THE ORTHODOX L GHT.. the light of the knowledge of the glory of God 2 Corinthians 4.6

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1 THE ORTHODOX L GHT.. the light of the knowledge of the glory of God 2 Corinthians 4.6 Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George & The Shrine of Saint Nectarios Clifton, NJ Winter Issue: December 2013 February 2014 Fr. Peter s Message: Christ comes to us again and again! Some Highlights In This Issue: Fr. Peter s Message.Page 1 & 3 Fr. John s Message..Page 5 Stewardship Update...Page 10 Sayings of Father Ephraim.Page Life of St. Savvas...Page Metropolitan s Encyclical...Page 22 & 31 St. Anthimos Church..Page Christmas Lenten Recipe...Page 18 Church Sacraments Page 27 Support our Sponsors Pages Ministry Updates throughout When Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea, He chose to be born not of famous mother known to the entire world, but of a pure, humble, peasant girl. He chose as his place of entry into this world not a palace, but a cold, damp cave that served as a stable for animals. Who would have thought at the time that this child born of this humble mother in such a desolate place was God Himself? Yet doesn t this very same thing happen again in the Eucharist? The all-powerful Christ, Lord of heaven and earth, who holds the whole universe in His hands, who is worshipped by all creation, removes His majesty and glory which would make Him unapproachable, and comes to us in this Sacrament of Holy Communion, and offers himself in full humility again, under the simple forms of bread and wine. Continued on Page 3 Happy Holidays / Καλές Γιορτές! Fr. Peter, Fr. John, The Parish Council and All the Church Ministries wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Healthy New Year! The Orthodox Light

2 Church Ministries & Church Information The Orthodox Light The Official Publication of St. George Greek Orthodox Church 818 Valley Road Clifton, NJ Phone: Fax: Website: Facebook: Shutterfly Picture Sharing Site: REVEREND PETER G. SOURITZIDIS, PROISTAMENOS REVEREND JOHN P. ORFANAKOS, PASTOR EMERITUS PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS President Kostas Tsanakos 1st Vice President John Foukas 2nd Vice President William Nicholas Secretary John Malindretos Secretary Nicholas Marcopulos Treasurer Dominick Pepe Assistant Treasurer Angela Delaney PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Nikitas Alexiades Sophie Logothetis Jerry Cammarata Steven Manis Spyros Demetropoulos William G. Nicholas Panos Diamandopoulos Christothea Pavlou-Pandazis Steve Drimones Dr. George Scordilis Demetrios Kanellos Efrosini Sullivan Peter Koukounas George Zachos We extend to you a warm and heartfelt Christian welcome! Our parish is dedicated to imitating the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ by sharing the Gospel with our words and living it with our lives. We seek to strengthen and encourage one another in the faith so that we may be equipped to welcome many more into our family as fellow disciples of Jesus Christ. Church Office Hours Daily 9:30am to 5:30 pm Church Liturgical Schedule Sunday Divine Liturgy Schedule Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Weekday Divine Liturgy Schedule Orthros & Divine Liturgy: 9:00am PARISH MINISTRIES Bible Study Fr. Peter Souritzidis & Dr. Peter Salierno Philoptochos President Helga Diamandopoulos Choir Directors Yannis Magiros & Angelo Duvlaris Church School Directors Barbara Pepe, Alicia Pepe & Presvytera Margaret Greek School Chairman Anastasios Koularmanis Greek School Director Joyce Logothetis GOYA Advisors Alexandra Argiris & Sophie Logothetis GOYA Sports Head Coach Michael Halkias GOYA Assistant Coaches Spiro Katechis, George Orfanakos, Nick Mariolis, & Kalliope Vergis GOYA President Eleni Argiris Hope/Joy Advisors Elaine Manoliadis & Angela Delaney Hellenic Music Society Yannis Magiros Orthodox Life Institute Dr. Peter Salierno Kali Parea Tina Stames Chanters Moschos Scoullis, Ross Halkias & Anastasia Pagonis Daughters of Penelope Athens Zambelis Church Secretary Elaine Catsicas Orthodox Light Anthoula Bozios Orthodox Light Sponsor Ads Christothea Pavlou-Pandazis Religious Book Store Irene Houlis The Orthodox Light

3 Fr. Peter s Message continued from page 1 What happened in Bethlehem long ago happens again today whenever The Liturgy is celebrated. Christ comes to us again quietly, humbly, disguised under the forms of bread and wine. Have you ever imagined what would happen if Christ were to descend on the altar with the same glorified body with which the disciples saw Him ascending into heaven? Who of us would dare approach Him? Or if He should offer us His body as it was when it was taken down from the cross on Good Friday? Who of us would dare touch it? Through the great Sacrament of Holy Communion the Lord makes Himself most approachable, even as He did in the manger, and comes to us ever so humbly under the forms of bread and wine. Every time the Divine Liturgy is celebrated, before the actual Liturgy begins, during the service of the Proskomede, the priest prepares the gifts offered by the people, the bread (Prosforon) and wine. These are the gifts that are carried around the church among the faithful during the great entrance. The table where this preparation takes place, to the left of the Holy Altar table, always has the icon of the birth of the Lord on it. In this way we are reminded that the Eucharist is the perpetuation of Christmas. Every time we come to receive Holy Communion, like the shepherds of two thousand years ago we are we are right there witnessing again the birth of the Savior. In celebrating Christmas we observe not only God s coming into the world thousands of years ago; we celebrate also His coming into the world today. This Christmas let us all approach Him and let the Lord be born in the manger of our soul through this great Sacrament. Sharing in this Sacrament unites us with Christ and with each other, with brotherly and sisterly love and renews our commitment for our Christian walk in life. It is the greatest Christmas Gift one could ever receive! His Gift to us. With warm and heartfelt wishes for a blessed Christmas Season and a Happy New Year. +Fr. Peter The Orthodox Light

4 Parish Council President s Message On Thanksgiving, the upcoming national holiday, we are blessed with the opportunity to gather with family and friends and observe a time of gratitude for our lives, for the fruits of the earth, and for the grace of God. There are times, of course, when we are all tempted to feel ungrateful. At such times it is good for us to think about the great things God has done for us. As Orthodox Christians we know and affirm that this attitude of the holidays is not just reserved this time of the year, but it characterizes the life in Christ each and every day. Giving thanks to God, showing our gratitude to Him for His love, is both an act and an attitude that offers a continuous witness to the world of the power of saving faith. Giving to God and being a part of the Church means to be a proactive member of our community, to attend the Liturgy and the various functions and fundraisers. Our recent fundraiser, the car raffle is a great example of such deeds. Nevertheless after breaking even, we must put forth a greater effort and a stronger dedication in the upcoming events so we can raise money to support our church. Through strong participation in our various fundraisers and the stewardship program, we can achieve our goals collectively as a team and prosper as a church. Strengthening our church is a huge task and it takes all of us working together. We are all called to do as much as we can, in any way we can. Let us put our Church first and take good care of her, so that she can be there to take care of us in our time of need. God Bless, Kosta Tsanakos Orthodox Life Institute by Dr. Peter Salierno The Orthodox Life Institute at St.George's Church is alive and well!!! The Institute continues to provide courses that reflect for the student of the Orthodox faith and lifestyle. The Fall of 2013 classes were offered in the study of the Epistles of Saint John the Theologian as well as an overview of his Book of the Revelation the last book of the New Testament. They were chosen for study by the students who had completed a course in the study of the Gospel of John during the previous semester. The Institute tries to study with an integration of scripture with history theology as well as an application to our personal lives and times. Classes meet every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM at the church. Classes will continue in January for Spring semester The course of study will be announced at a later date. We hope to see you at our meetings where you can grow learn and share as an Orthodox Christian. The Orthodox Light

5 Περί Αγιωσύνης υπó Πατρóς Ιωáννου «Καθαρίσωμεν εαυτούς από παντός μολυσμού σαρκός καί πνεύματος, επιτελούντες αγιωσύνην» (Β! Κορ. 7, 1) Μας καλεί ο Απόστολος Παύλος να καθαρίσωμε τον εαυτόν μας από κάθε μολυσμόν σαρκός και πνεύματος, αγωνιζόμενοι συνεχώς μέχρι τέλους είς τον δρόμο της αγιότητος, με φόβον Θεού. Με άλλους λόγους θα λέγαμε ότι ο Απόστολος Παύλος κάμνει εδώ λόγο για το τι είναι οι πιστοί. Τους θεωρεί συγκεκριμένα ώς ναό του Θεού, μέσα είς τον οποίον κατοικεί αυτός ο ίδιος ο Θεός. Είναι φυσικόν επομένως, ο ναός αυτός να μένει αγνός και καθαρός διότι φιλοξενεί μέσα του τον ίδιον τόν Θεόν. Εάν προσπαθούμε να έχουμε το σπίτι μας καθαρό και ευπαρουσίαστο όταν πρόκειται να υποδεχθούμε ένα επίσημο πρόσωπο, πόσον μάλλον θα πρέπει να καθαρίσουμε τον εαυτόν μας, όταν πρόκειται περί αυτού τού Θεού. Εις την πρώτη περίπτωσι την καθαρότητα τού σπιτιού απλώς χρειάζεται λίγη φιλοτιμία και λίγη καλή θέλησι. Εις την Δευτέρα όμως την καθαρότητα τού εαυτού μας, η εργασία είναι πιό συνεχής και πιό επίπονη και χρειάζεται προσοχή και ενδιαφέρον. Ενα και μόνο πάθος, λέγει ο Απόστολος Παύλος ημπορεί να μολύνη τον εαυτόν μας και να μάς κάμη υπευθύνους ενώπιον της θείας δικαιοσύνης. Οπως ακρυβώς συμβαίνει και με τον άρρωστο άνθρωπο, δεν χρειάζεται να πάσχη από όλες τις αρρώστειες, μία και μόνον είναι ικανή να επιφέρη τον θάνατον. Προσοχή λοιπόν χρειάζετε στα αμαρτήματα πού μολύνουν και θανατώνουν την ψυχή και το πνεύμα «επιτελούντες αγιωσύνην» αγωνιζόμενοι είς τον δρόμον της αγιότητος πού είναι μια συνεχής και αδιάκοπη προσπάθεια διά την σωτηρία του ανθρώπου. Oratorical Festival by Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos Our parish has been involved in the Oratorical Festival since its beginning in Throughout the ensuing years we have had many participants at the parish level; many of whom went on to participate in the Archdiocese level of the Festival. Of course, the only category at the time was speech. This year, following the lead of the Metropolis of Chicago, two new categories of essay and poetry are being introduced. Although, we encourage our teenagers to take part in the speech category, we feel essay and poetry will also encourage others to participate in the Festival. Whichever type one decides to do, speech, essay or poetry, the topic selected must be selected from the 2014 Topics. They can be found on the following link: The Orthodox Light

6 Our Greek School by Joyce Logothetis As our Greek School year began in mid September with an Agiasmo blessing, we also welcomed some new Greek School families along with Mrs. Zoe Zevlikaris, our new 3rd Grade teacher. The students immediately began their lessons and preparing for a special OXI DAY tribute in commemorating Greek Prime Minister Metaxas's rejection to Mussolini's troops and all the Greek heroes that fought with courage to preserve and promote freedom and democracy ultimately for around the world. Following a wonderful performance in the church with all of our students in Pre-K through 6th, everyone proceeded in the lower hall and enjoyed pizza, (graciously donated by Grimaldi's of Clifton), cake, and refreshments. On Saturday, October 26th, our annual Greek School Harvest Party took place in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone enjoyed a fun-filled evening of delicious food, prizes, and DJ Entertainment. Sincere thanks is extended to ALL who helped to make it a successful evening. Special recognition and many thanks to our Greek School parents, Mrs. Mary Koularmanis and Mrs. Tina Malindretos, for volunteering to chair this event and for making it possible to have this event for all our St. George Parishioners and friends once again. In December, as the children will be practicing the "kalanda", our Greek School will once again be preparing to host our annual "Christmas Brunch" in the Fellowship Hall following the Church School's Pageant in the church. Everyone in the community is welcomed to enjoy brunch and a special visit from Santa Claus! In honor of The Feast Day of The Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day in January, the Greek School students will have prepared for our annual Greek Cultural Exhibit. All are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall during coffee hour and visit each grade level's special prepared exhibit as the students celebrate and honor our Greek faith, culture and heritage. On behalf of our Greek School Board, Teaching Staff, and Students, we wish all of our fellow St. George Parishioners and Friends a very blessed holiday season filled with health, happiness, and love. The Orthodox Light

7 Greek School Pictures Celebrating OXI Day (October 28).proud of our teachers and our kids for continuing to honor and remember this important day in our Greek History!! The Orthodox Light

8 Greek School Pictures Fun was had by all in a safe environment surrounded by teachers, parents and many kids! The Orthodox Light

9 Beefsteak Dinner The night of October 5th our church held it s first Beefsteak Dinner. The event was chaired by Dr. George Scordilis and it was a great success! And to many more! Kai Tou Xronou! Many Gift Baskets were raffled off and the Door Prize was a Flat Screen TV The Food was Catered by Nightingale Catering The Orthodox Light

10 Stewardship by Barbara Pepe Are you ready for the new year that s right around the corner? As Orthodox Christians we all understand that the STEWARDSHIP 2013 responsibility of Stewardship belongs to each and every one MOVES INTO 2014! of us! It is not only up to the person or family sitting next to us in Church to give of their time, talent and treasure it s also up to us! Too often in a Church setting we hear people say, They should do this.they should do that but who is they.we ARE! Every parishioner needs to: -Make an annual Stewardship pledge -Fulfill that annual Stewardship pledge -Participate in the ministries of the Church -Offer assistance at Church functions -Share your talents to help others -Attend Church regularly -Get to know your fellow parishioner -Use your energy to help others Time for the TOUGH question: Have you made and fulfilled your pledge for 2013? If not, there is still time for you to do so Pledge cards can be found in the atrium and in the Church office. Don t miss this opportunity to do the right thing! We need YOU! Our Stewardship icon for 2014 is The Gifts of the Magi and our theme is a quote from St. John Chrysostom A Rich Man is not one who has much but one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever. The Gifts of the Magi icon presents the Wise Men offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ Child. These wealthy scholars and priests of the East endured numerous dangers, and traveled a great distance to offer their treasures to Christ, the newborn king. What a beautiful and meaningful example they set for all future generations, helping us to understand the blessing of giving. As we reflect on this beautiful stewardship icon, let us take to heart the words of St. John Chrysostom: The rich man is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what one gives away, he keeps for all eternity. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Stewardship Sunday 2014 is set for January 12th What gift will you bring for the good of God s Church? 0 The Orthodox Light

11 Ἀπόσπασματα áπό το βιβλίο Γέροντας Παΐσίου Ἀπόσπασματα ἀπό το βιβλίο Γέροντας Παΐσιος ὁ Ἁγιορείτης Νικόλαος Α. Ζουρνατζόγλου Ἐπισμηναγός Ε.Α. ἐκδόσεις Ἁγιοτοκος Καππαδοκία. Όταν προσεύχεστε θα πρέπει να καταβάλετε μεγάλη προσοχή στις λέξεις της προσευχής που διαβάζετε. Εκεί είναι που πρέπει να βρίσκεται η προσοχή σας συνεχώς. Ο νους έχει την ικανότητα να φέρνει μπροστά μας κάθε είδους εικόνα. Τα πάντα μπορούμε να παραστήσουμε σαν πυροτέχνημα στο μυαλό μας. Σε μια τέτοια κατάσταση ενδέχεται να νομίζουμε ότι βλέπουμε ένα όραμα και να πειστούμε ολότελα πως ότι βλέπουμε είναι αληθινό. Δεν πρέπει να το κάνουμε αυτό. Ο νους μας είναι πολύ περισπασμένος. Οι Άγιοι Πατέρες λένε ότι υπάρχουν μόνο τέσσερα πράγματα που μπορούμε να σκεφτόμαστε κατά την ώρα της προσευχής-όχι ακριβώς να τα σκεφτόμαστε, αλλά να τα έχουμε κατά νου. Αυτά είναι ο θάνατος, η έσχατη κρίση, ο παράδεισος και η κόλαση. Translation: When you pray you should pay great attention to the words of prayer you are reading. This is where your attention must be constantly. The mind has the ability to bring forward all kinds of pictures. Everything can be presented like a firework in our minds. In such a situation one might think that he is seeing a vision and be totally convinced that the vision is true. We should not do this. Our mind is very fragmented. The Holy fathers say that there are only four things we can think about at the time of prayer-not exactly to think, but to bear in mind. These are death, the last judgment, heaven and hell. Ἀπό τά παιδιά ἀπαιτοῦσε πολύ σεβασμό πρός τούς γονεῖς ὅποιοι κι ἄν ἦταν. Ἄν ἦσαν πεθαμένοι, ἤθελε νά κάνουνε πολλή προσευχή, ὅπως καί γιά ὅλους τούς κεκοιμημένους. Ἔλεγε: Μέ τήν προσευχή τούς κερνᾶτε «μιά πορτοκαλάδα, ἕνα ἀναψυκτικό. Τό τόνιζε αὐτό: Ν ἀφήνετε μέρος τῆς προσευχῆς σας γιά τούς κεκοιμημένους. Οἱ πεθαμένοι δέν μποροῦν νά κάνουν τίποτα. Οἱ ζωντανοί μποροῦν. Γιά τούς κεκοιμημένους, τόνιζε, νά κάνουμε καί πολλή ἐλεημοσύνη. Ὅταν ἐλεῆτε κάποιον, ἔλεγε, νά λέτε γιά ποιόν τό κάνετε. Νά την πάρη ὁ ἄλλος τήν ἐλεημοσύνη καί νά πῆ «Θεός συγχωρέστ τον». Ἄν ὁ ἄλλος τό πῆ μέ τήν καρδιά του, τό μετράει ὁ Θεός.Ἐπίσης νά κάνετε μνημόσυνα καί τρισάγια. Σκέτο τό τρισάγιο, χωρίς Θεία Λειτουργία, εἶναι ἐλάχιστο. Τό μέγιστο, πού μποροῦμε νά κάνουμε γιά κάποιον, εἶναι τό Σαρανταλείτουργο. Καλό θά εἶναι νά συνοδευθῆ καί μέ ἐλεημοσύνη. Translation: From children require a lot of respect for parents whoever they were. If the parents were dead, he wanted the children to pray a lot for them and also for all the people who have fallen asleep. He used to say: "With prayer you treat them 'an orange juice, a refreshing drink.'' He used to stress this: 'Reserve part of your prayer for the deceased. The dead cannot do anything. The living can.'' For those deceased, he used to stress, we must do many alms. "When you are merciful to someone'', he said, "you say whom you do it for. So the other person receives the charity and says a "God forgive him". If they say this with all their heart, then our God takes it into account.'' Also you should do Mnemosyna and Continued on Page The Orthodox Light

12 Ἀπόσπασματα áπό το βιβλίο Γέροντας Παΐσίου Trisagia services. Plain Trisagia, without Divine Liturgy, is minimal. The maximum that can be done for someone is the Sarantaleitourgo (Fourty Divine Liturgies). It is advisable that it is accompanied with charity and alms. - Ο Γέροντας Πορφύριος συμβουλεύει πως αντιμετωπίζεται η κατάθλιψη Ο Γέροντας Πορφύριος συμβουλεύει πως αντιμετωπίζεται η κατάθλιψη. "Όλες σχεδόν οι αρρώστιες προέρχονται από έλλειψη εμπιστοσύνης στον Θεό και αυτό δημιουργεί άγχος. Το άγχος το δημιουργεί η κατάργηση του θρησκευτικού αισθήματος. Αν δεν έχετε έρωτα για τον Χριστό, αν δεν ασχολείσθε με άγια πράγματα, σίγουρα θα γεμίσετε με μελαγχολία και κακό. Ένα πράγμα που μπορεί να βοηθήσει τον καταθλιπτικό είναι η εργασία και το ενδιαφέρον για τη ζωή. Ο κήπος, τα φυτά, τα λουλούδια, τα δέντρα, η εξοχή, ο περίπατος στην ύπαιθρο, η πορεία, όλ αυτά βγάζουν τον άνθρωπο απ την αδράνεια και του δημιουργούν άλλα ενδιαφέροντα. Επιδρούν σαν φάρμακα. Η ασχολία με την τέχνη, τη μουσική κ.λπ. κάνει πολύ καλό. Σ εκείνο, όμως, που δίδω τη μεγαλύτερη σημασία είναι το ενδιαφέρον για την Εκκλησία, για τη μελέτη της Αγίας Γραφής, για τις ακολουθίες. Μελετώντας τα λόγια του Θεού, θεραπεύεται κανείς χωρίς να το καταλάβει. Να μην αποθαρρυνόμαστε, ούτε να βιαζόμαστε, ούτε να κρίνομε από πράγματα επιφανειακά και εξωτερικά. Αν, για παράδειγμα, βλέπετε μια γυναίκα γυμνή ή άσεμνα ντυμένη, να μη μένετε στο εξωτερικό, αλλά να μπαίνετε, στο βάθος, στην ψυχή της. Ίσως να είναι πολύ καλή ψυχή κι έχει υπαρξιακές αναζητήσεις, που τις εκδηλώνει με την έξαλλη εμφάνιση. Έχει μέσα της δυναμισμό, έχει τη δύναμη της προβολής, θέλει να εκλύσει τα βλέμματα των άλλων. Από άγνοια, όμως, έχει διαστρέψει τα πράγματα. Σκεφθείτε να γνωρίσει αυτή τον Χριστό. Θα πιστέψει, κι όλη αυτή την ορμή θα τη στρέψει στον Χριστό. Θα κάνει το παν, για να ελκύσει τη χάρη του Θεού. Θα γίνει αγία. Πολλές φορές με την αγωνία μας και τους φόβους μας και την άσχημη ψυχική μας κατάσταση, χωρίς να το θέλομε και χωρίς να το καταλαβαίνομε, κάνομε κακό στον άλλον, έστω κι αν τον αγαπάμε πάρα πολύ, όπως, για παραδείγματος χάριν, η μάνα το παιδί της. Η μάνα μεταδίδει στο παιδί όλο το άγχος της για τη ζωή του, για την υγεία του, για την πρόοδό του, έστω κι αν δεν του μιλάει, έστω κι αν δεν εκδηλώνει αυτό που έχει μέσα της. Αυτή η αγάπη, η φυσική αγάπη, μπορεί κάποτε να βλάψει. Δεν συμβαίνει, όμως, το ίδιο με την αγάπη του Χριστού, που συνδυάζεται με την προσευχή και με την αγιότητα του βίου. Η αγάπη αυτή κάνει άγιο τον άνθρωπο, τον ειρηνεύει, διότι αγάπη είναι ο Θεός." Translation: Elder Porphyrios advises how to treat depression. "Almost all illnesses come from lack of trust in God and this creates stress. Stress creates the abolition of the religious feeling. Unless you are in love with Christ, unless you are involved with the holy things, you will certainly be filled with melancholy and wickedness. One thing that can help the depressed is working and interest for life. The garden, plants, flowers, trees, the countryside, walking in the country, the path, all of those things take a man out from apathy and create new interests. They have the same effect as medicine. Being engaged with art, music, etc. is very Continued on Page 14 0 The Orthodox Light

13 Ἀπόσπασματα áπό το βιβλίο Γέροντας Παΐσίου beneficial. However, I give the utmost importance in the interest in the Church, the study of the Bible and the Divine Services. Studying the word of God, one gets healed without even realizing it. Let us not become discouraged, or hassled, and let us not judge things superficially and externally. If, for example, you see a woman naked or dressed indecently do not stay on the external, but try to enter, deep in her heart. She might be a very good soul who has existential quests, which are manifested in this indecent appearance. She has dynamism, has the power to project and wants to attract the eyes of others. Because of ignorance, however, she has distorted things. Imagine if she came to know Christ. She would believe, and she would turn all that momentum towards Christ. She would do her utmost to attract the Grace of God. She would become a saint. Sometimes with our anxiety and fears and bad mental state without intending to and without realizing it, we hurt others, even though we love them very much, as, for example, a mother does to her child. The mother conveys to the child her anxiety about his future, his health, his progress, even though she may never talk to him about it or express the way she feels inside. This love, the natural love, may be harmful sometimes. Not so, however, with the love of Christ, when it is combined with prayer and holiness of life. This love makes a man holy and peaceful, because love is God." December 6 December 12 Winter Season Orthodox Feast Days St. Nicholas The Wonderworker St. Spyridon The Wonderworker January 7 January 17 Synaxis of St. John The Baptist St. Anthony The Great December 25 Holy Nativity January 18 Sts. Athanasios and Cyril December 22 December 24 December 27 St. Anastasia The Great Martyr St. Eugenia The Nun- Martyr of Rome St. Stephen, The First Martyr January 25 January 30 February 2 St. Gregory The Theologian The Three Hierarchs Presentation Of Our Lord January 1 New Year's Day February 10 St. Haralambos The Martyr January 1 St. Basil The Great February 12 St. Meletios of Antioch January 6 Holy Theophany 0 The Orthodox Light

14 Our Church School by Alicia Pepe The fall colors are fading and the air is getting cold which means it s time for a winter update from our Church School! The Church School currently has about 135 children registered in the program. We have already been very busy in our various curriculums, learning about the parts of the Divine Liturgy, the Saints of our church, and the intricacies that make our faith what it is. The children have been enjoying Father Peter s sermon before Holy Communion and it s so nice to see them sitting in the front pews of the church every Sunday. The Church School will be very busy this holiday season, we started with our annual food collection to benefit our local food pantries. Our hope is that our efforts were the start of a lasting way to keep the shelves of our local food banks fully stocked. The food collection basket remains out in the atrium all year long and we encourage our children to continue to remember the hungry. The children are also preparing for our annual Christmas pageant, which will be held on Sunday December 22nd this year. Our Angel Tree will also be going up soon and parishioners are invited to take an angel and return with a wrapped and labeled gift. The gifts will be given to children and young adults under the care of The Resource and Development Specialists in Paterson and will provide them with a happier Christmas. We ask that all wrapped gifts are brought back no later than December 15th. After the holiday season, the Church School will be learning about the importance of Godparents in preparation for Godparent s Sunday on February 9th. We will also discuss the importance of Icons to celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 9th. March is also the time for the Parish Oratorical Festival. St. George has consistently performed well in the various levels of the Oratorical Festival and we are sure that this year will be another success! The Church School has been so fortunate this year to receive donations of two lap top computers, a projector and screen, and a large monitor to use in our classrooms. These new additions to our program will allow us to bring the Orthodox faith to life with interactive presentations, websites, and videos. We are so excited to add this new technology to our classrooms! As we enter into this busy holiday season, we remember that Christ should always come first in our lives and that the true meaning of Christmas is His love for us. May God bless you and your families through this holiday season and the winter months! Give the gift of God to your children by bringing them to Church School! They will learn about God and make friendships that will last a lifetime! 0 The Orthodox Light

15 Church School Pictures Annual Pictures by Grade! 0 The Orthodox Light

16 Stewardship As we end the year 2013, we ask that if anyone has not paid their stewardship, to please submit it. The church has been here for years and with all OUR help and OUR giving, the church will be here for the future generations!!! We need the support of every parishioner. IT IS UP TO US!!! The 2013 operating expenses of our Church are estimated at $580,000. Please prayerfully consider how you can help Saint George continue to operate. Thank you and may God bless you for all of the time, talent and treasure you give for His glory! 0 The Orthodox Light

17 Our Hope and Joy by Elaine Manoliadis Our Hope & Joy got started off to a great start on our annual pancake breakfast. We want to thank everyone who supported this event, especially the Chit Chat Diner and the Shizas Family for their generous donations. We ask that you please bring new Play-Doh cans or playsets starting December into January for our annual drive. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year! The Wellspring: Fresh Ideas for Orthodox Youth Ministry resources 0 The Orthodox Light

18 Christmas Fasting Recipe 1 29oz Can of GOYA Chick Peas (Garbanzos) oz Can of GOYA Small Red Beans Cherry Tomatoes Carrots (scliced in thin round circles) Cucumbers (sliced in round circles) Chopped Scallions Chopped Bell Peppers (one red and one yellow) Chopped Asparagus (par-boiled for 5 minutes, drained and chilled) Put all the above in a bowl and pour dressing over it, mix carefully to coat everything. Refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. Dressing: In a food processor add; Salt, Pepper, White Pepper, White Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a few cloves of garlic, parsley and dill. Our Philoptochos by Denise Cecchini With the blessings, and under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey I greet you with love in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as I pray you are well and in the Lord. As we have began the work of our mission for the Ecclesiastical Year, St. Paraskevi Philoptochos is well on its way to helping our parish as well as local, national and international communities. If it is to help a family or individual in need or to donate to St. Michaels, St. Basil s, Red Cross, Clifton Cares, Eva s Kitchen, The Children s Medical Hospital and various other international organizations our chapter is there to support, encourage, and give. The unity of our organization depends on you, as together we forward the Philoptochos Mission and through the Grace of God, help to strengthen our Churches. As a member chapter in our Metropolis and as the charitable arm of our Church, we are all vital to this process. Philoptochos can only be effective when we work together to meet our commitments to each other and the Church. In keeping with this devotion, our President Helga Diamandopoulos is forging ahead to ensure that our chapter continues the great work that it has done in the past. If you have yet to become a member...please see Anthoula Bozios and join. We need every helping hand to make our mission possible. 0 The Orthodox Light

19 Philoptochos Committees Ministry Connection Committee is under the guidance of Lisa Marcopulos. As we work to bring about unity of all our organizations this committee will be a liaison for that very purpose. If any of the ministries of the community need assistance, Philoptochos will like to give a helping hand in any way that it can. Social Services Committee is chaired by Lola Katsanos. This committee is responsible for helping individuals in our community who have emergency financial need and are seeking help. The Helping Hands Committee will be responsible for developing a program for our community to assist families and individuals that are facing long-term illness and need help with daily chores. President Helga is spearheading this committee. Gala Fundraiser Committee headed by Effie Kambourakis. If you have an idea please call or meet with Effie and share. We need help to organize and successfully host the Gala. Hospitality Committee spearheaded by Fay Papas will host our monthly coffee hour. This committee will also arrange for special receptions including St. Nektarios, Vasilopita cutting, St. George Vespers etc. These events are not small undertakings and everyone s help is certainly appreciated. If you are available to help, please reach out to Fay and let her know. The Sunshine Committee is chaired by Efrosini Sullivan. This committee is responsible for being outreach representatives of our Philoptochos. If a member of our community is ill or has experienced a death this committee will make contact. If you know of any parish member who is experiencing a difficult time please contact Efrosini so that the committee can visit or call. Fun Happenings Committee.you see Philoptochos is not always about baking, serving or setting up. To the membership of this organization it is also important that there be socialization and lots of fun. This committee will be hosting outings to Broadway plays dinner out with the ladies If anyone has an idea please call Effie Kambourakis. The Baking Committee under the guidance of Katy Stratos will once again prepare the Vasilopitas at Christmas and Tsourekia at Pascha. This undertaking is by far one of the most important arms of our Ministry. If you are interested in assisting please see Katy. The Publicity Committee is chaired by Anthoula Bozios. The Committee is responsible for keeping our bulletin board up-to-date. Coordinating with Elaine for any bulletin announcements and taking pictures at Philoptochos events, and soliciting pictures from others. 0 The Orthodox Light

20 Ὁ Οσίος Σáββας Ὁ Ηγίασμενóς υπó Πατρóς Ιωáννου Ο Οσιος Σάββας ο Ηγιασμένος εγεννήθει σε ένα χωριό της Καππαδοκίας που ονομάζετο Μουταλάσκη το 493 μ.χ. Οι γονείς του ήταν πλούσιοι και ευσεβείς χριστιανοί. Ο Σάββας σε ηλικία πέντε χρονών, έμεινε μόνος του, σε ένα θείο αδελφό τού πατέρα του, διότι οι γονείς του διαταγή τού βασιλέως υποχρεώθηκαν να πάνε στην Αλεξάνδρια. Ο Σάββας δεν έζησε την παιδική του ηλικία όπως την ζούν τα άλλα παιδιά. Ο τρόπος, η ενάρετη ζωή, η πίστις του στο Θεό, και όλα τα άλλα χαρίσματα έκαναν όλους να τον θαυμάζουν. Η ζωή του ήτο ένα κάλεσμα θεϊκό πού τον καλούσε να εγκαταλείψει τα πρόσκαιρα, τα μάταια και την καλοπέραση της ζωής αυτής γιά σκληραγωγία, άσκηση αρετής, προσευχή, νηστεία και αγιότητα. Δεν τον συγκινούσαν ούτε τα χρήματα, ούτε ο πλούτος, ούτε οι διασκεδάσεις, ούτε οι πρόσκαιρες ομορφιές καί απολαύσεις. Σε ηλικία μόλης οκτώ χρονών εγκατέλειψε τον θείο του και πήγε στο Μοναστήρι τών Φλαβιανών. Ο Ηγούμενος τον υποδέχθηκε με χαρά και ενθουσιασμό, διότι πρώτη φορά έβλεπε ένα τόσο νέο παιδί να βαδίζει με χαρά στο σκληρό δρόμο της ζωής τού Μοναχού. Οι θείοι του όταν το έμαθαν έτρεξαν στο Μοναστήρι και προσπαθούσαν με κάθε τρόπο και παρακάλια να τον πείσουν να αλλάξει γνώμη και επιστρέψει μαζύ τους. Αυτός όμως ήτο αδύνατον να αλλάξει γνώμη. Στο Μοναστήρι ο Σάββας ξεπέρασε όλους τούς μοναχούς σε αγρυπνίες, σκληραγωγία, νηστεία και ασκητικούς αγώνες. Η πίστις του ήταν τόσο μεγάλη και φλογερή, ώστε από νέος ακόμη έκανε θαύματα. Μια ημέρα βράχηκαν τα ρούχα τού φουρνάρη και τα έβαλε στον φούρνο να τα στεγνώση. Ξέχασε να τα βγάλει όταν άνεψε το φούρνο και οταν το θυμήθηκε, η φωτιά είχε φουντώσει και ήτο αδύνατο να την σβύσει. Οταν το είδε ο Σάββας πήδησε σάν ελάφι μέσα στο φούρνο άρπαξε τα ρούχα και βγήκε έξω ανέθικτος. Ούτε μία τρίχα από τα μαλλιά του δεν είχε καεί. Το θαύμα ήτο ολοφάνερο. Ολοι κατάλαβαν ότι ο νεαρός Σάββας, δεν ήταν μόνον ένας Μοναχός, αλλά Οσιος, με μεγάλη πίστι και ευλάβεια. Ολοι τον εθαύμαζαν και τον εσέβοντο σάν έναν σεβάσμιο Γέροντα. Μετά από αρκετό καιρό θέλησε να πάει στα Ιεροσόλυμα, να προσκυνήσει τούς Αγίους Τόπους και να συναντήσει τούς μεγάλους ασκητάς και μοναχούς γιά να ωφεληθεί απ αυτούς. Στά Ιεροσόλυμα πολλοί από διάφορα Μοναστήρια έτρεξαν γιά να τον πάρουν κοντά τους. Αυτός θέλησε να πάει στο Μοναστήρι τού Μεγάλου ευθυμίου. Ο Νέγας Ευθύμιος τον έστειλε να ασκητέψει στην Λαύρα γράφοντας στον Ηγούμενο θεόκτιστο «Ο νέος, πού σού στέλνω, έχει πλημμυρισμένη την ψυχή του από Θείο Πνεύμα. Να τον διαπαιδαγωγήσης με επιμέλεια, διότι σε λίγο η δόξα του θα είναι μεγάλη σε όλη την οικουμένη...» Ο Αγιος Σάββας έζησε με ταπείνωσι, αφωσίωσι και αρετή. Αργότερα μαζύ με τον Μέγα Εθύμιο, τριανταπέντε χρονών τότε, βαθειά στην έρημο πού ασκήτευε, ο σατανάς τού εξαπολύει ένα φοβερό πόλεμο. Δεν τον αφήνει ήσυχο ούτε στιγμή. Τον ενοχλεί η μεγάλη αρετή του και θέλει να τον διώξει από την έρημο. Βλέπει γύρω του φίδια, σκορπιούς, καί άλλα ερπετά, γεμάτα The Orthodox Light

21 Ὁ Οσίος Σáββας Ὁ Ηγίασμενóς υπó Πατρóς Ιωáννου φοβέρα πού θέλουν να τον κατασπαράξουν. Φοβισμένος ο Αγιος με θάρρος σηκώθηκε, προσευχήθηκε καί όλα εξαφανίστηκαν. Η αγία μορφή και η συμπεριφορά του απέναντι στούς Μοναχούς, η αγάπη και η φροντίδα, έφερε πολλούς κοντά του και το Μοναστήρι τού Οσίου έγινε πολύ εξακουστό. Γιά την προστασία τών πτωχών και τών ασθενών έκτισε μικρά υδραγωγεία, αρτοποιεία και νοσοκομεία. Για να αποφύγει τις φήμες των ανθρώπων άφησε τα πάντα και προχώρησε βαθειά στην έρημο. Εκεί βρήκε μιά σπηλιά και χαρούμενος ξάπλωσε και κοιμήθηκε. Εξαφνα ένοιωσε σαν κάτι πού τον τραβούσε. Ανοιξε τα μάτια του και είδε ένα λιοντάρι πού προσπαθούσε να τον βγάλει έξω από την σπηλιά διότι ήτο δική του φωλιά. Γύρισε ο Αγιος και τού είπε, «αφού η σπηλιά είναι μεγάλη μάς παίρνει και τούς δύο, αν πάλι θέλεις να μένεις μόνος σου, ψάξε να βρής άλλη σπηλιά.» Το λιοντάρι έφυγε και δεν ξαναγύρησε. Η μεγάλη αρετή και η ακτινοβολία του Αγίου Σάββα δεν κρύβεται πουθενά. Αρκετή Μοναχοί μαθαίνουν την νέα κατοικία του καί τρέχουν κοντά του. Ο Αγιος ήταν αυστηρός διδάσκαλος τής ασκητικής ζωής. Η μετάτοια, έλεγε, δεν θέλει μονάχα λόγια, θέλει έργα, θέλει συντριβή καρδιάς, πόνο, δάκρυα, νηστεία και προσευχή. Η αγία ζωή του τού έδωσε την δύναμι να θεραπεύει αρρώστους καί να κάνει πολλά άλλα θαύματα. Σε όλα τα χρόνια τής ζωής του αγωνίσθηκε σκληρά σάν Μοναχός, σάν Ασκητής και σάν υπερασπιστής τής πίστεως. Τα τελευταία του χρόνια διοικούσε επτά Μοναστήρια. Τον χειμώνα του 587 μ.χ. ο Αγιος αρρώστησε για λίγο, ήτο πλεον 94 ετών και ο κύριος τον προειδοποιεί ότι θα τον πάρει κοντά του. Γυρίζει στο Μοναστήρι του και ευτυχισμένος παραδίδει στο Θεό την αγίαν ψυχήν του. Στην κηδεία του έτρεξε πάρα πολύς κόσμος. Πολλοί κληρικοί, Μοναχοί και λαϊκοί, ο Πατριάρχης και άλλοι Αρχιερείς. Τον ενταφίασαν στην Ιερά Μονή της Λαύρας. Το ιερό λείψανο τού Οσίου ευρίσκετο πάντα στην Λαύρα επί βυζαντινής αυτοκρατορίας. Αργότερα το συναντάμε στην Κωσταντινούπολι. Στην εποχή τών λατίνων Σταυροφόρων, τον 13ον αιώνα μετεφέρθει στην Βενετία. Το 1965 αποδόθηκε από την παπική Εκκλησία στον πατριάρη Ιεροσολύμων Βενέδικτο και μετεφέρθει στο Μοναστήρι εκεί πού πρίν από χίλια τόσα χρόνια ευρίσκετο. Η χριστιανοσύνη τιμά τον Αγιο γιά την λαμπρή προσωπικότητα και αγία ζωή του. Ο Αγιος έγινε σύμβολο και παράδειγμα αγιότητος, πραότητος και καλωσύνης, καί ακούραστος αγωνιστής της Ορθοδοξίας. Χιλιάδες Ναοί, εξωκκλήσια και Μοναστήρια εκτίσθηκαν πού φέρουν το όνομά του. Εορτάζομεν την ιεράν μνήμη του εις τας 5 Δεκεμβρίου. 0 The Orthodox Light

22 Encyclical for the Start of the Nativity Fast Continued on Page 31 The Orthodox Light

23 Our GOYA by Alex Argiris Our St George GOYA began another rewarding and exciting year with Holy Cross Day at Asbury Park on September 15. Thank you to Maria Pandazis, Matthew Delaney, Maria Matsakis, and Andreas Loizou for representing our GOYA and diving for the cross. A few weeks later on October 13, the Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant was held at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Mario Sokolic and Christina Panagakis did an exceptional job of representing our GOYA and we congratulate Mario Sokolic for receiving 2nd runner up. The next event was the Harvest Dance on October 18 at Holy Trinity in Westfield. Twenty-two GOYAns from St. George attended this dance which was filled with fun and fellowship. Our first basketball and volleyball games were on October 20 against Fairview. The junior girls and senior girls volleyball teams and junior boys basketball team all enjoyed thrilling victories, while the senior boys unfortunately were defeated. Our GOYA is also participating in a jeans drive that is run by an organization called DoSomething, Aeropastale, and P.S. from Aeropostale. They are all working together to donate gently worn jeans to homeless shelters across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The Paramus GOYA is also participating in this worthwhile cause. All of our jeans will be given to Aeropostale and they will donate them to a local shelter in the community. On November 2, we had our annual bowling tournament and dinner dance. The bowling was at AMF Wallington Lanes in Wallington followed by the dinner dance at Fairview. Additionally, our GOYA participated in Youth Sunday on November 10 by fulfilling the responsibilities of the Parish Council during the Divine Liturgy. They greeted parishioners as they entered the church, assisted with the candles, and passed the trays. Sights and Sounds practices for choral speaking and a Greek play will commence in early December while Greek singing practices will begin in early January. On December 6, our GOYA will be attending a religious retreat at St. Andrew s in Randolph. Furthermore, on December 27, our GOYAns will be celebrating the joy of the Christmas season by attending the annual Christmas dance at St. Demetrios in Union. With its various philanthropic, cultural, athletic, artistic, and social activities, our GOYA is continuing to flourish and grow. Join GOYA!!..in addition to so many fun-filled events, you will build lifetime friendships as well as learn valuable religious and social lessons that will guide you into your adulthood years! Worship, Fellowship, Witness, and Service! The Orthodox Light