βοηθήσουμε καλύτερα τα παιδιά. Στις 30 Ιανουαρίου που είναι η γιορτή των Τριών Ιεαρχών το Ελληνικό Σχολείο γιορτάζει και την Ημέρα των Γραμμάτων. Αυτήν την ημέραν ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και Διδασκάλων κάνει μία ωραία γιορτή για να τιμήσει τους δασκάλους του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού Σχολείου. Την ημέρα αυτή μερικά παιδιά του σχολείου θα απαγγείλουν ποιήματα για τους Τρεις Ιεράρχες. Ευχαριστούμε θερμά τις κυρίες του ΡΤΟ για την μεγάλη τιμή που μας κάνουν και ευχόμαστε ο Θεός να τους χαρίζει υγεία και να τους δίνει δύναμη για να συνεχίσουν το αξιόλογο έργο τους που προσφέρει μεγάλη βοήθεια στα παιδιά μας. Με εκτίμηση, Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου Dear Parents and Members of our parish, We wish you health, joy and happiness for the new year 2014 and to all the children we wish good luck and good progress in the school year. The first week of December, all the students, except for the lower classes, had the first test and the second week the teachers had conferences with their parents about their children's progress. The parents who did not have the opportunity to see the teacher of their child, can make plans to meet with her another day after school. We would always like to have the cooperation of the parents so that we are able to help all the students achieve the best results possible. Every year, on the 30 th of January, that is the feast day of the Three Hierarchs, the Greek School celebrates the Day of the Greek Letters and some school children recite poems about the Three Hierarchs. The PTO is in charge of this celebration to honor the teachers of the Greek and Sunday School. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the ladies of the PTO for this great honor and we hope that God gives them health and strength to continue their valuable work that helps our children in so many ways. Sincerely, The Teachers of the Greek School

11 January/February 2014 Page 11 THE PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Of SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH invites you to come and celebrate GODPARENTS DAY February 9, 2014 with your Godchildren and/or your Godparents We will be selling lambathes for your Godchildren and corsages for Nouno and/or Nouna. Order and pre-pay by February 3 rd to secure a lambatha or a corsage since there will be a limited quantity of each. Fill out the order form below along with cash or check payable to St. George PTO and return it to Helen Sirimis or to the PTO mailbox at church. Ο ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΟΝΕΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΔΙΔΑΣΚΑΛΩΝ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Σας προσκαλεί στην Εκκλησία μας την Κυριακή 9 Φεβρουαρίου 2014 για να γιορτάσουμε την ημέρα των ΑΝΑΔΟΧΩΝ Αγοράστε λαμπάδες για τα βαφτιστήρια σας ή μπουτονιέρα για τις Νονές και Νονούς σας. Εξασφαλίστε λαμπάδα ή μπουτονιέρα συμπληρώνοντας και προ-πληρώνοντας την παραγγελία σας μέχρι τις 3 Φεβρουαρίου. Συμπληρώστε και επιστρέψετε την παραγγελία σας στην Helen Sirimis ή στο Σ.Γ.Δ. ταχυδρομικό κουτί στην εκκλησία. Corsage for Nouno quantity ($5.00 each) Corsage for Nouna quantity ($5.00 each) Lambatha for girl quantity ($5.00 each) Lambatha for boy quantity ($5.00 each) Name: Phone: Amount Enclosed: ** All orders must have form completed along with check/cash in order to be fulfilled

12 Page 12 January/February 2014 Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope you had a wonderful celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and your New Year will be filled with hope, joy and love. On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we would like to thank everyone for the support and trust you have placed in us in providing an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to your children. We are very proud of our religious education program and of the many committed volunteers. We would like to share with you recent news of a very successful Thanksgiving Food Drive that we held. All collected food items (43 bags in total) and artwork of the children from Grades K, 1 st and 2 nd were provided to the Piscataway FISH Hospitality program. This program serves homeless women and families by providing meals and other assistance to those in need within the community. Due to the difficult economic times many families are witnessing, FISH was extremely grateful to receive such an abundance of food. Our annual Christmas Pageant was once again a great success and we thank the many participants for all their efforts. We are aware that we live in a secular society where our church serves as the only place we can obtain knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ and our Christian faith. We truly would like to encourage all parents to bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that for the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. The set curriculum developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Religious Education, the liturgical hymnology, the participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects carried out throughout the year provide a complete picture of our Catechism Program. In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we present a summary of the curricula followed by several grades. Today we will present the curriculum of Grades 4, 5 and 6. Grade 4: Growing with God The fourth grade program is devoted to helping children learn to use and appreciate the Bible. They are also introduced to examples of living the sacramental life attending services, fasting, praying, observing feast days, SUNDAY SCHOOL helping others, etc. After this class, the children love the Bible and know how to refer to it in time of doubt and fear. Grade 5: God Calls Us This class concentrates on stories of those heroes of the Faith who have responded to God s call. Through these examples of faith, loyalty, self-sacrifice, obedience, love, justice and social responsibility, students learn to respond to God in terms of their faith and morality. This grade also learns to recite the Nicene Creed. Photograph of our 8 th -9th Grade Class having an Agape meal Grade 6: The Scribe Searching for Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. The children in this class are presented with the most important aspects of the Old Testament as they relate to the New Testament. The children also memorize the Ten Commandments and discuss their relevance in our times. When passing by their room, you will hear lively discussions and many questions from our year olds. The students in these grades also read the Sunday Bible verses (readings from the Epistles and Gospels), attend the Divine Liturgy once a month, have hymnology classes at least twice a month, as well as discuss the lives of the Saints celebrated that week. We would like to express our deep gratitude to our volunteer organization for their efforts, dedication and perseverance. We pray that we continue to have a successful year. For your valuable feedback, please contact me at lmalahias@yahoo.com. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Catechism Staff HAPPY NEW YEAR

13 January/February 2014 Page 13 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE TETHYS CHAPTER #229 Eleni Parlapanides, PDG District #5 Honored Sister Eleni Parlapanides, PDG was honored at a Testimonial Luncheon on November 10, 2013 at the Pines Manor, Edison, N.J. Daughters of Penelope Tethys Chapter #229 hosted the luncheon. In 1970, Sister Eleni married her late husband of 42 years Kosta and was blessed with four wonderful sons, Paul, George, Dean and Nick. She has four beautiful daughters-in-law, Athanasia, Allison, Andriana and Dana and five adorable grandchildren, Evie, Dean, Alex, John-Paul and Emily. In 1977, Sister Eleni was initiated into the Daughters of Penelope, Tethys Chapter #229 in New Brunswick. She proudly served her Chapter as Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary and Vice President and in 2004 she was elected to serve as the Chapter President. She held that position for several years. In 2009 Sister Eleni was selected to be the District 5 Penelope of the Year, and elected to serve on the District Lodge as District Marshal. In 2010, she was appointed by the Grand President to serve as the National Chairwoman for Saint Basil Academy, in Garretson, NY. Serving as District Secretary and Lieutenant Governor, in 2012 she was elevated to the position of District Governor. A parishioner of St. George, Piscataway, Sister Eleni was a member of the choir, as well as a Sunday School Teacher, PTO President, Parish Council Secretary, Youth Advisor and chaired the Church Festival Gift Shop for many years. Eleni is very proud of her family and her accomplishments. She feels very blessed to have her gifts. With District #5 Past District Governors and Past Grand President The Parlapanides Family PROJECT RECOGNIZE Daughters of Penelope is searching for all women of Hellenic descent/phil-hellenes/dop who served at any time, in any branch, or in any capacity of the military. Please research your community and the names to Marsha Serdenis, Louisville, KY Saturn Chapter member and District 11 Secretary, as well as Army Health Nurse retired Captain in the Nurse Corp, at: jserdenis@gmail.com

14 Page 14 January/February 2014 EPIPHANY The Feast of Lights and the Blessing of the Waters The feasts of Christmas and Epiphany were known in the early Church as "The Feast of Lights," since both feasts revealed Jesus Christ to the world. Our Lord is the true light that enlightens the entire world! Christ's entrance into the world is a new beginning for all people. No longer do people have to live in the darkness of ignorance, in the darkness of fear, in the darkness of hatred, in the darkness of evil and sin, and even in the darkness of death. The true light of God has been revealed, and now those who choose to enter into the light, who allow the light of Christ to shine brightly within their hearts and minds, may see the world from an entirely new and fresh perspective! The light of Christ lifts us up from our fallen, distorted nature - our tendency to hate, to be jealous, to be proud and arrogant, to be selfcentered, to be unkind, unforgiving and unloving. The light of Christ shows us the path to an abundant life of godly peace and joy, divine love and mercy, contagious compassion and kindness, and ultimate meaning and purpose. At Christmas, God takes on human flesh and reveals himself as the perfect God-man, fully divine yet fully human. Simultaneously, at the Baptism of our Lord, Theophany, God again reveals Himself to the world as the Holy Trinity - God the Father speaking from the cloud, God the Son in Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Both events help the world come to a clearer and better understanding of who God is, and how He has dramatically entered into our world to help humankind! We can understand this idea from this hymn we sing on January 6: "You appeared to the world today, and Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With fuller understanding we sing to You, You came, O unapproachable Light, and made yourself known to us!" In memory of Christ's baptism, when He sanctified all the waters of the world, the Orthodox Church follows an ancient tradition of holding the SERVICE OF THE BLESSING OF THE WATERS on January 6. The Church asks God's blessing to come upon the water, which we then share with all believers. Through this water the grace of God comes upon us! In preparation for this special blessing, Orthodox Christians hold January 5 as a strict fast day. Our fasting is a tool which, when properly used, helps us focus more clearly on God and prepares us to enter into the celebration of the feast in a more intimate manner. Following the service, the priest blesses all the believers in the Church with the holy water and offers them a bottle to take home and drink each day, or whenever they feel a special need for God's grace. The Church also has the beautiful tradition of the priest taking the holy water into the homes of all believers and blesses their home. Through this ritual we ask for God's blessings to come upon the household for the New Year. I am looking forward to visiting all homes of parishioners during this very special time in the life of our Church. OUR FAITH Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ Η Εορτή των Φώτων και του Αγιασμού των Υδάτων Οι γιορτές των Χριστουγέννων και των Θεοφανείων ήταν γνωστές στην αρχή της Εκκλησίας σαν «Εορτές των Φώτων» επειδή και οι δυο γιορτές φανερώνουν στον κόσμο τον Χριστό. Ο Κύριος μας είναι το αληθινό φως που φωτίζει όλο τον κόσμο! Η είσοδος του Χριστού στον κόσμο είναι το νέο ξεκίνημα για τον άνθρωπο. Ο άνθρωπος παύει να ζει πλέον στο σκοτάδι της άγνοιας, του φόβου, του μίσους και του θανάτου. Το αληθινό φως του Θεού έχει φανερωθεί και τώρα εκείνοι που εκλέγουν να δεχθούν το φως του Χριστού να λάμψει στις καρδιές και στο μυαλό τους, θα μπορέσουν να δουν τον κόσμο με ένα εντελώς καινούριο τρόπο! Το φως του Χριστού μας αναστηλώνει από την παραμορφωμένη μας φύση την τάση μας προς το μίσος, την ζήλεια, την αλαζονεία, τον εγωισμό, την έλλειψη αγάπης και συμπόνιας. Το φώς του Χριστού μας δείχνει το δρόμο για μια ζωή πλήρη από θεϊκή γαλήνη, αγαλλίαση, αγάπη, καλοσύνη, συμπόνια, νόημα και σκοπό. Τα Χριστούγεννα, ο Θεός παίρνει ανθρώπινη μορφή και φανερώνεται σαν ο τέλειος Θεάνθρωπος. Συγχρόνως, την στιγμή της Βαπτίσεως του Κυρίου, τα Θεοφάνεια, ο Θεός εμφανίζεται σαν Αγία Τριάδα ο Θεός εμφανίζεται σαν Αγία Τριάδα Θεός ο Πατήρ, ομιλώντας από το σύννεφο, Θεός ο Υιός, σαν Ιησούς Χριστός, και Θεός το Άγιο Πνεύμα σε είδος περιστεράς. Και τα δύο γεγονότα βοηθούν τον άνθρωπο να αντιληφτεί πιο καθαρά ποιος είναι ο Θεός και πως εισήλθε στην ζωή μας για να σώσει την ανθρωπότητα. Μπορούμε να καταλάβουμε πιο βαθειά την ιδέα αυτή μέσω του ύμνου που ψάλλουμε στις 6 Ιανουαρίου: «Εμφανίστηκες στον κόσμο σήμερα, και το Φως Σου, Ω Κύριε, άφησε τα ίχνη του στη γη. Με πλήρες κατανόηση ψάλλουμε σε Σε. Ήρθες Ω απρόσιτο Φως και φανερωθείς σε μας». Στην μνήμη της Βάπτισης του Χριστού, κατά την οποία ο Κύριος αγίασε τα ύδατα, η Ορθόδοξος Εκκλησία ακολουθεί την αρχαία παράδοση του ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΥ ΤΩΝ ΥΔΑΤΩΝ στις 6 Ιανουαρίου. Η Εκκλησία ζητάει από τον Θεό τον αγιασμό των υδάτων που μοιραζόμαστε μετά με όλους τους πιστούς. Με το ύδωρ αυτό μοιραζόμαστε την χάρη του Θεού. Σαν προετοιμασία για την ειδική αυτή εορτή, οι Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί τηρούν αυστηρή νηστεία στις 5 Ιανουαρίου, παραμονή των Φώτων. Μέσω της νηστείας αυτής αφοσιωνόμαστε στον Θεό προετοιμαζόμενοι να εορτάσουμε τα Φώτα. Μετά την λειτουργία των Φώτων, ο ιερέας ευλογεί τους πιστούς στην εκκλησία με το αγιασμένο νερό και τους προσφέρει ένα μπουκαλάκι να μεταφέρουν στο σπιτικό τους και να πίνουν κάθε μέρα, ή όποτε αισθάνονται την ανάγκη για την Θεία Χάρη. Η Εκκλησία έχει επίσης την όμορφη παράδοση να επισκέπτεται ο ιερέας τις οικίες των πιστών και να ραντίζει με το αγιασμένο νερό. Με την επίσκεψη αυτή ζητούμε από τον Θεό να ευλογήσει τα σπίτια μας για τον νέο χρόνο. Με αγαλλίαση περιμένω να επισκεφθώ τις οικίες των ενοριτών κατά την διάρκεια της εορταστικής αυτής περιόδου της Εκκλησίας.

15 January/February 2014 Page 15 HOUSE BLESSINGS 2014 WHY DO WE HAVE OUR HOMES BLESSED ON EPIPHANY? Christ upon entering the Jordan River, sanctified it and with it all creation. Material creation once again became very good, as it was in the beginning. The central sign of God s sanctification of all things through this great feast is the act of blessing homes of the faithful Christians. The priest visits the home in order to pray with the faithful in the place where the family lives, and to bless their surroundings with the Holy Water of Epiphany. The prayers ask God for mercy and health upon the family, protection from evil, and the house be filled with every blessing. Thus the house itself together with the family is filled with all the fullness of God. It certainly is a meaningful way to start the year. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? When Father Nicholas comes to your home, all the family members are encouraged to gather in a room of your home with an icon, a candle and a small censer (optional). When Father Nicholas finishes with the prayers and begins to sprinkle the house with the Holy Water, he will ask for a member of the family to guide him around the house so that every room may be blessed. It would be inspiring and so very meaningful if ALL the St. George families would invite Father Nicholas to their homes for this very important blessing. LET S MAKE THIS A PRIORITY! ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΟΙΚΩΝ 2014 ΓΙΑΤΙ ΑΓΙΑΖΟΥΜΕ ΤΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ ΜΑΣ ΤΑ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ? Ο Χριστός, με την κατάδυση του στον Ιορδάνη ποταμό, ευλόγησε τόσο αυτόν όσο και ολόκληρη την δημιουργία. Η υλική δημιουργία απέκτησε ξανά την αγνή της υπόσταση, όπως ήταν στην αρχή του κόσμου. Κεντρική θέση στην εορτή των Επιφανίων έχει η επίσκεψη του ιερέα στα σπίτια των πιστών για τον καθιερωμένο αγιασμό. Οι προσευχές ζητάνε την ευσπλαχνία του Θεού, υγεία, προστασία από κάθε κακό και κάθε ευλογία. Έτσι, η οικία μαζί με την οικογένεια πληρούται με την παρουσία του Θεού. Είναι οπωσδήποτε ένας υπέροχος τρόπος να αρχίσει κανείς τον νέο χρόνο. ΤΙ ΧΡΕΙΑΖΕΤΑΙ ΝΑ ΚΑΝΩ ΕΓΩ? Όταν φτάσει ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος, θα πρέπει να έχετε έτοιμο τον κατάλογο με τα ονόματα όλων των μελών της οικογενείας. Όλα τα μέλη της οικογενείας προτρέπονται να είναι παρόντα και να συγκεντρωθούν σε ένα δωμάτιο του σπιτιού με μια εικόνα, ένα κερί και ένα θυμιατό πάνω στο τραπέζι. Όταν ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος τελειώσει τις προσευχές και αρχίσει να ραντίζει το σπίτι με τον αγιασμό, θα ζητήσει να τον οδηγήσετε σε όλα τα δωμάτια του σπιτιού. Πόσο όμορφο θα ήταν αν κάθε οικογένεια του Αγίου Γεωργίου καλούσε τον Πατήρ Νικόλαο για τον σπουδαία και παραδοσιακό αυτό αγιασμό! ΑΣ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΑΥΤΉ ΜΙΑ ΠΡΟΤΑΙΡΑΙΟΤΗΤΑ ΑΥΤΕΣ ΤΙΣ ΗΜΕΡΕΣ!

16 Page 16 January/February 2014 Ήθη και Έθιμα από τον Πόντο Παραμονή των Θεοφανείων Από τη γέννηση του Χριστού μέχρι την ημέρα των Φώτων (6 Ιανουαρίου) μεσολαβούν δώδεκα μέρες. Ο λαός τις αποκαλεί μονολεκτικά δωδεκαήμερα ή αλλιώς δωδεκάμερα. Σύμφωνα με τις παραδοσιακές δοξασίες που σχετίζονται με τις δώδεκα αυτές ημέρες στην καρδιά του χειμώνα, πιστεύεται πως τις νύκτες κυκλοφορούν οι καλικάτζαροι, άλλως τα παγανά, αλλά και οι ψυχές των νεκρών Πολλοί από τους Ποντίους που κατοικούν στα χωριά της ελληνικής υπαίθρου πιστεύουν στην αθέατη επαναφορά των απέθαντων ψυχών μεταξύ των ζωντανών (στη διάρκεια του δωδεκαημέρου) και διατηρούν ως τις μέρες μας, απαρέγκλιτα τα αντίστοιχα έθιμα, όπως: Πριν από το ηλιοβασίλεμα θυμιατίζουν τα εικονίσματα στο εσωτερικό του σπιτιού, την αυλή πάνω από το κεφαλόσκαλο και στη συνέχεια τα τέσσερα σημεία του ορίζοντα. Θυμιατίζουν προς την πλευρά της εκκλησίας το περισσότερο, όπου ο ιερέας, αφού έχει χτυπήσει την καμπάνα, εισέρχεται στο ιερό για την ακολουθία του εσπερινού. Με τη λήξη του εσπερινού η νοικοκυρά του σπιτιού και όμοια με το παράδειγμά της όλοι στην οικογένειά της έχουν στο νου τους να μη μένει ανοιχτή η εξώπορτα. Φροντίζουν συνειδητά να αφήσουν έξω από τη θαλπωρή του σπιτιού τα «παγανά» και τις ψυχές των πεθαμένων που θεωρητικά πιστεύουν, πως βγήκαν από τα «δώματά» τους και κινούνται ανάμεσά τους. Την ημέρα της παραμονής των Φώτων σε κάθε σπίτι του χωριού ξεχωριστά - συνήθως η γιαγιά και απουσία αυτής η μεγάλη στην ηλικία νύφη - με το άκουσμα της καμπάνας του εσπερινού ανάβει το καντήλι, θυμιατίζει, προσεύχεται, κάνει μπροστά στα εικονίσματα γονυκλισίες και σαν να δέχθηκε από αόριστες φωνές προσταγές, φέρνει το βαθύ τάσι το γεμάτο με σπόρους σιταριού και το εναποθέτει πάνω στο χαμηλό σοφρά. Επαναλαμβάνει το «θύμισμα» σταυρώνοντας (τρεις φορές) με τις ανάλογες κινήσεις για το σχήμα του σταυρού το περιεχόμενο του σταριού στο τάσι. Κάνει την προσευχή της με ευχολόγια και τελετουργεί σαν άτυπος ιερέας μπροστά στα «άδυτα των αδύτων», θα λέγαμε. Μνημονεύει όσους «χάθηκαν», ή άλλως «εδέβαν πλαν», «βέβηκαν», όπως λέει ο Αισχύλος στον Οιδίποδα επί Κολωνό. Συνακόλουθα για το ιδιότυπο αυτό μνημόσυνο η γιαγιά, ή η οικοδέσποινα επιχειρεί μπροστά στα μάτια όλων των μελών της οικογένειας που παρακολουθούν, να κάνει την τυποποιημένη κεροδοσιά, ονοματίζοντας έναν έναν ξεχωριστά όλους τους πεθαμένους της οικογένειας πίσω από τρεις γενεές. Από γενεά σε γενεά οδηγείται από όνομα σε όνομα στο κοντινό παρόν. Μνημονεύει αποθανόντα πρόσωπα ονομαστικά για τιμή, μνημοσύνη ή κι ανάμνηση. Η λησμοσύνη διότι, δεν τιμά τον εκάστοτε χριστιανό που χαίρεται τα αγαθά της ζωής, χωρίς την αρμόζουσα αναγωγή στα περασμένα και στους ανθρώπους της. Μέσα στο τάσι ή στη γαβάθα τη γεμάτη από σπόρους σταριού στεριώνει η γιαγιά κάθε φορά το κερί που μόλις άναψε. Την ώρα της κεροδοσιάς ονοματίζει: «Αυτό για το Χαράλαμπο. Αυτό για τον Δημήτρη κι α τό για την Κυριακή». Μετά το ονομαστικό μνημόσυνο των πεθαμένων της οικογένειας από τους παλαιούς στους πρόσφατους, προσθέτουν όμοια και τα ονόματα των γειτόνων που το πρόσφατο χρονικό διάστημα διάβηκαν το κατώφλι του επίγειου αυτού κόσμου και πέρασαν στον άλλο κόσμο, τον άγνωστο. Το βαπτιστικό όνομα του τελευταίου συγχωριανού που απεβίωσε (φίλου ή εχθρού) δεν παραλείπεται. Αλλά το έθιμο αυτό της παραμονής των Φώτων δε τελειώνει εδώ. Πάνω στο τέλος μένει να μνημονευθεί ο άγνωστος, ή ο παντέρημος που δεν έχει απογόνους ή κάποιον που θα μπορούσε να τον μνημονεύσει παραμονή των Φώτων. Όπως κι αν έχει, βρέθηκε ανάμεσα στο σμάρι των ψυχών που επανεμφανίστηκαν (έστω και αθέατα) σ αυτόν τον μάταιο κόσμο κι είναι άδικο να γευθούν την πίκρα της λήθης. Γι αυτό με έμφαση λέγεται: «Ά το για τον άκλερον και το σαγαπσούζ». Η λέξη άκλερον ή άκλιερος, αν προήλθε από το άκληρος, σημαίνει (σύμφωνα με νομική επεξήγηση) αυτόν που δεν άφησε κληρονόμους. Αλλά, άκληρος ονομάζεται κι αυτός που δεν έχει μερίδα, ο φτωχός, ο ενδεής. Κάπου οι έννοιες συναντιόνται με τον άδοξο, αυτόν που δεν υμνήθηκε δηλαδή, κι έτσι η έννοια της λέξης μπορεί να κρατά από το αρχαίο ακλεής (άδοξος) ή το ακλήιστος που δηλώνει τον ανώνυμο. Η λέξη σαγαπσούζ προέρχεται από το Περσικό SHAIBSIZ, που λέγεται για τον απροστάτευτο και τον ορφανό. Από τη φράση «για τον άκλερον και το σαγαπσούζ» φαίνεται το ψυχικό μεγαλείο των απλών ανθρώπων της υπαίθρου, οι οποίοι πιστοί στα ήθη και έθιμα διακονούν την αρχαία ελληνική θεώρηση. Γιατί η ελληνική φιλοσοφική έγνοια βρίσκεται μέσα στην ταφή των αφανών και στην δόξα των αγνώστων και ανωνύμων. Είναι αυτό που είπε ο Θουκυδίδης κι ο Ευριπίδης: η τιμή προς τους αγνώστους κι άγνωρους στοιχειοθετεί «νόμο ελληνικό». Πάνω στην ίδια σκέψη στήθηκε η μαρμάρινη στήλη για τον «Άγνωστο Θεό» που συγκίνησε αργότερα τον Απόστολο Παύλο, όταν πέρασε από την Αθήνα. Από παρόμοιο σκεπτικό μπορεί και να προέκυψαν οι πανανθρώπινοι συμβολισμοί που περιβάλλουν το μνημείο του «Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη». Μέσα λοιπόν από αυτή τη μικρή αναφορά στα ήθη και έθιμα των Θεοφανείων δηλώνεται η συνοχή του Έθνους μας. Διαπιστώνεται έτσι, ότι όσο κι αν η φιλοσοφία ταξίδεψε από την Αθήνα προς τις αποικίες, στο Ιόνιο και την Κάτω Ιταλία, από την Αθήνα, στο Αιγαίο και στα παράλια της Μικράς Ασίας και αμβλύνθηκε, ίσως και να νοθεύτηκε, έφτασε στον Καύκασο κι εκεί εγκλωβίστηκε και διατηρήθηκε μέχρι τις μέρες μας χρησιμοποιώντας την παράδοση για σκυτάλη. Τα ήθη κι έθιμα ως βακτηρία για το ε λ λ η ν ι κ ό ς. Νόρα Κωνσταντινίδου

17 January/February 2014 Page 17 SATURDAY OF SOULS - FEBRUARY 22, MARCH 1 & 8 ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ - 22 ΦΕΒΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ, 1 & 8 ΜΑΡΤΙΟΥ 2014 With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your Servants where there is no pain, no sorrow, nor suffering, Μετά των Αγίων ανάπαυσον, Χριστέ τας ψυχάς των Δούλων Σου, ένθα ουκ έστι πόνος, ου λύπη, ου στεναγμός, αλλά ζωή ατελεύτητος. PLEASE COMMEMORATE THE SOULS OF OUR BLESSED DEPARTED BROTHERS AND SISTERS, DURING THE DIVINE LITURGY OF SATURDAY OF SOULS ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΜΕ ΟΠΩΣ ΜΝΗΜΟΝΕΥΘΟΥΝ ΤΑ ΚΑΤΩΘΙ ΟΝΟΜΑΤΑ ΤΩΝ ΠΡΟΣΦΙΛΩΝ ΜΑΣ ΝΕΚΡΩΝ, ΚΑΤΑ ΤΗΝ ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΥ ΤΕΘΝΕΩΤΕΣ FOR THE REPOSE OF ΤΕΘΝΕΩΤΕΣ FOR THE REPOSE OF

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19 Advertisements January/February 2014 Page 19 TRACK SIDE LIMO & TAXI Serving all of Somerset & Middlesex Counties, NJ Low Rates - 24 hr Service Van Service for Large Groups Special Rates for Airports We Go Anywhere GEORGE ATHANASOPOULOS AND ANDREAS ATHANASOPOULOS Call: Toll Free All major Credit Cards Accepted S M I L E Dr. Kosmas Kasimatis 900 Easton Avenue, Suite 31 Somerset, New Jersey (732) ADVERTISE WITH US sggoc@optonline.net - Tel PRICE LIST BUSINESS CARD: $ ISSUES CONTRACT: $ ISSUES CONTRACT: $ /4 OF A PAGE: $ ISSUES CONTRACT: $ ISSUES CONTRACT: $ /2 OF A PAGE: $ ISSUES CONTRACT: $500.00

20 Page 20 January/February 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