The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 Summer 2005 Volume 3 - Issue 4 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey The Voice of Saint George Dimhniaio Deltio Ths Ellhnikhs Orqodoxhs Koinothtas Agiou Gewrgiou Φωνή βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδόν Κυρίου (Ματθ. Γ.3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord (Matt. 3:3) By Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite Inside this issue: Periecomena: Priest s Message 1 Mhnuma Ierea 1 President s Message 5 Mhnuma Proedrou 5 Patriarchal Greeting 6 Last Will of Late Archbishop Iakovos Sunday School News 8-9 Greek School News Philoptochos News 12 Annual Dance 13 PTO News 14 Festival Committee Letter Advertisements Financial Update 18 Stewardship Update 19 Dormition of the Theotokos Mnhmh Koimhsews ths Qeotokou Schedule 22 Eortologio 23 My beloved Parishioners Christ is Risen! This is my first communication with you after Easter and our successful Festival. I want to thank everyone for their participation and great help during Holy Week and Easter. Also, I want to congratulate all the men and women for their dedication and hard work which made the Festival the most successful one in years! We are all proud of our exemplary community and its dedicated parishioners, from the very old to the very young. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Indeed it is an honor to serve such blessed people as your spiritual leader, priest and pastor. I thank God and our patron Saint, Saint George, for delaying the rain until late Sunday afternoon when the Festival was closing. With this opportunity, I would like to (Continued on page 3) Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ Αγαπητοί μου ενορίτες Χριστός Ανέστη! Είναι η πρώτη μου επικοινωνία μαζί σας μετά το Άγιο Πάσχα και το επιτυχημένο φεστιβάλ. Θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον καθένα σας για την συμμετοχή σας και την μεγάλη σας βοήθεια κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος και του Πάσχα. Επίσης, ήθελα να συγχαρώ όλους τους άνδρες και τις γυναίκες που με την σκληρή δουλειά και αφοσίωσή τους έκαναν το φετεινό φεστιβάλ το πιό πετυχημένο από όλα τα χρόνια. Είμαστε υπερήφανοι για την παραδειγματική κοινότητά μας και για όλους τους ενορίτες μας, από τον πιό DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS (AUGUST 15) ηλικιωμένο μέχρι τον πιό νέο. Ο Θεός να ευλογεί όλους σας. Αλήθεια αισθάνομαι ότι είναι μεγάλη τιμή για μένα να υπηρετώ, ως ιερέας, τέτοιους πνευματικά αφοσιωμένους Χριστιανούς όπως εσείς. Ας ευχαριστήσουμε όλοι τον Θεό και τον Προστάτη μας τον Άγιο Γεώργιο που κράτησαν την βροχή μέχρι το απόγευμα της Κυριακής που τελείωνε το φέστιβαλ. Με την ευκαιρία αυτή θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τα μέλη του εκκλησιαστικού συμβουλίου για την σημαντική βοήθειά τους (Continued on page 4)

2 Page 2 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Ellhnikh Orqodoxh Ekklhsia Agiou Gewrgiou Parish Ministries Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexander Kile Parish Council Priest V.Rev. Alexander Kile President Demetrios Arhontoulis Vice President / Administration Panos G. Georgopoulos Vice President /Operations George Petrantonakis Secretary Petra Knox Treasurer George Psyllos Comptroller Maria Kaouris Christodoulatos Members Lampros E. Bourodimos Michael Dimitrakis Bill Fottis Anthony Kalogridis Simos Kontos Dorothea Koutsoras Katerina Leftheris Elizabeth Manolakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Philoptochos Society St Barbara Eleni Andronikou, President Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Helene Pappas, Director Greek School Panos G. Georgopoulos, Director Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Katerina Kourtis-Gavalas, Teacher GOYA Maria Banis, President GOYA Advisors Eileen Stellakis Diane Parais Eleni Banis Jim Exarhakis George Hadjiloucas Katerina Leftheris George Papagrigorakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Parent Teacher Organization Dorothea Koutsoras, President JOY/HOPE Sophie Exarchakis Maria Kantilierakis Helen Sirimis Moms & Tots Sandy Kalogridis FOCUS Nick Kambitsis Senior Citizens Nickie Kopanakis Committee Chairpersons Stewardship Petra Knox, George Psyllos Church Festival John Lyssikatos House and Grounds Michael Dimitrakis Memorial Dolores Stroumtsos Voice Panos G. Georgopoulos Web Design Bill Fottis Special Thanks to all volunteers, Sunday School staff, Coaches, Greek Dance Instructors & Parents who support our church organizations and programs. This issue of the Voice of St George was prepared by V. Rev. Alexander Kile, Panos G. Georgopoulos, Chrysoula DeLaurentis, Kay Kehayas, Irene Mavronicolas, Dorothea Koutsoras, Niki and Eleftheria Fiotakis, Nikki Makrelis and Evie Georgopoulos We encourage all of our community organizations & ministries to post their events in The Voice of St George. We remind you that events should be advertised a month in advance. So, information should be submitted one month prior to the issue in which it will appear, preferably by sending it via to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net We thank you for your cooperation. Have you visited the St George website lately? Just go to:

3 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 3 (Continued from page 1) thank the Parish Council for their valuable cooperation during Holy Week. Also, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the members of P.T.O. the Altar Boys, the Myrofores and their parents, Mrs. Helen Pappas and the ladies who sewed the robes for the Myrofores, the Chanters, the Choir members, our sexton Mr. Kosta Apostolakis, the ladies and gentlemen who decorated the Epitaphion and the Church, the GOYA members, the Philoptochos members who dyed and packed the Easter eggs, the church secretary Mrs. Eftihia Karayannidis and her assistants, who worked tirelessly, and our dedicated cooks who cooked the mageritsa after the Anastasi service. Special thanks and appreciation is offered to the Pines Manor, McAteer s, Edison Diner, the Willows Restaurant, and the Windsor Diner for donating all the food for the Easter and Saint George s Day meals, as well as the Protopopapadakis Families, the Mavrodis Family, the Hionis Family and Gerondelis Family for their generous donations to our church. To all of you who had the kindness to send your Easter donations for our beloved community, I say thank you. If I have forgotten anybody, please forgive me. On May 1st, 2005, on Holy Easter I completed one year of ministry here at Saint George, which I now consider my home. I whish to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation, especially the Parish Council members and the Community President Mr. Demetrios Arhontoulis. It was a time to get to know each other and to plan the goals for the future of this faithful and large community. As you can see, it is not a task that one person can handle alone. That is why I am thankful to the many parishioners who assisted me in accomplishing all these different pastoral and social endeavors in which our church is involved. Quite a few changes have been made, but with the only criteria, success and progress of our community. I very well understand that some people did not welcome these changes because they want to continue in the same routine that they were used to for more than 50 years. Everything was done By Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite with the cooperation and agreement of the Parish council. Some mistakes were made, but most of them were corrected and we are working towards improving the rest. Generally though, the majority of the community commends us, sends congratulations and supports us wholeheartedly. I thank all the parishioners for their love, understanding, respect and trust that they have shown over this past year. Also, I thank all the good stewards of our community for their generosity this year that so needed in order to continue all the ministries and programs of our church. May God bless all our members, their families with their wonderful children who are our future hope. I remind you that my office door is always open for each and everyone of you. Please visit me in my office when you have the opportunity. With faith, responsibility and humility I continue my humble mission with one main goal: to bring my parishioners closer to the Lord and their salvation by teaching them our Faith, the teachings of our Lord and our Holy Tradition which sustained our church for over 2000 years. Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess: The Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, one is essence and undivided Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. I wish you all a restful and blessed summer and we are looking forward to a productive new year when we all come back refreshed in September. Please don t forget that the church is here for you every Sunday! In Christ s love Your Pastor Very Rev. Archim. Alexander Kile VOICE OF ST GEORGE: CURRENT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS AND A NOTE FROM THE VOICE COMMITTEE In this issue of the Voice of St George you can find updates on the budget of our church and on the status of the stewardship program (both as of April 30, 2005) on pages 18-19, articles on past and upcoming events, and announcements from our community organizations. Also, on page 6 you will find the Patriarchal Greeting in honor of the Martyr Ecumenical Patriarch Gregory V, and on page 7 the Last Will and Testament of the Late Archbishop Iakovos. We keep trying to improve the Voice and we count on you to provide information on the activities of your organizations and programs in a timely manner. We also appreciate all comments and suggestions that will help make the Voice more useful to the members of the St George community - send us to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net. The Voice is produced entirely by volunteers who do the typesetting, the printing, the binding, and the mailing; still, we are responsible and apologize for any omissions, delays, and imperfections associated with this and any other (past and future) issue. Please help us make the next one better. Στο τεύχος αυτό του δελτίου μας μπορείτε να βρείτε μιά συνοπτική ενημέρωση γιά τον προϋπολογισμό της εκκλησίας μας και την πρόοδο του προγράμματος εκούσιας εισφοράς (μεχρι την 30η Απριλίου 2005) στις σελίδες 18-19, άρθρα για πρόσφατες αλλά και γιά προγραμματισμένες εκδηλώσεις και γεγονότα, καθώς και και ανακοινώσεις των οργανισμών της κοινότητάς μας. Συνεχίζουμε τις προσπάθειες μας γιά συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου μας. Το δελτίο αυτό είναι μέν αποτέλεσμα εθελοντικής εργασίας, από την σελιδοποίηση και την εκτύπωση έως την ταχυδρομική αποστολή, είμαστε όμως υπεύθυνοι και ζητούμε συγγνώμη γιά όποιες καθυστερήσεις, παραλείψεις, ή λάθη αναπόφευκτα γίνονται. Ζητούμε την κατανόηση και συνεργασία σας και ελπίζουμε ότι θα μας βοηθήσετε παρέχοντας έγκαιρα πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις δραστηριότητες και εκδηλώσεις των προγραμμάτων στα οποία συμμετέχετε. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, γιά το πως να κάνουμε αυτό το δελτίο πιό χρήσιμο σε σας, είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Σας παρακαλούμε να στέλλετε στην ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net.

4 Page 4 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 (Continued from page 1) Από τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλέξανδρο Κιλέ κατά την διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος. Επίσης, τις μητέρες του Συλλόγου Γονέων και ιδασκάλων, τα Ιερόπαιδα, τις Μυροφόρες και τους γονείς τους, την κυρία Ελένη Πάππας, τις κυρίες που έραψαν τα φορέματα των Μυροφόρων, τους Ιεροψάλτες, τα μέλη της χορωδίας, τον νεωκόρο μας κ. Κώστα Αποστολάκη, την γραμματέα μας κ. Ευτυχία Καραγιαννίδη και τις βοηθούς του γραφείου της εκκλησίας, που δούλεψαν ακούραστα, και όλους τους κυρίους και κυρίες που στόλισαν τον Επιτάφιο και την Εκκλησία. Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες εκφράζω στα μέλη της νεολαίας μας, στις κυρίες της Φιλοπτώχου που έβαψαν και στόλισαν τα Πασχαλινά αυγά και στους ακούραστους μαγείρους μας που ετοίμασαν την μαγειρίτσα το βράδυ της Ανάστασης. Με ευγνωμοσύνη ευχαριστούμε τα εστιατόρια Pines Manor, McAteer s, Edison Diner, Willows Restaurant και Windsor Diner για τις γενναιόδωρες προσφορές τους για το Πασχαλινό τραπέζι και το γιορτινό τραπέζι του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Εκφράζουμε την ευγνωμοσύνη μας επίσης, στις οικογένειες Ε. & Ι. Πρωτοπαπαδάκη, Γεροντέλη, Μαυρουδή και Χιόνη για τις ολόψυχες προσφορές τους που καλλώπισαν την εκκλησία μας. Σέ όλους εσάς που δώσατε τις ευγενικές προσφορές σας και στείλατε το Πασχαλινό σας δώρο, εκ μέρους της εκκλησίας, σας ευχαριστώ. Εάν ξέχασα κάποιον, παρακαλώ συγχωρέστε με. Την 1η Μαΐου 2005, την ημέρα του Αγίου Πάσχα, συμπλήρωσα ένα χρόνο διακονίας εις τον Άγιον Γεώργιον που τώρα πλέον θεωρώ σπίτι μου. Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω όλους που έδειξαν κατανόηση και συνεργασία, προπαντός το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο και τον Πρόεδρο κ. ημήτηρη Αρχοντούλη. Ήταν καιρός γνωριμίας και σχεδιασμού των μελλοντικών προγραμμάτων της μεγαλωνύμου αυτής κοινότητας. Όπως βλέπετε δεν είναι μία κατάσταση στην οποία μπορεί να ανταπεξέλθει μόνος του ένας άνθρωπος. Γιαυτό είμαι ευγνώμων σε πολλούς ενορίτες που με βοήθησαν να ανταπεξέλθω σε πολλές από τις ποιμαντικές μου υποχρεώσεις και σε διάφορες κοινωνικές εκδηλώσεις που έχει η εκκλησία μας. Μέσα στο διάστημα συτό έγιναν αρκετές αλλαγές, και δημιουργήθηκαν πολλά καινούργια προγράμματα με μοναδικό σκοπό την προκοπή και την πρόοδο της εκκλησίας. Καταλαβαίνω ότι μερικοί ενορίτες δεν καλοδέχθηκαν τις αλλαγές και τα καινούργια προγράμματα διότι ήθελαν να συνεχίσουν αυτό που έκαναν για 50 χρόνια. Πρέπει να ξέρετε ότι όλα έγιναν σε συνεργασία με το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο. Επίσης, ως είναι φυσικόν, έγιναν και μερικά λάθη εκ των οποίων άλλα διορθώθηκαν και άλλα προσπαθούμε να τα καλυτερεύσουμε. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι η πλειοψηφία της κοινότητος μας συνεχάρη για πολλές από τις αλλαγές αυτές και υποστηρίζει ολόκαρδα τα νέα αυτά προγράμματα. Με την ευκαιρία αυτή, ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τους ενορίτες γιά τις εκδηλώσεις αγάπης και σεβασμού, την κατανόησή τους, την εμπιστοσύνη τους και για την γενναιόδωρη υποστήριξή τους στη λογία (εκούσια εισφορά) της κοινότητός μας. Είθε ο Πανάγαθος Θεός να ευλογεί τα αφοσιωμένα μέλη της κοινότητός μας, τις οικογένειές τους και προπαντός τα παιδιά μας που είναι η ελπίδα γιά το μέλλον μας. Η πόρτα του γραφείου μου είναι πάντα ανοιχτή γιά όλους. Παρακαλώ επισκεφθείτε με στο γραφείο μου όταν έχετε καιρό. Με πίστη, ευθύνη και ταπείνωση συνεχίζω την ταπεινή μου διακονία με ένα σκοπό: να φέρω τους ενορίτες μου κοντά στον Θεό και στην σωτηρία, διδάσκοντάς τους την Ιερή ιδασκαλία του Κυρίου και τις Ιερές μας Παραδόσεις που κράτησε η Εκκλησία μας για περισσότερα από 2000 χρόνια. «Αγαπήσωμεν αλλήλους ίνα εν ομονοία ομολογήσωμεν. Πατέρα, Υιόν και Άγιον Πνεύμα, Τριάδα Ομοούσιον και Αχώριστον.» (Θεία Λειτουργία Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου). Σας εύχομαι ολόψυχα καλό καλοκαίρι. Μετά εν Χριστω αγάπης, Αρχιμ. Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ

5 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 5 President s Message/Mhnuma tou Proedrou Dear Parishioners Αγαπητοί µου Συνενορίτες As this is our summer issue, and the church year is coming to an end, I would like to thank all of you for your support during this past year. We had a lot of changes and a lot of successes. Saint George is a thriving community, and this is the result of the hard work and efforts of our Priest and our members. With this opportunity, I would like to remind everyone that in order for our church to remain a strong community we all have to be prompt to fulfill our obligations. In addition to our monetary contribution for stewardship, we could offer some of our time, talent, expertise, or work on a specific project. There are many ways we can all offer our services for the glory of God and the continuation of His work. A great example of community work, was this year s Festival. I am very proud to announce that we had our best year ever! Thousands of people were served a slice of Greek Hospitality and Culture during those three days. We had perfect weather, and a lot of new ideas that improved our festival. As the Parish President, I would like to thank everyone who worked during the preparation and set up, during the service and clean up and all of our friends and neighbors who came and supported our church with their presence. May God bless us all. Another beautiful and successful fund-raiser event for our community, was the Classical and Byzantine Music Concert featuring Maestro Dimitri Fousteris and soprano Elena Fousteris, at Carnegie Hall. The concert was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios, who addressed the audience and expressed his congratulations for the artistic quality of the event, as well as for the initiative of our community. We thank Dimitri Fousteris for his generosity, and all those who supported and helped organize this unique event. I would like to wish every member of our community a great summer and to remind you that our church is here during the summer months as well. See you in church! Demetrios Arhontoulis Parish Council President Καθώς το Εκκλησιαστικό έτος τελειώνει και το καλοκαίρι ήρθε, θα ήθελα να ευχριστήσω όλα τα µέλη της κοινότητάς µας για την υποστήριξη σας όλη την χρονιά. Ήταν µία χρονιά µε πολλές αλλαγές και µε πολλές επιτυχίες. Η κοινότητά µας παραµένει µία δυνατή παρουσία ανάµεσα σε όλες τις εκκλησίες της πολιτείας µας, και αυτό είναι αποτέλεσµα των προσπαθειών του ιερέα µας και των µελών µας. Με την ευκαιρία αυτή ας θυµηθούµε πως γιά να µένουµε δυνατοί σαν κοινότητα πρέπει να είµαστε όλοι συνεπείς στις υποχρεώσεις προς την Εκκλησία µας. Μαζί µε την χρηµατική προσφορά µας, µπορούµε να προσφέρουµε λίγο από τον χρόνο µας, κάποιο ταλέντο ή γνώση µας ή και λίγη εργασία για το καλό της εκκλησίας µας. Ένα µεγάλο παράδειγµα εθελοντικής συλλογικής εργασίας που είχε µεγάλη επιτυχία φέτος, ήταν το ετήσιο Φεστιβάλ. Με µεγάλη χαρά σας ανακοινώνω πως φέτος ήταν η καλύτερή µας χρονιά! Χιλιάδες άνθρωποι επισκέφτηκαν και γεύτηκαν την Ελληνική φιλοξενία εκείνες τις τρείς µέρες. Είχαµε υπέροχο καιρό και νέες ιδέες που βελτίωσαν το φεστιβάλ. Με αυτή την ευκαιρία θα ήθελα σαν πρόεδρος του συµβουλίου, να ευχαριστήσω όλους όσους εργάστηκαν για την επιτυχία του Φεστιβάλ φέτος. Από τις προετοιµασίες και την οργάνωση µέχρι το σερβίρισµα και το καθάρισµα ευχαριστούµε όλους και όλες που προσέφεραν την βοήθειά τους. Επίσης ευχαριστούµε τους φίλους και γνωστούς που µε την παρουσία τους υποστήριξαν το Φεστιβάλ µας για άλλη µία χρονιά. Ο Θεός να µας ευλογεί και να µας έχει καλά και του χρόνου! Μιά άλλη ωραία και επιτυχηµένη εκδήλωση γιά την οικονοµική ενίσχυση της κοινότητάς µας ήταν το κονσέρτο Κλασικής και Βυζαντινής Μουσικής στο Carnegie Hall, µε το Μαέστρο ηµήτρη Φουστέρη και την Ελένα Φουστέρη. Στην βραδιά παρευρέθηκε ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος ηµήτριος, ο οποίος και απευθύνθηκε στο ακροατήριο, εκφράζοντας τα θερµά συγχαρητήρια του γιά την καλλιτεχνική αρτιότητα της εκδήλωσης αλλά και γιά την πρωτοβουλία της κοινότητάς µας. Ευχαριστούµε το ηµήτρη Φουστέρη γιἀ την προσφορά του καθώς και όσους βοήθησαν στην οργάνωση αυτού του εξαιρετικά αξιόλογου πολιτιστικού γεγονότος. Εύχοµαι σε όλους τους ενορίτες µας ένα καλό καλοκαίρι, καλές διακοπές και σας θυµίζω πως η εκκλησία µας είναι εδώ και το καλοκαίρι! Με φιλικούς χαιρετισµούς ηµήτριος Αρχοντούλης Πρόεδρος Εκκλησιαστικού Συµβουλίου

6 Page 6 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 GREETING OF THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW TO THE PILGRIMS TO THE PATRIARCHAL CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Sunday, April 10, 2005 Welcome beloved pilgrims to the Great Church welcome to all who are here today in the Most Holy Patriarchal Church, regardless of your place of origin. We rejoice and are greatly strengthened when we see you in numerous and abundant groups in the Courtyard of the Mother Church. You come to the City of cities and are touched. These emotional tears you shed join together with the emotional tears and the tears of pain of the ones before us, with the sweat of their struggles and the blood of their martyrdom. For all of these existed. The people before us experienced pain and faced struggles and martyrdom so that we can exist here today. They suffered all of the above so that we can exist today not only in a biological sense but also in a spiritual and orthodox sense. For this we are grateful to them and always honor their memory. On today s date, April 10, we most particularly celebrate the honor of Martyr Ecumenical Patriarch Gregorios V. It was on April 10, 1821, a day on which the Resurrection of the Lord was celebrated, it was Pascha, when Patriarch Gregorios V was led to the gallows, right here in this courtyard. He suffered his death from which he sprung to immortality and lives there since to the ages of ages. And, he deserves our eternal gratitude for what he has offered to us: his own life. He offered his life for our faith and Genos (Hellenic heritage). He had sensed the nearing of his death. The leading people of the Genos (Hellenes) had already been beheaded. Three prominent Metropolitans had been arrested, Metropolitans of Derkon, of Thessaloniki, of Tyrnavos, and, during one of their last gatherings, in Holy Week, the Patriarch and Hierarchs were questioning as to which type of death was probably less painful: death by hanging or by beheading?. One person offered that: We cannot know since we have not experienced either one of them. The ones of you who are from Athens have the privilege to be able to pay your respects to the Holy Relics of this Martyr Patriarch. Here we have the shut gate, the middle, the central Gate of the Patriarchate, where, on that Pascha day, the gallows were erected for the Patriarch who was condemned to death. History tells us that he had been arrested and kept somewhere here in a coffee shop, humiliated, in contempt until the gallows were ready. This morning, as I came down to officiate the Divine Liturgy, I passed in front of that shut Gate, that stays shut since his death and will remain shut in his memory - although from time to time many insist and write in the newspapers that the shut Gate ought be re-opened and lit a candle on behalf of you all, on behalf of the entire Genos (Hellenic peoples), and offered a few flowers. In Athens you have his holy relics, we, here, have the shut Gate, the exact place where he was hung and the entire Genos (Hellenic people) remembers the rope of the Patriarch. I pray that you fare well in Greece and everywhere. I pray for unity, concord and love among all Hellenes and Orthodox throughout the world. I pray that you come and strengthen us with your presence. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, pilgrims of which you are today, is a valuable jewel of our Genos (Hellenic heritage). It is an irreplaceable institution. We cannot replace nor exchange it with anything whatsoever. We all must protect it as the apple of our eyes, strengthen it, so that as a beacon, from the Phanar of Constantinople, it can shine throughout the world transmitting the message of Resurrection, under any external circumstances. That cursed, tragic day, on which Gregorios V was hung, was the day of Resurrection. Resurrection is a state, which can and ought prevail in our souls and in Mother Church always, regardless of our external environment. We are spiritually free and live and experience Resurrection. Throughout the centuries it is the message of Resurrection that the Great Church of Christ preaches: even prior to Gregorios V, even back to the beginning, in the 1st Century, back to Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who founded the Church of Constantinople, and after Gregorios V, and today with Bartholomew, and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, until the end of the world, the Great Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, from this City, from this corner of the City, from the Golden Horn, next to the shut Gate where our Patriarch was hung, will preach the message of Resurrection and the grandeur of our Orthodox faith, and all great things. Welcome and kali Anastasi.

7 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 7 LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE LATE ARCHBISHOP IAKOVOS OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA "My final testament to my Church and to my people is to remain steadfast and devoted to Greek Orthodoxy, to maintain the valiant struggle to perpetuate the Greek language in the Americas as a living symbol to both our Faith and our glorious heritage, and to encourage an ever increasing participation in the ecumenical Objective of the unity of Christendom to its never ending and universal quest for the greatest good of all mankind." New York - In his Last Will and Testament, dated December 22, 2004, the late Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America addresses the above words to the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America who he so worthily served for over 66 years, from the time he arrived in the United States as a young deacon in 1939 until his falling asleep on April 10 of this year. This final exhortation truly reflects the distinguished ministry of the Archbishop who labored day and night on behalf of Orthodoxy, was a leading advocate of all things Greek and was a forerunner and leader of the ecumenical movement not only in the United States but throughout the world. In addition to this lasting testament to his people, Archbishop Iakovos designates in his Last Will and Testament how the remainder of his belongings are to be distributed and at the time of his demise, his assets amounted to approximately $235,000. It should be noted that in 1997, the Archbishop donated a significant amount of his personal funds to help build the library at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology. Moreover, his vestments, ecclesiastical artifacts and other personal effects were placed in a special collection on the top floor of the library. It was his desire that the library be built for the benefit of the students of this Archdiocesan institution of higher learning and also as a repository of the history not only of his ministry but of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America which he led for 37 years. Furthermore, he requests in his Last Will and Testament that the expenses of his funeral and interment at Holy Cross be paid by his estate. Of the remaining amount, he gifted a total of $50,000 to the Theological School of Halki, to the Metropolis of Imbros and to the Patriarchal Church of St. George, and, to seven close relatives and lifelong friends in Greece and Canada a total of $80,000. Any remaining funds are to be divided as such: 5% each to the parochial schools of St. Demetrios, Astoria (NY), and of Holy Trinity, Lowell (MA); 20% to be used for the benefit and maintenance of the Archbishop Iakovos Library at the seminary; and 70% to the Expansion Fund of the St. Michael's Home, Yonkers (NY) in memory of his beloved parents, Maria and Athanasios Coucouzes. In the 1980's, the Archdiocese received ownership of Archbishop Iakovos' residence in Rye. At the time, it was agreed that he would reside there until the end of his life. TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD (AUGUST 6)

8 Page 8 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Sunday School News Nea tou Kathchtikou Scoleiou MAY - JUNE 2005 ACTIVITIES ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL Of great pride to the St. George Sunday School and to our community in general was our participation in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival of The Greek Archdiocese sponsors the Festival each year for students in Grades 7 through 12. The Oratorical experience provides our young people with an opportunity to research, learn, write, and speak about their beliefs, their church, and their heritage. This strengthens their understanding and appreciation of their Orthodox faith. The theme of this year=s festival was THE TRIODION, a topic which fit in perfectly with the curriculum studied within each of the Sunday School classes. All essays prepared by our St. George candidates were presented to Father Alex for final acceptance. Our local Festival was held on Friday evening, April 1, in the Nave of the church. The participants and their topic selections follow: JUNIOR DIVISION: Samantha Arias, St. Mary of Egypt; Stilianos Cambilis, The Prodigal Son; Kathy Lee George, The Holy Cross; Aphrodite Hadjiloucas, The Prodigal Son; Peggy Kalimanis, St. Mary of Egypt; Dean Michael Solomos, The Salutations; Dylan Stevens, The Prodigal Son; and Georgia Zalokostas, St. Mary of Egypt. SENIOR DIVISION: Andrea Boyadjis, The Hymn of the Three Youths; and Eleftheria Fiotakis, Hypocrites. Dean Michael Solomos and Eleftheria Fiotakis were selected to represent St. George at the District Oratorical Festival in Trenton, New Jersey, on April 2. Both were awarded Honorable Mention. Mrs. Maria Boyadjis and Mrs. Lemonia Malahias-Miko cochaired the 2005 St. George Oratorical Festival. EASTER PARTICIPATION The children of our Sunday School were very much involved in our Holy Week services. While the Altar Boys were scheduled to assist in the Liturgy, they also participated in the AFeet Washing Ceremony@ on Holy Wednesday afternoon. On Holy Thursday, the Altar Boys joined our young women, the Myrofores, in a candle-lit procession of the Holy Cross. During the Good Friday afternoon and evening services, the Altar Boys and the Myrofores participated in the processions and candleholding for the Epitaphion. Many organizations were involved in the Easter preparations, most notably the Parent-Teacher Organization and the Philoptochos. The PTO, under the direction of Mrs. Dorothea Koutsoras, accepted full responsibility for the sewing of the white robes worn by the Myrofores. The Philoptochos, under the direction of Mrs. Eleni Andronikou, decorated the beautiful red eggs prepared by Mrs. Nancy Liverakos and her committee. These eggs were distributed to the Sunday School students on Palm Sunday and then given to all parishioners and children following the Anastasis, the Service of Agape, and happily retrieved by our children during the Easter Egg Hunt. SEMINARS Our religious education calendar calls for two Liturgy Seminars to be given each academic year. These seminars are presented to the students in Grades 6 through Teen Rap and are conducted by Mr. Benjamin Scalia, a former staff member of the St. George Sunday School. The seminars this year have met with much success as indicated by the favorable student response. Mr. Scalia, also pleased with the success of this venture, wrote the following note to the Sunday School Staff: Upon completion of our third year with our Holy Liturgy Lectures, I want you to know how pleased I am with our Sunday School students. They are well-behaved, attentive, and they eagerly participate in the discussions. I know that they derive valuable knowledge of our Holy Liturgy and other aspects of our Holy Church. The Sunday School staff should be very proud of these students; and, more important, their parents should be very proud of them indeed! With all the problems facing the world today, let us take time to praise our children when praise is due! Sincerely, Benjamin J. Scalia EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN On Tuesday, April 10, Mr. Robert J. Gorr, Piscataway Fire Marshal with the Office of Fire Prevention Bureau, inspected the church premises in anticipation of implementing regular fire drills within both the academic area and the Nave. Accompanying Mr. Gorr were our EPA members, Mr. James Polos and Mrs. Maria Sirimis. Representing the Parish Council was Mr. Michael Dimitrakis, chairman of Building and Grounds. The premises were found to be acceptable for drill implementation. The EAP committee will now meet to determine the best time to implement our fire drill schedule. (Continued on page 9)

9 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 9 (Continued from page 8) Easter Day 2005 Pasca 2005 MOTHER S DAY Mother s Day at St. George once again was made more beautiful with seedlings and plants contributed to the Sunday School for distribution to mothers, teachers, and aides. Hionis Nurseries in Whitehouse Station annually provides us with the flowers. It is support and cooperation such as this that has contributed to the fellowship which both energizes and sustains the Sunday School staff and the students. AWARDS ASSEMBLY The Sunday School Awards Assembly were held in the Nave of our church on Sunday, June 12, 2005, directly following the Liturgy. SAINT PHANOURIOS (AUGUST 27)

10 Page 10 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Greek School News Nea tou Ellhnikou Scoleiou ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΟΥ ΕΤΟΣ Πρώτη ημέρα του Σχολείου γιά όλους: ευτέρα, 12 Σεπτεμβρίου :30 μμ: Αγιασμός γιά ΟΛΕΣ ΤΙΣ ΤΑΞΕΙΣ στην εκκλησία μας ΙΑΓΩΝΙΣΜΟΙ 1 ο ίμηνο: 5-9 εκεμβρίου Ελεγχοι: εκεμβρίου 2 ο ίμηνο: 6-10 Μαρτίου Ελεγχοι: Μαρτίου 3 ο ίμηνο: 29 Μαΐου - 2 Ιουνίου Ελεγχοι: 5-9 Ιουνίου ΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΘΑ ΠΑΡΑΜΕΙΝΕΙ ΚΛΕΙΣΤΟ: 31 Οκτωβρίου: Halloween Νοεμβρίου: Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών 24 εκεμβρίου μέχρι 1 Ιανουαρίου : ιακοπές Χριστουγέννων (Το Σχολείο ανοίγει 2 Ιανουαρίου) April Απριλίου: Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα (Το Σχολείο ανοίγει 25 Απριλίου) Μαΐου: Φεστιβάλ 29 Μαΐου: Memorial Day Σάββατο 25 Μαρτίου: Σάββατο 10 Ιουνίου: ΣΧΟΛΙΚΕΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΕΣ Γιορτή της 25ης Μαρτίου (12:30 μμ) μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία Γιορτή Εξετάσεων (Αποφοίτησης) 11:00 πμ ΥΠΕΝΘΥΜΙΣΕΙΣ: Οι έλεγχοι και τα (διορθωμένα) διαγωνίσματα θα διδονται στους γονείς την εβδομάδα μετά τους διαγωνισμούς, ώστε οι δασκάλες και οι γονείς να έχουν την ευκαιρία να συζητήσουν την πρόοδο και εξέλιξη των παιδιών. Τη εβδομάδα που δίδονται οι έλεγχοι, η διδασκαλία τελειώνει 30 λεπτά νωρίτερα (6:00 μμ). Σας παρακαλούμε να τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας, (732) (ή στις δασκάλες των παιδιών σας) όταν είναι ημέρα με κακοκαιρία, γιά να μάθετε αν το σχολείο θα λειτουργήσει. Με απόφαση της Σχολικής Επιτροπής, τα παιδιά του Ελληνικού σχολείου είναι υποοχρεωμένα να λαμβάνουν μέρος στις Σχολικές Γιορτές της 25ης Μαρτίου και στη Γιορτή των Εξετάσεων. Το Σχολείο αρχίζει τα μαθήματα στις 4:30 ακριβώς. Ολοι οι μαθητές πρέπει να είναι στην τάξη τους το αργότερο στις 4:25. Τελευταία ημέρα του Σχολείου θα είναι η 9η Ιουνίου ΚΑΛΟ ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ! Συγχαρητηρια - Congratulations Θερμα Συγχαρητηρια στουσ Αποφοιτουσ του Σχολειου μας Congratulations to our Greek School Graduates George Banis, Anna Kousoulis, Natasha Manolas, Manolis Litos, John Zavolas που αριστευσαν στισ Εξετασεισ Regents για την Ελληνικη Γλωσσα who excelled in the Regents Comprehensive Examination in Greek and to their Teacher, Mrs. Sofia Amaxopoulos

11 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 11 Greek School News Nea tou Ellhnikou Scoleiou SCHEDULE FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR First day of school for everyone: Monday, September 12, :30 pm: Blessing (Αγιασμός) for ALL CLASSES in the Church TESTS First Bimester: December 5-9 Report Cards: December Second Bimester: March 6-10 Report Cards: March Third Bimester: May 29 June 2 Report Cards: June 5-9 THE SCHOOL WILL REMAIN CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS: October 31: Halloween November 24-25: Thanksgiving Day December 24 until January 1: Christmas Holidays (School reopens on January 2) April 17-24: Holy Week (School reopens on April 25) May 16-19: Greek Festival Week May 29: Memorial Day Saturday, March 25: Saturday, June 10: SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS Celebration of Greek Independence Day, 12:30 p.m. (following the Divine Liturgy) Graduation, 11:00 a.m. PLEASE NOTE: The report cards and tests will be given to the parents the week following the tests so that the teachers and the parents have the opportunity to discuss the progress of their children. During conference week the school will dismiss its students 30 minutes earlier (6:00 p.m.) You are kindly requested to call the church office or your child s teacher during bad weather so you can be informed if classes will be held. As a result of the decision of the Greek School Committee, all Greek School children are required to attend the March 25th and the Graduation programs. Greek School begins at 4:30 sharp. We ask that all children be in class by 4:25, so that class is not interrupted. Your cooperation will be appreciated. Last day of school will be June 9, 2005 HAVE A GOOD SUMMER! GREEK LANGUAGE COURSE FOR ADULTS IS OFFERED - ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΓΙΑ ΕΝΗΛΙΚΕΣ A Greek Language Course for adults is being offered in our Greek School starting this Fall. The 12 week course will be given every Monday p.m. starting September 26, 2005 and ending December 19, The cost is $225. For enrolment and more information please call the church office Monday-Friday 10 am-3 pm or send at GreekSchool@comcast.net All levels are welcome!

12 Page 12 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Philoptochos News Nea ths Filoptwcou On March 28, 2005, the Metropolis Clergy/Laity Meeting took place in Baltimore, MD. President Eleni Andronikou represented our organization at the New Jersey Metropolis Philoptochos biennial meeting where the Board of Governors and officers of the Metropolis were elected for the term. There are over 3500 members in the many Philoptochos organizations in the New Jersey Metropolis. A new Philoptochos chapter has been organized in the Greek Orthodox Church of Hunterdon County in Flemington, NJ. It was established that a $100 minimum will be assessed for each Chapter for the Metropolis Social Services which have increased at a rapid rate. It was announced that the Metropolis is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. For this occasion, all Philoptochos organizations are asked to reserve the date of October 2, 2005 for a luncheon to be held in Philadelphia. At our March and April meetings, obligations were fulfilled for the following: Archdiocesan Missions, Hellenic College/Holy Cross (HC/HC) and Sisterhood of Presbyteres. Additional donations were made to the Choir Federation, Deborah Hospital, Oratorical Festival, Church Independence Day Parade Solicitation, St. George Festival (for Baklava), St. George Youth (Project Mexico), and the Ronald McDonald House Walk-a-Thon. Also, a donation was made to the Archbishop Iakovos Chair of Orthodox Theology at HC/HC in memory of our late Archbishop Iakovos. Our Easter Bread Sale was a huge success; our community celebrated the holiday of St. George with a liturgy on May 2, the day after Easter with Rev. Fr. Alexander Kile officiating and assisted by Protopresbyter Rev. Anargyros Stavropoulos, Rev. Angelo Michaels, Rev. Angelo Michaels, Very Rev. George Nikas, Rev. Anastasios Kousoulas. Following the liturgy, our ladies served a luncheon in the Memorial Room to an overflowing crowd. On June 5, 2005, we, the Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara held our annual June Luncheon. The Benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Alexander Kile. This year, not only did we host a very successful luncheon with close to 100 of our members, their families and friends attending, but at the same time we honored our member Dorothy Coniaris who will be moving to Arizona where her sons reside. Mary Boulegeris commented on Dorothy s service to our Philoptochos as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Chairman of the Board of Governors as well as a member of the Board of Governors annually chairing many activities. We wish Dorothy God Speed in her transition to a new community. Also, at this luncheon we honored Fr. Anthony N. Pappas with a birthday cake celebrating his 80th birthday. Helene Pappas spoke of how Fr. Pappas served the St. George Community with devotion, wisdom and endless love. We wish Fr. Pappas cronia polla! To all our members and the entire St. George Community we extend our best wishes for a happy and safe summer. Please pay your dues for the year 2005 and any previous years that you may have neglected. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNITED WAY DONATIONS Once again, the Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St George s Needy cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their support. We remind all our parishioners who are employed and have a payroll deduction for the United Way Program to consider having their contribution given to the St George s Needy Cases Fund. It is so easy. All you have to do is take a few minutes to contact your payroll office and request to have your contribution forwarded to the St George s Needy Cases Fund, 1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ Our United Way Reference Number is If you have any questions please contact Mary Boulegeris at (908)

13 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 13 Annual Dinner Dance of the Community of Saint George Saturday, October 15, 2005,, 7:00 p.m. At the McAteer s Reastaurant in Somerset, NJ This is an opportunity to show your love to your church And your support to your community! Make plans to joins us with your friends and family For and evening of dinner, music and dancing! Ετήσια Χοροεσπερίδα της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου Το Σάββατο 15 Οκτωβρίου 2005, στις 7:00 µ.µ Στο Εστιατόριο McAteer s στην πόλη Somerset, NJ Η ετήσια χοροεσπερίδα είναι η ευκαιρία να δείξουµε όλοι την αγάπη µας προς την εκκλησία µας και την υποστήριξη στην κοινότητά µας! Ελάτε µε την οικογένεια και τους φίλους σας Για µιά βραδιά γεµάτη διασκέδαση!

14 Page 14 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Parent-Teacher Organization News Nea tou Sullogou Gonewn kai Didaskalwn Dear Parishioners: On behalf of the Saint George P.T.O., I would like to thank you for your tremendous support this year. We had a very busy year starting with our bake sale in October and celebrating the Holidays with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony in December. In January of this year we had the Teachers Appreciation luncheon in honor of the Three Heirarchs Day where we honor and thank our Sunday School and Greek School Teachers for their hard work, dedication and grace that has helped form the young minds of our most precious commodity, our children. Our annual basket ruffle, which is a great fundraiser for the P.T.O. was held in the month of January as well, and we thank all of you who supported us with your participation. The year continued with the celebration of Godparent s day in February and the biggest event of the year the Apokriatiko glendi. Once again, the AHEPA Hall was full of smiling faces as young and old sang, danced and celebrated our traditions. The P.T.O. was proud to sponsor and assist in the commemoration of Greek Independence Day (March 25th) with the Greek School students celebration and its strong presence in the annual parade in NY. This year Father Alex Kile introduced to our community the presentation of Myrofores during Holy Week. I thank each and every one of the young ladies for their dedication, their participation and their cooperation during this most holy time. Also, I offer my heartfelt thanks to their parents for ALL the support and help in preparing the girls every day during Holy Week. To all the ladies of our church who made the Myrofores robes, the P.T.O. sends its deepest appreciation and gratitude. As we do every year, the P.T.O. wrapped up the year with pizza parties for all Greek school classes, hosted and organized the End of Year celebration and offered a Bowling outing for all P.T.O. children. As the summer is already here, we wish you all a healthy and peaceful season. We look forward to welcoming you back in September! God be with you Dorothy Koutsoras, P.T.O. President Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες Εκ μέρους του Σ.Γ.. θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλα τα μέλη της κοινότητας για την μεγάλη υποστήριξή τους κατά την διάρκεια της περασμένης χρονιάς. Ήταν μία χρονιά γεμάτη εκδηλώσεις γιά τις οποίες τα μέλη του Σ.Γ.. δούλεψαν πάρα πολύ έστι ώστε τα παιδιά της κοινότητάς μας να κρατήσουν ζωντανή μέσα τους την φλόγα της Πίστης μας, και τον σεβασμό για τα ήθη και έθιμα της πατρίδας μας. Αρχίσαμε τη χρονιά με την πώληση σπιτικών και παραδοσιακών γλυκών και συνεχίσαμε με την Χριστουγεννιάτικη γιορτή που έφερε το χαμόγελο σε όλα τα παιδάκια. Τον Ιανουάριο γιορτάσαμε την ημέρα των Τριών Ιεραχών με το ετήσιο γεύμα προς τιμήν των δασκάλων του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου και του Ελληνικού Σχολείου στους οποίους προσφέρουμε τις βαθύτατες ευχαριστίες για την αφοσίωση και αποφασιστικότητα που τους διακρίνει και την πολύτιμη προσφορά τους σε γενεές και γενεές παιδιών της κοινότητάς μας. Τον Φεβρουάριο τιμήσαμε όλους τους νονούς και νονές με την ημέρα των Αναδόχων. Η μεγαλύτερη εκδήλωση της χρονιάς, το Αποκριάτικο Γλέντι, ήταν και φέτος μία μεγάλη επιτυχία. Η αίθουσα του κοινοτικού μας κέντρου γέμισε από μικρούς και μεγάλους, που χόρεψαν και διασκέδασαν με κέφι καθώς γιορτάσαμε όλοι μαζί για άλλη μια χρονιά το όμορφο έθιμο της Αποκριάς. Η 25η Μαρτίου γιορτάστηκε φέτος με μεγαλοπρέπεια, καθώς καμαρώσαμε τα παιδιά του Ελληνικού Σχολείου να απαγγέλουν τα ποιήματά τους και να αναπαραστούν σκηνές με ήρωες και ηρωΐδες. Ο Σ.Γ..έδωσε φέτος δυναμικά το «παρών» στην ετήσια παρέλαση της ομογένειας που γίνεται στην Νέα Υόρκη. Μία σημαντική καινοτομία για την εκκλησία μας ήταν φέτος η παρουσία των Μυροφόρων και η τελετή του νιπτήρα. Με την διδαχή και καθοδήγηση του Πατρός Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ είχαμε την κατάνυξη που μας προσέφερε η παρουσία των Μυροφόρων και νιώσαμε συγκίνηση καθώς παρακολουθήσαμε την τελετή του νιπτήρα. Θα θέλαμε με την ευκαιρία αυτή, να ευχαριστήσουμε όλες τις κοπέλες για την αφοσίωση και την υπομονή τους, όλες τις μητέρες τους που ετοίμαζαν τα κορίτσια κατά την διάρκεια όλης της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας, και να στείλουμε ένα ιδιαίτερο ευχαριστώ με την ευγνωμοσύνη μας σε όλες τις κυρίες που έραψαν τα φορέματα που φόρεσαν οι Μυροφόρες. Επίσης, στις μητέρες των Ιεροπαίδων δίνουμε θερμές ευχαριστίες για την συνεργασία και οργανωμένη παρουσία των Ιεροπαίδων. Ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί πάντα. Όπως κάθε χρόνο, ο Σ.Γ.. πρόσφερε πίτσα και αναψυκτικά σε όλα τα παιδιά όλων των τάξεων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου την (Continued on page 15)

15 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 15 On behalf of the St. George Greek Orthodox Festival Committee, we would like to thank all of the people who contributed their time and financial support toward the 32nd Annual Festival. The success of this church event is a reflection of the continued dedication and team work this community strives for, in an effort to support the church and to share the Greek culture, traditions, hospitality and religion, which we are so proud of. As with prior years, we were very fortunate to have good weather for this year's Festival. In return, we were able to generate sales that surpassed last year s records. Our three day total was approximately $175,000, which surpassed last year s record of $168,000. We anticipate that our gross sales will be in the neighborhood of $190,000 to $200,000 for total sales. A final financial report will be provided during our semi-annual general assembly meeting in the fall. We would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time, services and support during the festival. This has been an opportunity for our members to show their stewardship towards the church. We would like to take this time and opportunity to acknowledge and specially thank all the departments and their staff that participated in the Festival: Admissions, Bar, Dining Room, Kitchen/Salad Prep/Tiropites, Gyros, Souvlakia, Food Procurement, Gift Shop, Raffle, Bakery/Loukoumades, Church Tours, Cashiers/Take-Out, Treasury, T-Shirts, and Youth Activities. A special thank you to Michael Dimitrakis, who was my right hand man during this year s festival. I would like to stress again, that our recent financial success is not a result of higher prices, but instead being more efficient and learning from our prior experiences. This year we were able to provide additional capacity to the outside taverna by setting up more tables, chairs and tents. This allowed us to be able to accommodate more people inside (AHEPA Hall-Dining) and outside (Taverna). In addition, we made improvements to the Gyro and Loukoumades stations. We also identified new vendors who provided us with service, quality and lower cost from prior years. I have had the opportunity to chair the festival for the last seven years. During this time, I have listened to various suggestions, by many of our people. I have also consulted with prior festival chairpersons who have faced similar challenges for their valued input. These continuous implementations have been a direct result to our success. We continue to learn from our previous year s experiences in an effort to improve our festival. Next year we will look to identify improvements at the Souvlakia, T-shirts and Cultural Center stations. We also anticipate the completion of the landscaping retaining wall in front of the church. Once again, on behalf of the Festival Committee, we would like to thank everyone for their support during this year's festival and once again making this a successful event. God Bless, John Lyssikatos, 2005 Festival Chairperson Thank You Letter from the Festival Committee (Continued from page 14) τελευταία εβδομάδα της χρονιάς και οργάνωσε την γιορτή για το τέλος της χρονιάς. Τελειώσαμε την πολυάσχολη μα και τόσο όμορφη χρονιά προσφέροντας στα παιδιά του Σ.Γ.. ένα απόγευμα διασκέδασης με μπόουλινγκ. Ήρθε το ζεστό καλοκαίρι όμως, και είναι καιρός να πάρουμε όλοι μια μικρή ανάπαυλα. Σας ευχόμαστε καλό καλοκαίρι, καλές διακοπές και με το καλό να ξανανταμώσουμε όλοι τον Σεπτέμβρη! Ο Θεός να είναι μαζί σας Εύη Γεωργοπούλου, Αντιπρόεδρος του Σ.Γ..

16 Page 16 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 ADVERTISEMENTS CRABIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS David B. Crabiel, Founder (NJ Lic. 2301) Michael Theokas MILLTOWN The Crabiel Home for Funerals Paulette Crabiel Wahler, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3875) 170 N. Main Street-at Riva Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel Frank S. Facchini, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3217) 329 Livingston Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK GOWEN FUNERAL HOME, LLC John Mezaros, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 2862) 233 Somerset Street 1411 Stelton Road - Piscataway, NJ Please send your ad via to: StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net

17 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 17 ADVERTISEMENTS LEVINSON AXELROD Attorneys at Law Helen Giannios, Administrator 2 Lincoln Highway Edison, NJ (732) NJLAW Consultations are always free! Other offices in: Belford, Flemington, Forked River, Howell and Somerville PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS Specializing in: Car Accidents Slip and Fall Accidents Medical Malpractice Unsafe Products and Machinery Traffic Violations Workers Compensation Occupational Diseases (Asbestosis) Sports and Amusement Park Accidents Construction Site Accidents Social Security Disability Employment Discrimination

18 Page 18 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Financial Update/Oikonomikh Enhmerwsh

19 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Page 19 Stewardship Update/Enhmerwsh gia thn Ekousia Eisfora Please do not forget that your Church operates yearround and needs your support year-round. An integral part of the success of stewardship in the St George community is the participation of each member of this parish. We are aware that these are difficult times for many parishioners and yet the Church is here for you regardless if you choose to support it or not. If you have pledged and not paid, please do so before the end of the year. If you have not pledged at all, we encourage you to do so and soon! The Church needs your help and welcomes any and all pledges. We thank all parishioners who have pledged and we appreciate your continued support of the St George Greek Orthodox Church.

20 Page 20 The Voice of St George - Summer 2005 Tradition/Paradosis THE DORMITION OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER VIRGIN MARY Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers: When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God. With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But someone, moved by malice, audaciously stretched DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS (AUGUST 15) forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens. These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God. Apolytikion: (First Tone) In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions. Kontakion: (Second Tone) Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life. Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press, Northridge, CA Kontakion courtesy of Narthex Press, Northridge, CA