THE PHOS CHURCH SERVICES. Coming up in Jun-Jul: To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at:

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1 Jun-Jul 2012 Περιοδικό τῆς Ἐνορίας-Κοινότητος Ἁγίας Ἄννας, Χρυσή Ἀκτή Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Parish- Community of St Anna, Gold Coast 31 a Crombie Ave, Bundall PO Box 5074 GCMC Qld 9726 (07) , admin@gocstanna.org If you would like to receive the Phos in colour by send your address to admin@gocstanna.org PRESIDENT S REPORT The past couple of months have been very busy within our community. On the 25 th of March 2012 we had our annual celebrations. A wreath laying ceremony took place at the cenotaph and immediately after the Greek School program took place. Our Greek School students performed their poems magnificently. The event was well attended with Mr Chris Georga from Ahepa our guest for the day. We wish to thank the Principal, Mr Michael Christoforou, and teachers for their help and guidance, and also the parents and students for participating and helping their children learn their poems. Many thanks go to the Ladies Auxiliary for the beautiful luncheon. The month of April 2012 was a busy month for the community with Greek Easter and events organised by our Committees. A group of six Greek lifesavers came to Australia in early April With the lifesavers was Vangeli Tsampazis, the Director of the Lifeguard Academy of Northern Greece. The visit was organised through Spiro Roussetos, a Lifesaving Instructor, and Chief Training Officer at the Broadbeach Surf Lifesaving Club. The lifesavers were helped by our community during their 3 week stay. The six lifesavers came to the Gold Coast to be trained using Australian standards to obtain their Bronze Medallion. Our lifesaving standards are world class and Greece is trying to reduce the number of drownings that occur. We were able to billet out all the surf lifesavers to some gracious and generous families. We thank each and every one of them. Spiro and I picked them up from Brisbane International Airport in the early hours of Sunday 8 th of April, Also present was our local photographer, John Carras. We brought them back to the Gold Coast and took them straight to our wonderful beaches. Soon after they attended our Sunday liturgy and were warmly received by Father Romanos and parishioners. Immediately after they were introduced to their billeted families. Whilst the surf lifesavers were here to train, our community arranged other events for them in their recreation time. These included a picnic with the St Anna Kids and Teens which was a huge hit with the kids. John Carras was able to arrange for them to have lunch at Charis Seafoods. A dinner with the Greek Consul of Queensland, Mr Jim Raptis and his wife Helen. They also had lunch at the Greek Club in Brisbane. We organised through the committee of the Apollo Soccer Club that they attend a Friday night game with a fabulous lamb on the spit. Many thanks to Arthur Papanikolaou and his committee for giving them a wonderful night. On Sunday 15 th of April, Greek Easter was attended by the surf lifesavers except for the female surf lifesaver who had prebooked a course at Griffth University. The lifesavers marched together into our Hall to Greek marching music wearing their traditional surf lifesaving caps led by Spiro. Our other guests were Margaret Watson, Director of Surf Lifesaving (Northern Division) and her husband Bob. Presentations were made by the surf lifesavers to their host families. Another presentation was made by Vangeli Tsampazis of a beautiful icon from Greece to Father Roman. Our Greek Easter function was a wonderful event and very well attended which lasted to the early evening. Many thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary, Main Committee and all the volunteers who cooked for the event, We thank in particular, John Alexiou, Ken Learmonth, Alex (Reg) Allen and Spiro Levanes. Your tireless help is appreciated. The community wishes to thank Peter Paul for his generous donation of the red cushions placed on pews in our Church for the benefit of all our parishioners to sit in comfort. Many thanks for your kindness. Thank you also goes to Perry Arathimos who has done a wonderful job planting new plants along the side of the Hall. Thank you Perry. On the 19 th and 20 th of May 2012, our community had a stand at the Brisbane Paniyiri. This was a huge undertaking for our parish. The Paniyiri was for two days and of course logistically to transport all the food and utensils was not easy. The Ladies Auxiliary (as well as many volunteers) cooked for over two months. They worked extremely hard so that we had ample food to cover the two days. We were blessed with good weather and many willing volunteers. We thank you all so very much. We wish to thank all our helpers in loading and unloading the truck from both the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Thank you to Alex (Reg) Allen who assisted with a lot of the heavy loading and taking the excess packaging that could not fit in the hire truck in his own ute to Brisbane. We also thank David Sen who took a trailer load of excess packaging to Brisbane. Our Junior Dance Group performed at the Paniyiri under the guidance of Vera Georgiou. They danced magnificently and looked great in their costumes. Congratulations to Vera and all the dancers! James Nides Coming up in Jun-Jul: July 10 Ladies Auxiliary Morning Tea July 21 Trivia Night July 25 St Anna s Feast Day luncheon CHURCH SERVICES See Inside To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at: or go to our website

2 Page 2 LADIES AUXILIARY NEWS support. Special thanks to Reg Allan who gave superhuman help. Our Middle Dancing group performed superbly as part of the programme in Brisbane and their confidence really grew by performing in front of such a huge audience. Congratulations to them for their enthusiastic performance and our appreciation and congratulations also go to their teacher, Vera Georgiou. BRISBANE PANIYIRI This year our community leased a stall at the Brisbane Paniyiri. This was a huge effort for all the community and also for the Ladies Auxiliary. It required careful work for a long time prior and organising it in between other events made us very busy! A very heartfelt thankyou to the ladies within the community who helped us in the lead up by assisting us with our cooking and packing of items. The biggest positive to come out of our participation was the enormous help we received in the stall during the two days trade. We had at least 30 people each day who made the trip to Brisbane to give assistance. We are most grateful for their enthusiasm, good humour and effort. BIGGEST MORNING TEA The Auxiliary would like to thank every single one of you. We were very pleased to see that Dimitri Bourne was able to gather so many youth. Thank you to Dimitri and to all our youth for their valued Again this year we were delighted to hold our Cancer Council s Biggest Morning Tea. Sixty people kindly attended and a happy, fun morning was had by all. It was wonderful to have men in attendance in recognition of this important fundraising cause. Thank you to those who set time aside to be part of our day and who so graciously helped with buying

3 raffle tickets. We are very grateful to those of you who, while not able to attend, still sent donations including many from the Senior Citizens group. Our thanks to the ladies who brought plates of sweets. Page 3 UPCOMING EVENT SPIRITUAL RETREAT CAMP BORNHOFFEN NATURAL BRIDGE AUGUST 24TH - 26TH Further details to be advised next Phos or keep posted on the St. Anna's website SPIRITUAL CORNER How to act when treated unjustly. We offer our deep appreciation to Costa and Agapi Zahos who matched our fundraising dollar for dollar, thereby doubling our donation. Thank you! May St Anna s blessings be abundant on you and on your family. On behalf of the Church and Community we are delighted to be able to send a $3000 donation to the Cancer Council. We look forward to your future support and building on this very special function next year. UPCOMING EVENTS TO NOTE: Morning Tea- Tuesday, July 10 Please make a note that, on the above date, the Ladies Auxiliary will hold a fundraising morning tea. Further details will follow. St Anna s Feast Day Wednesday, July 25 To celebrate this special day in the life of our Church, we will be holding a luncheon in our Hall after the Divine Liturgy at a cost of $20 per person. We look forward to seeing as many parishioners as are able to celebrate with others who visit us on this special Feast Day. HALLOUMI FOR SALE The Ladies Auxiliary have Sliced and Unsliced Halloumi available. $15 per kilo. $25 for 2 kgs It is common to find ourselves in a situation where we feel we have been treated unjustly. This can happen in many ways. We may be falsely accused of making difficulty for someone else or simply not given credit for our good works. When we have this feeling how are we supposed to respond as Christians? Elder Paisios says, When people treat us unjustly, we must be happy, because God s justice, which is superior to human justice, will protect us. We should either seek human justice, or patiently wait for the justice of God. We must be careful however, not to pursue an unjust treatment, because this would be unfair on our part and would indicate lack of love towards other people. It is for our benefit to hope for divine justice, when treated unfairly, and not react to the injustice done to us. Not only we will profit from this, but later on our children will be benefited as well. However, the opposite thing happens, when people curse us and the curse is just. This is a tall order. It is very difficult for most of us to remain happy when treated unjustly. But is can become a signal for us to step back and reflect why we have been given this feeling. Is it due to our unreasonable expectations, our arrogance, our lack of humility, or what? To have the capability to pause at the moment of this feeling is essential so we do not counteract with unjust treatment. Love is always the basis for proper actions. This requires that we have the opportunity to reflect before we act, so say a small prayer, make the sign of the Cross, and to figure out how to act out of love. Source: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, p 86

4 Page 4 GREEK SCHOOL REPORT Dear Parents and Guardians, MOTHER S DAY CELEBRATION On Wednesday 9 May 2012, our school successfully celebrated Mother s Day. Despite not having considerable time to prepare their presentations, our children enthusiastically presented very entertaining recitals and songs. All members of the audience (including their teachers, parents, grandparents and friends) were moved by their sincere interpretations of works dedicated to this special day. We extend our thanks to all those who assisted in the preparations for this evening in particular the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their constant support in all matters of our school. Furthermore we would like to thank those who brought sweets and desserts which were enjoyed by all. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHILDREN FOR A JOB WELL DONE. LOTE Thanks to all parents/guardians for their prompt response to the school s request to complete and return the LOTE (Language Other Than English) forms. These have now been forwarded to the office of LOTE. MID YEAR HOLIDAYS Greek School will be closed for Semester One holidays on Wednesday 27June and 4 July Lessons will resume on Wednesday 11 July 2012 OFFICIAL TERM 2 EXAMS Term 2 examinations for year 12 (Lyceum Year 3) will take place at the end of Term 2. Congratulations to all Year 3 Lyceum students for their excellent efforts during Term I exams. SEMESTER 1 REPORT CARDS Report cards will be distributed to students at the end of July. Regards, The School Administration ΑΝΑΦΟΡΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Αγαπητοί Γονείς και Κηδεμόνες, 1. ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΣ Την Τετάρτη 6 Μαΐου 2012, γιορτάσαμε με μεγάλη επιτυχία την Εορτή της Μητέρας. Τα παιδιά μας, αν και δεν είχαν αρκετό χρόνο στη διάθεσή τους, μας έκαναν ακόμη μία φορά περήφανους, για τον μεγάλο ενθουσιασμό που επέδειξαν, στην παρουσίαση των απαγγελιών και τραγουδιών. Συγκίνησαν τόσο εμάς τους δασκάλους όσο και τον μεγάλο αριθμό Μαμάδων, Μπαμπάδων, Γιαγιάδων και Παππούδων που παρευρέθηκαν. Ευχαριστούμε θερμά όσους παρευρέθηκαν, τους Συναδέλφους και Γονείς που τα βοήθησαν στην εκμάθηση των απαγγελιών κι ένα ιδιαίτερο ευχαριστώ προς τις Κυρίες του Γυναικείου Βοηθητικού Συλλόγου, για την μεγάλη αγάπη και υποστήριξη που επιδεικνύουν προς το Σχολείο μας. Ευχαριστούμε κι όλους όσους έφεραν γλυκά, τα οποία απολαύσαμε στο τέλος της Εορτής. ΘΕΡΜΑ ΣΥΓΧΑΡΗΤΗΡΙΑ ΠΑΙΔΙΑ!!! ΕΝΤΥΠΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΟ LOTE Σας ευχαριστούμε όλους για την ανταπόκρισή σας, για την έγκαιρη συμπλήρωση των εντύπων, τα οποία παραδώσαμε στα Γραφεία «LOTE». ΧΕΙΜΕΡΙΝΕΣ ΔΙΑΚΟΠΕΣ Το Σχολείο μας θα παραμείνει κλειστό την Τετάρτη, 27 Ιουνίου και 4 Ιουλίου, 2012 λόγω των Χειμερινών Διακοπών. Θα επαναλειτουργήσει την Τετάρτη 11 Ιουλίου ΕΠΙΣΗΜΕΣ ΕΞΕΤΑΣΕΙΣ Οι Επίσημες Εξετάσεις της Γ Τάξεως Λυκείου θα διεξαχθούν την τελευταία εβδομάδα του Τριμήνου. Συγχαρητήρια σε όλα τα παιδιά της Γ Τάξεως Λυκείου για τα πολύ ικανοποιητικά αποτελέσματά τους κατά τις εξετάσεις του Πρώτου Τριμήνου. ΕΛΕΓΧΟΙ ΠΡΟΟΔΟΥ ΠΡΩΤΟΥ ΕΞΑΜΗΝΟΥ Θα δοθούν στα παιδιά περί τα τέλη Ιουλίου. Εκ της Διευθύνσεως του Σχολείου

5 Page 5 THE COMPLETION OF THE ICONOGRAPHY IN OUR DOME Since the completion of construction of the Church s dome in 2007, many faithful prayed to see it complete with our traditional iconography. By the Grace of God, and the support of many, this iconography is now a reality. After many months of preparation, disruption in the Church, prayer and support, we are all humbled by the graceful and inspiring presence of Christ the Pantocrator in the dome overseeing and guiding our spiritual lives. Μετά την ολοκλήρωση της κατασκευής του τρούλου του Ναού μας το 2007, πολλοί πιστοί προσεύχονταν για να δούμε την ολοκλήρωση του, με την παραδοσιακή βυζαντινή εικονογραφία μας. Με τη Χάρη του Θεού, και την υποστήριξη πολλών, η εικονογραφία ειναι πλέον πραγματικότητα! Μετά από πολλούς μήνες προετοιμασίας, κάποιας ακαταστασίας εντός ναού, προσευχές και υποστήριξη, είμαστε όλοι ταπεινωμένοι μπροστά στην θαυμαστή παρουσία του Παντοκράτορος στον τρούλο, ο Οποίος καθοδηγεί την πνευματική μας ζωή. Αυτή η ιερή αποστολή δεν θα ήταν δυνατή χωρίς το καλλιτεχνικό χέρι του ταλαντούχου κυρίου Ανδρέα Γεωργακόπουλου και τούς βοηθούς του, αλλά και τούς ευεργέτες και δωρητές οι οποίοι την κατέστησαν δυνατή απο οικονομικής πλευράς. Για το λόγο αυτό - την Κυριακή 5 Αυγούστου θα γίνει μια ευχαριστηριακή Θεία Λειτουργία και γεύμα για να γιορτάσουμε αυτό το γεγονός, και να τιμήσουμε όλους εκείνους που έφεραν αυτό το έργο στην πραγματικότητα και αποπεράτωση του. Προσκλητήριο με περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες θα σταλεί σε όλους τις επόμενες εβδομάδες. Ακόμα κι αν αυτό το έργο έχει πλέον ολοκληρωθεί, θα εξακολουθούμε να αναζητούμε χορηγούς και ευεργέτες να συμβάλουν οικονομικά στο κόστος της. Άν δεν έχετε συμβάλει και επιθυμείτε να συμβάλετε, μπορείτε να παραυρεθείτε στην προαναφερθείσα Θεία Λειτουργία τον Αύγουστο, η να επικοινήσετε μαζί μου προσωπικά. Δόξα τω Θεώ! +εν Ρωµανός Στεργίου This sacred task would not be possible without the talented artistic hand of Mr Andreas Georgakopoulos and his assistants, but also the benefactors and donors who made it financially possible. It is for this reason that on Sunday 5 August a special Divine Liturgy and Luncheon will be held to celebrate this occasion and to honour all those who made this project possible. An invitation with further details will be sent to all in the coming weeks. Even though this work is now complete, we are still seeking donors and benefactors to contribute towards its financial cost. If you have not made a contribution and wish to do so, you can join us at the abovementioned function in August or contact me personally. Glory be to God! +In Christ Fr Romanos Stergiou

6 Page 6 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY The Peter Spathis Foundation is currently offering a scholarship for a year twelve student who is proposing to enter university in 2013, as per the conditions as stated below. If anyone is interested the application form is available on their web site at or by phoning Mr Nick Amarandos, on

7 Page 7 The inaugural St Anna Trivia Night will be held on Saturday 21 July 2012 in our community hall. For more details, check out the Trivia Night flyer included in this edition of the Phos or visit St Anna s website This evening event will be hosted by our Senior Youth (Gold Coast Parea) and St Anna Kids & Teens and proudly supported by St Anna s Ladies Auxiliary. Sharpen up your trivia knowledge and organise your parea (including your Greek and non Greek family and friends!) for a fun night out. This event is BYO. So, don t forget the esky with your favourite nibbles and drinks (including alcohol) to share with your table. Coffee and tea will be available on the night. There will be a raffle and prizes given throughout the night. Any individuals or businesses wishing to donate a prize big or small, would be greatly appreciated and acknowledged on the night. Please contact Dimitri Bourne , Katerina Sen or Sally Cominos Dakin During the Easter long weekend many of our families attended a picnic at Broadbeach. We were also fortunate to have the Greek lifesavers from Thessaloniki joining us for the day. A huge thanks to Spero and Dennis from the Broadbeach Surf Club for their efforts in organising a beach safety talk, providing the boards and teaching the kids a few tips to duck and catch waves. Through the Broadbeach Surf Club we are looking to run a nippers program later in the year which will target kids from our community. More details will follow. We are hoping to organise another get together during the next school holidays so please keep posted to the St. Anna's website. If you have any queries or suggestions for get togethers for our kids and teens please do not hesitate to call Chris Sakley ( ) or Sally Cominos-Dakin ( ). Pre-paid bookings are essential and can be made with the GCC Office on Cash and credit cards are accepted.

8 Page 8 Kollyva Memorials with Kollyva can not be conducted between the Saturday of Lazarus and the Sun. of St. Thomas; on the major feast days of our Lord and the Parish Church nor on the 15th Aug, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. To arrange for Kollyva, contact Fani Grosdanis on Senior Citizens Over the last few months, the Seniors have had some fun outings. In February they took a bus trip to Brisbane where they boarded a City Cat for a trip along the Brisbane River to Southbank where they had lunch, rounding out the trip with a visit to the Greek Deli and West End. To celebrate Easter they had lunch at Food Fantasy, the smorgasbord restaurant at Jupiter s Casino in Broadbeach. Mother s Day was celebrated with a luncheon at the Arundel Tavern. All of these activities were well attended and enjoyed by all. Senior Citizens Dates and prices are subject to change without notice 5 June We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 5 Ιουνιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα 12 June We meet at our Hall at am. The Committee will be providing Lunch 19 June We meet at our Hall at am. The Committee will be providing Lunch 12 Ιουνιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το συμβούλιο θα προσφέρει γεύμα. 19 Ιουνιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το συμβούλιο θα προσφέρει γεύμα. 26 June We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 26 Ιουνιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα 3 July We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 3 Ιουλιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα 10 July We meet at our Hall at am. The Committee will be providing Lunch 17 July We meet at our Hall at am. The Committee will be providing Lunch 10 Ιουλιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το συμβούλιο θα προσφέρει γεύμα. 17 Ιουλιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ, το συμβούλιο θα προσφέρει γεύμα. 23 July We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 23 Ιουλιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα 30 July We meet at our Hall at am. BYO Food 30 Ιουλιος Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα Father Romanos Stergiou Parish Priest Phone: Mobile: Fax: father@gocstanna.org Office Hours: by appointment please call directly