July 4th ST. NICHOLAS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

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1 ST NICHOLAS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE ST LOUIS, MO ST NICHOLAS CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER SOUTH 40 DRIVE ST LOUIS, MO Proistamenos: Fr Douglas Papulis (636) Parish Priest: Fr Michael Arbanas (314) Office (314) Fax (314) Website: wwwsngocorg July 2015 Volume 19 - Number 7 July 4th On this July 4 th, we give thanks to God that we live in a land that is free We are in a nation where we can affirm publicly our Orthodox Faith, and we can live openly with the conviction that God has appointed us for a special task We are also blessed with the freedom to go and bear fruit We are able to seek the guidance of God and to determine the best course of action to meet the needs around us, to lead others to salvation, and to bring honor and glory to Him We are also free to offer our lives and resources so that great fruit is produced in the lives of others This land is one which has fostered respect for the spiritual life and for the role of religion in teaching the values that nurture community, peace, and civility In this environment, we offer this and so much more through Christ, knowing that others are free to embrace life in Him and to experience grace and faith in many, and sometimes unexpected ways As we celebrate our freedom to go and bear fruit on this Independence Day, may we remember those who have given so much to establish and protect this freedom May we also affirm the blessings we have in this country to worship and witness through the work of our Church and through our lives so that others may see, hear, and receive the Gospel and experience the abundant life we have in Christ -Archbishop Demetrios of America We can keep guard over the whole world by keeping guard over the atmosphere of heaven within us; for if we lose the Kingdom of Heaven, we will save neither ourselves nor others He who has the Kingdom of God within himself will imperceptibly pass it on to others People will be attracted to the peace and warmth in us; they will want to hear us, and the atmosphere heaven will radiate from us even when we keep silent, or talk about ordinary things It will radiate from us even though we may not be aware of it -Elder Thaddeus of Serbia (+2002) 1

2 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 St Nicholas Servants 2014 Parish Council Dr Andrew Galatakos, President Steve Ott, Vice-President Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer Sakis Salas, Assistant Treasurer Mary Ann Mastorakos, Secretary Nicky Antoniou Yemane Habtu Jonathan Hartley Marilynn Jemas Alexandra Kavourinos Robert Meyer Pete Papadopoulos Fifi Scarato Peter Vaccaro Thomas Whaley Audit Committee Roxana Couternais Peter Lemakis Joe Palazzola Janet Papageorge Mark Vleisides Stewardship Committee Fr Douglas Papulis Fr Michael Arbanas, Chairperson Teddy Hart Michael Ferretti John Koch Mary Ann Mastorakos Steve Ott Michael Pappas Michael Tsichlis Demetrios Tsikalas Chris Varvares Cemetery Committee Pat Johnson William Karides Irene Schildroth Election Committee Roxana Couteranis Lee Hartley Helen Leara Christina Lemakis Tina Paradowski Library Committee James Anno Paul Efthim Pat Johnson Dino Pappas Physical Facilities Church Paul Efthim, Chairman Pat Johnson Dino Pappas Physical Facilities Family Life Center Mike Kamburis Robert Meyer Sam Mezines Nick Tharenos Planned Giving John Koch, Chairman George J Bude Voula Francis Sakis Salas Dan Tarlas Peter Vaccaro Scholarship Committee Barbara Corrigan Denise Karras Peter Takes Philoptochos Georgia Ferretti, President St Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute Michael G Tsichlis, PhD x330 Church School Co-Director Bess Fitzmaurice Despina Hartley Handmaidens Rosie Hartley Dance Troupe Georgia Johnson GOYA Helen Carey Mark & Renee Vleisides JR GOYA Mimi Davis Debbie Palazzola HOPE Presvytera Caroline Arbanas OUR LITTLE ANGELS/CHERUBS -Presvytera Caroline Arbanas In this issue of the monthly newsletter: Parish President message and Planned Giving Flyers/info on Festival donations and volunteering, preparation schedule Flyers on Rental and Catering for the Family Life Center Youth events: Hellenic Camp Sunday School Registration form escrip St Nicholas has a fundraising opportunity where you simply shop and dine out with your registered card, or when you shop from their Online Mall Many have signed up, please take advantage of this program to help raise money for our church Here are a few places to visit: Emilio Pucci Neiman Marcus Bed Bath & Beyond Amazon Macy s Best Buy Cheap OAir escrip Online Mall Website: wwwescripcom 2 Announcements Vacation Summer is here do we forget one home that never takes vacation (God s Home) 365 days of the year (rain, snow, or heat) It is always there Try to guide yourself to come back, even during vacation time -Roxana Couternais Hot What if you had to face 365 days to external life of hot weather! But maybe think of our freedom of worship and a cool mist when you go to the home of God! That he sent his only son down for us to have love humility, togetherness not to go the way of external heat Which way will you go?? -Roxana Couternais Please submit all articles by the 10th of month jenniferengish5674@gmailcom

3 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 PRESIDENT S NOTES Andrew E Galakatos MD PHONE: Galakatos@wudosiswustledu SABBATICAL FOR FR DOUG On 1 June, Fr Doug initiated a much needed & long overdue 3 month SABBATICAL leave that has been granted by the Metropolis of Chicago The first 2 months will be taken in June & July and the 3rd month later this year While Father Doug is away Father Michael will continue to serve the Parish ELECTION COMMITTEE At the General Assembly meeting in March, there was no quorum present to choose an Election Committee Consequently the Church Board passed a recommendation that those currently on the COMMITTEE would be reelected However should anyone decline, then the Committee itself would nominate & invite parishioners to fill the current now 2 vacancies for definitive Board approval The Board wishes to encourage new blood Parishioners to volunteer for that Committee Should you be interested, please contact ROXANA COUTERANIS, HELEN LEARA or TINA PARADOWSKI through the Church office at Thank you CHRISTINA LEMAKIS & LEE HARTLEY for your past work on this Committee WATER MAIN TO CHURCH REPAIR & DRIVEWAY EXTENSION The main water line from the street to the Church may have a significant leak that has to be repaired possibly at Church expense This has to be resolved and repaired before the past described driveway extension is developed tentatively planned now for the end of June or the beginning of July So please be tolerant of any untidiness in front of Church that will take place over a 2 to 3 week period of time GRACIOUS DONATION from ANDREW EFTHIM Throughout the years, ANDREW EFTHIM has humbly and graciously contributed to our Church not desiring any special recognition or praise However, what he has done recently must be acknowledged ANDREW EFTHIM has contributed a generous $100,000 to help pay down the Family Life Center mortgage This action will greatly assist the Church in its current effort to refinance the bank loan May God bless Andrew Efthim LIMITED GRAVE PLOTS at ST MATTHEW S CEMETERY On 25 May, MEMORIAL DAY was formally celebrated at St Matthew s Cemetery primarily at the Veteran s Section with the raising of the Flag, the playing of taps and prayers given by Fr Doug It is also worth noting that the number of gravesites remaining at that Cemetery is now down to approximately 230 One might give thought, at this time, to obtaining plots there where family members may be interred In the long term, our Church currently has approximately 400 plots at St Marcus Cemetery plus a Right of First Refusal to obtain another acre for an additional burials Εκπαιδευτικής Aδειας για FR DOUG Την 1η Ιουνίου, ο π ο Νταγκ ξεκίνησε ένα πολύ αναγκαίο και πολύ καθυστερημένη 3 μήνες εκπαιδευτική άδεια που έχει χορηγηθεί από την Ιερά Μητρόπολη Σικάγου Οι πρώτοι 2 μήνες θα είναι τον Ιούνιο και τον Ιούλιο και τον 3ο μήνα αργότερα αυτό το έτος Ενώ ο πατέρας Doug είναι μακριά πάτερ Μιχαήλ θα συνεχίσει να υπηρετεί την Ενορία Eφορευτική Eπιτροπή Κατά τη συνεδρίαση της Γενικής Συνέλευσης Μάρτιο, δεν υπήρχε απαρτία για να επιλέξετε ένα Εφορευτική Επιτροπή Κατά συνέπεια, η Εκκλησία συμβούλιο ψήφισε σύσταση αυτούς που ισχύουν σήμερα στην επιτροπή θα επανεκλεγούν Ωστόσο, θα πρέπει κανείς να αρνηθεί, τότε η ίδια η Επιτροπή θα ορίσει και να καλέσει τους ενορίτες να καλυφθεί το υφιστάμενο σήμερα 2 κενές θέσεις yια την οριστική έγκριση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου Το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο επιθυμεί να ενθαρρύνει "νέο αίμα" Ενορίτες να εργαστούν εθελοντικά για την εν λόγω επιτροπή Εάν ενδιαφέρεστε, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε ROXANA COUTERANIS, ΕΛΕΝΗ LEARA ή ΤΙΝΑ Paradowski μέσω του γραφείου Ευχαριστούμε ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑ LEMAKIS & LEE HARTLEY για το παρελθόν την εργασία σας σε αυτή την επιτροπή WATERMAIN στην Eκκλησία ΕΠΙΣΚΕΥΗ & δρόμο ΕΠΕΚΤΑΣΗ Η κύρια γραμμή του νερού από το δρόμο προς την Εκκλησία μπορεί να έχει μια σημαντική ενεργή διαρροή που πρέπει να επισκευαστεί βάρος Εκκλησία Αυτό πρέπει να λυθεί και να επισκευαστεί πριν από το προηγουμένως περιγραφέν επέκταση δρόμο έχει αναπτυχθεί διστακτικά αναπρογραμματίζονται τώρα για το τέλος Ιουνίου ( και, ενδεχομένως, πριν παρόν ενημερωτικό δελτίο δημοσιεύεται) Επομένως, σας παρακαλώ να είναι ανεκτικοί με το ακαταστασία μπροστά από την εκκλησία που θα λάβει χώρα σε μια περίοδο 2-3 εβδομάδων το χρόνο Ευγενική δωρεά Aπό Ανδρέας Ευθύμ Καθ 'όλη τη διάρκεια των ετών, ANDREW Ευθύμ έχει ταπεινά και ευγενικά συνέβαλε στην Εκκλησία μας δεν επιθυμούν καμία ειδική αναγνώριση ή έπαινο Ωστόσο, αυτό που έχει γίνει πρόσφατα, πρέπει να αναγνωριστεί ANDREW ΕFTHIM έχει συνεισφέρει γενναιόδωρα $ για να βοηθήσει πληρώσει την υποθήκη της οικογενειακής ζωής Κέντρο Η δράση αυτή θα βοηθήσει σε μεγάλο βαθμό την Εκκλησία στην τρέχουσα προσπάθειά της να αναχρηματοδοτήσει το δάνειο Είθε ο Θεός να ευλογεί τον Andrew Ευθύμ Περιορισμένη ΟΙΚΟΠΕΔΑ ST MATTHEWS ΝΕΚΡΟΤΑΦΕΙΟ Στις 25 Μαΐου, Ημέρα Μνήμης τιμήθηκε St Matthews Cemetery τμήμα του παλαιμάχου με την έπαρση της σημαίας, το παιχνίδι της βρύσες και τις προσευχές από τον π Doug Αξίζει επίσης να σημειωθεί ότι ο αριθμός των τάφων που αυτό το νεκροταφείο είναι τώρα κάτω σε περίπου 230 Θα μπορούσε κανείς να δώσει αυτή τη φορά, για την απόκτηση οικοπέδων εκεί όπου μπορεί να ενταφιαστεί τα μέλη της οικογένειας Μακροπρόθεσμες σοφός, η Εκκλησία μας έχει σήμερα περίπου 400 st Marcus Νεκροταφείο συν ένα "Δικαίωμα πρώτη Άρνηση" για να αποκτήσετε ένα άλλο στρέμμα για επιπλέον ταφές 3

4 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 PLANNED GIVING - Committee Article Series #2: DID YOU KNOW? [Γνωρίζατε ότι?] John Koch,(Chair) Voula Francis, Sakis Salas, George Bude, Peter Vaccaro, and Dan Tarlas DID YOU KNOW - Το Ήξερες by George Bude, Esq DID YOU KNOW - that one of the easiest and simplest ways of making a substantial gift to our St Nicholas Church is through your Will or Trust If you are single (or a widow or widower) you can name the Church as a percentage beneficiary of your estate (ie 10%, 20% on up to 100% if you have no others to name) If you are married, the gift can be written so that it will take effect after the surviving spouse passes If you already have a will or trust and would like to include the Church, your attorney can easily make a simple amendment to your Will or Trust by what is called a "Codicil" Such a codicil is inexpensive Call your lawyer (or a member of this Committee) and he or she will explain the procedure to you If everyone in this Parish (or even a substantial portion) would name the Church as a beneficiary, over a period of years the Church could become debt free and in addition, create a sizeable endowment to fund Church ministries that will benefit ALL of our parishioners ΤΟ ΞΕΡΑΤΕ - ότι ένας από τους ευκολότερους και πιο απλούς τρόπους για μια ουσιαστική δώρο για μας εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου είναι μέσω της διαθήκης ή την εμπιστοσύνη σας Εάν είστε άγαμοι (ή χήρα ή χήρος) μπορείτε να ονομάσετε την Εκκλησία ως ποσοστό δικαιούχο του ακινήτου σας (δηλαδή το 10%, 20% σε έως και 100%, αν δεν έχετε τους άλλους να το όνομα) Αν είστε παντρεμένοι, το δώρο μπορεί να γραφτεί έτσι ότι θα τεθεί σε ισχύ μετά ο επιζών σύζυγος περνά Αν έχετε ήδη μια βούληση ή την εμπιστοσύνη και θα ήθελα να περιλαμβάνουν την Εκκλησία, δικηγόρος σας μπορεί εύκολα να κάνει μια απλή τροποποίηση της διαθήκης ή την εμπιστοσύνη σας από αυτό που ονομάζεται κωδίκελλος" Μια τέτοια κωδικέλλου είναι ανέξοδη Καλέστε το δικηγόρο σας (ή ένα μέλος της επιτροπής αυτής) και αυτός ή αυτή θα εξηγήσει τη διαδικασία για εσάς Εάν ο καθένας σε αυτό το Parish (ή ακόμα και ένα σημαντικό μέρος) θα αναφέρουμε την Εκκλησία ως δικαιούχος, σε μια περίοδο χρόνου η Εκκλησία θα μπορούσε να γίνει χρέος ελεύθερο και, επιπλέον, να δημιουργήσει ένα σημαντικό όργανο για τη χρηματοδότηση των υπουργείων Εκκλησία που θα ωφελήσει όλους μας από ενορίτες Sin: Infection of Infraction? Often, in conversations with Christians of other traditions, I find myself explaining the Orthodox view of sin For most Western Christians, sin is a matter of doing bad things, which create a debt to God that somebody has to pay off They believe that Jesus paid the debt for our sins on the cross paid the Father, that is, so we would no longer bear the penalty The central argument between Protestants and Catholics has to do with whether Jesus paid it all (as Protestants would say) or whether, even though the cross is sufficient, humans are still obligated (as Catholics would say) to add their own sacrifices as well Orthodox have a completely different understanding of Christ s saving work We hold to the view of the early Church, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself Our sins made us captives of death, and God in Christ went into Hades to set us free The penalty of sin is not a debt we owe the Father; it is the soul-death that is the immediate and inevitable consequence of sin We need healing and rescue, not someone to step in and square the bill Early Christians saw the Father pursuing and loving every sinner, doing everything to bring us back, not waiting with arms folded for a debt to be paid When the prodigal son came home, his father didn t say, I d love to take you back, but who s going to pay this Visa bill? The Orthodox view was the common one until Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury at the time of the Great Schism, offered an alternative view Anselm believed that God could not simply forgive us, because our sins constituted an objective wrong in the universe It could not be made right without payment Only Jesus blood was sufficient to pay such a debt, which gave Jesus a claim on God the Father If the Son chose to make over the claim He had on God to man, could the Father justly forbid Him doing so, or refuse to man what the Son willed to give Him? Sin is not infraction, but infection: sin makes us sick The Christian life is one of healing and restoration: it s not merely about paying a debt I think the Orthodox views of sin as illness, rather than rule-breaking, answers this There is evil in the world because of the pollution of our sins Our selfishness and cruelty don t merely hurt those around us, but contribute to setting the world off balance, out of tune It has a corporate nature Anyone can observe that life isn t fair; bad things happen to good people But even good people contribute some sin to the mix, and we all suffer Cont on pg 5 4

5 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 Come and See Jesus does the Calling If you watch TV much, you may have seen the local pastor that has ads from time to time It is usually just him, and he s dressed casually He may say that if you think you are alone, you aren t really, just pray to Jesus Ask God into your life, and it will change Things like that Such ads are the product of a world turned upside down Think about it for a minute Whose world is it? Who created the world? Who gives us all things? In our day, we ve got things a bit turned around, don t we? We act as if this is MY WORLD It centers on ME! In our day, we live as though God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are somewhere else Oh, God may have created the world, but He s not here now He s in heaven Or somewhere! Or, God was separate from the world, a foreigner, so to speak Now He s entered OUR world! Truth is: God never left The ministry, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ our God was never a chance thing at all! Indeed the God who is ever present came in the flesh to call His people home, to bless their lives, to trample down death by death and to release those in te tombs to life! Throughout the ages of this world, the Blessed and Triune God has been present, calling to His creation, giving them life! It is He that calls Indeed, it isn t I who seek Jesus: Jesus seeks me! He doesn t force me He invites, He woos, and He kills the death in me by His death! He calls me to die with Him in Holy Baptism and to be raised to the newness of life now In Him, I learn to kill the passions that would destroy me, in order that I might truly enjoy life in His Church now and forever The problem is that we ve made the gifts He has given our gods He gives us freedom in this country, and we abuse it by allowing the passions to run amok Just look at the news! He gives us families in which to grown and learn to live in community, and we split them six ways from the middle He gives the miracle of birth and our society alternatively makes the children gods or kills them The marvelous relationship between husband and wife has been shattered as sexual desire is allowed to corrupt and kill The gifts have become gods Ad we want more and more and more, and we can never be satisfied Except in Christ In Him all things find their order and being He comes to us He offers us death and life He calls us to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, to follow and it is only in that dying that we are given life! It isn t my personal relationship with Him: it is His relationship with me He is God In Him and in Him alone, I grow into the fullness of what the Father would have Our relationship with our Lord is personal, to be sure But not if that means I am in control In Him I have a relationship with you we are family In those lonely days in your own life, remember that Jesus calls you and gathers you into His Body the Church And when you are sharing the joy of life in him with others, remember: He calls them He is calling them Their answer is their responsibility But their yes to His call isn t something to brag about it is rather received in humble thanksgiving In these times, when things seem to be and sometimes are unraveling, remember that Jesus promised, I am with you always! God has all of this in His Hand His mercy is offered to all, but there are many who turn it away And that, my friends, isn t god s fault! Come unto me all you who are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest! That s Jesus calling you to Him and into His church! -Ezekiel Saints Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church Swansea, Illinois Cont from pg4 Sin the consequences of the world s mutual sin What we Orthodox keep in mind is the presence of the evil one Orthodox know who our true enemy is, and we cling to the Lord Jesus as our Deliverer When we see evil in the world, we know immediately that an enemy has done this (Matthew 13:28) We re not surprised that life is unfair and that good people suffer; when we see innocent suffering, we know that our own sins helped cause it, by helping to unbalance the world and make a climate of injustice possible Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24, 25) We do not trust in our own strength to get out of this mess, but rely entirely on the power of Jesus Christ, who has trampled down death by death Day by day growing in grace, we can contribute to the world s healing by forgiving our enemies, loving those who hate us, and overcoming evil with good The first place it needs to be overcome, we know, is in our hearts -Frederica Mathewes-Green What s the difference? Satan is a Hebrew word meaning adversary Lucifer is described by Isaiah (14:12-15) as a radiant creature who dares to cry out: I will make myself like the most High The devil is the divider, the detractor as in the serpent in Genesis who tempted Adam and Eve to sin -Orthodox Herald 5

6 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 ST NICHOLAS CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION Parents: Address: City: Zip: Telephone: (mandatory): Cell: Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2015, to enter the 3 year old class Church school follows the age limits of St Louis School Districts Use the back of the form for more than 4 children Child: Grade - Fall 2015: Child: Grade - Fall 2015: Child: Grade - Fall 2015: Baptismal Name: DOB: Baptismal Name: DOB: Baptismal Name: DOB: Parents! We need your continued support to make Church school and all of its extra-curricular activities run smoothly Please help us by volunteering for any of the events below This is a great way for parents to make a contribution to Church School and take the burden off of our hardworking Sunday School Staff! Please circle below: September: Ice Cream Social (planning, set up, serve, clean up) November: Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive (organize & manage), Teacher Meeting Refreshments (purchase and set up) December: St Nicholas Day Gift Bags (assembly and distributions), Christmas Pageant January: Souper Bowl Canned Food Drive (organize and manage), Teacher Meeting Refreshments (purchase and set up snacks and beverages), Oratorical Festival (help organize and manage) March: Teacher Meeting Refreshments (purchase and set up) May: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, End of Year Picnic Other Areas: Help with cleaning and organizing (decorations, prizes, supplies) Substitute/Assistant Teacher Decorating Committee: Help decorate halls and bulletin boards and maintain decorating materials Registration will run from May - August Registration fees are $10/child until August 31st Late registrations will be $20/child Make checks payable to St Nicholas Church and note Sunday School Registration Drop them by the Church School Office or send them in to: St Nicholas Church 4967 Forest Park Blvd St Louis, MO

7 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 Reading the Bible The biography of every man everyone without exception is found in the Bible In it each of us can find himself portrayed and thoroughly described in detail; all those virtues and vices which you have and can have and cannot have You will find the paths on which your own soul and everyone else s journey from sin to sinlessness, and the entire path from man to God and from man to Satan You will find the means to free yourself from sin In short, you will find the complete history of sin and sinfulness, and the complete history of righteousness and the righteous If you are mournful, you will find consolation in the Bible; if you are sad, you will find joy; if you are angry tranquility; if you are lustful continence; if you are foolish wisdom; if you are bad goodness; if you are a criminal mercy and righteousness; if you hate your fellow man love You will find a remedy for all your vices and weak points, and nourishment for all your virtues and accomplishments If you are good, the Bible will teach you how to become better and best; if you are kind, it will teach you angelic tenderness; if you are intelligent, it will teach you wisdom If you appreciate the beauty and music of literary style, there is nothing more beautiful or more moving than what is contained in Job, Isaiah, Solomon, David, John the Theologian and the Apostle Paul Here music the angelic music of the eternal truth of God is clothed in human words The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more he finds reasons to study it as often and as frequently as he can According to St John Chrysostom, it is like an aromatic root, which produces more and more aroma the more it is rubbed -St Justin Popovich DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE July W 1 Cor 12;27-31;13;1-8 Mt 10:1;5-8 2 T Heb 9:1-7 Lk 1:39-49;56 3 F Rom 16:1-16 Mt 13:3-9 4 S Rom 8:14-21 Mt 9:9-13 Sun 5 Gal 5:22-6;2 Mt 8:28-34;9:1 6 M Rom 16:17-24 Mt 13:10-23,43 7 T Gal 3:23-29;4:1-5 Mk 5: W 1 Tim 4:9-15 Lk 6:17-19;9:1-2;10: T 1 Cor 3:18-23 Mt 13: F 1 Cor 4:5-8 Mt 13: S 2 Cor 6:1-10 Lk 7:36-50 Sun 12 Rom 12:6-14 Mt 9: M Heb 2:2-10 Mt 13: T Rom 16:1-16 Mt 17:24-27;18: W 1 Cor 13:11-14;14:1-5 Mt 15: T 1 Cor 7:24-35 Mt 15: F Gal 3:23-29;4:1-5 Mk 5: S Rom 12:1-6 Mt 10:37-42;11:1 Sun 19 Titus 3:8-15 Mt 5: M James 5:10-20 Lk 4: T 1 Cor 10:5-12 Mt 16: W 1 Cor 9:2-12 Lk 8: T 1 Cor 10:28-33;11:1-8 Mt 16: F 1 Cor 11:8-23 Mt 17: S Gal 4:22-27 Lk 8:16-21 Sun 26 Gal 3:23-29;4:1-5 Mt 14: M 2 Tim 2:1-10 Lk 21: T Acts 6:1-7 Mt 18:18-22;19:1-2, W 1 Cor 13:4-13;14:1-5 Mt 20: T Acts 15:35-41 Mt 20: F 1 Cor 14:26-40 Mt 21:12-14,

8 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner: The Orthodox Mission Team of St Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches of the need to evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally The Mission Team St Louis will have several Craft Workshops this summer to raise money to Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) Please bring your craft talents/supplies to these workshops and help us in this efforts These are the dates and locations: July 11 Tentatively set for Sts Cyril and Methody from 1:00 4:00 pm August 28 Location and time to be determined For more information, please contact Didi Kafka, OCMC Sends Funds for the Construction of a School in Loupwala, Kenya by Alex Goodwin (5/7/2015) With help from the faithful of North America through OCMC's Agape Canister and Short-term Mission Teams Programs, the community of St Peter in Loupwala, Kenya, will soon have a new school With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Kenya and support from the faithful from North America through the OCMC, the Church in northern Kenya among the Turkana people continues to grow Just yesterday $15,000 from the OCMC Agape Canister program was sent to fund the construction of a school in the town of Loupwala Under the pastoral care of Fr Zachariah, the local Orthodox priest who helped introduce Orthodox Christianity to Loupwala, this school will further serve the growing parish community of St Peter, which was also built in partnership with the Mission Center Over the years, OCMC s Agape Canister program has helped underwrite dozens of philanthropic projects like the school in Loupwala around the world In addition to the school in Loupwala, Agape Canister funds will make possible the following this year: * Healthcare and renovations for a facility for the elderly in Guatemala * Youth camp in Moldova * Healthcare outreach in Uganda * Continued support of the St Thomas orphanage in Indonesia * Protection of the Theotokos Family Center for mothers and children and the St Dimitrie substance abuse program in Romania With funding in place, construction of the new school will begin with the arrival of an short-term OCMC construction team at the end of May Team members will work alongside the community of St Peter to build the two-room schoolhouse They will be placing concrete block foundation walls and assisting as bricklayers and helpers In general, the team will work as a standard crew alongside a counterpart team of Kenyan workers If you would like to be a part of this team, or learn more about serving as part of an OCMC short-term mission team, please contact Andrew Lekos by phone at , or by at teams@ocmcorg You can also learn more or apply online at As always, please feel free to contact me, , if you have any questions or if you would like to help our missionaries Thank you for your continued support! Humbly! Didi Kafka 8

9 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 MEMORIAL DONATIONS May 10th thru June 10th CHURCH FUND In Memory of Demetrios Kondis Zoe Kondis In Memory of Helen Nisiankas Everhart Barbara Everhart Shelton In Memory of Thomas Skalas The Skalas Family In Memory of Theodore E Anastas Mr & Mrs George A Souris Edward Ferretti Marvin Rosengarten Mike & Alice Fandos CAPITAL CAMPAIGN In Memory of Leon Babe Pappas Boris & Georgia Prstojevich In Memory of Nicholas J Kontras Boris & Georgia Prstojevich In Memory of Xanthula Tripolitis Harriet Liontis In Memory of Theodore & Margo Anastas Charles & Suzie Fandos In Memory of Theodore E Anastas Christina Anastas Nagle & Associates, Inc Jianas Brothers Packing Co Helen Demmas Boris & Georgia Prstojevich Bess Pappas George & Angie Ramel Dennis & Helen Carey Anonymous Jean Riezman FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of Athena Rejos Mary Tsichlis In Memory of Nicholas J Kontras Anthony D Tompras In Memory of Theodore E Anastas Katherine Ellis PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY In Memory of Margaret E Hatzes David & Annie Lazarus Mary Tsichlis In Memory of Virginia Manoff Mary Tsichlis FATHER IRENEOS ANGELIDES SCHOLARSHIP In Memory of Nicholas J Kontras Karen & Tony Zaman SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Nicholas J Kontras Ted & Susan Lampros BAPTISMS All you who have been baptized in Christ DEMETRIOS NIKOS Son of Nikos & Jamie Kondis Godparent: Daniel Schuchardt LILLIAN MICHAELA Daughter of George & Jessica Anagnostopoulos Godparent: Michaela Anagnostopoulos GRANT WILLIAM Son of Effrosini Karayiannis Godparent: Thimios Zaharopoulos MILA VIRGINIA Daughter of Polyxeni Livaditis Godparent: Tania Scarpino Parish Life WEDDING Crown them with Honor and Glory Stefanie Glynias & Chad Mott Sarah Whaley & Thomas St Geme Maria Tsikalas & Brandon Redmann June 10 th FUNERALS Where the Righteous Rest Eugenia Cosmas MEMORIAL July 12th 40 Day Eugenia Cosmas 10 Year George Kekeris 9

10 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July Dear St Nicholas Family & Friends: Our Annual Labor Day Festival festivities are underway We kicked off our baking on Monday, May 11 th with Spanakopita our #1 seller! This year we have new Team Leaders who are being mentored by Becky Tharenos In order to make their day easier, we are asking you to partner up with family members and friends in providing lunch for our ladies and gentlemen on one of the following days There are a few remaining lunch slots left Many thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who have already signed up! July Thursday, July 9 th Shish Kebobs Andrea Tarlas Thursday, July 16 th Shish Kebobs Helen Leara & Bess Millonas Thursday, July 23 rd Shish Kebobs Elizabeth Anne Krekorian - Reithmann Monday, July 27 th Koulouria Anne & George Souris August Monday, August 3 rd Koulouria Mary Muckler Monday, August 10 th Kourabiedes Teddy Hart Monday, August 24 th Finikia Friday, August 28 th Finikia Monday, August 31 st Pastry Boxes Fr Michael & Pres Caroline Arbanas September Tuesday, September 1st Workers Wednesday, September 2 nd Workers Thursday, September 3 rd Chickens/Workers Friday, September 4 th Salad Prep for Festival/Workers Lunch is served around noon buffet style The count is approximately We will provide the plates, flatware, napkins, soda, water and other cooking utensils Lunches can be simple: salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, casseroles, etc Please choose one of the above dates and notify Christina Anastas haca1001@aolcom or Becky Tharenos beckynick@sbcglobalnet Just knowing a delicious lunch is coming means so much! We hope to hear from you Thanks, Chris Anastas

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14 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 Special Opportunity for Parishioners Only The MARKET DAY TEAM is available for Showers Anniversary Baptism Birthday Offering a full menu from which to choose, using only the Freshest In-Season ingredients No tax, gratuity or additional rental fee Will provide set-up, serve, and clean-up Cost per person based on menu selection ATRIUM minimum 50 Guests PHILOPTOCHOS ROOM minimum 30 Guests Let us Prepare for your next party Our rates are competitive We do all the work So You can have all the Fun! All proceeds benefit St Nicholas Becky Liringis Marilynn Jemas FiFi Scarato MARKET DAY TEAM 14

15 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 The MARKET DAY TEAM of St Nicholas is honored to offer Makaria Meals Our warm custom of Faith, the Makaria meal, comforts the family and commemorates the life of your loved one The available areas for the Makaria are: Philoptochos Room at St Nicholas Philoptochos Room at the Family Life Center Atrium at the Family Life Center With Heartfelt Sympathy and Love in Christ Becky Liringis Marilynn Jemas FiFi Scarato All proceeds will benefit the buildings of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church MARKET DAY TEAM 15

16 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2015 HELP RENT THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER! TO NON-PARISHIONERS Want to make some easy money and help the church at the same time? Have friends or co-workers rent the Family Life Center for their next gathering/event and receive an incentive for any contract signed by a nonparishioner resulting from your referral* Room Rental Incentive Cultural Center $2,500 $ 125 Atrium $ 750 $ 40 Philoptochos Room $ 500 $ 25 The spaces are great for: Trivia Nights Parties Showers Seminars Conferences Lectures Bridge Tournaments Award Dinners Charity Auctions Fashion Shows Trade Show (ie coins, stamps) Wedding Ceremonies and/or Receptions Rehearsal Dinner Contact Event Coordinator, Nicky Antoniou: ; nickyanton@aolcom; Or call Kathy at the church office: Caterer: Butler s Pantry (Butlerspantrycom or , ask for Maggie) Check out our new web site: sngocorg or snflcorg *Payments of referral incentives are subject to all terms and conditions of the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Referral Incentive Policy 16

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18 JULY 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Independence Day 4 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Young Years Sunday School after Communion 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Ellen Piskos Young Years Sunday School after Communion 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Lyndia Finer Young Years Sunday School after Communion 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Becky Liringis Young Years Sunday School after Communion 7am Men s Fellowship Family Life Center Καφενείοv Family Life 11am-2pm Festival Friday Church Have a Safe and Happy 4 th of July am Men s Fellowship Family Life Center 8am Assemble Church Καφενείοv Family Life 10am Divine Ahepa Apts 11am-2pm Festival Friday Church am noon Vacation Bible Life 9am noon Vacation Bible Life 7am Men s Fellowship Family Life Center 9am noon Vacation Bible Life 8am Assemble Church 9am noon Vacation Bible Life 9am noon Vacation Bible Life 11am-2pm Festival Friday Church am 3pm Hellenic Cultural Life 9am 3pm Hellenic Cultural Life 7am Men s Fellowship Family Life Center 9am 3pm Hellenic Cultural Life 8am Assemble church 9am 3pm Hellenic Cultural Life 9am 3pm Hellenic Cultural Sports Manchester 11am-2pm Festival Friday Church am Assemble Church 7am Men s Fellowship Family Life Center Καφενείοv Family Life 11am-2pm Festival Friday Church 18

19 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 4967 Forest Park Avenue St Louis, MO RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ST LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO 1029 Please visit us at wwwsngocorg FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY July Chicken Chow Mein Brown Rice Turnip Green Chunky Fruit Mix Baby Wipes Gentle Washing Machine Detergent (optional) August Tuna Macaroni and Cheese Beets Plums Whole Wheat Crackers Powdered Milk (optional) Hand Lotion (optional) Mary Mezines, Food Bag Chairperson Philoptochos Philanthropy 20 PHILANTHROPY REPORT July 2015 Blessed is he who understands the poor and the needy Psalm: 40:1 We continue to be grateful to the community for their support in donating furniture, clothing and appliances for the needy We are currently in great need for furniture & household items for the Prison Ministry please contact Johanna or Jeanne so we can make arrangements to pick up your items Please advise us when you call to offer your donations if you need a tax form Please your information giving us the list of items and if there is urgency in having the items picked up We will arrange the pick up thru Clark Porter When you call we will give you an address so that the pick up will be made smoothly and without confusion If you do not have a computer, a phone call will be sufficient to take care of your donation Please continue to fill your food bags, our need for this ministry has grown and very much appreciated by our charity organizations Please see the suggested menu next to our message We Continued to get requests for gently used children s clothing from infant to teenage, as well as men and women Please drop off at church with either Johanna s or Jeanne s name so we can arrange distribution to our various Children s organizations Your donations have been appreciated by the grateful families we serve If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Johanna Spanos (314) or Jeanne Tompras (314) If you cannot reach us, please contact Kathy Ellis at church who will put you in touch with a Philoptochos member who will handle your donation We are grateful f or your support Thank you