The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 March/April 2005 Volume 3 - Issue 2 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey The Voice of Saint George Dimhniaio Deltio Ths Ellhnikhs Orqodoxhs Koinothtas Agiou Gewrgiou Φωνή βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδόν Κυρίου (Ματθ. Γ.3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord (Matt. 3:3) By Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite Triodion and Great Lent Beloved in the Lord, Inside this issue: Periecomena: Priest s Message President s Message Home Blessings 25h Martiou Festival/Parade Kollyva Philoptochos News Sunday School News GOYA News Lenten Luncheon Festival Sign-Up Names Form Salutations Names Form Saturdays of Souls Daughters of We are approaching and entering the great and Holy season of Lent, which prepares us spiritually to partake of the joy of Easter Pascha, the Feast of Feasts as the fathers call it. The Holy Mother, our Orthodox Church, know ing very well our human nature, pre pares us step by step to partake of this glorious and victorious feast of Easter. The holy church knows very well that we possess a frightening attachment to worldly things and that we lack the ability to change suddenly our mental, physical and spiritual stages. Therefore, long before we experience the joys of the Resurrection, we discipline our selves and we try to suffer with our (Continued on page 3) Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ Εὐαγγελισμός Penelope 19 Greek School News 20 PTO News 21 Advertisements Financial Update 24 Stewardship Update 25 Traditions 26 Tessarakosth 28 Schedule 30 Eortologio 31 Ἡμέρα τιμῆς καί δόξας διά τόν ἄνθρωπον. Σήμερον τελετουργείται τό πανευφρόσυνο ἄγγελμα τῆς θείας συγκαταβάσεως, ὁ Υἱός τοῦ Θεοῦ Υἱός τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται καί ἡ σωτηρία εἰς τόν ἄνθρωπον ἐμφανίζεται. Σήμερον συνάπτονται τό ἐν οὐρανοῖς μετά τῶν ἐπιγείων, πανηγυρίζεται ἡ ἐνανθρώπισις τοῦ Θείου Λόγου, καί προαγγέλλεται ἡ «Θεοποίησις» τῆς ανθρωπίνης φύσεως. Θείας Βουλής ἀπόφασις ἦτο καί ἡ ἔνδοξος ἐπανάστασις τοῦ Γένους πρός ἀποτίναξιν τοῦ Ὁθωμανικοῦ ζυγοῦ τό 1821! Μία δράξ Ἑλλήνων προετοιμάζουν τήν μεγάλην στιγμήν τῆς ἐξεγέρσεως τοῦ Γένους καί τῆς ἀποτινάξεως τοῦ ζυγοῦ τῆς δουλείας. Πολλοί Ἔλληνες ἐξαποροῦν τότε καί ἐν ταραχῇ δέχονται τό μεγάλο ἄγγελμα τῆς Ἐθνεργεσίας! Οἱ πολλοί ἐσκέπτοντο: πῶς εἴναι δυνατόν ὁ μικρός Δαβίδ νά κατανικήση τόν ἱσχυρόν Γολιάθ; Ὅμως, δέχεται ὁ Ἑλληνικός λαός τήν ὕψωσιν τοῦ Λαβάρου τῆς Ἐθνεργεσίας ὡς ἐπιταγήν τῆς Θείας Βουλῆς καί ὡς ἀπαρχήν τῆς σωτηρίας τοῦ Γένους! (Continued on page 4)

2 Page 2 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Ellhnikh Orqodoxh Ekklhsia Agiou Gewrgiou Parish Ministries Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexander Kile Parish Council President Demetrios Arhontoulis Vice President / Administration Panos Georgopoulos Vice President /Operations George Petrantonakis Secretary Petra Knox Treasurer George Psyllos Comptroller Maria Kaouris Christodoulatos Members Lampros E. Bourodimos Michael Dimitrakis Bill Fottis Anthony Kalogridis Simos Kontos Dorothea Koutsoras Katerina Leftheris Elizabeth Manolakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Philoptochos Society St Barbara Eleni Andronikou, President Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Helene Pappas, Director Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Director Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Katerina Kourtis-Gavalas, Teacher GOYA Aris Kalimanis, President Poly Tolis, President GOYA Advisors Eileen Stellakis, Diane Parais, Sandy Stratoudakis, Dimitrios Zalokostas Andriana Tolis George Papagrigorakis George Hadjiloucas Parent Teacher Organization Dorothea Koutsoras, President JOY/HOPE Sophie Exarchakis Maria Kantilierakis Helen Sirimis Moms & Tots Sandy Kalogridis FOCUS Nick Kambitsis Senior Citizens Nickie Kopanakis Committee Chairpersons Stewardship Petra Knox, George Psyllos Church Festival John Lyssikatos House and Grounds Michael Dimitrakis Memorial Dolores Stroumtsos Web Design Bill Fottis Special Thanks to all volunteers, Sunday School staff, Coaches, Greek Dance Instructors & Parents who support our church organizations and programs. This issue of the Voice of St George was prepared by V. Rev. Alexander Kile, Panos Georgopoulos, John & Chrysoula De- Laurentis, Mariea Kazantzis, Kay Kehayas, Sophie Exarchakis, Dorothea Koutsoras, Diane Parais and Evie Georgopoulos We encourage all of our community organizations & ministries to post their events in The Voice of St George. We remind you that events should be advertised a month in advance. So, information should be submitted one month prior to the issue in which it will appear, preferably by sending it via to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net We thank you for your cooperation. Have you visited the St George website lately? Just go to:

3 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 3 (Continued from page 1) Lord and bury our offenses and weaknesses during this Lenten season. During this period we are invited to meditate and to participate more often to the different services that our Holy Mother offers for our salvation. The Holy Orthodox Church prepares its children through prayers, hymns, gospel readings and through different ways of fasting to the spiritual journey of the Great Lent. The Triodion season starts a month prior the Great Lent and culminates with the resurrection of our Lord that starts another season which is called Pentecostarion, the 50 days after Easter. The word Triodion comes from the church chanting. Church chanting has nine odes; however, from Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee to Holy Saturday morning, the church uses only three odes instead of nine and from there derives the word Triodion, Three Odes. The Triodion begins with the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee. The gospel lesson from Luke(18:10 14) shows us a man who is very pleased with himself and who believes that he complies all the requirements of religion. He is proud and self satisfied, measuring his faith by the amount of money he contributes to the temple. On the other hand, the Publican, feels true humility before God. The teaching of the Gospel is that true humility does not need external glory, nor boasting, but we are encouraged to see what we really are and to ask God to forgive us and help us. During this week there is no fast, even on Wednesday and Friday. The second week s gospel talks about the parable of the Prodigal Son. The gospel lesson is from Luke (15:11 32). We are reminded that we have departed from home, our real life of God, our Father. It is revealed to us that this is a time of repentance, a return from exile. When we repent sincerely of our sins, as the Prodigal Son, we, too, will be received by our Father, our sins forgiven and dressed in the garment of righteousness. During this week we start fasting only Wednesday and Friday. The third Sunday is called Meat Fare Sunday, and from this Sunday on we do not eat meat but are allowed to consume milk, cheese and eggs. The church begins now to prepare us for a greater effort that will be expected from us seven days from now. The gospel lesson is from Matthew (25:31 46). In this gospel Jesus explains how the Last Judgment will take place. The criterion is the Christian love to all humans; how we treat others. Because of the Commemoration of the Last Judgment, the Saturday before this Sunday we commemorate the souls of all deceased. It is called Saturday of Souls. On this day, orthodox people bring a memorial cake (Kollyva) to the church with the first names of their deceased. The priest at the end of the service reads a public memorial service where he commemorates the names. For the meaning of the word Kollyva look at the article on page 9 of this issue. On the 4th Saturday we have again a Saturday of Souls, where we commemorate the names of the righteous who are deceased. The Fourth Sunday of the Triodion is the day before the Great Lent starts, and is called the Sunday of forgiveness. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew (6:14 21). Jesus speaks about the importance of fasting and of forgiving the others. Fasting is refusal to accept the desires of our fallen nature, it is self control. It is an effort to free ourselves from the control of the appetites, temptations and behaviors. This Sunday is also called Cheese fare Sunday because from the next day we abstain from dairy products and we start the great Lent. At the conclusion of the Liturgy we start the Vespers, which is called katanyktikos esperinos. In the middle of the service all the bright colors of the altar coverings are removed and are replaced with black or dark purple colors. These colors show that the church starts a period of lent. At the end of the service everyone asks forgiveness from the icons on the icon screen by venerating them and by kissing each other. This is a touching service and it serves to help us remember that we can come closer to God only if we are not angry with one another and are sincerely sorry if we have hurt anyone. During this Lenten service the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is heard for the first time. O Lord and master of my life take away from the will to be lazy and to be sad; the desire to get ahead of other people and to boast and brag. Give me instead, a pure and humble spirit, the will to be patient with other people and Love them. Let me realize my own mistakes and keep me from judging the things others do. For you are blessed now and for ever and ever, Amen. With these thoughts and explanations of our Holy ecclesiastical calendar, I wish you a spiritually uplifted Pre Lenten and Lenten season. V. Rev. Alexander Kile, Archimandrite

4 Page 4 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Από τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλέξανδρο Κιλέ (Continued from page 1) Διεταράχθη ἡ ἀγνή Παρθένος ἐπί τῷ Ἀρχαγγελικῷ Χαιρετισμῷ. Ταράζεται καί τό δουλεύον εἰς ἐχθρόν σκληρόν καί ἀπάνθρωπον Γένος τῶν Ἑλλήνων, ἐξαπορούμενον πῶς θά ἀντιπαλεύση ὁ μικρός καί ἀδυναμος Ἑλληνικός λαός τόν ἰσχυρόν, ὑπερόπλην, πολυάριθμον καί λυσασμένον ἐχθρόν. «Μή φοβοῦ Μαριάμ» ἀποκρίνεται ὁ Εὐαγγελιζόμενος το μέγα μήνυμα τῆς σωτηρίας τοῦ ἀνθρωπίνου Γένους Ἀρχάγγελος Γαβριήλ. Μή φοβοῦ καί σύ, τό Γένος τῶν Ἑλλήνων παρά πού ἐπροδόθης πολλάκις ἐκ τῶν φίλων καί των πλησίον σου καθ ὅλην τήν ἱστορίαν σου. Μή φοβοῦ ἀλλά πίστευε εἰς τόν Θεόν τόν Πανεπόπτην καί Παντοδύναμον, τόν Θεόν τόν δίκαιον καί τιμωρόν, τόν Θεόν τόν συνθλίβοντα πάντα ἀδικούντα, καταπιέζοντα καί διώκοντα τόν πιστόν λαόν Του, οἱοσδήποτε καί ἄν εἶναι ὁ ἀδικών. Νομίζει κανείς ὃτι σήμερον ἠχεῖ ἡ ἀρχαγγελική φωνή ὅλων τῶν Ἑλλήνων τῶν κατοικούντων εἰς τήν Μητρόπολιν Ἑλλάδα καί ἐδώ εἰς τήν ἀλλοδαπήν, ἡ λέγουσα «Μή φοβοῦ» ὤ Γένος τῶν Ἑλλήνων! Ὄσονδήποτε καί ἄν οἱ ἐχθροί σου τεκταίνονται κατά σοῦ, τήν ταπείνωσίν σου, σύ ἔσο ἐδραῖος τῇ πίστει εἰς τόν Τριαδικόν Θεόν καί ἔχε ὡς ἀήττητον ὀπλισμόν τήν πρός τήν Ὀρθόδοξον πίστιν σου ἀφοσίωσην, ἀποτελούσαν διά σέ ἀκατάβλητον περικεφαλαίαν. Διατήρησον ἀκατάβλητον τήν θέλησιν καί ἔσο πρόθυμος καί ἔτοιμος νά αγωνισθῆς ὅλαις δυνάμεσιν ὑπέρ τῶν ἑστιῶν καί βωμῶν τῆς Πατρίδος σου καί ὑπέρ τῶν ἱερῶν καί ὁσίων τῆς ἐνδόξου Φυλῆς σου, οἵτινες σήμερον πολυτρόπως καί πολυμερῶς πολεμούνται καί δοκιμάζονται. Σκέψου τούς προγόνους σου καί τήν σήμερον Εὐαγγελιζομένη Μητέρα τοῦ Θεοῦ, τήν Ὑπέρμαχον Στρατηγόν τοῦ Γένους, ἀνδρίζου καί μή φοβοῦ, ὁ Κύριος μετά σοῦ. Ἄς πανηγυρίσωμεν λοιπόν σήμερον, πιστεύοντες εἰς το μέγα μυστήριον τῆς διά τῆς Ἁγνῆς Παρθένου Μαρίας σαρκώσεως τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἄς ἀποδώσωμεν εἰς τήν Παναγίαν ἡμῶν τά εὐχαριστήρια ὡς χαρίσασα εἰς τούς προγόνους ἡμῶν τά νικητήρια καί προστατεύσασα ἡμᾶς ἀπαλλάσουσα ἀπό περιβαλλόντων παντίων ἐπιβουλῶν καί περιπετειῶν την Φιλτάτην Πατρίδαν ἡμῶν Ἑλλάδα. Μετά εν Χριστώ αγάπης Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αρχιμανδρίτης Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ VOICE OF ST GEORGE: CURRENT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS In this issue of the Voice of St George you can find updates on the budget of our church and on the status of the stewardship program (both current, as of January 31, 2005) on pages Also, in addition to the regular articles on ecclesiastical and other events of March and April, and the announcements from our community organizations, this issue contains useful information on the meaning of Kollyva (on page 9) and on the traditions of the Holy Week (on pages 26-27). On page 14 you will find a sign-up form for our annual festival; also, in the middle of this issue you will find forms for submitting the names of the living (on page 16) for the prayers of the Salutations, and (on page 17) the names of deceased, for commemorating during the services on the Saturdays of Souls. We will keep trying to improve the Voice and we count on you to provide information on the activities of your organizations and programs in a timely manner. We also appreciate all comments and suggestions that will help make the Voice more useful to the members of the St George community. Please send us to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net. Στο τεύχος αυτό του δελτίου µας µπορείτε να βρείτε µιά συνοπτική ενηµέρωση γιά τον προυπολογισµό της εκκλησίας µας και την πρόοδο του προγράµµατος εκούσιας εισφοράς (µεχρι την 31η Ιανουαρίου 2005) στις σελίδες Επίσης, εκτός από τα τακτικά άρθρα για εκκλησιαστικά και άλλα γεγονότα των µηνών Μαρτίου και Απριλίου, και τις ανακοινώσεις των οργανισµών της κοινότητάς µας, το τεύχος αυτό περιέχει χρήσιµες πληροφορίες γιά την σηµασία των Κολλύβων (στη σελίδα 9) και γιά τις παραδόσεις της Μεγάλης Εβδοµάδας (σελίδες 26-27). Επίσης, µπορείτε να χρησιµοποιήσετε την φόρµα της σελίδας 14 γιά την εθελοντική σας συµµετοχή στο φεστιβάλ µας, και τις σελίδες 16 και 17 γιά να συµπληρώσετε ονόµατα γιά τις ευχές των Χαιρετισµών και των Ψυχοσαββάτων, αντίστοιχα. Θα συνεχίσουµε τις προσπάθειες µας γιά συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου µας και ελπίζουµε ότι θα µας βοηθήσετε παρέχοντας έγκαιρα πληροφορίες σχετικά µε τις δραστηριότητες και εκδηλώσεις των προγραµµάτων στα οποία συµµετέχετε. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, γιά το πως να κάνουµε αυτό το δελτίο πιό χρήσιµο σε σας, είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Σας παρακαλούµε να στέλλετε στην ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net.

5 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 5 President s Message/Mhnuma tou Proedrou Dear Parishioners On behalf of the parish council, I would like to thank all of you who attended the General Assembly meeting on February 13 th. We had a record number of parishioners in attendance and over 120 families voted for the new members of the parish council. A great number of issues was discussed, and a proposal was made to form a committee to look into changing the elections protocol and updating our constitution. We pray and hope that next year we will have even more people come to this so important meeting of our community. With this opportunity, I would like to congratulate the re-elected and newly elected members of our parish council: Dimitrios Zalokistas, Simos Kontos, George Petrantonakis, Michael Dimitrakis, Katerina Leftheris, Dorothy Koutsoras and Elizabeth Manolakis. May God bless them and give them wisdom and strength as they serve our parish! March is the time when we celebrate Greek Independence Day, and in addition to all the celebrations in our community here, our church will take part in the Greek Independence Day Parade, which, this year will take place on Sunday April 10 th in NYC. The local chairpersons for the event are: Mr. Dimitrios Zalokostas and Mr. Kostas Hantsoulis. Please don t hesitate to contact them for information about the parade. We encourage all our parishioners to join us on that special day! It is also time to start thinking Festival. Our church festival is a major fundraising event, and it requires the help and cooperation of all the parishioners in order to be successful. The preparations are already under way, and the meetings have already stared. In this issue you will find the schedule for the different preparations. We need new faces, new ideas and all the help you can give us. This year our festival will take place on May 13 th, 14 th and 15th. Please clear you calendars and make plans to join us as we all work together for our home church: Saint George! In closing, I would like to wish everybody a Great Apokrea Season as well as a Blessed Lent! Demetrios Arhontoulis Parish Council President Αγαπητοί µου Συνενορίτες Εκ µέρους του ιοικητικού Συµβουλίου, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλους εσάς που ήλθατε στην Γενική Συνέλευση στις 13 Φεβρουαρίου. Είχαµε τον µεγαλύτερο αριθµό ενοριτών που έλαβαν µέρος σε γενική συνέλευση, και πάνω από 120 οικογένειες συµµετείχαν στην ψηφοφορία για τα νέα µέλη του εκκλησιαστικού συµβουλίου. Αρκετά θέµατα συζητήθηκαν, και έγινε πρόταση να δηµιουργηθεί µία επιτροπή που θα ρυθµίσει τυχόν αλλαγές στο σύστηµα εκλογών και στο καταστατικό της κοινότητητας. Ελπίζουµε να έχουµε ακόµη περισσότερους ενορίτες την επόµενη συνέλευση καθώς συζητούµε θέµατα που αφορούν το µέλος της κοινότητάς µας. Με την ευκαιρία του µηνύµατος αυτού, θα ήθελα να συγχαρώ τα νέα και τα επανεκλεγέντα µέλη του Εκκλησιαστικού Συµβουλίου: ηµήτρη Ζαλοκώστα, Σίµο Κόντο, Γεώργιο Πετραντωνάκη, Μανώλη ηµητράκη, Κατερίνα Λευτέρη, ωροθέα Κουτσώρα και Ελισάβετ Μανωλάκη. Ο Θεός να τους ευλογεί και να τους δίνει δυναµη και σοφία καθώς εργάζονται για την κοινότητά µας! Ο Μάρτιος είναι ο µήνας που γιορτάζουµε την ηµέρα της Εθνικής µας Παλιγγενεσίας, 25 ης Μαρτίου Σε συνδυασµό µε τις εορταστικές εκδηλώσεις της εκκλησίας µας, η κοινότητά µας θα λάβει µέρος και στην εορταστική παρέλαση που γίνεται κάθε χρόνο στην 5 η Λεωφόρο στην Νέα Υόρκη. Φέτος η παρέλαση θα γίνει στις 10 Απριλίου και οι υπεύθυνοι της τοπικής διοργάνωσης είναι οι κ. ηµήτρης Ζαλοκώστας και κ. Κώστας Χαντσούλης. Παρακαλούµε αποτανθείτε σε εκείνους γιά όλες τις πληροφορίες σχετικά µε την παρέλαση. Ενθαρρύνουµε όλα τα µέλη της κοινότητάς µας να έλθουν να δώσουν το «παρών» αυτή την τόσο ιδιαίτερη ηµέρα! Ήρθε ο καιρός να αρχίσουν και φέτος οι προετοιµασίες του ετήσιου φεστιβάλ της κοινότητάς µας. Το φεστιβάλ είναι ένας κύριος τρόπος να βελτιωθούν τα οικονοµικά της εκκλησιάς µας, αλλά χρειαζόµαστε την βοήθεια και τη συνεργασία όλων για την επιτυχία του. Οι προετοιµασίες έχουν ήδη αρχίσει, και η ειδική επιτροπή έχει ήδη οργανωθεί. Σ αυτό το τεύχος θα βρείτε και άλλες πληροφορίες σχετικά µε το φεστιβάλ και τον πίνακα ηµεροµηνιών των προετοιµασιών. Χειαζόµαστε νέες ιδέες, νέα άτοµα όλων των ηλικιών και κάθε βοήθεια που µπορείτε να προσφέρετε. Φέτος το φεστιβάλ της εκκλησίας µας θα γίνει στις 13, 14 και 15 Μαϊου και ελπίζουµε να είστε όλοι εκεί, καθώς όλοι εργαζόµαστε γιά την πρόοδο και προκοπή της Ελληνορθόδοξης κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Τελειώνοντας, θέλω να ευχηθώ Καλές Απόκριες και Ευλογηµένη Σαρακοστή σε όλους µας. ηµήτριος Αρχοντούλης Πρόεδρος του.σ.

6 Page 6 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Ευλογία οίκων (Αγιασμοί) Αγαπητοί μου ενορίτες και φίλοι Καθώς πλησιάζω προς το τέλος των αγιασμών των οίκων, που ήταν μία μεγάλη ευλογία και συγχρόνως μία πολύ δύσκολη αποστολή φέτος, θα ήθελα να σας ευχαριστήσω. Ήταν μεγάλη ευλογία, διότι όσοι με καλέσατε στα σπίτια σας, με υποδεχθήκατε εγκάρδια και είχαμε μία, έστω και μικρή, ευκαιρία να γνωριστούμε από κοντά. Ευχαριστώ γιά την φιλοξενία σας και την ευγένειά σας και σας δίνω τα θερμά συγχαρητήριά μου διότι κρατάτε τις Ιερές Παραδόσεις της πίστεώς μας. Ήταν όμως και μία δύσκολη πλευρά της αποστολής μου διότι δεν γνωρίζω την περιοχή και πολλές φορές δυσκολέυτηκα παρά τους χάρτες και τις οδηγίες... Οι εθελοντές και οι εθελόντριες της ενορίας μας ήταν τα μάτια μου, τα πόδια μου, οι αληθινοί οδηγοί μου. Θα ήθελα να τους ευχαριστήσω δημόσια που προσέφεραν τον πολύτιμο χρόνο τους πηγαίνοντάς με σε διάφορες πόλεις, δρόμους και σπίτια γνωστών. Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες προσφέρω στην γραμματέα της κοινότητάς μας κυρία Ευτυχία Καραγιαννίδου που οργάνωσε όλες τις συναντήσεις και μου έβρισκε τις κατάλληλες οδηγίες. Αν υπάρχουν ενορίτες που δεν έλαβαν κάρτα γνωστοποίησης, ή δεν μπορούσαν την συγκεκριμένη ημέρα, αλλά θέλουν να ευλογηθούν τα σπίτια τους, μπορούν να μου τηλεφωνήσουν στον αριθμό του σπιτιού μου (732) και να αφήσουν μήνυμα ώστε να κλείσουμε ημερομηνία γιά την επίσκεψή μου. Η περιοχή που καλύπτει η ενορία μας είναι πολύ μεγάλη, αλλά παρ όλες τις δυσκολίες, ήταν μία ωραία εμπειρία. Του χρόνου θα ξέρω καλύτερα τις διάφορες περιοχές και ελπίζω να γίνουν όλα ευκολότερα. Ο Θεός να μας ευλογεί όλους! Σας ευχαριστώ και πάλι και σας εύχομαι Καλή Τεσσαρακοστή! Μετά εν Χριστώ αγάπης Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αρχιμ. Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ The Home Blessings Dear Parishioners and friends: As I am approaching the conclusion of the house blessings for this year, which were a great joy to me but also a very difficult task of my ministry this year. I would like to thank you because it was a great blessing to invite me in your families warm homes and afford me the opportunity to meet and chat with you. This was my first year of house blessings at St George. Thank you for your hospitality and kindness, and my sincere congratulations for keeping the rules of our Holy Faith. It was a very difficult task of my ministry this year because I am not familiar with this area, and I had difficulty finding the homes despite the directions and Mapquest I want to publicly thank the volunteer ladies and gentlemen who took the time out of their busy lives and showed me many towns, streets and homes of fellow parishioners. I offer a special thank you to our church secretary, Mrs. Eftihia Karayannidis, for organizing all the appointments and updating the directions for me. It was a great experience for me, and I thank you all again. If there are any parishioners who did not receive an appointment card, or were not available earlier, but would still like their home blessed, they can call me at my residence (732) , leave a message, and I will arrange for an appointment. Even though our parish area is very large, I became a little familiar with most areas, and next year it will be easier. May God bless you all. I thank you again and I wish you a great Lent season. With much love in Christ Your Pastor Very Rev. Alexander Kile

7 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 7 Gia thn 25 h Martiou Αριστοτέλη Βαλαωρίτη Ο βράχος και το κύμα ʺΜέριασε βράχε να διαβώ!ʺ το κύμʹ ανδρειωμένο λέγει στην πέτρα του γυαλού θολό, μελανιασμένο ʺμέριασε, μες στα στήθη μου, πούʹ σαν νεκρά και κρύα, μαύρος βορειάς εφώλιασε και μαύρη τρικυμία. Αφρούς δεν έχω γιʹ άρματα, κούφια βοή γιʹ αντάρα, έχω ποτάμι αίματα, με θέριεψε η κατάρα του κόσμου, που βαρέθηκε, του κόσμου, πούʹ πε τώρα, βράχε, θα πέσης, έφτασεν η φοβερή σου ώρα! ʹΟταν ερχόμουνα σιγά, δειλό, παραδαρμένο και σώʹγλυφα και σώʹπλενα τα πόδια δουλωμένο, περήφανα μʹ εκύτταζες και φώναζες του κόσμου να δη την καταφρόνεση, που πάθαινε ο αφρός μου. Κιʹ αντίς εγώ κρυφά κρυφά, εκεί που σʹ εφιλούσα μέρα και νύχτα σʹ εσκαφτα, τη σάρκα σου εδαγκούσα και την πληγή που σʹ άνοιγα, το λάκκο πούʹθε κάμω με φύκη τον επλάκωνα, τον έκρυβα στην άμμο. Σκύψε να ιδής τη ρίζα σου στης θάλασσας τα βύθη, τα θέμελά σου τάʹφαγα, σʹ έκαμα κουφολίθι. Μέριασε, βράχε, να διαβώ! Του δούλου το ποδάρι θα σε πατήση στο λαιμό... Εξύπνησα λιοντάριʺ... TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HOLY WEEK 1. What is the name of the Service that we perform on Palm Sunday Evening? 2. On which day of the Holy Week do we commemorate the washing of the disciples feet by Jesus Christ? 3. On which day of the Holy Week do we perform the Sacrament of Holy Unction? 4. Which service of Holy Week commemorates the establishing of the Holy Communion? 5. What is the name of the person who helped Jesus carry the Cross? 6. Who washed his hands showing that he did not find any guilt on Jesus? 7. What was the name of the garden that Jesus went to pray? 8. Which disciple betrayed Him? 9. What was the name of the woman who saw Jesus first after His Resurrection? 10. Who told the Myrrh bearing women: He is Risen!? Answers: see next issue ΠΟΣΕΣ ΓΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΕΧΕΤΕ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΜΕ ΤΗ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ; 1. Πως λέγεται η Ακολουθία που τελείται το βράδυ της Κυριακής των Βαϊων; 2. Ποιά μέρα της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας τελείται η Ακολουθία του «Νιπτήρα»; 3. Ποιά μέρα της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας τελείται το Ιερό Ευχέλαιο; 4. Σε ποιά Θεία Λειτουργία της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας μνημονεύεται η ίδρυση της Θείας Κοινωνίας; 5. Ποιό είναι το όνομα του ανθρώπου που βοήθησε τον Χριστό να σηκώσει τον Σταυρό; 6. Ποιό είναι το όνομα του ανθρώπου που έπλυνε τα χέρια του αποδεικνὐοντας πως ο Χριστός δεν ήταν ένοχος; 7. Πως λέγεται ο κήπος που πήγε ο Χριστός για να προσευχηθεί; 8. Ποιός μαθητής Του Τον πρόδωσε; 9. Ποιό είναι το όνομα της γυναίκας που είδε πρὠτη τον Χριστό μετά την Ανάστασή Του; 10. Ποιός είπε στις Μυροφόρες γυναίκες: «Δεν είναι εδώ αλλά Ανέστη!»; Απαντήσεις: στο επόμενο τεύχος

8 Page 8 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 FESTIVAL PREPARATIONS SCHEDULE MARCH APRIL MAY GALAKTOBOUREKO MARCH 22 10:00 AM ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΜΠΟΥΡΕΚΟ SPANAKOPITA MARCH :00 AM ΣΠΑΝΑΚΟΠΙΤΑ MARCH 30 AFTER CHURCH SERVICES KEFTEDES APRIL 5 10:00 AM ΚΕΦΤΕ ΕΣ KOULOURAKIA APRIL 12 10:00 AM ΚΟΥΛΟΥΡΑΚΙΑ KOURAMBIEDES APRIL 19 10:00 AM ΚΟΥΡΑΜΠΙΕ ΕΣ MELOMAKARONA APRIL 19 10:00 AM ΜΕΛΟΜΑΚΑΡΟΝΑ DIPLES MAY 4 9:00 AM ΙΠΛΕΣ GREEK PARADE 2005 ΠΑΡΕΛΑΣΗ 2005 The Greek Orthodox Community of Saint George in Piscataway NJ invites all its members to attend the Greek Independence Day Parade on Sunday, April 10, The Parade will take place on 5 th Avenue in New York City. Buses will leave from Rutgers Stadium in the morning of the Parade day. If you are interested in marching with the community float please be advised that there is a DRESS CODE. For more information and details please contact the local chairpersons: Mr. Dimitris Zalokostas (732) or Mr. Kostas Hantsoulis (732) Η Ελληνορθόδοξη Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου προσκαλεί όλα τα μέλη της στη ετήσια Παρέλαση για την Ημέρα της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας 25 ης Μαρτίου Η Παρέλαση θα γίνει στην 5 η Λεωφόρο της Νέας Υόρκης την Κυριακή 10 Απριλίου Θα υπάρχουν λεωφορεία που θα φύγουν από τον χώρο στάθμευσης του Πανεπιστημίου Rutgers το πρωΐ της ημέρας της παρέλασης. Αν ενδιαφέρεστε να παρελάσετε με το άρμα της κοινότητας, πρέπει να είστε ντυμένοι κατάληλα. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και λεπτομέριες αποτανθείτε στους τοπικούς υπεύθυνους της παρέλασης: κ. Δημήτρη Ζαλοκώστα (732) ή κ. Κώστα Χαντσούλη (732)

9 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 9 Kollyva Kollyva are closely connected with memorial services as is befitting of one s departed. Their origin goes back to the time of the Emperor Julian the Apostate when in 362 he withdrew from the market in Constantinople foodstuffs prescribed for the first day of the Great Lent, Clean Monday, and ordered that they be substituted with polluted sacrificial food in an attempt to enforce upon the people the paganism of which he was an ardent supporter. But, St. Theodore suggested to Patriarch Eudoxios that he ordain boiled wheat (Kollyva) as a substitute to Lenten foodstuffs taken from the market by Emperor Julian. Since then, Kollyva, having become connected with celebrating the memory of saints, were brought to church and blessed by the priest during memorial prayers, known today as Memorial Services. Today s Kollyva consist of boiled wheat, mixed with seeds, decorated in a platter with a sugar covering, raisins, and perhaps some spices. A cross is traced on top and on its sides are the initials of the departed for whom the memorial is held. The size and the decoration of the platter varies according to the time elapsed from the date of death. The Kollyva are symbolic of the resurrection of the dead on the day of the Second Coming of the Lord. St. Paul said, what you sow does not come to life unless it dies (I Corinthians 15:34), and St. John, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit (John 12:24). Thus, as the wheat is buried in the soil and disintegrates without really dying, but is later regenerated into a new plant that bears much more fruit than itself, so the Christian s body will be raised again from the very corruptible matter from which it is now made. However, it will be raised not in its previous fleshly substance, but in an incorruptible essence which will clad the mortal body with an immortal garment in the words of St. Paul (I Corinthians 15:53). The Kollyva then symbolize the Apostolically rooted hope in the resurrection of the dead as the only eventuality that gives meaning, and brings the attainment of the longing for perfection on the part of the individual who takes his life to be divinely ordained and meaningful forever. The Orthodox Church has chosen four Saturdays as Memorial Days: the two Saturdays before the beginning of the Great Lent, the first Saturday of the Great Lenten (in honor of St. Theodore), and the Saturday before the Sunday of Pentecost. Also, memorial services are held on the anniversary of the date of death as well as on the name days of the departed ones. Dear Parents, Encourage your children to prepare a small dish of Kollyva by themselves, under your supervision. By doing so, we encourage them to become familiar with one of our religious traditions, and pay respect to their grandparents and relatives who are departed. With love in Christ, Very Rev. Father Alexander Kile, Archimandrite

10 Page 10 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Philoptochos News Nea ths Filoptwcou The annual Membership Tea of The Ladies Philoptochos Society took place on February 6, after the Sunday Liturgy. Chairmen Pegi Zajac, Ann Stevens and Georgia Kouridakis welcomed everyone in the beautifully decorated Memorial Room. Fr. Anthony Pappas led the gathering in prayer and added his comments on the importance and need for the Philoptochos in our community. He encouraged all those who are not yet members to join the organization and participate in the many activities necessary for our community and our church. Eight new members joined on that day bringing our membership to over 160. Everyone was then invited to enjoy the delicious luncheon and desserts prepared by the members. President Eleni Andronikou thanked all who came and also thanked the committee for their efforts and preparation and commended them on such an outstanding event. The Philoptochos has sent its annual January and February obligations to National Philoptochos for St. Basil s Academy, Social Services, Cardiac Fund and St. Photios Shrine. In addition, we sent a donation of $500 to National Philoptochos for the Tsunami Disaster Drive. Also, 158 packages of personal care items were prepared by our members and parishioners of our church community and mailed to IOCC for distribution to the Tsunami victims. Philoptochos thanks all who took the time and effort to prepare these packages and bring them to the church. The upcoming events include the following: a Memorial Service for our deceased members is scheduled for March 20 (Orthodoxy Sunday); the Lenten Luncheon for the entire community will take place on March 27; and our annual Philoptochos June Luncheon will be on Sunday, June 5. Elections for the Philoptochos Board of Governors and officers will take place at our May meeting. We remind our members who have not yet paid their annual dues to please do so. Our next meetings are scheduled for March 26 and April 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the Memorial Room. You are invited to attend a LENTEN LUNCHEON Sunday, March 27, 2005 After the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall Sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara To Benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary Donations are Welcomed

11 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Sunday School News Nea tou Kathchtikou Scoleiou Page 11 The academics and experiences in the St. George Sunday School during the months of March and April are planned to emphasize the events leading to the ultimate celebration of Easter. These events began on February 20, the commencement of the TRIODION, and will end on June 19, the PENTECOST. At the outset of Triodion, each student was given a booklet itemizing the symbolic Sundays from February 20 through June 19, with a brief description of the significance of each. These booklets were taken home to be shared with parents and siblings. Simultaneously, the appropriate Epistle and Gospel readings continue to be read and discussed each Sunday, and the textbook lessons describing the advent of Easter are taught. Throughout the period of Triodion, students will (1) hear the stories of Greek traditions in preparation for the Great Lent (2) participate in the procession which symbolizes the return of the icons into the church on Orthodox Sunday (3) receive the flowers commemorating the Adoration of the Cross (4) be introduced to the sacrament of Confession by Father Alex (5) receive Communion and participate in the Communion Breakfast sponsored by the PTO (6) participate in egg dyeing in our church kitchen and (7) prepare the crosses for Palm Sunday. Additionally, during Holy Week, our Sunday School students will experience two innovations at St. George. Twelve Altar Boys will participate in the Feet Washing Ceremony on Holy Wednesday, and several young girls, representing Myrofores, will participate in the Last Supper, the Unnailing, and the Lamentation Service. The Sunday School considers the understanding and the experiencing of the events leading up to Easter of the greatest importance. Without our belief in the Resurrection (the Anastasis) there would be no Christian Faith. The St. George PTO honored the Greek School and the Sunday School personnel at a lovely luncheon on January 30. The date commemorated the THREE HIERARCHS BASIL, JOHN, AND GREGORY who are celebrated as Men of Letters. On February 20, the PTO recognized Godparents Day and godparents accompanied their godchild to the Altar to receive Communion. Godparents were invited into the Sunday School classrooms following Communion in order to participate in the closing minutes of the session. Once again, the Sunday School Oratorical Chairmen, Mrs. Maria Boyadjis and Mrs Lemonia Malahias Miko, are preparing students in the Junior and Senior Divisions for participation in the St.John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. The Festival is sponsored by the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The theme for 2005 is the TRIODION. In order to be uniform in the recitation of the Creed in our community, Father Alex has directed that we adopt the version in The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, Holy Cross Orthodox Press, Brookline, Massachusetts The Sunday School will implement the minor changes that occur in our Fifth Grade curriculum, where students study the meaning of the ACreed@ and commit it to memory. Copies will be given to the Choir and also placed in the pews. We remind parents that Sunday School students should be present in the Nave of our church each Sunday morning from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. This 15 minute period is an integral part of our Sunday school curriculum. It is then that our students are addressed by Father Alex and are given an opportunity to answer questions or ask questions of their own. At 10:30 Father dismisses the students so that they may go to their classrooms.

12 Page 12 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 GOYA News Nea ths Neolaias mas As we all know, Sights and Sounds is a very important event for the GOYA of St. George. On Sunday, February 27th, 2005 the GOYA hosted a Sights and Sounds Preview show and Luncheon for the community. We also had a Gyro Sale, where all proceeds raised were to benefit the new parking lot. The GOYA would like to thank everyone who supported us that day. We hope you enjoyed our show! The Sights and Sounds competition will be held on Saturday, March 5th in Westfield. The results from the event will be included in the following newsletter. The GOYA dance group, along with the Intermediate and Beginner dance groups will be performing at the church Apokreatiko Glendi on Sunday, March 6th. On March 11th we have the first annual Career Night. The GOYAns are very excited and are looking forward to an informative night. The following day, our GOYA has been invited to attend a Social with the Clifton, Morris County, and Vineland GOYAs at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church in Holmdel. Along with these events, we are also begining to practice for Junior Olympics, which is held during Memorial Day weekend. Co ed soccer has been added this year, and it is sure to be an exciting new addition to our list of activities. The annual Religious Retreat is going to be held on April 8th 10th. As always, this exciting weekend long trip is informative, fun, and very memorable for the GOYAns. On Sunday, April 10th, the GOYAns will also be marching in the Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City. We hope for a wonderful turnout this year! GOYA is certainly in full swing during March and April, and weʹre loving every minute of it! GOYA Vice President, Maria Zalokostas Please Reserve the Date: OUR HOLY METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY is sponsoring A LENTEN LUNCHEON Honoring the 60th Anniversary of SAINT BASIL ACADEMY ON THE SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY, MARCH 20, 2005 at 2pm at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ - Donation: $50 For more information and reservations please call Evellyn Tsiadis (908)

13 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 13

14 Page 14 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 DECORATIONS

15 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 15 Salutations Prayers for the Health of the Living Please use the other side of this page for the names of the living Χαιρετισµοι Eyxai Υπερ υγειασ Ζωντων Παρακαλούµε να χρησιµοποιήσετε την άλλη όψη αυτής της σελίδας γιά τα ονόµατα των ζώντων

16 È ÙÔ Ã ÈÚÂÙÈÛÌÔ For the Salutations Α Ζωντεσ for the health of Α Ζωντεσ for the health of

17 È ÙÔ æ ÔÛ ÙÔ For the Saturday of Souls V τεθνεωτεσ for the repose of v τεθνεωτεσ for the repose of

18 Page 18 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Saturdays of the Souls Prayers for the repose of the Deceased Please use the other side of this page for the names of the deceased Ψυχοσαββατα Eyxai Υπερ Αναπαυσεωσ Τεθνεωτων Παρακαλούµε να χρησιµοποιήσετε την άλλη όψη αυτής της σελίδας γιά τα ονόµατα των κεκοιµηµένων

19 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 19 Daughters of Penelope News This letter was sent to the Daughters of Penelope Tethys Chapter No Sophia is a resident at Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New York. The Daughters of Penelope have sponsored her. Dear Anna Manioudakis and Penelope Capetan, District No. 5 I would like to start by extremely thanking you for all you have done for me. The Daughters of Penelope have been so kind to me and there is no way for me to show you how much warm, big hearts the Daughters of Penelope have. I would also like to say through the years the Daughters of Penelope have sent me so many things that I haven t yet expressed how much these gifts mean to me, and I apologize for that. But if it wasn t for kind and warm hearts like yourselves a child like myself would not have accomplished as much as I didn t think I would. Throughout my life I rarely experienced kind words, generosity, and most importantly love. So what I m trying to say, without the love and care that you have brought into my life there wouldn t be as much happiness as there is now. The Daughters of Penelope make me and also the rest of the kids at the Academy feel so loved and that means more to me then anything. The love and generosity that you have scattered throughout the Academy means so much more to me than anything. I would like to end this letter by saying God Bless you, hope you had a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I pray that not only do you spread your generosity to those who may be less fortunate, but maintain the love you have for me and the children of SAINT BASIL ACADEMY. LOVE ALWAYS, Sophia Daughters of Penelope Scholarships The Daughters of Penelope have scholarships available to High School and College students of Greek descent. Eligibility requirements vary for both male and /or female students. Athletic Scholarships also available. Submission deadlines begin in March and April. National Scholarship Applications can be downloaded at: Go to the Daughters of Penelope section For District #5 Scholarships call Joann Szela at

20 Page 20 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Greek School News Nea tou Ellhnikou Scoleiou Το Ελληνικo μας Σχολeiο προσκαλεi oλα τα μeλη και τους φiλους της Ελληνικhς Ορθoδοξης Κοινoτητας του Αγiου Γεωργiου Piscataway στον ετhσιο εορτασμo της 25ης Μαρτiου το Σaββατο 26 Μαρτίου, 2005, 2 μμ, στην Κοινοτικh Αiθουσα ΑΧΕΠΑ Our Greek School invites all members and friends of the St George Greek Orthodox Community to the Annual Celebration of March 25th, Day of the Annunciation and of Greek Independence, that will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2005, starting ατ 2pm, in the AHEPA Community Hall THE HELLENIC CULTURAL ASSOCIATION AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY ΕΝΩΣΙΣ Invites all friends of Greek Language and Culture To a Fundraising Dinner Dance On Saturday, April 2, 2005, starting at 7 pm At the McAteers Restaurant All proceeds will go towards the support of the Modern Greek Studies Program at Rutgers For information and reservations please contact Maria Koufis (732) e mail: hca@eden.rutgers.edu, website :

21 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Parent-Teacher Organization News Nea tou Sullogou Gonewn kai Didaskalwn Page 21 As we embark on the beginning of our Holy Lenten Period, I encourage all parents to enlighten and prepare their children for Easter. Ask your children to answer these questions. What is Fasting? Why do we need to Fast? Confession? Who should take confession? What is the proper attire for entering the House of God? What do the Holy Week services represent? Only through open dialogue can we educate our children to the customs and traditions of our Greek Orthodox Faith. At times the lessons of life may challenge and question our Commitment to our Faith. By educating our children of the Lord s teachings, we pave the path for their spiritual journey in life as well as re affirming our own faithful commitment. On behalf of the P.T.O. I wish the Saint George community a great Lenten Season! Dorothy Koutsoras President Our upcoming events for March and April are: March 26th Greek school celebration. Please support the Greek school students and attend this very special event. April 23rd Saturday of Lazarus, communion breakfast. Father Alex will teach the children how to dye the eggs. Palm Sunday through Holy week we will have the presence of the Myroforoi and on Holy Wednesday the ceremonial washing of the feet will take place. Easter Sunday EGG HUNT!!! Καθώς αρχίζουμε την Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή, ενθαρύνουμε όλους τους γονείς της ενορίας μας να προσπαθήσουν να ενημερώσουν τα παιδιά τους και να τα προετοιμάσουν για το Άγιο Πάσχα. Συζητήστε μα τα παιδιά σας, και κάνετε τους μερικές ερωτήσεις: Τι είναι η νηστεία; Γιατί πρέπει να νηστεύουμε; Τί είναι η εξομολόγηση και πότε πρέπει να εξομολογηθούμε; Πως πρέπει να ντυνόμαστε όταν ερχόμαστε στον οίκο του Κυρίου; Τι θυμόμαστε σε κάθε Λειτουργία και Ακολουθία της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας; Με καλοπροαίρετο διάλογο και ζωντανά παραδείγματα μπορούμε να εμφυσύσουμε στα παιδιά μας την Πίστη μας, τις Παραδόσεις μας και τα ωραία ήθη και έθιμά μας. Μερικές φορές, είναι δύσκολο σε αυτή την εποχή που ζούμε, να κρατήσουμε σταθερό το τιμόνι στη δύσκολη ρότα της Χριστιανικής ζωής μας. Καθώς νουθετούμε με αγάπη Χριστού τους νεότερους, όχι μόνο τους δείχνουμε το σωστό δρόμο, αλλά και ανανεώνουμε την δική μας προσωπική πίστη και ελπίδα. Εκ μέρους του Δ.Σ. του Σ.Γ.Δ. ευχόμαστε σε όλη την κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου Καλή Σαρακοστή! Εύη Γεωργοπούλου Αντιπρόεδρος Προσεχείς εκδηλώσεις: Σάββατο 26 Μαρτίου: Γιορτή Ελληνικού Σχολείου της 25 ης Μαρτίου. Παρακαλούμε ενυσχίστε με την παρουσία σας το έργο των δασκάλων και των παιδιών του Ελληνικού Σχολείου! Σάββατο 23 Απριλίου: Σάββατο του Λαζάρου. Ο Σ.Γ.Δ. θα προσφέρει πρωϊνό μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία και ο Πατέρας Αλέξανδρος θα μας δείξει πως να βάφουμε αυγά και να φτιάχνουμε βάγια. Την Κυριακή των Βαΐων και όλη την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα θα έχουμε τις Μυροφόρες και την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη θα γίνει η Ακολουθία του «Νιπτήρα». Σε όλες αυτές τις Ακολουθίες θα λάβουν μέρος παιδιά της ενορίας μας. Μεγάλη Γιορτή για τα παιδιά ανήμερα το Πάσχα μετά τον Εσπερινό της Αγάπης!

22 Page 22 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 CRABIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS David B. Crabiel, Founder (NJ Lic. 2301) MILLTOWN The Crabiel Home for Funerals Paulette Crabiel Wahler, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3875) 170 N. Main Street-at Riva Avenue Michael Theokas NEW BRUNSWICK Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel Frank S. Facchini, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3217) 329 Livingston Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK GOWEN FUNERAL HOME, LLC John Mezaros, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 2862) 233 Somerset Street 1411 Stelton Road - Piscataway, NJ Please send your ad via to: StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net

23 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 23 LEVINSON AXELROD Attorneys at Law Helen Giannios, Administrator 2 Lincoln Highway Edison, NJ (732) NJLAW Consultations are always free! Other offices in: Belford, Flemington, Forked River, Howell and Somerville PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS Specializing in: Car Accidents Slip and Fall Accidents Medical Malpractice Unsafe Products and Machinery Traffic Violations Workers Compensation Occupational Diseases (Asbestosis) Sports and Amusement Park Accidents Construction Site Accidents Social Security Disability Employment Discrimination

24 Page 24 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Financial Update/Oikonomikh Enhmerwsh

25 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 25 Stewardship Update/Enhmerwsh gia thn Ekousia Eisfora Please do not forget that your Church operates year round and needs your support year round. An integral part of the success of stewardship in the St George community is the participation of each member of this parish. We are aware that these are difficult times for many parishioners and yet the Church is here for you regardless if you choose to support it or not. If you have pledged and not paid, please do so before the end of the year. If you have not pledged at all, we encourage you to do so and soon! The Church needs your help and welcomes any and all pledges. We thank all parishioners who have pledged and appreciate your continued support of the St George Greek Orthodox Church.

26 Page 26 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 TRADITIONS OF THE HOLY WEEK AND EASTER IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH By V. Rev. Archimandrite Alexander Kile Part One of Two I would like to bring to your attention some centuriesold traditions that derived from the life of the Church. These traditions come to us in written and oral form from the events that took place and were recorded in the Holy Gospels, in the Apocrypha Gospels, in the history books, and the traditions books. These traditions also come to us from the lives of the first Christians and martyrs of the Church in the first, second and third century A. D. Easter in the Orthodox Ecclesiology and Church Tradition is the most important of all the feasts. Even Saint John of Damascus in his famous hymn that is sung on Easter morning calls it: ʺFeast of feasts and festival of festivalsʺ. Other Holy fathers of the Church stress the importance of the Holy Week and Easter in their homilies. The reason is that, through the Crucifixion and the tomb of Christ s Resurrection, it was promised to all his children that the kingdom of death was destroyed with His descent to the Hades. With His Holy Resurrection the New Life started and the Gates of Paradise were opened. SATURDAY OF LAZARUS This is the Saturday before Palm Sunday. The church celebrates the resurrection of Lazarus, which is recorded in the Gospel. On this day, all children go to church and receive HOLY COMMUNION. In the old days the children would go door to door to sing special songs for the Lazarus resurrection. This tradition also comes from the gospel saying: ʺWhile Jesus was entering into Jerusalem the Jewish children were singing ʹOsannah blessed is the one who come in the name of the Lord. Osannah to the Son of Godʹ.ʺ Also this act fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah who said: ʺHe will be recognized by the mouth of babes and childrenʺ. In the afternoon all the children and the youth gather in the church and prepare the palm crosses and decorate the church for next day with palms. Fish and wine may be consumed at lunch and at dinnertime. PALM SUNDAY MORNING On this day the Orthodox Church commemorates and celebrates the entrance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Jerusalem. This entrance has a great importance for our salvation. He will be providing us with the way to unite with Him, Last Supper. He will be betrayed. He will be put in prison. He will be judged in vain. He will suffer. He will be crucified and die for our sins. He will descend to the Hades. He will free all the righteous from there and will put an end to the kingdom of death ; then, on the third day, He will rise from the dead. The Orthodox Church lives all these events as if they are happening first time this year. Even the hymns many times mention the word today.

27 The Voice of St George - March/April 2005 Page 27 At the end of the Divine Liturgy the priest blesses the palms. The palms are not representing the branch of palms that the Israelites shook while Jesus entered on the back of a mule into Jerusalem by crying out the king of kings, our Lord. Instead, the palms received from the church signify that we, who hold them in our hands on Palm Sunday, we also receive Him, our Savior Jesus Christ, in our hearts as his children, as the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. It is a sign of acceptance of the savior in our hearts and in our lives. The faithful take these palm branches and put them on the top of the entrance door of their home, it their car and on their home icon shrine (econostasion). Fish and wine is permitted on this day. PALM SUNDAY EVENING On Holy Monday morning we celebrate with a matins service that is called the BRIDEGROOM service. The reason is that, at the beginning of the service, the icon of Jesus Christ suffering is placed in the middle of the solea after a solemn procession around the church. The Church is the bride and the Bridegroom is Christ, who is suffering and giving His Life for the salvation of the bride. The Church is all those baptized in Christ and are members of His Body. From tonight we start to fast until Easter morning (which is midnight of Holy Saturday). HOLY MONDAY HOLY TUESDAY In the morning of these two days, the Pre Sanctified liturgy is performed as a vesper of the following day. People can receive HOLY COMMUNION, if they are prepared. In the evening though iit s the matins service of the bridegroom. On Holy Tuesday the famous Hymn of Cassiani is chanted. It is a poem of repentance, which was written by a princess of Byzantium who loved the prince very much, but the prince was married to somebody else and she became a nun. She felt that she sinned because she loved him so much and, in order to repent, she left her wealthy environment, became a nun, and started the ascetic life while she became the author of many hymns. This hymn refers to temptations and repentance. On Holy Tuesday night we read the Gospel about a woman, Mary of Magdala, who repented from her sins, and came to wash, with expensive annointment and her hair, the feet of Jesus Christ. On these two or three days people go for HOLY CON FESSION while they are FASTING. They are also preparing the house for Easter; they send their wishes to their friends with Easter Cards. They buy the gifts for their godchildren and grandchildren. usually new shoes, some clothing and the decorated Easter Candle. Prepared by Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexander Kile for information of our faithful and especially for those who joined the orthodox family through marriage. Part II of the Traditions of the Holy Week and Easter in the Orthodox Church will appear in the special Easter issue of the Voice of St George.