THE AGIASMA FESTIVAL 2014 GRAND RAFFLE CAR DRAWING JULY 22, BEER WINE IT S BIGGER! YES, IT S BIGGEEER!!! IT S BETTER YES, IT S BETTEEEER!!

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1 UPCOMING EVENTS THE AGIASMA APRIL- MAY 2014 WANTAGH'S GREEK ISLAND LIVE GREEK MUSIC TAVERNA FESTIVAL 2014 DANCE TO LIVE MUSIC LIVE GREEK FOLK DANCING BY LOCAL DANCE GROUPS FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING 5 BIG NIGHTS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MAY 22 TO MAY 26, 2014 THU (5-11pm)/ FRI (5-11pm) SAT (1-10pm)/ SUN (1-10pm) MON (2pm-10pm) For more info please visit our web-site or call us IMPORTANT DATED MATERIAL return service requested 1960 Jones Ave N., WANTAGH, NY (BY TRAIN STATION) Behind McDonalds Rest. Near Wantagh Train Station Wantagh, NY. At The Church Grounds COUPON THURSDAY & MONDAY FREE KIDS MEAL : HAMBURGER OR HOT DOG WITH FRENCH FRIES With Purchase of Rides Wristband. TRADITIONAL GREEK FOOD & PASTRIES CHILDREN S GAMES,ACTIVITIES.VENDORS CRAFTS GIFTS THRILL MECHANICAL RIDES RIDES CHURCH TOURS FLEA MARKET IT S BIGGER! YES, IT S BIGGEEER!!! IT S BETTER YES, IT S BETTEEEER!! GRAND RAFFLE CAR DRAWING JULY 22, 2014 RIDE ALL DAY WITH WRISTBAND SPECIALS BEER WINE Κυριακή των Βαϊων Palm Sunday ( April 13, 2014) Ευλογημένος ο ερχόμενος εν ονόματι Κυρίου! Τῷ θρόνῳ ἐν οὐρανῷ, τῷ πώλῳ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἐποχούμενος Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, τῶν Ἀγγέλων τὴν αἴνεσιν, καὶ τῶν Παίδων ἀνύμνησιν προσεδέξω βοώντων σοι Εὐλογημένος εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος, τὸν Ἀδὰμ ἀνακαλέσασθαι. On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today. The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

2 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA A BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF ST. MARKELLA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WANTAGH, NEW YORK REV. FR. SARANTIS LOULAKIS, PRESBYTER Parish Council President...Gus Galitos Philoptochos President..Mary Koinis Religious Education...Markella Melios, Antonia Fotinos, & Christina Zanelotti Chanter. Nicholas Dembris & Georigos Lilikas Sexton.Athanasios Hatzis & Christos Rallis Honoree Sexton...Ioannis Papoulis Greek Afternoon School PTA President.Chrysoula Kayantas Greek Afternoon School Principal Tanya Laloudakis Golden Stars (Senior Citizens).. Every Thursday at 11:30 YAL Forming now GOYA.. Debbie Markopoulos JOY.....Angelica Gizas Mommy & Me... Joanna Georgatos & Maria Eleftheriou Internet Ministry...Konstantina Granelli Building Committee..Peter Bachas OFFICE HOURS M-F 9-2 PHONE : / FAX: saint.markella@yahoo.com Page 19 Page 2

3 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ 2014 YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR KITCHEN OR BATHROOM? Best prices for Granite, Marble, and Porcelain. Specialize in Gold, Sand, and Granite. 18X18 on 12X12, $10.00 /ft, COMPLETELY INSTALLED (Price includes labor & Παρασκευή, 02 Αυγούστου material) Porcelain $6.00 a foot, COMPLETELY INSTALLED (Price includes labor & material) Ceramic tile 12X12 $4.50 /ft Παρασκευή, 4 Απριλίου- * Ακάθιστος Ύμνος μμ Κυριακή, 6 Απριλίου- Κυριακή Ε' Νηστειών. Όρθρος...8:45 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία...10:00μμ Παρασκευή, 11 Απριλίου- Προηγιασμένη Θ. Λειτουργία μμ Σάββατο, 12 Απριλίου-* Σάββατο του Λαζάρου. Θ. Λειτουργία...9: πμ Θεία Κοινωνία και πρόγευμα δια τα παιδιά πμ Συμμετοχής του Ρ.Τ.Α.- Πώληση λαμπάδων. Τα παιδιά, τα βάγια και κατήχησης πλέξιμο σταυρών από βάγια με τον πατέρα Σαράντη πμ Κυριακή, 13 Απριλίου- Κυριακή των Βαΐων. προσφέρει γεύμα από ψάρι στο Χώλ της εκκλησίας μας. Προσκαλείστε όλοι! Πώληση πασχαλινών λουλουδιών από τη Φιλόπτωχο Αδελφότητα. *Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου....7:00μμ Δευτέρα, 14 Απριλίου- *Μ. Δευτέρα. Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου :00μμ Τρίτη, 15 Απριλίου- * Μ. Τρίτη. Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου (Το τροπάριο της Κασσιανής)...7:00μμ Τετάρτη, 16 Απριλίου- * Ο Θεοφιλέστατος Επίσκοπος Ζήλων κ. Σεβαστιανός θα επισκεφτεί την ενορία μας και θα συμπροσευχηθει μαζί μας την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, στην Ακολουθία του Αγίου Ευχελαίου. * Μ. Τετάρτη. Το Άγιο Ευχέλαιο :00μμ Πέμπτη, 17 Απριλίου- *Μ. Πέμπτη. Θεια Λειτ. του Μ. Βασιλείου. Θ. Κοινωνία ( ΕΡΓΑΖΟΜΕΝΩΝ)...5:00-6:30πμ Ακολουθία Των Αγίων Παθών...7:00μμ Στολισμός του Επιταφίου :00μμ Παρασκευή, 18 Απριλίου- Μεγάλη Παρασκευή - Οι Βασιλικές Ώρες. Μ. Παρασκευή. Η Αποκαθήλωση.....3:00 4:00πμ Παραδοσιακό Τρισάγιο, μπροστά στον Εσταυρωμένο κατά την Αποκαθήλωση, για όλα τα κεκοιμημένα αγαπημένα μας πρόσωπα. *Μ. Παρασκευή Βράδυ. Επιτάφιος Θρήνος :00μμ Περιφορά Επιταφίου :00μμ Σάββατο, 19 Απριλίου- Θεία Λειτουργία του Μεγάλου Βασιλείου...9:00 10:30πμ *Μ. Σάββατο, Βράδυ. Η Παννυχίς :30μμ Η Λαμπροφόρος Ανάστασης....1:00πμ- 1:30πμ Κυριακή, 20 Απριλίου *Κυριακή του Πάσχα. Εσπερινός της Αγάπης...12:30 1:15μμ '' ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ ''! ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ! ΠΑΣΧΑΛΙΝΟ ΓΛΕΝΤΙ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ. ΟΛΟΙ ΟΙ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΙ ΚΑΙ ΟΙ ΤΡΥΠΕΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓ. ΣΥΜΕΩΝ Τρίτη, 22 Απριλίου *Αγ. Ραφαήλ, Νικολάου και Ειρήνης Αγ.. Θ. Λειτουργία...9:30-11:00πμ Δευτέρα, 23 Απριλίου *Αγ. Γεωργίου του Τροπαιοφόρου. Εορτάζεται Κυριακή 22 Απριλίου Κυριακή, 27 Απριλίου- Κυριακή του Θωμά. Όρθρος...8:45 πμ... Θεία Λειτουργία...10:00μμ MΑΙΟΣ 2014 Κυριακή, 4 Μαίου - Κυριακή των Μυροφόρων. Όρθρος 8:45 πμ...- Θεια Λειτ...10:00πμ Πέμπτη, 8 Μαίου - Άγιος Ιωάννης του Θεολόγου. Θεια Λειτ...9:30 πμ -11:00πμ Κυριακή, 11 Μαίου- Κυριακή του Παραλύτου. Όρθρος 8:45 πμ...- Θεια Λειτ...10:00πμ Ημέρα της Μητέρας!!! Κυριακή, 18 Μαίου- Κυριακή της Σαμαρείτιδος. Όρθρος 8:45 πμ...θεια.λειτ...10:00πμ Πέμπτη, Μαΐου Δευτέρα, Μαΐου 26 -Το Φεστιβάλ μας. Η εσπρόδεκτη συμμετοχή σας εξαρτάτε από τη Θέληση σας. Διαφημείστε το φεστιβάλ μας. ζήσετε την επιτυχία του! Τετάρτη, 21 Μαίου- Αγίου Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης. Θεία Λειτ :30 11:00πμ Κυριακή, 25 Μαίου- Κυριακή του Τυφλού. Όρθρος 8:45 πμ...- Θεια Λειτ...10:00 Πέμπτη, 29 Μαίου- * Της Αναλήψεως. Θεία Λειτουργία :30 11:00πμ Page 18 Page 3

4 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES AND EVENTS APRIL 2014 Friday, 4 April- Presanctified Liturgy...6:00 pm 5th Friday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn Sunday, 6 April -5th Sunday of Lent. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit :00am Friday, 11 April- Presanctified Liturgy :00pm Saturday,12 April- Saturday of Lazarus. Divine Liturgy...9:00am Holy Communion for children :00am Communion Breakfast for all Children by PTA at church hall and preparing Palm Crosses. Sunday, 13 April- *Palm Sunday. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit...10:00am Fish luncheon will be served at the church hall by the Parish Council. All are invited!!! Easter Flower Sale by the ladies of Philoptochos Palm Sunday Evening - The Service of the Nymphios :00pm Monday, 14 April- Monday / Holy week The Service of the Nymphios...7:00pm Tuesday, 15 April- Tuesday / Holy Week The Service of the Nymphios....7:00pm Wednesday, 16 April- Wednesday / Holy Week *Holy Unction....6:30pm *Please note we normally have a 3 o clock Holy Unction service, but due to the fact His Grace Bishop Sevastianos will visit our community on Holy Wednesday. We are combining both services into one so that the children may receive the blessing from His Grace Bishop Sevastianos. Thursday, 17 April- Thursday / Holy Week. Liturgy of St. Basil :00-6:30am Holy communion for the working. Evening - Service of the Holy Passion, the reading of the 12 Gospels and the Procession of the The Crucifix :00pm Epitaph Decoration :00pm Friday, 18 April * Good Friday The Service of the Royal Hours. The Removal of Christ from the Cross.....3:00-4:00pm The Lamentation Service (Lamentation) :00pm The procession of the Epitaph pm Saturday, 19 April. Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great...9:00-10:30am Easter Service...10:30pm The Holy Resurrection...12:00-01:00am Sunday, 20 April * Easter Sunday Vesper Service of the Resurrection...1:00-01:30pm EASTER FEAST (GLENTI) AT CHURCH GROUNDS. DON'T MISS IT!!! Tuesday, 22 April * Raphael, Nikolaos and Irene of Lesvos. Div. Liturgy :30-11:00am Wednesday, 23 April- Saint George the Triumphant...WILL BE CELEBRATED ON TUESDAY APRIL 22. Sunday, 27 April- Sunday After Easter. The Examination of Thomas. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit :00am WANTAGH FLORIST Park Ave, Wantagh, NY Tel: Fax: wantaghflorist@yahoo.com Wedding Celebrations Corporate Events Fresh Cut Fruit Gift Baskets MAY 2014 Sunday, 4 May- Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit....10:00am Thursday, 8 May- St. John the Theologian. Divine Liturgy :30am-11:00am Sunday, 11 May- Sunday of the Paralytic. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit....10:00am *HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! Sunday, 18 May- The Samaritan Woman. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit...10:00am Wednesday, 21 May- Sts. Constantine and Helen. Divine Liturgy...9:30am-11:00am Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, Memorial Day Weekend - Our festival days. Please make it a part of your spiritual life. Be involve. Support it! advertise it! Sunday, 25 May- Sunday of the Blind Man. Orthros...8:45am. Div. Lit :00am Thursday, 29 May- The Ascension of Our Lord. Divine Liturgy...9:30am-11:00am Page 4 Page 17

5 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 NOTICE: AGIASMA WRITE-UP DEADLINE Dear St Markella Church Organization Leader, As the leader of your organization (church or society) I would like to invite you to use a free write-up in the Agiasma publication, the Sunday Bulletin or the website of our community of St. Markella. In your write up, you may wish to announce your up-coming events or you wish to show your gratitude to special people of your organization, or you may post a flyer of your event, etc. In any way, you may be given a half page in the publication provided that you do so in time, or two weeks prior to the publications send-out date as it is post it below. Please remember that the church office will not be responsible for editing or spelling corrections to your write-up and as long your write-up is in proper language, which will be personally approved by Fr. Sarantis. No write ups will be done by the office of the church. If you have not submitted your write up on time there will not be a write up for your organization in that monthly issue. A sample of your write up may consists of such as, but not limited to: 1. Greetings 2. Report of past events with thanksgivings 3. Upcoming events 4. Or a flyer of the event Below are the deadlines for the upcoming Agiasma issues 1. Nov. 15, 2013 for the Dec 1st Dec 31. issue. 2. Dec 15, 2013 for the Jan. 1st Feb.. 15th issue. 3. Feb. 1st, 2014 for the Feb. 15-March 30th issue. 4. March for the April 1st - May 15th issue. 5. April 1st, 2014 for the May 15 th -. June 30th. issue. 6. June.15th, 2014 for the Jul. 1st Aug. 30th issue. 7. Aug. 15, 2014 for the Sept. 1st, 2013 to Oct. 15th, 2014 issue 8. Oct. 1st., 2014 for the Oct. 15th, 2013 to Nov. 30th, 2014 issue Further, if your organization wishes to use the church hall or schedule an event at our church it needs to be cleared by the church office first. For this reason, I would suggest that you have your annual event schedules, post it with the church office no later then August 1st No two fun raisers will be allowed on the same day. Exception being the Christmas card and the Easter and Christmas flowers trays. The Parish Council Saturday of Lazarus April 12, 2014 PALMS AND PANCAKES ~ S a t u r d a y o f L a z a r u s ~ F a m i l y M o r n i n g Orthros~ 9:00am...Divine Liturgy...~9:30am Holy Communion for Children will be about 11:00am for all that attended church service. The Palms and Pancakes Family Gathering will begin after Liturgy in the fellowship hall. The children, along with Fr. Sarantis will be making Palm crosses for Palm Sunday. Sponsored by the PTA. Please come and join us! ~ Pancake Breakfast ~ ~ Palm Cross Weaving ~ Preparing the Church ~ ~ Family Fun ~ F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n, p l e a s e c o n t a c t : SAINT MARKELLA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WANTAGH, NY saint.markella@ yahoo.com Page 16 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 Πνευματικό Μήνυμα του Πατέρα Σαράντη Πνευματικό Μήνυμα Πώς πρέπει να ζήσουμε την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα; Αγαπητοί μου εν Χριστώ! Η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή σε λίγο θα έλθει στο τέλος της, και η Μεγαλοβδομάδα, οι ποιό σημαντικότερες ημέρες του Εκκλησιαστικού έτους θα ακολουθήσουν. Τίθεται το ερώτημα πώς εμείς, ως Χριστιανοί Ορθόδοξοι, πρέπει να ζήσουμε το χρόνο μας κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος. Οι Ιεροί Πατέρες και η Ιερά παράδοσης έχουν πολλά να πούν και να καθοδηγήσουν όλους μας, να ζήσουμε μια πνευματική ζωή κατά την διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας. Η Μεγάλη εβδομάδα είναι μια ιδιαίτερη περίοδος. Κανείς δεν πρέπει να ζεί αυτές τις μέρες σ ένα χαλαρό τρόπο, σαν δείθεν ότι ο Χριστός, ο Θεός μας, δεν σταυρώθηκε για τη σωτηρία μας. Τοόσο περισσότερο, η Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα είναι το αποκορύφωμα ολόκληρου του Εκκλησιαστικού έτους, που ξαναζούμε όλα τα γεγονότα που έλαβαν χώρα τις τελευταίες ημέρες της ζωής του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού. Όλες οι ακολουθείες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος είναι τοποθετημένες με τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε κανείς δεν πρέπει να χάσει καμία απ αυτές. Η προσευχή είναι απαραίτητη, διότι φυσικά, δεν θυμόμαστε απλά μόνο ορισμένα ιστορικά γεγονότα, αλλά τα ζούμε. Ως εκ τούτου, είναι αδύνατο να ζήσουμε την μεγάλη εβδομάδα χωρίς προσευχή-ιδιαίτερα προσευχώμαστε μέσα στην εκκλησία, διότι εδώ είναι που βιώνουμε ειδικά αυτές τις μέρες που είναι τόσο σημαντικές για τη σωτηρία μας. Η Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα μας προετοιμάζει για την εορτή του Πάσχα, την ένδοξη Ανάσταση. Μας υπογραμεί ότι δεν υπάρχει κανένας άλλος δρόμος προς την ανάσταση εκτός διά μέσω του Σταυρού και δοκιμασίας. Αυτός είναι ο λόγος που λένε: "Ο Κύριος υπομένει, και προτείνει σε εμάς κάνουμε το ίδιο." Οι Ἱερές ἀκολουθίες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος μας καλούν να έχουμε συμπόνια και συμπάθεια προς τον Σωτήρα μας. Αρχίζοντας, από το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου, η εκκλησία προετοιμάζει την εορτή της Αναστάσεως του Χριστού, μας παρουσιάζει έντονα τις τελευταίες ημέρες της ζωής του. Πιστεύουμε ως Θεός, γνώριζε για ότι γινόταν, αλλά ως άνθρωπος ζήτησε τη συμπόνια. Είπε σ αυτούς (μαθητές): «Η ψυχή μου έχει συναρπάσει με θλίψη μέχρι στο σημείο του θανάτου. Μείνετε εδώ μαζί μου και κρατήστε μου συντροφιά." (Μαθ. 26:38.) Αυτό το μήνυμα δηλώνει σαφώς το θέλημα του Λυτρωτή μας, που επιθυμεί πολύ να είμαστε δίπλα του κατά τη διάρκεια των Αγίων Παθών. Ας είμαστε πρόθυμοι στο κάλεσμά του. Κοντά του, μέσα στη εκκλησία. Κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος, ο καθένας που θέλει να ζήσει σαν ένας πιστός μαθητής Του, ας καταβάλει κάθε δυνατή προσπάθεια, να διώξει κάθε σωματική επιθυμία και ας έλθει σε θεοσεβή κοινωνία με τον Θεό. Είναι σημαντικό όχι μόνο να " είμαστε παρόν σωματικά" στις Θείες Ακολουθίες, αλλά να συμμετέχωμε πνευματικά για να αισθανθούμε και εμείς τα άγια πάθη Του. Τις πρώτες τρείς ημέρες υποτίθεται ότι πρέπει να ξαναδιαβάσουμε τα γεγονότα μέσω της Αγίας Γραφής ως υπενθύμιση όχι μονο ότι ο Κύριος μας έπλασε, αλλά και ότι και εμείς τον σταυρώσαμε με τις αμαρτίες μας. Καθώς διαβάζοντας το άγιο ευέγγελιο γνωστοποιούμε οτι ο Χριστός σταυρώθηκε από τους Ιουδαίους εκείνης της εποχής, αφορά επίσης κι όλους μας. Το πρωί της Μεγάλης Πέμπτης, οι πιστοί συμμετέχουν στον Μυστικό Δείπνο, στην θεία κοινωνία. Αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί: Οι άγγελοι ήταν οι πρώτοι που έμαθαν περί της Αναστάσεως του Χριστού, όπως ήταν και οι πρώτοι που εμαρτύρυσαν την Γέννηση Του. Φέρνω στην μνήμη τον ύμνον: "Την Ανάσταση σου, Χριστέ Σωτήρ, άγγελοι υμνούσιν σοί εν ουρανοίς. Προσκαλούν και εμάς εδώ στη γή με καθαρά καρδία να σε δοξάσουμε." Ερωτώ γιατί ο ύμνος μιλά για «καθαρή (αγνή) καρδία; Διότι μέσω της προετοιμασίας, της νηστείας, της προσευχής, της συμμετοχής και ελεημοσύνης (ας αρχισουμε με το πασχαλινό δώρο μας στη εκκλησία) θα έχουμνε καθαρές καρδιές (σαν τους άγγελους) και έτσι θα δοξάσουμε τον Χριστό και την ένδοξη του Ανάσταση, κραυγάζοντας με χαρά το «Χριστός Ανέστη!» Είναι αδύνατον να αισθανθούμε την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα, τα Πάθη του Χριστού χωρίς προετοιμασία, προσευχή, συμμετοχή, συγχώρεση, και ελεημοσύνη. Είθε η χάρης του Χριστού και Λυτρωτή που θα λάβουμε την Μεγαλοβομάδα καθώς λαχταρούμε την ένδοξον ανάσταση Του να είναι φως σε μας και σ ολους. Σας εύχομαι μια θεοσεβή Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα! Καλή Ανάσταση! +π. Σαράντης Λουλάκης Page 5

6 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 A Spiritual Message By Fr. Sarantis How Should We Spend Holy Week? Beloved in Christ! Great Lent is soon to be over and Holy Week, the most important days of the church year will follow. The question arises of how we, as Orthodox Christians, should spend our time during the Holy Week. The writings of our Holy Fathers and Holy Tradition have a lot to say and guide us all to live a spiritual life during Holy week. Holy Week is a special time. One should not live through these days in a relaxed manner, as if Christ, our God, was not crucified for our salvation. Inasmuch as Holy Week is the culmination of the entire church year, and the period during, which all the events that took place in the last days of our Lord Jesus Christ s life. All the Holy Week services are arranged in such a way that we should not miss any of them. Prayer is essential, of course, because we are not simply remembering certain historical events, but participating in them prayerfully. Therefore, it is impossible to spend Holy Week without prayer especially prayer in church, because it is here that we especially experience these days that are so important for our salvation. Holy Week prepares us for the feast of The Resurrection Easter (Pascha), showing us that there is no other path towards resurrection than through the cross and suffering. That s the reason it was said: The Lord endured, and proposes to us do the same. The divine services of Holy Week call on one to have compassion and sympathy for the Savior. Beginning from Saturday of Lazaros, the Church prepares the feast of Christ s Resurrection, showing the last days of His life, when the Lord suffered for our sins. As God, He knew about everything that would take place, but as man He asked for compassion. He said to them (Disciples): My soul is overwhelm with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. (Mat. 26:38) This message clearly states the will of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to compel us to stay with Him during his Holly Passions; to be attentive to his calling. Stay here and keep watch with me, to be in church. During Holy Week, everyone who wants to be a faithful disciple of Christ should do everything possible to renounce sinful desires and to place prayerful communion with God above all else. It is important not just to stand through the services and recall the Savior s suffering, but prayerfully to co-suffer and be co-crucified with Christ. On the first three days one is supposed to reread all four Gospels as a reminder that the Lord created us, but that we crucified Him by our sins. And although this appears to be addressed to the Jews of that time, it relates to everyone who has crucified Christ by his sins. On the morning of Great Thursday the faithful participate in the Mystical Supper and receive Holy Communion. My Dearly Beloved: The angels were the first to learn of Christ s Resurrection, just as they were the first to learn of His Nativity. I called to mind the hymn: Thy Resurrection, O Christ Savior, the angels hymn in the heavens; vouchsafe also us on earth with pure hearts to glorify Thee. Why does the hymn say with pure hearts? Because it is thought that, in pure preparation and pure efforts during the Great Lent and Holy Week for this elated day, our hearts will be clean, (much like the angels) as much as possible and we on earth will sing together with the angles and with faith Christ is Risen. It is likely impossible to experience Holy Week without preparation that is, fast, prayer, participation, forgiveness, and alms-giving (Let us begin with our Easter gift to our church.) Each day of the week is dedicated to experiencing events that took place almost 2,000 years ago. Further, it is essential to read the Gospel daily in order to experience these events along with the Church. May Christ, our God, in anticipation of His Holy Resurrection, grant us all the strength to preserve and magnify to others all the light granted to us by grace during Holy Week! Wishing you all a humble and prayerful Holy week! Kali Anastasi! Happy Easter! Page 6 +Fr. Sarantis Anastasiou, Eleni Antoniou Bachas, Nicholas & Ramona Bachas, Peter N. Bussi, Thomas & Theresa Caras, Vasilios Condos, Nicholas & Athanasia D'Angelo, Peter & Chryso Dagilolo, Vanessa Davetas, Gus & Maria Davis, Leo & Agnes Demas, Mary Dembris, Nicholas & & Chrysoula Diakogiannis, Steve Diamantis, Peter & Sotiria Diamantis, Ted Diamantis, Athanasia Diapoulos, Kaliope Drakopoulos, Demetri & Anna Eleftheriou, Anthony & Maria Eleftheriou, John Fasolas, Maria Galitos, Kosta & Eleni Gaisidis, K. Gasparis, George & Rena Georgatos, Napoleon & Joanna Georgiou, Loukas Gizas, Athanasios & Angie Gonias, Christos & Amalia Gonias, Demetrios & Pauline Gonias, Kosta & Koula Gonias, Michael K. Granelli, Robert & Konstantina Gregoriou, Soterakis Hatzis, Athanasios Haviaras, Stavro & Vivi Hillas, Michael Hionis, Angeliki Kalas, Theodore Kaneris, John & Kathy Kaneris, Michael Kaneris, Panagioti & Marianthi Karambatsakis. Stavros & Maria Katsigiorgis, Ioannis & Janine Kayantas, Demitrios Kayantas, Kayantas, John John & Lisa Vicky Kayantas, Mark & Laurie Kayantas, Kostas & Panagiota Kefalas, George Kefalas, John & Joanna Kelemidis, Andreas THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE Paid Stewards of Saint Markella Greek Orthodox Church Kershaw, Thomas Kefalas, George Kefalas, John & Joanna Kelemidis, Andreas Kershaw, Thomas Klidas, John & Eva Koinis, Marion Koukounis, John & Markella Koutsouras, Elefthedi Kovoros, Christos Kovoros, Kostas Lalousis, Charalambos Liadakis, Elias Liadakis, Nick & Anthoula Lios, Michael Loulakis-Riso, John & Anastasia Malafis, John & Kathy Malafis, Konstantnos Malafis, Nick & Markella Malafis, Stelios Malafis, Steven Manolakis, Manolis Markopoulos, Christos & Debbie Melios, Theofanis & Markella Michalakis, Eleni Milonas, Stefanos & Markella Mirsky, Scott & Eve Misetzi, Lamprini Nikolis, Stamati & Merope Pagiazitis, George & Stamatia Papadopoulos, Theodore Papazis, Mihail & Vianna Papoulis, John Papoulis, John (Stam) Papoulis, Kostas Papoulis, Vasilios Pappas, George Parikos, Nikolaos Petrolekas, Dimitrios Piacquadio, Efthalia Potamousis, John Prikios, John Psillis, Ioannis & Ioanna Rallis, Alexandros & Aliki Rallis, Christos Sazaklis, Manolis Sazaklis Nick & Maria Sideratos, John Siozios, Christos & Carmen Skiriotis, Argiro Skiriotis, Nick Page 19 Sotiriou, Frances Theodorou, Kostas Theodosiou Tsakos, Christos Tsakos, Gus & Debbie Tsakos, Stamatis & Stella Tsimaras, Gerasimos & Sophia Tsimis, Michael & Anna Tsiorvas, Peter & Evelyn Vouvoudakis, Michael Zanelotti, Chris & Christina Zervos, Peter & Markella THANK YOU! WE WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED AS MEMBERS OF OUR CHURCH SAINT MARKELLA FOR THE YEAR MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD BE IN ABUNDACE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS. ΒΟΗΘΕΙΑ Σας! ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ ΘΕΡΜΑ ΟΛΑ ΤΑ ΜΕΛΗ Της ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ Μας ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ Ο ΚΥΡΙΟς ΠΑΝΤΑ ΜΑΖΙ ΚΑΙ ΝΑ Σας ΔΩΡΙΖΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΥΓΕΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ. ΕΥΧΟΜΕΘΑ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΟΝΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΑΛΛΟΙ ΝΑ ΜΙΜΗΘΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΠΡΑΞΗ Σας.

7 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 Τα μέλη της Σχολικης Επιτροπης του Ελληνικου Απογευματινου Σχολειου της Αγιας Μαρκελλας, όπως επίσης και τα μέλη του Συλλογου Γωνεων & Δασκάλων σας ευχαριστούμε για την χορηγία σας που σκοπός μας ήταν την απόκτηση του Αρματος στην Εθνικη μας Παρέλαση της 25ης Μαρτίου. Ευχαριστούμε επίσης όλους όσους βοήθησαν για την Εθνικη μας εορτη της 25ης Μαρτίου, που πραγματοποιήθηκε με μεγαλη επιτυχία, όπως επίσης τις δασκάλες του Ελληνικου Σχολείου για την εξαίσια δουλειά τους, τους μαθητές που με την άψογη προσπάθεια τους είχαμε αυτο το υπέροχο αποτέλεσμα,και τους γονείς που βοήθησαν τα παιδια τους με την ενθάρρυνση τους. Σας ευχαριστούμε για την υποστήριξη σας, Η Πρόεδρος Σχολικης Επιτροπης Χρυσουλα Καγιαντα MOMMY & ME This year our Mommy and Me group is very excited to start meeting in our new Church Community Hall! Once again under the direction of Joanna Georgatos, we will do story time in both Greek and English, circle time, arts and crafts to enhance fine motor skills through cutting pasting and drawing, field trips, and park adventures. Mommy and Me is open to all preschool age children ranging from 18 months to 5 years old, and everyone, including grandparents, are welcome to attend. Continuous Registration will be each meeting. We will be meeting Thursdays at 11:30 starting September 19th. We look forward to seeing all of you there! SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS WE WISH TO EXTEND OUR GRATITUDE TO ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORTED AND WERE PRESENT THE GODPARENTS S LUNCHEON ON SUNDAY OF CHEESE FARE, THE SUNDAY OF GODPARENTS. IT WAS A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE. WE KINDLY ENCOURAGE TO BRING YOUR CHILDREN BY 10:30 ON SUNDAY MORNIG TO BE PART OF FR. SARANTIS CHILDREN SERMON. GOD BLESS YOU! For further information please contact teacher Joanna or assistant Maria: jgeorgatos@gmail.com mariaspartalis@hotmail.com or call the church's office The Orthodox Holy Week Services SATURDAY OF LAZARUS An interlude between Great Lent and Holy Week, the Church names this day the Saturday of Lazarus in remembrance of the resurrection of Lazarus told in the Gospel of John (11:1-45) and its promise of universal resurrection for all men. The Church connects this celebration, by anticipation, with the Entrance of Christ into Jerusalem. PALM SUNDAY Palm Sunday celebrates the glorious and brilliant feast of the Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:1-18). Zechariah had prophesied the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: Rejoice greatly... O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King comes unto Thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass, Zech. 9:9. The contemporary Jews associated this prophecy with the expected Messiah. This action of Christ testifies to His nature as Messiah, but with the definite declaration that His Kingdom was not of this world. The main road leading to Jerusalem was covered with palm trees. The multitudes, with palm branches in their hands, spread their cloaks on the road as a show of respect, crying out Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. A custom of distributing branches of palms to the people in the Church prevails to this day. During the remainder of Holy Week, the Church advances its liturgical life by about twelve hours, celebrating morning services the night before, and evening services in the morning. On Palm Sunday evening, the Church celebrates the Orthros (Matins) of Holy Monday, in the Bridegroom because in His Passion, He gives His life for His Bride, the people of God, the Church, just as a husband will sacrifice everything for his wife and family. From Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, some parishes will celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in the morning. This very ancient Divine Liturgy is a Vespers Service, with the Holy Communion given from the sanctified gifts from the Liturgy on the previous Sunday. This Liturgy is very solemn, and reflects the grandeur and simplicity of the early Church. In the Orthros of Holy Monday, the Church remembers the blessed and noble Joseph and the fig tree which was cursed and withered by the Lord. In the Orthros of Holy Tuesday, celebrated Holy Monday evening, the Church remembers the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), who were waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom at a wedding feast. In the Orthros of Holy Wednesday, the Church remembers the anointing of Christ with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon, the leper, in Bethany. This woman demonstrated her repentance and her warm faith toward our Lord. On this evening we hear the beautiful Hymn of Kassiane, which is a hymnological reflection on the repentance of this woman. HOLY WEDNESDAY The Sacrament of Holy Unction takes place on Holy Wednesday. The Sacrament is for the healing of body and soul. In Orthodox thought, healing is connected to repentance, confession, and the remission of sins by the Lord. Holy Unction is for the cleansing of sins and renewing the body and the spirit of the faithful. Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of James (5:14-15). At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil. In the Orthros of Holy Thursday, the Church remembers the washing of the disciples feet, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the Prayer of Christ at the Last Supper as recorded in the Gospel of John, and the betrayal. Some parishes will not celebrate this service, and replace it with the Sacrament of Holy Unction. HOLY THURSDAY In the morning, the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated. At this Divine Liturgy, the Church commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist by the Lord at His Last Supper with His disciples. Here, Christ presented bread and wine as His body and blood, which form the core of the new covenant between God and His people, the Church. (HOLY COMMUNION WILL BE OFFERED ABOUT 6:45 am)in the evening, in the Orthros of Holy Friday, the Church recalls the Passion of the Lord, from His betrayal by Judas Iscariot, His agony and arrest at Gethsemane, His trial by Jewish religious leaders and Roman authorities, His beatings and mocking, and crucifixion and death on the Cross. This service is long, with twelve readings from the Gospels recounting the events, but its content is dramatic and moving. After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the icon of the Crucified Christ around the church. HOLY OR GOOD FRIDAY In the morning, the four Royal Hours are read. These services consist of hymns, psalms, and readings from the Old and New Testaments, all related prophetically and ethically to the Person of Christ. Usually in mid-afternoon, Great Vespers is chanted. During this service, we hear the story of the Crucifixion, but with attention paid to the death of Christ, the work of Joseph of Arimathea to secure the body of Christ from Pilate, His removal from the cross, and His burial. At one point in the reading, the Body of Christ is removed the cross, wrapped in a white cloth and is brought into the sanctuary. Following the reading, the priest carries the icon of the Epitaphios through the church and places it in the Sepulcher (the kouvouklion), which has been decorated with flowers. GOOD FRIDAY EVENING - THE LAMENTATIONS On Holy Friday evening, we sing the Orthros of Holy Saturday, consisting of psalms, hymns and readings, dealing with the death of Christ. During ithe Orthros, the congregation will join in chanting the Lamentations, hymns of praise to the Lord and relating His ultimate triumph over death. During this service the Epitaphios icon is carried in procession around the church. In some parishes the entire flower-bedecked Sepulcher, symbolizing the Tomb, is carried in the procession. GREAT HOLY SATURDAY MORNING On Holy Saturday morning, the Vesperal Divine Liturgy is celebrated. In this Liturgy, the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated and the triumph over death is proclaimed in the hymns and the readings from the Old and New Testament. There is a strong theme of baptism in this liturgy, because in the ancient Church, the catechumens would be baptized in this evening vigil of Pascha. (HOLY COMMUNION WILL BE OFFRED ABOUT 11:00 am) At midnight Saturday, the life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated. Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. The priest sings, Come, receive light from the unwanng light, and glorify Christ, who arose from the dead. Just a short while later, the priest reads the resurrection story from the Gospel of Mark (16:1-8) and leads the congregation in singing the Resurrection Hymn, Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life. Following, the Orthros service continues and leads into the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. THE AGAPE VESPERS At some point on Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for Great Vespers, with lighted candles they sing, Christ is risen. The people greet one another with the salutation, Christ is Risen, which is answered, Truly He is Risen. In the Great Vespers, the Gospel according to John (20:19-25) is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination. The fruit of faith in the Resurrection of the Lord is love in His Name; therefore, this day is called Sunday of Agape. For those who wish to read the Holy Gospel in a different language at this service please see Fr. Sarantis.For the next forty days, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Resurrection of Christ, and every Sunday as well. Page 18 Page 7

8 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 Ο Lυτρωτικός Kλαυθμός του Aποστόλου Πέτρου A Message from the President Οι τρεις Ευαγγελιστές, ο Ματθαίος (κς 75), ο Μάρκος (ιδ 72) και ο Λουκάς (κβ 62), περιγράφουν με πολύ εκφραστικό τρόπο το κλάμα του αποστόλου Πέτρου. Ο Κύριος Ιησούς Χριστός έχει συλληφθεί και έχει οδηγηθεί στην οικία του αρχιερέα. Ο απόστολος Πέτρος ακολούθησε τη σπείρα από Ρωμαίους στρατιώτες και υπηρέτες των αρχιερέων και αξιωματικούς. Μπήκε μαζί τους και κάθισε στην αυλή της οικίας του αρχιερέα, μαζί με τους υπηρέτες. Φαίνεται, από τη θέση εκείνη που καθόταν ο Πέτρος υπήρχε οπτική επαφή μεταξύ του Πέτρου και της αίθουσας όπου γινόταν το προκαταρκτικό έργο της κατά παραγγελία και προαποφασισμένης δικαστικής απόφασης για το Χριστό. Εκεί που καθόταν ο Πέτρος, μαζί με τους υπηρέτες, ρωτήθηκε αν είναι από τη συντροφιά του Χριστού. Απαντά «όχι» και μάλιστα με όρκο. Τον ρώτησε ενα μικρό κοριτσάκι και μερικοί υπηρέτες, και μπροστά τους φοβήθηκε. Ποιός; Ο απόστολος Πέτρος! Στη συνέχεια επακολουθούν δύο συγκλονιστικά γεγονότα για τον Πέτρο. Το ένα, «αλέκτωρ (κοκορας) εφώνησε». Το άλλο, μόλις ο αλέκτωρ εφώνησε, «στραφείς ο Κύριος ενέβλεψε τω Πέτρω» (Λουκ. κβ 60-61). Τα μάτια του Πέτρου συνάντησαν τα μάτια του Χριστού. Πότε; Την ώρα που δικαζόταν και άρχιζαν οι βασανισμοί. Τότε θυμήθηκε τους λόγους του Χριστού: «Πέτρε, θα με αρνηθείς τρεις φορές προτού λαλήσει ο πετεινός». Αμέσως έφυγε από την αυλή, βγήκε έξω και έκλαψε πικρά. Το βλέμμα του Κυρίου Ιησού προς τον Πέτρο ήταν έκχυση θείας Χάριτος, ήταν μια ενθάρρυνση, μια γεύση προς μια λυτρωτική απόφαση. Αυτό το γεγονός, ή τα γεγονότα είναι μια πηγή μαθήματος ή μαθημάτων για μας. Το ένα μάθημα είναι η αναγνώριση από τον Πέτρο ότι αρνήθηκε το Χριστό. Το δεύτερο, η μετάνοια του Πέτρου. Πρέπει να σταθούμε και να τα μελετήσουμε. Να δούμε σε τι ύψος, ποια ήταν η θέση του αποστόλου Πέτρου μεταξύ των Δώδεκα, και τότε θα καταλάβουμε το πόσο χαμηλά έπεσε. Ο απόστολος Πέτρος ήταν ένας από τους τρεις που ξεχώριζε ο Χριστός. Ο Χριστός τού είπε: «Το όνομά σου από δω και μπρος θα είναι Πέτρος. Θα γίνεις πέτρα της πίστεως». Ο Πέτρος σε ερώτηση του Κυρίου ομολογεί τη θεότητά του: «Συ ει ο Χριστός ο υιός του Θεού του ζώντος» (Ματθ. ις 16). Και όμως ο Πέτρος μπροστά σ ένα κοριτσάκι και δυο-τρεις υπηρέτες είπε: «Δε γνωρίζω το Χριστό». Το πρώτο μάθημα. Ο Πέτρος στηρίζεται στο δυναμισμό του και πέφτει. Όμως η Χάρη επενεργεί. Συνειδητοποιεί την αμαρτία του, λέει: Είμαι αρνητής του Χριστού. Πέτρε, σε ευχαριστούμε. Το ύψος σου είναι και δικό μας ύψος, και η πτώση σου είναι και δική μας, και ο κλαυθμός σου και δικός μας. Εμείς με το Βάπτισμα, με το Χρίσμα, είμαστε εν δυνάμει πολίτες της βασιλείας του Θεού. Εμείς είμαστε μέτοχοι και στα άλλα Μυστήρια της Εκκλησίας του Χριστού. Αυτό είναι το ύψος μας. Και ποιές είναι οι πτώσεις μας; Είναι η καθημερινή ζωή μας. Όταν οδηγούμε τα βήματά μας σε τόπους που δεν επιτρέπεται. Όταν τα μάτια μας βλέπουν οτιδήποτε προσβάλλει την ηθική μας, προσβάλλει το Χριστό. Όταν διά της σιωπής μας και της ανοχής ή της αποχής μας, λέμε: «Χριστέ δε σε γνωρίζω». Όλα αυτά εξάπτουν τη φαντασία, παραλύουν τη λογική μας, αιχμαλωτίζουν τη βούλησή μας και λερώνουν την ύπαρξή μας. Τώρα, μας λέει ο Πέτρος, κλάψτε πικρά, κλάψτε γοερά, για να μεταφέρουν τα δάκρυά σας οι άγγελοι στον ουρανό. Είναι απόδειξη ότι καταλάβαμε πόσο Τον αρνηθήκαμε. Να πάμε τη Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή στις Ώρες, στην Αποκαθήλωση, στον Επιτάφιο και να του τα πούμε οι ίδιοι, πρόσωπο προς πρόσωπο. Και να κλάψουμε. Μετά αρχίζει το δεύτερο μάθημα που μας δίνει ο απόστολος Πέτρος. Ξεκίνησε από τη ματιά του Χριστού, ξύπνησαν οι αναμνήσεις, ποιο ήταν το ύψος του, πόσο έπεσε, αρχίζει να κλαίει, αρχίζει η ευλογημένη μετάνοια. Ο Πέτρος έκλαψε, μετανόησε, γύρισε και μας λέει: «Γυρίστε, γυρίστε, ο Χριστός μάς περιμένει». Να σταθούμε για λίγο και να δούμε τη σκηνή της άρνησης του Πέτρου μπροστά σε μια παιδίσκη και δυοτρεις υπηρέτες, να δούμε το βλέμμα του Χριστού, την έξοδο από την αυλή του αρχιερέα, του Πέτρου και το κλάμα του, τη μετάνοιά του. «Εξελθών έκλαυσε πικρώς». Αυτά να τα κρατήσουμε στη ζωή μας. Το βλέμμα του Χριστού είναι πάνω μας κάθε φορά που αμαρτάνουμε, που Τον αρνούμαστε, και ο Χριστός μάς οδηγεί στο λυτρωτικό κλαυθμό. από Χριστιανική Φοιτητική Δράση Page 8 Page 17

9 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 Μήνυμα από τον Πρόεδρο Κ. Κωνσταντίνου Γαλίτου. Do You Know The Bible? The Reverend Thomas Lewis, told his congregation, 'Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you all understand my sermon, I want you all to read from the gospel of Mark, chapter 17. The following Sunday, as Rev. Thomas prepared to deliver his sermon; he asked for a show of hands, he wanted to know how many people had read Mark 17. Almost every hand went up. Rev. Thomas smiled and said, 'Mark only has 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying. Ten Funny Things to Learn from the Story of Noah's Ark Funny things that can be learned from the bible and applied to life. 1. Don't miss the boat.you may not get another opportunity. 2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.we are all sinners. 3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Learn to forgive. 4. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. If you do not get involve in church, how then you expect others to work for your benefit. 5. Build your future on high ground...how is your spiritual life? 6. For safety's sake, always travel in pairs. Christ is our guider! 7. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs...remember to cross your self with reverence! 8. When you're stressed, float a while. Let Christ, our god lift you up! 9. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. Do not use the excuse that you are not experience to do God s work. It is the will that Christ is looking. 10. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. So what are you waiting for? The church needs your involvement. It will benefit the community, your family and children, and more important your soul. Live your spiritual life, don t waste it. It is a terrible thing to waste God s gifts to YOU. Brenner Chiropractic Russell Brenner D.C Chiropractor Sunday Hours!!! Phone: (516) Fax: (516) RABrennerDC@gmail.com wwwbrennerchiropractic.com Αγαπητοί Eνορίτες Υπερασπισταί της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας. Την Κυριακή, 30 Μαρτίου, 2014, πολλοί από εμάς είχαμε την ευκαιρία να λάβουμε μέρος στη παρέλαση της Ελληνικής μας κληρονομιάς στη Νέα Υόρκη. Τα παιδιά μας και ενορίτες σήκωσαν ψηλά Ελληνικές σημαίες, φωνάζοντας το "ΖΗΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΑΣ", ενώ μερικά παιδιά χαιρετούσαν τον κόσμο ψηλά πάνω στο άρμα της κοινότητος μας, που αυτό ήταν τόσο όμορφα διακοσμημένο. Η εικόνα της Αγίας Μαρκέλλας στημαίνει ψηλά του άρματος, σαν ένα τέμπλο ναού έφεγκε λαμπρά την ευλογία της στους θεατές. Ήταν ένα μεγαλείο! Πόσο Θα ήθελα να είσταν εκεί να μοιραστούμε τη χαρά και τον ενθουσιασμό. Πολύ επιθυμώ να ευχαριστήσω τους χορηγούς του άρματος, που μέσω των δωρεών των είχαμε εφέτος για πρώτη φορά άρμα. Θερμά συγχαρητήρια στους συμμετέχοντες και στην Πρόεδρο του PTA, κα Χρυσούλα Καγιάντα, που ήταν ο καταλύτης της επιτυχίας του άρματος. Το Πάσχα είναι σχεδόν κοντά μας και πάλι η εκκλησία μας θα είναι ο τόπος όπου πολλοί, μαζί με τους δικούς μας θα επισκεφθούν και θα συνπροσευχηθούν. Πιστεύω ότι οι επισκέπτες μας θα ειδούν την εκκλησία μας, και θα εκπλαγούν για την πρόοδό της. Θα είναι σε κατάσταση δέος! Γι αυτό εκφράζω την ευγνωμοσύνη μας σ όλους εσάς για τη συμβολή σας προς την αποπεράτωσή του. Κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος, επιθυμώ από όλους σας, σαν "καλοί γείτονες," να σταθμεύσετε το αυτοκίνητό σας, στο γειτονικό πάρκινγκ της πόλης, δίπλα στην εκκλησία μας, έτσι θα επιτρέψουμε στους επισκέπτες να έρχονται στην εκκλησία μας άνετα. Επιπλέον παρακαλώ να αφήσετε την κεντρική είσοδο ανοιχτή για λόγους ανάγκης και καθώς όλα τα αυτοκίνητα να είναι ελεύθερα να φύγουν κανονικά στη ώρα τους. Για το καλό όλων μας η ΑΣΤΥΝΟΜΙΑ θα προσέχει την κίνηση των αυτοκινήτων μας ακόμα και στον αυλόχωρον μας. Δεν είναι η επιθυμία μας να έλθετε στην εκκλησία και να βρείτε στο αυτοκίνητο σας αστυνομικό έγγραφον. Όλοι γνωρίζουμε ότι η ασφάλεια όλων θα γίνεται πάντα προτεραιότητα στην κοινότητά μας. Θα ήθελα να σας ευχαριστήσω εκ των προτέρων για την κατανόηση και συνεργασία σας. Όντως ειληκρινά επιθυμώ να καλέσω όλους σε δύο ειδικές εκδηλώσεις που θα πραγματοποιηθούν στην κοινότητά μας. Πρώτον, το Πασχαλινό ΓΛΕΝΤΙ την ημέρα του Πάσχα. Ελάτε όλοι με τις οικογένειές σας να απολαύσετε στην αυλή της εκκλησίας μας, μουσική, φαγητό και διασκέδαση. Η δεύτερη εκδήλωση είναι το Φεστιβάλ μας. Φέτος αλλάζουμε μερικά πράγματα. Για το λόγο αυτό, ζητάμε τη βοήθειά σας. Πιστεύουμε οτι θα έρθετε όλοι. Αυτό που ζητούμε είναι ότι, εάν θα λάβετε μέρος (που πιστεύουμε ότι θα λάβετε) να γνωρίζει η επιτροπή φεστιβάλ τις ώρες και την ημέρα που αφιερώνετε στη εκκλησία. Στο παρελθόν, πολλοί από εσάς είχατε προσφέρει το χρόνο σας σε στιγμές που η βοήθεια ήταν συμπληρωμένη, και έτσι ίσως να αισθαθήκατε ότι η βοήθεια σας δεν ήταν δεκτή. Το καταλαβαίνουμε. Βοηθήστε μας να διορθώσουμε αυτό με την εγγραφή σας εκ των προτέρων στην λίστα εθελοντών. Τέλος, θα ήθελα να σας μεταβιβάσω μια άλλη αλλαγή στην εκκλησία μας. Όλοι γνωρίζετε από τώρα ότι σύμφωνα με την απόφαση της Γενικής Συνέλευσης του περασμένου έτους, το σύστημα συνδρομής άλλαξε από το σύστημα «συνδρομής» στο είδος της Θελοντικής Προσφοράς. Πιστεύω ότι έχετε λάβει τη πρώτη επιστολή από το γραφείο της εκκλησίας τον Μάρτιο με την εξήγηση «Τι είναι η επιστασία.» Είναι μεγάλη η ελπίδα μας ότι θα ακολουθήσετε τις κατευθυντήριες γραμμές της επιστολής αυτής και θα επιστρέψετε το συντομότερο το δυνατόν τουλάχιστον την συμπληφρωμένη κάρτα της εγγραφής σας. Η δέσμευσή σας θα καθορίσει τον προϋπολογισμό του επόμενου έτους, καθώς το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο κάνει μεγάλη προσπάθεια να γίνει η ενορία μας μια πολύ διαφανής Κοινότητα σ όλους τους τομείς, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των οικονομικών, καθώς θα εμφανίζει στους πιστούς τη δέσμευση και τις προσφορές στην κοινότητά μας. Σας εύχομαι Καλή Μεγαλοβδομάδα και Καλή Ανάσταση. Με σεβασμό, Κωνσταντίνος Γαλίτος, Πρόεδρος Ε.Σ Park Avenue Wantagh, NY Sun, Mon, Thurs. Page 16 Page 9

10 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 Dear Parishioners of St. Markella church. On Sunday, March 30, 2014, many of us had the opportunity to witnessed and be a part of our Greek heritage at the Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC. Our children and few parishioners raised Greek flags, crying out Zito H EllaS, while some children rode on top of the beautifully decorated float. The icon of St. Markella fix up high as a Temple on the float was glowing Her blessings on the onlookers. It was a splendor show! I wish you were there to share the joy and the excitement. Our gratitude to our Float Sponsors for making it possible for us to have a float this year, and congratulations to the participants along to the President of the PTA, Mrs. Chrysoula Kayantas who was the catalyst for the float. Easter is almost here and once again our church will be the place where many other than our own people will visit and pray together with us. I believe that our visitors will see our church and they will be amazed for its progress. They will be in awe state! For this I must convey our gratitude to all of you for contributing to its completion in your own way. During Holy Week, I call upon all of you to be good neighbors and park your car, NOT on the church property, but on the town s parking lot adjacent to our church, so we may allow our visitors to come to our church and be comfortable. I urged you to avoid blocking any other vehicles and avoiding blocking as well the entrance of our parking lot. The POLICE will take notice. We do not wish for you to come to church and be ticketed, but as we all know SAFETY will always come first in our community. I wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. It is my wish to invite all of you to two special events that will take place in our community. First, the Easter Glendi at Easter day and our Festival. Come and bring your families to enjoy our Easter celebration at the courtyard of our church, music, food and fun. The second event is our Festival. This year we are changing a few things. We are raising the bar of excellence. In order to do this, we are asking for your help, to be part of the festivities. We believe that you will attend and patronize it. However, what we wish is for you to be involve in a timely manner service; that is to be a part of a pre-scheduled service at the festival. Please sign up the day(s) and the hours you wish to volunteer. In the past, many of you will come and offer your time at times when is not needed and of course one may have felt that he is not needed. That s understandable. Help us correct it by signing up in advance. Finally, I wish to convey to you another change at our church. All of you all know by now that according to the decision of last year s General Assembly, beginning with this year, we as community changed the format of the Dues System Membership to Stewardship. The first letter was sent out by the church office in March with an explanation of What is Stewardship. It is our hope that you will follow the guidelines of that letter and return at least the Stewardship Card to the church office as soon as possible. Your commitment will determine next year s budget, as we are trying to be a very transparent community in all things including the finances, while displaying the faithful s commitment and offerings to our community. We are waiting for your commitment card. As Holy week is arriving, I wish of all you and your families kali megalo-vdomada and Happy Easter! Respectfully, Gus Galitos President PC HOLY UNCTION SERVICE HOLY WEDNESDAY APRIL 16 6:30PM His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela Please note that we normally have a 3 o'clock Holy Unction service for the children, but due to the fact that His Grace Bishop Sevastianos will be visiting our community on Holy Wednesday, we are combining both services into one. Please bring your children to the 6:30 service so that they may receive the blessing from His Grace Bishop Sevastianos. PRESIDENT- GUS GALITOS 1st VICE PRESIDENT GONIAS, MICHAEL / 2nd VICE PRESIDENT LILIKAS, JOHN / 3rd VICE PRESIDENT - KATSIGIORGIS, IOANNIS / A' SECRETARY SAZAKLIS, MANOLI/ ASST SECRETARY - GONIAS, NIKKI ASST SECRETARY LIADAKIS, ELIANA - / A' TREASURER BUSSI, THOMAS / B' TREASURER POTAMOUSIS,JOHN / PUBLIC RELATIONS TSAKOS, CHRIS /MEMBER BACHAS, PETER/ MEMBER KATSALAS, JOHN/ MEMBER - RALLIS, CHRISTOS / MEMBER - RALLIS, GUS / MEMBER - TSIMARAS, GERASIMOS /MEMBER- PAPOULIS, JOHN/MEMBER-NIKOLIS, STAMATI/ MEMBER - KOUKOUNIS, JOHN / MEMBER - GONIAS, DIMITRIOS / MEMBER KOVOROS, COSTA/ MEMBER - GONIAS, PAULINE / MEMBER - MEMBER- GEORGE, GASPARIS/ MEMBER- PAPOULIS, MICHAEL Page 10 Page 15

11 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 PALM SUNDAY 2014 LUNCHEON SUNDAY, APRIL 13 ADULTS- $15 CHILDREN 6-12 $10 CHILDREN 5 & UNDER FREE Make check payable to Saint Markella Church Please reserve: Adults $15 each Children (6-12) $10 each Children (5 & under) free Check # Amount $ I wish to be seated with: Η Εθνικη μας Παρέλαση της 25ης Μαρτίου στην 5η Λεωφορο της Νεας Υόρκης,με τους αριστούχους τελειόφοιτους μαθητές απο ολες τις ενορίες κρατούν την Εθνικη μας Σημαια την οποία μόλις ήρθε απο την Ακρόπολη Αθηνών. Η Ενορια της Αγιας Μαρκελλας τους ευχεται συγχαρητήρια και εις ανώτερα. Mail reservation to: Church Office Information: Contact Parish Council/Church Office saint.markella@yahoo.com Seating reserved in advance is greatly appreciated. Please prepare separate checks for each contribution or event. Thank you. Deadline April 09, 2014 EASTER FEAST (GLENTI) AT THE CHURCH GROUNDS. DON'T MISS IT!!! EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 20,2014 FROM 1:00PM INTO THE NIGHT! PLEASE COME AND JOIN US FOR A TRADITIONAL GREEK VILLAGE COMMUNITY EASTER CELEBRATION WITH LAMB ROAST, PIG ROAST, SOUVLAKI, AND MORE. BRING YOURSELVES, FAMILY & FRIENDS AND ENJOY GREAT DAY WITH MUSIC AND DANCING. SPONSORED BY: THE PARISH COUNCIL IN ASSOCIATION WITH TRYPES SOCIETY ''SAINT SIMEON''. ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!! Page 14 Page 11

12 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 THE AGIASMA APRIL-MAY 2014 VOL. 15, ISSUE 01 The Artoclasia The Power of Faith At that time, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick. And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to Me. And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to Heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. (Matthew 14:14-22). Συστατικά - Ingredients 1 1/2 κιλού αλεύρι 1.5 kilos flour 1 ½ φακελάκι ξηρή μαγιά Envelopes of dry yeast 1 σφηνάκι λικέρ μαστίχας shot of masticha or ouzo 300 γρ. ζάχαρη 300 grams sugar 1/2 νεροπότηρο λάδι - glass oil 1/2 κ.γ. αλάτι - teaspoon salt ζεστό νερό -- warm water 1 κ.γ. τριμένο μαχλέπι ξύσμα 1 πορτοκαλιού 1-2 κ.σ. γλυκάνισο 1 κ.γ. Κανέλα Οδηγίες Βάζουμε σε μεγάλη λεκάνη το αλεύρι, τη μαγιά και το αλάτι. Βράζουμε για 5 λεπτά όλα τα μυρωδικά, τα σουρώνουμε και κρατάμε το νερό Κάνουμε μια λακούβα στο κέντρο, ρίχνουμε το χλιαρο μυρωδατο νερό με όλα τα υπολοιπα υλικα Ζυμώνουμε καλά. Σκεπάζουμε και αφήνουμε να ανέβει η ζύμη. Οταν ανέβει η ζύμη, πλάθουμε σε καρβελάκια, τα βάζουμε σε λαδωμένο ταψί ή ταψιά, σκεπάζουμε και αφήνουμε να διπλασιαστούν και πάλι.όταν κρυώσουν τελείως, μπορούμε να τους ψεκάσουμε με ροδόνερο και να πασπαλίσουμε με ζάχαρη άχνη. Ψήνουμε στους 300 β. Directions. In a large bowl we put the flower the salt and the yeast. In a pot we boil all the spices for 5 minutes, and then we strain the spices and hold the water. We make a hole in the center of the bowl in the flour and pour in the spiced water along with the spices. We kneed the flour to become dough (not to stick in our fingers) and we cover the dough and we allow to rise. When the dough rises, we cut it into balls and we place them in greased baking pans. We cover the pans and we allow them to rise again. (Twice the size) When the balls have risen and they are room temperature we may sprinkle them with rosewater or power sugar. We bake them at 300 degrees or less according to the oven. Page 12 LEARNING THE ORTHODOX FAITH THROUGH TRADITION Many times people bring bread to church in order to be blessed for the purpose of health to a family member who may celebrated his or hers name-day, or just simply because others do it. Many times, I have been asked to explain the tradition of the service and it is meaning of it. It has been said more than once that when the Apostles were with Christ, it was a time of spiritual education for them, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, will prepared them for the great ministry they were to accomplish upon the earth. From the lessons that the Lord taught them, we often see in the Gospel that He taught them to rely wholly on His all-powerful Divine power and help, never considering any circumstances to be hopeless, but to remember Him, His omnipotence, and His love. In the Gospel reading we read of the instance when the Savior was surrounded by a mass of people (the Gospel says that there were nearly five thousand men alone, not counting women and children). The Apostles approached Him, saying: How shall we feed such a multitude? Send them away, that they might go and buy food for themselves and those with them. The Lord replied: They do not need go; you will give them to eat. The Apostles said: We have five loaves and two fishes, but what is that for so many people? The Lord said: Tell them to sit down in rows. They sat down in rows on the grass. The Lord blessed (He prayed before eating) five loaves and two fishes, giving them to the Apostles to distribute to the people. And this tiny amount, compared to the mass of people, not only filled everyone, but more pieces of bread remained than there had been to begin with. This amazing miracle should have reminded the Apostles again that, if they have faith, they should not fear anything or consider any circumstance to be hopeless, for in their faith they have the support and help that can help them everywhere and in all things. Recall that the Lord soon repeated this same miracle. Again there was a mass of people, again the Lord fed them all, and in all else the miracle was the same. The Lord performed it twice, so that the Apostles could properly discern the truth that they could rely wholly upon Him. So, when the Apostles felt that their faith was weak and lacking, they began to ask the Lord: Increase our faith! For they understood how powerful faith is and how much depends upon it. All the more so should we, who are of little faith and spiritually poor, also pray that the Lord would increase our faith and make us really, truly, and sincerely believing Christians. My Beloved, It is from this gospel that we, Orthodox Christians, traditionally took lesson and began celebrating the Five Bread (Artos) Service called artoclasia, imitating the apostles in asking the Lord Jesus Christ to increase our faith in understanding of Him as the Lord of our lives. This increase in faith is better understood in our times as blessings of health, prosperity, and peace; accompanied with attaining patience and forgiveness among many other blessings. It is because of these blessings the Holy Fathers have added the oil and the wine to be offered along with the "five loaves of bread". The oil as a symbol of healing, as it is expressed in the Gospel of The Good Samaritan and the wine, which represents the actual Christ s blood offered to us through the Holy Mysteries of Holy Communion as His forgiveness to our sins. For this reason the priests when blesses the bread, he also says to bless the oil and the wine offered together with the bread: bless the wheat, the oil and the wine, from the prayer of the Artoclasia Service. It is with sincere heart that I wish to convey to you that when we bring the five bread to be blessed in our church, make sure that you also include with your offering of the oil and the wine (red). Now, while the five bread will be cut and distributed to all people symbolizing the 5,000 people Christ fed in His miracle, and so we become co-workers of Christ in healing other people (feeding the hungry). As for the oil, it will be used to keep the akoimito kantili candle that is located either on the cross or on the Holy Altar Table. The wine, it will be blessed during the Divine Liturgy to become the actual blood of Christ our God. In so, we as the today s apostles with our three offerings that we bring to church we become ministers to others, as Christ commands us to be. Further, I am hoping that you become teachers of the Orthodox Tradition, and as parents you may teach your children to bake the five bread as a spiritual experience. So I am including the recipe and the instructions. (I'm hoping in the near future where our church kitchen is equipped with oven to have a hands on experience baking the bread God bless you with all the the five bread service blessings Page 13