ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ. 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652

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1 ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ T H E G O O D N E WS 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey Tel: Fax: Emergency Tel: info@stathanasiosnj.org OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VOLUME 14, ISSUE 8, 9 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos Ieratikos Proestamenos Parish Council 2019 President: Andy Hios 1st V. President: Chuck J. Tsocanos 2nd V. President: Spero Leakas Treasurer: Dean Tomaras Secretary: Manny Jouvanis Tony Emmanouilidis Jason Fink Nick Gagis Joanne Glavas Othon Katechis Emmanuel Kavrakis Konstantinos Menegatos Peter Paizis Sam Poulis George Siamboulis Chuck K. Tsocanos Paul Venizelos Tonia Yiangou Dear Parishioners, On November 15th, we will begin the 40 day Christmas Lent. Christ, in His earthly life fasted frequently. He endured temptation and hunger like every man, but He did not sin. He kept the fast. In this way He gave us the example to follow. When the Jewish leaders asked Christ why His disciples were not fasting, He said that so long as the Bridegroom is with them, the children do not fast, but when the Bridegroom is taken away, then they will fast. In this way, Christ indicated that from the time of His Passion, His followers would begin to fast. In obedience to this command from our Lord, Christians fast. Fasting for Orthodox Christians is to overcome our Passions. A passion is anything that has control over us, such as over eating, smoking, gossip, sinful thoughts and sinful deeds. All of these things captivate the soul, subjecting the man created in the image and likeness of God to things that are earthly and not profitable for our souls and our salvation. The first step in overcoming the passions is fasting and prayer. We also fast in order to draw closer to God. Every Christian is called to be an ascetic-not just monks, nuns and priests. Our aim through fasting is to undergo Theosis, to be illuminated and transfigured by God. Orthodox Christians should fast on Wednesday and Fridays. We must fast before receiving Holy Communion. We must fast during the Lenten seasons. These Lenten periods of time are set aside for fasting and repentance. There are four such fasting seasons in the Orthodox Church: Great Lent, Advent-Nativity Lent, Dormition Fast and the Holy Apostle s Fast. We must always be concerned how we fast and for what reason. We must not fast for earthly reasons rather than spiritual. During the fasting periods, temptation is much stronger.

2 Evil forces turn us away from our spiritual fast and turn our focus to earthly passions. Many people will fast to loose weight or brag about their fasting and strength in order to look holy in front of others. These reasons for fasting are not God-like or Christian habits. When we fast, we must eat simple. When we fast, it is important to keep the spirit of the fast, not just the literal rules, for, the letter of the law kills, and the spirit of the law gives life. Days of fasting are days of prayer, spiritual enrichment, self- preparation, reflection and days devoted to God in a every special way. Fasting must always be accompanied by prayer and almsgiving. As we will begin our 40 day Christmas Lent, my dear Christians, let us remember the spirit of the fast. Let us remember the guidelines laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who said: When you fast, be not as the Hypocrites, sad, for they disfigure their faces, that they appear unto men to fast, Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; that you appear not to men to fast, but to the Father who is in secret: and the Father, Who sees you in secret, will repay you. (Matt. 6:16-17) Fasting, for all Orthodox Christians, is a time of restraint, self control, spiritual cleaniness and self-education in all respects, and a real Christian fast, gives believers a great moral satisfaction. Let us, start our fast with a clean soul and clean spirit. Let us approach our God with truth, piety and honesty. And let us ask Him to fill our hearts with the true Christian Christmas meaning, the meaning of Love, caring, sacrifice and devotion With Love in Christ, Fr. Anargyros Αγαπητοί μου Χριστιανοί, Από τις 15 Νοεμβρίου, αρχίζει κάθε χρόνο η Τεσσαρακοστή των Χριστουγέννων ή το λεγόμενο Σαρανταήμερο. Είναι μια ευλογημένη περίοδος της λειτουργικής μας ζωής, με την οποία μας προετοιμάζει καταλλήλως η αγία μας Εκκλησία, για να εορτάσουμε τη μεγάλη δεσποτική εορτή των Χριστουγέννων. Στο διάστημα των σαράντα αυτών ημερών, εορτάζουμε και τις μνήμες πολλών και λαοφιλών Αγίων, όπως π.χ. της αγίας Αικατερίνης, του αγίου Ανδρέου, της αγίας Βαρβάρας, του αγίου Νικολάου, της αγίας Άννης, του αγίου Σπυρίδωνος και άλλων. Προβάλλονται έτσι ενώπιόν μας προς μίμησιν εντυπωσιακά παραδείγματα αρετής και αγιότητος. Πανηγυρίζουμε επίσης και τη Θεομητορική εορτή των Εισοδίων της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου, από την οποία αρχίζουν να ψάλλονται οι Κατεβασίες των Χριστουγέννων «Χριστός γεννάται...» κλπ. Εορτάζουμε ακόμη και μνήμες ορισμένων Προφητών της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης, οι οποίοι επροφήτευσαν τον σωτήριο ερχομό του Μεσσία μεταξύ μας. Κατά το Σαρανταήμερο, έχει ορισθεί για τους πιστούς νηστεία, η οποία είναι ελαφρότερη από τη νηστεία της Αγίας και Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, που προηγείται της εορτής του Πάσχα. Επιτρέπεται δηλαδή η κατάλυσις, ορισμένες βέβαια ημέρες, των ιχθύων μπορούμε να τρώμε ψάρια. Για τον καθορισμό της νηστείας αυτής της Τεσσαρακοστής των Χριστουγέννων, αναφέρει τα εξής ο άγιος Συμεών, αρχιεπίσκοπος Θεσσαλονίκης, ο οποίος έζησε στα τέλη του 14 ου και τις αρχές του 15 ου αιώνα.

3 «Η Τεσσαρακονθήμερος εικονίζει τη νηστεία του Μωϋσέως, όστις νηστεύσας τεσσαράκοντα ημέρας και νύκτας, έλαβεν εις πλάκας λιθίνας γεγραμμένους τους λόγους του Θεού, ημείς δε νηστεύοντες τεσσαράκοντα ημέρας, βλέπομεν και λαμβάνομεν τον ζώντα Λόγον εκ της Παρθένου, όχι γεγραμμένον εν λίθοις, αλλά σεσαρκωμένον γεννηθέντα και αξιούμεθα να κοινωνώμεν την θειοτέραν αυτού Σάρκα». Ορισμένοι ιεροί Κανόνες της Εκκλησίας μας, ονομάζουν τη νηστεία της Τεσσαρακοστής των Χριστουγέννων νηστείαν «του αγίου Φιλίππου», διότι αρχίζει αμέσως μετά την εορτήν του αγίου Αποστόλου Φιλίππου. Όσοι λοιπόν αγαπούμε την Εκκλησία μας και θέλουμε να είμαστε και να νιώθουμε παιδιά της, πρέπει να ζήσουμε κι αυτή την εκκλησιαστική περίοδο στην πληρότητά της. Να χαρούμε τις εορτές της, να απολαύσουμε τις λατρευτικές ευκαιρίες της, ανάλογα βέβαια με τις δυνατότητες της εργασίας μας και να πορευόμαστε μαζί με την Εκκλησία μας, προσδοκώντας το μεγάλο γεγονός της Γεννήσεως του Λυτρωτού του κόσμου, που θα το ζωντανεύσει η εορτή των Χριστουγέννων. Σ αυτό βοηθεί πολύ και η μελέτη επικαίρων ορθοδόξων βιβλίων. Και εφόσον δεν έχουμε κάποιο σοβαρό λόγο υγείας, πρέπει να συμμορφωθούμε και προς την εντολή της νηστείας, που εθέσπισε και τηρεί η Εκκλησία, επί τη βάση του λόγου του Θεού, ο οποίος πλείστες όσες φορές ομιλεί για τη νηστεία. Αν αρρωστήσει κάποιος, οι ιατροί του περιορίζουν τα φαγητά και κατ ουσίαν του παραγγέλλουν να νηστεύει. Αν άλλος επιθυμεί να έχει υγιές σώμα, απέχει από πολλές τροφές. Οι πιστοί πέρα από όλα αυτά, νηστεύουμε και πρέπει να νηστεύουμε και να αποφεύγουμε ωρισμένα φαγητά, διότι το ορίζει η Μητέρα μας Εκκλησία, η οποία ενδιαφέρεται για την καλή ψυχική μας κατάσταση και για την αιώνια σωτηρία μας. Η νηστεία, έλεγε ο ιερός Χρυσόστομος, είναι «φάρμακον». Βοηθεί στην εξυγίανση και θεραπεία και τόνωση του ψυχικού μας οργανισμού. Συμβάλλει στην ουσιαστική και βαθύτερη μετάνοια και στην απόκτηση και καλλιέργεια πολλών αρετών, όπως είναι η υπακοή, η ταπεινοφροσύνη, η εκκοπή του ιδίου θελήματος ή αυταπάρνησης κλπ. Ο ιερός Χρυσόστομος, προσθέτει και κάτι ακόμη, που μας βοηθεί να ζήσουμε καλύτερα το νόημα και το βαθύτερο πνευματικό περιεχόμενο της εντολής της νηστείας. «Νηστεύεις; Δείξον μοι δια των έργων αυτών. Ποίων έργων; Φησίν. Εάν ίδης πένητα, ελέησον εάν ίδης εχθρόν, καταλλάγηθι εάν ίδης φίλον ευδοκιμούντα, μη φθονήσης». Δεν είναι δηλαδή αρκετή η εξωτερική αποφυγή ορισμένων φαγητών χρειάζεται και η αποφυγή των αμαρτιών που μολύνουν την ψυχή και η ένδυση της ψυχής με τις αρετές, που τη στολίζουν και την κάμνουν να ομοιάζει προς τον Κύριο. Σ αυτά τα ιερά αγωνίσματα μας παρακινεί, αδερφοί μου, η Εκκλησία μας και αυτό το Σαρανταήμερο. Μαζί με την τήρηση της νηστείας και τη συμμετοχή στις λατρευτικές μας συνάξεις, ας φροντίζουμε να καθαρίζουμε την ψυχή μας με τη μετάνοια και Εξομολόγηση από κάθε μολυσμό και την ελαφρώνουμε από κάθε αμαρτία που τη βαραίνει και την εμποδίζει να υψωθεί προς τα ουράνια. Έτσι μόνον θα ζήσουμε καλύτερα και σ όλες τις διαστάσεις του το γεγονός της θείας συγκαταβάσεως και ενανθρωπήσεως. Και μόνο τότε Εκείνος που «έκλινεν ουρανούς και κατέβη» στη γη, για να μας υψώσει μαζί Του στην ουράνια Βασιλεία Του, θα είναι και για τον καθένα μας ο Σωτήρ και ο Λυτρωτής μας. Με αγάπη Χριστού Πατήρ Ανάργυρος

4 Η ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ Τα Χριστούγεννα δεν είναι μόνο η αφετηρία της Χριστιανικής πίστης, έιναι και η αρχή θεϊκών πράξεων από τη ζωή του Χριστού ώς τα Πάθη και την Ανάσταση, που κατέγραψαν οι Απόστολοι και δίδαξαν οι Ευαγγελιστές, για να χαράξουν τη νέα πορεία της ανθρωπότητας. Ο ερχομός του Χριστού στον κόσμο, έφερε την αγάπη και τη δύναμη του Θεού στη γη μας. Ο Θεός που δε λυπήθηκε να προσφέρει τον Υιό Του για την σωτηρία των ανθρώπων, θα ήταν από τη γέννηση του Χριστού και μετά, ο Θεός στη διάθεση κάθε ανθρώπου. Πιστεύουμε ότι η γέννηση του Χριστού, είναι η μεγαλύτερη χαρά, αγάπη και δύναμη που ήρθε στην ανθρωπότητα. Ο γεννημένος από την Παρθένο Μαρία, Σωτήρας Χριστός είναι ο μόνος που μπορεί να σώσει τον άνθρωπο, να λύσει τα προβλήματά του, να ικανοποιήσει τις ανάγκες του, να θεραπεύσει τις αρρώστιες του και να κάνει τα αδύνατα δυνατά. Στη σημερινή εποχή που είναι οργανωμένη πολυσύνθετα και καταστρεπτικά, ζούμε συνειδητά ή ασυνείδητα μια συνεχή σταθερή και δυναμική διάβρωση του εσωτερικού κόσμου του ανθρώπου. Ποτέ ο άνθρωπος δεν ήταν τόσο ανήμπορος να διευθύνει τον εαυτό του. Η αφθονία των αγαθών, οι ανέσεις ή οι επιδιώξεις για να αποκτήσεις περισσότερα και προπαντός, οι επιθυμίες για πράγματα υπερβολικά, που δεν ικανοποιούνται από την διαρκή απληστία των υλιστικών προκλήσεων. Ο άνθρωπος και στις δύο περιπτώσεις, στην αφθονία και στην αγχωτική επιθυμία για υπρβολή, ζει το ίδιο δυστυχισμένος και νευρικός. Στην απελπιστική αυτή κατάσταση του σύγχρονου ανθρώπου, τα Χριστούγεννα, η γέννηση του Μοναδικού Σωτήρα, Του είναι η μόνη λύση. Ο Ιησούς Χριστός δεν ήλθε για να ιδρύσει μια θρησκεία ή για να μεταρρυθμίσει τον τότε κόσμο. Ήρθε με μοναδικό σκοπό να αλλάξει ριζικά τη ζωή του ανθρώπου. Το μαρτύριο του Χριστού πάνω στο Σταυρό, το αίμα που έχυσε για τον άνθρωπο, δεν ήταν πράξεις που θα χάριζαν στον κόσμο μια καλύτερη ζωή, αλλά ήταν πράξεις απαραίτητες, σύμφωνα με τη θεία αγάπη και δικαιοσύνη για μια καινούργια ζωή. Την ολοκληρωτικά αυτή νέα ζωή, που χαρίζει ο Ιησούς Χριστός σε κάθε έναν, που ειλικρινά μετανοεί και ζητάει με πίστη τη Σωτηρία του, οι Πατέρες της εκκλησίας, μας την παρουσιάζουν με πολλά και διαφορετικά ονόματα. Την αποκαλούν «ανάπλαση, αποκατάσταση, ανόρθωση, αναμόρφωση, ανακαίνιση, αναγέννηση, νέα και αληθινή ζωή.» Η γέννηση του Θεανθρώπου στον κόσμο, είναι και για μας, μια ευκαιρία τη χρονιά αυτή να αρχίσουμε μια καινούργια ζωή, αναγνωρίζοντας, ομολογώντας και ζητώντας με πίστη να έρθει στη ζωή μας ο Χριστός και να μας χαρίσει την εσωτερική γαλήνη, το φως της πίστης και την πανανθρώπινη αγάπη και ειρήνη. ΚΑΛΑ ΚΑΙ ΕΥΛΟΓΗΜΕΝΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ!

5 GREETINGS! Fr. Anargyros, Fr. John, the President of the Parish Council and its members, President of the Philoptochos and its members, PTO President and its members, the teachers of the Greek and Sunday Church Schools and the entire staff of St. Athanasios Parish wish everyone.merry CHRISTMAS! ΕΥΧΕΣ Ο πατήρ Ανάργυρος, ο πατήρ Ιωάννης, ο πρόεδρος και τα μέλη του Εκκλησιαστικού Συμβουλίου, η πρόεδρος και τα μέλη της Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητος, η πρόεδρος καί τα μέλη τού Συλλόγου Γονέων καί Διδασκάλων, οι Διδάσκαλοι των Σχολείων Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού και ολόκληρο το προσωπικό της ενορίας του Αγίου Αθανασίου, εύχονται σε όλους... ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ!!!! ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ Την Κυριακή 22 Δεκεμβρίου, οι μαθητές του Κατηχητικού και του Ελληνικού Σχολείου θα παρουσιάσουν το Χριστουγεννιάτικο Πρόγραμμα της Γεννήσεως του Χριστού μας, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM On Sunday, December 22nd, our Sunday Church School and Greek School will present the Annual Christmas Pageant. Please come and watch the children of our community in this special presentation of the Nativity of Christ

6 December 6 th Feast Day of Saint Nicholas (4 th century) December 12 th Feast Day of St. Spyridon (4 th century) Two of the most beloved Bishops and Saints of our Church are St. Nicholas and St. Spyridon. They both lived during the fourth century and were very good friends who together defended the Orthodox Christian Faith against those who attempted to change the teachings of the Church. St. Nicholas If any person attempts to tell you that there is no Santa Claus, you can prove to them that they are wrong. There was and there is truly a Santa Claus. He lived in a small town called Myra in Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey. He became a priest at an early age and soon commanded the respect and admiration of all the citizens of Myra. He was elevated to Bishop very quickly and served for many years as Archbishop of the province. His fame as a lover of children was well known. He also defended the unfortunate and assisted the poor. It was St. Nicholas who brought the spirit of good will and Christmas to the world. He loved to give presents to poor children and underprivileged families. The name Santa Claus is the northern European name for Saint Nicholas. St. Nicholas attended the First Ecumenical Council in the year 325 A.D. in Asia Minor and helped to defend the True Faith of Jesus Christ. He was tortured by the enemies of Christianity and spent many years in prison. He bore the terrible scars of torture on his body for many years after his release from prison. Santa Claus will continue to exist so long as there are people who love one another and who are willing to share in the many wonderful gifts which Almighty God has given to us. St. Nicholas is the Patron Saint of children everywhere. He is also considered the Patron Saint of travelers. St. Spyridon St. Spyridon was called the Shepherd Bishop. He lived during the 4 th century on the beautiful island of Cyprus. As a young boy, he tended sheep on the island of his father. He was ordained a priest but continued to tend his sheep which he loved very much. When he was elevated to the position of Bishop of his province, he still kept the little farm of his parents and worked diligently tending his sheep. St. Spyridon had no formal education. Yet, he had memorized the entire Bible by listening to it being read in Church and in his home. In the year 325 A.D. he was called by St. Constantine to help defend the Orthodox Faith at the 1 st Ecumenical Council which was held in the city of Nicaea, Asia Minor. It was there that he began a lasting friendship with St. Nicholas of Myra. St. Spyridon too, like St. Nicholas, had been persecuted by the Roman pagans. After being beaten by Roman soldiers he lost his right eye and was to work in the mines for many years. Although he died almost 1600 years ago, his body is still well preserved on the island of Kerkyra (off the West Coast of Greece). Thousands of pilgrims venerate his holy remains on the Church of St. Spyridon on the island, and each year on December 12, the clergy carry his holy body through the streets of the city. The hand of God has preserved his sacred body for all to venerate each year.

7 PHILOPTOCHOS Dear Parishioners, St. Irene s Philoptochos has been busy in September and October. We joined our sister chapters at Asbury Park for the celebration of Holy Cross. It was a beautiful summer day. Congratulations to the GOYAn s who retrieved the Cross. We are busy preparing for our annual Fashion Show on Tuesday, November 5 th at the Venetian. The Fig Leaf of Maywood will be showing the fashions. We have beautiful prizes for our Tricky Tray that night. Hope to see you there. We are also looking forward to our Christmas Party on Tuesday December 10th for the ladies of our community. We will have the party at Season s in Washington Township. Come and celebrate the Christmas season with us with good friends, good food and dancing. Look for the flyer in the Sunday bulletins. On December 22nd we will have our annual bake sale of Greek pastries to take home with you. Yummy!! On December 28th we will join our community to our annual visit to St. Michael s Home for the Aged in Yonkers. Visiting St. Michael s is a highlight for Philoptochos. The residents of St. Michael s welcome us with a smile and a story they want share. They are a pleasure to talk with and visit. We will sing carols and maybe Greek dance with them. I want to personally wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and a joyous Christmas. Aspasia Panagiotopoulos President Annual Fashion Show TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, :30 p.m. The Venetian 546 River Drive, Garfield, NJ TRICKY TRAY GREAT GIFTS 50/50 RAFFLE 50% of the raffle proceeds will benefit the October Foundation Donation $65.00 FOR RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS CONTACT: Thea Portelos: Anna Gourmos: Anthoula Kamvosoulis: Church Office:

8 SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Dear Parents, We give thanks to God for another successful opening of the Sunday Church School year. Our students, Little Angels through High School seniors, have had a busy fall season and are engaged in many different church school activities. I would like to thank all of the Sunday School teachers for their volunteer time and dedication to SS. This year we have the following teacher assignments per grades: Little Angles: Dina Burke and Helen Antonopoulos Kindergarden: Aphrodite Panagopoulos and Elizabeth Piteo 1 st and 2 nd : Stella Dimatos and Demetra Stathis Binder 3 rd and 4 th : Venessa Cormas and Maria Peponias 5 th and 6 th : Lillianne Dugan and Maria Kamberakis 7 th and 8 th : Cleo Yannitsadis 9 th through 12 th : Evy Apostolatos and Paul Roumantzas Our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive has started and it will be ending on November 13 th. Many thanks to Maria Salemme for coordinating and running this joint initiative of the Sunday Church School, Hope and Joy Programs. We hope we can reach our goal and provide all 150 families with a Thanksgiving meal. Please continue to promote family worship as our children look up and model our behavior and actions. Let s all try to bring our children to church every Sunday as it is an important step to teaching them about our faith. We appreciate all the help and guidance we have been receiving from you and we are looking forward to hearing more from you and implementing your recommendations. The following are the upcoming Sunday Church School Events: Geode Coaster Fundraiser - ongoing Thanksgiving Food Drive - October 13 th Christmas Lenten Retreat - December 21 st Christmas Play Program - December 22 nd Parish Visit to St. Michael s Home for the Elderly - December 28 th THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT In preparation of the celebration of Christmas it is important that we prepare ourselves spiritually and we keep in mind the true reason for this celebration, which is nothing but the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Respectfully, Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D. Sunday School Director

9 ΝΕΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Αγαπητοί γονείς, Είμαστε στον Νοέμβριο, τον τρίτο μήνα της νέας σχολικής χρονιάς , και θα ήθελα να καλωσορίσω τους νέους μαθητές μας, που γράφτηκαν στο σχολείο μας μετά την έναρξη των μαθημάτων τον Σεπτέμβτιο. Τους υποσχόμαστε, ότι η παρακολούθηση των μαθημάτων θα είναι πολύ ευχάριστη. και η εμπειρία τους αξέχαστη. Καλωσορίζουμε επίσης την νέα δασκάλα της προνηπιακής τάξης ηλικίας 3 και 4 ετών, την Κα Φωτούλα Αναστασοπούλου. Παρακαλώ σημειώστε ότι: Την Τετάρτη 27 Νοεμβρίου το σχολείο θα είναι κλειστό, λογω του εορτασμού της Ημέρας των ευχαριστιών. Στις Τετάρτη 18 Δεκεμβρίου θα δοθούν οι έλεγχοι της πρώτης περιόδου. Την Κυριακή 22 Δεκεμβρίου, θα γίνει η Χριστουγεννιάτικη εορτή της ενορίας μετά το τέλος της θείας λειτουργίας, και θα συμμετέχουν παιδιά του Κατηχητικού και του Ελληνικού σοχλείου. Την Δευτέρα 23 Δεκεμβρίου, οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού σχολείου θα παρουσιάσουν ένα εορταστικό Χριστουγεννιάτικο πρόγραμμα, στην κοινοτική αίθουσα. Το σχολείο θα παραμείνει κλειστό από τις 24 έως τις 2 Ιανουαρίου. Ευχόμαστε σε όλους ΧΑΡΟΥΜΕΝΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ, και ΧΑΡΟΥΜΕΝΗ η νέα χρονιά! Dear Parents, We are in November, the third month of the new school year, and I want to welcome our new students, who joined us just recently. We also welcome our new Greek school teacher Mrs. Fotoula Anastasopoulos, who will teach the 3 and 4 year old students. Please mark your calendars: Wednesday, November 27th School will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Wednesday, December 18th First report cards will be distributed. Sunday, December 22nd Sunday and Greek schools Christmas Pageant. Monday, December 23rd Greek school Christmas celebration. Wednesday, December 24th Christmas break. No classes until January 2nd. Sophia Stamatiou Greek School Principal MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

10 P.T.O.

11 GOYA NEWS Dear Parishioners, Our GOYA year is officially in full swing! We welcomed our new and returning GOYA members with an ice cream social and continued with our first meeting. Our GOYA now has a total of 69 registered members! On September 15, 4 of our GOYAns braved the chilly waters of Asbury Park and dove for the Holy Cross. It was an honor to be part of this annual tradition. We also attended the Harvest Dance in September at St. George s Church in Clifton. This was a great way to kick start the year and the beginning of many more fun events. Our GOYA kicked off our fundraising with something new and exciting to our community. We laughed the night away when we hosted, Basile the Greek American Comedian on Friday, September 27th. He provided our community with laughter and joy as he made hilariously relatable jokes. This night was a huge success for our GOYA! Thank you to everyone who helped and supported us in making this fundraiser such a success! Our sports season has officially begun. We played our first games against Clifton Church on October 6. Both boys basketball and girls volleyball senior teams won with a great fight! We are also very proud of our junior teams for playing such exciting games! Another exciting event our GOYA participated in was the Mr. and Mrs. GOYA Pageant! Anna Makris and I had the honor of representing St. Athanasios for the 2019 competition. This Pageant was a great way for us to reach deeper into our faiths. The interview process and preparing our resumes was an extremely rewarding process to see how much we have accomplished over the years, have given back, and what we will be accomplishing for the years to come. We have taken what we have learned over the years from Father, our Sunday school classes, going to church/alter and participating in liturgy. We would like to thank Father Anargyros and our Sunday School teachers for the support we have been given in this spiritual journey. We are anticipating the next few months to be filled with joyous events that we will share as one GOYA family. On behalf of me and the entire GOYA, we wish everyone a blessed Christmas Season and a Happy New Year! With Love in Christ, Teddy Kesoglou GOYA President

12 CHRISTMAS FAST The forty day fast for the feast of the Nativity begins on Friday, November 15th. According to the Church Canons, fish, wine and oil are allowed until December 17th, except for Wednesdays and Fridays. Strict Fast is observed from December 18th to the 24th. CHRISTMAS CARD: Express your wishes for the Christmas Season to all parishioners and friends through the community Christmas Card. Donation for having your family included in the card is $25. Please submit your completed form with your check. The deadline is Sunday, December 1st. We also kindly ask that you do not forget the church in your Christmas gift list. Please send your Christmas gift for the Parish to the Church Office. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: If anyone is interested in donating towards the purchase of poinsettias for Christmas please contact the Church office. COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY We wish to thank all our parishioners and friends of St. Athanasios for remembering our Food Pantry for Thanksgiving. Our Food Pantry helps families that have a need for assistance. It is very important that we keep our food Pantry filled at all times. Please remember the bank for the needy is at the entrance of the Community Center. ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ Την Παρασκευή, 15 Νοεμβρίου αρχίζει η 40 ήμερη Νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων. Σύμφωνα με τους Ιερούς Κανόνες της Εκκλησίας μας, επιτρέπονται το ψάρι, το λάδι και το κρασί έως και τις 17 Δεκεμβρίου, εκτός Τετάρτη και Παρασκευή. Από τις 18 Δεκεμβρίου ως και τις 24 Δεκεμβρίου τηρείται αυστηρή νηστεία. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΡΤΑ: Για την συμμετοχή σας στην ετήσια Χριστουγεννιάτικη Κάρτα του 2019, παρακαλούμε συμπληρώσατε την φόρμα και μαζί με το δώρο σας, στήλετε αυτήν στο Γραφείο μας μέχρι την Κυριακή, 1η Δεκεμβρίου. ΛΟΥΛΟΥΔΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΣΤΟΛΙΣΜΟ: Εάν θέλετε να δώσετε χρήματα για την αγορά λουλουδιών προς στολισμό της Εκκλησίας μας για τα Χριστούγεννα, παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. ΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ ΤΡΟΦΙΜΩΝ: Η Εκκλησία μας παρέχει τρόφιμα σε οικογένειες που έχουν ανάγκη. Ζητούμε συσκευασμένα τρόφιμα, επί καθημερινής. Βάσεως. Το νέο ενοριακό αυτό πρόγραμμα θα συνεχίση μόνο με την βοήθεια σας. Θά θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλους τους δωριτές, με τα τρόφιμα για την ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών. Η γενναιοδωρία τους προς τους συνανθρώπους μας που βρίσκονται σε υλική ανάγκη είναι αποτέλεσμα της αγάπης τους προς τον Κύριο και Θεό μας.

13 PARISH COUNCIL Dear Parishioners, The end of summer is behind us and the beginning of fall has arrived. All of our ministries are having their scheduled meetings and are planning their upcoming fundraising events. I am happy to report that since January, we have had tremendous accomplishments which included a successful Panigiri, a lucrative festival, a profitable car raffle, as well as our most recent event the valued golf outing. Thank you to all who have worked on these fundraisers and thank you to all our stewards who support the church with their time, work, dedication and talent. We thank each and every one of you! These efforts cannot be accomplished without your assistance. Furthermore, I would like to add that the churches financial position is better than last year. We are continuing to pay expenses on time and do not have outstanding invoices as we approach the end of the year. Our last event for 2019 will be a New Year s Eve party held at St. Athanasios Community Hall. I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Thank you, Andy Hios Parish Council President ANNUAL GOLF OUTING The 5th Annual St. Athanasios Charity Golf Classic took place at the Paramus Golf & Country Club on Monday, Oct. 7th, The Golf Outing had 94 Golfers playing on a day where rain threatened play, however the rain held out to the evening and course conditions were 79* and dry. The buzz and excitement for the 5 th Annual Golf Classic was apparent as golfers arrived and registered. Golfers received welcome bags with custom 2019 St. Athanasios Charity Golf Classic hats (generously donated by Harry Poulos of What A Tee, Inc) & shirts (generously donated by Daron Jacobs of Brooklyn Cloth). After registration the Golfers participated in a putting contest for a chance to win a Callaway Mac Daddy Wedge. There was also a hearty brunch inside the clubhouse. Before embarking on the links to play in the tournament there were welcoming words by Golf Outing Chairman, Jason Fink and a prayer by Fr. Jim Moulketis. Next there were two raffles that took place to win a Callaway Epic 3 Wood and a golf foursome to Crystal Springs, Wild Turkey golf course.

14 Once the Golfers finished their day of fun and friendship on the course, it was off to St. Athanasios Community Center for the Awards Dinner & Mega Tricky Tray. The room was filled with over 200 people. There were 50 luxury prizes all valued at least $200 with majority being valued at much more. The Mega Tricky Tray and dinner welcomed golfers, families and friends who enjoyed a cocktail hour with open bar & Hors d oeuvres while they purchased tickets for the Mega Tricky Tray. The guests also participated in silent auctions for the chance to win Caribbean vacation packages. The guests then made their way to the dinner tables and the ceremonies began with remarks from Jason Fink (Chairman), Nick Gagis (Co-Chairman), Andy Hios (Parish Council President), The delicious and plentiful food was generously donated by our faithful parishioners, Mike Siderias of the Suburban Diner and George Hrissikos of MBH & Hrissikos Foods. Food was also generously donated by John Amoratis of the Bacari Grill, Peter Anastasopoulos of the Land & Sea Diner and Peter Hadjirou of Greek Taverna. The food was prepared & organized by Maria Fink, Maria Salemme, Rita Pavlou & Vaso Panagopoulos who did an absolutely amazing job. During the dinner, the Tricky Tray prizes were drawn. Additionally, live auctions were held for foursomes at private golf country clubs as well as a live auction to drive a new 2019 Maserati for the weekend. The evening was capped off with our 50/50 drawing. With so many amazing luxury prizes & such delicious food all attendees left with a big smile on their faces and full stomachs. The 5th Annual St. Athanasios Charity Golf Classic was yet again a tremendous success. This year s 2019 Golf Outing presently has approximate net proceeds of $41,000. For the total of the 5 th years of being held; the Golf Outing has earned $195,000 for our beloved parish of St. Athanasios. This success is only made possible by our Golfers, Sponsors, Food Donors, Gift Donors Volunteers, and Ministries within our Church. On behalf of the Golf Outing Committee we extend a great thank you for your generosity, time and support. Sincerely, Jason Fink Golf Outing: Chairman Nick Gagis Golf Outing: Co-Chairman

15 Sincerely,

16 STEWARDSHIP 2019 Giving to the church is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values. It is an opportunity to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It is an opportunity to participate in the work of God. Come and see what we can do together with your support. Join the 319 parishioners who have already made their Stewardship Pledge for Stewardship cards are available in the Narthex, or in the Church pews ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ EΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ 2019: Υπενθυμίζομε ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθή στα σπίτια σας οι κάρτες Eκούσιας Εισφοράς για το Έχετε ανανεώσει την οικονομική σας προσφορά για το 2019; Εάν όχι, κατατάξατε το όνομά σας στήν κατάσταση των ενοριτών που έχουν τακτοποιήσει την οικονομική τους υποχρέωση προς την ενορία, συμπληρώντας την κάρτα καί επιστρέφοντάς την στο γραφείο μας, μαζί μέ το δώρο της αγάπης σας. Ευχαριστούμε τις 319 οικογένειες πού ήδη εκπλήρωσαν την υπόσχεσή των για το We thank the following parishioners who have fully / partially fulfilled their stewardship commitment to St. Athanasios Church as of 10/18/19. Mr. & Mrs. Adam Adams Mrs. Katina Agaliotis Ms. Ioana Agams Mr. K. Agathangelou/Mrs. T. Yiangou Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Alexiades Mr. & Mrs. Carl Amaral Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Amoratis Mr. P. Anagnostakos/Mrs. E. Tsomos Mrs. Pamela Anastasopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Anastasopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Andreou Mrs. Silvia Andros Mr. & Mrs. Evan Androulakis Drs. E. Antoniou/ E. Vassiliou Mrs. Flora Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Sotiris Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Backos Mrs. Bella Baker Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Barbagiannis Mr. & Mrs. George Barkouras Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Belegrinos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Berenberg Mrs. Litsa Berenberg Mrs. Audrey Betts Mr. James Betts+ Mr. & Mrs. Daryn Binder Mr. & Mrs. Chris Brandt Mr. & Mrs. James Burke Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Calandrino Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Calandrino Mr. Peter Callas Mr. & Mrs. Brian Chaffee Mr. & Mrs. Mike Chilimintris Mr. & Mrs. Tony Chimentos Dr. & Mrs. George Christolias Mr. & Mrs. George Christopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nikos Christopoulos Dr. & Mrs. George Christoudias Mr. Chris Chucalas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Chucalas Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cocchiara Mr. & Mrs. Girolamo Colella Mr. Marios Comodromos Dr. & Mrs. T. Constandelis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Cormas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dedes Ms. Anna-Maria Delardas Mr. & Mrs. C. Deligiannis Dr. & Mrs. Aristidis Delis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Demetrakis Mrs. Maria Diacakis Mr. & Mrs. D. Diamantis Mrs. Cleo Diamantes Mr. & Mrs. V. Diamantopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Dimatos Mrs. Christina Dimitrakapoulos Mr. Michael Dimitrelis Mr. & Mrs. George Dorizas Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Dorizas Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos

17 Mrs. Marielle Drivas Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Drosos Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Economou Mr. & Mrs. John Economou Ms. Alexa Efstathiadis Mr. & Mrs. Elias Ekonomidis Mr. & Mrs. Theofilos Eleftheriou Ms. Alexandra Maria Eliopoulos Mrs. Mary Ellen Eliopoulos Mr. & Mrs. A. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. E. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. Harry Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. John H. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Evangelou Mr. & Mrs. Sofoklis Fasitsas Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Ferreira Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Fikaris Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Fikaris Mr. & Mrs. Jason Fink Mr. & Mrs. Socrates Foradoulas Mrs. Artemis Gagis Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas Gagis Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Galianos Mr. & Mrs. Emmanouil Galifos Mr. Dimitrios Gatanas Mr. Nicholas Gatanas Mr. & Mrs. Metaxas Georgatos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Georgiou Mrs. Athena Georgotas Mr. & Mrs. Victor Giamos Mrs. Georgia Giannakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Efstratios Giannikos Ms. Malvina Giannoulis Mr. & Mrs. George Glavas Mr. & Mrs. Savvas Glavas Mr. & Mrs. Athanase Gouliamos Mr. & Mrs. Dino Gourmos Mr. & Mrs. Efstratios Grammatas Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Grammatas Mr. & Mrs. Hristofas Grammatas Mr. Kirollos Hanna Mr. & Mrs. Chris Haramis Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Hartofilis Ms. Maria Hasterlis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Higgins Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hios Mr. & Mrs. George Hios Ms. Stephanie M. Hios Mr. & Mrs. George Hrissikos Mr. & Mrs. Christos Ignatiou Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Joannidis Mr. & Mrs. Agamemnon Jouvanis Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Kalabakas Mr. & Mrs. Stelios Kalogeras Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kalogirou Mr. & Mrs. Damon Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kanakaris Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kapsaskis Ms. Christina Karounos Ms. Pia Kasabian Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Kavrakis Mr. Steven Kazantzis Mrs. Elefteria Kean Mrs. Magdalene Keen+ Mrs. Kalliopi Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. John Kiriakakis Mrs. Tonia Kirkham Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kolaros Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Kolovos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Konstantinakos Mrs. Mary & Eva Konstantinidis Dr. Dora Kontogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kostopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Kotzias Mr. & Mrs. James Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Kourgelis Mrs. Kiki Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Kourkoumelis Ms. Sophia Kourliouros Mr. & Mrs. Christos Koutsis Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Koutsoumbis Mr. Christos Koutsoupias Ms. Magdalene Koutsouradis Mr. & Mrs. Gus Koutsouris Mr. & Mrs. Petros Kouvatsos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Kyriakakis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Lahanas Mrs. Toula Langas Mr. & Mrs. Louis Laoudis Mrs. Virginia Laoudis Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Larosiliere Mr. & Mrs. Spero Leakas Mr. & Mrs. Ted Leakas Fr. Panagiotis & Presbytera Lekkas Mr. & Mrs. Petros Lembesis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Leou Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Loukas Mr. & Mrs. Christos Loutroutzis Ms. Christina Lowery Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Makris Mr. Nicholas Makris Mr. & Mrs. James Malamas Mr. & Mrs. John Malandruccolo Mrs. Helen Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Marcopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Dean Mastrojohn Mr. & Mrs. Petros Matthews Mrs. Vasiliki Matthews Mr. & Mrs. C. Mavrianos Mr. & Mrs. Brian McMillan Mrs. Stella Megariotis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Menegatos Ms. Tina Mereos Dr. John Merianos Mr. & Mrs. James Miaoulis Mrs. Aphrodite Micholas Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Mitses Mr. & Mrs. Harry Molfetas Mr. Leonidas Moniakis Mr. & Mrs. Mihalis Morakis Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris Mr. George Moshouris

18 Mr. & Mrs. Leo Mourikes Mrs. Stephanie Mouzakis Smith Mr. Ignatius Mumtzis+ Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Nakopoulos Mrs. Jordana Nicholas Mr. Haralambos Nikolopoulos Mr. & Mrs. James Nissirios Mr. & Mrs. John Nissirios Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nolan Mr. & Mrs. John Oberle Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Pagonis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pahountis Mrs. Joanne Paissides Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paizis Mr. & Mrs. V. Pallikaropoulos Ms. Nicole Panagakos Mr. & Mrs. G. Panagiotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Panagiotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Panagiotou Mrs. Vaso Panagopoulos Mrs. Konstandina Panakes Mr. & Mrs. Dino Panayiotarakos Mr. & Mrs. C. Papademas Mr. Harry Papademas Mrs. Androniki Papadopoulos Ms. Katerina Papaloukas Mr. & Mrs. C. Papamichael Mr. George Papanestor Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Papas Mr. & Mrs. N. Papathanasopoulos Mr. & Mrs. C. Partsinevelos Mr. & Mrs. Charles Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Menelaos Pavlou Mr. George Pepines Mr. & Mrs. John Peponias Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Petrou Ms. Helen Pettas Mr. & Mrs. John Phillips Ms. Helen Pieri Mr. & Mrs. Nick Pispitos Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Piteo Mr. & Mrs. Ciro Pizzolato Mr. & Mrs. Nick Polemis Mrs. Eleni Pollatos Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Portelos Mrs. Ann Pouletsos Mr. John Pouletsos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Poulis Mr. & Mrs. H. Prassakos Mr. & Mrs. John Psarianos Mr. & Mrs. John Psarros Ms. Athena Remolina Mr. Anthony Rezitis Mr. Christos Rigopoulos Mr. Evangelos Rigopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rinaldi Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Rodas Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Rodetis Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Rodriguez Mrs. Despina Ropa Mr. & Mrs. John Roussos Mrs. Margie Russo Mr. & Mrs. John Russos Ms. Aggie Sahlaras Mr. & Mrs. Frank Salemme Ms. Athena Samoilis Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Samoilis Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Samoilis Mr. John Samoilis Drs. L. & A. Samouilidis Mr. & Mrs. William Scoullos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Sekas Mr. & Mrs. George Seretis Mr. & Mrs. William Seretis Mr. & Mrs. Savas Sfikas Mr. & Dr. Peter Shikar Mr. & Mrs. Stergios Siabanis Mr. & Mrs. George Siamboulis Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Siderias Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Siderias Mr. & Mrs. Steve Siderias Ms. Katherine Skiadas Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Skoulariotis Mr. & Mrs. John Skoutakis Mr. & Mrs. Brian Slattery Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sofos Mrs. Konstantina Sotirhos Mr. & Mrs. Steve Spirou Mr. & Mrs. Alex Staikos Mr. & Mrs. George Stamatiou Mr. & Mrs. Thouki Stavris Fr. & Presbytera A. Stavropoulos Ms. Sotiria Stavropoulos Mr. Patroklos Stavrou Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Stergiou Mr. & Mrs. T. Stogianoglou Mr. & Mrs. Cristakis Stylianou Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Tevletidis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Theodosiou Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Tolis Mr. & Mrs. Dean Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. George Trahanas Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Tropea Mr. Niciforos Tsamasiotis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tsentas Mrs. Sophia Tsiklidis Mr. & Mrs. K. Tsocanos Mr. & Mrs. Chuck J. Tsocanos Mr. & Mrs. John Tsocanos Mrs. Panagiota Tsongas Ms. Efthymia Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Stan Umowski Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Vanikiotis Mrs. Ethel Venetos Mr. & Mrs. Richard Venezia Mr. & Mrs. Paul Venizelos Mr. & Mrs. Robert Voorhis Mrs. Irene Veros Mr. & Mrs. John Wain Mr. & Mrs. Randall Williams Mr. Demetrios Xanthos Mr. & Mrs. Louie Yannitsadis Mr. Steve Yannitsadis+ Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Yin Mr. & Mrs. George Zaverdinos Mr. & Mrs. Telly Zervoudis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zigarelli Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Zodiatis

19 ST. ATHANASIOS SUMMER CAMP 2019 Dear Parishioners, Our first annual St. Athanasios Summer Camp, held August 19-23, was a great success! This special ministry was attended by 25 children, ages 6-12, who took part in a full-day, week-long program filled with faith-based lessons, art, music, games and daily-themed activities. The camp was designed to strengthen our children s spiritual growth, friendships and bonds to the Greek Orthodox community. Each day began with a morning prayer service in church with Father Anargyros, followed by a lesson on the camp s spiritual theme, Feasts of our most Holy Theotokos, led by seminarian Andrew Roushdy from Holy Cross. The children had a blast! In addition to learning about Panagia, the campers also participated in activities such as STEM, chanting, Greek dancing, mini Olympics, water play, arts and crafts, and even had the opportunity to learn about exotic animals with a live animal presentation! They concluded the week with a presentation to their families in a Sights and Sounds style program. Our sincerest thanks to our volunteers, advisors and sponsors who dedicated their time and talents to make our first camp so memorable. The spiritual curriculum was led by Cleo Yannitsadis; music and chanting with Ryan Kiel; art class with Kally Williams and Elizabeth Piteo; and gym class led by various staff. Lunch and snacks were provided daily, organized by Ourania Pizzolato and Panagiota Mavrianos. A big thank you to our community volunteers: Andy Hios, Evy Dorizas, Anna Kavrakis, Reina Phillips, Helen Antonopoulos, Tonia Yiangou, Hans Vomend, as well as GOYA helpers Theodoris Costa-Agathangelou, Irene and Chris Antonopoulos and Marie Williams. And a very special thank you to Father Anargyros, who with his blessing, enabled us to embark on this beautiful ministry. We look forward to even bigger and better summer camp in 2020! With love in Christ, Stella Dimatos Camp Director

20 BAPTISMS June 29th - Fotini Marie Partsinevelos, daughter of Melissa and Christos Partsinevelos. The Godparents were Dimitrios-Victor Tzorbatzoglou & Victoria-Aphrodite Tzorbatzoglou. June 30th - Vasilia Georgia Mitses, the daughter of Maria and Kyriakos Mitses. The Godparent was Stamatia Mereos. August 29th - Lena (Anastasia) Kale, the daughter of Dilan Maria and Mihail Kale. The Godparent was Paraskevi Dorizas. September 7th - Bradley (Theodore) Olaolu Calandrino, the son of Omoyele and Jeremy Calandrino. The Godparent was Ioana Agams. October 19th - Elias Morgan. Yin, the son of Dorothy and Christopher Yin. The Godparent was Demetrios Miaoulis. Na sas zisoun! WEDDINGS July 6th - Olympia M. Kasabian and Matthew B. DiBuono. The Koubara was Amanda Pariaros. September 21st - Kathie Hios and Ira George Zaverdinos. The Koubaro was Menelaos Pavlou. September 22nd - AnnaMaria Delardas and Konstantinos Panopoulos. The Koubaro was Ioannis Moutos. October 6th - Helen T. Pieri and Aniello L. Aprea. The Koubara was Clementia Klimentos. FUNERALS September 6th - Anthoula Kyreakou / September 18th - Stergio Yannitsadis Our deepest sympathy to the families IN MEMORIAM It has become an accepted practice that at the death of a family member, the family requests that donations in memory of the departed, be made to St. Athanasios Church. This month, we wish to thank: NICK AMORATIS Mr. & Mrs. Carl Carfelo Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kourgelis JAMES BETTS Ms. Alexandra Chraplewski Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Levine Mr. & Mrs. Victor Pandorf KOSTAS GIANNAKOPOULOS Mr. & Mrs. Antonis Diakou Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos Ioakim Miaoulis Stryker Corporation ALEXIOS JOUVANIS Agamemnon & Athanasia Jouvanis MAGDALENE KEEN Lodi AARP KOSTAS MONIODIS Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris ELEFTHERIA PASCHALIS Stella Megariotis & Family ATHANASIOS STAVROPOULOS Mr. & Mrs. Tony Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. Andy Hios Mr. & Mrs. Bill Pavlou St. Athanasios Choir Mr. & Mrs. Dino Panayiotarakos St. Irene s Philoptochos Society ELENI TSILKOS Mr. & Mrs. Andy Alexiades POPPY VLASIDIS Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dedes & Family Mr. & Mrs. Tony Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. Harry Emmanouilidis St. Irene s Philoptochos Society STERGIOS YANNITSADIS The Franklin School of Saddle Brook Mr. Emanuel Kalamaras Connie Kalamaras & Roger T. Diller Mr. & Mrs. Robas & Family Mr. & Mrs. Louie Yannitsadis Our deepest sympathy to the families Above represents donations made 8/2-10/22/19

21 New Years Eve

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23 St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church 51 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Paramus, NJ Permit No. 121 Or current resident THE MINISTRIES OF ST. ATHANASIOS: SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL GREEK SCHOOL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY P.T.O. CANTOR CHOIR DIRECTOR ALTAR BOYS H.O.P.E. (ages 4-7) J.O.Y. (ages 8-11) GOYA (ages 12-18) ATHLETIC COORDINATORS: FOS (Outreach Parish Ministry) HELLENIC SENIORS BIBLE STUDY & CATECHISM GREEK DANCING EPISKEPSIS (Visitations) DIAKONIA AGAPES (Help the needy-food Pantry) Eliana Antoniou - Director Sophia Stamatiou - Principal Aspasia Panagiotopoulos - President Panayiota Mavrianos - President Chris Haramis Ryan Kiel Sotirios Karabetsos Ellainy Christopoulos Ellainy Christopoulos Teddy Kesoglou, President - Anthi Kesoglou, Head Advisor Peter Paizis / Andy Hios Karen Scoullos Helen Manztouranis Fr. Anargyros Joanne Glavas - Coordinator Mia Petrou - Group 1 (ages 5-7) - Group 2 (ages 8-11) Angela Tsocanos - (ages 12 & up) Fr. Anargyros Presbytera Christina