T H E G O O D N E WS

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1 ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ T H E G O O D N E WS Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey Tel: Fax: Emergency Tel: info@stathanasiosnj.org OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3 APRIL / MAY 2016 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos Ieratikos Proestamenos Parish Council 2016 President: Peter Paizis Vice President: Andy Hios 2nd V. President: Demetrios Xanthos Treasurer: Tony Emmanouilidis Secretary: Othon Katechis Vasilios Fikaris Jason Fink Nick Gagis George Glavas Panagiotis Karounos Emmanuel Kavrakis John Kyriakakis Gus Panagiotopoulos George Siamboulis Chuck J. Tsocanos Chuck K. Tsocanos Dean Tomaras Paul Venizelos The Great Lent, which began on Monday, March 14, 2016, is truly a period of meditation for the soul and body. It is the time for us to collect and to recall all our sinful deeds and to repent and ask forgiveness from God and to strengthen our ties with Him. Great Lent serves as a preparation for the drama and the true passion of the Holy Week which will soon be upon us. There are many roads and avenues which lead to the spiritual edification of our souls with prayer, Bible reading, fasting, Holy Confession and Holy Communion. No matter which path we take, the Road of the Great Lent definitely plays a very essential role in the cultivation and growth of our religious life. Fasting, Prayer and Repentance are essential elements for the salvation of our souls and during the Great Lent we have the opportunity to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness from our Lord for our sins. Moses in the book of Exodus fasted for forty days as his preparation to receive the Ten Commandments from God. Daniel fasted for forty days awaiting God s word. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, fasted for forty days without anything after his baptism by St. John the Baptist as he waited the ordeal of temptation by the devil. Our Lord tells us many times in his teachings to fast. Man must fast in such manner making willingly and with all sincerity and not ostentatiously to impress others. When you do fast, do not put on a sad face, as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces, so that they may see that they are fasting. Jesus condemned false fasting, the wrong kind. He expected those who love God, to execute a wise and proper fast. We should and we must fast from certain foods, but equally we must fast from wrongdoings. What are mouths take in, it is also important what comes out of our minds, and above all, out of our hearts.

2 Our every thought should be such as to allow our souls to be filled with beauty, goodness, kindness, compassion, as God intended for us. Christ wants us to make ourselves strong and able to resist every temptation by the devil, who works forever, seven days a week and nights of each week of our lives. Fasting keeps us from becoming slaves of habit. We need to take time from our daily lives and to prepare ourselves. Some of us develop cravings for certain foods, desires, needs, that instead of being a pleasure, they become a necessity. If one practices a wise and disciplined fasting, no pleasure would become a Cain and no habit would become Our Master. Remember that the Lenten season continues until the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 1 st. Remember that fasting and the Lenten Season demands of us to consecrate our souls, our minds and our bodies to Jesus and His Church. The blessings that we receive from observing the Great Lent depends on us. Come forth and receive His Precious Body and His Precious Blood. Do I really have to fast for Great Lent? You decide what is the best for your soul, for your heart, for your body, and above all, for your eternal salvation. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray with my whole heart that our loving God will receive our repentance and forgive our sins and may His holy resurrection be a fountain of health and love for us. I wish you a Happy Easter, Kalo Pascha, and when we say Christ is Risen, Xristos Anesti we mean it from the depth of our souls. With love in Christ, Fr. Anargyros.

3 Αγαπητοί μου Χριστιανοί, Δυστυχώς σήμερα η νηστεία έχει πολύ παραμεριστεί. Ελάχιστοι μάλιστα δίδουν σημασία στήν κανονική νηστεία. Η αξία της όμως, όπως την τονίζει ο Μ. Βασίλειος, είναι πολύ μεγάλη: «Η νηστεία έχει ηλικία ίση μέ τήν ανθρωπότητα, διότι ενομοθετήθηκε στον Παράδεισο. Από τον καρπόν του δένδρου...δεν θά φάγετε είπεν ο Θεός στους Πρωτοπλάστους. Και επειδή δεν τηρήθηκε η νηστεία αυτή, εκδιωχθήκαμε από τον Παράδεισο... Ο Μωϋσής μετά από νηστεία έλαβε τις πλάκες του Νόμου στό Σινά. Ο Ησαύ γιά λίγο φαγητό επώλησε τα πρωτοτόκια στον Ιακώβ. Η νηστεία έκανε ακατανίκητο τον Σαμψών. Η νηστεία γεννά Προφήτες. Κάμνει ισχυρότερους τους ισχυρούς. Κάμνει σοφούς τους νομοθέτες. Η νηστεία αγιάζει τον αφιερωμένο στον Θεό και καθιστά τόν Ιερέα ικανό να προσφέρει θυσίαν. Η νηστεία έσβησε τη δύναμη του πυρός, έφραξε στόματα λεόντων, αναβιβάζει την προσευχή στόν ουρανό. Η νησεία είναι πρόοδος των οίκων, μητέρα της υγείας, παιδαγωγώς των νέων, στολισμός των πρεσβυτέρων... Του νηστεύοντος οι οφθαλμοί είναι ήρεμοι, το βάδισμα σεμνό, το πρόσωπο σοβαρό, οι λόγοι του μετρημένοι, η καρδιά του καθαρά... Αν θέλεις να κάνεις ισχυρό το πνεύμα σου, χαλιναγώγησε με νηστεία την σάρκα σου. Μην νομίζεις ότι η νηστεία περιορίζεται στίς τροφές. Πραγματική νηστεία είναι η νηστεία των πέντε αισθήσεων. Τί το όφελος να νηστεύης απο τροφές και να ευρίσκεσαι σε φιλονικίες η διαμάχες με τους δικούς σου, να κατατρώγεις τόν αδελφό σου με τήν γλώσσα σου, να βλέπεις άσεμνα θεάματα, να ακούεις μουσική η πράγματα πού σε βλάπτουν και να μεθά η ψυχή σου όχι μόνο με οίνο, αλλά με θυμόν!» Αυτή είναι η αξία της πραγματικής και αληθινής νηστείας. Νηστεία από τις τροφές, αλλά και από τα πάθη. Καλή Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή και Καλή Ανάσταση π. Ανάργυρος.

4 Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Let all pious men and all lovers of God rejoice in the splendor of this Feast. Let the wise servants blissfully enter into the joy of their Lord. Let those who have borne the burden of Lent now receive their pay, and those who have toiled since the first hour, let them now receive their due reward. Let any who came after the third hour be grateful to join in the Feast, and those who may have come after the sixth hour, let them not be afraid of being too late, for the Lord is gracious and He receives the last even as the first. Let no one fear death, for the death of our Saviour has set us free. He destroyed death by enduring it. Hades is angered because it has been mocked. It seized a Body, and lo, it discovered God. O Hades, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Christ is risen, and you are abolished. Christ is risen, and the demons are cast out. Christ is risen and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and the tombs are emptied of the dead. For Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep. To Him be glory and power, unto the ages of ages. Amen. Excerpts from the Feast of Pascha Homily written by St. John Chrysostom. What Jesus has done for His people He descended to Earth that we might ascend to Heaven (John 6:38;14-3). He became poor that we might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9; James 2:5). He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14; 3:3). He became a servant that we might be sons and daughters (Gal. 4:6-7; Phil. 2:7). He had no home that we might have a home in Heaven (Matt. 8:20; John 14:2). He was hungry that we might be fed (Matt. 4:2; John 6:50). He was thirsty that we might drink of the springs of salvation (Isa. 12:3; John 19:28). He was made weary that we may find rest (Matt. 11:29; John 4:6). He was stripped that we might be clothed (Matt. 27:28; 2 Cor. 5:4). He was forsaken that we might be accepted (Matt. 27:28; 2 Cor. 5:4). He was sad that we might be glad (Isa. 53:3; Phil. 4:4). He was bound so that we may go free (Matt. 27:2; John 8:32-36). He died that we might live (John 5:24-25; 19:33). He will come down that we may be caught up into Heaven (1 Thess. 4:16:17).

5 SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD SATURDAY OF LAZARUS All children are urged to come and participate in the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion. After the Divine Liturgy, breakfast will be served and we hope that after breakfast we will be able to stay and make our traditional Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday, at the retreat. ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ, 23 ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΥ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ Όλα τα παιδιά της ενορίας μετά των γονέων των, παρακαλούνται να έλθουν και να κοινωνήσουν μαζί. Αμέσως μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία, παρακαλούνται όλοι να παραμείνουν γιά ένα νηστήσιμο πρωϊνό, και γιά να φτιάξουμε τα Σταυρουδάκια για την Κυριακή των Βαϊων. CHILDREN AND HOLY WEEK AND THE RESURRECTION All of us, Orthodox Christians are asked to fervently set aside this holiest of all weeks, Holy Week, and to plan to spend it in worship as much as possible. It is also very important for all parents with children to be a part of these services of Holy Week as well. These special services bring to life the events of Jesus s last days on Earth prior to His Resurrection. It is understandable that the smaller children may not be able to participate in some of the services because of the lateness of the hour. However, parents have the responsibility to bring their children regardless of age to: 1. The Sacrament of Holy Unction on Holy Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. 2. The Apokathilosis or the removal of Jesus body on Holy Friday at 3:00 p.m. 3. The Holy Saturday Vesperal Divine Liturgy beginning at 8:30 a.m., whereby ALL children should be prepared to receive Holy Communion. 4. The Agape Services on Easter Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. and whereby immediately following the Agape Service they will receive the Easter Baskets. Parents, please keep these days of Holy Week in mind and please make it a point to attend with your children to all of these very important Holy Week services. Excuse notes in order to leave early from school to attend Holy Wednesday and Holy Friday Services are available upon request, by contacting the Church Office. PARENTS...IT IS UP TO YOU!!!! AN INVITATION TO THE FEAST OF FEASTS We fervently request all our parishioners to share fully in the Observance of Holy Week and in the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Note that the Service of the Resurrection is not over until the completion of the Divine Liturgy - please do not deny yourself the full blessings of the Feast by leaving before the end of the Service!

6 HOLY WEEK IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church institutes the sanctity of the whole calendar year of the Church. Its center of commemorations and inspiration is Easter wherein the glorified Resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Every Sunday is dedicated in the Eastern Orthodox Church to the Resurrection of the Lord. One hundred days are dedicated to Easter, 50 before it for preparation, and another 50 after it for commemorating the glorification of the Lord. Easter is considered the Feasts of Feasts. The services of Holy Week transform us into eyewitnesses and direct participants in the awesome events of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In readings taken from both the Old and New Testaments, in hymns, processions, and liturgical commemoration, we see the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies, and the mighty acts by which God himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, grants us forgiveness for our sins, and rescues us from the pain of eternal death. Holy Week is the most important week of the year, because it brings us to the gates of God s Kingdom. Christ s voluntary sacrifice on the Cross gives us access to the very presence of God. As we remember the last days of Christ on earth, we relive the great moments of His passion through a continuous liturgical drama. SATURDAY OF LAZARUS On Lazarus Saturday, we find that death is the enemy that Christ came to conquer and that Christ is truly the giver of life! Lazarus, a friend of Jesus had been dead four days when Jesus went to the tomb where he was buried. Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life, and brought Lazarus back to life. This miracle led many to faith, but also to the chief priests decision to kill Jesus. We, too, receive the promise of a new life. We celebrate the divine love that brought Lazarus back to life - the same love that Christ offers to each one of us. PALM SUNDAY The Sunday before our Lord was crucified, He made a victorious entrance into the city of Jerusalem. We know that some of the people acknowledged Him as the Messiah. Bearing this in mind, they sang the famous Hallel (Psalms ), which commemorated the deliverance from the bondage in Egypt. This chant was usually reserved for harvest time, at the Feast of Tabernacles. But, because our Lord s entrance into Jerusalem, indicated that the bondage (this time from the Romans) would be over soon, they sang it at Passover time. Part of the Hallel rutual was to raise lulabs, or palm foods, and wave them victoriously, as one would wave a pennant at a sports event today. Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week. In the background of triumphant joy stands the challenging shadow of the Cross. Those who acclaim Christ as King will behold Him as the Crucified One. Palm Sunday evening we celebrate the Bridegroom service. Following His entry into Jerusalem, Christ spoke to His disciples about the signs that will precede the Last Day (Matthew 24 and 25); so this forms the theme of the first part of Holy Week. The Troparion at Matins, Behold the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night.. is based on the Parable of the Ten Virgins; the Exapostilarion, I see Thy bridal chamber, reminds us of the man cast out from the feast because he had no wedding garment. Here, presented in especially urgent terms, is the call that we have heard on many occasion during Lent; the End is at hand, be watchful; repent while there is still time.

7 HOLY MONDAY The Bridegroom service continues on Monday evening with the reading of the most moving Gospel passages read during the year. They record the voice of our Lord castigating the Pharisees of His time, and all those, for all time, who would distort and make a hypocritical sham of religion. HOLY TUESDAY This is the third of the Bridegroom services. We are presented with the story of the woman who poured precious ointment on Jesus. Her action of love is contrast to that of Judas who betrayed the Master. The beautiful hymn of Cassiani is also chanted during the service. HOLY WEDNESDAY The Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of our physical and spiritual ills. We are all encouraged to attend. This is one time of the year that every Orthodox Christian should come to receive the Sacrament of Healing. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15). The Orthros of Holy Thursday is also chanted this evening. On Holy and Great Thursday, the Holy Fathers who have ordered all well, have given us interchangeably from the Apostolic and Gospel readings, the following four things to celebrate: The Sacred Niptir (washing of the feet), the Mystical Supper, the Supreme prayer and the Treason itself. HOLY THURSDAY On Holy Thursday morning, we remember the words of our Lord at the Last supper to take, eat, and drink of His Body and Blood. Some of the most beautiful Bible passages are read at this service. Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! On the evening of Holy Thursday, the most dramatic service of all Holy Week services is conducted. Twelve Gospel passages are read which describe the Lord s agony in Gethsmene, His arrest, trial, mockings, scourgings, march to Golgotha, crucifixion, and death on the Cross. The Crucifixion is acted out. Everyone gets a chance to worship at the foot of the Cross. The great humiliation of our Lord and His very obedience unto death are relived.

8 HOLY FRIDAY In the morning, the service of the Royal Hours is read as the figure of Christ is seen still on the Cross. In the afternoon, we witness the unnailing and taking down of Christ's body from the Cross and His burial in the Epitaphios, a symbolic tomb richly decorated with beautiful flowers. That evening, the worshippers enter the church seeing the tomb of Christ bedecked with flowers and are able to come and worship Him who Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. (Peter 2:24) HOLY SATURDAY The Liturgy in the morning of Holy Saturday is one of the most glorious services conducted in our Church. This blessed Sabbath is commemorated by the Church with a very special Vesperal Divine Liturgy. Christ, the Son of God, through Whom all things were created, has come to restore humankind to communion with God, On the Blessed Sabbath, this has been completed. All things are again as they should be. We move in transition from the crisis and sorrow of Holy Friday through the quiet rest and anticipatory brightness of Holy Saturday to what will follow late the next day. It is within death that Christ transforms crisis to exaltation. The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday inaugurates the Paschal Celebration of the Church. It is at this liturgy that we make remembrance of the many victories of God in the Old Testament. It is at this Liturgy that we dramatically change the colors within the Church building from black and purple to dazzling white, an indication of what the final outcome of Christ s Sabbath rest will be. It is here that we experience the connection between the tomb of the Saviour and His Risen presence in the Eucharist. It is at this Liturgy that we are now made ready to greet the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Who has dealt a death-blow to death. Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and in fear and trembling stand, pondering nothing earthly minded. For the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, come to be slain, to give Himself as Food to the faithful Holy Saturday evening the faithful assemble in anticipation of the celebration of the Resurrection. Shortly before midnight, the Church is darkened, and after a brief nighttime service, we light our candles, join the angels in Heaven who sing of the glorious Resurrection of the Lord, and then follows the Paschal Matins service and Resurrection Liturgy. This is the most joy-filled service of the entire year. EASTER SUNDAY AGAPE VESPERS At noon we gather for the agape Vespers. The Easter message is proclaimed in as many languages as possible, and we joyfully greet each other: Christ is Risen - Χριστός Ανέστι! John 20: Christ s Resurrection and victory is affirmed in this morning s theme. The gospel is read in several languages to illustrate the universality of the Good News of the Resurrection and its proclamation to the very ends of the earth. Love, forgiveness, reconciliation, triumph and joythese ate the gifts which we receive because Christ lived and died and triumphed for our sake

9 FROM THE HYMNOGRAPHY OF OUR CHURCH KATAVASIAI OF HOLY PASCHA (A Poem of Saint John of Damascus, 8th century) First Ode (First Tone) The day of the Resurrection! O people, let us be radiant. It is Pascha, the Lord s Passover; for Christ God has carried us over from death to life, from Earth to Heaven, as we sing a victory hymn. Third Ode Come, let us partake of a new drink: not one miraculously brought forth from barren rock, but a spring of immortality, welling up from Christ s tomb, from which we draw strength. Fourth Ode Let the God-prompted Habakkuk stand the Divine watch with us and point out the light-bearing angel as in resounding voice he proclaims: Today the world knows salvation, for in His surpassing power Christ is risen. Fifth Ode Let us arise at break of day, and instead of myrrh offer the Master a hymn. Thus shall we witness Christ, the sun of righteousness, dawning over life. Sixth Ode You descended into the very bowels of the Earth. O Christ, and shattered the everlasting bonds of its fettered captives. And on the third day, like Jonah from the whale, You emerged from the tomb. Verse: Descending alone to grapple with Hades, Christ emerged with many spoils of victory. To Him be the dominion to the endless ages. Amen. Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and Your Holy Resurrection we praise and glorify; for You are our God, we know no other; it is Your name we invoke. Come, all you faithful, let us worship Christ s Holy Resurrection; for behold, through the Cross joy has come to al the world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection. For in enduring the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. Seventh Ode He who freed the youths from the furnace, becoming man, suffers as a mortal; and through the Passion clothes mortal flesh in the comeliness of immortality, the only blessed of the fathers, God most glorious. Eighth Ode We praise, we bless, we worship the Lord. This is the chosen Holy day, the first of all Sabbaths, their queen and sovereign; the feast of feasts and festival of festivals, in which we bless Christ to the ages.

10 Σάββατο του Αγίου και Δικαίου Λαζάρου. Ο Λάζαρος είχε πατρίδα τη Βηθανία της Ιουδαίας και ήταν φίλος του Ιησού. Και μαζί με τις αδελφές του, πολλές φορές φιλοξένησαν και υπηρέτησαν τον Κύριο. Ο Λάζαρος λοιπόν, λίγες μέρες πρίν από το Πάθος του Κυρίου, αρρώστησε και οι αδελφές του Μάρθα και Μαρία, έστειλαν να ειδοποιήσουν τον Ιησού, που έμενε τότε στη Γαλιλαία. Αλλ όταν έφθασε ο Ιησούς στην Ιουδαία, ο Λάζαρος ήδη είχε πεθάνει και ήταν θαμμένος τέσσερις ημέρες. Τότε ο Κύριος διέταξε να σηκώσουν την πλάκα που έφραζε τον τάφο και μετά από προσευχή φώναξε δυνατά: «Λάζαρε δεύρο έξω». Ο τεσσάρων ημερών νεκρός Λάζαρος, αμέσως αναστήθηκε και σηκώθηκε τυλιγμένος στα σάβανα. Αυτό το υπερφυές θαύμα λοιπόν, γιορτάζουμε την ημέρα αυτή. Λέγεται, ότι ο Λάζαρος ήταν τότε 30 χρονών και αφού έζησε άλλα 30 χρόνια, τέλειωσε την επίγεια ζωή του στην Κύπρο το έτος 63. Το 890, ο αυτοκράτορας Λέων ο Σοφός, μετακόμισε το ιερό λείψανο του Λαζάρου στην Κωνσταντινούπολη. Κυριακή των ΒΑΪΩΝ. Την ημέρα αυτή γιορτάζουμε την πανηγυρική είσοδο του Κυρίου Ιησού Χριστού στην Ιερουσαλήμ. Τότε, ερχόμενος ο Ιησούς από τη Βηθανία στα Ιεροσόλυμα, έστειλε δύο απο τους Μαθητές του και του έφεραν ένα γαϊδουράκι. Και κάθισε πάνω του για να μπει στην πόλη. Ο δε λαός, ακούγοντας ότι ο Ιησούς έρχεται, πήραν αμέσως στα χέρια τους βάγια απο φοίνικες και βγήκαν να τον υποδεχτούν. Και άλλοι μεν με τα ρούχα τους, άλλοι δε κόβοντας κλαδιά απο τα δένδρα, έστρωναν το δρόμο απ όπου ο Ιησούς θα περνούσε. Και όλοι μαζί, ακόμα και τα μικρά παιδιά, φώναζαν: «Ωσαννά, ευλογημένος ο ερχόμενος εν ονόματι Κυρίου, ο Βασιλεύς του Ισραήλ». Άς σημειώσουμε, ότι η Εκκλησία μας την ημέρα αυτή δεν τελεί μνημόσυνα. Η Αγία και ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ. Απο την ημέρα αυτή αρχίζουν τα Άγια Σωτήρια Πάθη του Κυρίου Ιησού Χριστού. Και σάν τύπος του λαμβάνεται απο την Εκκλησία ο πάγκαλος Ιωσήφ. Αυτός ήταν ο 11ος γιός του Ιακώβ και τ αδέλφια του, αφού τον είχαν πετάξει μέσα σ ένα λάκκο, στη συνέχεια τον πούλησαν στους αλλόφυλους. Αυτοί τον πήγαν στην Αίγυπτο. Εκεί, για τη σωφροσύνη του συκοφαντήθηκε, καταδικάστηκε σε φυλάκιση, τέλος δε βγήκε απο το δεσμωτήριο με δόξα πολλή και τιμήθηκε σάν βασιλιάς. Έγινε Κύριος όλης της Αιγύπτου και σιτοδότης όλου του λαού. Μ όλα αυτά ο Ιωσήφ, προεικόνισε στον εαυτό του τα Πάθη και τη μετέπειτα δόξα του Κυρίου Ιησού Χριστού. Μαζί με τη μνήμη του Ιωσήφ αναφέρεται και η ιστορία με την άκαρπη συκιά, που ο Κύριος καταράστηκε και ξήρανε. Αυτό δε απεικόνιζε τη συναγωγή των Ιουδαίων, που, επειδή δεν είχε τον απαιτούμενο καρπό της αρετής και της ευσεβείας, γυμνώθηκε απο κάθε χάρη πνευματική, με την κατάρα. Η Αγία και ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ. Την ημέρα αυτή τελούμε την ανάμνηση της παραβολής των Δέκα Παρθένων. Η παραβολή αυτή μας διδάσκει ότι, κατορθώνοντας κάποιος το έργο της παρθενίας, να μήν αμελεί τα υπόλοιπα και ιδιαίτερα την ελεημοσύνη, που η λαμπάδα της παρθενίας παίρνει φώς δυνατό. Το άλλο που μας διδάσκει είναι, να είμαστε κάθε ώρα έτοιμοι για το τέλος της επίγειας ζωής μας, όπως οι φρόνιμες παρθένες για την υποδοχή του νυμφίου, μήπως, ερχόμενος ξαφνικά αυτός και αφού κλειστεί η πόρτα του ουρανίου νυμφώνος, πή και σε μας, όπως στις μωρές παρθένες, εκείνη τη φρικτή απόφαση: «Αμήν λέγω υμίν, ουκ οίδα υμάς». Η Αγία και ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ. Οι γυναίκες που άλειψαν με μύρο τον Κύριο, ήταν δύο. Η μεν μία τον άλειψε πολύ καιρό πρίν απο το Πάθος του και ήταν πόρνη, η δε άλλη λίγες μέρες πρίν και ήταν φρόνιμη και ενάρετη. Αυτού του ευλαβικού έργου τη μνήμη επιτελεί αυτή τη μέρα η Εκκλησία, αναφέροντας συγχρόνως και την προδοσία του Ιούδα. Το πολύτιμο εκείνο μύρο, που η γυναίκα εκείνη άλειψε το κεφάλι και τα πόδια του Ιησού, και στη συνέχεια τα σκούπισε με τις τρίχες της κεφαλής της, εκτιμήθηκε 300 δηνάρια. Απ τους Μαθητές, ο φιλάργυρος Ιούδας δήθεν σκανδαλίζεται, για την απώλεια τέτιου μύρου. Ο Ιησούς του κάνει παρατήρηση, να μη ενοχλεί τη γυναίκα. Τότε ο Ιούδας πηγαίνει στους αρχιερείς, που ήταν συγκεντρωμένοι στην αυλή του Καϊάφα και έκαναν ήδη συνβούλιο προκειμένου να θανατώσουν τον Ιησού. Και συμφωνεί μαζί τους την προδοσία του διδασκάλου για 30 αργύρια και απο τότε ζητούσε ευκαιρία να τον προδώσει. Να σημειώσουμε εδώ ότι, απο το γεγονός αυτό της προδοσίας καθιερώθηκε και η νηστεία της Τετάρτης, ακόμα απο τα αποστολικά χρόνια.

11 Η Αγία και ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ Το βράδυ της ημέρας αυτής, που ήταν η προ των αζύμων ημέρα, δηλαδή παραμονή του Εβραϊκού Πάσχα, ο Ιησούς δείπνησε στην πόλη με τους Δώδεκα Μαθητές του. Ευλόγησε το ψωμί και το κρασί και μ αυτό τον τρόπο παρέδωσε το μυστήριο της Θείας Ευχαριστίας. Έπειτα ένιψε τα πόδια των Μαθητών του και το γεγονός αυτό της νίψεως των ποδιών των Μαθητών απο τον Κύριο λέγεται στην εκκλησιαστική γλώσσα «Νιπτήρ». Ο Νιπτήρ μας διδάσκει ότι πρέπει να εκδηλώνουμε την αγάπη μας προς τους άλλους ανθρώπους με ταπεινοφροσύνη. Η Εκκλησία, θέλοντας να μας δείξει τη σημασία του γεγονότος αυτού, όρισε την ανάμνησή του την ημέρα αυτή. Κατόπιν ο Ιησούς είπε καθαρά, ότι ένας απο τους Μαθητές του θα τον πρόδιδε. Και έδειξε τον προδότη, δίνοντας στον Ιούδα ένα κομμάτι μουσκεμένου ψωμιού στο ζωμό του πιάτου. Ο Ιούδας έφυγε αμέσως και ο Κύριος με τους μαθητές του αποσύρεται στο όρος των Ελαιών, όπου μόνος του προσεύχεται γονατιστός και ο ιδρώτας του σαν κόμβοι πηκτού αίματος, πέφτουν στη γή. Μόλις τελειώνει την προσευχή, φτάνει ο Ιούδας με τους στρατιώτες και πολύ όχλο. Αφού φίλησε τον Κύριο στο πρόσωπο, τον παραδίδει. Συλλαμβάνεται λοιπόν ο Ιησούς και οδηγείται δεμένος στους αρχιερείς Άννα και Καϊάφα. Οι Μαθητές σκορπίζονται και ο θερμόαιμος Πέτρος, που τον είχε ακολουθήσει μέχρι την αρχιερατική αυλή, τον αρνείται και αυτός. Ο Κύριος οδηγείται μπροστά στο παράνομο συνέδριο και εξετάζεται για τους Μαθητές του και για τη διδασκαλία του. Εξορκίζεται στον Θεό να πεί άν ο ίδιος είναι πράγματι ο Χριστός και λέγοντας την αλήθεια, κρίνεται ένοχος θανάτου, επειδή δήθεν βλαστήμησε. Στη συνέχεια τον φτύνουν στο πρόσωπο, τον χαστουκίζουν και τον εμπαίζουν με κάθε τρόπο όλη τη νύκτα μέχρι το πρωΐ. Η Αγία και ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ. Την ημέρα αυτή τελούμε την ανάμνηση των φρικτών και σωτηρίων Παθών του Κυρίου Ιησού Χριστού και απ αυτό το γεγονός καθιερώθηκε και η νηστεία της Παρασκευής. Αφού λοιπόν ο Ιησούς παραδόθηκε στους στρατιώτες, τον γυμνώνουν, του φορούν κόκκινη χλαμύδα, του βάζουν αγκάνθινο στεφάνι και καλάμι στο χέρι αντί σκήπτρου. Κατόπιν τον προσκυνούν χλευαστικά, τον φτύνουν και τον χτυπούν στο πρόσωπο και το κεφάλι. Στη συνέχεια, αφού του φόρεσαν και πάλι τα ρούχα του, του δίνουν τον Σταυρό και έρχεται στον τόπο της καταδίκης, τον Γολγοθά. Εκεί, σταυρώνεται ανάμεσα σε δύο ληστές, βλασφημείτει απ όσους περνούν μπροστά του και οι στρατιώτες τον ποτίζουν με χολή και ξίδι. Μετά απο λίγο, ο Κύριος, φώναξε δυνατά: «Τετέλεσται» και έτσι εκπνέει «ο άμνος του Θεού ο αίρων την αμαρτίαν του κόσμου». Κατά τον θάνατο του Κυρίου, τρέμει απο φόβο και αυτή η άψυχη κτίση. Έπειτα, λογχίζεται απο τους στρατιώτες στην πλευρά του και τρέχει αίμα και νερό. Τέλος, κατά το ηλιοβασίλεμα, έρχεται ο Ιωσήφ ο απο Αριμαθαίας και ο Νικόδημος μαζί του, κρυφοί μαθητές του Χριστού, αποκαθηλώνουν απο τον Σταυρό το πανάγιο σώμα του διδασκάλου τους, το αρωματίζουν, το τυλίγουν σε καθαρό σεντόνι και το θάβουν πάνω στο στόμιό του μεγάλη πέτρα. Το Άγιο και ΜΕΓΑΛΟ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ. Κατά την ημέρα αυτή, μαζεύτηκαν οι αρχιερείς και οι Φαρισαίοι στον Πιλάτο και τον παρεκάλεσαν να ασφαλίσει τον τάφο του Χριστού μέχρι την τρίτη ημέρα, διότι, όπως έλεγαν, «έχουμε υποψία μήπως οι μαθητές του κλέψουν την νύκτα το σώμα του Ιησού και κηρύξουν κατόπιν στο λαό ότι αναστήθηκε, όπως προείπε ο πλάνος εκείνος, όταν ακόμα ζούσε. Και τότε η πλάνη αυτή θα είναι χειρότερη απο την πρώτη». Ο Πιλάτος, αφού τους άκουσε, έδωσε την άδεια και πήγαν και σφράγισαν τον τάφο. Για ασφάλεια, τοποθέτησαν και μία φρουρά απο στρατιώτες και αποχώρησαν. Και κατά τα γραφόμενα παλαιών Εορτολογίων: «Το Μέγα Σάββατον, την εις Άδου Κάθοδον του Κυρίου και Σωτήρος ημών Ιησού Χριστού εορτάζομεν, δι ής της φθοράς το ημέτερον γένος ανακληθέν, προς αιωνίαν ζωήν μεταβέβηκε».

12 G.O.Y.A. Dear Parishioners, The last two months have been extremely busy ones for the GOYA of St. Athanasios. We returned from Christmas vacation to make preparations to host the District 1 Churches at the volleyball tournament on January 9 th. Our Junior GOYA Girls Team made it to the final game, which was held in Wyckoff the next day. Our entire GOYA as well as many members from our parish attended the game. The Juniors played very well and won the 2 nd place trophy. We are very proud of their effort and victory!! Many thanks to Coach Stephanie Hios for teaching us to do our best!!! On Sunday January 10 th, we had the Community Vasilopita celebration. Members of the various St. Athanasios ministries were invited to receive a piece of the vasilopita. Dina Christopoulos and Stefo Hunter accepted the vasilopita on behalf of GOYA and Katherine Phillips received a piece on behalf of the GOYA Dance Group. Other events in January included the FDF (Folk Dance Festival) in Maryland, which was held from January th. Sadly, we were not able to attend, but will work towards participating next year. This endeavor will take commitment and our GOYA is up to the challenge! The feast day of our patron Saint Athanasios (January 18 th ) was observed with Vespers services on January 17 th. This celebration was attended by our Metropolitan and virtually all members of the clergy from the Churches in our area. Members of our community and GOYA were also in attendance. Our GOYA also had the opportunity to attend two dances recently. The Tenafly Whiteout Dance was held on January 29 th. Although not an event sponsored by GOYA, the Whiteout dance is attended by many GOYAns and raises money for worthy causes. This year s proceeds were earmarked for pediatric cancer charities. The Valentine s Dance, held on February 12 th, was hosted in Holmdel this year. Our GOYA had a great time. We hosted an event of our own in the Community Hall on February 27th. Our first ever Beefsteak dinner was a huge success! We had over 260 people join us for a delicious filet mignon dinner (all you could eat!), basket and 50/50 raffles, and dancing. Thanks to the efforts of our GOYAns and advisors, as well as the generous donations from our families and parishioners, we were able to raise a large sum of money, which will be used to fund the new St. Athanasios sign! Throughout all of these religious and social events, we have also been preparing for the annual Sights and Sounds competition, which is in its 45 th year! Our GOYAns participated on March 12 th in Westfield in a wide range of sounds categories including: Band, Choral Speaking, American Play, Dance and various instrumental, acting, and singing solos. In addition, our group submitted 134 original works of art to be judged as part of the sights competition. Our sights included paintings & drawings (in all mediums), sculptures, ceramics, mosaics, macramé, decoupage, among others. We had a lot of fun seeing what the other NJ GOYAns showcased and presenting our own works, as well. We would like to give a HUGE thanks to Mrs. Hunter for working tirelessly to prepare us for the competition! On March 13 th, we hosted our parishioners at our annual Sights and Sounds luncheon, where we displayed our artwork and performed all of our sounds performances. We also presented Parish Council President Peter Paizis with a check for the $7,500 we raised at our Beefsteak Fundraiser!! Thank you to all parishioners who supported us by attending! Now we will turn our focus to Lent, Easter and the GOYA Olympics in May. Kali Sarakosti With Christ s Love, Dina Christopoulos and Stefo Hunter - GOYA Co-Presidents

13 GOYA We are happy to share with you the results of our performances: Literature 1st Place Katherine Scoullos Category Junior Essay Sights 1st Place Maraea Garcia Demos Backos Zoi Larosilieri Alicia Pallikaropoulos Colored Pencil Macrame Original Ready Made Item Pastels 2nd Place Anna Makris Nicholetta Venizelos Maraea Garcia Alicia Pallikaropoulos Demos Backos Decoupage Molded Ceramics Pen & Ink Pencil Scratchboard Sounds Joe Jouvanis Play Our Big Fat Greek GOYA Mia Mitchell Joe Jouvanis Band Best Actor 4th place 4th place Jr. Instrument Solo 4th place Sr. Instrument Solo 5th place 2nd Place Pennie Papamichael Junior Essay 3rd Place Alicia Pallikaropoulos Alicia Pallikaropoulos Demos Backos George Makris Thomas Glavas Computer Art Mixed Media Molded Ceramics Scratchboard Sculpture Honorable Mention Nicholetta Venizelos Jennie Koutsouras Dina Christopoulos Decoupage Molded Ceramics Mosaics Overall 6th place

14 SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Dear Parents, As we are entering the Pre-Lenten season, which is the season that prepares us for Great and Holy Lent, Stella Dimatos and I, would like to wish you "Kali Sarakosti". During this preparatory period the Church 'walks us through' the necessary steps to go deeper into the Lenten and Pascal Season by designating specific readings each Sunday. Because learning about the lessons of Lent are so important, the children will be discussing the Bible passages (in the upcoming Sunday school classes) that the Church presents to us during this time while they are also preparing for their Oratorical presentations. On February 1 st we have hosted a successful Godparent / Godchild Sunday and this event would have not been possible without the tremendous help we have received from our teachers and you, the parents. A special thanks goes out to our sponsors, Arlington Diner, Daily Treat Restaurant, Magnolia Beef Company, Nyack Hot Bagels, Saddle Brook Diner, Stateline Diner, Suburban Diner, Tom Sawyer Diner and Woodstone Pizza Bar and Grill. The following are the upcoming Sunday Church School Events: Saturday-April 23rd: Lenten Retreat- Saturday of Lazarus - Palm Making April 24th: Family Worship - Palm Sunday May 1st: Holy Pascha Family Worship. During this Lenten season we are hoping that we can teach our children the true meaning of Pascha and pay special attention to increased prayer and fasting; whether it's prayer at the dinner table, in the mornings or in the evening before bed. Have a blessed Lent. Respectfully, Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D. Sunday School Director FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY DIAKONIA AGAPE As part of our parish ministry, Diakonia Agape Food Pantry Ministry - Feeding the Hungry, we are collecting non-perishable items. This is an on-going Parish Ministry. All donations can be placed in the designated box as you enter the Community Hall. All food items will assist needy families of our parish and food pantries of our neighborhood

15 ΝΕΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες, Το Σάββατο 30 Ιανουαρίου διοργανώθηκε στην εκκλησία του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου ατο Τεναφλἀΐ της Νέας Ιερσέης από την Μετρόπολη της Νέας Ιερσέης, η γιορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών-η γιορτή των Γραμμάτων. Ἠταν μία μεγαλοπρεπής εκδήλωση με την συμετοχή πέντε Ελληνικών σχολείων της περιφερείας της Βορείου Νέας Ιερσέης, μεταξυ των οποίων ήταν και το δικόμας. Απολαύσαμε απαγγελίες ποιημάτων, αφηγήσεις, θεατρικές παραστάσεις, μουσικές παρουσιάσεις. Όλα τα παιδιά ήταν έξοχα, και οι γονείς και καλεσμένοι δεν σταμάτησαν να τα επευφημούν, και να τα χειροκροτοὐν. Κατενθουσιασμένος ο Μητροπολίτης κος Ευάγγελος, συνεχάρηκε τους μαθητές, γονεἰς και διδασκάλους, και εξέφρασε την αισιοδοξία του για το μέλλον του Ελληνισμού στην χώρα αυτή που ζούμε. Την επομένη ημέρα Κυριακή 31 Ιανουαρίου, όλοι οι μαθητές του Ελληνικοὐ μας σχολείου παρουσίασαν την γιορτή των Τριὠν Ιεραρχών, μέσα στον χώρο της εκκλησίας. Με άψογα Ελληνικά, τα παιδιά μας απήγγειλαν ποιήματα, είπαν τραγούδια, και ενθουσίασαν τους παρευρισκομένους. Η συγκίνηση και η χαρά, ήταν ζωγραφισμένη στα πρόσωπα όλων. ΣΥΓΧΑΡΗΤΗΡΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΣΕ ΟΛΑ ΤΑ ΠΑΙΔΙΑ ΜΑΣ. Την Τετάρτη, 17 Φεβρουαρίου, παρακολουθήσαμε μία πολύ ευχάριστη καλλιτεχνική-εκπαιδευτική παρουσίαση, με την γνωστή ομογενή καλλιτέχνη Αφροδίτη Ντάνιελς. Οι μαθητές μας απόλαυσαν τραγούδια του Γουὀλτερ Ντίσνεΰ, στην αγγλική και ελληνική γλώσσα. Η ημέρα της Ελληνικής παρέλασης στην Νέα Υόρκη, έχει ορισθεί την 10 η Απριλίου. Στόχος μας είναι να παρελαύσαμε όσο πιό πολλοί είναι δυνατόν, γι αυτό σας παρακαλούμε να λάβετε μέρος. Τα μαθήματα του Ελληνικού Σχολείοθ θα τελειώσουν στις 8 Ιουνίου και η αποόίτηση θα γίνει στις 11 Ιουνίου στις 5:00 μ.μ. Για την κατάληλη λειτουργία του σχολείου μας, γιά το νέο σχολικό έτος, σας ενημερώνουμε ότι : Με πρόταση της Εκπαιδευτικής Επιτροπής και απόφαση του Εκκλησιαστικού Συμβουλέιου, ΠΡΕΠΕΙ όλοι οι μαθητές να γραφτούν μέχρει τις 30 Ιουνίου Οι μαθητές που δεν θα γραφούν μέχρι την ημέρα αυτή, θα επιβαρυνθούν με το επιπρόσθετο ποσόν των 20 δολλαρίων. Dear parents, On Saturday January 29th, our Metropolis organized an event at St. John the Theologian, in Tenafly, NJ in honor of the Three Hierarchs and the "Greek Letters". The event featured poetry recitals, songs, theatrical skits, from various schools of the Metropolis. It was a wonderful event, and all the guests were delighted with the performance of our children. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos congratulated, students, teachers, and parents, as he expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude. On Sunday, January 30th, the students of our Church and Greek schools celebrated the Three Hierarchs, and the "Greek Letters" Day, reciting poems, and singing songs. All our students were magnificent, and all parents were very happy and proud. Our congratulations for all of our students!!! The Greek parade in New York will take place on April 10th, and we urge everyone to participate. We have a big community, we have a large number of students, please come to show our pride, our gratitude to our heroes!!!! The last day of classes will be on June 8th, with the Graduation taking place on June 11th at 5:00 p.m. All Greek School registrations for the must be completed by June 30, Any registrations after this date will be subject to $20 per student late registration fee. Happy and Blessed Easter to everyone!! Sophia Stamatiou Greek School Principal

16 Hello Greek School families: We hope everyone has had a safe winter and looking forward to some beautiful spring weather! As a PTO, we continue to have such great support from our parents and we appreciate all of the volunteering and feedback at our meetings. An important issue that was brought to us and the education committee was how to protect our children who have allergies during snack time in Greek school. A subcommittee was formed and unanimously agreed to make the Greek school a nut free and sesame free school. A letter and snack approved list was sent to all Greek school parents. The list is also available in the church lobby. The PTO hosted our Children's Apokreatiko Glendi and with the generous donations and help from our great parents, it was a fantastic night and a huge success! Our children had an awesome night with our groovy in-house DJ, Chuck Tsocanos playing songs for our kids to dance the night away! The kids also ate delicious pizza from the Woodstone, participated in the freeze dancing and costume contest but most importantly were being able to celebrate with their Greek School friends! We have some fun events coming up and we encourage all of our parents to join and participate. One of the events is the Greek Independence Day Parade which is going to be held on Sunday, April 10th. We would like all of our Greek school children to attend and show their Greek pride as they will be on our church float and marching in the parade! There will be a bus provided for parents who pre-register. There is no charge for the children. On May 6th, the PTO will be hosting a Paint & Pour night fundraiser! It is a first kind of an event but we are very excited about it! The event will be held in the church gym, cost is $45; BYOB; appetizers will be served and there will be tricky tray baskets to be won! The event will 7:30pm and painting will start 8:10pm. You may purchase tickets from any PTO officer. Please come with friends and enjoy a fun night out! Our Greek festival will begin on May 12th and we will need volunteers to help prepare tiropites (cheese triangles) prior to the festival. PTO will be notifying parents through ; class moms; or directly from PTO officers as to when the preparations will begin! All preparations are done in the kitchen; no experience necessary; on the spot training!! It's a fun time and at the same time helping out church for the festival! During the last week of April 25th& 27th, Greek school will be closed in order to attend holy week services. On Easter Day, there is the Agape service where at the end of the service, PTO will have Ester baskets for all the children in attendance. We encourage all of our parents to attend with their children all the wonderful services during Holy Week. The following are our calendar events for April and May: April 6th: PTO in the gym April 10th: Greek Independence Day parade April 20th: Greek school class pictures April 25th &27th: NO GREEK SCHOOL CLASSES May 2nd: NO GREEK SCHOOL CLASSES May 4th: PTO in the gym May 6th: Paint and Pour fundraiser, 7:30pm, Cost: $45, in the gym May 11th & MAY 16TH: NO GREEK SCHOOL May 22nd: Greek school coffee hour /bake sale May 30th: NO GREEK SCHOOL CLASSES As noted, our PTO meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each in our gym. always encouraged to attend and share ideas! We wish all of our families Kali Anastasi! Warmest regards, Rhoda Repousis PTO President P.T.O. Parents are

17 PARISH COUNCIL Dear Parishioners, This is my first letter to the community as the new Parish Council President. I am grateful to the entire Council for trusting me with this position. I first and foremost have to acknowledge Demetrios Xanthos, for his past 3 years of service as President. The past three years proved to be very challenging given all the repairs and mechanical replacements that our complex needed. Thank you, Demetri for your dedicated service and for continuing to serve on the Executive Board as 2 nd Vice President. Thank you also to those who serve on the Executive Board, Andy Hios (Vice President), Antonios Emmanoulidis (Treasurer), Othon Katechis (Secretary) and to all the members of the board for offering your Time, Talents and Treasures. Since the beginning of the year we have continued the work from last year including the completion of the roof replacement of the church. Within a short time after you receive this newsletter the roof will be completed and the cross will be replaced at the top of the dome. Many upgrades to the roofing system have been made in the course of this work including, repair of the dome, adding gutters around the dome, ice shield on the entire roof and upgrade materials. Want to see pictures? Ask me, Demetri or Andy, we would be happy to show them to you. As you enter the Gym, you will notice a new tile floor replacing the worn carpet. We will also be looking to change the carpet on the stairs with new carpeting after the festival. Drive by the church at night and you will see the new light polls that replaced the old ones at both entrances to the parking lot. Thank you to the Maintenance Committee, and our electrician for your continued work. We have several projects that we wish to work on this year, the main item that slows us down is financing. At all times we have to do what is needed and at the same time keep within our operating budget. One item we are looking to do this summer is to purchase a new sign for the front of the church. This is only possible because of our GOYA. The GOYA wanted to raise funds for a project for the Church, and a sign is something we needed. This past February the GOYA held a Beef Steak Dinner. The event was a huge success, and on March 13, 2016 the GOYA Co-Presidents presented the Church with a check of $7, What a wonderful example of Stewardship, to have our youth and youth advisors worked so hard for the benefit of the church. Good Stewardship is not limited to the GOYA. All of our organizations contribute Time, Talent and Treasure. On behalf of the Board I want to thank all the organizations for the work they do and for the continued support and services they provide to the community. Questions? Please ask me or any Executive Board Member, we are always open to talk. Best wishes to all during this Great Lenten Season. Yours, Peter C. Paizis Peter C. Paizis Parish Council President TSIPOUROVRADIA On March 5th St Athanasios sponsored its 2nd Tsipourovradia. This was truly a night not to miss, ask any of the 300 or so who attended if you have any doubts! The limitless Greek delicacies, the free flowing cheer, the spectacular Greek music and transforming ambience where the right ingredients that resulted into a night of immeasurable Kefi, a true Glendi. All proceeds of the event - a sum of $32,000 was donated to St Athanasios General Fund to support the operating budget of our beloved church. Thank you to all who contributed and helped make this event a huge success! Thank you to the chairpersons John Kourkoulakos and George Vathianakis and their committee members. Truly yours,

18 PHILOPTOCHOS Dear Parishioners, On behalf of St. Irene Philoptochos Society, I send you our prayers for a blessed Lenten period, Kali Sarakosti! As we look forward to this most holy time of year, we must continue to think of those that are in need and remember to fulfill Christ s teachings. St. Irene s Philoptochos will once again be awarding its Annual Scholarship. Graduating High School Seniors of the St. Athanasios Community are invited to apply. The Philoptochos offers 1 single scholarship of $1000 annually. This scholarship is an achievement based scholarship, the student and his/her family must be active stewards at St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Paramus, NJ. Applications may be obtained from the Church Office or by contacting Mrs. Thea Portelos. Deadline for all applications is May 1, We held our Tricky Tray on Tuesday March 8th, we had excellent attendance, and it was a great success. A general round of thanks to all of those who donated cash or gifts to offset the costs of this event, as well as the Committee of Ladies who ran and worked the event. Once again we will be hosting the Palm Sunday traditional bakaliaros luncheon immediately following Church Services on April 24th. Luncheon will include Fasolatha, Fish, and Salad and will have Pasta for the children. Please call the church office to reserve your table or you can see any Philoptochos member. We are also sponsoring our annual Tsoureki sale, please be sure to get your Tsoureki orders into Vasiliki Panagopoulos or Ann Kamvosoulis no later than April 20th For your convenience the order form is included in this mailing. We are looking forward to attend our Metropolis Philoptochos annual visitation to St. Michael s Home for the Aged in Yonkers on Saturday, April 9, If you are interested in attending please see a Philoptochos member or contact Thea Portelos. The Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention will be held on May 16 th through the 17 th 2016, at The Venetian. The Grand Banquet and awards ceremony will take place on Monday evening May 16 th at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in attending please see a Philoptochos member or call the church office. Thank you for your continuous support of Philoptochos. Every time you support Philoptochos, whether is buying a Tsoureki or a ticket to Lord & Taylor s event the impact that your donations provide is immeasurable. Through your donations the quality of life for so many is greatly improved. Kali Tessarakosti With love in Christ, Vasiliki Panagopoulos President

19 CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD 2016 The Linwood-MacDonald YMCA Center Branchville, New Jersey JOY (ages 8-12): July 10-16, 2016 GOYA #1 (ages 13-18): July 17-24, 2016 GOYA #2 (ages 13-18): July 24-30, 2016 GOYA Campers can register for one or both sessions. For more information call the Metropolis Youth Office , or dnphilotheos@nj.goarch.org IONIAN VILLAGE Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Office of Ionian Village 83 Saint Basil Road, Garrison, NY Phone: Summer Camp (ages 13-18) Session 1: June 19 - July 8, 2016 Session 2: July 17 - August 5, 2016 Spiritual Odyssey (ages 19-24) July 17 - August 5, 2016 Ionian Village Summer Camp offers excursions for Orthodox teens to religious and cultural sites of Greece. For additional info visit: MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSINGS Father Anargyros will conduct Memorial Day Grave Trisagia on Monday May 30th, at area cemeteries. Ο Πατήρ Ανάργυρος θα τελέσει Τρισάγια τη Δευτέρα 30Μαϊου, στα κοιμητήρια της περιοχής. 9:00-10:00 A.M. Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa. Father Anargyros will meet everyone at the cemetery entrance at 9:00 a.m. 10:30-11:30 A.M. Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson. Father Anargyros will meet everyone at the cemetery entrance at 10:30 a.m. 12:00-2:00 P.M. George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. Father Anargyros will meet everyone at the cemetery entrance at 12:00 noon. Please be at the entrance of the cemetery on time

20 Tsoureki Sale Sponsored by St. Irene Philoptochos Society Small Braided $10.00 Large Round $15.00 Ready for pick-up at Church on Palm Sunday Name: Phone #: Quantity Cost $10.00 $ $15.00 $ Total $ Please mail your order form and your check made payable to St. Irene Philoptochos Society to the Church office, Attention: Philoptochos. You may also place an order with Ann Kamvosoulis or Vasiliki Panagopoulos after church services, or you may call Church Office at (201)

21 St. Irene Philoptochos Society of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church is sponsoring Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 24, 2016 Immediately following Divine Liturgy in our Community Center Menu will include: Fried Bakaliaro & Fasolatha Beet Salad & Skordalia Donation: Adults: $15.00 Children under 12: $10.00 (Pasta Dish) For tickets and more information please contact: Vasiliki Panagopoulos (201) or Xanthippi Nakopoulos (201) For takeout orders, please complete the order form below and return the form to the church office no later than April 23 rd. Name: Phone: Fried Bakaliaro, Fasolatha, Beet Salad & Skordalia: Pasta:

22

23 FESTIVAL PREPARATIONS HAVE BEGUN! If you are available and willing to assist in the festival preparations, please contact the church office for the schedule of preparations. This year s Festival is May 12-15th, 2016 YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! THE SUCCESS OF OUR FESTIVAL DEPENDS ON ALL OF US! ATTENTION GRADUATES High School and College Graduation Sunday will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2016 All High School and College graduates are asked to submit their names to the Church Office. All graduates will be honored on this day.

24 IN MEMORIAM It has become an accepted practice that at the death of a family member, the family requests that donations in memory of the departed, be made to St. Athanasios Church. This month, we wish to thank: PETER GEORGE Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos Montvale P.B.A ANNA DEMAS Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos Mr. & Mrs. Dinos Gourmos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Karounos St. Irene s Philoptochos THEODORA CONSTANDELIS Mr. & Mrs. Michael Berenzy Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Caravoulias Mr. James Caravoulias Mr. Michael Dimetrelis Mrs. Helen Hasterlis Ms. Maria Hasterlis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kalivas Mr. & Mrs. Stojan Kotevska Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris St. Irene s Philoptochos VASILIOS ANTONOPOULOS Mrs. Flora Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos EVANGELOS YANNITSADIS Mr. & Mrs. Antonis Antoniou Mr. Angelo Yannitsadis & Family Mr. Constantinos Yannitsadis Mr. Steve Yannitsadis & Family SOPHIE KALIVAS Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Constandelis Mrs. Stella Megariotis GIANIS MOSHOURIS Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris NIKOLAOS MOSHOURIS Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris GEORGE KATOUROUS Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris ATHANASIOS GEORGOPOULOS Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Exarchos ELIZABETH HENNESSY Mrs. Vaso Panagopoulos St. Irene s Philoptochos ARGYRO PORTELOS St. Irene s Philoptochos SOTIRIOS MANETOS Mr. & Mrs. John Betts GREGORY EXARCHOS Mr. & Mrs. Michael Drivas Ms. Aphrodite Kalamaras GEORGE HATZIMIHALIS St. Irene s Philoptochos ELENI BAHAS Mrs. Vaso Panagopoulos Above represents donations made from 1/23-3/10/16 N.Y.C. GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE - SUNDAY, APRIL 10TH Buses will be available if enough people register. Please contact the Church Office. Deadline for registration is Friday, March 26th

25 BAPTISMS February 20th - George, son of Erene and Haralambos Tsotsos The Godparents were James and Maria Petrolekas. February 27th - Marinos, son of Maria and Evangelos Drosos The Godparent was Gerasimos Zapantis March 6th - Theodore, son of Maria and John Peponias. The Godparents were George and Athanasia Hrissikos March 12th - Julian, son of Demetra and Daryn Binder. The Godparent was Victoria Kantanas Na sas zisoun! WEDDINGS January 31st - Catherine Mary Farr & Ilias Hantsoulis The koumbara was Maria Avgitidis February 28th - Lauren Michele Chambers and Peter Christopher Grammatas. The koumbaro was Evangelos Grammatas March 13th - Nicole C. Panzarella and Daniel J. Kiefte The Koumbaro was Christopher Vallos Na zisete FUNERALS January 15th - Evangelos Yannitsadis January 29th - Gregory Exarchos Our deepest sympathy to the families HOSPITAL / NURSING HOME VISITATION Please notify the Church office if a family member is in the hospital, nursing home or a shut-in, so that Fr. Anargyros may visit them. CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS All church organizations are asked to submit their calendar, meetings, articles, announcements and information to the Church office by Friday, May 6th for the June / July issue. MEMORIALS and 40 DAY BLESSINGS We ask all parishioners to notify the Church office at least one week before a Memorial Service or 40 Day Blessing. For 40 day blessing of infants, memorials, trisagia or artoclasies, please call the Church Office in order to make the necessary arrangements. CHURCH WEBSITE Visit our church website at for new information, daily updates and to learn more about our Greek Orthodox Faith. ALTAR BOYS: The Altar Boys serve our Lord faithfully and reverently every Sunday and during the many special Holy Days of our Holy Orthodox Church. Monthly gatherings will be held by the parish priest to instill within the Altar Boys the understanding of serving the Altar with humility as well as the duties and responsibilities that come with it. All Altar boys are invited to the next Altar boy Meeting on Saturday of Lazarus, April 23rd following the Divine Liturgy.

26 Michael J. Mentakis, M.D. Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate European Board of Cardiovascular Disease Fellow European Society of Cardiology Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, UMD of New Jersey Cardiovascular Disease Consultations Internal Medicine Complete Physical Exams Echocardiography Nuclear Stress Testing Ambulatory / Holter Monitoring Pacemaker Implantation And Follow-up Office Hours by Appointment 357 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ TEL: FAX: CHARLES TSAKRIOS, JR.,M.D. Diplomate of American Board of Ophthalmology OPHTHALMOLOGY EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON 89 North Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ Telephone Office hours by Appointment Adult & Pediatric Complete Eye Care Parkview Plaza 1200 East Ridgewood Ave West Wing, 2nd Ridgewood, NJ (201) UNION RUBENSTEIN, MEYERSON, WHOLESALE BERN P.A. RESTAURANT ATTORNEYS AT LAW SUPPLY ONE PARAGON DRIVE - SUITE 240 MONTVALE, NJ TEL: Matrimonial Law Guardian- 4 Lewis Street, Paterson, NJ Ted Khalil STATE street GRILL Allwood DINER Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER OPEN LATE 30 West 60th Street, Suite 1Y 913 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ Office hours by appointment EVELYN NISSIRIOS The Hours of operation Mon.- Wed. 6:00 a.m.- 2:00 a.m. Thurs. 6:00 a.m.- 3:00 a.m. Fri. & Sat. open 24 hours Diplomate American Board of Family Medicine Waterford Towers 190 River Road Edgewater, NJ (201) Moonachie Road Moonachie, NJ Telephone : (201) Fax: (201) graycliff.com NICHOLAS D. PANAGIOTOU, MD No Stitch Cataract Surgery Laser Surgery - Glaucoma Contact Lenses - Optical Shop FOX, MANCINELLI, CONTE & FINE CATERING New Jersey Keystone Physicians, PC Dedicated to a Gold Standard of Medical Care 9 State Street Bloomfield, NJ OPEN 24 HOURS - 7 DAYS tel: Bloomfield, NJ fax: metroeyemd.com Dimitris & Nikitas Logothetis Kostas & Christos Gallios

27 SANCTIFY THOSE WHO LOVE THE BEAUTY OF THY HOUSE ΑΓΙΑΣΟΝ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΓΑΠΩΝΤΑΣ ΤΗΝ ΕΥΠΡΕΠΕΙΑΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥ ΣΟΥ Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church Iconography / Phase I and II 2016 Campaign for the Adornment of our Church We would like to thank the parishioners who have already committed to the Iconography project of our church. As of March 18, 2016 the following icons are still available: For additional information and to discuss your family s donation, please contact Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos. St. Ignatius St. Nikitas SS. Sophia (Faith-Hope-Love) $4,500 $5,500 $13,500 Moses and the Burning Bush The Sacrifice of Isaac $20,000 $20,000 HIOS Landscaping, LLC & Snow Removal Services Paramus, NJ 30 West 60th Street, Suite 1Y ANDY HIOS For all your Landscaping Needs & more tel: Bloomfield, NJ fax: The Chateau At Rochelle Park A Sub Acute Rehabilitative Care Center that Uses the latest techniques and equipment in Physical, Occupational, Respiratory, Cardiac, Orthopedic, Speech and Aquatic therapies Unparalleled Care! Assembled, at the Chateau, is a team Of Highly recognized medical professionals Dr. Stefanos Pantagis, MD For more information, Or to schedule a tour, please call Elaine Hios, Director of Admissions Parkway, Rochelle Park, NJ Living Life to the Fullest WESTWOOD FAMILY DENTAL John Nicholas, DDS General & Cosmetic Dentistry For Adults & Children Full Range of Restorative Services State of the Art Equipment Cosmetic Bonding/Bleaching 231 Kinderkamack Road. Westwood, NJ Serving the community for over 25 years Owner operated NJ Licensed Landscape Contractor THE EMPIRE CLUB FINE CATERING E Weddings Christenings Special Occasions Corporate Events Phone: Fax: Mehroff Road Little Ferry, NJ Office hours by appointment