A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST

Transcript

1 November/December 2014 November/December 2014 Page 1 Volume 12, Issue 6 A Publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3) A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST THANKSGIVING WITH PRAYER In This Issue Stewardship Christmas Card Greek Night Cretan Pilafi Health Fair Sacraments Fashion Show THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER In Every Issue Priest s Message President s Message Church Calendar PTO News Sunday School News Greek School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Dear Faithfull and Friends, Αγαπητοί Πιστοί και Φίλοι, We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, and we pray to you, Lord our God. At every Liturgy, we sing these words of praise and thanksgiving. God deserves our praise and thanksgiving at all times. He created us, He provided for us all the goods. He saved us after the fall into sin. He restores us to Himself. He promises us an eternal home in heaven. Always and for everything give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father the Bible says (Ephesians 5:20). Giving thanks when all goes well is very easy. Should we give thanks even in adversity? God whispers to us in our prosperity. He speaks to us in our comfort. He shouts to us in our adversity, a sophist wrote. Thank you prison. You taught me much writes Alexander Soplzynitsin, the Nobel awarded writer, who attributed his spiritual insight to the years he spent in a communist prison. As we face the dangers of our time, with war in the Middle East, the famine and starvation in Africa and elsewhere, the threat of nations acquiring a nuclear arsenal and for that they may sell them, to warring nations, and God forbid to terrorists, we must never cease in thanksgiving and prayer. We need spiritual grace and wisdom, as do the leaders of nations confronted with world changing decisions. We need guidance to avoid the arrogance associated with power. We need to pray and give thanks with humility. Thanksgiving reminds us that God alone is omnipotent, God alone is omniscient and aware of all the sides in every dispute. Therefore, God is our highest and final hope. It is never right to kill and be violent. It may be lesser of two evils at a given time. Yet, as long as we can, as long as it may be possible, we need first to seek peaceful solutions to our problems and God s wisdom. «Σε ανυμνούμε, σε δοξολογούμε, σε ευχαριστούμε και προσευχόμαστε σε Σε, Κύριε και Θεέ μας». Σε κάθε λειτουργία, ψέλνουμε αυτά τα λόγια ύμνησης και ευχαριστίας. Δικαίως υμνούμε και ευχαριστούμε το Θεό ανά πάσα στιγμή. Αυτός μας έπλασε. Μας παρείχε όλα τ αγαθά. Μας έσωσε από το πρωπατορικό αμάρτημα. Μας έφερε πίσω σ Aυτόν. Μας υπόσχεται την αιώνια ζωή στους ουρανούς. «Πάντοτε, και για το κάθε τι, δίνετε ευχαριστίες εις το όνομα του Ιησού Χριστού προς τον πατέρα και Θεό μας», μας λέει η Αγία Γραφή (Εφεσίους 5:20). Το να δίνουμε ευχαριστίες όταν όλα πάνε καλά, είναι πολύ εύκολο. Πρέπει να δίνουμε ευχαριστίες και όταν ακόμα αντιμετωπίζουμε αντιξοότητες; «Ο Θεός μας ψιθυρίζει σην ευτυχία μας. Μας μιλάει στην άνεσή μας. Μας φωνάζει σε στιγμές απελπισίας», έγραψε ένας σοφιστής. «Ευχαριστώ την φυλακή. Με δίδαξε πολλά», μας γράφει ο Αλέξανδρος Σολζενίσκιν, ο Ρώσος Νομπελίστας συγγραφέας, ο οποίος αποδίδει την πνευματικότητά του στα χρόνια που έζησε στη φυλακή. Ενώ αντιμετωπίζουμε τους σημερινούς κινδύνους με τον πόλεμο στη Μέση Ανατολή, την πείνα στην Αφρική και αλλού, την απειλή της εξάπλωσης των πυρηνικών όπλων από τρομοκράτες, δε θα πρέπει να διακόψουμε τις ευχαριστίες μας και τις προσευχές μας. Έχουμε ανάγκη πνευματικής φώτισης και σωστής γνώσης, τόσο εμείς όσο και οι αρχηγοί κρατών που παίρνουν σοβαρές και κρίσιμες αποφάσεις. Έχουμε ανάγκη καθοδήγησης, έχουμε ανάγκη προσευχής και ευχαριστίας με ταπείνωση. Η Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών μας υπενθυμίζει ότι ο Θεός είναι ο μόνος Παντοδύναμος και ο πανταχού Παρόν, ώστε να γνωρίζει όλες τις φάσεις του κάθε προβλήματος. Γι αυτό, ο Θεός είναι η μόνη μας ελπίδα. Η βία δεν είναι ποτέ η απάντηση σ ένα πρόβλημα. Ίσως μερικές φορές να φαίνεται σαν το λιγότερο από δύο κακά, αλλά πρώτα θα πρέπει ν αποζητούμε την ειρηνική λύση στα προβλήματά μας... και την σοφία το Θεού. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos

2 Page 2 November/December 2014 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Parish Ministries Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Priest Parish Council President George Petrantonakis Vice President / Administration Lampros Ε. Bourodimos Vice President / Operations George Zalokostas Secretary Dimitra Bairaktaris Treasurer Mona Sarafoglou Comptroller Dean Solomos Members Demetrios Anastasatos Constantine Apostolakis George Athanasopoulos Thomas Kalanekos John Mellos John Millas Jerry Moschonas Perry Petsanas The Voice of St. George Published bi-monthly by the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ Tel.: Fax: sggoc@optonline.net Editor in Chief: Alexandra Avgitidis Committee Members: Katerina Rompos, Eftihia Karayiannidis. Periodical postage paid at Kilmer, NJ 08817, Permit # 379. The Voice of St. George is produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be found on the internet at Subscription is free for the members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. George GOC, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Effie Bouziotis, President Georgia Peterson, 1st Vice President Malvina Wilkens, 2nd Vice President Virginia Theokas, Rec. Secretary Anna Stevens, Corresp. Secretary Evangelia Manolakis, Treasurer Georgia Kouridakis, Asst. Treasurer Cantors and Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Katerina Kourti, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Iro Mavrianos, Teacher Church Organizations Parent Teacher Organization Helen Sirimis, Co-Vice President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer GOYA Evangelia Makropoulos, President Ioanna Kontos, Vice President Joanna Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secretary Alexis Mangafas, Rec. Secretary George Exarchakis, Treasurer Hope Sirimis, Historian GOYA Advisors Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor John DeLaurentis, George Demos, Aliki Doninger, Sophia Exarchakis, Evie Georgopoulos, George Kostis, Rita Polos, Peter Sirimis JOY/HOPE Lefki Hadjiloucas Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Church Committees GET INVOLVED We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office Annual St. George Dinner Dance Bookmobile Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek and Catechism Schools Historic Committee House & Grounds Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Relations Religious Artifacts Stewardship Technology Services Voice of St. George To Our St. George Parishioners The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.

3 November/December 2014 Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. DECEMBER Thursday 4 Saint Barbara Saturday 6 Sunday 7 Friday 12 Sunday 14 Sunday 21 Thursday 25 Saturday 27 Sunday 28 NOVEMBER Saturday 1 Saints Kosmas & Damian Sunday 2 5 th Sunday of Luke Saturday 8 Synaxis of the Archangels Sunday 9 Saint Nectarios / 7th Sunday of Luke Sunday 16 Friday 21 Sunday 23 Tuesday 25 Sunday 30 Apostle/Evangelist Matthew Entry of the Theotokos 9 th Sunday of Luke St. Catherine Saint Andrew Saint Nicholas 10 th Sunday of Luke Saint Spyridon 11 th Sunday of Luke Sunday before the Nativity of Christ Nativity of Christ Saint Stephanos Sunday after the Nativity of Christ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9 π.μ. Σάββατο 1 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Πέμπτη 4 Αγίας Βαρβάρας Σάββατο 6 Αγίου Νικολάου Κυριακή 7 Ι Κυριακή Λουκά Παρασκευή 12 Κυριακή 14 Κυριακή 21 Πέμπτη 25 Σάββατο 27 Κυριακή 28 ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Κοσμά & Δαμιανού των Ανάργυρων Κυριακή 2 Ε Κυριακή Λουκά Σάββατο 8 Σύναξις Ταξιαρχών Μιχαήλ καί Γαβριήλ Κυριακή 9 Αγίου Νεκταρίου / Ζ Κυριακή Λουκά Κυριακή 16 Παρασκευή 21 Κυριακή 23 Τρίτη 25 Κυριακή 30 Αποστόλου/Ευαγγελιστή Ματθαίου Εισόδια της Θεοτόκου Θ Κυριακή Λουκά Αγίας Αικατερίνης Αγίου Ανδρέα Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος ΙΑ Κυριακή Λουκά Κυριακή προ της Χριστού Γεννήσεως Η Γέννησις του Χριστού Αγίου Στεφάνου Κυριακή μετά την Χριστού Γέννησιν ALTAR BOYS ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014 Sunday, November 2 Group Α Sunday, December 7 Group B Sunday, November 9 Group Β Sunday, December 14 Group C Sunday, November 16 Group C Sunday, December 21 Group D Sunday, November 23 Group D Sunday, December 28 Group A Sunday, November 30 Group A CHRISTMAS EVE The following boys will serve in the Altar Demetri Demos Gerasimos Georgopoulos Jason Stavrianidis Philip Catanzaro George Stavrakis Yianni Apostolakis Konstantine Lyssikatos George Wadsworth CHRISTMAS DAY The following boys will serve in the Altar Elias Kavouras Chris Henriquez Konstantinos Hantsoulis Apostolos Petsanas Dino Zalokostas Vasili Petrou Demetrios Gad Nicholas Koutsoubis

4 Page 4 November/December 2014 ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ My Dear Saint George family, CHRIST IS BORN, GLORIFY HIM! It is very easy to lose sight of the miracle of Bethlehem in our modern world, with so many external and internal pressures as well as very important social issues that our nation is facing. Also, what doesn t help either is the commercialization of Christmas, because that influences us in how we celebrate this most awesome and important event of our Christian life. However, this annual reminder of the continuous presence of the Divine in our world is necessary for us all. Nothing is more usual, nothing is more miraculous than the birth of a child; every child s birthday is a reminder of the presence of God in the world. The present troubles of our society seem overwhelming. The sorrow, the injustice, the poverty, the unkindness of war, the inhumanity of man to man, the distortion of the divine image which we cause, is everywhere. At this point of our lives, for the majority of us, we have lost sight of God, and now we are suffering. The message of Christmas is clear: The birth of Christ carries the necessary spiritual renewal which can restore us, if we receive it with the eye of faith, and the simplicity of a child. On every feast of the Nativity of our Lord our Churches become the cave of Bethlehem and the holy altar in these Churches become the Bethlehem crib in which the little Jesus, the Savior of the world, lies under the forms of bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist. And this gentle Jesus calls all of us, rich and poor, young and old, to come to Him in adoration and receive His heavenly blessings: Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. May you all have a very Blessed and Spiritual Christmas Season. And I will pray that I will see ALL of my Saint George family in church, so that we can all worship our Lord and His Birth Together. LET US ALL COME TOGETHER AS ONE FAMILY AND WORSHIP AND GLORIFY GOD DURING THIS VERY SPECIAL TIME! Αγαπητοί μου, ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΑΤΑΙ, ΔΟΞΑΣΑΤΕ! Είναι πολύ εύκολο να αγνοήσουμε το θαύμα της Βηθλεέμ, με τις εξωτερικές και τις εσωτερικές πιέσεις που δεχόμαστε, καθώς και με τα τόσο σοβαρά κοινωνικά προβλήματα που αντιμετωπίζει το έθνος μας. Επίσης, ένας επιπρόσθετος αρνητικός παράγοντας είναι η εμποροποίηση των Χριστουγέννων, διότι αυτή επηρεάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο εορτάζουμε αυτό το σημαντικό γεγονός της Χριστιανικής μας ζωής. Όμως, αυτή η ετήσια υπενθύμιση της συνεχούς Θεϊκής παρουσίας είναι αναγκαία για όλους μας. Τίποτα δεν είναι πιο φυσικό, τίποτα δεν είναι πιο θαυματουργό, όσο η γέννησις ενός βρέφους. Η γέννηση κάθε παιδιού είναι μια υπενθύμιση της παρουσίας του Θεού. Τα σημερινά κοινωνικά προβλήματα μας φαίνονται αφόρητα. Η λύπη, η αδικία, η φτώχεια, τα καταστροφικά αποτελέσματα του πολέμου, η έλλειψη ανθρωπισμού, η διαστροφή της θεϊκής μορφής είναι διασπαρμένη πανταχόθεν. Σε αυτό το σημείο της ζωής μας, η πλειοψηφία από εμάς έχει χάσει την πραγματική έννοια του Θεού, γι αυτό και υποφέρουμε. Το Χριστουγεννιάτικο μήνυμα είναι ευκρινές: Η γέννηση του Χριστού προσφέρει την πνευματική ανανέωση, η οποία δύναται να μας σώσει, εάν το λάβουμε με πίστη και με παιδική αθωότητα. Κάθε Χριστούγεννα οι εκκλησίες γίνονται η σπηλιά της Βηθλεέμ και η Αγία Τράπεζα αυτών των εκκλησιών μετατρέπεται σε φάτνη στο πρόσωπο του Αγίου Βρέφους του Σωτήρος του κόσμου-υπό τη μορφή του οίνου και του άρτου της Θείας Ευχαριστίας. Και ο πράος Ιησούς καλεί όλους μας, πλούσιους και φτωχούς, νέους και γέρους, να προσέλθουμε με λατρεία και να λάβουμε τις θεϊκές του ευλογίες: «Προσέλθετε όλοι οι δεινούντες και οδοιπορούντες ότι δώσω υμίν ανάπαυσιν». Εύχομαι σε όλους σας Χαρούμενες και Ευλογημένες Εορτές των Χριστουγέννων, και ας ευχηθώ συνάμα πως θα δω ΟΛΗ την οικογένεια του Αγίου Γεωργίου στην εκκλησία, ώστε μαζί να λατρέψουμε τον Κύριο και να δοξάσουμε την Γέννησή του. ΑΣ ΕΡΘΟΥΜΕ ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΩΣ ΝΑ ΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΣΟΥΜΕ ΚAΙ ΝΑ ΔΟΞΑΣΟΥΜΕ ΤΟ ΘΕΟ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΝ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ! Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός September 20 October 11 OUR PARISH OUR PEOPLE Baptisms October 12 Anastasia Kay Daughter of Michael and Karen Dziubeck Godparent: Dionysios Charitos Dominick Joseph Son of Michael and Vicky Fania Godparent: Alexandros Trastelis Emilia Panayiota Daughter of Constantine and Helen Katsifis Godparent: Alexandria Misthos Christopher Son of Christopher and Erica Conti Godparent: Sophie & James Exarchakis October 18 Demetra Elle Daughter of Timothy and Nickie Mehl Godparent: Joanne Karayiannidis Sophia Daughter of Ioannis and Olga Mavrianos Godparent: Angeliki Dontas Stamatis Son of Ioannis and Olga Mavrianos Godparent: Ioannis Viazis Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal September 4 September 26 October 15 Harry Mataras Pantelis Zaboglou Jean Plaganis

5 November/December 2014 Page 5 ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN STEWARD OF SAINΤ GEORGE? What if God sent us bills? Dear Faithful of Saint George, STEWARDSHIP What if God decided to bills us for this wonderful body He has given us. Think about it for one moment. The ears: A piano has 88 keys, but each of your ears has a key board with 1500 keys. They are so finely tuned that you can hear blood running through your vessels. The eyes: They are both microscopes and telescopes. They can gaze into the heavens and see a star millions of miles away. The feet: Did you know that each foot has 25 bones, none of which is wider than your thump? But, it is so manufactured with its ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints that a 300 pound man can put all his weight on these tiny bones. The heart: Its size is about like your fist, but pumps (beats) 4,320 times an hour. In a year that would mean 40 million beats. A drop of blood can make a round trip in your circulatory system in only 22 seconds. What if God sent you a bill for this marvelous body we live in? But God does not send us bills. He just loves us and takes care of us. Can we do anything less than return His love? We show him our love by obedience to His Word and by faithful giving of that, which He has entrusted to us. Just as you take good care of your body, then you are asked to take care of God s Church on earth, by being good financial supporters. There are many in our St. George Parish who do not, and have not supported with their annual dues to St. George, for many years. They have always waited for someone else to take on their financial responsibilities. Please, do the right thing and be a Good Stewart in all areas of your life. Without your help and support we will not be able to carry on the programs and the Ministry of Saint George. Father Nicholas Pastrikos ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ ΕΙΣΑΙ ΕΝΑΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΥΠΟΣΤΗΡΙΚΤΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ; Τι θα γινόταν εάν ο Θεός μας έστελνε ένα λογαριασμό; Αγαπητοί Πιστοί του Αγίου Γεωργίου, Τι θα γινόταν εάν ο Θεός μας έστελνε ένα λογαριασμό προς εξόφληση, γι αυτό το υπέροχο σώμα που μας έχει δώσει; Σκεφτείτε το αυτό για μια στιγμή. Τα αυτιά: Το πιάνο έχει 88 κλειδιά, αλλά το κάθε αυτί μας έχει κλειδιά. Και είναι τόσο τέλεια κουρδισμένα, ώστε να ακούουν και το αίμα που τρέχει στις φλέβες μας. Τα μάτια: Είναι τέλεια μικροσκόπια και τηλεσκόπια. Μπορούν να ατενίζουν εις τους ουρανούς, και να βλέπουν αστέρια εκατομμύρια μίλια μακρυά. Τα πόδια: Ξέρετε ότι το κάθε πόδι έχει 25 κόκκαλα, από τα οποία κανένα δεν είναι παχύτερο του αντίχειρος; Αλλά συνεργάζονται όλα αυτά με τους συνδέσμους, και τους τένοντες, τους μύες και τις ενώσεις, με αρμονικό τρόπο, και μπορούν να βαστάζουν έναν άνθρωπο 150 κιλών εύκολα. Η καρδιά: Το μέγεθός της είναι μια μικρή γροθιά, αλλά χτυπάει φορές την ώρα - 40 εκατομμύρια χτύποι όλο το χρόνο. Μια σταγόνα αίματος μπορεί και κάνει στο κυκλοφορικό σύστημα, ολόκληρο το ταξίδι της σε 22 δευτερόλεπτα. Τι θα γινόταν λοιπόν εάν ο Θεός μας έστελνε ένα λογαριασμό για όλα αυτά τα υπέροχα δώρα του; Ο Θεός όμως δε θέλει πληρωμή. Μας αγαπάει και μας φροντίζει. Δεν πρέπει όμως κι εμείς να του ανταποδώσουμε την αγάπη του; Δείχνουμε την αγάπη μας με την υποταγή στο θέλημά Του και με το να δίνουμε, σε ό,τι μας έχει εμπιστευτεί στη γη, με το να την υποστηρίζουμε. Πολλοί από τους ενορίτες του Αγίου Γεωργίου δεν υποστηρίζουν οικονομικά την εκκλησία για πολλά χρόνια. Περιμένουν από κάποιον άλλο να αναλάβει τις οικονομικές ευθύνες τους. Παρακαλούμε, κάνετε αυτό που πρέπει. Γίνετε καλός συνδρομητής, σε όλες τις πλευρές της ζωής. Χωρίς τη βοήθεια και την υποστήριξή σας, δε μπορούμε να ανταπεξέλθουμε εις τα προγράμματα και τη διακυβέρνηση του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός STEWARDSHIP REQUIREMENTS Any person can give any amount for Stewardship. However, to be considered a member in good standing, to participate in the sacraments of Baptism or Wedding, and to have one vote in the General Assembly, the following minimums must be met: $350 for single adult or husband and wife (age 18-64): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $350); ($700 total, both can vote) $250 for a married senior couple (Age 65+): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $200); ($400 total, both can vote) $200 for single senior and college student (age 18-24, must show proof of attending college full time) Greater than the required contributions: those who have been blessed financially, should consider a greater contribution. ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ Ο καθένας μπορεί να προσφέρει ό,τι μπορεί. Όμως, για να θεωρηθείτε κανονικό μέλος, να μπορείτε να πάρετε μέρος στα Mυστήρια της Βάπτισης και του Γάμου και να έχετε δικαίωμα μίας ψήφου στην Γενική Συνέλευση, απαιτούνται οι κάτωθι ελάχιστες εισφορές: $350 ανά ανύπαντρο άτομο ή οικογένεια (18-64 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $350 έκαστος (σύνολο $700) ψηφίζουν και οι δύο) $250 ανά ηλικιωμένο ζευγάρι (άνω των 65 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $200 έκαστος (σύνολο $400), ψηφίζουν και οι δύο) $200 για μόνους ηλικιωμένους και φοιτητές (18-24 ετών, πρέπει να αποδείξουν ότι είναι φοιτητές): μία ψήφος Πέραν του καθορισμένου ποσού: όσοι έχουν ευλογηθεί με οικονομική ευχέρεια, θα πρέπει να προσφέρουν περισσότερο από ό,τι καθορίζεται ανωτέρω.

6 Page 6 November/December 2014 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA The first Philoptochos meeting of the ecclesiastical year took place on Saturday, September 20, in the Memorial Room with president Effie Bouziotis presiding. We fulfilled this month s obligations, the committee chairladies updated us on the progress of their responsibilities, and we were informed of the upcoming activities. On Sunday, September 28, we held our Annual Philoptochos Brunch to welcome back all our parishioners and to benefit the Needy Cases Fund. It proved to be very successful with our parishioners enjoying the delicious pancakes/bagels, eggs, sausages, coffee, and orange juice. We thank Mr. Demetrios Anastasatos who assisted the ladies in the preparations. On October 4 the ladies attended the Metropolis Philoptochos sponsored retreat at St. Basil Academy-a $1,000 donation was given. Collection for the Community Christmas Card will take place during November. Also, in November, spanakopites and baklava will be prepared and sold. Christmas Bread and Vasilopites will be sold in December. We will honor our patron saint, St. Barbara, with a Divine Liturgy on December 4, Artoklasia on Dec. 7, and the annual St. Barbara Luncheon on Dec. 7. We begin the new year 2015 with the annual Vasilopita celebration on January 11, We invite all the ladies of our community who are not yet members of our Philoptochos Society to join us. Our next two meetings are scheduled for November 22 and December 20 at 11:00 am. We encourage all our members to attend all our meetings! VASILOPITA CELEBRATION Following the Divine Liturgy on January 11th, 2015, the annual luncheon and cutting of the Vasilopita will take place in the AHEPA Hall. Let us all attend this traditional event as one family, and give our annual donation for the children of the St. Basil Academy! You may also make your donation by mailing your check payable to St. Barbara Philoptochos Society (Notation Vasilopita ) to: St. Barbara Philoptochos Society - Vasilopita 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ Remember to direct your United Way donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number BAKLAVA AND SPANAKOPITA SALE The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava and spanakopita for the holidays. All baklava and spanakopita must be preordered by November 9, 2014; it will be sold on November 23, Place your orders early! Koula Athanasopoulos, or Niky Gerondelis, Christmas Bread sold Dec. 20 &21 Vasilopites sold December 28 The Ladies Philoptochos Society Invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 7, :00 p.m. BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB APPROVAL Effective July 28, 2014, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Giving program has approved the eligibility of the St. Barbara Ladies Philoptochos Society in their Employee Giving Program, Reference ID: 107C Any questions regarding this program should be directed to Mary Boulegeris, Gift Matching/United Way Chairman. PARTICIPATE IN THE UNITED WAY PROGRAM! It s that time of the year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2014/2015 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they and their many friends consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past several years the St. George Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their continued support.

7 November/December 2014 Page 7 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD 2014 Dear St. George Parishioners: We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the Philoptochos will prepare the St. George Community Christmas Card which will be mailed to ever y member of our par ish and which will carr y our holiday greetings to all our parishioners. This Community Christmas Card becomes possible through your donations. However, not only does your donation extend holiday greetings to all but, more importantly, it is used for the much needed assistance to the needy of our community. Your contribution truly represents the Christian spirit of helping those in need. And so we ask you, once again, to give your donation to the Needy Cases Fund. In so doing, you will be helping those in need and you will be assuring that your name will be included on the Community Christmas Card. You may give your donation by filling in the for m below and br inging it to the church or by mailing it to PHILOPTOCHOS, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Please make checks payable to the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. To assure that your name is included on the Christmas Card, your contribution must be received no later than November 23, The names of contributors received after November 24 will be listed in the January church bulletin. In addition, if you are employed by a company that participates in a Gift Matching Program, please bring the necessary forms so we may benefit from this program. Obtain a gift matching form from your personnel office, complete the employee s section and bring the form to us. We ll do the rest. Thank you and God Bless you always, NEEDY FUND COMMITTEE Detach and return the form below with your donation no later than Sunday, November 23, ============= ========================================================================== I would like to participate in the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. Enclosed you will find my donation for $. Please list my name on the Christmas Card as follows: Name: Address: Have You Heard About the High School Program? What is it? We welcome all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. We will continue to explore God's teachings, while we develop an understanding of His true calling. Goals: To use the teachings of the Bible, and relate it to your everyday life. To understand intellectual faith vs. spiritual faith. To provide you with the tools you will need to face everyday challenges and temptations. What will we discuss? We will discuss a variety of topics that teens may experience. We will hear and learn about careers from guest speakers within our church community.

8 Page 8 November/December 2014 G.O.Y.A. GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION We are so excited to start the GOYA year! Our first meeting was held on Sunday, September 7 th. The installations of the GOYA board took place on this day, along with the introduction to our program. Our organization is a place where every young person can grow spiritually while making new friends. If you are between the ages of twelve to eighteen, please consider joining GOYA the deadline is November 1st, We welcome new and old members and we look forward to a great year! Here are some opportunities to get involved: Monday 6:30-8:30 junior boys basketball Monday 7:00-9:00 senior boys basketball Tuesday 7:00-9:00 girls volleyball Thursday 7:00-9:00 Greek dance Good job to all the divers who represented St. George at the Holy Cross Celebration on September 21 st. On Saturday, September 27th, the GOYAΝS traveled to Saint Basil s Academy in Garrison, New York for a day trip to assist with the Academy s Fall Foliage Walk-a-Thon. On Sunday, September 28th, the GOYAΝS participated in the Heel to Heal walk, benefiting the Embrace Kids Foundation of New Brunswick. A good number of GOYANS came and enjoyed the beautiful day for a great cause. May God bless this new GOYA year! Together, let s make a difference in our own community and in the world around us. Respectfully submitted, Hope Sirimis, GOYA Historian WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT OUR Greek Night November 22, 2014

9 November/December 2014 Page 9 The St. George Piscataway Youth Group proudly invites you to our 12 th annual Greek Night November 22, :30 pm - 12:00 am St. George AHEPA Hall Community Center 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Mezedakia & Full Buffet Dinner - BYO Wine & Beer Music and Dancing with DJ Tommy Karas Special Performance by St. George GOYA Dance Group RSVP: Sophie Exarchakis sophiex@verizon.net Adults $35 GOYA & College students with ID $25 Children under 12 - $10 Children under 5 free NO tickets will be sold at the door All proceeds will benefit Alzheimer s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter

10 Page 10 November/December 2014 P.T.O. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Dear Parents, The PTO Executive Board would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents that volunteered their time, helped by baking and/or purchasing treats at our annual bake sale. Your support during this event was valuable and your contributions have helped the organization tremendously.we would like to remind you, the PTO is a parent volunteer organization that supports the school by organizing volunteers for various programs and by providing financial assistance through fundraising for enrichment programs and other items not available through school funds. As the parent/guardian of a St. George student, you are asked to support the PTO by attending the meetings held on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the church on the second floor. The November and December meetings will take place on November 18 th and December 16 th respectively. We would also like to welcome two new members to our board, Maria Kavouras as Secretary and Maria Regina Caputo, Co-Vice President. Please consider volunteering your time to assist as we need your help. Upcoming Events: Christmas Communion Breakfast and Christmas Tree Lighting December 14 th after Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA hall. If you would like to volunteer to assist for this event we need help in photographing families, aiding the children with the crafts, fruit juice and paper goods donation, setting up and serving food. Please consider donating unbreakable ornaments and Christmas wrapping paper. A labeled bin will be placed behind the stage curtain in the AHEPA hall so you can drop off the ornaments if you are unable to attend. The children will enjoy decorating the tree. We welcome all the families to attend this festive tradition. Please consider volunteering your time and talent to the PTO. If each St George family volunteered for one event or activity it would spread the work load of this wonderful organization and make it more manageable, enjoyable and successful for everyone. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome! Teach your children by example - be involved! We can't do it without you! PTO Executive Board Officers: Helen Sirimis, President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice- President Maria Regina Caputo, Co-Vice President Maria Kavouras, Secretary Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ GREEK SCHOOL ΞΕΚΙΝΗΣΑΝ ΤΑ ΜΑΘΗΜΑΤΑ Τα μαθήματα του Ελληνικού Σχολείου άρχισαν στις 8 Σεπτεμβρίου και ο πατέρας Νικόλαος αφού έκανε αγιασμό για τα παιδιά του σχολείου και τις δασκάλες, εν συνεχεία αγίασε και όλες τις τάξεις. Παρ όλο που τα μαθήματα έχουν ήδη αρχίσει, είναι καιρός ακόμη να γράψετε τα παιδιά σας στο ελληνικό μας σχολείο και να τους δώσετε την ευκαιρία να μάθουν την ελληνική γλώσσα, τα ήθη, τα έθιμα, την ένδοξη ιστορία και τον πολιτισμό της Ελλάδας, και να γνωρίσουν και να μάθουν πράγματα σχετικά με την καταγωγή και τις ρίζες τους. Οι τάξεις του σχολείου είναι προνήπια, νήπια, 1 η μικρή, 1 η μεγάλη, 2 α, 3 η, 4 η, 5 η 6 η και τα Regents. Για να εγγραφούν στα προνήπια τα παιδιά πρέπει να είναι τεσσάρων χρόνων και για την πρώτη μικρή πρέπει να είναι έξι. Εν τω μεταξύ όλα τα παιδιά προχωρούν ομαλά και παρακολουθούν κανονικά την φετινή τους τάξη. Ευχόμαστε και αυτή η χρονιά να είναι δημιουργική και όλα τα παιδιά να κάνουν πρόοδο και να πλουτίσουν περισσότερο τις γνώσεις τους γύρω από την ελληνική γλώσσα. Ήδη ετοιμαζόμαστε να γιορτάσουμε την 28 η Οκτωβρίου με σχετικά μαθήματα, εργασίες και απαγγελίες ποιημάτων που θα πουν μαθητές στην εκκλησία μας, την 26 η Οκτωβρίου, μετά την θεία λειτουργία. Θα θέλαμε, όπως κάθε χρόνο, να ευχαριστήσουμε όλους τους γονείς που με τόσο κόπο και θυσία φέρνουν τα παιδιά τους στο σχολείο μας. Αναγνωρίζουμε τα όσα κάνουν και τους συγχαιρόμαστε για όλες τις προσπάθειες που καταβάλουν σχετικά με την πρόοδο των παιδιών τους στο Ελληνικό μας σχολείο. Με εκτίμηση, Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου LESSONS HAVE STARTED The lessons of the Greek School started on September 8 and father Nicholas, after the sanctification for the school children and teachers, he then sanctified all classrooms. Although classes have already started, there is still time to enroll your children in our Greek school and give them the opportunity to learn the Greek language, traditions, customs, the glorious history and culture of Greece and to discover and learn things about the origin of their roots. The classrooms of the school are preschoolers, toddlers, 1 st beginners, 1 st advanced, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th,, 6 th and Regents. To enroll in preschool, children must be four years old and for the first grade they should be six. Meanwhile, all children are progressing smoothly and regularly in their class this year. We hope that they all have a productive year and make progress so that they may further enrich their knowledge of the Greek language. We are already preparing to celebrate the October 28 th with related lessons, assignments and recitations of poems that students will recite in our church on October 26, after the divine liturgy. Like every year, we would like to thank all the parents who put forth much time and effort to bring their children to our school. We recognize what they are doing and we commend them for all the efforts they make regarding the progress of their children in our Greek school. Sincerely, The Τeachers of the Greek School

11 November/December 2014 Page 11 SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Parent Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) JOIN THE ST. GEORGE PTO Through partnership with the teachers and parents, the following are some of the annual expenses PTO pays for: Greek School books and supplies, Religious Education School (Sunday School) supplies, Saint Chrysostom s Oratorical Festival monetary awards, bus to NYC Greek Independence Day parade, End-Of- Year pizza party for Greek school students, Communion Breakfasts, Greek School Programs (March 25 th and Graduation). The donation is $20 per family and it allows you to vote on important issues at PTO meetings and receive one free copy of St. George Friend Finder directory which lists the Greek School and Religious Education School classes, teachers and students names and contact information PTO MEMBERSHIP FORM Please make check payable to Saint George P.T.O. and mail it with this completed form to: Saint George P.T.O., 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ You may also drop off your completed membership form and check in an envelope marked P.T.O. Membership at the church office, or send it with your child to your Greek or Religious Education School teacher. List all children attending Greek School and/or Religious Education School Child s First and Last Name Greek School grade/ Religious Education School grade Parent s = $ In lieu of selling chocolates ( Greek school $ Additional copies of Friend Finder student directory for $3 each: # $3 each = $ Those opting to sell chocolates please check which kind 1.Milk chocolate 2. dark chocolate with almonds TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ For PTO Office use only: Cash: Check #: Date received: Received by: Volunteers Needed for School year We are seeking volunteers to help out and we sincerely appreciate any time you can contribute.

12 Page 12 November/December 2014 Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, SUNDAY SCHOOL On behalf of Father Nicholas and all the Catechism staff, we would like to thank you for your support and trust in us providing an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to your children. We are very proud of our Catechism program, and our volunteer support staff. We want to express our deep gratitude to our organization for all their efforts, dedication and perseverance. The curriculum we follow was developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Department of Religious Education. It is accompanied with participation in the Divine Liturgy and liturgical hymnology, and involvement in projects that we organize throughout Our Catechism staff at a recent staff meeting the year. In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we present the curricula followed by several grades. Today we will present the curriculum of Grades K, 1, 2 and 3. Grade K: What We See and Do in Church : An introduction to basic Church teachings, events in the liturgical calendar, Bible stories and hymns. Each lesson has a brief text and an illustration for coloring. Grade 1: Prayer in Daily Life - Discussions address when and how we pray. Each student is creating a personal prayer journal which includes the Lord s Prayer, bedtime, mealtime, and other short prayers. Grade 2: Loving God Love at home, in church, serving others and obeying rules are the emphasis of this grade. We reemphasize the Lord s Prayer and we learn the Jesus Prayer. We also begin to take a walk through the Orthodox Church by learning the parts of the Church building, the meaning of icons, candles, the altar table, etc. Grade 3: Sharing God s World Children learn about sharing through the example of Jesus and are inspired to observe these examples in the Divine Liturgy, the Sacraments and other services of the Church. The result is that our children become caring and sharing individuals. This grade also learns to recite the prayer of Psalm 23, The Lord is my Sheppard. I now would like to present you our Catechism staff. You will note that we are in need of assistants. If you interested in volunteering your time or talents, you may me at lmalahias@yahoo.com or speak to any one of us on Sunday morning. Please know that you do not have to be a teacher nor have an expertise in our Orthodox faith; you just need a loving heart, a love for God and a love of children. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Catechism Program Staff Cradle Responsible Dimitra Kambitsis Nursery : Chrisoula Kalogridis Naomi Bourodimos Assistants Syndie Vaskopoulos Hope Sirimis Pre-Kindergarten Maria-Regina Caputo Helen Sirimis Assistants Joy Mangafas Louisa Sirimis Kindergarten Georgia Lambros Lea Petsanas First Grade Mary Christodoulou Assistants Marigoula Keller Sofia Feggulis Second Grade Georgia Preite Stacey Alphas Assistants Zoe Makropoulos Third Grade Irene Rompos Eve Kontos Assistants Nicolette Garthe Kyra Sirimis Forth Grade Lemonia Malahias Miko Theodore Vaskopoulos Assistants Nicolette Polos Fifth Grade Maria Petrou Georgia Papanastasiou Assistants Maria Makropoulos Sixth Grade Argie Kantilierakis Maria Kantilierakis Aides Karissa Zubulake Seventh Grade Maria Boyiadjis Athinoula Bizos Eighth and Ninth Grades Maria Demos Maggie Stavrianidis 10th, 11th, and 12th Peter Combates Meropi Martini Music Teacher Louise Lambros Support Staff Overall Administrator Paul Stevens Treasurer Georgia Peterson Administration Ted Lambros Georgia Peterson Attendance Flora Savva Safety Peter Sirimis Book Mobile Irene Kehayas-Drakopoulos Scholarships Malvina Wilkens Mary Boulegeris Georgia Peterson Substitute Teacher Perry Petsanas

13 November/December 2014 Page 13 SUNDAY SCHOOL TO THE PARENTS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF SAINT GEORGE On behalf of our hardworking and dedicated Sunday School Teaching Staff, I would like to welcome back all of our Sunday School Children, and we are looking forward to having you with us to a new exciting year. The success of our Sunday School Program will be to a large extend based on the parents good Christian example and on the student s willingness to be involved in our Church School Activities. We truly want this year to be much improved from last year, and we will need your cooperation. Once again, PARENTS, your GOOD EXAMPLE OF REGULAR SUNDAY WORSHIP at the Divine Liturgy gives the best sermon to your children, no matter how old they are! The program for our Sunday School began on Sunday, Sept 7th here at St. George. Please follow the bi-monthly Bulletin regularly so that you may be aware of any changes in our Program! Please, let us not neglect our children s religious education. Here is how you as a parent can help develop the spiritual life and moral upbringing of your children: 1. Bring them to Church regularly and on time. 2. Stay and worship together as a family. 3. Be positive about Church. 4. Give your personal example of Christian living. 5. Emphasize regular partaking of Holy Communion. 6. Put Church before any other activity on Sunday. 7. Let your love of our Lord Jesus Christ radiate. ΣΤΟΥΣ ΓΟΝΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΑ ΠΑΙΔΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Εκ μέρους των αφοσιωμένων και σκληρά εργαζομένων Κατηχητριών και Κατηχητών, καλωσορίζω όλους εις το Κατηχητικό Σχολείο και εύχομαι και φέτος να έχουμε μια χαρούμενη και αποδοτική χρονιά. Η επιτυχία του Κατηχητικού στηρίζεται στο καλό Χριστιανικό παράδειγμα των γονέων και στην επιθυμία των μαθητών να παρακολουθήσουν το Κατηχητικό Σχολείο. Θέλουμε φέτος να έχουμε μεγαλύτερη επιτυχία από τον προηγούμενο χρόνο, και ζητούμε την συνεργασία σας. Για μια ακόμη φορά, αγαπητοί γονείς, τονίζω πως το καλό παράδειγμά σας και ο τακτικός σας εκκλησιασμός, είναι το σπουδαιότερο κήρυγμα στα παιδιά σας, οποιασδήποτε ηλικίας. Τα μαθήματα του Κατηχητικού άρχισαν στις 7 Σεπτεμβρίου. Παρακολουθείτε την διμηνιαία εγκύκλιό μας για τυχόν αλλαγές στο πρόγραμμα. Μην παραμελείτε την θρησκευτική μόρφωση των παιδιών σας. Πως ως γονείς θα βοηθήσετε στην πνευματική και ηθική ανατροφή των παιδιών σας: 1. Φέρετε τα παιδιά σας κάθε Κυριακή στο Κατηχητικό και στην ώρα τους. 2. Να παραμείνετε στην εκκλησία και να προσευχηθείτε μαζί σαν οικογένεια. 3. Να είστε θετικοί για την Εκκλησία. 4. Δώστε καλό Χριστιανικό παράδειγμα. 5. Τονίστε την τακτική συμμετοχή στη Θεία Κοινωνία. 6. Να θέσετε την Εκκλησία πάνω από κάθε άλλη Κυριακάτικη ασχολία. 7. Αφήστε την αγάπη σας προς τον Χριστό να ακτινοβολήσει. Dear St. George Family, The Sunday High School Class needs your Help! SUNDAY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS As part of our commitment to help improve our children s spiritual life in Christ, we also have a duty to give our children the tools they need to succeed in a productive Christian life. In order to do this we need the help of our St. George family. We need people to come to our class and share their careers with the children. As we know, in today s society one size does not fit all. We need to here from tradesmen as well as professional people. Every job is important and worthy for our children. We also ask you to put into words, how being an Orthodox Christian guides you in your daily life. Help our kids find their career path! If interested, please contact Peter Combates at poke6164@optonline.net or call for further details. ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL FUND All donations to the Memorial Fund are greatly appreciated. As we all know, we have a beautiful Memorial Tree located in the Memorial Room of the Community Center. Anyone wishing to purchase a leaf ($350), a dove ($2,000), or a stone ($1,500) in memory of a loved one, May their memory be eternal, please contact either John Stroumtsos or Fr. Nick Pastrikos by calling the church office

14 Page 14 November/December 2014 Cretans Fraternity The White Mountains 1152 Raritan Ave Highland Park, New Jersey Ο Σύλλογος Κρητών Τα Λευκά Όρη Προσκαλεί την Ομογένεια στο Σάββατο, 1 Νοεμβρίου, 2014 Saturday, November 1st, :30 το Βράδυ (PM) Στην Εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου River Road Piscataway, New Jersey Θα είναι μια βραδιά γεμάτη αυθεντική Κρητική μουσική, συνοδευόμενη με το πλέον παραδοσιακό κρητικό φαγητό το Πιλάφι, και άλλους εκλεκτούς παραδοσιακούς μεζέδες, καφέ και γλυκά!!!!! Πληροφορίες/Information και Κρατήσεις/Reservations John N. Kalogridis Takis Psarakis

15 November/December 2014 Page 15 HEALTH FAIR SPONSORED BY: THE ORDER of AHEPA MONROE 75 DAUGHTERS of PENELOPE TETHYS 229 St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Sunday, November 2, :30PM Cholesterol Screening* Blood Pressure Screening Derma Scan Screening Body Mass Index Blood Sugar Screening* Counseling & Health - Bone Density Screening Literature Tables *Fasting is not required for screening Screenings are FREE; Donations Appreciated Introducing Daughters of Penelope District 5 Charity BRING CHANGE 2 MIND This is a charity founded by Glenn Close, with the purpose of removing the stigma of mental illness and serving as a portal for those who need help. Stop by to learn about this charity, win a health basket and find out what you can do to help.

16 Page 16 November/December 2014 INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEDDINGS, DIVORCES, BAPTISMS, FUNERALS AND MEMORIALS Weddings For the sacramental union of a man and a woman to be proper in the eyes of the Church, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony must be performed in the Orthodox Church. For such an ecclesiastical marriage to be valid, the following must be adhered to: 1) No impediment to marriage may exist. 2) A civil marriage license must be obtained from civil authorities and presented to the parish priest prior to the wedding. 3) An ecclesiastical marriage license must be obtained from the Diocese Department of Registry authorizing the priest to perform the sacrament. 4) The sacrament of marriage must be celebrated by an Orthodox priest according to the liturgical tradition of the Church. 5) The priest must belong to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. A marriage performed by a priest of another Orthodox jurisdiction in communion with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is also recognized as valid by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 6) Before requesting permission from the Bishop for the marriage the priest must verify: a) that the parties in question are not already married either in this country or elsewhere; b) that the party or parties who are members of another parish obtain a certificate of membership from the parish to which they belong; c) that if either or both parties are widowed, that he or she present the death certificate of the deceased spouse; d) and that if either or both of the parties have been divorced and/or have remarried, whether or not the remarriage was recognized by the Church, that they present the appropriate certificates. 7) No more than a total of three marriages will be allowed by the Church. 8) When one or both of the parties are divorced, they must obtain an ecclesiastical divorce as well in order to marry again in the Church. 9) In the case of a mixed marriage, the non-orthodox partner must be a Christian who has been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. A marriage cannot take place in the Orthodox Church between an Orthodox Christian and a non- Christian. 10) In the case of mixed marriages between an Orthodox Christian and a non-orthodox Christian, the marriage must be celebrated by an Orthodox priest in the Orthodox Church according to the Orthodox tradition. 11) The Sponsor (Koumbaros or Koumbara) must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. A person who does not belong to a parish, or who belongs to a parish which is not in communion with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, or who if married, is not married in the Orthodox Church cannot be a Sponsor. Non-Orthodox persons may be members of the rest of the wedding party. Days when marriage is not permitted: January 5-6; Great Lent and Holy Week; August 1-15; August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist); September 14 (Elevation of the Holy Cross); December 13-25; The day before feast days and all Holy Days of our Lord. NOTE: Exceptions to the above can only be made by special permission of the Bishop of the Diocese. Mixed Marriages: It is a fact that the more things a couple holds in common, the more likely it will be that they live their married lives in peace and harmony. Shared faith and traditions spare the newlyweds and their children many serious problems and strengthen the bonds between them. However, the Orthodox Church blesses inter-faith marriages under the following conditions: 1) The non-orthodox partner must be a Christian who has been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. 2) The couple should be willing to baptize their children in the Orthodox Church and nurture them in accordance with the Orthodox Christian Faith. If these conditions are not met, then the Orthodox Church shall not solemnize the wedding. In such a case it is possible for the couple to marry outside the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox partner, however, should then bear in mind that a married Orthodox Christian whose wedding has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church is no longer in good ecclesiastical standing with the Church and consequently does not have the right to receive the sacraments of the Church, including Holy Communion, or to become a sponsor at an Orthodox wedding, baptism, or chrismation. An Orthodox Christian who has been married outside the Church and who wishes to be reconciled to the Church, is encouraged to request from his or her local Orthodox priest that his or her marriage be blessed in the Orthodox Church. A non-orthodox Christian who marries an Orthodox Christian does not automatically become a member of the Church, and is therefore not permitted to receive Holy Communion or other sacraments of the Church or a Church funeral. These are privileges of the baptized or chrismated members of the Church. Prohibited Marriages: First Group: Parents with their own children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren. Second Group: Brothers-in-law with sisters-in-law. Third Group: Uncles and Aunts with nieces and nephews. Fourth Group: First cousins with each other.

17 November/December 2014 Page 17 Fifth Group: Foster parents with foster children or foster children with the children of foster parents. Sixth Group: Godparents with godchildren or godparents with the parents of godchildren. Divorces An ecclesiastical divorce may be granted after a civil decree has been given. However, the parish priest must exert every effort to reconcile the couple and avert a divorce. Should the priest fail to bring reconciliation, he will transmit the petition of the party seeking the ecclesiastical divorce to the Spiritual (Ecclesiastical) Court of the Diocese. The decree of the civil divorce must accompany this petition. The petition must include the names and surnames of the husband and wife, their addresses, the familial surname of the bride and where, when and by which priest the ecclesiastical wedding was conducted. The petitioner must be in good standing with his or her parish and with the Archdiocese. Orthodox Christian members of the Greek Orthodox Church who do not have an ecclesiastical divorce when they are separated and have obtained only the civil divorce may not marry in the Church until receipt of the ecclesiastical divorce. Members of the Church who have not received a civil divorce and not an ecclesiastical divorce are not permitted to receive Holy Communion or to be sponsors in weddings or godparents in baptismal ceremonies. Baptisms A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism and/ or Chrismation in the Church must be an Orthodox Christian who is in good ecclesiastical standing with the Orthodox Church. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church may not become a godparent. Baptisms may not be performed on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the diocesan Bishop: 1) December 25 - January 6; 2) Holy Week; 3) Major Feast Days. Funerals Funeral services are permitted on any day of the year, except for Sundays, unless is absolutely necessary and permission is granted by the diocesan Bishop. Memorials Memorial services may not be chanted from the Saturday of Lazarus through the Sunday of Thomas, on any Feast day of the Lord or any Feast day of the Theotokos. Dear St. George family, BIBLE STUDY GROUP Get to know the lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Mark! On Thursday, September 18 th, we had our first bible study. At that bible study, the parameters were discussed and the decision was made that we will be studying the Gospel of St. Mark. The study will be suitable to mature Bible students and beginners as well. As a minimum level of participation, we ask that everyone come to as many sessions or possible, and bring a Bible, the Orthodox Study Bible preferably, and commit to reading the Gospel of St. Mark, not only during the Bible study, but on your own as well. The Gospel of Mark is, by tradition, the story of the Apostle Peter. It is the shortest, most divert, and most accessible to the so called synoptic Gospel (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Our study will seek to train participants to be more astute readers of this foundational New Testament material. We will deal with the content, the study of Jesus Christ, His teachings and passion, as well with the historical background that helps illuminate the text. Our sessions, unless otherwise notified, will take place upstairs in the library. The bible study for November will be on the 13 th and the 20 th at 7 p.m. SEE YOU ALL THERE!

18 Page 18 November/December 2014 Fashion Show Sponsored by: Daughters of Penelope, Tethys #229 New Brunswick/Piscataway, NJ Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Church Community Center AHEPA HALL 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ When: Friday December 5 th, :00 pm (Doors 6:30pm) Fashions by: ZASTRA Women s Fashions & Accessories Boutique 28 Palmer Square East, Princeton, NJ BACHRACH A Menswear Collection Menlo Park Mall, 55 Parsonage Rd., Edison, NJ Alterations Done By: George s Dry Cleaners & Alternations, 425 Main St., Metuchen, NJ Door Prizes, Auctions and more! Desserts & Refreshments Proceeds to Benefit: bring change 2 mind (End the Stigma & Discrimination of Mental Illness) The Dalianis Foundation & Other Charities For Reservations Call: Pauline Ploussiou (732) Tickets may also be purchased at the door, or On-line: Donation: $15.00 per person

19 Advertisements November/December 2014 Page 19 TRACK SIDE LIMO & TAXI Serving all of Somerset & Middlesex Counties, NJ Low Rates - 24 hr Service Van Service for Large Groups Special Rates for Airports We Go Anywhere GEORGE ATHANASOPOULOS AND ANDREAS ATHANASOPOULOS Call: Toll Free All major Credit Cards Accepted David Basile S M I L E Dr. Kosmas Kasimatis 900 Easton Avenue, Suite 31 Somerset, New Jersey (732) Bound Brook Rd Middlesex, NJ, Call: (732) Rt 27, Ste 101 Kendall Park, NJ, Call: (732)

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