THE DOVE. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Father Paul C.Bebis

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1 1 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church January Edition Father Paul C.Bebis The Mission of Holy Trinity is to proclaim the Good News of Salvation through the Orthodox Faith for the glory of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are a community of believers who journey towards our Lord Jesus Christ and one another through worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, witness and service. We invite all people to join us on this journey into the Kingdom of Heaven. Parish Council President: Mr. Chris Rongos Vice President: Mr. Dimitri Gogos Treasurer: Mr. Greg Doublas Asst. Treasurer: Miss Maria Katsis Secretary: Mrs. Deanna Gountras Asst. Secretary: Mrs. Trish Poursanidis Council Members Miss Antonia Printzos Mr. Chris Ioannou Mr. Konstantinos Panagopoulos Mr. William Fliotsos Mr. George Gogos Mr. Tony Zannis THE DOVE Happy New Year! We all hope to begin this New Year on the right track. In the Orthodox Church, we begin the Feast of Theophany, the commemoration of Christ's Holy Baptism in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist. Through the prayers and beautiful rituals of our Church, water is being blessed during this feast. The custom of the blessing of homes and businesses has long been a part of Theophany. It reminds us that Christ came to take the sins of the world upon Himself. Just as He died (the immersion in the Jordan) and rose again (coming out of the waters of the Jordan), so too, must we die to our old sinful selves and rise up again, cleansed, renewed, and reborn. During this Feast of Theophany, we need to renew ourselves back to God and to the Church. It is a time not only to remember the magnificent Baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan, but it also is a time to reflect upon the significance of our own Baptisms. Through our Baptisms, we "become dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:11). Through our Godparents, we promised to renounce Satan and all his works and all his pomp and to embrace the Lord. Do we embrace God in our lives? In the Gospel reading, it reads, "go and teach all nations." These words are a reminder to us to be followers and disciples, to be faithful, and to spread the Word of God to everyone around us.

2 2 As Christ revealed Himself to the world as Son of God during Holy Theophany, we need to reveal our love and kindness to the world around us as well. We need to reveal the Love of Christ, especially to those who are lost, who may once have attended church but now are gone. Our Church declares, "You have revealed yourself to the World today, and your light, O Lord has shined upon us." Yes, we all think of new beginnings, new hopes, new dreams and new resolutions for the New Year which may entail building a better home, a promotion at work, or maybe to join a gym. Do we have written on our list, "an improvement of our spiritual lives?" As St. John the Baptist preached repentance, we need to come to Theophany to receive the Blessed Waters, to absorb ourselves in prayer, and to cleanse our souls with the Love of Jesus Christ. Start the New Year right by opening your spiritual eyes. If we live each moment in the presence of God, we can enjoy and discover His abundant peace and joy that He has to offer us. As Christ revealed Himself to us, we need to reveal in turn our love for Him by being active and vibrant Orthodox Christians! Father Paul C. Bebis St. Basil the Great, January 1st, 2011 St. Basil the Great was born in the Year 330A.D. in the city of Caesaria, Asia Minor. He was one of six children who all became Saints of the Church. His brothers and sisters became priests, bishops, and nuns. His parents were very devoted to the faith and gave their children a great spiritual heritage. St. Basil's family was one of the greatest Christian families of the fourth century. He was one of the greatest writers and speakers of the Christian Church. He was ordained Bishop of Caesaria on June 14th, 370 A.D. St. Basil was an authority of monastic life. He formulated the rules and regulations for the monks of his day, and many of these rules still prevail in most Christian Monesteries today. St. Basil himself prepared the Divine Liturgy that we use today. Although the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is used 42 Sundays a year in our Church, it is based on the slightly longer DivineLiturgy of St. Basil. St. John merely shortened the lengthy prayers and made minor alterations in other prayers. The Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated ten times each year, during the Lenten Period, Christmas Eve, and on January 1st, the anniversary of his death. St. Basil loved to help others. He loved children and he always assisted the sick and the homeless. He was the first Bishop to establish orphanages, hosptials and old age homes. He first directed the church to these unfortunate victims of society. The Philoptochos Society has it's beginnings from the time of St. Basil with missions of aid, assistance, charity, mercy and compassion. Like Alexander the Great, St. Basil is called "St Basil the Great." Why? It was Alexander the Great who conquered the world, and St. Basil was called "Great" because he conquered the hearts and souls of men for Jesus Christ. Liturgical Calendar Saturday, January 1st, "The Feast of St. Basil the Great," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 8:30AM and Divine Liturgy, 9:00AM. Sunday, January 2nd, "The Sunday Before Theophany," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 9:00AM and Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM.

3 3 Wednesday, January 5th, "The Eve of the Epiphany," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 8:30AM and Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters," 9:00AM. Thursday, Janaury 6th, "The Theophany of our Lord," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 8:30AM and Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters," 9:00AM. Friday, January 7th, "The Feast of St. John the Baptist," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 8:30AM and Divine Liturgy, 9:00AM. Sunday, January 9th, "The Sunday after the Theophany," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 9:00AM and Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM. Sunday, January 16th, "The Veneration of Apostle Peter's Precious Chains," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 9:00AM and Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM. Tuesday, January 18th, "The Feast of Sts. Athanasios and Cyril," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 8:30AM and Divine Liturgy, 9:00AM. Sunday, January 23rd, "Clement the Hieromartyr," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 9:00AM and Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM. Tuesday, January, 25th, "St. Gregory the Theologian," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 8:30AM and Divine Liturgy, 9:00AM. Sunday, January 30th, " The Three Hierarchs," at Holy Trinity, Orthros, 9:00AM and Divine Liturgy, 10:00AM. Ushers for January Sunday, January, 2nd, Chris Rongos and Dimitrios Gogos. Sunday, January 9th, Trish Poursanidis and Gus Panagopoulos. Altar Boys for January Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 "The Corinthians," Co- Captains, Panagiotis Pliastos, and Christos Nakos, Anthony Fourgas, and Joshua Bebis. Sunday, January 9th, "The Thessalonians," Co- Captains- Greg Kaplanis and Pantelis Kaplanis, Triandaphillos Kaplanis, and Demetrios Zanis. Sunday, January 16th, "The Colossians," Captain- Michael Fliotsos, Alex Bond, and Nick Bond, Yorgi Stravetti, and Donny McArdle. Sunday, January 23rd, "The Ephesians," Captain, Panagiotis Pliastos, Nick Gogos, Chris Gogos, and George Rongos.

4 4 Sunday, January 30th, 2011 "The Galatians," Co- Captains- Bayden Lee and Frank Makridakis, Demetrios Lee, and Damon Nicholas. Why We Need to Read Holy Scripture Every Day By St. John Chrysostom I entreat you to persevere continually in reading the Divine Scriptures. When I have been with each of you in private, I have not stopped giving you the same advice. Do not let anyone say to me, "Reading Scriptures isn t for me because I don t have time. I have my business. I am running the city. I am busy with my profession. I have a wife and children, and don t have time. I am a person of the world and reading the Bible isn t for me, but is for those who have been set aside, the monks and nuns who keep this spiritual life continuously. What are you saying? That reading the Scriptures is not for you, since you are busy and surrounded by a multitude of cares? This is precisely why it is more for you than for them! The monks and nuns do not need the help of the divine Scriptures as much as those who are involved in the cares of this life. The monks, who are released from the clamor of the marketplace and have fixed their huts in the wilderness, who own nothing in common with anyone, but practice wisdom without fear in the calm of the quiet life, as if resting in a harbor, enjoy great security. We, however, who are tossed as if in the midst of the sea, are driven by a multitude of sins, and desperately need continuous and ceaseless aid of the Scriptures. The monastics rest far from the battle, and so they do not receive many wounds; but you stand continuously in the front rank, and you receive continual blows. So you need more remedies. Your spouse provokes you, for example, your child grieves you, your co-worker angers you, your enemy plots against you, your friend envies you, your neighbor curses you, your acquaintance trips you up, often a law suit threatens you, poverty troubles you, loss of your property grieves you, prosperity puffs you up, misfortune depresses you, and many causes and compulsions to discouragement and grief, to conceit and desperation surround us on all sides, and a multitude of missiles fall from everywhere. Therefore, we have a continuous need for the full armor of the Scriptures. For recognize, it is written, that you go through the midst of snares and walk on the ramparts of the city. For example, the designs of the flesh attack more fiercely those who live in the midst of the world. A handsome face, a splendid body strikes us in the eyes; a shameful phrase piercing our ears and troubles our mind. But why am I saying this? That which often seems the slightest of all these attacks, the scent of perfume falling from women as they pass somewhere nearby has captured and taken us away as prisoners by a mere accident. And there are many things like these which besiege our souls: we need the divine medicines to heal the wounds which we have received and to protect us from those which we have not yet received but will receive. We must thoroughly quench the darts of the devil and beat them off by continual reading of the Divine Scriptures. For it is not possible, not possible for anyone to be saved without continually taking advantage of spiritual reading. Actually, we must be content, if even with continual use of this therapy, we are barely able to be saved. But when we Reading the Holy Scriptures is a great means of security against sinning. are struck every day, if we do not use any medical care, what hope do we have of salvation? Reading the Scriptures is a great means of security against sinning. The ignorance of

5 5 Scripture is a great cliff and a deep abyss; to know nothing of the divine laws is a great betrayal of salvation. This has given birth to heresies, this has introduced a corrupt way of life, this has put down the things above. For it is impossible, impossible for anyone to depart without benefit if he reads continually with attention. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Joshua 1:8 The Baptism of our Lord The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God. BIBLICAL STORY The Biblical story of the Baptism of Christ is recorded in all four of the Gospels: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-9, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1: John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus and the one chosen by God to proclaim His coming, was preaching in the wilderness and was baptizing all who would respond to his message calling for repentance. As he was doing this, John was directing the people toward the one who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. Initially, John would not do this, saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus said to John, Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness (3:15). John consented and baptized Jesus. When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened suddenly, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The Bible records that the Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on him. When this happened, a voice came from heaven and said, This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. This was the voice of God the Father. Christ s baptism in the Jordan was theophany, a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord s public ministry. It was also a theophany in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from

6 6 on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son. The theme of manifestation or revelation is also expressed in Scripture with the symbolism of light. In the hymn of the Feast we sing, Christ has appeared and enlightened the world. Thus, January 6 is also known as the Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ. Sunday School Schedule for January Sunday, January 2rd, No Sunday School, "Family Worship Sunday." Sunday, January 9th, Sunday School resumes after Holy Communion. Sunday, January 16th, Sunday School after Holy Communion. Sunday, January 23rd, Sunday School after Holy Communion. Sunday, January 31st, Sunday School after Holy Communion. Bring in the Blessing of the New Year and Come to our annual Cutting of the Vasilopita following Divine Liturgy, Sunday, January 16th, 2011 What is the Vasilopita? THE TRADITION OF THE VASILOPITA, which means the sweet bread of Basil commenced in the fourth century, when Saint Basil the Great, a bishop in Cappadocia of Caesarea in the last half of the 4th century, wanted to distribute money to the poor in his Diocese. He commissioned some women to bake sweetened bread, in which he arranged to place gold coins. Thus the needy families, in cutting the bread to nourish themselves, were pleasantly surprised to find gold coins. The Vasilopita Tradition has been carried on until today, where special sweet bread is prepared both in Orthodox homes and in the Church community. Sweets are added to the bread which symbolize the sweetness and joy of life everlasting, as well as the hope that the New Year will be filled with the Sweetness of life, health, and happiness for all who participate in the Vasilopita observance. Ο ΚΟΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΓΓΕΛΩΝ

7 7 Στην Αγία γραφή γίνεται συχνά λόγος για τους Αγγέλους. Αναφέρονται µάλιστα και τα ονόµατα των Μιχαήλ, Γαβριήλ και Ραφαήλ. Ο Ταξιάρχης των ουρανίων δυνάµεων Μιχαήλ παρουσιάζεται ως ευεργέτης και φιλόστοργος προστάτης των τέκνων του Θεού, σε πολλά σηµεία της Παλαιάς και της Καινής Διαθήκης. Αυτός πρωτοφανερώθηκε στον πατριάρχη Αβραάµ. Ύστερα στον Λωτ, όταν τον γλίτωσε αυτόν και τις θυγατέρες του, απ την θεόσταλτη φωτιά και την καταστροφή των Σοδόµων. Φάνηκε ύστερα στον πατριάρχη Ιακώβ, όταν τον γλίτωσε απ τον Ησαύ. Αυτός ήταν που προπορεύονταν όταν οι γιοι του Ισραήλ ελευθερώθηκαν απ την σκλαβιά των Αιγυπτίων. Αυτός και στον µάντη Βαλαάµ, όταν εκείνος πήγαινε να καταρασθεί τον ισραηλιτικό λαό. Αυτός θαυµατούργησε στις Χώνες, κοντά στην εκκλησία και στο αγίασµα του, µ εκείνο το χώνεµα τόσων νερών των δύο ποταµών, που έκανε τους ειδωλολάτρες να φρενιάσουν. Και µέχρι σήµερα φαίνεται εκεί ο τόπος, όπου πέφτει το νερό, περνά κάτω απ την εκκλησία και βγαίνει λίγο πιο κάτω. Ο συναξαριστής αναφέρει στο υπόµνηµα της γιορτής, πως µε την ταπείνωση του ο Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ, συγκράτησε τα ουράνια τάγµατα, µετά την πτώση των υπερηφάνων δαιµόνων και πως έψαλε µαζί µε όλους τους Αγγέλους το «Άγιος, Άγιος, Άγιος Κύριος Σαβαώθ, πλήρης ο ουρανός και η γη της δόξης σου». Αυτό το γεγονός γιορτάζει και η Εκκλησία που, και γι αυτό την οµόνοια και την ένωση των αγγέλων την ονοµάζει «σύναξη των Αρχαγγέλων και πασών των επουρανίων δυνάµεων». Μαζί µε τον Μιχαήλ τιµούµε και τον Αρχάγγελο Γαβριήλ, που τόσες ευεργεσίες έκανε στο ανθρώπινο γένος, στην περίοδο της Παλαιάς και της Καινής Διαθήκης. Παρουσιάζεται στον προφήτη Δανιήλ. Στην γυναίκα του Μανωέ, και της αναγγέλλει πως θα γεννήσει τον Σαµψών. Στον Ιωακείµ και την Άννα, και τους αναγγέλλει πως θα γεννήσουν την Παναγία. Στον ιερέα Ζαχαρία, πως θα γεννήσει τον άγιο Ιωάννη τον Πρόδροµο. Αυτός ήταν που έτρεφε µε ουράνιο άρτο την Παναγία, µέσα στα Άγια των Αγίων. Αυτός παρουσιάστηκε στην Θεοτόκο και της ανάγγειλε πως θα γεννήσει «εκ Πνεύµατος Αγίου, το Υιόν και Λόγον του Θεού». Αυτός καθησύχασε τους φόβους του Ιωσήφ. Αυτός παρουσιάστηκε στους αγραυλούντας ποιµένας. Αυτός είπε στον Ιωσήφ, να πάρει την Μαρία και το βρέφος και να φύγει στην Αίγυπτο και ύστερα από καιρό, να επιστρέψει στη γη του Ισραήλ. Αυτός υπηρέτησε µέχρι τέλους το µυστήριο της ενσάρκου οικονοµίας του Θεού Λόγου. Γι αυτό και τιµούµε µαζί µε τον αρχάγγελο Μιχαήλ και ζητούµε την βοήθεια και τη χάρη του. Οι Άγγελοι είναι οι σύντροφοι µας στην αγιότητα, όπως είναι οι δαίµονες στην αµαρτωλότητά µας. Τους τιµούµε κατά την διδασκαλία των της Ζ Οικουµενικής Συνόδου και των αγίων Πατέρων αποδίδοντας τους τιµητική προσκύνηση κι επίκληση. Αυτή η τιµητική προσκύνηση τους πρέπει να µας κάνει µιµητάς της υπακοής των αγγέλων, που ενεργούν πάντοτε κατά το θέληµα του Θεού Λέγει ο αγ. Μακάριος ο Αιγύπτιος: «εφ όσον µέντοι ευρίσκεται εν ηµίν έργα άξια της φρουράς, περιϊστανται κύκλω ηµών οι άγγελοι, πανταχόθεν ηµάς φρουρούντες. Ει δε µη, αποστραφέντες αποχωρούσι». Κλαίνε για τις αµαρτίες µας και την έπαρση µας, όταν εµείς δεν καταλαβαίνουµε την αγάπη των δακρύων, συνεπαρµένοι απ την ψεύτικη χαρά και ηδονή της αµαρτίας. Και, µε στοργή και αγάπη αδερφική, περιµένουν να φύγουν οι δαίµονες από πάνω µας, για να γυρίσουν πάλι κοντά µας και µας δείχνουν, όπως έδειξαν στον Μέγα Αντώνιο, πως πρέπει να ζούµε, αν θέλουµε να σωθούµε από τον δαίµονα της αµαρτίας. Εκείνο που µας κάνει να πλησιάζουµε περισσότερο προς τους Αγγέλους είναι η σωφροσύνη, κατά τον άγιο Κασσιανό το Ρωµαίο. Και η προσευχή µε την ψαλµωδία, κατά τον άγιο Κάλλιστο. Γι αυτό όταν ψάλλουµε ή όταν προσευχόµαστε µε καθαρή καρδιά, αισθανόµαστε µια κατανυκτική γαλήνη να σκεπάζει την ψυχή µας. Εκείνη την ώρα, αν η διάθεση µας είναι γνήσια, ο άγγελος µας οπωσδήποτε θα χαίρεται. «αγάπης µεν και ειρήνης, λέγει ο άγιος Θεόδωρος ο Σαββαϊτης, οι άγγελοι θεράποντες όντες, χαίρουσιν επί τη ηµετέρα µετανοία και προκοπή τη προς αρετήν. Εντεύθεν σπουδάζουσι πνευµατικών ηµάς εµπιπλάν θεωριών και συνεργούσιν προς παν αγαθόν». Αυτό όµως ο πιστός δεν µπορεί να το οικειωθεί, παρά µονάχα µέσα στην Εκκλησία. Οι άγγελοι µας φέρνουν στην εκκλησία.

8 8 Οι δαίµονες µας αποµακρύνουν από την εκκλησία.. Κανείς δεν µπορεί να µας περιγράψει πόσες αλλαγές γίνονται µέσα στην ψυχή µας, όταν ακούµε τον Εσπερινό, τη Θεία Λειτουργία, ή άλλες ακολουθίες της Εκκλησίας µας. Μόνο οι άγγελοι βλέπουν τις αλλοιώσεις µας και χαίρονται, ενώ οι δαίµονες καταισχύνονται κι αποµακρύνονται. Είναι πολύ χαρακτηριστικό το γεγονός, που αναφέρει το «Γεροντικό», στο βίο του αββά Παύλου του απλού. Πήγε να προσκυνήσει σ ένα µοναστήρι, γειτονικό στη σκήτη του. Όταν οι µοναχοί έµπαιναν για την ακολουθία στο ναό, ο Παύλος, έχοντας το χάρισµα να βλέπει στο βάθος της ψυχής του ανθρώπου, τους κοιτούσε έναν-έναν. Τους έβλεπε να µπαίνουν µε λαµπερά πρόσωπα και τον άγγελο τους δίπλα χαρούµενον. Ένας όµως ήταν κατάµαυρος και σκοτεινός, και πολλοί δαίµονες τον έσερναν µ ένα καπίστρι, περασµένο απ τη µύτη, ενώ ο άγγελος του ακολουθούσε από µακρυά, σκυθρωπός και καταλυπηµένος. Ο Παύλος άρχισε να χτυπά το στήθος του και να κλαίει, για τον δυστυχισµένο αµαρτωλό που είδε. Μάταια οι µοναχοί τον ρωτούσαν για την αιτία των δακρύων του. Σαν τέλειωσε η ακολουθία, ύστερα από αρκετή ώρα, έβγαιναν, έβγαιναν πάλι ένα-ένας οι αδελφοί της Μονής. Αλλά µε πολλή χαρά βλέπει κι εκείνον που ήταν κατάµαυρος, να βγαίνει τώρα λαµπερός στο πρόσωπο και λευκός στο σώµα, µε τον άγγελο δίπλα του ιλαρό και χαρούµενο, ενώ οι δαίµονες τον ακολουθούσαν σκυθρωποί και λυπηµένοι από µακρυά. Με κραυγές χαράς ο αββάς Παύλος ευλογούσε το όνοµα του Θεού. Ύστερα διηγήθηκε ο, τι είδε εκεί στην είσοδο της εκκλησίας. Με πολλή επιµονή του Παύλου και των αδελφών, ο άνθρωπος εκείνος άνοιξε το στόµα του και τους εξήγησε αυτά που είδε ο άγιος ασκητής. «Εγώ είµαι ένας αµαρτωλός άνθρωπος, και από πολλά χρόνια ζούσα µέσα στην πορνεία. Μπαίνοντας στην εκκλησία, άκουσα τον λόγο του Θεού, απ το στόµα του προφήτου Ησαϊου, να µου λέει: «λούσασθε, καθαροί γένεσθε, αφέλετε τας πονηρίας από των καρδιών υµών, απέναντι των οφθαλµών µου, µάθετε καλόν ποιείν και εάν ώσιν αι αµαρτίαι υµών ως φοινικούν, ως χιόνα λευκανώ». Τότε στέναξα µε κατάνυξη και είπα: ο Θεός να κάνει και εµένα τον αµαρτωλό, ο, τι είπε µε το στόµα του προφήτου. Κι αποφάσισα να µην κάνω καµία αµαρτία πια και καµία παρανοµία. Και µ αυτή την συντριβή της µετανοίας και την απόφαση «ουδέν φαύλον πράξαι απέναντι του Θεού», βγήκα απ την εκκλησία» Μπορείς και συ αδελφέ µου, να προστρέχεις και να ζητάς την βοήθεια των αγγέλων µπρος σε όλες τις δυσκολίες και όλες τις κακίες, µε τις οποίες σε πολεµούν οι εχθροί σου. Εκείνοι, µε την χάρη που έχουν λάβει από τον Θεό, θα σε φυλάξουν την ώρα του πειρασµού, και περνώντας σε άφθορο απ την µεγάλη δοκιµασία του θανάτου, θα σε βοηθήσουν ν αποκτήσεις την τελειότητα, µαζί µε την ψυχική σωτηρία σου. The Annual Pan Orthodox Epiphany Celebration!! on the bridge at Lawton Park on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 First Youth Choir Practice Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 following Divine Liturgy. Practice will take place in the Church!! at 12:00 Noon. Everyone is invited to come. All who signed up will receive a phone call prior to practice!!! 2011 STEWARDSHIP Please Send In Your 2011 Stewardship Forms. "Let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God?" Thanks to those who have already signed forms!!

9 9 Blessing Homes Schedule Area Code Friday, January 7th, 2011 through Wednesday, January 12th, Area Code Thursday, January 13th 2011 through Tuesday, January 18th, Area Code Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 through Monday, January 24th, Area Code Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 through Friday, January 28th, Area Codes Monday, January 3 1st, 2011 through Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 Area Code Friday, February 4th, 2011 Out of Town Area Codes Monday, February 7th, 2011 through Friday, February 11th, 2011 Meeting Calendar Tuesday, January 4th, "The Philoptochos Ladies Society," at Holy Trinity, 7:00PM. Sunday, January 9th, "The GOYA," at Holy Trinity following Divine Liturgy. Saturday, January 15th, "The Daughters of Penelope," at Don Hall's Guesthouse, 12:00Noon. Tuesday, January 18th, "The Parish Council," at Holy Trinity, 6:00PM. Thursday, January 20th, "The Ahepa," at Holy Trinity, 7:00PM. Tuesday, January 25th, "The Greek Festival Meeting," at Holy Trinity, 7:00PM. Sunday, January 30th, "The Fundraising Committee," at Holy Trinity following Divine Liturgy note: Parish Council Meeting will begin with one hour Parish Council Retreat prior to meeting. All members, please attend. Congratulations: to Eddy York, Joe Mattingly,Dimitrios Gogos and Chris Ioannou for being elected to the Parish Council, Thanks to all those who came to vote on December 12th. Special thanks to Maria Katsis and Antonia Printzos, who served and who are leaving the council. God Bless you both! + In order to have your homes and businesses blessed, please sign your name on the appointment sheet in front of Marsha's Office. If you can't make it to Church, we will call you for an appointment. Philoptochos Corner "On behalf of our Philoptochos Society, we will like to express our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year 2011 to all the people of our church and may the Good Lord bless our Philoptochos organization to be successful again to complete our philanthropic activities and Christian Missions all over the world. The year 2010 was a very good year for our organization as we completed our commitments towards our national Philoptochos as they presented our chapter with an award for" 100 percent participation" to Christian Ministries. The award was presented in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks to all the ladies for their dedication and hard work and also to all those who support us, to make it possible, and we hope it will continue for the upcoming year This is the true purpose for the Philoptochos organization to care for the people who are in need worldwide.

10 10 The Philoptochos Christmas Party was held in December of 2010 at Friends Restaurant. We had a good gathering of ladies and a special guest of Father Paul which he attended for the first time to our party. It was very nice to share together the spirit of the Christmas season, Special thanks to Trish Poursanidis for organizing the party with memorable little gifts and great fun. Good job Trish!!!!!! We will like to mention our thanks to our parishioners for donating the Christmas flowers in health and in memory of their loved ones which made the church look very festive for the holidays. Also, thank you to all those who donated gifts and money for the Christmas Families who we sponsored in Fort Wayne. Also, thanks to the ladies for their hard work in decorating our church for Christmas. We deeply appreciate it. God bless... The 50th Anniversary Celebration of our church was very successful. Thanks to the President Chris Rongos and members of our Church Board for donating and organizing. It was wonderful to see the people of our church having such a good time. It was great. Good job Chris!!!! The Cutting of the Vasilopita will be held on Sunday, January 16th, 2011 sponsored by Philoptochos. The proceeds will go for a good cause. Please attend that Sunday to be a part of our Orthodox Christian Tradition by getting the Cross of the Vasilopita. Our next Philoptochos meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4th, at 7:00pm at our Church. Please attend our meeting. Now we are wishing once again, Happy New Year and Kali Xponia, Thanks again and may God Bless." (Elly Schmidt, President of Philoptochos). Daughters of Penelope Corner Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! We hope you were able to spend time with people you love during the holidays and that you are ready to begin a new year with the Daughters of Penelope. To begin, we will have our January meeting on Saturday, the 15th at Don Halls Guesthouse. The meeting will begin at noon. Mary Gering is your hostess for this meeting and is looking forward to getting your RSVP phone call. Please contact her as soon as possible at (260) Additional information will be coming to you in the January newsletter. Hope to see many of you at the meeting. GOYA NEWS By Frank Makridakis, GOYA Advisor Happy New Year Greetings from GOYA! Thank you to everyone who donated to the GOYA and who purchased baked goods during the GOYA Sunday on December 19 th! It was a huge success. We raised from the bake sale and in donations that GOYA used for the New Years Eve dinner and dance. We also received in donations for the GOYA general fund. We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations. The GOYA spaghetti dinner will be held on February 6 th money for the basketball tournament in Dayton. after Church services to help raise pm. The GOYA also wants to host a Valentine s Day Dance on Saturday February 12th, starting at 7

11 11 The basketball trip to Dayton will be on February 18, 19, and 20 th, there will be more information to come in the next few weeks. Please remember that like last year, if a GOYAN wants to participate in the basketball tournament, they are required to come to at least 50% of all meetings, retreats, practices and fundraisers that the GOYA hosts. The GOYA will continue selling Coupon Books worth at least $30.00 in savings on food purchased from McDonald s for only $5.00 each on Sundays after church, look for our display table at church. The next GOYA meeting will be on January 9 th right after Divine Liturgy. As a reminder, GOYA meetings are for GOYANS, parents are asked not to attend the GOYA meetings. Please remember, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas, the GOYA account is fortwaynegoya@gmail.com. If you want to keep track of events, fundraisers or get information, see pictures and updates, please visit the GOYA Face Book profile simply called FORT WAYNE GOYA. All GOYANS should add this page to their face book friends. If you would like to GOYA about anything, please use the address above or leave a message on Face Book. Again, if anyone who has a youth between 12 and 18 years of age, who would like to join GOYA or if anyone would like to donate to the GOYA fund, please contact me at Thank you. DANCE GROUP CIRCLE Triada Dancers wrapped up 2010 with the reviewing of past dances, basic steps and a bit of a Christmas celebration at each groups last practice. Meraklides ended the year with two awesome performances at the Greek Ball and the 50th Anniversary Dinner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Happy New Year 2011! Everyone should have received the January March dance practice schedule by . It will also be posted on the bulletin board at church. We will now start preparing for our performances at the Greek Festival in June. Attendance and practice is important for your childs performance! UPCOMING PERFORMANCES: Meraklides has been invited to perform for the IPFW Anthropology Club s Cultural Fundraising Event. They will perform Saturday evening, January 22nd along with other dance groups from various cultural backgrounds. Triada Dancers are excited to be invited to perform for this community event, as it will be a great learning experience. It will also bring more exposure to our dance group and to our church. UPCOMING EVENTS: HOLY TRINITY ROLLER SKATING PARTY! As a part of the Triada Dancers Give back to Holy Trinity program, Triada Dancers will be hosting a skating party for all members of our church. The event is Sunday, January 30th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission and skate rental will be paid by Triada Dancers. Concessions will be available for your purchase. We hope everyone will join us for an evening of fellowship and family fun! Any questions, please contact contact Stella Skembos, Triada Dance Director.

12 12 ROLLER SKATING PARTY Where: Roller Dome North 444 West Coliseum Blvd. When: Sunday, January 30th 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Who: All members of Holy Trinity Cost: Free! Admission and skates paid by Triada Dancers as part of our Give Back program. Bring your own skates or rollerblades if you have them! Concessions available for your purchase. WHETHER YOU COME TO SKATE OR JUST TO WATCH, WE HOPE YOU LL JOIN US FOR A FUN EVENING OF FELLOWSHIP VERSES All FROM Youth HOLY Retreat!! SCRIPTURE will be announced in January. See weekly bulletin for details.

13 13 SPAGHETTI DINNER! SPAGHETTI GOYA SPAGHETTI DINNER Tickets cost $10.00 each for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and younger, Free for children 6 and under. GOYA WILL BE HOSTING A SPAGHETTI DINNER AFTER CHURCH SERVICES ON SUNDAY Dinner will include, Spaghetti, Meatballs, Bread, Salad, Drinks and Dessert. Adult Drinks, Wine and Beer available. To purchase Tickets, see a GOYA member or purchase tickets after church services Any Questions, please call Frank at Food or Money Donations would be greatly appreciated. See Frank about Donations.