THE CANON. Coloring Page HERE WE GO AGAIN. ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH September 2013 Volume 41 - Issue 9

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1 20 Coloring Page ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH September 2013 Volume 41 - Issue 9 THE CANON My Dear Spiritual Children, As the years pass, we have seen that how little by little and with enthusiasm and dedication, your involvement and great love for the Church, has made our Food Festival become a full-force and successful Community Project. People from the community are constantly asking and calling the office to find out when our next one will take place. We are greatly thankful to all the Chair-people and Committee members past and present who have sacrificed their personal time, and with their patience and love directed us in working together. None of this could have happened without God s help and without your love for the Church and working together with each other. St. Paul makes a beautiful analysis of working together by comparing the different parts of the body. The feet are important, the hands, are important, the eyes, ears and noise are important etc. In order for them to properly function and produce, they cannot stand alone, they have to work together. The fate of the Festival depends on you. Its success and growth depends on all of us putting our talents together and working as one body. Its failure could be our negative attitudes. Let us come and work together. In Christ s Love, +Fr. Michael HERE WE GO AGAIN Once again summer was too short and winter will be here too soon. September is the month, which signals the beginning of busy times for everyone. School begins, as do the many activities that keep our children and us busy. We hope that you will make an effort to take time to participate in Parish activities. September is the kick off month for Parish Organizations. Philoptohos meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Hall. The meetings are open to all women in the Parish. The purpose of the Organization is to raise money to support philanthropic projects of the Church, Community Diocese and Archdiocese, and throughout the world. All women are invited to come and become a member and make a difference. Our Youth Programs offer to the youth of our Parish the opportunity to learn their Orthodox Faith, their Greek language and heritage, to inter- (Continued on page 3)

2 2 SEPTEMBER Our church s cookbook will be for sale beginning at our Fall Festival and on Sundays following the church services. The cookbooks are $15.00, payable to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Order yours today by completing the attached order form (you only need the $3.95 additional charge if you want the cookbook(s) shipped. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Orthros 9:15 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 8 Nativity of the Theotokos Orth 9:15 am Divine Lit 10:00 G.O.Y.A. meeting 15 Winter Sch. Orth. 9:45 am D. Lit 10:30 am Sunday School Choir J.O.Y. meeting 22 Orthros 9:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:30 am Philoptochos 7:00 pm A.H.E.P.A. 6:30 PM Parish Council 7:00 pm St Nicholas Greek Festival Have you volunteered? Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Cookbooks make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, showers, Christmas, Mothers s Day, and other special occasions. To order additional copies of this cookbook, detach and mail the order form below with a check or money order to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 2000 Tower Boulevard Lorain, OH Phone: (440) stnlorain@yahoo.com Fax: (440) Mail book(s) to: Please send me copies of Kali Orexi! Welcome to our Greek-American Kitchen At $15.00 each plus $3.95 s/h per book Enclosed is my check for $ Name Address Orthros 9:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:30 am City State Zip Phone

3 18 3 (Continued from page 17) M/M George Georgas Mrs. George Gotsis Mrs. Ketty Atheneos M/M Apostolos Makris M/M Kostas Foularis Miss Valerie Adkins Mrs. Elaine Georgas M/M Zisis Kalivas Monday October 7 M/M Benny Matos M/M Tom Carvour M/M Anthony Antonopoulos M/M Mark Varouh M/M Kevin Cullen Wednesday October 9 Mrs. George Karras Mrs. Beverly Korogianos Mrs. Mary Kallis Mrs. Athansia Vardous Mrs. Olga Delis Friday October 11 Mrs. Denis Antonopoulos M/M Ron Varouh Mrs. Maria Asimou M/M Tom Asimou M/M Anastasios Koutsaftis Mrs. Alexandra Deskins R.T. Deskins M/M Regis Smith M/M Petros Nicolaou M/M Albert Matlin M/M Kenny Asimou Mrs. Helen Fechuch Saturday October 19 M/M Dave Karolak Mr. Peter Mellio M/M Mike Karniotis Miss Sofias M/M Tony Chargaros M/M Dean Shelley (Continued from page 1) act with other Orthodox youth as they worship, enjoy athletics and fellowship together. For those who have children, it is important for them to participate in the services, Sunday School classes, retreats and Family Nights that will be offered to your family, so that the Family may be able to partake and receive the fullness of the Orthodox Faith. Come and join the Church Choir. New voices are always welcomed. Music is to the soul what air is to the body. As David wrote, I will sing unto the Lord as long as I have being. Parental help and support to our Sunday School programs are always welcomed. We are always looking for new people to assist in teaching Sunday School. Without our Teachers and our programs, who will guide our children? Noticing a need for both Greek and English in our services, the first three Sundays Services will be done in both languages, and the last Sunday of the month will be in English. Show your children and friends that you are a good Steward of the Lord by being involved. Join a parish organization, participate in the services, financially support the ministries of the church, and volunteer your time and talents wherever and whenever needed. I am looking forward to working with you. Make this Parish better by becoming an active member. WE NEED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! COME; LET US BE CO-WORKERS TOGETHER IN THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD. +Rev. Protopresbyter Michael C. Gulgas Ieratikos Proistamenos M/M John Geanos Ms. Kirsten Varouh Mr. Chris Varouh M/M George Kamoutsis Marie Chiotis Monday October 14 Tuesday October 8 M/M James Kollias M/M James Pappas Mrs. Mary Korogianos FESTIVAL HOURS DRIVE THRU HOURS M/M George Mehas Mrs. Kathy Plomaritis Mr. Nick Kamogiannis M/M Nick Bardosas M/M Steve Checkouras M/M Vasilios Boumis Miss Andrea Korogianos Miss Barb Gotsis Tuesday October 15 Demetria Lieb Mrs. Amalia Karaboyias THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 3:00 PM 8:00 PM 11:00 AM 8:00 PM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 11:00 AM 10:00 PM 11:00 AM 8:00 PM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 11:00 AM 10:00 PM 11:00 AM 8:00 PM

4 4 17 In the Orthodox Church the liturgical day begins in the evening with the setting of the sun. This practice follows the Biblical account of creation: And here was evening and there was morning, one day. (Gen. 1:5) The Vesper services in the Church always begins with the chanting of the evening psalm: the sun knows its time for setting, Thou makes darkness and it is night (Ps. 104:19-20) This Psalm, which glorifies God s creation of the world, is man s very first act of worship, for man first of all meets God as Creator. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, O Lord my god, Thou art very great O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all. The earth is full of thy creatures. (Psalm 104:24) Psalm 141 is always sung at Vespers. During this psalm the evening incense is offered. VESPERS ESPERINOS O Gladsome Light (Φώς ιλαρόν) of the holy glory of the Immortal Father, heavenly, holy blessed Jesus Christ. Now we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening. We praise God, Father, Son and Holy Sprit. For it is right at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise, O Son of God the Give of Life therefore all the world glorifies Thee. Christ is praised as the Light which illumines man s darkness, the Light of the world and of the Kingdome of God which shall have no evening. (Isaiah 60:20, Revelations 21:25) A verse from the Psalms, the prokeimenon, follows a different one for each day, announcing the day s spiritual these. If it be a special day, three readings from the Old Testament are included. The more evening prayers and petitions follow with additional hymns for the particular day, all of which end with the chanting of the song of St. Simeon: (Continued from page 16) M/M Nick Nicolaou M/Dr. Paul Gentile Mrs. Rita Vandengoorbergh M/M Chris Patsios Saturday September 21 M/M Gus Marzavas Mrs. Thespo Szanto M/M Ted Pappas Dr/M Peter Stamatis M/M John Marzavas M/M Jim Marzavas Monday September 23 M/M Nick Patouhas Wednesday September 25 Mrs. Bessas Mr. Gus Patouhas M/M Steve Stevens Mrs. Jerasimos Keron M/M Brandon Hocking M/M Nick Reppas Monday September 30 Mrs. Petros Sekolopoulos M/M Chris Grumbus Mr. George Fotopoulos M/M Fernado Maskarino M/M George Aslanidis M/M Alex Georgas M/M Chris Georgas M/M Pete Epitropoulos Ms. Dorothy Epitropoulos Mrs. Freda Johnson Mr. Dan Kantelis Mrs. Ula Fedor M/M Dan Eichler Thursday October 3 M/M Sam Anadiotis M/M John Anadiotis M/M Nick Dalagiannis Mr. Paul Karras Lord, I call upon Thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense. And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord (Psalm 141: 1-2) At this point special hymns are sung for the particular day. If it be a Church feast day, songs in honor of the celebration are sung. On Saturday evening, the eve of the Lord s Day, these hymns always praise Christ s resurrection from the dead. The special hymns normally end with a song called a Theotokion which honors Mary, the Mother of Christ. Following this, the vesperal hymn is sung. If it be a special feast or the eve of Sunday the celebrant will come to the center of the church building with lighted candles and incense. This hymn belongs to the very Vesper Service. Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation which Thou hast prepared before the face of all the people. A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and to the glory of Thy people Israel. (Luke 1:29-32) After proclaiming our own vision of Christ, the Light and Salvation of the world, we say the prayers, of the Thrice-Holy (Άγιος ο Θεός) through to the Lord s Prayer. We sing the main theme song of the day, called the Troparion, and we are dismissed with the usual benediction. The service of Vespers takes us through creation, sin, and salvation in Christ. It leads us to the meditation of God s word and the glorification of his love for men. It instructs us and allows us to praise God for the particular events or persons (Continued on page 5) M/M Ted Ristas Mrs. Panayiota Adams Mr. Mike Poulos M/M Bill Tsardoulis Mrs. Maria Glavas M/M George Kalamaris M/M Marc Jackson Tuesday September 24 Mrs. Papouras Mr. Nick Kontos Mrs. Ted Patouhas Mrs. Athanas Mrs. James A. Asimou M.M Chris Kollias Mrs. Lavern Keron Tuesday October 1 Mrs. Angela Vardis M/M Dennis Christo Mrs. Vasiliki Ioanidis M/M Gay Adkins Wednesday October 2 Mr. Nicholas Stamatis Friday October 4 M/M Louis Vlahos M/M James G. Asimou M/M Pete Paradissis Mrs. Dona Miller M/M Jack Huber M/M George Kantouros Saturday October 5 (Continued on page 18)

5 16 HOME BLESSING SCHEDULE 2013 On Monday September 16, Father will begin blessing home. Monday Friday 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday 1:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. (Continued from page 4) whose memory is celebrated and made present to us in the Church. It prepares us for the sleep of the 5 EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS SEPTEMBER 14 night and of the dawn of the new day. On the eves of the Divine Liturgy, it begins our movement into the most perfect communion with God in the sacramental mysteries. Monday September 16 M/M George Asimou M/M Tom Asimou Mrs. Toula Asimou M/M Constantine Gulgas Tuesday September 17 M/M Nick Barbaresso Mrs. Katherine Gargalianos M/M Nick Kostis M/M John Gotsis M/M Larry Kontokanis Please prepare the following for Father s visit: - A table with a table cloth. - A lit candle and a bowl of water. - An icon - And a list of name of the immediate family (living) If you do not see your name on the list and want your home blessed or if you will not be home on your scheduled day or wish to re-schedule, Please call the Office (440) M/M Michael Fine Wednesday September 18 NO HOME BLESSING SCHEDULED Thursday September 19 M/M Al Wallace M/M Tom Demos M/M Kostas Peskiris M/M Konstantinos Antoniou M/M Gus Markou Sia Markou M/M Kris Kramp M/M Norman Porostovsky Friday September 20 Mrs. Marie Carone Mrs. Martha Marshall M/M Chris Psaropoulos M/M Bobby Psaropoulos Mr. George Markou (Continued on page 17) St. Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the Cross of our Lord, about the year 325. A temple of Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgatha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The Venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; St. Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our Salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarios, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the cross, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarios of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo (pulpit) in the Church of the Resurrection {church built over the Tomb of Christ} and when the people beheld it, they cried out, Lord have mercy.: It should be noted that after this discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by St. Helen until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country. Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place. Around the area where the Holy Cross of our Lord was found by St. Helen, was growing a beautiful gren scented plant where because of where it was found was called The King s Plant Vasiliko or Basil plant. On September 14 th in all Orthodox churches, this solemn joyous occasion is re-enacted. The Holy Cross is decorated in a tray filled with Vasiliko (basil), is elevated and carried in procession around the church and taken to the center of the Church. (Symbolic of the procession from the location of the Holy Cross to the Church). Upon reaching the center of the church the Cross is elevated by the Priest, as St. Makarios did at the pulpit and the chanter and congregation chanter Lord have mercy. As our Lord was lifted up on the Cross by His own free Will, may He grant mercy to the new nation named after Him. May He give strength to the faithful by giving us victories over our adversaries. May His Holy Cross be a weapon of peace and an invincible banner. The Icon of the Feast: The icon of the Feast of the Precious Cross tells the story of the finding of the Cross and of its Exaltation. Patriarch Marius is standing in the pulpit elevating the Cross for all to see and venerate. On (Continued on page 8)

6 6 15 Greek Festival 2013 Dear Fellow Parishioners, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 2000 Tower Boulevard Lorain, Ohio Beginning September 5, 2013 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church will be hosting the Annual Greek Fall Festival. The festival, a major fundraiser for the church, features a weekend of Greek food and entertainment attracting nearly 5,000 attendees during the three days of festivities. As part of the festival itself, a SILENT AUCTION is featured where guests make bids to purchase items which have been donated from parishioners, businesses and friends of St. Nicholas. In an effort to continue to expand our silent auction we are seeking donations of various auction items. Some suggestions are: ST. NICHOLAS GREEK FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 5, 6, & 7 VOLUNTEER WORK FORM In order to have another successful festival this year, we will need the members of St. Nicholas to once again volunteer their time. If you would like to help, please complete the form below for the areas and time that you are interested in working. Return the form to the church secretary, or call the church at with your work schedule preference. NAME PHONE I would like to help in the following areas: Gift Certificates, Themed Gift Baskets Examples: Wine Basket, Gourmet Basket, Sports Basket, Spa Basket, Tickets to various events, etc. Kitchen Food Preparation We kindly ask that you consider putting baskets together with other families or friends or something to represent your business. BE CREATIVE!! If you are unable to assemble a basket, we will be happy to package your donated items for you. If you are more comfortable making a monetary contribution for the silent auction we will gladly purchase items for you as well. Upon receipt of your donation and the completion of the silent auction a receipt will be issued to you for your records. Food Line Busing Tables Gyro Drive Thru Pasteries Bar Where ever needed Please check what days and time you will be able to work below A donation form can be found in this issue of the bulletin. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the church office at (440) Gratefully on behalf of St. Nicholas, Your Parish Council THUR FRI SAT SUNDAY CLEAN UP WILL BE ANNOUNCED!

7 14 7 Greek Festival 2013 Silent Auction Form Donor Name Donor Address City ST Zip Contact Person Contact Phone Daytime Evening Title of item donated Description of item Contents include Value of item Items donated will : be delivered to St. Nicholas no later than August 31, 2013 be a monetary donation to the silent auction in the amount of $ be ready for pick up on (date) at (time) from (pick-up address). Name of contact person. be ready for display require assembly Due to time requirement of all Silent Auction items, we kindly ask that all donations be submitted no later than August 31, Return to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 2000 Tower Blvd Lorain, OH 44053

8 8 13 (Continued from page 5) each side of the Patriarch are deacons holding candles. The elevated Cross is surrounded and venerated by many clergy and lay people, including St. Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine. In the background of the icon is a domed structure that represents the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem. This church was one of the churches constructed and dedicated by Emperor Constantine on the holy sites of the Jerusalem. Apolitikion: Save, O Lord, your people, and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to the faithful over their adversaries. And protect your commonwealth, by the power of Your Cross. Kondakion: You who were lifted upon the Cross of Your own will, O Christ our God bestow your compassions upon the commonwealth that bears Your Name. By Your power, gladden our faithful rulers, giving them victory over their adversaries. May your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, and invincible standard. Dear Friends: ST. NICHOLAS FESTIVAL BOOKLET ADVERTISING FORM If you would like to include an advertisement in this year s festival booklet, please fill out the form below and return it to the church office before August 16, 2013 Thank you for your support! Γιά τήν αρετή τού Τά Στεφάνια τής Υπομονής Στά βάθη τής αιγυπτιακής γής υπάρχει μιά αφιλόξενη έρημος. Η άμμος καί τά βραχώδη βουνά τής καίγονται τή μέρα καί τή ωύχτα παγώνουν. Σ αυτή τήν έρημο, στή Θηαΐδα, έζησαν, ασκήτευσαν καί αγίασαν δεκάδες άγιοι τής Εκκλησίας μας. Σκήτες αλλά καί μοναστήρια απλώνονταν σ ολόκληρη τήν έρημη γή, πού οι προσευχές καί οι αγώνες τών αναχωρητών τής έδινάν ζωή πνευματική. Σ αυτό τόν επίγειο, ευλογημένο, παράδισο χώρο ζούμε καί ένας Γέροντας ασκήτής μαζί μέ τόν ταπονό καί υπάκουο υποτακτικό του. Τούς ένωνε η αγάπη τού Χριστού καί μαζί προσπαθούν μέσα από τόν αγώνα τους νά ωρελήσουν τήν ψυχή τούς. Κάθε βράδυ, Γέροντας καί υποτακτικός έκανανα τό Απόδειπνο στήν μικρή εκκλησία τής σκήτης τους. Μετά τήν ακολουθία συνηθόαν νά ανρβαίνουν στό κελλί τού Γεροντά, όπου ο Αββάς άκούγε μέ προσοχή τήν εξομολόγηση τού υπότακτικού καί τού έινε συμβουλές γία τήν συνέχιση τής πνευματικής τού πορείας. Τελειώνοντας τή συνομιλία τούς, ο Γέροντάς έδινε τήν ευχή στόν υποτακτικό κι έτσι ο νεαρός καλόγερος κοιμηθεί. αποσυρόταν γία νά Ο Γέροντας ητάν ξακουστός γία τήν αρετή του καί πλήθη σιστών από τήν Αλεξάνδρια καί από άλλες πολείς πήγαιναν συχνά στή σκήτη γία νά εξομολογθούν καί νά ακούσουν τά παρήγορα λόγια του. Κάποια μέρα έτυχε νά πάει τόσο πολύς κόσμος, πού ο Γεροντάς έμεινε συνέχεια μαζί τούς καί μόνο αργά τό βράδυ, όταν πιά είχαν φύγει όλοι οι επισκέπτες, κατόρθωσε νά ανέβει στό κελλί του. Η κούρασή του ήταν εμφανής, όμως ο γέροντας δέν παρέλειψε καί πάλι τήν ευ λογημέμη συνηθεια. Κάλεσε κοντά υποτακτικό καί κείνος άρχισε αμέσως νά εξομολογείται στόν Γέροντα του. Καθώς ο υποκαττικός μιλούσε, ο Γέροντας εξαντλημένος αποκειμήθηκε. Ο νεαρός καλόγερος δέν μίλησε καθόλου. Σεβάσττηκε τόν κόπον τού Γέροντα τού καί περίμενε νά ξυπνήσει, γιά νά τούδώσει ευχή καί νά πάει καί αυτός στό κελλί του. Πρνούσε η ώρα καί ο Γεροντας, πού είχε πέσι σέ βαθύ ύπνο, δέν (Continued on page 9) Name: (individual or business name) Contact Person: Address: City/State/Zip Telephone: Advertising Page Size: $ ¼ PAGE AD $ ½ PAGE AD $ FULL PAGE AD $ individual listing (name only) Please make checks payable to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Return this form along with your advertisement and payment to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 2000 Tower Blvd. Lorain, OH Phone: FAX: 44O stnlorain@yahoo.com

9 Dear Parents, 12 There can be no greater reward than to come to know God. The major goals of our Church are to teach the Faith, save souls, and transfer our religion to our children and to their children. However, the Sunday School Staff and I cannot accomplish this task alone. It is the sacred duty and responsibility of all Christian parents to see that their children receive proper religious training and that they themselves know what their Faith is all about. Neglect of this responsibility on the part of the parents can have serious consequences for the spiritual and moral growth of their children. Religious instruction must always be reinforced if it is to be successful. Orthodox Christian Parents should teach their children primarily by their own examples. It is of primary importance that they go to church as a family. Religious education taught by example includes regular participation in the Sacramental life of the Church. It also includes working in the Church thereby making it an extension of our own Christian home. Sunday School will begin on Sunday September 15 th. The children are to be in their classes at 10:30 a.m. SHARP!!! Later they will be brought into Church prior to Holy Communion, talk with Father and participate in an Ayiasmos service to begin the School Year. I am looking forward in working together with you and your children. Our Children depend on us. +Fr. Michael (Continued from page 8) ξυπνούσε. Ο υποτακκτικός ακίνητος καί αμίλητος σκέφτηκε νά περιμένει λίγο ακόμα. Εβγαλε τό κομποχοίνι του καί σταυρώοντας τά χέρια στό στήθος του άρχισε νά λέει νοερά τήν ευχή. Η ωύχτα προχωρούσε μά ο Γέροντας δέν ξυπνούσε. Ο καλόγερος άρχισε καί αυτός νά αισθάνεται κούρση καί νά νυστάζει. Σκέφτικε νά φύγει χωρίς ευχή καί νά πάει κι αυτός νά πλαγιάσει. Μά αμέσως άλλαξε απόφαση. «Πώς νά φύγω;» συλλογίστηκε, κι άν ξυπνήσει ο Γέροντας καί δέν μέ βρεί εδώ; Θά τόν στεναχωρήσω. Όχι θά μείνς εδώ. Άλλοστε όπου νά ναι θά ξυπνισε νά λέει τήν ευχή. Λίγο αργότερα η ίδια σκεψη ήρθε ξάνά στόν υποτακτικό. Μά σάν συλλογίστηκς τόν κόπον τού Γέροντα, πού όλη μέρα χωρίς νά παραπονεθεί είχε μείνειμέ τούς επισκέπτης τής σκήτης γιά νά τούς εξομολγήσει, ντράπηκε γιά τόν λογισμό του καί αποφάσισε νά μή φύγει από τή θέση του. Ώς τά μεσάωυκτα ο λογισμ ς αυτός, νά φύγει δηλαδή χώρις ευχή, τού είχε έρθει δύο ακόμα φορές, μά μέ τή δύναμη τού κομποσχοοινιού τόν ξεπερνούσε. Ήδη χάραζε η νέα μέρα καί ο Γέροντας δέν είχε ξυπνήσει. Ο υποτακτικός όμως ήταν ακόμα δίπλα του άγρυπνος. Είχε καταφέρει νά νικήσει τόν πειρασμό τής φυγής επτά φορές συνολογηκά ώς εκείνη τή στιγμή. Τότε ο Γέροντας ξύπνησε από τόν βαθύ ύπνο του καί αντικρύζοντας το ν νεαρό μοναχόμπροστά του, ακόμα ξάγρυπνο στήν ίδια θέση, τού είπρ παραξενεμένος: -Δέν πήγες στό κελλί σου, παιδί μου, νά πλαγιάσεις: 9 -Όχι Γέροντά μου. Πώς νά φύγω; Δέν έιχα πάρει ευχή, απάντησε ο υποτακτικός. -Καί γιατί δέν μέ ξύπνάγες, παιδί μου, νωρίτερα νά πάρεις ευχέι; Ρώτησε ο Γέροντας. -Ησασταν κουρασμέμος από τήν εξομολόγηση, Γέροντα, καί λυπήθηκα νά σά ξυπνησω, είπε ο νεαρός καί αφού έβαλε μετάνοια στόν Γέροντα ανέηκαν καί οίδύο στήν εκκλησία καί έψαλαν μαζί τόν Όρθρο. Στήν συνέχεια, ο Γέροντας είπε στό υποτακτικός νά πάει στό κελλί του νά ξεκουραστεί, ενώ ο ίδιοςε παρέμεινε στ ο εκκλησάκι γιά νά συνεχίζει τήν προσευχή του. Καθώς όμως ο Γέροντας προσυχόνταν, έπεσε σέ ιερή έκσταση. Είδε ξαφνικά μπροστά του μέσα σ ένα υπέρλαμπρο φώς, άγγελο Κυρίου νά τόν παίρνει από τό χέρι καί νά τόν οδηγεί σ ένα τόπο μέ απερίγραπτη ομορφιά. Εκεί υπήρχς ένας μεγάλος στολισμένος θρόνος βρίσκονταν έπτα ολόχρυσα στεφάννια. Ο Γέροντας σάτισε μπροστά στό μεγαλείο του θρόνου καί ρώτησε τόν άγγελο: - «Άγιε άγγελε τού Θεού, τίνος είναι αυτός ο πανέμορφος Θρόνος: - Ο θρόνος είναι τού μαθητή σου, Αββά, αποκρίθηκε ο Άγγελος καί συνέχισε. Τόν τόπο τούτο καί τόν θρόνο τόν έχει ετοιμάσει ο Δεσπότης καί Κύριος, από χρόνο τώρα, γία τήν καλ η του καί τέλεια υπακοή. Μά τά επτά ολόχρυσα στέφανα τά κέρδισε μέ μιάς αυτή τή νύχτα πού πέρασε. Μέ τά λόγια αυτά τού αγγέλου χάθηκε τό όραμα καί ο Γέρονταςσυνήλθε από τήν έκσταση. Αμέσως φώναξε κοντά του τόν υποτακτικό καί τόν (Continued on page 11)

10 Festival Set Up: We will begin setting up for the Festival on Tuesday September 3 rd. Listen for announcements for the time schedules. Everyone s help is needed. No Meetings: A.H.E.P.A September 3 rd. Seniors September 5 th. Seniors: Will be preparing the salad dressing and the gyro sauce Wednesday September 4 th at 5:00 p.m. Baklava: Women will be making Baklava on Tuesday September 3 rd at 8:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and help. Winter Schedule: Our Winter Schedule will begin on Sunday September 15 th Orthros 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:30 a.m. Choir / Sunday School: The Choir and Sunday School will begin on Sunday September 15 th. Memorial Service: A One year Memorial service will take place for Andrew Georgas on Sunday September 15 th. 10 Η Υψωσις Του Τιμίμου Σταυρού : Όρθρος 9:30 π.μ. Θ. Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Σάββατο 14 Σεπτεμβρίου η Εκκλησία μας θά εορτάζει τήν Ύψωσις τού Τιμίου Σταυρού. Παρακαλούντε όσοι έχουν Βασιλικό πού θά θέλει νά προσφέρουν γι αυτη τή γιορτή, νά τόν φέρουν στό πρωϊ αυτή τήν ημέρα τίς 9:00 π.μ. On Saturday September 14 th we will be celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Fr. Michael is in need of Vasiliko for the service. Whoever wishes to bring some please bring it to Church by 9:00 a.m. on the 14 th so he can have time to prepare the tray. Night With Father: Wednesday September 18 th at 7:00 p.m. We will continue religious talks together. We will be discussing a series of talks: Theme: The Holy Spirit In the Church. Refreshments are appreciated. Congratulations to Brandon and Stacy (Glavas) Hocking on the birth of their son Nicholas James, born July 31, Νά μάς ζήση! (Continued from page 9) INCOME παρακάλεσε νά τού αποκύψει τούς λογισμούς πού είχε τό προηγούμενο βράδυ, πού είχε μείνει ξάγρυπνος. Ο νεαρός, αφού συλλογίστηκε λίγο, θυμήθηκε καί αποκάλυψε στόν γέροντα : - «Επττά φορές, γέροντα, μού ήρθε ο λογισμός νά πάω νά πλαγιάσω, όταν εσείς κοιμόσασταν, χωρίς νά πάρω ευχή, μά μέ τή δύναμη τής προσευχής κατόρθωσα νά αντισταθώ. APOKREATIKO GLENDI 2013 Tickets Bar.. Total Income $ Σάν άκουσε τά λόγια αυτά ο Γέροντα θαύμασε τήν υπομονή τού υποτακτικού του. Όμως δέν τού αποκάλυψε τό όραμά του, γιά νά μήν τόν πιάσει ο εγωϊσμος καί ζημιωθεί η ψυχή του. Αργότερα συνήθιζε νά διηγείται τήν ιστορία αυτή καί τό όραμα, σέ άλλους υποτακτικούς καί επισκέπτες τής σκήτης γιά νά ωφεληθούνκαί νά πάρουν τό καλό παράδειγμαα. Ο καρτερικός υποτακτικός δέν έμαθε τίποτε γιά τό όραμα ώς τήν ημέρα πού ο Κύριος τόν κάλεσε στήν αιώνια ζωή. INCOME ST. NICHOLAS DANCE REPORT 2012 Tickets.$2566 Bar.$1086 Total Income $3652 ST. Nicholas G R E E K FESTIVAL S E P T E M B E R 5-7 * * * * EXPENSES Entertainment $350 Food..$332 Bar..$383 Total Income $1065 NET INCOME===============$605 EXPENSES Entertainment $1350 Food.$916 Bar.$376 Supplies.$297 Total Expenses $2939 NET INCOME================$713