The Prodigal Son Return

Transcript

1 Ss. Nicholas, Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 80 Laurel Ave Roseland, NJ Tel: (973) Fax: (973) March / April 2015 The Prodigal Son Return Holy and Great Lent: A Time for Repentance

2 Table of Contents What Happened To Lazarus After He Rose From The Dead? Περί της Αναστάσεως του Λαζάρου (Γέροντος Ιωσήφ Βατοπεδινού) 5-6 Sacraments... 7 Pascha Flyer. 7 Calendars Special Offering 12 Palm Sunday Flyer Financials Parish Council News 13 Greek Stewardship Card 13 Welcome New Stewards.. 16 English Stewardship Card.. 16 Soup Flyer 17 Philoptchos Advertise in the Cross. 20 Greek School Religious Education 21 Greek Parade Flyer. 22 G.O.Y.A.. 23 Pews & Stasidia.. 24 Choir 25 Knit & Stitch 25 Senior s Club AHEPA. 26 Daughters of Penelope.. 26 Advertisements. 27 Information Office Staff Parish Administration Helen Janulis Secretary Vasiliki Fotinis Bookstore Gerry Dendrinos Facility Manager George Papadoupoulos Chantor Edlin Nicasio Office Accountant E. James Vardakis Choir Aldo Tapia Caretaker Spyridoula Fotinis G.O.Y.A Priest Information Rita Fitanidis Greek School Presiding Priest: V. Rev. Archimandrite Seraphim Stella Thomopoulos Greek School PTO frsp@grcmail.org Loula Stathakis Knit and Stitch Phone: (757) Pantelis Athanasiou Parish Council Contact Information Eleni Michaels Philoptochos Mailing Address: 80 Laurel Ave Roseland, NJ Victoria Kantanas Religious Education Phone: (973) Gus Theodos Senior s Club Fax: (973) Peter Vardakis AHEPA Website: Marion Economo Daughters of Penelope 2

3 What Happened To Lazarus After He Rose From The Dead? Lazarus was a close friend of Christ, from Bethany, about three kilometers east of Jerusalem. He lived there with his sisters Mary and Martha, and they often gave hospitality to Jesus (Luke 10:38-40; John 12:1-3). John the Evangelist informs us (John 11) how one day Jesus was notified of the death of Lazarus. Four days later He arrived in Bethany, not only to bring comfort to Lazarus' grieving sisters, but to show the power of God and perform His greatest miracle by raising him from the dead, in anticipation of His own resurrection. The resurrection of Lazarus brought short-lived great admiration and fame to Jesus, as evidenced by his triumphant entry to Jerusalem, but it also provoked great anger among the teachers of the Law. Now they wanted both Jesus and Lazarus dead. Lazarus escaped, but Jesus did not. But what happened to Lazarus? According to St. Epiphanios of Cyprus ( ), Lazarus was thirty years old when he rose from the dead, and then went on to live another 30 years following his resurrection. Another tradition says that Lazarus fled the anger of the Jews and took refuge at Kition in Cyprus around 33 A.D. While in Cyprus Lazarus met the apostles Paul and Barnabas, as they were travelling from Salamis to Paphos, and they ordained him the first Bishop of Kition. He shepherded the Church of Kition with great care and love for eighteen years until the end of his life. There are traditions which say he was sullen and never smiled after his resurrection, and this was due to what he saw while his soul was in Hades for four days. Some say he never once laughed, except one time when he saw a man steal a clay vessel, and he uttered the following saying: "One earth steals another". Other Traditions About Lazarus Another tradition connects him with Aliki in Larnaca (today's Kition). In Aliki at that time was a large vineyard. As the Saint was walking by he saw an old woman filling her basket with grapes. Tired and thirsty, the Saint asked the old woman for a few grapes. However, she looked at him with disdain and said: "Go to hell, man. Can you not see that the vine is dried up like salt, and you are asking me for grapes?" "If you see it dried up like salt, then let it become salt," responded Lazarus. In this way the entire vineyard became a salt marsh. Workers who collect salt in this area today confirm this tradition. They claim to find when they dig there roots and trunks of vines. It is said that in the middle of the salt lake today there is a well of fresh water, known as "the well of the old woman". The Synaxarion of Constantinople, speaking of this tradition, says that the lake was claimed by two brothers, who broke ties for its possession. To end the dispute, the Saint by his prayers dried up the lake and it remained salty. Another tradition says that the Theotokos came to Kition with John the Evangelist in order to meet Lazarus. St. John gave him clerical vestments and cuffs, and then they went to Mount Athos. 3

4 The Second Death of Lazarus St. Lazarus ended his second earthly life at Cyprus in 63 A.D. The faithful wept and buried him with honors in a sarcophagus made of Cypriot marble, on which they wrote in Hebrew: "Lazarus of the four days and the friend of Christ." Above the sarcophagus there was built a beautiful church, which was renovated in His memory is celebrated by the Church every Saturday before Palm Sunday. The transfer of the relic of St. Lazarus from Kition to Constantinople, which took place in 890 by order of Emperor Leo VI the Wise is celebrated on October 17th. Emperor Leo wrote the idiomelon for the Vespers of St. Lazarus. The Relic of St. Lazarus in Constantinople The transfer of the relic of St. Lazarus is detailed for us in two panegyric homilies delivered by Bishop Arethas of Ceasarea (850-after 932). After extolling the arrival of this great treasure to Constantinople in his first homily, he describes in the second the procession formed with the presence of the Emperor when the relic arrived from Chrysoupolis to Hagia Sophia. In exchange for this transfer, Leo VI sent money and artisans to Cyprus, where he built a magnificent church to honor St. Lazarus, which is maintained until today in Larnaca. Furthermore, he built a monastery in Constantinople dedicated to St. Lazarus, in which he placed the sacred relic. To this same monastery was later transferred the relic of St. Mary Magdalene from Ephesus. It later became a custom for the Emperor of New Rome to worship at the monastery on the Saturday of Lazarus. Not too many years ago (specifically November 23, 1972) the superintendent of the Department of Antiquities, who worked towards the restoration of the church in Larnaca, found a sarcophagus with bones beneath the pillar supporting the plate of the Holy Altar. The bones were in a wooden box, placed in the sarcophagus, which in turn had carved on it the word "friend". This finding seems to confirm the tradition that Leo VI did not take the entire relic of St. Lazarus to Constantinople, but left a portion behind. Authentic testimony and evidence for this fact is the location where the bones were found: under the Holy Altar. Moreover, Arethas does not mention an incorrupt relic, but "bones" and "powder". Also, a Russian source at the library of Oxford reports that a Russian monk came from Pskov Monastery in the 16th century to Larnaca, and he venerated the bones of St. Lazarus, taking a small piece for himself as well. This piece is preserved till this day in the Chapel of Saint Lazarus at Pskov Monastery. Based on this account, we can affirm that the relic of St. Lazarus was venerated in Larnaca in the 16th century. A later account is not known, so for some reason, probably for protection, the Kitians hid the relic beneath the Holy Altar until it was discovered in If you have an announcement for The Cross, thecross@gcrmail.org Entries for the May/June issue are due April 1 st. Late submissions are NOT accepted. Thank you. 4

5 Περί της Αναστάσεως του Λαζάρου (Γέροντος Ιωσήφ Βατοπεδινού) Θά σας ενθυμίσω ένα ωραίο ρητό του μεγάλου μας πατρός Επιφανίου Επισκόπου Κύπρου, το όποιον έξεφώνησε κάποτε στην άρχή ενός λόγου του. «Προ έξ ήμερων του πάσχα, διά των πέντε αισθήσεων, τον τετραήμερον ο τριήμερος, ταις δυσί τον έναν χαρίζεται». Ο Κύριος μας Ιησούς Χριστός, ο όποιος αποτελείωσε την αποστολή Του και θεράπευσε το πανανθρώπινο τραύμα και σε έξι ημέρες θα παρεδίδετο στα πανάχραντα Του πάθη, όπου θα έσφράγιζε την επιτυχία της σωτηρίας μας, έδειξε, σαν προοίμιο σε μας τους μαθητές Του και γενικά σε όλον τον κόσμο, ότι υπάρχει ανάσταση νεκρών και ότι Αυτός είναι όντως «η Ανάστασις και η Ζωή». Ακριβώς πριν από τα συνταρακτικά τούτα γεγονότα, της αναστάσεως δηλαδή του Κυρίου, προηγήθηκεν κατά έξι μέρες η ανάσταση του Λαζάρου, ο όποιος, όπως ξέρετε, ήταν φίλος του Χριστού. Και ο Σίμων ο λεπρός, ο Φαρισαίος, ο πατέρας του Λαζάρου, επειδή ήταν πιστός, αρεσκόταν ο Κύριος να συχνάζη στην οικία του και να έχη φιλικές σχέσεις με αυτήν την οικογένεια. Άνέστησε φυσικά τον Λάζαρο, όχι τόσο για να δείξη την δύναμη της θεοπρεπούς Του μεγαλωσύνης, άλλωστε το είχε κάνει και ενωρίτερα αυτό σε άλλες περιπτώσεις, αλλά για να δείξη ότι πλησιάζει το προοίμιο της συντριβής του θανάτου και της γενικής αναστάσεως της ανθρωπινής φύσεως και της αποκαταστάσεως συμπάσης της κτίσεως «της ύποταγείσης εις την φθοράν» έξ αιτίας της πτώσεως του ανθρώπου. Το ιστορικό γεγονός της αναστάσεως του Λαζάρου το φέρομε στην αναγωγή, καθώς πολλές φορές κάνουν οι Πατέρες μας ερμηνεύοντας την Γραφή, για να ορθάσωμεν έτσι σ ένα πόρισμα πνευματικό, το όποιο πολύ θα μας ώφελήση. Κάθε τί το όποιο περιέχεται στην Γραφή, έχει πολλαπλές ερμηνείες. Η ανάσταση του ιστορικού Λαζάρου έγινε τότε, αλλά αυτό, μεταφερόμενο στην αλληγορία, ενεργείται κάθε μέρα στις ψυχές των ανθρώπων. Η αναγωγή λοιπόν είναι η εξής. Ο Κύριος μας Ιησούς Χριστός, ο όποιος είναι πάντοτε μαζί μας, όπως ο Ίδιος ομολογεί, «ιδού εγώ μεθ υμών είμι πάσας τάς ημέρας, έως της συντέλειας του αιώνος», περιστρέφεται και ανασκοπεί του καθενός την κατά σταση και μυστικώς εκφράζει στις ουράνιες Του δυνάμεις και στους σεσωσμένους «Λάζαρος ο φίλος ημών κεκοίμηται». Κάθε ένας από μας είναι νεκρός Λάζαρος και φίλος του Ιησού μας, χάριν του ότι για μας έθυσιάσθη, για όλους ενδιαφέρεται. Ο Κύριος μας Ιησούς Χριστός, ο παντογνώστης Θεός, ο πανάγαθος Δεσπότης και ο αληθινός μας πατέρας, βλέποντας την νέκρωση μας, συνεχώς φωνάζει προς τις ουράνιες δυνάμεις Του. «Λάζαρος ο φίλος ημών κεκοίμηται». Τώρα ποιος από μας τους κεκοιμημένους θα είναι ικανός να προκαλέση την συμπάθεια Του, ούτως ώστε να επέμβη και να τον αναστήση; Γιατί αυτός μόνος Του ομολόγησε ότι, «εγώ είμι η ανάστασις και η ζωή». Όπως αναφέρεται, όταν η αδελφή του Λαζάρου η μεγαλύτερη, η Μάρθα, αν και πίστευε στον Ιησού Χριστό, έν τούτοις, από το βόγγο του πόνου πού έχασε τον μονάκριβο της αδελφό, ξεχνώντας την δύναμη της αναστάσεως πού βρισκόταν σ Αυτόν, άρχισε να του λέη με παράπονο: «Κύριε, εί ής ώδε, ούκ αν απέθανε μου ο αδελφός». Και ο Ιησούς απαντά: «Αναστήσεται ο αδελφός σου». Πάλιν αυτή δεν καταλαβαίνει το νόημα και επιμένει: «Ναί, Κύριε, ξέρω ότι στην έσχατη ήμερα της παλιγγενεσίας και αυτός θα αναστηθή». Τότε ο Ιησούς διακηρύττει: «Εγώ είμι η ανάστασις και η ζωή. Λοιπόν αυτός είναι ο Ιησούς μας ο όποιος μένει μαζί μας σαν η αιωνία και μόνιμος ανάσταση και προσδοκά του καθενός μας την ανάσταση. Πότε θα στραφούμε προς Αυτόν να έκφράσωμε τον πόνο της νεκρώσεως μας, για να φωνάξη και σε μάς: «Λάζαρε, δεύρο έξω». Για να γίνη αυτό χρειαζόμαστε συμπαραστάτες, όπως είχε και ο Λάζαρος τις δύο αδελφές, την Μάρθα και την Μαρία. Η μέν Μάρθα συμβολίζει κατά τους Πατέρες την πρακτική εργασία, την πρακτική μετάνοια και τα σωματικά έργα. Η δε Μαρία συμβολίζει την θεωρία, την πνευματική εσωστρέφεια μέσω της οποίας επικοινωνεί κάθε λογική ψυχή με τον Θεό. Η πρακτική μετάνοια συνίσταται στον πόνο, στο πένθος και στο κλάμα «υπέρ των προτέρων αμαρτημάτων» και στο πένθος υπέρ της ανακτήσεως των αρετών και των χαρισμάτων, τα όποια κληρονομικά μας παρέδωσε ο Ιησούς μας και ανήκουν στον καθένα από μάς. 5

6 Όύπω γάρ έφανερώθη λέγει ο Άγιος Ιωάννης τί έσόμεθα, όίδαμεν δέ, όταν φανερωθή, όμοιοι αύτώ έσόμεθα». Δηλαδή θα δούμε τον Κύριο μας στην ήμερα εκείνη της παλιγγενεσίας και θα είμεθα όμοιοι με αυτόν. «Ο Θεός έν μέσω Θεών» εκμαγεία του αρχετύπου. Για να φθάσωμε σ αυτήν την αξία, πρέπει, όπως είπα, να αποκτήσωμε πρωτίστως την συνεχή ειλικρινή πρακτική μετάνοια, πού αυτή θα μας όδηγήση στην θεωρία. Επειδή πρακτικά αμαρτήσαμε, πρακτικά αρνηθήκαμε τον Ιησού μας, πρακτικά τον προσβάλαμε και τον προδώσαμε, πρακτικά τώρα να επιστρέψωμε πίσω και ν αποδείξωμεν ότι πλέον δεν θα ξανακάμψωμε τα γόνατα μας μπροστά σε κάθε είδωλο της αμαρτίας. Είμεθα υπόχρεοι τώρα, ο καθ ένας από μάς, ν αποκτήσωμε τις δύο αδελφές, την πραγματική πράξη της μετανοίας πού μας οδηγεί μακριά από κάθε παράβαση της εντολής. Άρνηση στον Θεό δεν υπάρχει από κανένα λογικό όν, και από αυτούς ακόμα τους άθεους, τους ύλιστές, τους αναρχικούς. Ας κομπάζουν με τα χείλη. Δεν μπορούν ν αρνηθούν τον Θεό, διότι, για να μπορέσωμε να αρνηθούμε ένα πράγμα, πρέπει να είμαστε δυνατοί να το καταργήσωμε. Τότε θα καυχηθούμε πάνω στην απιστία μας ότι όντως αυτό δεν υπάρχει, το καταστρέψαμε. Αν εμείς αρνηθούμε Αυτόν, λέει ο Παύλος, αυτός πιστός μένει. Ποία λοιπόν είναι η άρνηση αφού τα πράγματα είναι έτσι; Η άρνηση είναι στην παράβαση της εντολής. Αυτό μας διδάσκει η παγκόσμια ιστορία. Και τα δύο στοιχεία, το ανθρώπινο και το αγγελικό, τα όποια κατέβησαν και συνετρίβησαν, δεν άρνήθησαν τον Θεό, αλλά την εντολή. Και ακριβώς η παράβαση της εντολής, πού θεωρείται άρνηση, προκάλεσε την πτώση, την συντριβή και τον θάνατο. Τώρα και σε μας ο τρόπος της επιστροφής είναι η πρακτική ομολογία. Από εκεί πού πλανηθήκαμε και παρασυρθήκαμε και αρχίσαμε να παραβαίνουμε τις εντολές του Χριστού μας και καταρρακώσαμε την προσωπικότητα μας, από την Ίδια θύρα θα επιστρέψωμε. Να παύσωμε να άμαρτάνωμε, να τον άρνούμεθα και να τον προδίδουμε. Αφού φθάσωμε σ αυτήν την κατάσταση διά της Χάριτος Του, τότε βαθύτερα μέσα στο είναι μας θα ριζώση η αίσθηση αυτή της μετανοίας πού θα μας προκαλέση το πένθος και τον πόνο και το δάκρυ. Τότε ο νους ελεύθερος από την επίδραση και την αιχμαλωσία των εξωτερικών σφαλμάτων, της εξωτερικής χρεωκοπίας, γυρίζει προς τον Θεό και συνεχώς πενθών ζητεί το έλεος Του και αυτή είναι η θέση της Μαρίας. Όταν οι δύο αδελφές αποκτηθούν, να είστε βέβαιοι ότι τότε ο Λάζαρος νους, το ψυχικό μας είναι, θα αναστηθή, όπως τότε στον ιστορικό Λάζαρο. Και τότε, όπως αναφέρει τό ευαγγέλιο, επισκέφθηκε ο Ιησούς μας την οικία του Λαζάρου και του παρέθεσαν εκεί τράπεζα και ό Λάζαρος «ήν εις των συνανακειμένων». Έτσι και ό Λάζαρος νους θα ευρίσκεται μαζί με τον Ιησού μας στην πνευματική ευφροσύνη, εκεί όπου μας διαβεβαιώνει ότι «ετοιμάσω ημίν τόπον». Εκεί στην ουράνια πανευφροσύνη, ως κληρονόμοι του Θεού και συγκληρονόμοι του Ιησού μας, θα ευρισκόμαστε και μείς, όπως τότε ο Λάζαρος, στην ιδία τράπεζα «συνευοχούμενοι» και όχι πενθούντες για τον θάνατο, αλλά χαίροντες για την δική μας ανάσταση. Ο καθένας από μας λοιπόν ας επίσπευση να απόκτηση χωρίς χρόνοτροβή τις αρετές πού αντιπροσωπεύουν οι δύο αδελφές, Μάρθα και Μαρία, πού είναι ικανές να πείσουν τον Ιησού μας να παρουσίαση το πτώμα του νεκρού νού και να διάταξη ως Πανσθενουργός Λόγος το «Λάζαρε, δεύρο έξω» από τον τάφο της αναισθησίας και «είσελθε είς την χαράν του Κυρίου σου». Αμήν. Πηγή: Γέροντος Ιωσήφ, Αθωνικά μηνύματα, Ψυχωφελή Βατοπαιδινά, Έκδοσις Ιεράς Μεγίστης Μονής Βατοπαιδίου, Άγιον Όρος «Πεμπτουσία». 6

7 Sacraments CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLYWEDS On December 28 th. Groom & Bride: Bill Passias and Kalliopi Christodoulakis. The sponsors were Kalliopi Vergis and George Petropoulakis. On January 18 th. Groom & Bride: Dimitrios Zafirelis and Yulia Kopysova. The sponsor was Nicholas Zafirelis. MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL! Our condolences to the families and may the Lord grant rest to the souls of them who have fallen-asleep. On December 23 rd. Paul M. Vardakis Beloved husband of Georgia, father of Catherine Shaw, brother of Jim, Alex and Fred Vardakis, and uncle of Peter and Chris Vardakis. On December 25 th. Demetrios Sandoukas Beloved husband of Caroline Sandoukas and father of Nicholas, Andrew and George Sandoukas and Theodora Kotzamanis. On January 12 th. Theodora Kebakis Beloved wife of Constantine Kebakis and father of Ann Koulosousas, Elizabeth Simeome and Christina Kebakis. On January 24 th. William Kosmides, Beloved husband of Anastasia Kosmides, and father of Christine Guittari and Robert and James Kosmides. Please join us for The Ss Nicholas, Constantine, & Helen Community Youth Easter Egg Hunt!! Pascha Immediately following the Agape Service which begins at 11 a.m. Please plan to stay with the kids to enjoy the Children of all ages are invited! activities & special treats. 7

8 Calendars Sunday February 15 AHEPA Presentation on American Politics and the US Constitution By Mr. Lazaros Mihailidis Ομιλία του κ. Λαζάρου Μιχαιλίδη. Sunday March 8 Parish Assembly Γενική Συνέλευση Sunday March 15 AHEPA Fasolada Luncheon Φασουλάδα Γεύμα Daughters of Penelope koulourakia sale Θυγατέρες της Πηνελόπης πώληση απο κουλουράκια Sunday March 22 Greek School Independence Day Program and the Car Raffle Πρόγραμμα Ελληνικού Σχολείου της 25 ης Μαρτίου Κλήρωση «Αυτοκινήτου». Sunday March 29 Greek Independence Day Parade NYC Παρέλαση της 25ς Μαρτίου στήν Νέα Υόρκη Saturday April 4 Saturday, of Lazarus- Communion Breakfast and Making of the Palms - Philoptochos Easter Bake Sale Σάββατο του Λαζάρου Πρόγευμα μετά τήν Αγία Κοινονία Προετοιμασία Βαίων Φιλόπτωχος Πασχαλινά Γλυκίσματα Sunday April 5 Palm Sunday Luncheon - Philoptochos Easter Bake Sale Κυριακή των Βαίων- Γεύμα Βαίων μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία Φιλόπτωχος Πασχαλινά Γλυκίσματα Saturday April 11 Annual Pascha Resurrection Meal following the Holy Midnight Pascha Divine Liturgy in the Sumas Community Center Ετησία Πασχαλινή «Μαγειρίτσα» μετά τήν απόλυση. Sunday April 12 Holy Pascha Αγιον Πάσχα Easter Egg Hunt following AGAPE Service Πασχαλινά αυγά μετά την Λειτουργία της Αγάπης 8

9 Church Services ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΗΜΕΡΟΛΟΓΙΟ March Μάρτιος Sunday Κυριακή Monday Δευτέρα Tuesday Τρίτη Wednesday Τετάρτη Friday Παρασκευή Sunday Κυριακή Monday Δευτέρα Tuesday Τρίτη Wednesday Τετάρτη Friday Παρασκευή Sunday Κυριακή Monday Δευτέρα Tuesday Τρίτη Wednesday Τετάρτη 1 Sunday of Orthodoxy Κυριακή Της Ορθοδοξίας 2 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 3 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 4 9 th Hour Εννάτη Ωρα Presanctified Liturgy Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 6 2 nd Salutations Β Χαιρετισμοί 8 2 nd Sunday of Lent 2 α των Νηστειών 9 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 10 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 11 9 th Hour Εννάτη Ωρα Presanctified Liturgy Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 13 3 rd Salutations Γ Χαιρετισμοί 15 3 rd Sunday of Lent 3η των Νηστειών 16 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 17 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 18 9 th Hour Εννάτη Ωρα Presanctified Liturgy Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 9 5:30 PM Chapel 5:30 PM Chapel 5:30 PM Chapel 6:00 PM 7:00 PM Gregory Palamas Γρηγορίου Παλαμά 5:30 PM - Chapel 5:30 PM - Chapel 9:30 AM Chapel 10:00 AM 7:00 PM The Veneration of the Cross Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως 5:30 PM - Chapel 5:30 PM - Chapel 5:30 PM Chapel 6:00 PM

10 Thursday 19 Adult Religious Ed. Class 7:30 9:00 PM Board Room Friday Παρασκευή 20 4 th Salutations Δ Χαιρετισμοί 7:00 PM Sunday Κυριακή Monday Δευτέρα Tuesday Τρίτη 22 4 th Sunday of Lent 4η Κυριακή Νηστειών 23 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 24 Great Vespers at Evangelismos Church Jersey City Μέγας Εσπερινός στοn Εωαγγελισμό τού Jersey City John Climacus Ιωάννου Κλίμακος 5:30 PM - Chapel Wednesday Τετάρτη Friday Παρασκευή Sunday Κυριακή Monday Δευτέρα Tuesday Τρίτη 25 The Annunciation of the Theotokos Ευαγγελισμός τής Θεοτόκου 26 The Akathist Hymn Ο Ακάθιστος Υμνος 29 5 th Sunday of Lent 5 η Κυριακή Νηστειών 30 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 31 Great Compline Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7:00 PM Mary of Egypt Μαρίας Αιγυπτίας 5:30 PM - Chapel 5:30 PM - Chapel Friday Παρασκευή April Απριλίου Please See The Holy Week Schedule 4 Απριλίου εως 12 Απριλίου Μεγάλη Ευδομάδα 17 Life Giving Fountain Απριλίου Chapel Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Wednesday Τετάρτη 22 Great Vespers St. George Απριλίου Clifton Μέγας Εσπερινός στό Clifton Thursday 23 St. George Απριλίου Adult Religious Ed. Class Clifton Αγίου Γεωργίου στο Clifton 7:30 9:00 PM Board Room 10

11 April 4 April 5 April 6 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 10 Holy Week Schedule SATURDAY OF LAZARUS Matins Divine Liturgy SUNDAY OF THE PALMS Matins Divine Liturgy Matins of the Bridegroom Palm Sunday Evening HOLY AND GREAT MONDAY Matins of the Bridegroom HOLY AND GREAT TUESDAY Matins of the Bridegroom HOLY AND GREAT WEDNESDAY Ninth Hour Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Sacrament of Holy Unction Matins of the Mystical Supper HOLY AND GREAT THURSDAY Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great Matins and Procession of the Crucified HOLY AND GREAT FRIDAY Royal Hours Great Vespers of the Descent from the Cross Matins of the Burial and Lamentations with The Procession of the Sacred Tomb 9:00 am 10:00 am 8:30 am 10:00 am 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:30 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 am 7:00 pm 10:00 am 3:00 pm 7:00 pm HOLY AND GREAT SATURDAY April 11 Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great 9:00 am Matins of the Resurrection 11:00 pm April 12 THE HOLY AND GREAT PASCHA 11:00 am Great Vespers of LOVE If you have an announcement for The Cross, thecross@gcrmail.org Entries for the May/June issue are due April 1 st. Late submissions are NOT accepted. Thank you. 11

12 Special Offering During Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha we are afforded the opportunity to offer a special gift to the Church. These are opportunities to express our love for our Lord Jesus Christ through His Church. The following are items you may contribute by calling the Church office. Daffodils- Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross (Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως) Palms for Palm Sunday Nymphios Icon Wreath (Extreme Humility Icon) Holy and Great Wednesday (Mystical Supper Icon Wreath) Six (6) Candles for Holy Thursday and Holy Friday Crucifix Candles each Holy and Great Thursday (wreath at base of the Cross) Packages of Rose petals for the Epitaphio Resurrection Banner Flowers One Clergy Resurrectional Candle Bay Leaves for Holy Saturday (Βάια τού Μeγάλου Σαββάτου) Easter Lily Plants (30) each SAVE THE DATE PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON APRIL 5, 2015 Co-Chairs: Georgina Xanthos and Mary Kakos 12

13 Financials Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Condensed Statement of Income & Expenses (Operating) 12/31/2014 Actual Budget Variance Income Stewardship 360, , (22,917.00) Other Contributions 87, , (22,313.00) Events 177, , (49,835.00) Other Income 52, , , Total Income 676, , (90,955.00) Expenses 779, , , Net Income (103,174.00) - (103,174.00) Parish Council News After serving more than 20 years on the Parish Council, John Chambous has resigned his position. Please join the Parish Council in thanking John for his extraordinary dedication, service and outstanding contributions to the community of Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen while serving as a member of the Parish Council for so many years, and for being a friend to our Church and community. 13

14 Operating Loss Statement $ in Thousands Actuals Budget Variance Actuals Difference Actuals from Actuals 2013 Operating Income is down from the budget Festival Harvest Ball Raffle Sunday Brunch Glendi GOYA Taverna Stewardship Candles/Pangari Rentals Special Holidays Bookstore Tray Donations Cross Ads Miscellaneous Income Interest Income Other Income Memorial Donations Greek School Tuition Sunday School Registration Fees Investment Income Interest Income-Ghana Church Total Difference in Income Expenses are up from the budget Payroll &Benefits Auto Expenses Archdiocese Commitment Elect, Gas, Water Greek School Maintenance & Snow Removal Security Telecommunications Office Expenses

15 Religious Education & Supplies Clergy Conferences Coffee Hour Kitchen Supplies Cleaning Supplies Church Supplies Other Expenses Flowers Advertising Insurance Charitable Donations Clergy Discretionary Computer Software & Internet Credit Card Fees Bank Charges Shuttle Bus Interest Expenses Fees, & Licenses Legal & Accounting Interest Expenses-Unity Provident Expenditure Total Difference in Expenses Total Operating Loss (Income +Expenses) Stewardship Report Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Stewardship Report 12/31/2014 Total pledged by parishioners 385, Total received 354, Stewards donated but did not pledge Total stewardship collected 355, Uncollected funds in stewardship pledges 30, Total stewardship collected in QB* 360, * Includes an extra $ 4, that belongs to 2013 but was deposited in 2014 QB is QuickBooks 15

16 Welcome New Stewards! We wish to welcome all new Stewards of our Parish of Ss. Nicholas, Constantine and Helen and extend an invitation to you to join us weekly as we worship together. We also invite you to become active participants in the life of the Church through our Orthodox Christian Faith and the ministries we offer. Spirydon Apostolatos Constantinos Bageorgos Christopher Garibian George & Anastasia Logothetis Peter & Elaine Marketos Nicholas & Vasiliki Orfanakis Solomon & Janice Pavlou Daniel & Emily Podolak Michael & Faye Pritsiolas Andrew & Andrea Santamaria Bruce & Effie Standler Nickolaos & Afroditi Stergiou Steven Zevas 16

17 Mayeritsa & Avgolemeno Soup Sale Join us at our Annual Resurrection Celebration Following the Holy Midnight Pascha Divine Liturgy If you cannot join, take home our delicious soups. Don t be disappointed! To-Go orders will be available for pick-up Saturday April 11 th from noon to 1:30pm and also after Holy Midnight Pascha Divine Liturgy Please place your order by April 8, 2015 (Holy Wednesday) Fill out the form below and send with your remittance Payable to Ss Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Name: Tel: Mayeritsa $10 per Quart $ (made with lamb meat only) Avgolemeno $10 per Quart $ Check # Total: Cash $ Please return your form and payment to the Church Office. 17

18 Philoptochos Dear Parishioners: Thank you for your support, your assistance and your kind words. We started the year with our Vasilopita celebration and we are now into February, reminding everyone, February is GO RED for heart health awareness. Membership Drive Our annual membership drive begins in January and we remind all members to please send in your $30 dues. If you are not a member please consider joining this great philanthropic organization. All ages are welcome. Men can join as associate members. We meet the second Sunday of each month after liturgy. Let us know your special interests and passion in order to arrange for your participation in an event that will make a difference in many people s lives. Enrollment forms are available to all, please stop by the Philoptochos table or download a form from the church website Please St. Nicholas Shrine Initiative St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was destroyed during the 9/11 attack and it s being rebuilt as the St. Nicholas National Shrine standing alone and proud on beautiful grounds among tall skyscrapers making a huge statement to the world. As jointly stated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and our Metropolitans in the Encyclical of April 28, 2014, this National Institution will be, by the Grace of God, a monument of those who died on the fateful day of September 11, 2001, and of the spirit of sacrificial love of the first responders. It will be a perpetual Sacred Shrine to the never-ending glory of God as fulfilled in our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith. Philoptochos is humbly introducing The St. Nicholas National Shrine Initiative requesting each Philoptochos member to donate $100 each, either through a onetime donation made payable to our Chapter Philoptochos or over the next year by saving a small amount weekly until the full amount is reached. Your donations will be deposited into our restricted account earmarked St. Nicholas National Shrine at The World Trade Center. If you have any questions please feel free to speak to chairperson of this event, Vivian Pagoulatos, vrpagoulatos@gmail.com Our Pasta Dinner on January 31, 2015 was a great success. Everyone loved the meat sauce prepared by chef Jim Hanzimanolis and those who assisted in the kitchen, Nick Churus and Nick Karasmanis. Dorothy Rosa was the chairperson and she did an excellent job in organizing the entire event along with the volunteers, Mary Theodos, Sharyn Hanzimanolis, Helen Calathos, Katherine Foley, Vikki Glock and Dede Portas. Thank you Elizabeth Rosa and Stephan for helping with the 50/50. Many are asking when we are having another event like this one! The success of this event was really due to your support for Philoptochos. Thank you! In April Philoptochos will have their Annual Easter Bake Sale. Flyer will be posted on the church website and we are encouraging you to pre-order. Kali Hronia! May the 2015 year bring health, abundance and joy to all. Yours in Christ, Eleni Michael, President St. Dorkas Adelphotis Chapter 18

19 Philoptochos Membership Interest Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Philoptochos Membership Interest Form Name Address Phone Circles of Interest Check off the Circle(s) you are most interested in and return your form to Family and Society/Interfaith the Church Office or Philoptochos Membership Chairman. o Inreach to Parish Families o Outreach to the Unchurched and New Families Church Projects o St. George Name Day Event o Holy Cross Day Celebration o Pascha Preparation o Makarias (Assisting with funeral repast) Ministry Commitments Promote support for: o Hellenic College/Holy Cross o Children in Medical Crisis o Autism Assistance Program o Saint Basil Academy o Saint Michael s Home for the Aged o IOCC-International Orthodox Christian Charities o OCF -Orthodox Christian Fellowship o OCMC -Orthodox Christian Mission Center o SAMP Support a Mission Priest o St. Photios Shrine New Philanthropic Initiatives o Develop opportunities to become involved in new philanthropic and charitable endeavors, worthy causes, projects and events Spiritual Enrichment o Share and support the Orthodox Christian Faith o Support the Priest with the planning of Bible Study, religious lectures, workshops and other tools for spiritual growth of the congregation o Liaisons to GOYA and Sunday School o Altar Commitment Fundraising/Special Events o Plan/participate in events that fund the philanthropic Mission and the Church Membership o Become a Member (I am not able to work on projects this year but support the Mission). o Engage all Orthodox people in philanthropy and charitable work through the Philoptochos Mission Social Service o Home Visitations of the Elderly or Shut Ins o Hospital Visitations o Processing Grants for those in Need o Sunshine-Get Well Commitment 19

20 Philoptochos Mission Statement To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the ages, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council. The charitable work of the Society shall be promoted with discretion, courtesy and kindness. If you would like to advertise in the Church s Publication The Cross. You will place the name of your business in over 700 households; the homes of our faithful, and at the same time you will help the Church defray some of the costs associated with the printing and mailing of the publications. The following options are available for your annual fee: (circle one option) Sizes Print Only Package Print & Website Combo Website Only Package* Business Card Pixel Size 350x200 ¼ Page Pixel Size 700x200 ½ Page Pixel Size 700x400 Full Page Pixel Size 700x800 Advertise In The Cross *Includes link to your website. Prices are for Internet ready ads, if we create the ad it is an additional $50.00 charge. To see what those sizes look like on the Sponsor Page Thank you very much for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Edlin Nicasio [Grab your reader s attention with a great quote from the document or use this space to emphasize a key Please point. To place a high this resolution text box JPEG anywhere of your ad on to the edlin@gcrmail.org page, just drag it.] Signature Date Payment Method: Checks made payable to Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Credit Card # Expiration Date 3Digit CSV # 20

21 Greek School In celebration of Greek Independence Day, the parade in New York City will be held on Sunday, March 29, The Greek School will also be joining the festivities on Sunday, March 22, 2015 as we host our celebration in Sumas Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Ελληνικό Σχολείο Την Κυριακή 22 Μαρτίου θα γιορτάσουμε στην κοινοτική μας αίθουσα την επέτειο της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας αμέσως μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Σας προσκαλούμε να έρθετε για να γιορτάσουμε και να χαρούμε τα παιδιά του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου. Επίσης στις 29 Μαρτίου θα γίνει η Εθνική μας Παρέλαση στην Νέα Υόρκη Σύντομα θα ενημερωθούμε με περισσότερες πληροφορίες. Religious Education I would like to thank everyone for their support for a successful Christmas luncheon with a visit from Santa Claus and for all who attended our Godparents-Godchildren breakfast that was held on February 1 st. It was wonderful to see our children come to church with their godparents. Beginning on February 8 th, all Religious Education students will sit with their class during the Divine Liturgy in the front pews (opposite the pews that are reserved for memorials). Father Seraphim would like to include the students in a discussion before Holy Communion. Please attend church on time. The Greek Independence Day Parade will be on Sunday, March 29 th in NYC. Our church will have a float and our Sunday school students are invited to participate in this event. More information to follow in the weeks ahead. On Saturday, April 4 th (Saturday of Lazarus), parents and children are invited to attend the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10 am and receive Holy Communion. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to the Sumas Community Center where we will be making palm crosses for Palm Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to gain an understanding of the ancient tradition of making a cross with a palm. A Lenten luncheon will be served for all who participate in this event. On Easter Sunday, after the Agape Service, we will be hosting an Easter egg hunt for the little ones. Please join us after services. More information to follow. Save your change! Our Sunday school will be collecting your spare change in an effort to donate the monies to the OCMC. This is an Orthodox Christian Mission Organization that raises awareness by helping spread Christianity around the world. Religious Education students will be given the opportunity to participate in the Oratorical Festival chaired by Paul Koutouzakis. Date to be announced. Lastly, we will be honoring our high school graduates at the last week of Sunday school at the end of liturgy sometime in June. 21

22 Saints Nicholas Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Roseland NJ 2015 Greek Independence Day Parade Join the Saints Nicholas Constantine and Helen Parish to Celebrate the Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City. A bus will be arranged to take parishioners to and from the parade. Date: March 29 th, 2015 Departure: Church Parking Lot Time: 12:00 noon Cost: $15.00 For more information and to reserve your seat, please contact: Kostas Ntoufas at: lefki310@aol.com Sophia Athanasiou at: sophia.a@comcast.net 22

23 G.O.Y.A In January started off with an enjoyable G.O.Y.A gathering at the Taggart home where we were able to reconnect after the holidays in a relaxing environment. Thank you to the Taggart family for hosting our start of the year social. After the social, we have kicked into high gear by started off with our first G.O.Y.A. meeting for Some of our alumni from college joined us along with some new faces. The meeting encompassed a discussion and reflection with Fr. Seraphim about the then recent Charlie Hebdo event in Paris and other global issues. We are now in full swing with our Sights and Sounds practices every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We will be participating in Greek Play, Greek Dance, American Singing and Chorale Speaking. We also have several individual performances along with lots of art entries. On Saturday, January 10 th, both the Jr. and Sr. Girls volleyball teams played in the year-end tournament in Tenafly. Their drive, determination and big hearts were apparent in their success at the tournament. Both teams were seeded in 5 th place, but they brought their A game that Saturday. The Jr. team showed true grit throughout the tournament by playing with only 5 players against 6-player teams and being penalized for only having 5 players. Even when they were down, they fought hard to stay in the tournament and make it to the semi-finals! The Sr. team also played extremely well and left their mark on the court. Even when they were behind by 8 points in the second game of the match, with their Spartan attitude they fought back and pushed the top team from Clifton to a third game in the semi-finals! Both teams finished the tournament tied for 3 rd place. We should be extremely proud of both the Jr. and Sr. Girls volleyball teams on their tremendous accomplishment this year! Congratulations on an awesome season! Our Greek dance group was invited to participate in the International Festival at Hartshorn School on Thursday, January 22 nd in Short Hills. A small group danced at the school festival to share a little of our Greek culture that evening. It was a nice evening and the kids from Hartshorn School enjoyed dancing with our GOYAns. We had our first Lock-In, which took place on Friday evening, January 23rd into Saturday morning. Friday night featured an interesting and engaging conversation with Father Seraphim. Several topics were discussed, such as the symbolism of many items used during the Divine Liturgy, an explanation of why we do what we do during the Divine church services and Feminism in the world today as well as the church s view on Feminism. The rest of the evening was spent participating in several bonding activities that encouraged everyone to use teamwork to successfully complete the activities. We spent the night sleeping over in the gym, with the plan of heading to the NJ Food Bank the next morning, but because of the snow on Saturday morning, our trip was cancelled by the Food Bank. Many of our G.O.Y.Ans will be supporting the Tenafly G.O.Y.A on their annual White Out Cancer event that was held on Friday, January 30 th. In February The Roseland G.O.Y.A will be staying busy with practices for Sights and Sounds. A fun snow tubing outing will also take place sometime during the month and we are looking to reschedule our trip to the local Food bank to do some community service work. In March Our G.O.Y.Ans will be competing at the Sights and Sounds competition in Westfield on Saturday, March 7 th. We pray that our groups do well in everything they are competing in!! After the Sights and Sounds competition, we usually plan a day trip to a monastery to help us refocus for the Lenten season. We would like to Thank the entire Church community, our advisors and all of our parents for your continued support! 23

24 Pews & Stasidia Below is a list of donors for the Pews & Stasidia. The names of donors will be placed on a bronze plaque in the rotunda. Please review the list to ensure the accuracy of the spelling of your name and advise us of any corrections and/or omissions. Call Edlin at the church office by 3/31/15. This is the FINAL deadline. Adams, Peter & Thelma Alto Gallery Anatasiades, Dr. Athos & Tina Andreou Family Antonacos, Dr. Spiros Antoniou, Andreas & Jennie Apostolopoulos, George & Zafiro Berwind, Joe & Laura Buclary, Paul & Helen Chambous, Haroula & Elena Chambous, John & Alexandra Charalambous, Alex & Dina Costeas, Drs. Constantinos & Sofia Coulombe, David & Lorie Dagiantis, Athanasia Dagiantis, Bill & Maria Daniskas, Dr. Efthymios & Athanasia Demetriou, Dimitrios & Margie Diamandas, Steve & Mary Dionisos, Takis & Betty Epitropakis, George & Maria Epitropakis, John & Lainie Evco, Evan Georgousis, Stavroula Georgousis, Theodore Georgousis, Vivian Gikas, Panagiota Hantis, Charles Janulis, Antigone Janulis, Peter & Helen Kintiroglou, Achilleas & Hetty Kintiroglou, Dr. John & Irene Kintiroglou, Drs. Constantinos & Marietta Kontogiannis, Angelo & Helen Kottas, Dr. Michael & Maria Krystalla, Harry Maletos, John & Helen Maletos, Stathis & Vasilis Misthos, Dr. Paul & Maria Murray, Brendan & Afrodite Olympic Payroll Kostas Vanikiotis & Nick Vlahos Pallantios, Peter & Harriet Pantazes, Angelo & Ann Pappas, George & Kay Peepas, Theofanis & Helene Pelligrino, Donald & Elaine Philoptochos St. Dorkas Adelphotis Sophocleous, Loucas & Danielle Sophos, Chrisostomos & Athina Stitch & Knit Group Sumas, James & Helen Sumas, Stephanie Theodos, Gus & Mary Thomopoulos, Christos & Stella Tsanakos, Costas & Athena Tsetsekas, Christos & Artemis Tsoukaris, Dr. Steve & Zogra Van Seggern, Peter & Georgene Williams, Panagoulias, Mary, Georgia, & Demetrios 24

25 Choir In February, Jim & Helen Vardakis, hosted a Choir Dinner Party at the Hanover Manor. We all enjoyed an evening filled with friendship, laughter and great food! Thank you Jim and Helen! The Choir has been preparing for Easter. On Holy Tuesday, we will be singing one of the most beautiful and beloved hymns, Kassiani s Hymn. It relates to a sinful woman s agony and repentance. Holy Friday evening the Choir will sing the most famous hymns (Encomia) E Zoe En Tafo, Axion Esti and E Genee Pase. We will also participate in the procession of the Kouvouklion around the church. Holy Saturday, we will sing the Anastasi (midnight) Service followed by the Divine Liturgy. Our Choir is a committed group who enjoy singing the hymns of the church. We welcome new members. Please join us; rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7-8:30pm. Knit & Stitch Come knit with us, come knit and knit away! Every Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. (weather permitting, of course). The past few weeks our group has not met due to the inclement weather but we have been busy knitting at home. Again, this year s features will include new and exciting patterns. We are pleased quite a few new members have joined the group. Some are seasoned knitters or crocheters and others have just learned to knit and are doing very well. So, do come down on Monday mornings. We re sure you will enjoy the creativity the knitting gives each and every one of us and the satisfaction of making projects for sale and for the ministries we support. Senior s Club We finally started a Senior s Club in our Church. It is held on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is a wonderful get-together for many of our parishioners who have some extra time to meet in an easy environment. Some play cards while other play bingo, some just sit around and talk. Every one brings lunch and the Church supplies salad and coffee. With the cold weather we stay in the small social hall. Once the warm weather returns we will have short social trips. There is no dues, we just want all to have a good time and form good friendships. 25

26 AHEPA On Sunday February 15 th AHEPA held a program in Sumas Hall. The program was presented by Dr.Lazaros Michailidis on American Politics and the U.S. Constitution and was well attended. Dr Michailidis is Professor of Political Economy at Bloomfield College. AHEPA will be holding our annual Fasolada dinner on Sunday March 15 th after the Divine Liturgy service. It will be held in Sumas Hall and all are encouraged to attend. Cost will be $10 per person. In addition to Fasolada, salad, breads and soft drinks will be served. AHEPA meets on the 1 st Wednesday of each month at 7PM in the Board Room of the church. If you are interested in becoming a member, please seek one of our officers for information. Daughters of Penelope March 15 we will hold the second of our annual two fundraisers, our Koulourakia Bake Sale. (our first fundraiser was our Valentine s Basket Raffle). Order forms will be available in the church rotunda. Advance orders are encouraged and can be picked up Sunday, March 15. Questions or to place an order, please Marion Economo: meconomo@optonline.net We depend on these two fundraisers to support our many philanthropic endeavors including, St. Nicholas National Shrine, Penelope House (Domestic Violence), Friedreich s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) Sjogren s syndrome Foundation, (chronic autoimmune disease where white blood cells attach moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease.) University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Vaccine Research, local charities and scholarships. We hope, as in the past, we can count on the support of the Ss. NCH family. March 8 we will be attending a bi-annual District event, Salute to Women at the Pines Manor. The criteria for a Salute to Women honoree includes a woman within the Daughters of Penelope District #5, who is Greek or a Philhellene who has achieved a high level within her profession. Honorees in the past have come from the legal, scientific, educational and public sectors. As always, we welcome new members. See any member of the Daughters for an application. We meet on the first Wed. of the month@7:00 coincident with our Brother AHEPAns. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE #701 26

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