PREPARING FOR GREAT LENT

Transcript

1 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Page 1 TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS PREPARING FOR GREAT LENT The paschal season of the Church is preceded by the season of Great Lent, which is itself preceded by its own liturgical preparation. The first sign of the approach of Great Lent comes five Sundays before its beginning. On this Sunday the Gospel reading is about Zacchaeus the tax-collector. It tells how Christ brought salvation to the sinful man and how his life was greatly changed simply because he sought to see who Jesus was (Lk 19:3). The desire and effort to see Jesus begins the entire movement through lent towards Easter. It is the first movement of salvation. The following Sunday is that of the Publican and the Pharisee. The focus here is on the two men who went to the Temple to pray one a pharisee who was a very decent and righteous man of religion, the other a publican who was a truly sinful tax-collector who was cheating the people. The first, although genuinely righteous, boasted before God and was condemned, according to Christ. The second, although genuinely sinful, begged for mercy, received it, and was justified by God (Lk 18:9). The meditation here is that we have neither the religious piety of the pharisee nor the repentance of the publican by which alone we can be saved. We are called to see ourselves as we really are in the light of Christ s teaching, and to beg for mercy. The next Sunday in the preparation for Great Lent is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Hearing the parable of Christ about God s loving forgiveness, we are called to come to ourselves as did the prodigal son, to see ourselves as being in a far country far from the Father s house, and to make the movement of return to God. We are given every assurance by the Master that the Father will receive us with joy and gladness. We must only arise and go, confessing our self-inflicted and sinful separation from that home where we truly belong (Lk 15:11-24). The next Sunday is called Meatfare Sunday since it is officially the last day before Easter for eating meat. It commemorates Christ s parable of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46). We are reminded this day that it is not enough for us to see Jesus, to see ourselves as we are, and to come home to God as his prodigal sons. We must also be his sons by following Christ, his only-begotten divine Son, and by seeing Christ in every man and by serving Christ through them. Our salvation and final judgment will depend upon our deeds, not merely on our intentions or even on the mercies of God devoid of our own personal cooperation and obedience.... for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and in prison and you visited me. For truly I say to you, if you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me (Mt 25). (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 The Archangel s Call is the monthly newsletter of the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA Phone: Fax: church@goarchangels.org The Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church is a parish under the spiritual and ecclesiastical shepherding of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Mission of the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Salvation through the Orthodox Christian Faith for the glory of our Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are a community of believers who journey towards our Lord Jesus Christ and one another through our WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, SPIRITUAL GROWTH, WITNESS, and SERVICE. We invite all people to join us on this journey toward the Kingdom of Heaven. The Archangel s Call is published on the first of each month. The deadline for submissions to this newsletter is the tenth of the prior month. Layout and production by Cynthia Mitaras Alex Cover Design by Alexandra Roll Published by the Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church, Watertown, MA Parish Ministry Team Administrative Assistant: Lin Themelis Altar Boy Ministry: Ben Clark, George Stefanides, John Kopellas, James Jumes Athletic Ministry: John Kopellas Bookstore: Charles & Maria Patsios, Richard & Ileana Strakus Chantor: Costa Magimbi Choir Director: Cynthia Alex Computer and Internet Ministries: Manny Parasirakis GOYA/Youth Ministry Staff: Dimitra Maniatis, Meropi Sarris, Afrula Karpouzis Greek Language Arts Coordinator: Voula Polychronopoulos Hellenic Cultural Center: Chris Ware Holy Cross Seminarians: Bryce Buffenbarger, Scott O Rourke IOCC Representative: Cathy Lagoudakis JOY Youth Ministry Staff: Kristen Marriott, Mary Lynn Pergantis, Roubina Tziavas Kali Parea" Senior Ministry: Cynthia Alex, Drew Bilillies Parish Nurse: Marion Avtges Philoptochos President: Fotoula Kopellas Sexton: Nicholas Yiokarinis Sunday School Director: Costas Karageorgis YAL Coordinator: Costa Karageorgis His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of the Holy Metropolis of Boston The Reverend Father Athanasios Nenes, Pastor Contact Fr. Athanasios at: Cell: frathanasios@goarchangels.org President: Costa Karageorgis Vice President: George Faggas Treasurer: Nancy Sarris Assistant Treasurer: Frances Levas Secretary: George Kaliviotis Assistant Secretary: Chris Ketcios Stewardship Chairman: John Kopellas Board Members Nicholas Alex Ernest G. J. Anastos Harry Chehames Andrew Colivas Garifalia Davos Charles Kalivas Charles Patsios Costa Zahos PREPARING FOR GREAT LENT (Continued from page 1) We are saved not merely by prayer and fasting, not by religious exercises alone. We are saved by serving Christ through his people, the goal toward which all piety and prayer is ultimately directed. Finally, on the eve of Great Lent, the day called Cheesefare Sunday and Forgiveness Sunday, we sing of Adam s exile from paradise. We identify ourselves with Adam, lamenting our loss of the beauty, dignity and delight of our original creation, mourning our corruption in sin. We also hear on this day the Lord s teaching about fasting and forgiveness, and we enter the season of the fast forgiving one another so that God will forgive us. If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses (Mt 6:14-18). Visit Our Taxiarchae Website Our site is updated every week!

3 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Page 3 Η ΔΥΝΑΜΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΓΧΩΡΗΤΙΚΟΤΗΤΑΣ Η Συγχώρηση προϋποθέτει τη συνείδηση της ενοχής. η συναίσθηση εκείνη που μας λέει ότι με τις Τ πράξεις μας, τις παραλείψεις μας, τις νοοτροπίες μας και τις συμπεριφορές μας βλάψαμε τους άλλους και πικράναμε τον Θεό. Διαταράξαμε την τάξη, την οποία ο Θεός έθεσε μέσα μας και γύρω μας. Από εδώ λοιπόν, πηγάζει αυθόρμητα η εσωτερική ανάγκη της απαλλαγής από το βάρος της ενοχής και της αμαρτίας, δηλαδή, η συγχώρηση. Χρειαζόμαστε την συγχώρηση, γιατί είμαστε άνθρωποι. Γιατί η φύση μας είναι ατελής και λανθάνει συνεχώς. Ο ιερός Χρυσόστομος τονίζει ότι και οι νόμοι γνωρίζουν να συγχωρούν τα αναπόφευκτα, αφού το να κάνουμε λάθη και να πέφτουμε σε πλάνη είναι ανθρώπινo. Κάποιοι ισχυρίζονται ότι για να μάθουμε να συγχωρούμε, θα πρέπει να αγνοήσουμε τα λάθη των άλλων που μας πλήγωσαν. Θα πρέπει να ξεχάσουμε τα σφάλματα αυτών που μας ζημίωσαν. Αυτό όμως δεν μπορεί να συμβεί. Γιατί είναι αδύνατο να σβήσουμε ολοκληρωτικά τη μνήμη μας και να διαγράψουμε τη λογική μας. Άλλωστε, θυμόμαστε πράγματα που δεν θέλουμε και αδυνατούμε να παραβλέψουμε την πραγματικότητα την οποία ζούμε. Είναι ανέφικτο να αγνοούμε το κακό που μας ταλαιπωρεί διαρκώς. Με τη συγχώρηση δεν σβήνουμε το κακό. Καταλαβαίνουμε όμως, πως αυτό μας εξαπατά και μας παραπλανά και έτσι μπορούμε να παλέψουμε εναντίον του. Με τη συγχώρηση μπορούμε να καθαρίσουμε τη μνήμη από την εμπάθεια της καρδιάς μας και να διαχωρίσουμε την ορθή και αντικειμενική κρίση από την κατάκριση και τον κάθε είδους αρνητισμό. Αλλά και εδώ ο δρόμος φαίνεται να είναι μακρύς και δύσκολος, σκληρός και οδυνηρός. Και εδώ οι παγίδες είναι πολλές και ποικίλες. Κάποτε η συγχώρηση γίνεται εξωτερική και τυπική και απέχει πολύ από το βάθος των καρδιών ημών. Άλλοτε, πάλι, παρά τα όσα ισχυριζόμαστε στους άλλους, υποκαθιστούμε τη συγχώρηση με την περιφρόνηση και την κρυμμένη εχθρότητα. Κάποιες άλλες φορές θέτουμε στη συγνώμη μας όρια και προϋποθέσεις, κρατούμενα και υπολογισμούς. Η συγχωρητικότητα είναι η πληγωμένη αγάπη που δίνει πάντα ευκαιρίες για μια καινούργια αρχή. Είναι η δύναμη που ανανεώνει την εμπιστοσύνη μας για τους άλλους, αφού προσπαθεί να τους κατανοεί και να τους αποδέχεται. Ό Το αδιέξοδο της μνησικακίας ποιος δεν συγχωρεί, γκρεμίζει τη γέφυρα από την οποία θα χρειαστεί κάποτε να περάσει και ο ίδιος. Οδηγεί της καθημερινές διαπροσωπικές του σχέσεις σε αδιέξοδο και διάλυση. Ποια, άραγε, ανθρώπινη σχέση δεν περνάει κρίση; Πώς μπορούμε να κρατήσουμε αδιάσπαστη τη συζυγία, την οικογένεια, τη φιλία, τη συνεργασία; Πώς μπορούμε να διαφυλάξουμε την ανθρώπινη σχέση και τον πνευματικό σύνδεσμο, ώστε να μην παγώσουν και διαλυθούν, αν δεν μάθουμε να συγχωρούμε; Ο δυνατός λόγος του ιερού Χρυσοστόμου και πάλι μας καθοδηγεί: Έχεις αδικηθεί πολύ και στερήθηκες πολλά εξαιτίας κάποιου, κακολογήθηκες και ζημιώθηκες σε πολύ σοβαρά θέματα σου και γι αυτό θέλεις να δείς να τιμωρείται ο αδελφός σου; Και εδώ πάλι είναι χρήσιμο να τον συγχωρήσεις. Γιατί, εάν θελήσεις εσύ ο ίδιος να εκδικηθείς και να επιτεθείς εναντίον του είτε με τα λόγια σου, είτε με κάποια ενέργειά σου, η με την κατάρα σου, ο Θεός όχι μόνο δεν θα επέμβει και αυτού εφόσον εσύ ανέλαβες την τιμωρία του αλλά επι-πλέον θα σε τιμωρήσει ως θεομάχο. Άφησε τα πράγματα στον Θεό. Αυτός θα τα τακτοποιήσει πολύ καλύτερα απ ο,τι εσύ θέλεις. Και όμως, αγαπητοί αδελφοί, συχνά διαπιστώνουμε πόσο αβυσσαλέο είναι το μίσος και οι κακίες μας. Πόσο βαθιά ριζωμένα είναι στην καρδιά μας το πάθη και οι αδυναμίες μας. Εδώ ακριβώς κατανοούμε την ουσία και τη δύναμη του κακού. Συνειδητοποιούμε ότι, όσο και αν προσπαθήσουμε, δεν θα μπορέσουμε να υπερνικήσουμε το κακό μόνοι μας. Μόνο αν στραφούμε στην αγκαλιά του Θεού, αν του ζητήσουμε με πίστη το έλεος και τη χάρη Του, θα συγχωρεθούμε και θα συγχωρέσουμε. Θα πάρουμε το δώρο του Θεού, την άφεση, και θα ζήσουμε τη λύτρωση. Αμήν.

4 Page 4 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 THE INSTALLATION OF FR. ATHANASIOS NENES PROISTAMENOS OF THE TAXIARCHAE/ARCHANGELS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH JANUARY 18, 2014

5 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Page 5 From Father Athanasios ÄÏÎÄ ÔÏ ÈÅÙ ÊÁÉ ÐÁÍÔÁ ÅÍÅÊÅÍ Glory to God for All Αδέλφια mου! Με την Χάρη του Θεού, διορίστηκα προϊστάµενοςεφηµέριος αυτής της ευλογηµένης κοινότητας των Παµεγίστων Ταξιαρχών του Watertown MA. Συναισθήµατα µεγάλης χαράς και συγκίνησης µε διακατέχουν, µιας που αναλαµβάνω ποιµένας µιας τόσο ευλογηµένης και καλλιεργηµένης πνευµατικά κοινότητας που φέρει µια µεγάλη πνευµατική κληρονοµιά, µιας που, σµιλεύτηκε από τους προκατόχους µου Ιερείς, τον αείµνηστο π. Εµµανουήλ Μεταξά, τον π. Θεόδωρο Μπάρµπα και τον π. Δηµήτριο Τόνια. Ευχαριστώ ιδιαιτέρως όλους σας και τον καθένα σας προσωπικά, για την υποδοχή που οργανώσατε για εµένα, την περασµένη Κυριακή. Σκοπός µου είναι να σας γνωρίσω όλους από κοντά, να ευλογήσω τα σπίτια σας και τις οικογένειές σας και να ανταµώνουµε όλοι µαζί σαν µία οικογένεια κάθε Κυριακή και σε κάθε ακολουθία. Θα ήθελα να προσεύχεστε για µένα, για αυτή την Διακονία µου, ώστε ο Πανάγαθος Θεός να µας κρατά ενωµένους στο Άγιο Όνοµά Του σαν µια οικογένεια! Ο εφηµέριός σας, π. Αθανάσιος Νένες My beloved! With the Grace of God, I have been assigned as your parish priest of the Taxiarchae parish. Emotions of joy fill my heart, since I have become a pastor of this blessed and spiritually cultivated parish, succeeding Fr. Emmanuel Metaxas of blessed memory, Fr. Ted Barbas and Fr. Demetrios Tonias, who through their faith and dedication to God, worked hard for the spiritual growth of this parish! Glory be to God! I would like to thank you all for your love that you showed to me this past Sunday and for the welcome luncheon, which was prepared for me with much eagerness and love. I am deeply grateful for that! Please keep that love with the same zeal and deep faith in God for our beautiful Parish and Ministries. Also, keep me in your prayers so that God, through His Grace, may strengthen me in my ministry as your spiritual Father in our great parish. I look forward to meeting you and blessing your families but mostly, to gather with you, through the main Sacrament of the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and weekdays, to experience the Kingdom of Heaven and become one family, one body with Christ! Your Parish Priest, Fr. Athanasios Nenes

6 Page 6 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Philoptochos Chapter of the Good Samaritan Member of the National Ladies Philoptochos Society Vasilopita Sunday was a huge success. Many of our members brought in delicious Vasilopites from their family recipes, what a treat for our community. Thanks to everyone who baked and helped serve. We collected $130 for Saint Basil Academy in New York. The Saint Basil Academy is a national not-forprofit philanthropic center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which provides love, shelter, food, education, protection and a home for orphans, children of chronically ill or destitute parents or children from broken homes. The National Philoptochos is the major financial donor. This time of year marks the beginning of our Annual Philoptochos Membership Drive. Please consider joining or renewing your Membership for Membership forms will be mailed. If you did not receive one, please Artemis Tingos at atingos18@gmail.com. The mission of the Philoptochos is to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family and to promote our Orthodox faith and traditions. The Philoptochos is dedicated to serving the needs of our church family, our local community and the world around us with love and compassion. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to share your gifts and talents while serving others but also a great way to make new and lasting friendships while doing God s work. All women are invited to join this worthy ministry of our church. Paint Night Please join us on Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 for Fun and Painting. Come create a masterpiece while making new friends and catching up with old friends. Cost is $30, this includes all materials, you will take home your own painting and we will provide refreshments. Please R.S.V.P. to Fotoula Kopellas at jfbakopellas@gmail.com. We have a limit of 60. Fotoula Kopellas Philoptochos President Taxiarchae Philoptochos Paint Night Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 Please join us on Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 PM for a Paint Night, where a performing artists will guide you in painting the shown selected scene. At the end of the night you will be amazed at what YOU have created. We will provide everything you need: canvas, paints, brushes and even a smock. You just bring your fun loving friends! There will be refreshments to keep spirits high and inhibitions to a minimum to make sure your inner Picasso is unleashed! Registration is required. There are a limited number of available seats. The cost is $30 per person which includes all materials, refreshments and your painting to take home and enjoy! To register, please Fotoula Kopellas at jfbakopellas@gmail.com.

7 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Page 7 Dear Parish Family, I am humbled and privileged to be selected again as our Parish Council President for this year. Richard Strakus, John Analambidakis and Bill Souris will be rotating off the Parish Council. I would like to thank them for their hard work and many years of service. I would like to welcome new Parish Council members Gigi Davos, John Kopellas and Charlie Patsios. The officers for the 2015 Parish Council are listed in this bulletin. All the Parish Council members look forward to working with Fr. Nenes and every member of our Parish to continue to improve our Church both spiritually and physically. If you have not done so already, please contact the Church office to set up a date and time for Fr. Nenes to come and bless your homes. It will be a great way to start developing a personal relationship with him. I would like to thank everyone for their generous offerings to our Church during the Christmas season and to those who submitted their 2015 Stewardship Pledge cards on Stewardship Sunday. We need everyone s help. We will be busy this month with the weeks leading up to the great and Holy Lent. Please review the calendar in this bulletin so you can attend as many events as possible. As always I thank you for all of your support in working together to help our beloved Church. May God bless you and your families! Costa Karageorgis At our Bookstore... Fallen Asleep in the Lord Remember in your prayers our brothers and sisters who passed from this life October 31 Stephen C. Athas November 2 George Moutafis November 22 Charles Alex December 16 Angelo Jaravinos January 5 Katherine Arvanitis January 11 Athena Tagarelis January 12 Vasiliki Boustris January 15 E. Stacy Stevenson Maravell Eternal be their memory Αιωνία η Μνήμη March 6 - Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss - 10 AM at Brigham House. Come celebrate one of the most famous children's authors Dr. Seuss We will have music, cra s, stories and surprises. Don't miss this event for preschool age children and younger. Call or e mail watertownfamilynetwork@gmail.com to reserve your spot. For more information on the many programs of the Watertown Family Network call or watertownfamilynetwork@gmail.com Guide to the Divine Liturgy Robert Krantz Yiayias and Papous, Mothers and Fathers, would you like to have a better understanding of what is happening during the Divine Litrugy? Would you like your children and grandchildren to understand the Divine Liturgy and help them stay in the faith? Do you know someone who is thinking of converting to Orthodoxy and would want to know more about the service? This book is a guide to what is happening and why it is happening during the entire Divine Liturgy. You can take this book with you to church and follow along! On the right hand side of the book is the Divine Liturgy in Greek and English. On the left side, we explain what is happening and why it is happening. Learn what an Antiphon is, what The Creed is and why we say it, what parts of the Liturgy are from the Bible, why the service is separated into Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Faithful, what the Trisagion hymn is and why it is in the service, why we believe there are angels present during the Divine Liturgy and much, much more! Available at our bookstore on Sunday mornings for $20, or call the office for more information.

8 Page 8 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Great Fun, Friends & Entertainment Friday, February 13, PM 10:30 PM at the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church Watertown, MA Donation: $10 (includes slice of pizza and a soda) Volunteers Needed for Valentine s Dance Looking for help with: Donations of food (pizza, chips, sodas, napkins, cups) Setup and Decorations Ticket Sales Chaperones Non parent, older siblings, cousins, friends of family, etc. Please me directly at with your availability: dimitraman28@gmail.com. Dimitra Maniates, GOYA Advisor Harris J. Booras Chapter #406 The AHEPA Harris J. Booras Chapter #406 once again welcomes Father Athanasios Nenes to the Taxiarchae parish. AXIOS! Our regular meeting will take place on Thursday, February 12, with social hour at 7 PM, followed by meeting at 7:30. Items on the agenda are: processing of membership applications and initiation, finalization of plans for the Apokreatiko/Valentine s Glendi and other chapter activities. Our APOKREATIKO/VALENTINE S GLENDI will be held on Saturday, February 14 from 7 PM to 12:30 AM at the Metaxas Hall of the Hellenic Cultural Center. There will be plenty of tasty appetizers and food, including vegetable trays, tyropitakia, spanakopitakia, loucaniko, meatballs, meat, wine, refreshments, coffee and desserts, by caterer Thomas Fotis. Enjoy listening and dancing to the music of Kosta Koutsis and Thanasi Kotsias Ensemble, and DJ music by Nick Yiokarinis. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate Meatfare/Apokreas Saturday. Admission is only $25 per person. For information and reservations call Thanasi Vulgaropulos. Don t forget: wearing appropriate carnival costumes is encouraged! The AHEPA District Scholarship applications will soon be available. If you have any children or grandchildren who are attending college or will be attending college in September, please inform A. Vulgaropulos so that he may secure scholarship applications. The Seniors Drop-In Center is continuing every Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM, mainly playing tavli (backgammon). Bowling takes place on Wednesdays. For information call Demetri Tsatsarones. We urge all members to inform our officers of their news, suggestions and proposals. Also, let us know if a brother is sick or in need. Contact Numbers: Adam Zapris Athanasi Vulgaropulos Demetri Tsatsarones Costa Lagos AHEPA S APOKREATIKO GLENDI Saturday, February 14 7 PM 12:30 AM At the Hellenic Cultural Center Taxiarchae Church, Watertown, MA Music by Kosta Koutsis and Thanasi Kotsias Ensemble and DJ Nick Yiokarinis Full Appetizer Menu Dessert, Coffee and Refreshments $25 per person For reservations contact Thanasi Vulgaropulos at WEAR YOUR FAVORITE CARNIVAL COSTUME!

9 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Page 9 Το Ελληνικό Σχολείο Την Πέµπτη 8 Ιανουαρίου και Σάββατο 10 Ιανουαρίου οι µαθητές και µαθήτριες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου µε χαρά καλοσώρισαν τον Πάτερ Αθανάσιο! Αµέσως µετά έγινε η κοπή της Βασιλόπιτας. Το σχολείο µας εόρτασε την ηµέρα των Τριών Ιεραρχών και την ηµέρα των Ελληνικών Γραµµάτων στις 25 Ιανουαρίου στην εκκλησία µας, και 1 Φεβρουαρίου στο Μαλιώτιο Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο. Συγχαρητήρια στους µαθητές και µαθήτριες που όπως πάντα έδωσαν το καλλίτερο εαυτό τους και µε οµιλίες και ποιήµατα όλοι µαζί τιµήσαµε τους τρείς µεγάλους φωστήρες της τρισηλίου θεότητος το Βασίλειο το Μέγα, το Γρηγόριο το Ναζιανζηνό και τον Ιωάννη το Χρυσόστοµο και παράλληλα την εορτήν των Ελληνικών Γραµµάτων. Το σχολείο µας το αντιπροσώπευσε στο Μαλιώτιο ο Γιώργος Λουµπρίνης, η Παρασκευή Παπούλια και η Αγγελική Καρτσαγκούλη. Ευχαριστούµε τα παιδιά για την συµµετοχή τους και συγχαρητήρια για την τέλεια απόδοσή τους. WINTER VACATION NO SCHOOL Monday to Saturday, February St. Sophia s Sunday School as we participate in the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion as a family. Following Holy Communion, Godparents are asked to attend and participate in their Godchild s Sunday School class. Afterwards special refreshments will be hosted by our staff downstairs in the classrooms area. Each teacher has prepared a lesson that relates to baptism, Orthodoxy, the role of a The staff of St. Sophia s Sunday School invite all Godparents to attend the annual Godparent Sunday on February 1st. We ask your child(ren) to invite their Godparent(s) to attend Godparent Sunday and sit together in church You are invited to attend Godparent Sunday February 1 Godparent, etc. Yiayiades, papoudes, aunts, uncles and cousins are invited if a Godparent cannot attend. Great and Holy Lent begins in February and will include the Icon Procession on the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 1st. We will also be collecting nonperishable food items to donate to the Holy Resurrection Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Allston to fill the shelves of their food pantry. Thank you for your help and God Bless you! Upcoming Important Dates through April 2015 February 1: Godparent Sunday March 1: Sunday of Orthodoxy March 1 through April 5: Paschal Food Drive April 4:Lazarus Saturday, Breakfast, Palm Crosses

10 Page 10 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 # of Amount Range Pledges 1 $10,000 3 $2,000-$4, $1,000-$1, $500-$ $300-$ Less than $ Stewardship Summary as of January 26 Total pledges received: $86,176 Total offerings received: $44,611 Due towards pledged amount: $41,565 Thank you to the following stewards who have sent in their 2015 pledges. Our goal for 2015 is $300,000. As of January 26, we have received pledges equal to 29% of our goal. Number of Stewards: 124 If any names have been mistakenly omitted from this list, Largest pledge thus far: $10,000 please notify the church office and we will make corrections in our next bulletin. Εάν έχει γίνει παράλειψις ονομάτων σ αυτόν τον κατάλογο, παρακαλούμε αμέσως όπως αποτανθήτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας και θα κάνουμε τις διορθώσεις στο επόμενο τεύχος. Mr. & Mrs. John Abate Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Ducas Mr. Thomas Agathopoulos Mrs. Afrodite Economos Mrs. Evelyn Alex Mr. Philip Emmanuel Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Alex Mr. & Mrs. George Faggas Mrs. Stella Alexander Mr. & Mrs. J. Ryan Flynn Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Anastos Mr. & Mrs. George Gartaganis Mr. & Mrs. George Andritsakis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Georgantas Mrs. Stella and Ms. Paula Antipas Mr. & Mrs. John Giacoumakis Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Anzalone Mr. Vasilios Gizanis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Avtges Mrs. Helen Haralampu Father & Presbytera Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Hodgetts Theodore J. Barbas Mr. & Mrs. William Hunter Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bitsikas Mr. & Mrs. James Jumes Mr. Joseph Boisvert Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Kacoyanis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Brescia Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kalivas Mr. & Mrs. Aristides Cagos Mr. & Mrs. George Kaliviotis Mrs. Isminy Cagos Mrs. Mary Kanellias Mr. & Mrs. Harry Chehames Mr. & Mrs. Charles Karafotias Mr. & Mrs. George Christakis Mr. Costas Karageorgis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas P. Christakis Mr. & Mrs. Peter A. Karalis Mr. & Mrs. Peter N. Christakis Mr. Nicholas Karellas Mrs.Filipiada Christodoulopoulos Ms. Constance Katsos Mrs. Christine Cokkinias Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Ketcios Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Colivas Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kolokythas Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Colivas Mr. Sophocles Kondoleon Mr. & Mrs. Charles Daskalos Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas J. Kontos Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Davos Mr. & Mrs. John Kopellas Mrs. Mina Davos Ms. Elaine Kotsifas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Davos Mr. & Mrs. Steven Kotsiras Mr. & Mrs. Eft. Deamantopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Koufos Mr. Nicholas Delegas Ms. Angeline Kounelis Mr. & Mrs. Orestes Demetriades Mrs. Evangelia Kounelis Mrs. Karen DiGiovanni Mr. Steven Kourepenis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Koutovas Ms. Angela Kringos Mr. John Kyriakos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Lagos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Lalooses Mr. & Mrs. Scott Lemay Mrs. Evanthia Lemonias Ms. Frances Levas Ms. Lemonia Litopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Brian MacKintosh Mrs. Denna Magos Mr. & Mrs. Rudolf Markic Mr. & Mrs. John Melithoniotes Presbytera Penelope Metaxas Ms. Stella Metaxas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Michael Ms. Gabriela Mitevska Mr. & Mrs. Athan. Mitropoulos Ms. Priscilla Moskos Mr. Evangelos Nichols Mr. Matthew Panos Mr. & Mrs. Ike Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas J. Pappas Ms. Diana Parasirakis Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Patsios Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Patsios Ms. Ellea Polimou Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Racheotes Ms. Nancy Rallis Mrs. Katherine Sakorafas Mr. & Mrs. William Salamanis Mrs. Bette Salimbas Mr. Steven Salimbas Mr. & Mrs. George Sarris Mrs. Lucy Sarris Mrs. Alyce Savas Mr. & Mrs. Eleftheris Savvides Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Sikellis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Speros Mr. Vassilios Spirounis Mrs. Christine Straggas Dr. & Mrs. Richard Strakus Mrs. Kathy Sturgis Mr. & Mrs. Ike Tingos Mrs. Irene Travlos Mr. & Mrs. Dem. Tsoumbanos Mr. & Mrs. Dem. Tsatsarones Mr. & Mrs. Aris Tziavas Mr. & Mrs. Scott Usechek Mr. & Mrs. James Vafiades Mrs. Julie Vahos Mr. Charles Vasiliades Mrs. Iphigenia Vasiliadis Mr. & Mrs. George Vouloukos Mr. Athanasios Vulgaropulos Mrs. Julia Welch Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Costa Zahos Mr. & Mrs. Demos Zevitas g{tç~ léâ ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR MONTHLY BULLETIN Help offset the mailing expenses of our bulletin with a donation of $50 per month or $500 per year. Our bulletin is published monthly, with a combined bulletin for Summer, making a total of 11 issues. For information, please calex@goarchangels.org John A. Abate REALTOR Document Technologies Inc. 204 Second Ave Waltham MA Products to meet every need...and every budget 227 White Street. Belmont, MA Phone: Fax: john.abate2@verizon.net Color or Black & White Copiers & Printers Total Satisfaction Guarantee Network or Stand-alone Multifunction machines

11 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Page 11 ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ - Saturday of the Souls February 14, 21 and 28 Names of the Deceased onomata kekoimhmenùn Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday Schedule: Orthros: 8:45, Doxology, Divine Liturgy: 9:45AM Weekday Liturgies: 8:30 AM Parish Nurse Office Hours/BP Clinic: Fridays 9 12 noon Greek School: Tues & Thur, 4-6 PM; Sat 10 AM 1 PM Choir Rehearsal: Wed. at 7:30 PM (call Director, Cynthia Alex for info) 1 The Publican and Pharisee Triodion Begins Epistle: Romans 8:28-39 Gospel: Luke 18: Presentation of our Lord Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8.30 AM 3 Greek School 4 5 Philoptochos Paint Night p Greek School 8 The Prodigal Son Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Gospel: Luke 15: St. Haralambos Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8.30 AM Greek School Greek School 13 GOYA Valentines Dance p.8 14 SATURDAY OF SOULS Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:30 AM AHEPA Apokreatiko Glendi 15 Judgement Sunday Meatfare Sunday Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Gospel: Matthew 25: NO Greek School NO Greek School SATURDAY OF SOULS Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:30 AM NO Greek School 22 Forgiveness Sunday Cheesefare Sunday Epistle: Romans 13:11-14; 14:4-1 Gospel: Matthew 6: Clean Monday Lent Begins Great Compline 6:30 PM p Greek School 25 Presanctified Liturgy 6 PM Lenten Meal/ Lecture 7:30 PM p Greek School 27 1st Salutations Heretismoi 7 PM p Saturday of Souls Orthros & Div. Liturgy 8:30 AM p.4 Greek School

12 Page 12 THE ARCHANGEL S CALL - February 2015 Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church 25 Bigelow Avenue Watertown, MA We begin our Lenten Journey. Saturdays of the Souls February 14, 21, 28 Orthros and Divine Liturgy beginning at 8:30 AM Forgiveness Sunday Vespers followed by the Forgiveness Circle February 22 6:30 PM On Forgiveness Sunday, all are invited to attend Forgiveness Vespers on the eve of Great Lent. We hear of the Lord s teaching about fasting and forgiveness and enter the season of the fast forgiving one another so that God will forgive them. If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14) At the end of the service, everyone will pick a name out of a basket from those attending, and then pray privately for that person throughout Lent. On Pascha, we will let that person know that we were praying for them. Let us begin Great Lent as a family. Lent begins on Monday, February 23 with the Great Compline Service. Please join us at 6:30 PM. Let my prayer rise as incense before You... And the lifting up of my hands, as an evening sacrifice. Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wednesday, February 25 6 PM Join us for the first Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Following the service., we will have a pot-luck Lenten dinner. An open discussion over dinner on a Lenten theme will also take place. All are invited to join in prayer on these days young and old alike as we begin our journey of Great and Holy Lent. First Heretismoi Salutations to the Theotokos Friday, February 27 at 7:00 PM