The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 January/February 2011 Volume 9 Issue 1 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George The Voice of Saint George 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» A Message From Our Pastor Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ Happy New Year! With praise and thanks given to God we are entering into a new decade. With the New Year 2011, he has granted us again, as a credit of love, this new time. In This Issue House Blessings For Epiphany New Parish Council Members Philoptochos Membership Brunch and Lenten Luncheon Godparents Day Roof Donors New Voice Guidelines and Submission Dates In Every Issue Pastor s Message President s Message Church Calendar Sunday School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News It is indeed a truth that every entrance to a new year fills our hearts with dreams, hopes, resolutions and goals, planning for new action and creation, earning profits and gains of all kinds to reach high goals. The New Year is the time for us to review what we have done in the previous year, and what will be done in the time ahead of us. It is also true that this time brings to mind the circle of the year that we are again obliged to live in. The passing of the year can be seen by us in many different ways. We grow older and our strength is not the same as in previous years. Our inseparable companion, our body, ages and deteriorates. We cannot avoid this. This often fills us with feelings of frustration. By realizing this reality day by day, it is worth it to ask ourselves what our position is in reference to this awesome thing which is called time. What makes our resistance against this issue of getting old that makes the present the past before we have the chance to enjoy it and live it? As Christians we experience the benediction and the surpassing of time in the Church. We are all members of the Body of Christ. As our head we have the Eternal Lord who is the only one that time does not decay and does not wither. He grants imperishableness to all who are connected to Him through the Holy Sacraments. So, we live in the Liturgical timing of the Church that unites the time of life with the mystery of our salvation. So time then becomes sacred, especially in an acceptable time during which we strive to respond to the calling of God for salvation. That is why time is the most important element in our earthly life, which is why we have to take advantage of it as long as we have time, to prepare our future. Let us not waste our time with unimportant things, or worse with sinful desires. Let us not postpone anything that we can do today; we do not know if we are going to live tomorrow to take advantage of it. The Apostle warns us: behold is a day of salvation, which for us means a day of repentance and confession, a day of prayer, a day of goodness, a day of work to obtain all the virtues in general. To postpone something that you can do today or to say I have plenty of time is a great enemy which seeks to divert us from our eternal destiny. With these thoughts, let us all take advantage of the time we have here on earth to be productive in society and in our personal life for our own salvation during this New Year. May we be granted the goodness of God for His glory and for the prosperity of all our brothers and our own salvation. With love in Christ I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year! The Pastor V. Rev. Alexander Kile Archimandrite

2 January/February 2011 Page 2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Parish Ministries The Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Pastor Parish Council President Emanuel Manioudakis Vice President / Administration Vassilis Keramidas Vice President / Operations George Athanasopoulos Evangeline Emanuel, Secretary Michael Sirimis, Treasurer Katerina Leftheris, Comptroller Members Lampros Bourodimos Katherine Catanzaro James Exarchakis Nick Manikopoulos Peter Manikopoulos George Petrantonakis Perry Petsanas George Rodoussakis Peter Sirimis Special Thanks to the Voice of St. George Volunteers Very Rev. Alexander Kile Board of Trustees Arete Bouhlas Daughters of Penelope Eftihia Karayiannidis Kay Kehayas Georgia Peterson Polly Ploussiou Evellyn Tsiadis, Editor Church Organizations Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Pegi Zajac, President Cantors and Choir Yiorgos Bilalis, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Katerina Kourti, Angeliki Papasavas, Chrisoula Plias, Iro Mavrianos, Teachers Parent Teacher Organization Eftychia Mattas, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Aliki Doninger, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer GOYA Dimitri Frangos, President Advisors George Hadjiloucas, Nellie Tsipoura, George Demos, Fotini Mangafas, Costas Makrelis, Roseanne Rexines, Mike Sirimis, Annie Sullivan, Evie Georgopoulos JOY/HOPE Helen Sirimis Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Senior Citizens Anna Stevens, President Church Committees GET INVOLVED We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office (732) Bookmobile Annual St. George Dinner Dance Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek School Historic Committee House & Grounds Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Relations Religious Artifacts Stewardship Technology Services Voice of St. George Help Also Needed Join an Organizations Choir Ladies Philoptochos Society PTO - Sunday School FOCUS Group GOYA JOY/HOPE Love & Faith 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. Very Rev. Alexander Kile St. George Parish Council

3 The Voice of St. George Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. JANUARY Saturday 1 The Circumcision of our Lord Doxology for New Years Day, St. Basil the Great Sunday 2 Sunday before Epiphany Epistle 2 Timothy 4:5-8 Gospel Mark 1:1-8 Wednesday 5 Eve of the Epiphany Royal Hours 9:00 a.m. Great Vespers Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great 10:30 a.m., Blessing of the Waters 11:45 a.m. Thursday 6 Baptism of Christ (Epiphany) Matins 9:00 a.m., Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Great Blessing of the Waters 11:45 a.m. Friday 7 St. John the Baptist Sunday 9 Sunday After Epiphany Epistle Ephesians 4:7-13 Gospel Matthew 4:12-17 Procession to Raritan River Blessing of River Waters Sunday 16 XII Sunday of Luke Veneration of Apostle Peter s Precious Chains Epistle Colossians 3:4-11 Gospel Luke 17:12-19 Monday 17 St. Anthony the Great Tuesday 18 Saints Athanasios & Kyrillos Patriarchs of Alexandria Sunday 23 XIV Sunday of Luke Epistle I Timothy 1:15-17 Luke 18:35-43 Tuesday 25 St. Gregory the Theologian Sunday 30 XV Sunday of Luke The Three Hierarchs Greek Letters Day Epistle Hebrews 13:7-16, Gospel Matthew 5:14-19 FEBRUARY Wednesday 2 Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple Sunday 6 The Canaanite Woman Epistle 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1 Gospel Matthew 15:21-28 Sunday 13 Publican and Pharisee Epistle 2 Timothy 3:10:15, Gospel Luke 18:10-14 Sunday 20 Prodigal Son Epistle Corinthians 6:12-20, Gospel Luke 15:11-32 Saturday 26 1 st Saturday of Souls Sunday 27 Meatfare Sunday Epistle Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2 Gospel Matthew 25:31-46 EΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9:00 π.μ. - 11:00 π.μ. ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ Σάββατο 1 Περιτομή του Κυρίου, Αγίου Βασιλείου, Δοξολογία για Αρχή Νέου Έτους Κυριακή 2 Κυριακή προ των Φώτων Αποστ. Β Τιμ. 4:5-8 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 1:1-8 Τετάρτη 5 Παραμονή Θεοφανείων Βασιλικαί Ώραι Θεοφανείων 9:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός μετά της Θ. Λειτουργία Μεγ. Βασιλείου 10:30 π.μ. Αγιασμός των Υδάτων 11:45 π.μ. Πέμπτη 6 Η Βάπτισις του Χριστού (Θεοφάνεια) Όρθρος 9 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Μέγας Αγιασμός των Υδάτων 11:45 π.μ. Παρασκευή 7 Αγίου Ιωάννου του Βαπτιστού Κυριακή 9 Κυριακή μετά τα Φώτα Αποστ. Εφεσ. 4:7-13 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 4:12-17 Πομπή το Ποταμό Raritan Κατάδυσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού και Αγιασμός του Ποταμού Κυριακή 16 1Β Λουκά Προσκύνησις Αλύσεως Αποστόλου Πέτρου Αποστ. Κολ. 3:4-11, Ευαγ. Λουκά 17:1219 Δευτέρα 17 Αγίου Αντωνίου του Μεγάλου Τρίτη 18 Αγίων Αθανασίου και Κυρίλλου Πατριαρχών Αλεξανδρείας Κυριακή 23 ΙΔ Λουκά Αποστ. Α Τιμ. 1:15-17, Ευαγ. Λουκά 18:3543 Τρίτη 25 Αγίου Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου Κυριακή 30 ΙΕ Λουκά Των Τριών Ιεραρχών Η ημέρα των Γραμμάτων Αποστ. Εβρ. 13:7-16, Ευαγ. Ματ. 5:14-19 ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ Τετάρτη 2 Η Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου Κυριακή 6 Της Χαναναίας Αποστ. Β Κορ. 6:16-18; 7:1 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 15:21-28 Κυριακή 13 Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου Αποστ. Β Τιμ. 3:10:15, Ευαγ. Λουκά 18:10-14 Κυριακή 20: Του Ασώτου Υιού Αποστ. Κορ. 6:12-20, Ευαγ. Λουκά 15:11-32 Σάββατο 26 Α Ψυχοσάββατο Κυριακή 27 Κυριακή της Τυρινής Αποστ. Κορ. 8:8-13; 9:1-2 Ευαγ. Ματ. 25:31:46

4 January/February 2011 Page 4 Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ αδελφοί, Με δοξολογία και ευχαριστία προς τον γιο Θεό εισερχόμαστε στο νέο έτος 2011, το οποίο μας χάρισε και πάλι, σαν μία πίστωση αγάπης, η μακροθυμία του Κυρίου μας. Είναι αλήθεια πως η είσοδος στην κάθε νέα χρονιά γεμίζει τις καρδιές μας με όνειρα, προσδοκίες, οράματα και προγραμματισμούς για νέα δράση και δημιουργία, απόκτηση κερδών κάθε είδους και κατάκτηση υψηλών στόχων. Η πρωτοχρονιά είναι καιρός απολογισμού αυτών πού κάναμε, αλλά και προγραμματισμού όσων πρόκειται να ενεργήσουμε στο χρονικό διάστημα πού απλώνεται μπροστά μας. Είναι επίσης αλήθεια, όμως, πώς η κάθε πρωτοχρονιά φέρνει μαζί της και κάτι άλλο: την υπενθύμιση της αδιάκοπης ανακύκλησης του χρόνου, μέσα στην όποια καλούμεθα υποχρεωτικά να ζήσουμε. Το πέρασμά του σημειώνεται πάνω μας, καθώς αυξάνονται τα χρόνια της ζωής μας, και καταβάλλει τις σωματικές μας δυνάμεις. Ο αχώριστος σύντροφός μας, το σώμα μας, γερνά και φθείρεται. Δεν μπορούμε να το αποφύγουμε. Αυτό συχνά μας γεμίζει με συναισθήματα απογοήτευσης. Συνειδητοποιώντας μέρα με την μέρα αυτήν την πραγματικότητα, αξίζει και επιβάλλεται να αναρωτηθούμε για την δική μας στάση ζωής απέναντι στο φοβερό αυτό μέγεθος πού λέγεται «χρόνος». Ποια μπορεί να είναι? αντίσταση μας ενάντια στο καθολικό αυτό «πάλιωμα», πού καθιστά το παρόν παρελθόν, πριν ακόμη προλάβουμε να το ζήσουμε και να το χαρούμε; Ως χριστιανοί βιώνουμε τον αγιασμό και την υπέρβαση του χρόνου μέσα στην Εκκλησία. Μέλη όλοι μας του Σώματος του Χριστού, έχουμε ως Κεφαλή τον Υπέρχρονο Κύριο, πού μόνος Αυτός παραμένει ανεπηρέαστος από την φθορά και αναλλοίωτος, και χαρίζει την αφθαρσία σε όλους όσοι συνδέονται μαζί Του δια τον Αγίων Μυστηρίων. Έτσι ζούμε μέσα στον λειτουργικό χρόνο της Εκκλησίας, πού συνδέει τον χρόνο της ανθρώπινης ζωής μας με το μυστήριο της σωτηρίας μας. Ο χρόνος τότε γίνεται ιερός, κατεξοχήν «ευπρόσδεκτος καιρός», στην διάρκεια του οποίου αγωνιζόμαστε να ανταποκριθούμε στην κλήση του Θεού για σωτηρία. Είναι, γι? αυτό, το πιο σημαντικό στοιχείο στην επίγεια ζωή μας, το οποίο οφείλουμε να εκμεταλλευθούμε «έως καιρόν έχωμεν», για να προετοιμάσουμε το αιώνιο μέλλον μας. Ας μην τον σκοτώνουμε, λοιπόν, άσκοπα, σπαταλώντας τον σε ανωφελή πράγματα ή, ακόμη χειρότερα, σε αμαρτωλές επιθυμίες. Και ας μην αναβάλλουμε για την αύριο αυτό πού μπορούμε να κάνουμε σήμερα. Δεν γνωρίζουμε αν θα ζήσουμε το αύριο για το εκμεταλλευθούμε. Ο Απόστολος μας προειδοποιεί: «Ιδού ημέρα σωτηρίας», πράγμα που για μάς σημαίνει: ημέρα μετανοίας και εξομολογήσεως, ημέρα προσευχής, ήμερα ανεξικακίας και μακροθυμίας, ημέρα αγώνος για την απόκτηση όλων γενικά των αρετών, ήμερα αγιότητος. Η αναβολή και η γνωστή φράση «έχω καιρό» είναι ένας μεγάλος εχθρός πού ζητεί να μας αποπροσανατολίσει από τον αιώνιο προορισμό μας. Με αυτές τις σκέψεις, λοιπόν, εύχομαι όλοι μας να αξιοποιήσουμε και τον νέο αυτό χρόνο πού μάς χάρισε η Αγαθότητα του Κυρίου μας, για την δόξα Του, την προκοπή των αδελφών μας και την δική μας σωτηρία. Μετά πατρικών εορτίων ευχών και της εν Κυρίω αγάπης, Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αρχιμ. Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ

5 The Voice of St. George Page 5 HOUSE BLESSINGS FOR EPIPHANY 2011 As you all already know, it is tradition in the Greek Orthodox faith to have your home blessed in the beginning of the year. It is also a nice opportunity to get the family together and participate in a vital part of our Christian Faith. In order to facilitate this, the church office will be mailing cards to all parishioners informing them of when the priest will be in your area. Below you will find a tentative schedule. We hope that you make this beautiful tradition part of your family s life. ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΣΠΙΤΙΩΝ Όπως όλοι ξέρετε, η Ελληνορθόδοξη πίστη μας επιβάλει να αγιάζονται τα σπίτια μας την αρχή κάθε χρόνου. Είναι επίσης, μία όμορφη ευκαιρία να συγκεντρώσουμε την οικογένειά μας και να ζήσουμε από κοντά ένα κομμάτι της Χριστιανικής μας Πίστης. Με σκοπό να οργανώσει τους Αγιασμούς όσο γίνεται καλύτερα, το γραφείο της εκκλησίας μας θα στείλει κάρτες που γνωστοποιούν στους ενορίτες μας πότε θα είναι ο ιερέας στην περιοχή σας. Παρακάτω θα βρείτε το προκαταρκτικό πρόγραμμα. Ελπίζουμε κανείς να μην χάσει την όμορφη αυτή ευκαιρία και ευχόμαστε ο ετήσιος Αγιασμός να γίνει μέρος της ζωής κάθε Χριστιανικής οικογένειας. JANUARY 2011 Wednesday, 05 Businesses Thursday, 06 Businesses Friday, 07 Highland Park (2-7) Monday, 10 New Brunswick (11-2), Highland Park (3-7) Tuesday, 11 North Brunswick (2-7) Wednesday, 12 North Brunswick (11-4) Thursday, 13 Piscataway (3-7) Friday, 14 Edison (11-6) Saturday, 15 Edison (11-4) Sunday, 16 Metuchen, North Edison (3-6) Monday, 17 East Brunswick (1-6) Tuesday, 18 East Brunswick (2-7) Wednesday, 19 Somerset (11-4) Thursday, 20 Somerset (2-7) Friday, 21 South River (12-5), Spotswood (6-7) Saturday, 22 South River (2-6) Sunday, 23 Princeton (2-3), Franklin Park, Kendall Park (3-7) Monday, 24 Bridgewater, Raritan (3-8) Tuesday, 25 Manville (12-3) Wednesday, 26 Old Bridge, Sayreville, Parlin (1-7) Thursday, 27 Bridgewater, Raritan (3-8) Friday, 28 Monmouth Junction, Dayton (3-5) Saturday, 29 Milltown (12-4) Monday, 31 Middlesex, Green Brook, Bound Brook, Dunellen (1-7) FEBRUARY 2011 Tuesday, 1 Belle Mead, Hillsborough, Skillman (2-6) Wednesday, 2 Somerville, Martinsville (3-6) Thursday 3 Monroe, Jamesburg (2-6) Friday 4 Manalapan, Englishtown (2-7) Sunday 6 Flemington (4-7) Monday 7 Warren (1-6) Tuesday 8 Whitehouse Station (3-7) Wednesday 9 North & South Plainfield, Scotch Plains (5-7) If your town is not listed above please call the church office at or Father Alex at to make arrangements to have your home blessed. God Bless You!

6 January/February 2011 Page 6 President s Message Dear Parishioners, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the parishioners of St. George a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous and Healthy New Year. I beseech all of you to give the incoming Board of Trustees your wholehearted support -without your help any Board is impotent. Although members of the Board work tirelessly to make sure that the Church operates smoothly and that the physical plant is in good shape, your participation in fund raising, in community projects, as well as in social activities is necessary for the success of the Community. As a St. George family it s only when each individual does his or her part that the Community survives and creates cohesiveness able to face the challenges of these times. During the past year I have written some lengthy messages to you with the hope of stirring some interest and with the hope of developing a sense of identity for our religious home, St. George. Some rallied to the cause and there are significant accomplishments that are testaments to that interest. To many, however, my words fell on deaf ears. The biggest disappointment was the poor support that was received for the new roof installed to protect your church. I thank those who contributed and I pray for the enlightenment of those who did not support this very worthwhile cause. As I mentioned in my previous message, the end of this year marks the end of my presidency of this great Community, a Community in which I was born, baptized and in which I have spent my entire life. Like an old soldier who is ending his military career, I now close my service as President of the Community that I truly love. Like an old soldier, I did my duty as God gave me the light to see that duty and to do what was right for St. George. Without question or hesitation and with all my heart, I served you to the best of my ability. I put St. George ahead of both my family and myself. This Community will always be dear to my heart United We Stand Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους Good Bye and God Bless you. Emanuel Manioudakis President Newly Elected St. George Parish Council The annual Parish Council elections were held on November 14 th, The results, in alphabetical order, are as follows: Dimitrios (Jim) Exarchakis, Vassilis Keramidas, Thomas Kouridakis, Katerina Leftheris, John Lyssikatos, Peter Sirimis, George Zalokostas, and George Petrantonakis (alternate) Congratulations to them and may they have a successful and fruitful term!

7 The Voice of St. George Page 7 Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Αγαπητοί ενορίτες, Θα ήθελα μ αυτή την ευκαιρία να ευχηθώ σε όλους τους ενορίτες του Αγίου Γεωργίου πολύ Καλά Χριστούγεννα και ένα χαρούμενο και υγιές Νέο Έτος. Σας ικετεύω όλους να δώσετε την ειλικρινή σας υποστήριξη στο εισερχόμενο Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο - χωρίς τη βοήθειά σας οποιοσδήποτε συμβούλιο είναι ανήμπορο. Παρά το γεγονός ότι τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου ακούραστα εργάζονται για να σιγουρευτούν ότι η Εκκλησία λειτουργεί ομαλά και ότι οι υλικές εγκαταστάσεις είναι σε καλή κατάσταση, η συμμετοχή σας στη συγκέντρωση κεφαλαίων, στα κοινοτικά προγράμματα, καθώς και στις κοινωνικές δραστηριότητες είναι απαραίτητη για την επιτυχία της Κοινότητας. Ως μία "οικογένεια" του Αγίου Γεωργίου, μόνο όταν το κάθε άτομο κάνει το μέρος του, τότε η Κοινότητα επιβιώνει και δημιουργεί ικανή συνεκτικότητα ώστε να είναι σε θέση να αντιμετωπίσει τις προκλήσεις των αυτών των καιρών. Κατά τη διάρκεια του περασμένου έτους σας έχω γράψει μερικά μεγάλα μηνύματα με την ελπίδα να κινήσω κάπως το ενδιαφέρον σας και με την ελπίδα ότι κάπως θα προάγω το συναίσθημα της ταυτότητας για το θρησκευτικό μας σπίτι, τον Άγιο Γεώργιο. Μερικοί ανασυντάχτηκαν στη προσπάθεια και υπήρξαν σημαντικές ολοκληρώσεις που αποτελούν απόδειξη για αυτό το στόχο. Για πολλούς, όμως, τα λόγια μου έπεσαν στο κενό. Η μεγαλύτερη απογοήτευση ήταν η φτωχή υποστήριξη που παραλήφθηκε για τη νέα στέγη που εγκαταστάθηκε για προστατεύσει την εκκλησία σας. Ευχαριστώ όσους συνέβαλαν και προσεύχομαι για το διαφωτισμό εκείνων που δεν υποστήριξαν αυτό τον πολύ σημαντικό σκοπό. Όπως ανέφερα στο προηγούμενο μήνυμα μου, το τέλος αυτού του έτους, χαρακτηρίζει το τέλος της προεδρίας μου, αυτής της μεγάλης Κοινότητας, μια Κοινότητα στη οποία γεννήθηκα, βαφτίστηκα και στην οποία έχω περάσει ολόκληρη τη ζωή μου. Σαν ένας παλιός στρατιώτης που τελειώνει τη στρατιωτική του σταδιοδρομία, τελείωσα τη θητεία μου ως Πρόεδρος της Κοινότητας που αληθινά αγαπώ. Σαν ένα παλιός στρατιώτης, έκανα το καθήκον μου κανονικά όπως μου έδωσε ο Θεός το φως να δω το χρέος μου και να κάνω ότι ήταν σωστό για τον Άγιο Γεώργιο. Χωρίς καμία αμφιβολία ή δισταγμό το έκανα με όλη μου την καρδιά, σας εξυπηρέτησα με το καλύτερο της δυνατότητάς μου. Έβαλα τον Άγιο Γεώργιο μπροστά από την οικογένειά μου και εμένα. Αυτή η Κοινότητα θα είναι πάντα αγαπητή στην καρδιά μου. United We Stand Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους Αντίο και ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί. Μανώλης Μανιουδάκης Πρόεδρος Οι εκλογές για το νέο Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο έλαβαν χώρα την 14 Νοεμβρίου Τα αποτελέσματα, κατ ʹαλφαβητική σειρά, είναι ως εξής: Δημήτριος (Jim) Eξαρχάκης, Βασίλης Κεραμιδάς, Ευστράτιος Κουριδάκης, Κατερίνα Λευθέρη, Ιωάννης Λυσσικάτος, Παναγιώτης Συρίμης, Γιώργος Ζαλοκώστας και Γεώργιος Πετραντωνάκης (αναπληρωματικός) Συγχαρητήρια σ ʹόλους. Επιτυχή και καρποφόρα θητεία!

8 January/February 2011 Page 8 Parent Teacher Organization - PTO As we start the New Year, the Saint George P.T.O. Board wishes a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Year to all the parishioners. 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 January 30 th, the P.T.O will be hosting a luncheon to honor The Three Hierarchs Day. This luncheon is also a celebration to honor all the Greek and Sunday School teachers. We are asking everyone, especially the families with children attending the Greek or Sunday 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 February 13 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. Please use the form attached for your orders. On February 27 th, we will have the Annual Apokriatiko Glendi. This is our biggest fundraising event and we hope to see you at the Glendi. Flyers will be distributed to both Greek and Sunday School students with more information. PTO Calendar Events for January/February 2011: January 30 th : Three Hierarchs/Artoklasia and Luncheon February 13 th : Godparents Day February 27 th : Apokriatiko Glendi We would like to remind everyone that throughout the year the members of the PTO Board are always available to answer any of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us! St. George Parent Teacher Organization Eftychia Mattas, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Aliki Doninger, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer stgpto@optonline.net

9 The Voice of St. George Page 9 THE PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Of SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Invites you to come and celebrate with your Godchildren and /or your Godparents GODPARENTS DAY February 13 th, 2011 We will be selling lambathes for your Godchildren and corsages for Nouno or Nouna. If you are interested in ordering these items in time for Godparents Day, please fill out the order form and return to Eftychia Mattas or Helen Sirimis (or PTO mailbox) by January 10 th, 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

10 January/February 2011 Page 10 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! It was a busy and outstanding ending of year 2010 for the Philoptochos ladies! We met our many National 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, Kourampiedes, 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, delivered boxes of Christmas cookies to the children of Amanda Crossing (a home in Middlesex County for homeless mothers and their children), 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, provided much needed assistance through the Needy Cases Fund, and participated and made donations to numerous St. George activities. Congratulations to all the chairs of these activities and all those who assisted as they did an outstanding job! We continue our busy schedule as we begin the year Our Vasilopita took place on Jan. 2, On February 6, 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 13 (Orthodoxy Sunday) a Memorial Service for our deceased members will take place. On that same day, March 13, 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 22 and February 26. We encourage all our members to check their calendars for the dates of our monthly meetings and to attend all our meetings. This is an election year and we look forward to having more members to serve on the Board of Governors. So, ladies, come to the meetings and participate in our various activities. Also, let s start the new year right by paying all our dues! CONGRATULATIONS, EVELLYN!!! In October, 2010, we were informed by National Philoptochos that our very own Philoptochos member Evellyn Tsiadis was appointed, once again, to serve on the Philoptochos National Board. Not only is Evellyn a member of our Philoptochos but she is also President of the Academy of St. Basil Board of Trustees and is very active in the Daughters of Penelope having served that organization in many capacities and ultimately as Grand President. To Evellyn we extend our congratulations and very best wishes for much happiness and much success in the future. KAI SE ANOTERA!!! 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 also acknowledge the following donations that were not included in this year s Christmas Card: Giannios Family Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Karas John & Connie Protopapadakis 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! Remember to direct your UNITED WAY donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number

11 The Voice of St. George Page 11 The Philoptochos Membership Brunch The Ladies Philoptochos Society invites the entire community to its annual Membership Brunch February 6, 2011 in the AHEPA Hall immediately after the Divine 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 Sunday, March 13, 2011 After the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall Sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society `St. Barbara Donations Will Benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary

12 January/February 2011 Page 12 Sunday School News 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 Alex, the teachers and staff, we would like to thank our community for the support and trust you have placed in us for providing an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to your children. We are truly proud of our religious education program and grateful to all our staff members for their efforts, dedication and perseverance. Our Religious Education program is proceeding for the ecclesiastical year with vigor and enthusiasm. Each class is following the established curriculum developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Religious Education, and participates in special projects that enhance their learning process. We offer a music program that includes the teaching of many liturgical hymns and Christmas Carols. Each class participates in the Divine Liturgy where their knowledge of our Holy Orthodox Church is reinforced. As mentioned in our last edition, we have enhanced our program this year based on the excellent feedback we received from our staff and parents last June. Our music program was expanded to include the teaching of additional liturgical hymns. Our food drive now includes the participation of all grades and the inclusion of all our students artwork. An exciting program is being provided to our Teen Rap students, who now have a permanent home on the second floor. One of the most spiritually fulfilling events that we hold each year is the St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival where members of our youth (grades 7 th through 12 th ) research, write and present their essays to the community on subjects of our Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. In preparation for this festival that will be held in April, a student workshop was held that introduced new students to the program and provided additional guidance to all others. Additionally, a visit to a neighboring assistant living facility is currently being planned. Our program held a very successful Food Drive for the Thanksgiving holiday. All collected food and artwork were provided to the Piscataway FISH Hospitality program that serves homeless women and families by providing meals and other assistance to those in need within our community. I can t tell you how thankful they were to receive these goods; I was astounded by the number of women and men who were there to receive goods for the holidays. It was a humbling experience! 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 of the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. We pray that we continue to have a successful year. For any questions or concerns, please contact us at lmalahias@yahoo.com. May God Bless, St. George Religious Education Staff

13 The Voice of St. George Page 13 Greek Orthodox Youth Association - G. O. Y. A. The St. George GOYA would like to first wish everybody a Happy and Healthy New year. On November the GOYA took its annual trip to the Holy Cross Hellenic College in Boston, MA. The GOYA spent the day at Faneuil Hall and later arrived at the college for evening mass and religious activities. The discussions were very interesting and inspiring to all those who attended. Overall, the trip was both rewarding and fun! We would also like to congratulate the entire GOYA and the advisors for another successful Taverna Night. This year was the 8 th annual Taverna Night hosted by the GOYA on Saturday, November 20. The proceeds went to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. The GOYA would like to thank all of the donors for their food, decorations and time. A special thanks goes to Mrs. Sophie Exarchakis and Mrs. Maria Makropoulos for chairing this event. The night was a tremendous success and a wonderful experience for everyone. Our December meeting was held on Sunday, December 5 th. At this meeting there were signups for the trip to St. Michaels on, Sunday December 12 th. The GOYANS have been visiting St. Michael s Home for some years now where they sing Christmas Carols, dance and spend time with the elderly. After the visit we took a ride through Manhattan to see the Christmas Tree and then dinner in Astoria, Queens to end a day of fun. The Bridges run was held on Saturday December 11 th. The preparation was on Friday December 10 th in Trenton along with the Flemington, and Asbury Park GOYANS. The Bridges Outreach Program is a charity where we deliver basic necessities such as food, clothing and toiletries to homeless men, women and children living in Newark, N.J. We want to thank everyone that helped support this charity with their donations. The annual Christmas dance was held on December 28 th in Paramus, NJ. The January meeting was held on Sunday January 2 nd. This meeting gave the opportunity to the GOYANS to sign up for the Valentine s Day dance on Friday, February 4 th, in Clifton. At this meeting all those participating in Sights and Sounds were expected to hand in their literature pieces. Sights and Sounds practices also began in January. Καλή Χρονιά, με υγεία και χαρά! Respectfully submitted, Zoe Makropoulos and Michael Moutafis CO- GOYAN Historians

14 Have you given St. George his Christmas Gift? Join these fellow parishioners by making a contribution to offset the costs of replacing OUR Church Roof. Make an investment in OUR Church that many generations of OUR children will benefit from. George & Barbara Abadiotakis John & Sofia Abadiotakis Margaret Agnostak AHEPA Monroe Chapter 75 Carmine & Sophia Albanese Evangelia Alexander Liberty Alfieris Helen Allinder Emanuel & Frances Alvarez Manuel & Ann Alvarez Savoula Amanatidis Dimos & Sofia Amaxopoulos Demetrios & Kanella Anastasatos Demetris & Eleni Andronikou M John & Rose Angelakos Anonymous Demetrios & Afrodite Antipas Constantine & Eleni Apostolakis Frank & Camille Araps Emanuel & Angie Aretakis Stamatis & Pauline Arkoulakis George & Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos Milton C & Anastasia Ballas Nektarios & Eleni Banis Mary Blazakis Vasiliki Bliziotis Arete Bouhlas Dimitri N & Maria D Bouhlas Peter Bouhlas George & Mary Boulegeris Helen Bouzos Joseph & Maria Boyadjis Helen Breznak Michael & Ellen Cambilis Ralph & Maria Caputo Francis J & Katherine Catanzaro Cephalonian Organization James & Christine Colitsas Gregory & Elaine Comsudis Anastasia Copachiarys Ariadne Coules Stefanos & Kathy Damianakis Daughters of Penelope George Demetriou Gerasimos & Kristen Diagelakis Ioannis & Gerasimoula Diamantis Mary Diamantis Mike & Mary Dimitrakis Michael Dolianitis St. George s Donors George & Irene Drakopoulos Spyridon & Vicki Drecolias Michael & Evangeline Emanuel Nicholas & Helen Englezos Georgia Exarchakis James G & Sophia Exarchakis James Falabella Andreas & Eve Fragioudakis Athanasios & Stavroula Frestis John & Bertha Garris Robert & Katina Garthe Dimitrios Gavalas & Katherine Kourti Anthony & Helen Gegelys Lynne Gementgis Ned K & Elizabeth George George & Panagiota Georgiou Maria Georgiou Stanley & Nickie Gerondelis Irene Gianakakos Christos & Helen Giannios Evangelos & Mitza Giannos Michael Giannos Dimetrios & Michele Greberis Christine H Gussis George & Lefkothea Hadjiloucas Evangelos & Stamatoula Hionis Spiros & Angeliki Hionis Joseph & Kathryn Hirschman Arkady Honchariv Pericles & Daphne Ioulianou George & Alexandra Janow John & Evelyn Kallas Eftihios & Anastasia Kalogridis Anthony & Maria Kamarinopoulos Athanasia Kambitsis Demetrius Kambitsis Dimitra Kambitsis Leonila Kambitsis Nicholas Kambitsis Anastasia Kangos Markos & Maria Kantilierakis Stamatis & Anastasia Kantilierakis Hristos & Argyro Kapasakis Toula Karamarkos Spiro & Sofia Karas Demetrios & Eftihia Karayiannidis James & Tasoula Kartatos Alice Kartikis Basil S & Katherine B Kasimis Michael & Priscilla Kasternakis John & Marietta Kazan John Kehayas Katina Kehayas Nicholas T Kehayas Tim & Jody Kehayas Vassilis & Elaine Keramidas Very Rev Alexander Kile George & Georgia Kolias Nickie Kopanakis George & Athena Kostis Anthony & Zoe Koulouris Nicholas & Christine Koumarianos Simon & Elizabeth Koumis John & Linda Kourakos Thomas & Georgia Kouridakis George & Lisa Koutsoubis Dennis & Vaseleke A Krousos Mary Kuklakis Katerina Leftheris Gus Leontarakis Irene Leontarakis Michael Levas Nancy Liverakos Casandra Lorincz Anthony & Anna Lorino Constantine Lydakis Panagiotis & Marianne Lysicatos Constantinos & Helen Lyssikatos John & Evanthia Lyssikatos Thomais Lyssikatos Constantine & Nicki Makrelis Venetia Makris Evangelos & Olga Makropoulos John & Maria Makropoulos Michalis & Fotini Mangafas

15 Emanuel & Anna Manioudakis George & Vanna Manioudakis James & Niki Marketos Elpida Marolis Matthew & Meropi Martini Harry & Evelyn Mataras John Mavrakis Ioannis & Iro Mavrianos John & Helen Mellos Nicholas & Sylvia Menedis Mary Messner Trian & Eleni Mihelis Peter Miko & Lemonia Miko-Malahias Minas & Mary Rose Mina George & Vasso Mitchels Thomas & Maria Moutafis Nicholas & Antonia Mpletsakis John Paul & Pauline Murphy John & Christine Paftinos John M & Linda Ann Paitakes Emmanuel & Katina Papamanolis Chrysso Papanastasiou Michael & Angelica Papasavas John & Agorasti Papoutsakis Artemis Pappas Christ S Pappas Helene A Pappas Thomas Parlapanides Jr Helen Patestos Karl & Dimitra Paulus Jordan D & Anastasia Perel Georgia C Peterson Demitre & Sonia Petinatos Michael & Deborah Petkovski George & Maria Petrou Perry & Leah Petsanas John V Pilitsis Jean Plaganis Socrates & Polly Ploussiou H James & Rita Polos Thomas J & MaryAnn Prenderville Eftichios & Diana Protopapadakis George & Maria Psyllos Patrick & Catherine Rascona Dimitris & Roseann Rexines George & Irene Rodoussakis Roland & Karen Rodriguez Iacovos & Florentia Savva Helen Scalia Kostas Schadas Angelo & Margaret A Scopelianos St George Senior Citizens Stefanie Sgourakis Steven & Christel Sgourakis Nicholas & Regina Siliverdis Constantine & Jennifer Simos Chris & Maria Sirimis Kyriakos & Meropi Sirimis Michael & Helen Sirimis Peter & Maria Sirimis Dean V Solomos James & Elizabeth Solomos Demetrios & Soula Spathis Elizabeth Stamat Elena Stavrianidis Panos & Maggie Stavrianidis Anna Stevens Paul V & Alice J Stevens Victor P & Teresa Stevens Jr George & Eleni Stoupas John D & Linda Stroumtsos John & Bella Sturges Manuel & June Sturges Thomas & Viveca Sulich Titus & Gertude Tarnovetchi Georgios & Maria Thanos Paul & Elsie Theodorou Liberty Toto & Richard Krembecki Louis Troulis Steve & Evellyn Tsiadis John & Stella Tsinetakes Fotios & Eleni Tsivelekidis George Tsolakis George & Beatrice Vassil Thomas & Barbara Vastardis Demetrios & Aphrodite Vlahos Christos & Effie Voloudakis William Wadsworth Edward & Malvina Wilkens St George Youth Peter Zaboglou Angelos & Kalliope Zafirelis John & Pegi Zajac George & Anastasia Zalokostas Konstantinos & Maria Zalokostas Dimitri Zambas Tasos & Sharon Zambas Vasilios Zarokostas Total Roof Cost $82, Total Donations as of 12/17/2010 $48, Our beautiful St. George with its new faux terra cotta roof.

16 Ο Σύλλογος Κρητών Τα Λευκά Όρη Προσκαλεί την Ομογένεια στον Annual Dinner Dance Σάββατο, 5 Φεβρουαρίου, 2011, 7:00 PM Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 7:00 PM Pines Manor 2085 Route 27, Edison NJ Ελάτε όλοι μαζί να γιορτάσομε τα 82 χρόνια προσπάθεια διατήρησης της Ελληνικής μας κληρονομιάς στην Κοινότητά μας. Come and Celebrate with us our 82 years of great efforts to maintain and disseminate our Hellenic Heritage in our Community. Θα είναι μια βραδιά γεμάτη αυθεντική κρητική μουσική από συγκρότημα που θα έρθει από την Κρήτη και λαϊκή μουσική με τον ξακουστό Χρήστο Ζαβόλα και το συγκρότημα του. Η παρουσία σας θα μας τιμήσει. There will be a night of live authentic Cretan and Greek popular music and food based on our famous Cretan diet. Your attendance and support will greatly honor our chapter. Open Bar All night! Πληροφορίες και Κρατήσεις -Information and Reservations Σούλα Καντηλιεράκη

17 CONGRATULATIONS EVELLYN TSIADIS The St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Piscataway would like to congratulate Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis on her appointment to the Board of the National Philoptochos Society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese which is one of the largest and most active Christian women s philanthropic organizations in the United States of America. The mission of the National Philoptochos is To promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach to preserve the sanctity of life and family and to perpetuate and promote our Orthodox faith and traditions." Mrs. Tsiadis is a long time member of the St George parish and was also married in our church 26 years ago to her husband, Steve Tsiadis. Evellyn has always been a very active member in our local parish with one of her first positions of leadership as GOYA president, but has also served on the Memorial Committee and is currently the Editor of The Voice of St George Committee. A true asset to our community, Evellyn has been active in the Daughters of Penelope where she has held multiple leadership roles within her chapter her district and achieving the highest rank as Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos has also recognized her talents and appointed her to the NJ Metropolitan Council and the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos Board. In addition to this latest appointment, his Eminence Archbishop Demetrios previously appointed Evellyn to serve as president of the Saint Basil Academy and also to the Archdiocesan Council. The Board of Trustees St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Piscataway, NJ The Annual Dance Committee wishes to thank all the sponsors who contributed to the Ad Journal. The following ad was received after the Journal was printed: If you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. It has found Titus Tarnovetchi! Congratulations on receiving this great honor. From the daughter of George and Dolores Mellott who helped Titus and his family immigrate to the USA Patsy Mellott

18 Advertisements

19 ADVERTISE WITH THE VOICE OF ST. GEORGE FAX PRICE LIST 2011 BUSINESS CARD: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ /4 OF A PAGE: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ /2 OF A PAGE: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ FULL PAGE: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $ MONTH CONTRACT: $1, OUR NEWSLETTER REACHES OVER 1000 FAMILIES OF OUR ST. GEORGE COMMUNITY For more information you can call the church office at: or send in your signed contract and check to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ Attention: Voice of St. George Name: Tel.# Address: Please print message or attach business card: Advertisements will only be printed upon submission of signed contract and monies Signature: Date:

20 SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Paid New Brunswick, N.J. Permit No River Road Piscataway, NJ ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: WE RE ON THE WEB! STGEORGEPISCATAWAY.ORG THE VOICE OF ST. GEORGE SCHEDULE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ARTICLES TO THE CHURCH OFFICE Deadline dates will not be extended Please your article to DEADLINE DATE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ISSUE - December 1 st MARCH/APRIL ISSUE - February 1 st MAY/JUNE ISSUE - April 1 st JULY/AUGUST ISSUE - June 1 st SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE - August 1 st NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ISSUE - October 1 st NEW GUIDELINES: All organizations have been allotted the maximum of one page. If additional space is needed, please inform the committee well in advance to assist you. The committee will do its best to accommodate your request. If unable to, the committee will advise you. Only small pictures will be accepted and articles should be single spaced, using a font of maximum. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Evellyn Tsiadis, Editor