HOLY TRINITY January 2013

Transcript

1 HOLY TRINITY January 2013 Volume 44 Issue 1 The Feast of the Epiphany or the Theophany of our Lord, Great God, and Savior Jesus Christ January 6 ΑΓΙΑ ΤΡΙΑΣ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Wilmington, Delaware

2 The Official Publication of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware / Telephone: (302) Fax: (302) Church Office Address: greekorth@holytrinitywilmington.org Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm His Eminence Metropolitan EVANGELOS of New Jersey, Hierarch Rev. Protopresbyter Dean Nastos, Proistamenos, fr.dean@holytrinitywilmington.org Rev. Fr. Nick Rafael II, Associate Pastor, fr.nick@holytrinitywilmington.org For pastoral emergencies - you may call Fr or Fr. (609) Susan Kelleher, Church Secretary (home) Anargyros Liparos, Protopsaltis PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Georgia Halakos, President - (302) Demetri Karakasidis, First Vice President - (302) George Tsavalas, Second Vice President - (302) James Maravelias, Parish Council Treasurer - (302) Tom Karas, Assistant Treasurer - (302) George Rassias, Parish Council Secretary - (610) Constantine Caras Spiros Mantzavinos Tom Diamanty John Pennias Nick Karavasilis Catherine Stathakis Michael Kirifides Yvonne Tsavalas John Koninis II Parish Council Meetings - 3rd Wednesday of every 7PM CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos Katy Geanopoulos, President (856) Sunday School Maroula Haralambidis, Co-Director Sunday School Amalea Rassias, Co-Director (609) / / GOYA Fr. Nick, Foula Karavasilis, Maria Kotanidis (609) Jr. GOYA Fr. Nick, Roula Pappoulis (609) / / HOPE/JOY Fr. Nick, Julie Tsakumis, Melissa Kontomaris Choir Anthony Pantelopulos, Director The Heart Club Peter Xarhoulakos, President (610) Altar Boys Michael Sanford, Director Greek School John Pennias St. Elpida George Righos (609) Terpsichorean Dance Troupes Harry Malapetsas (609) Vacation Bible School Fr. Nick Altar Guild Helen Doukakis, President Editorial Staff Dr. Costas Fountzoulas Adult Bible Study (Wed. PM) Fr. Ganiaris Adult Bible Study (Thurs. PM) Basil Savopoulos / Emmanuel Dining Room East Nikkie Tsakataras & Tina Ganiaris King Holy Trinity Food Pantry Steve Nicholas AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS AHEPA Manny Kanas, President Daughters of Penelope Anthoula Anagnostou, President Hellenic University Club Stephen Karakasidis, President Holy Trinity Website Address: ALL ARTICLES & ANNOUNCEMENTS MUST BE IN THE OFFICE BY THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH. THESE ARTICLES & ANNOUNCEMENTS CAN BE DROPPED OFF, ED, FAXED OR U. S. MAIL.

3 THE PASTOR S LETTER Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed Romans 13:11 Another year has passed and has been absorbed into eternity. A new year shows itself and incites nostalgic thoughts in our soul for something more meaningful and enlightening. Time itself is a part of life that should be appreciated and used in good stewardship. As we allocate our time consciously or subconsciously each week, we should set aside time for our souls and bodies, for our families, for our friends and strangers. What do we mean by setting aside time? We mean that the thrust must be toward allocating time for understanding the feelings we have within us, our understanding of God and His teachings. The correct use of time means involvement in activities and gatherings that honor God and elevate our fellow man. Too frequently we are frivolous with our use of time. Under the guise that our hard work warrants free relaxation, we engage in extravagant social encounters; and sadly, on some occasions, we clearly are making an outright misuse of time by involvement in non-godly activities and destructive conversations about our peers and acquaintances. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in Holy Scripture, admonishes us to extend ourselves to the parentless child and to the childless adults. He tells us to spend time with the street beggars, as well as, with the affluent. We do not have to sacrifice principles in extending ourselves to all people but we do have to sacrifice pride. We do not have to deny ourselves of total relaxation, but we do have to recognize the larger family of God and use the energies gifts. Rhetoric, however, will not change those things that are happening. May I suggest that each of us take a pencil and paper and review our past week s us of time. Then on another sheet, schedule each day for the ensuing week in a manner that would be well pleasing to God, while taking into consideration His admonitions to love our neighbor as ourselves, to bear one another s burdens and to care for the homeless. Since we are on a constant pilgrimage, each hour is important to the manner in which we travel on that road and to the manner in which we reach our destination. Time, then, is spiritual. May we use it with awe, faith, and love of God! Praying we all have a Happy New Year. In Christ s Service, Fr. Dean Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί και Αδελφές, Και τούτο ειδότες τον καιρόν, ότι ώρα ήδη υμάς εξ ύπνου εγερθήναι, νύν γαρ εγγύτερον ημών η σωτηρία ή ότε επιστεύσαμεν. Προς Ρωμαίους 13:11 Ένας ακόμη χρόνος πέρασε και χάθηκε στην αιωνιότητα. Ένας νέος χρόνος δείχνει τον εαυτό του και προκαλεί νοσταλγικές σκέψεις στην ψυχή μας για κάτι περισσότερο σημαντικό και διαφωτιστικό. Ο χρόνος αυτός κάθε αυτός είναι μέρος της ζωής που πρέπει να εκτιμάται και να χρησιμοποιείται στην καλή επιστασία. Καθώς κατανέμουμε τον χρόνο μας συνειδητώς ή ασυνειδήτως κάθε εβδομάδα, πρέπει να διαθέσουμε χρόνο για την ψυχή μας και το σώμα μας, για την οικογένειά μας τους φίλους μας και τους αγνώστους. Τι άραγε να εννοούμε με το «διαθέτουμε χρόνο»; Εννοούμε ότι η ώθηση πρέπει να διατίθεται στο να καταλάβουμε τα αισθήματα που έχουμε μέσα μας, τον Θεό και την διδασκαλία Του. Σωστή χρήση του χρόνου εννοεί συμμετοχή στις δραστηριότητες και συγκεντρώσεις που τιμούν τον Θεό και ανυψώνουν τον συνάνθρωπο μας. Πολύ συχνά είμαστε χαρούμενοι με την χρήση του χρόνου μας. Υποθέτωντας ότι η σκληρή εργασία μας επιτρέπει πλήρη ανάπαυση, εμπλεκόμεθα σε υπερβολικές κοινωνικές συναναστροφές και δυστυχώς, μερικές φορές, σαφώς κάνουμε κακή χρήση του χρόνου με τη συμμετοχή μας σε ασεβείς δραστηριότητες και δυσμενή σχόλια για τους συμμαθητές και γνωστούς μας. Ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός, στην Αγία Γραφή, μας νουθετεί να δραστηριοποιούμεθα στα ορφανά παιδιά και τους ενήλικες χωρίς παιδιά. Μας λέει να περνούμε το χρόνο μας με ζητιάνους του δρόμου, καθώς επίσης και με εύπορους. Δεν είμαστε υποχρεωμένοι να θυσιάσουμε αρχές για να πλησιάσουμε όλους τους ανθρώπους, αλλά όμως πρέπει να θυσιάσουμε την υπερηφάνεια μας. Δεν πρέπει να αρνηθούμε στον εαυτό μας ολική χαλάρωση, αλλά εμείς πρέπει να αναγνωρίσουμε την ευρύτερη οικογένεια του Θεού και να χρησιμοποιούμε τα δώρα των ενεργειών. Η ρητορική, ωστόσο, δεν θα αλλάξη τα πράγματα που συμβαίνουν. Θα ήθελα να προτείνω ο καθένας μας να πάρη ένα μολύβι και χαρτί και να επανεξετάση τον χρόνο μας της προηγούμενης εβδομάδας μας. Μετά, σε ένα άλλο φύλλο, να προγραμματίση την κάθε μέρα της επόμενης εβδομάδας με όσον δυνατόν ευάρεστο τρόπο στο Θεό, λαμβάνοντας παράλληλα υπόψη τις παραινέσεις του να αγαπάμε τον πλησίον μας όπως τον εαυτό μας, να φέρουμε ο ένας τα βάρη του άλλου και να φροντίζουμε τους άστεγους. Επειδή είμαστε σε συνεχές ταξείδι, η κάθε ώρα είναι σημαντική για τον τρόπο που ταξιδεύουμε αυτόν τον δρόμο και τον τρόπο που φτάνουμε στον προορισμό μας. Ο χρόνος, λοιπόν, είναι η πνευματικός. Είθε να τον χρησιμοποιούμε με δέος, πίστη και την αγάπη του Θεού! Προσεύχομαι όλοι να έχουμε ένα Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος. Στην Υπηρεσία του Χριστού, Πατήρ Κωνσταντίνος

4 January 2013 "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of Glory thunders, the Lord, upon many waters! The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness..." Psalm 29 Lately, I have been asked some questions regarding some confusion on the Great Feast of the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Should we call it Epiphany or Theophany? The Western church has preserved the concept of Epiphany, which means "manifestation", by remembering three events on this day: the visit of the magi, the baptism in the Jordan, and the wedding at Cana. For them, this represents events where Christ was revealed to the world. However, in the East (Orthodox), only one event is remembered and that is the Baptism. Therefore, the Orthodox Church has specifically called it Theophany or "Manifestation of God". I know this sounds repetitive, but there is a very specific reason for this. The other events mentioned above are certainly manifestations of Christ's person to the world, but the Baptism of Christ stands apart from them. For, as stated in the Gospels, it was at this time that Christ's divine work began and for this reason the Evangelist Mark begins his Gospel narrative. However, there is much more! Not only did Christ reveal Himself, but the entire Holy Trinity also was made manifest (which is chanted in the Troparion of the Feast). The accounts of the baptism have the voice of the Father announcing His pleasure at Christ's decision and the Spirit in the form of a dove descends upon Him. Therefore, it is not just a manifestation but a manifestation of God in Three Persons. The modern attacks against the person of Christ, and for that matter, Christianity, discount the single fact that Christ is one of the Holy Trinity while at the same time a man. Christ Is God! This cannot be logically explained but rather ultimately leads all of us to silent contemplation of His divine mystery! With this contemplation, we can see the divine work of God present in the created world. The event of Theophany is precisely this: a revelation of the mystery of God at work in this world. So, we do not just see manifestations but rather God present in all things. For this reason, we must use the term Theophany. When we forget this, we begin to forget who Christ is (as much of the world seems to be doing). Father Nick s Letter Ιανουάριος 2013 «Φωνὴ Κυρίου ἐπὶ των υδάτων, ο Θεὸς της δόξης εβρόντησε, Κύριος επί υδάτων πολλών. Φωνὴ Φωνή Κυρίου συσσείοντος έρημον» Ψαλμός 28 Τελευταίως, μου υπέβαλαν ερωτήσεις σχετικά με κάποια σύγχυση της Μεγάλης Εορτής της Βαπτίσεως του Κυρίου και Σωτήρος ημών Ιησού Χριστού. Τα λέμε Επιφάνεια ή Θεοφάνεια; Η Δυτική Εκκλησία έχει διατηρήσει την έννοια των Επιφανείων, που σημαίνει «εκδήλωση», με το να θυμώμαστε τρία γεγονότα αυτής της ημέρας: την επίσκεψη των μάγων, το βάπτισμα στον Ιορδάνη, και το γάμο της Κανά. Γι 'αυτούς, αυτά αντιπροσωπεύουν την αποκάλυψη του Χριστού στον κόσμο. Ωστόσο, στην Ανατολή (Ορθοδοξία), μόνο μία μόνο ένα γεγονός θυμώμαστε, το Βάπτισμα. Ως εκ τούτου, η Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία το έχει ειδικά αποκαλέσει Θεοφάνεια ή "Εμφάνιση του Θεού". Ξέρω ότι αυτό ακούγεται επαναλαμβανόμενο, αλλά υπάρχει ένας πολύ συγκεκριμένος λόγος γι αυτό. Τα άλλα γεγονότα που αναφέρονται παραπάνω είναι σίγουρα εκδηλώσεις του προσώπου του Χριστού στον κόσμο, αλλά η Βάπτιση του Χριστού ξεχωρίζει από αυτά. Γιατί, όπως αναφέρεται στα Ευαγγέλια, ήταν αυτή τη στιγμή που το θείο έργο του Χριστού άρχισε και για τον λόγο αυτό ο Ευαγγελιστής Μάρκος αρχίζει την αφήγηση του Ευαγγελίου. Ωστόσο, υπάρχουν πολύ περισσότερα! Όχι μόνο ο ίδιος ο Χριστός αποκάλυψε τον εαυτό του, αλλά ολόκληρη η Αγία Τριάδα εφανερώθη (που ψάλλεται στο τροπάριο της εορτής). Οι αναφορές του βαπτίσματος έχουν τη φωνή του Πατέρα ανακοινώνοντας την ευχαρίστηση Του για την απόφαση του Χριστού και το Άγιο Πνεύμα με τη μορφή περιστεριού κατεβαίνει σ Αυτόν. Ως εκ τούτου, δεν είναι απλώς μια αποκάλυψη, αλλά μια εκδήλωση του Θεού σε Τρία Πρόσωπα. Οι σύγχρονες επιθέσεις εναντίον του προσώπου του Χριστού, και επομένως, του Χριστιανισμού, αγνοούν το μόνο γεγονός ότι ο Χριστός είναι ένας από την Αγία Τριάδα, και ταυτοχρόνως άνθρωπος. Ο Χριστός είναι Θεός! Αυτό δεν μπορεί να εξηγηθεί λογικά αλλά τελικά οδηγεί όλους μας στην σιωπηλή περισυλλογή του θείου Του! Με αυτή τη θεώρηση, μπορούμε να δούμε το θείο έργο του Θεού στον δημιουργηθέντα κόσμο. Η εκδήλωση των Θεοφανείων είναι ακριβώς αυτό: μια αποκάλυψη του μυστηρίου του Θεού εργαζόμενο σε αυτόν τον κόσμο. Έτσι, δεν βλέπουμε μόνο εκδηλώσεις, αλλά την παρουσία του Θεού σε όλα τα πράγματα. Για το λόγο αυτό, πρέπει να χρησιμοποιήσουμε τον όρο Θεοφανεία. Όταν ξεχνάμε αυτό, αρχίζουμε να ξεχνάμε ποιος είναι ο Χριστός (όπως ένα μεγάλο μέρος του κόσμου φαίνεται ότι κάνει). May we continue to seek to understand Christ in silence and prayer, recounting the words of His Mother, the Theotokos, "How shall this be?" (Luke 1:34) Father Nick Είθε να συνεχίσουμε να αναζητούμε την κατανόηση του Χριστού με σιωπή και προσευχή, απαγγέλλοντας τα λόγια της Μητέρας Του, της Θεοτόκου, «Πώς θα είναι αυτό;" (κατά Λουκά 1:34) Πατήρ Νικόλαος

5 Dear Parishioners, The Presidents Page Αγαπητοί ενορίτες, I trust that you all had a great Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas! December seemed to just fly by as Christmas Festivities kept everyone at the church busy! The Philoptochos had their Christmas Luncheon on December 8 th and that was followed by the AHEPA Christmas Dinner Dance the same night! On December 9 th the Greek School sponsored their annual Breakfast with Santa and had a nice program and all who attended had a great time. The Church Hall was decked out with new decorations that were bought with the proceeds from the Bougatsa sales. Thank you to our wonderful chefs and to our Parish Council Members who helped. The Hellenic University Club held their annual Christmas Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 15 th and that was followed by the Philoptochos Communion Breakfast and the Sunday School Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 16 th! Our children were fantastic, as always! We thank the Philoptochos for this annual breakfast that they provide for our children. We hope that you were able to make it to our Christmas Services and now that the New Year is upon us we hope to see you at the Epiphany Services. New Years Eve pictures will appear in the next bulletin! We started the month of December with our Parish Council elections on December 2 nd and we welcome Louis Novakis to the Parish Council. We thank our out-going members, Spiros Mantzavinos and Nick Karavasilis for their many years of service to our community. We look forward to working together as we start another faith-filled year! Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Hronia Polla! Georgia Halakos Πιστεύω ότι όλοι είχατε μια υπέροχη Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών και πολύ Καλά Χριστούγεννα! Δεκέμβριος φάνηκε ότι πέρασε ακριβώς όπως οι Χριστούγεννιάτικος Εορτασμός κράτησε όλους στην εκκλησία πολύ απασχολημένους! Η Φιλοπτώχος είχε το Χριστουγεννιάτικο Γεύμα τους στις 8 Δεκεμβρίου, που ακολουθήθηκε από την Χοροεσπερίδα των Χριστουγέννων της ΑΧΕΠΑ το ίδιο βράδυ! Την 9 ην Δεκεμβρίου το Ελληνικό Σχολείο παρέθεσε το ετλησιο Πρωινό με τον Άγιο Βασίλη με ένα ωραίο πρόγραμμα και όλοι όσοι παρευρέθηκαν επέρασνα θαυμάσια. Η Κοινοτική Αίθουσα Εκκλησία ήταν στολισμένη με νέο διάκοσμο που αγοράστηκαν από τα έσοδα των πωλήσεων μπουγάτσα. Ευχαριστούμε τους υπέροχους σεφ μας και τα μέλη του Κοινοτικού Συμβουλίου που βοήθησαν. Η Ελληνική Πανεπιστημιακή Λέσχη του \πραγματοποίησε την ετήσια Χριστουγεννιάτικη Χοροεσπερίδα της το Σάββατο, 15 ην Δεκεμβρίου και και ακολούθησε το πρωινό της Φιλοπτώχου και τα καλλιστεία του Κατηχητικού την Κυριακή, 16 ην Δεκεμβρίου! Τα παιδιά μας, όπως πάντα, ήταν φανταστικά! Θέλουμε να ευχαριστήσουμε την Φιλόπτωχο για το ετήσιο πρωινό που παρέχουν στα παιδιά μας. Ελπίζουμε ότι θα μπορέσετε να παρακολουθήσετε τις Χριστουγεννιάτικες Ακολουθίες μας και τώρα που το Νέο Έτος είναι προ των πυλών ελπίζουμε να σας δούμε στις Ακολουθίες των Θεοφανίων. New Οι φωτογραφίες της Χοροεσπερίδας του Νέου Έτους θα εμφανιστούν στο επόμενο δελτίο! Ξεκινήσαμε τον Δεκέμβριο με τις εκλογές του συμβουλίου της ενορίας μας, την 2 αν Δεκεμβρίου και καλωσορίζουμε τον Ηλία Νοβάκη στο Συμβούλιο της Ενορίας. Θέλουμε να ευχαριστήσουμε τα απερχόμενα μέλη μας, Σπύρο Μαντζαβίνο και ο Νίκο Καραβασίλη για την πολυετή υπηρεσία τους στην κοινότητά μας. Ανυπομονούμε να συνεργαστούμε μαζί καθώς έχουμε ξεκινάμε μια άλλη χρονιά γεμάτη! Ευχώμαστε σε όλους ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ! Γεωργία Halakos ένα Ευτυχισμένο Νέο Έτος!

6 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Happy New Year and all the best to everyone in 2013! We hope that you have had an opportunity to relax over the Christmas holidays and, that you had a joyful time with family and friends. The staff would like to thank Philoptochos for helping with the Communion breakfast for the Sunday School students in December. It was a wonderful time of fellowship for all participants. We also extend our appreciation to Jackie Pastis, Dino Charalambides, and to all of the teachers who assisted with our delightful annual Christmas Pageant. It s such a joy to for the teachers, the students and their families. We would also like to extend a thank you to Katherine Zographon for dedicating her time to make additional costumes for this year's pageant." We are continuing with spotlighting our dedicated Sunday School Staff and this month we are focusing on our two Kindergarten teachers Marina Lutz and Christina Mavrantonis. In their youth, both of these dedicated teachers regularly attended Holy Trinity s Sunday School program. Upon graduation, they decided that they wanted to teach so they took over for Marina s aunt, Jeanie Klezaras, when she had to stop teaching. They took a hiatus in 2003 but after many years of wanting to come back, they resumed teaching this year. Marina states that they are focusing on the children learning about the life of Jesus. Please note that Sunday, January 6 th (Epiphany Day) is a family Sunday and there will be no Sunday School on this day. We are grateful to all of the families who are consistently bringing their children to Sunday School. On behalf of all of the Sunday School Staff, we wish all of you a joyous, healthy, peaceful, and blessed Lauren Diamond, Sunday School Volunteer THANK YOU The entire GOYA wishes to thank everyone who so generously and unselfishly supported our "Adopt a Child" Project this Christmas Season. We were all amazed at the outpouring of enthusiasm towards so many of the poor and needy children that we adopted as a group this year. Through your loving donations, every child we "adopted" will receive a Christmas present! Thank you so very much and may you and your loved ones be blessed with peace, love and joy by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Heart In January the Heart will gather the 3rd Thursday, JANUARY 17th instead of the 2nd Thursday! We will meet in the Church Parking lot and caravan over to Michael s Restaurant for our Post-Christmas Luncheon Set Menu at $30.00 per person For more information call Pete

7 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS HAPPY NEW YEAR On behalf of the Philoptochos Society, I would like to wish the entire community a very Happy and Healthy New Year. May 2013 bring us all peace, joy and goodwill. The Philoptochos Society will sponsor the Cutting of the Vasilopita on Sunday, January 13, 2013, and will be offering a Vasilopita Luncheon immediately following the service. All are welcome. Look for more details in the weekly bulletins and on the back of this bulletin. We are delighted to invite all new members and prospective members to an Afternoon Tea on Saturday, February 9, 2013 from 2 to 5 pm in the Community Hall. Our chapter was founded in 1942 and we strive to continue the good works and philanthropic causes for many more years to come. We welcome you all on that day and hope to see you there. Please note that the next Executive board meeting will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 10:00am. The meeting will be held in the Philoptochos room. Please note that the next General meeting will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 am. The meeting will be held in the Philoptochos room. One final note, on Sunday, April 7, 2013 the Church commemorates the Holy Cross and we are planning to serve loukoumades immediately following the service. My heartfelt wishes for a very Happy New Year, In Christ, Katy Geanopulos The Terpsichorean Dance Troupe has been expanding rapidly these past few years. Our practice attendance has nearly doubled. I am very happy about our progress thus far and would like to see the group continue to grow. Upon entering the group as Instructor we have begun to perform at competitions and annual events representing Holy Trinity, Wilmington. For this years upcoming competition, we are trying to purchase new costumes from Thrace. We are seeking help from our parish to purchase 18 costumes at a total cost of $5000. If you would like to make a contribution please the dance group at terpsichoreans@holytrinitywilmington.org or contact Susie Kelleher at the church main office. Sincerely, Harry Malapetsas

8 SACRAMENTAL DATES FOR 2013 According to the Orthodox Faith and our Holy Greek Orthodox Church the following information is to be used for the proper scheduling of Sacraments within our Holy Orthodox Church. These days are to be followed and adhered to by the Clergy and our laity. A Sacrament can be conducted on one of the non-permissible days only if absolutely necessary and then only by special permission of our Metropolitan. CHRISMATIONS Chrismations may take place on any day of the week throughout the year(except Good Friday). A Chrismation will take place only after proper instruction with the Parish Priest and discussion of the appropriate time and day for the Chrismation. BAPTISM Baptisms CANNOT BE CONDUCTED on the following days: Great Lent March 18 April 27 (allowed but discouraged) Holy Week April 28 May 4 PASCHA May 5 Sunday of Thomas May 12 Pentecost June 23 Assumption Fast August 1 14 (allowed but discouraged) Assumption of the Theotokos August 15 Christmas Fast November 15 December 24 (allowed but discouraged) Christmas Day December 25 WEDDINGS Weddings CANNOT BE CONDUCTED on the following days: January 5 & 6 Great Lent March 18 April 27 Holy Week April 28 May 4 PASCHA May 5 Pentecost June 23 Assumption Fast August 1 14 Assumption of the Theotokos August 15 Beheading of St. John the Baptist August 29 Christmas Fast November 15 December 12 (allowed but discouraged) Christmas Fast December Christmas Day December 25 MEMORIALS: Cannot be held on the following Sundays: Jan.6, April 28, May 5, 12, June 23. FUNERALS Although a Funeral is NOT a Sacrament but a prayer service, they are permitted on any day of the week throughout the year except on Sundays and Good Friday. There is no exception to this rule. This information is provided by the Registry Department of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

9 Serving in January... Epistle Readers: January 6 ~ Larry Kirifides January 13 ~ Yanni Kaliakin January 20 ~ Dimitri Kaliakin January 27 ~ Jamie Kostas Narthex Duty: January 6 ~ Group 1 January 13 ~ Group 2 January 20 ~ Group 1 January 27 ~ Group 2 Coffee Hours: January 6 ~ GOYA January 13 ~ Philoptochos Luncheon January 20 ~ Hellenic University Club January 27 ~ AHEPA Letters Day Breakfast If you would like to be added to the list of Prosforon Offerers, please call Loula at the number listed below, or, if at any time you wish to offer the Prosforon without being added to the list, please feel free to bring it in on any Sunday that you wish. Prosforon Offerers for January January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 Katina Galanakis Sophia Psaltis Pres. Ioanna Ganiaris Maria Grigorakakis Vasiliki Kromedas Dimitra Lempesis Sophia Regas Litsa Anestos If you cannot meet your scheduled date please contact Loula ST BASIL TEAM 1/6 & 1/20 Dimitri Kaliakin, Captain (610) Steven Constantinou Theodore Fessaras Constantinos Fournaris Nicholas Gianelos Larry Kirifides Andrew Rafael Markos Zerefos Holy Trinity Altar Boys Rev. Fr. Dean Nastos, Pastor Rev. Fr. Nick Rafael II, Associate Pastor Mr. Michael Sanford, Director ST. CHRYSOSTOM TEAM 1/13 & 1/27 Antonio Fessaras, Captain (302) Chris Coulaloglou Alex Hristopoulos Lazarus Kirifides Constantine Krikelis Niko Marinis Panagiotis Tzinoudis Yianni Zerefos When you are scheduled to serve you should be in the Altar Area ready to serve by 9:45AM. The latest you can come into the Altar Area is 10:30AM. Please wear appropriate attire long pants, shirt, tie, black or brown shoes (NO SHORTS OR GYM SHOES ALLOWED). Your hair must be combed, teeth brushed, and hands washed. When you enter the Altar Area, please have your robe blessed by Fr. Dean and then put it on. During the service, please remember that people are watching you. Please do not talk unnecessarily or make unnecessary movements. Listen directly to your Captain, Fr. Dean or Mr. Sanford. Please follow the service with the book provided in the Altar Area. When you leave, please hang up your robe in the Altar Boy Closet. If you have any questions, first speak with the Captain. If you need further information, please speak with Fr. Dean or Mr. Sanford.

10 PARISH COUNCIL COMMITTEES The Mission and Ministry of our Parish is the number one priority of the Parish Council. The Parish Council, working with and under the guidance of Fr. Dean and Fr. Nick, want to better meet the needs of all our members. The Parish Council is asking every member to offer their TIME & TALENTS to our Parish by volunteering to become a member of one or more of the following Committees: 1. Archives Committee - This Committee is responsible for gathering and preserving the historical memorabilia of our Parish. 2. Building Committee - This Committee will insure that our physical facilities are kept in good and safe condition. It should organize Parish volunteers for upkeep and minor repairs, and contact the proper maintenance or repair personnel when major or special work is needed. 3. Communications Committee - This Committee will develop and implement various methods of communication that come from the Parish, either electronic or written, in order to inform the entire Parish about news or information that allows all members to better participate in the full life of the Parish. 4. Education Committee - This Committee will be supervised by the Priest, who will work with the members in order to foster the spiritual growth of the parishioners through various educational programs. 5. Finance Committee - This Committee will develop and implement the plans which will raise sufficient funds to meet the budget. This Committee will encourage and make sure that the Stewardship Program of the Parish is understood and participated in by all members. 6. Grounds Committee - This Committee will maintain the Parish ground and property in a clean and neat manner, properly caring for the grass, shrubbery and trees on our premises. 7. Outreach Committee - This Committee will reach out in a caring and loving way to those parishioners who have fallen away from active life in the Parish. The goal is to return these parishioners to full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Information and opportunities should be provided to encourage those who are returning to rediscover their own need for belonging and participating in the Parish. 8. Ushering Committee - This Committee will supervise the Church facility during services and make sure order is kept. Ushers should be scheduled for all services. 9. Welcoming Committee - This Committee will be in the Narthex in order to greet visitors and new members/families to the Parish. Visitors should be welcomed warmly and given information about Parish life. 10. Planning Committee - This Committee will set goals for the orderly and continued upgrading of the physical facilities to meet anticipated future needs. 11. Projects Committee - This Committee will organize and implement special projects that are needed by the Parish, unless voted upon by the General Assembly. This Committee will encourage and ask all members of the Parish to participate in some fashion within the projects that are implemented. If you want to become a member of one or more of any of the above Committees, please contact any Parish Council member to sign up. Thank you for your support!

11 PAREA NEWS ( Parishioners at Restaurants Eating Altogether ) The PAREA group is a monthly gathering of single and married adult parishioners at various restaurants in the area. We meet on the 4 th Thursday of the month. Our November outing was held at Feby s Fishery with 29 parishioners attending! The food and service was great, but the PAREA was even better!! The next outing will be held on Thursday, January 24 th at a location to be determined and more details to follow. We hope you will join us for a night of fun and fellowship! If you would like more information, please contact Evie Fournaris at Fournaris@aol.com FLOWERS FOR FEAST DAY ICONS Flowers always add beauty to whatever they adorn. It has always been a tradition among our Orthodox Churches to decorate Holy Icons with flowers when the Feast Day is being celebrated. Please contact Helen Doukakis and donate towards the flowers you would like as soon as possible. As always, this will be done on a first come, first serve basis. The names of those who donate the flowers will be listed in the Monthly Bulletin the month after the Feast Day is celebrated. Thank you for your support in this project and may our Lord continue to bless you. Please make your check payable to: HOLY TRINITY ALTAR GUILD Flowers for St. Basil the Great Icon - Jan. 1 st $35.00 Flowers for Epiphany Icon - Jan. 6th $35.00 Flowers for St. John the Baptist Icon Jan. 7 th $35.00 Flowers for Three Hierarchs Icon - Jan. 30 th $35.00 Flowers for Presentation of our Lord in the Temple Icon-Feb. 2 nd $35.00 Flowers for St. Haralambos Icon - Feb. 10 th $35.00

12 Holy Trinity 2012 Financial Stewards Adamopoulos, Angeliki & Anastasios Adamopoulos, Chris & Nancy Adamopoulos, Sotiere Al-Annouf, Nabil & Rabia Batah Alexandratos, Angelos Alexandridis, Thanos & Sharon Alexopoulos, John & Elena Amygdalos, Michael & Christine Anagnostou, AnaMaria Anagnostou, Anthoula Anagnostou, Mary Anastasakos, Georgia Anastassiades, Andreas & Litsa Andreadis, Cleopatra Andreadis, Evan & Theone Andrianopoulos, Faith Annos, Elaine Annos, William & Irene Anton, Anthony & Lucille Antony, Michael Apessos, Spyros & Maria Apostolakis, Nicholas & Irene Apostolatos, Arkontoula Apostolatos, Evaggelos Arvanitis, Argyrios & Lisa Atsidis, Kostas & Eutichia Bacchieri, Gregg & Stacey Bambacus, Meropi Battas, Stephanie Belitsas, Athanasios & Antonia Boines, Daniel & Dale Boines, Georgia Bouloukos Harry & Anastasia Brostoff, Seth Brown, Michael Brown, Sean & Maria Brown, James & Karen Burpulis, Costa & Maria Burpulis, John & Mary Burpulis, Stamatis Caras, Christina Caras, Constantine & Maria Caras, George & Chris Caras, Harry & Susan Carros, Demo & Helyn Chahalis, James & Maria Chambers, George & Katherine Chappel, Jane Chilimidos, Dennis & Effie Chilimidos, Jerry & Amy Chris, Alexander & Edith Christou, Christos Christou, Demetra Christou, Vasilios & Alexandra Ciabattoni, Olga Coates, Eftihia & George Colborn, Brian & Nicole Colyvas, Amanda Congalidis, John Constantinou, George Constantinou, John & Carol Contompasis, Petros & Bessie Cooke, Charles Costalas, Alexandra Costis, Gus & Patsy Coulaloglou, Michele & Costas Courtis, Harry & Sophia Coustenis, Robert & Katherine Cozamanis, Olympia Creedon, Mary Cubeta, Jamie & Tina Cusanelli, Patrick Dalbow, Katerina & Edward Dalianis, John & Vicky Dandolos, Dimitrios & Carol Degermentzidis, George & Polyxeni Demetriou, Spyros & Anna Demourtzidis, Joseph & Erini Demourtzidis, Nikolaos & Daphne Demourtzidis, Steven Diamanty, John & Kathy Diamanty, Thomas & Sue Diamond, Anthony & Lauren Diamond, John & Susan Dickey, Irene Dignam, Agnes Donald, Maria & Bill Doukakis, Helen Drimones, Clara Drimones, Nicholas Dumel, John & Evangeline Eliades, Sophie Evangelatos, Speros & Emily Evlom, Martena Fafalios, Mary Faller, James & Catherine Fanandakis, George & Helen Fanos, George Ferentinos, Peter Ferentinos, Spero & Joan Fessaras, Costas & Anna Fessaras, Zaharias & Irene Fikioris, Dimitrios & Margaret Fotakos, Leonidas A. & Sophia Fotakos, Toula Fountzoulas, Costas & Audrey Fournaris, Emmanuel & Evanthea Fournaris, George & Aspasia Frangakis, Andrew Frangakis, John & Christine Frangia, Stephen Frangos, Theone Galanakis, Ekaterini Galanis Nick & Agnes Galaris, James & Katherine Ganiaris, Fr. Stamatios & Pres. Joan Ganoudis, Dean & Joanna Gargalas, Thomas Gatos, George Gatos, Paula Gattuso, Jean & Michael Geanopulos, Georgiean Geanopulos, Katy George, Mary Georgiou, Gus Geralis, Loula Gerassimakis, Nick & Connie Gianakis, Charles & Ioanna Gianelos, James & Stacie Giannaris, Fr. George & Pres. Mary Giannatos, Gerry & Anna Gotides, Virginia Graham, Alton & Catherine Graham, Christine Gregory, Helen Grigorakakis, Maria Grivas, Christopher & Michell Grivas, Demetrios & Helen Guajardo, Evangelina Guardascione, Lou & Shelly Hadjipanayis, George & Voula Halakos, Billy Halakos, Demetrios & Georgia Halakos, Evangelos & Donna Halakos, Joannis & Eftihia Haldas, Harry Haldas, Nicholas & Rodie Haldas, Thomas & Prudy Haldas, William & Shirley Haldas-Ross, Melissa & Christopher Hall, Philip & Eleni Hann, Eugenia & Gary Hantzandreou, George Hantzandreou, Katerina Hantzandreou, Theodore & Labrini Hantzopoulos, George Hantzopoulos, Liza & Bill Hantzopoulos, Kostas Hatzis, Nicholas & Katherine Hatzis, Tom & Georgia Hondry, Bill Hondry, Joan Hondry, Steve Iliadis, Tina & Dimitrios Ioannou, Ida Issaris, Katherine Joannides, Joseph & Alice Johnson, Margo Joseck, Fred & Xanthy Kalaitzoglou, Apostolos & Niki Kalfas, Caroline Kaliakin, Victor & Elizabeth Kalampakas, Athanasios & Joanna Kalmer, Mary Kamenakis, George & Effie Kamenakis, Peter Kanas, Larry Kanas, Manny Kapordelis, Loula Karablacas, Helen Karablacas, Stelios Karablacas, Virginia Karagiannis, Peter & Tina Karakasidis, Demetrios & Eleni Karakasidis, John & Vicki Karakasidis, Stephanos & Evagelia Karamihalis, Dean Karaoglanis, Eleftherios & Niki Karas, George Karas, Tom Karas, Yianni Karavasilis, Nick & Foula Katsanos, Stella & Jack Katsimbris, Dennis & Angela Kehagias, John & Katherine Keros, Georgia Kertiles, Paul & Marietta Kimbiris, George & Beatriz King, Jamie & Tina G. Kirifides, Alexander & Kathy Kirifides, Lazarus M. & Helen Kirifides, Michael & Kerry Kirifides, Vasil & Elefteria Kirtses, Petros & Athy Kledaras, George & Ann Kledaras, Olympia Klezaras, Nikoletta Klezaras-Lurz, Marina Kollias, Basil & Dimitra Kollias, Georgia Kollias, Polly Koninis, Christina Koninis, John & Anastasia Koninis II, John Kontis, Gus & Cindy Kontomaris, Kostas & Melissa Kostas, James Kostas, John & Gale Kostas, Lynn Kostas, Nicholas Kostoulas, Evangelos Kotanides, Anastasia Kotanidis, Antonios & Roula Kotanidis, Christos & Maria Kotanidis, Efstathios & Linda Kourpas, Elias & Chrystallo Mouza Koutoufaris, John & Marlene Kramedas, Gregory & Matoula Kramedas, Maria Kramedas, Nina & Theodore Kramedas, William & Genie Krikelis, Helene Krikelis, Basil & Jamie Krikelis, Peter & Susan Kromedas, Constantinos & Vasiliki Kusumi, Jeff & Robin Kyranakas, John Kyriakakis, Anthony Laletas/Brockett, Ernest & Barbara Laskaris, Johanna Laws, Brian & Vasiliki Lawson, Michael & Victoria Lazare, John & Sandra Lazaridis, Anastasis & Christina Lazopoulos, John & Christina Lazopoulos, Melissa Lemper, Anthony & Diana Lempesis, Anastasios & Dimitra Leounes, Thomas & Helen Liarakos, Evelyn Liarakos, George & Ann Liparos, Anargyros Little, Mary Livaditis, John & Marisa Lomis, Dean & Toula Long, Irene MacKewiz, W. Lee & Irene Maidanos, Emily Makis, Gus & Anthi Manis, Voula & John Manolakis, Mary Manolakos, Nick & Paula Manoloudis, Michael & Kandi Manos, Philip & Voula Mantzavinos, Chris & Mary Mantzavinos, Spiros & Megan Maravelias, Angelique Maravelias, James & Diana Marini, Irene Marinis, Jaclyn Marinis, Kalliope Markatos, Harry & Susan Markozanis, Maria & Michael Matulas, Anagnostis & Angela Matulas, Apostolas & Georgia Mavridis, Maria & Prodromos Mayew, G. Michael & Charlotte Mazarakis, John McFarland, Antoinette & Steve McManus Ryan & Theodora McVaugh, Eugenia & Andrew Melisaris, Anastasios & Diane Mentis, Constantia Mesogianes, Barbara Metaxotos, Nicholas Michell, Constantine & Elaine Michell, Theodore & Catherine Michell, Vasili & Megan Milionis, Constantine Minella, Tia & Charles Misogianes, Milt & Carol Mistras, Antonios & Soula Mistras, Theodora Mistras, Michael Moutsatsos, George & Alexia Nannas, Theodore & Alexandra Nastos, Fr. Dean & Pres. Carolyn Ney, Bruce & Marina Nicholas, Steve Nicholas, William Nicholson, Matina Novakis, Louis Ohlemacher, Leo & Evangeline O'Neal, Brian & Christine

13 Financial Stewards continued... Pagonis, Carrie Pagonis, Marcus & Cheryl Panagiotidis, Athanasios & Elizabeth Pandelakis, Denis & Anna Pantelopulos, Anthony & Daphne Pantsos, Christina Papachrysanthou, Christos & Penelope Papachrysanthou, George & Laura Papademetriou, Kyriakos & Amber Papantinas, Stephen & Elaine Pappanicholas, Demetrios & Maria Pappanicholas, Evan Pappas, Dean & Zoe Pappas, Elizabeth Pappas, Helen Pappas, John & Lois Pappas, Sandra Pappoulis Christina Pappoulis Roula Pastis, Jackie Pennias, John & Stavroula Pettaris, George & Stavroula Pettit, Stacie & Jim Phalangas, Charalambos & Mary Philippakos, Pantelis Phillips, Ernest & Iris Phillips, Pauline Pierson, Vetta Pispitsos, Pantelis Pittaoulis, Steve Pittas, John Popescu, Sabastian & Manuela Poulos, Marika Poulos, Vasilios & Eulampia Psaltis, John Psaltis, Nickolas & Sophia Psaltis, Thomas & Cindy Psihalinos, George & Athina Psihalinos, Nikos Pyrros, Georgia Rafael II, Rev. Nick & Pres. Olga Raisis, Leonidas & Irene Raisis, Spiros Ranalli, Anthony & Marie Rassias, Dion & Gina Rassias, George & Amalea Rassias, Peter Rayias, Peter & Kathryn Regas, Constantinos Regas, Petros & Christine Regas, Sofia Riggins, Margaret Righos, George & Elaine Roustopoulos, Theodoros & Alexia Ruhl, David & Athena Saffos, John & Karla Saitis, Mary Sakiadis, Byron & Alice Sanford, Mike & Andrea Sapunas, Areti Saridakis, Christopher & Penelope Sarmousakis, Marika & Chris Sartin, Nimrah & Deborah Savopoulos, Basil & Despina Savopoulos, Virginia Schillinger, Karen & Robert Semos, Paul & Irene Skiadas, Peter & Stavroula Snell, Bryan & Pauline Souleles, Nicholas & Alexis Spanos, John & Carol Sparks, Everett & Alexandra Staikos, Dimitri Stathakis, Catherine Stavru, Nicholas & Maria Stavru, Sophia Stevens, Richard & Penny Stout, Bob & Voula Tangalidis, Dimitrios & Maria Tarabicos, Anastasia Tarabicos, James & Sophia Tarabicos, John & Joanne Tawfik, Emad & Soultana Tektonopoulos, Diamantis Terris, Costas A. & Clara Terss, Eugenia & Robert Theodorakis, Stamatis & Lisa Thomas, Angelina & Richard Triantafyllou, Athanasios & Valentina Trikaliotis, Kostas Trivelas, Sotiros & Alice Troumounis, Antonio Tsaganos, Anthony & Joanne Tsaganos, George & Alexandra Tsaganos, Nicholas & Joanna Tsaganos, Peggy Tsaganos, Robert & Popi Tsaganos, Tina Tsakataras, George Tsakataras, Nikki Tsakiris, Konstantine & Denise Tsakiris, Tony & Jessica Tsakumis, George & Julia Tsakumis, Theodore Tsaldaris, Nicholas & Bonnie Tsavalas, George & Yvonne Tsionas, Constantine & Foula Tsionas, Efthimios & Anna Tsiouplis, Vasilis & Matina Tsoukalas, George & Frideriki Tsoukalas, Stavroula Tsoukalas, Harry & Niki Tsugranes, George & Penny Turley, Steve & Akiko Tzidras, Tanya Tzinoudis, Konstantinos & Demetra Valko, Regina Vance, Nicholas & Irene Vande Poele, A. David & Anne Vassilatos, George & Yvonne Vassiliou, Kleoniki Vassos, Barbara Velitskakis, Steve & Karen Vice, Billy L. & Elaine Vlamis, Nicholas & Peggy Vore, Mary Elizabeth & Roy Voultsis, Petros & Catherine Vouras, Nicholas Wilkinson, Clifford L. & Suzanne Wissman, Charles & Vaya Wissman, Charles Wolcott, Josiah & Paraskevi Wright, Douglas & Alexandra Xarhoulakos, Peter Yiannos, Peter & Stella Zaloga, Paul & Joann Zambetis, Paul & Zoe Zerefos, Demetri & Tina Zerefos, Markos & Eugenia Ziccarelli, Lou & Cathy Zinna, Anthony & Nina Zographos, Nicholas & Katherine As of December 20, 2012 Stewardship Amount Pledged: $274, Total Number of Pledging Families: 449 Total Number of Eligible Stewards: 560 Average Pledge: $ Amount of Pledge needed for budget: $1, As of December 20, 2012

14 Διάφορα Δρ. Κώστας Γ. Φούντζουλας Μηδέ άγαν Αυτή η επιγραφή από τον ναό του Απόλλωνα στους Δελφούς μπορεί να μας εξοικονομίση χρήματα, πολλά χρήματα, βελτιώνοντας την υγεία μας. «Μηδέν άγαν», δηλαδή «καμμιά υπερβολή», είπαν οι πρόγονοί μας οι αρχαίοι Έλληνες. Είχαν αναρτήσει την επιγραφή στο πλέον φημισμένο μαντείο όχι μόνο του Ελληνικού κόσμου, αλλά και του κόσμου των «βαρβάρων», στο Μαντείο των Δελφών. Δεν ήταν αποτέλεσμα μακροχρόνιας, πανάκριβης επιστημονικής έρευνας, αλλά το λογικό συμπέρασμα της παρατηρήσεως του κόσμου γύρω τους. Ο κόσμος των αρχαίων Ελλήνων στην Ελλάδα ήταν συνήθως λιτός, φτωχός και απέριττος. Δεν είχαν ποτέ πολλά υλικά αγαθά. Μετανάστευαν και ταξείδευαν γιατί η Ελλάδα ήταν φτωχή και τα τρόφιμα δεν επαρκούσαν για όλους. Δεν θα ήταν δύσκολο να παρατηρήσουν τις συνήθειες άλλων λαών που η φύση τους είχε χαρίσει άφθονα αγαθά και να καταλήξουν στο συμπερασμα «μηδέν άγαν». Είναι οξύμωρο να βλέπουμε στην τηλεόραση πρώτα μία διαφήμιση για κάποιο φαγητό και αμέσως μετά τι πρέπει να κάνουμε για να χάσουμε βάρος! Απο την μία η διαφήμιση για το φαγητό, κι από την άλλη η διαφήμιση για τους κινδύνους που προκαλεί το υπερβολικό βάρος στην υγείας μας. Σπαταλήθηκαν δισεκατομμύρια για να καταλήξουμε πάλι στο «μηδέν άγαν». Είναι πράγματι απογοητευτικό να υπάρχουν διαγωνισμοί για την κατανάλωση των περισσοτέρων χοτ-ντογκς, κάτι που μας φέρνει στον νου τα «Λουκούλεια Δείπνα» των Ρωμαίων, που ανάγκαζαν τον εαυτό τους να κάνει εμετό όσα είχαν μόλις φάει για να μπορούν να φάνε πάλι αμέσως. Νομίζω ότι η αυτοκρατορία μας μοιάζει περισσότερο στην Ρώμη παρά στην Αθήνα. Και δεν είναι μόνο το φαγητό αλλά όλα τα υλικά και μη αγαθά. Αυτοκίνητα, ακριβές διακοπές, μεγαλλίτερα σπίτια και ακριβώτερα ρούχα, δίψα για περισσότερη δύναμη και εξουσία, τέλος δεν έχει. Ο Κλεόβουλος ο Λίνδιος (6ος αιώνας π.χ.) είπε «Μέτρον άριστον» (το μέτρο στα πάντα είναι άριστο, ο τρόπος). Ο μεγάλος μας Ιεράρχης Γρηγόριος Νανζιανζηνός, είπε «Πάλι τον καύκον έπιες, πάλιν τον νουν απώλεσας» «πάλι κρασί ήπιες, πάλι τον νού έχασες» για τον μέθυσο αυτοκράτορα Φωκά. Πόση αλήθεια, πόση σοφία κρύβουν αυτές οι δύο φράσεις. Ο αγώνας μας είναι πως να βρούμε την ψυχική μας ισορροπία μέσα από την πληθώρα αγαθών και πειρασμών που κτυπούν την πόρτα μας. Η Καλή Τύχη, δηλαδή η Ευ+τυχία μας δεν πρέπει να στηρίζεται στην υπερβολή αλλά στην καλή υγεία, και στην ισορροπημένηκαλλίεργεια του σώματος και πνεύματος μας. Ας παρατηρήσουμε τον γύρω κόσμο μας όπως οι Αρχαίοι Έλληνες για να εκτιμήσουμε τα τόσα πολλά που έχουμε. Πόσες φορές μία συζήτηση με καφέ με ένα φίλο μας δεν μας έκανε να αισθανθούμε πολύ ευτυχισμένοι.«ουκ εν τω πολλώ το εύ». Various Dr. Costas G. Fountzoulas Nothing in the excess This inscription from the temple of Apollo at Delphi can save us money, lots of money, by improving our health. "Meden agan", meaning "nothing in the excess said our ancestors, the ancient Greeks. They had posted that inscription on the most famous oracle not only of the Greek world, and the world of the "barbarians," Delphic Oracle. It was not the result of long-term, expensive scientific research, but the logical conclusion of the observation of the world around them. The world of the ancient Greeks in Greece was usually terse, poor and chaste. They never had many material possessions. They used to migrate and travel because Greece was poor and the food was not enough for everyone. It would not be difficult for them to observe the habits of other peoples, whom nature was generous and it had given plenty of goods and to conclude "Meden Agan". It is oxymoron to see on TV one advertisement for some new or old food and immediately after it, another advertisement how to lose weight! One advertisement promotes food, and another let us know about the dangers caused on our health by excessive weight. We have wasted billions of dollars to re-conclude Meden Agan." It is really frustrating to have contests for the eating more hot dogs champion, which brings to mind the "Lucullus banquets" of the Romans, who according to some authors could force themselves to vomit what they just had eaten to be able to eat again soon. I think our empire looks more to Rome than in Athens. And it is not only the food but all material and not-material goods. Cars, expensive vacations, houses and larger, more expensive clothes, thirst for more power and authority, and there is no end to it. Cleobulus of Lindos (6th century BC) said, "Metron Ariston" (moderation is excellent, the way that is). Our big Hierarch Gregory Nanzianus said "You drank the kafkon (wine) again, you again lost your mind" for the drunkard Emperor Nikephoros Phocas. How true, how much wisdom is included in these two phrases. Our struggle is how we can find our mental in the plethora of an archipelago of goods and temptations that knocking on our door. The Good Luck, i.e. Eu + Tyche (Luck), should not be based in the excess but in good health, and balance between our body and spirit. Let us observe the world around us like the Ancient Greeks did to appreciate our blessings. Many times a conversation with a mere coffee with a friend made us feel really happy. "The quality is not in the amount."

15 Help Sponsor 2013 Wilmington Basketball GOYA Tournament!! Help support the Wilmington GOYA by placing an ad in their ad book. Wish them luck and success while showing our community that you support our youth! Half Page - $25.00 Full Page - $50.00/COLOR - $75.00 Inside Cover - $100.00/COLOR - $ Color only on Full Page Ads! Back Cover - $150.00/COLOR - $ Name Business Phone Contact Maya Kaliakin at mkaliakin@gmail.com for more information! Deadline to place the ad is FEBRUARY 3rd, Please submit Sponsorship Form, Advertisement, and Payment to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 808 North Broom Street Wilmington, DE THANK Please make checks payable to: Holy Trinity GOYA YOU! Provide your message below or attach your ad to this form:

16 2013..LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As we enter the new year 2013, it gives each of us cause to stop and reflect upon our life-style, our progress, and our involvement and contribution to our beloved Parish of Holy Trinity. We are a Parish that is experiencing change; change which will directly affect the future of this Community for many years to come. As Proistamenos of this Parish, I call to your attention the need for your direct involvement in the ongoing progress and growth of this Parish. A successful Parish is not, and I repeat, NOT viewed solely from the bottom-line total on the budget. A successful Parish is a Christian Parish; a Parish that offers education, ministries and enlightenment for its members. When these things are achieved only then will that bottom-line figure represent the true gratitude level of its parishioners. During the past year and seven months it has been our aim to provide ministries and activities that would appeal to a broad spectrum of members. Due to his presence and fulfilling of his Priesthood, we are fortunate to have Fr. Nick who has accomplished and continues to accomplish great things. The question still is What does our Parish offer? What can a parishioner do to feel he/she is an integral part of this Parish? Here are just a few: 1. Worship Services 7. Jr. GOYA 14. Altar Guild 2. Philoptochos Society 8. HOPE/JOY 15. Greek Festival 3. Religious Education/Sunday School 9. Dance Troupes 16. Heart 4. Orthodox 101 Classes 10. Greek School 17. St. Elpida Group 5. Bible Studies 11. Altar Boys 18. Food Pantry 6. GOYA 12. Parish Council 19. Emmanuel Dining Room 13. Choir First, a Christ-centered Parish is one where its members come together regularly (at least twice a month) to worship as a family. A Christ-centered Parish is one where the Sacraments of Holy Confession and Holy Communion are received regularly with proper fasting and preparation beforehand. Secondly, to be a member means to belong and espouse the beliefs of the Orthodox Faith. You either are a total parishioner or you are not a parishioner at all. For a true Orthodox Christian, there is no in between. And thirdly, a Christ-centered Parish is one where the faithful make Christ a primary purpose for their being; that Christ is a part of their family, and their life. When a Christian attains that, his gratitude level is translated into good works and deeds for his/her Parish. It is our desire to afford the children and young adults of this Parish a well-rounded education of their Faith and Christ. During the past year and seven months, thanks to the commitment and dedicated teachers, our Religious Education/ Sunday School Ministry has expanded and grown. We can thank our parents for their support in this effort. However, many children in this Parish are still not afforded the basic right to an Orthodox religious education. Our Religious Education/Sunday School Ministry, whether it is for the child or adult, is something that each of us needs and deserves. In 2013, it is also our hope that our Greek School Ministry receives the positive comments and applause that it deserves. The teachers give of themselves to the child and again, it is only through the support of the parent that a Ministry like this can succeed. We anticipate an increase in enrollment and a less negative assessment by some of our members; we hope to see a stronger Greek School Ministry within our Parish soon. What can you offer to your Parish? You have the answer because only you truly know your talents. We need faithful leaders on the Parish Council, we need teachers and advisors for our youth and we need workers for the everyday operation of this Parish. The Ladies Philoptochos is a Philanthropic organization, the right-arm of this Parish. And is to the Ladies Philoptochos Society that much of the credit can go to in the success of this Parish of Holy Trinity. If you are a woman, a member of Holy Trinity, and you are not a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, WHY NOT? A lady of the Philoptochos Society can be rich or poor, young or old, highly educated or not, Orthodox or not. The only requisite for membership is a love for her Parish and a desire to share her TIME, TALENTS and TREASURES with others and to work for Christ. These are my thoughts as we closed 2012 and have entered We need the support and involvement of each of our members, if we are to grow. We need the input and suggestions of all as well as their hard labor and hard work. We need good leaders, but we also need good supporters as well. It is my hope and prayer that you come forward and avail yourselves to the progress of this parish and offer your TIME, TALENTS and TREASURES to Christ and His Parish. In Christ s Service, Fr. Dean

17 ALTAR GUILD Best Wishes for a Very Happy New Year to all the parishioners ~ with good health and happiness in our new year Christmas Project Adopt a Child This year, Adopt a Child" was again selected as our Christmas charity; and the members of the Altar Guild responded to the less fortunate at a time of giving. For many years, we have also been giving ACME gift certificates ($10 each) to our Priest to be given to those in need. The Altar Guild would like to acknowledge and thank the following parishioners for their donations during December and for Poinsettias. Chris and Mary Mantzavinos Wreath in honor of St. Spyridon (December 12): In memory of our fathers, Spiros Mantzavinos and Spiros Frangopoulos; and prayers for the well-being of our family. Ioanna and Nicholas Tsaganos Wreath in honor of the Nativity of Christ (December 25): Prayers for the continued health of our family. Poinsettias for Christmas Altar Guild Prayers for the happiness and good health of our members and in memory of our departed members: Diane Frangia (a past president), Martha Fanos, Etsa Stuart, Chris Schmitt. Georgia Keros In loving memory of my parents, Harry and Helen Keros, grandmother Helen Panagos, uncles George and Gus Panagos, and Godparents Elizabeth and Gus J. Brown. Evelyn Liarakos In loving memory of my mother Bessie Liarakos, Also remembering her on her name day, January 1st. Stavroula and George Pettaris Prayers for the continued health of our family: children and grandchildren. Nikkie and son George Tsakataras Remembering Renos during this Holy Season and all our departed loved ones. Barbara and Kathy Vassos In loving memory of a dear husband and father Peter Vassos and grandmother Katherine Vassos. ********** Members on Duty in December: Katherine Coustenis, Helen Doukakis, Catherine Faller, Evie Fournaris, Presbytera Joan Ganiaris, Catherine Graham, Helen Kirifides, Tina King, Stacey Koninis, Mary Mantzavinos, Steve Nicholas, Sofia Regas, Barbara Vassos, Mary Beth Vore. ********* Our efforts are supported totally by donations from the parishioners. If you wish to share your memorable events with our Church Community by donating for the purchase of flowers on your special days, please advise the president, Helen Doukakis, ( ), Katherine Coustenis ( ), any other member of the Altar Guild or use the form below Name Telephone Please reserve date Special Occasion Enclosed check for $ made out to HOLY TRINITY ALTAR GUILD. Mail to: Katherine Coustenis, 62 Springer Court, Hockessin, DE *****WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROUS SUPPORT*****

18 F. for Y. your I. information Q. Why do we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany when other Christians faiths celebrate the Magi visiting Jesus? A. Although orthodox Christians and non-orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany of January 6 th, there is a difference in what they celebrate. Both agree that the word Epiphany means manifestation or revelation. The Lutheran, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox Churches celebrate different aspects of God s revelation to man. The Lutherans believe that Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season. Their celebration begins with the three Magi coming to worship the newborn King, and ends with the feast of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. On Epiphany, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the revelation of Christ to the three Magi, the revelation of Christ at His baptism, and the revelation of Christ with His first miracle at the Wedding at Cana. On January 6 th, the Orthodox Church celebrates the revelation of the Holy Trinity, the baptism of Christ, and the enlightenment of human kind. The Church not only refers to this Feast as Epiphany, but also Theophany and the Feast of Lights (Ta Phota). The word Theophany means the revelation of God. Along with the baptism of Christ, another very special event took place. This event was the first ever revelation of the Holy Trinity to human kind. Until the baptism of Christ, no one knew that God was Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the revelation that the Orthodox Christians are celebrating at Epiphany or Theophany. Some Orthodox Christians also call Epiphany the Feast of Lights. This is because the revelation of the Holy Trinity on this day has enlightened the whole world, and given us a greater understanding about who God is.

19 A meaningful way to remember your Church is through the ENDOWMENT FUND Its purpose is to insure the long term growth and financial stability of our Parish. This is a separate Fund which is not used for the operating expenses of the Parish. You may donate now or remember it in your will. Gifts of any size are welcomed and appreciated. What is important is not the size of your gift, but your commitment to the Church. Virtually anything of value may be donated to the Endowment Fund: cash, appreciated securities (stocks and bonds), appreciated real estate, bequests (remembering the Church in your will), life insurance policies, life income plans. By planning your gift you can maximize the tax benefit to you. Find out more about it now. Do not postpone it for later. For more information call any of the trustees: Costas Caras ( ), Georgia Halakos ( ), Demitri Halakos ( ), Ted Michell ( ), Antonis Mistras ( ), Dean Pappas ( ), Nick Psaltis ( ), George Vassilatos ( ), Nick Vouras ( ).

20 December 12th at the Emmanuel Dining Room With the generous donation of Vickie and John Karakasidis and family again this year on December 12th,150 men, women and children enjoyed a warm meal. Our sincere thank you to the Karakasidis family for their third year of hosting our day in December and for their kind support and giving to this Ministry of Caring dining room! Thank you to all who helped out in the kitchen that day. Our GOYA will sponsor and host the meal on Saturday, January 12th. Thank you GOYANs! We sponsor and serve from noon to 1 p.m. at 3rd and Walnut Streets in downtown Wilmington. Various groups and individuals generously donate the food and host the luncheon meal on the 12th of every month throughout the year. New sponsors are needed to fill a few months, so if you would like to become a part of this worthy service project with your family, friends or church organization, please contact Nikkie Tsakataras at or Tina Ganiaris at for more information. Happy, Healthy New Year 2013 to all! WELCOME Be sure to stop by the WE ARE FAMILY TABLE in Fellowship Hall and see some of the Religious Education Families photos. A great way to get to know who s who in our Church Family. We d like to thank Cindy and Maria Kontis for taking the fantastic photos and Presvytera Olga and Presvytera Carolyn for setting up the display. Stop outside the Religious Education classrooms to see the group pictures with their Teachers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MINISTRY starts with you. Your help is needed! Blue Visitor cards are set in the pews. Welcome Ministry Team members will remain in the Narthex to assist visitors or potential new members who come to worship for the first time and ask them to fill out a BLUE VISITOR card for information. Visitors will receive a Holy Trinity pin to wear, helping to identify them at Fellowship Hour. Blue cards with your guests information needs to be returned to our Greeter so they can get it to Fr. Dean or Fr. Nick before Holy Communion for announcements. Join us in welcoming and sharing our Faith NEWCOMERS last month: Welcome back to Million Keleta and Amy Ghebreh and sons, Michaelino and Ermias. Anne Golematis, originally from New York, working here for DuPont. Meron Tecle has moved back to Wilmington from Florida.

21 Holy Trinity Food Pantry Happy New Year Hunger in our neighborhoods now advancing into schools As we enter the New Year with a new list of resolutions, foremost on our list as Orthodox Christians, should be, To help the needy of our own community. The Colonial School District has begun to look after its own by establishing food pantries in six of its schools. Also, more and more companies are bringing this now critical issue to the public by giving hunger space in their advertising on packages, on bottles, in their radio and TV spots. They want the need to be known all across America. Latest statistics show that 21% of our children are living near the poverty level and 1 in 6 Americans struggles with hunger. (go to feedingamerica.org to learn more) We at Holy Trinity are in important link in this fight against hunger. For the convenience of our parishioners, bins are placed in the Narthex and the collection of non-perishable food items, such as: Pasta, pasta sauces, rice, sugar, tea, coffee, all canned goods, vegetables, fruit, baby food, flour, cereals,- any food that will not spoil As of December 11 th, 40 bags of food were delivered by Steve Nicholas to the Sunday Breakfast Mission who now report that donations are down one-third over the last year. When we come to church, if we all just bring 1 can of food we will be able to deliver food more frequently where it is desperately needed. We Can Do It! Thank you so much for making a difference to so many. John, Nikkie, Steve & Tina

22

23 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE $500 DEPOSITS & APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO JANUARY 31, 2013 CHOICE #1 HOLY LAND ~ CAPPADOCIA ~ CONSTANTINOPLE ~ May 10-25, 2013 $3795 double occupancy-$4955 single occupancy plus $510 air and fuel tax CHOICE #2 HOLY LAND ~ May 10th-19th, 2013 $2535 double occupancy - $3235 single occupancy plus $460 air & fuel tax EXTENSIONS TO AND FROM GREECE AVAILABLE Business Class Flight Upgrades Available ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Wilmington, DE for an unforgettable Spiritual Odyssey through Israel and Turkey including Cappadocia THE HOLY LAND: Visit the most important sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Tiberias! See the Church of St Anne and the pools of Bethesda, Mt. Zion, the Garden of Agony, the House of St. John the Theologian, The Tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Prison of Christ (Praitorion), the Church of the Nativity, the Monastery of St. Gerasimos Iordanitis, Mt. of Temptation, The Church of the Apostolos, the Mt. of Beatitudes, the Church of Tabgha, Capernaum, the Church of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor, Cana and the Church of the Annunciation. Visit the Tomb of St. Lazarus and Via Dolorosa. Attend midnight Liturgy at the Holy Sepulcher. Enjoy a boat-ride on the Sea of Galilee and Experience a spiritual baptism in the River Jordan. Private audience with the Patriarch of Jerusalem (subject to confirmation)! CAPPADOCIA: Area of refuge for persecuted early Christians and home to many important saints such as St. Basil. See the rocky moonscape of Cappadocia where early Christians carved out caves and churches decorated with coned ceilings, graceful columns and impressive frescoes. See the Zelve Valley and the Goreme Open Air Museum with its world famous Dark Church. Descend into the incredible underground city of Kaymaki. Visit Sinassos with its many churches such as St. Nicholas and the Church of Constantine & Eleni. CONSTANTINOPLE: You will visit important Greek Orthodox sites including Agia Sophia, the Ecumenical Patriarchate & the Cathedral of St George, the Church of the Holy Savior, ianagia Vlacherna and Baloukli Monastery with the Zoodochos Pegee. Enjoy shopping at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar! Attend a private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (subject to his availability and confirmation). YOUR TOUR WILL INCLUDE: *Round trip air JFK / Tel Aviv /Kayseri/IST/JFK on Turkish Airlines *Israel: Two nights in Tiberias at the Gai Beach Hotel (4*sup), five nights in Jerusalem at the Dan Panorama (4*sup) *Turkey: Three nights in Cappadocia at the Double Tree Hilton (4*sup) and three nights in Constantinople at the Elite (5*) *All hotel tax, service fees, daily breakfast & dinner in Israel & Cappadocia, breakfast and two dinners in Constantinople *Eleven days of private sightseeing in air-conditioned motor coach with English speaking guide specializing in the Orthodox sites. Entrance fees included. *Private Audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (subject to confirmation) *Private audience with the His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem (subject to confirmation) *All private arrival and departure transfers with English-speaking guide FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT : LOCAL COORDINATOR & GROUP LEADER: YVONNE: yvonne.tsavalas@prufoxroach.com / or Cloud Tours Inc Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY Tel: Toll Free Fax: stephen@cloudtours.com

24 OXI Day Program October 28, 2012

25

26 Greek School s Winter Wonderland Community Dance Saturday, January 26, 2013 Food and Live Music by Zephyros from 7pm-? Enjoy Greek Food, Cash Bar, Doors open at 6:30pm Live Greek and American Music, and our famous Raffles!! All community members and their friends are invited! All proceeds benefit the Holy Trinity Greek School and its improvement programs. Adults: $40 Kids 15 and Under: $10 Under 5 years old: Free Please contact Alexia Moutsatsos for tickets. Advance Table Reservations suggested. amoutsatsos@hotmail.com or

27 Diary of a Bible JANUARY : A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks. They have forgotten me now. FEBRUARY: Clean up time. I was dusted yesterday and put back in my place. My owner did use me for a few minutes last week. He had been in an argument and was looking up some reference. MARCH: I had a busy day the first of the month. My owner was appointed leader of something and used me. I got to go to church services for the first time this year - Easter Sunday. APRIL: Grandpa visited us. He kept me on his lap for an hour reading First Corinthians 13. He seems to think more of me than he used to. MAY: I have a few green stains on my pages. Had some early spring flowers pressed in me. JUNE: I look like a scrap book. They have me stuffed full of newspaper clippings. One of the girls got married. JULY: They put me in a suitcase today, I guess we are off on a vacation. I wish I could stay home as I will have to stay in this thing for a month. AUGUST: Still in a suitcase. SEPTEMBER: Back home again in my old place with a lot of company. The TV Guide, Sports Illustrated, and newspaper are on top of me. I wish I was read as much as they are. OCTOBER: They used me a little today. One of them is very sick. Right now I am shined up and on the center of the table. I think the preacher is coming over. NOVEMBER: Back in my old place. Was asked today if I was a scrapbook. DECEMBER: They are getting ready for Christmas, so I will be covered with wrapping paper and packages. Don t just OWN a Bible ~ READ IT!! Blessed is he that readeth - Revelation 1:3

28 THE HELLENIC UNIVERSITY CLUB OF WILMINGTON Summer Study in Greece Scholarship The Hellenic University Club of Wilmington is offering for a fifth year a Summer Study in Greece scholarship at the Anatolia s American College of Thessaloniki, a USA accredited University. The program offers two courses (6 credit hours) for the period from mid-june to mid-july, One course will be Modern Greek and the other will be a humanities/history/art elective given in English. The scholarship will cover tuition, room, orientation, field trips and fees and may also provide some assistance towards travel to Greece. Applicants should be college students already studying in an accredited four-year institution, of Greek ancestry who are interested in studying in Greece and immerse themselves in the culture and language of the country. The student upon return will be required to write a short essay on his/hers experience, give a presentation to the Hellenic University Club on their trip and have their grades sent to their respective College/University to receive credit for the two courses they have attended. Application deadline: March 15, 2013 Scholarship Awards for High School Graduates The Hellenic University Club of Wilmington is offering a Scholarship to an eligible college-bound student. Applicants should be graduating seniors entering an accredited four-year College or University. The applicants must be of Hellenic ancestry and either from families who are members of the Hellenic University Club or belong to the Holy Trinity Church of Wilmington, DE. Application deadline: March 31, 2013 Please contact Scholarship Chairman, Michael Logothetis at ATK.com or (302) , for applications & details. HOLY TRINITY REGISTRY for November 2012 Baptisms: Constantine, the son of Vasili & Megan Michell was baptized on December 8th in our Church. The sponsors were George & Alexia Moutsatsos. We congratulate him, and his parents and welcome Constantine into the Orthodox Faith. Funerals: Dean Ganoudis fell asleep in the Lord on November 22nd and the funeral was held in our Church on November 26th. He is survived by his wife Joanna, his step daughter, Aniella DiGregorio and his sister, Joann Steppi. May his memory be eternal! Memorials: Christine Resine ~ 40 Day ~ December 2 Stavros Psomas ~ 3 Year ~ December 9 Ritamarie Davis Rafael ~ 2 Year ~ December 16

29 Breakfast with Santa Sponsored by the Greek School December 9th 2012

30

31

32

33 Who is Saint Basil the Great? (Celebrated January 1) St Basil has been called the Great for many and varied reasons. He was educated in Constantinople and Athens in the best pagan and Christian learning of the time. But at the age of 28 he forsook the world, embraced the monastic life and became a hermit by the River Isis near Neocaesaria, 358. Together with his old friend, St Gregory of Nazianzus, he began missionary work in this area. Emperor Julian, a fellow student of St. Basil, called him to his court, but St. Basil declined and continued preaching missions until his bishop, Eusebios of Caesarea, called him to come to Caesarea and defend Orthodoxy against the Arian emperor Galen. At the death of Eusebios, St. Basil was elevated to the sea of Caesarea, an office he retained for the rest of his life. St Basil was gifted with great eloquence and statesmanship. His talent for organization and skillful administration made his contribution to church thought and life deeply felt for all time to come. His monastic organization outside Caesarea exerted an unprecedented influence in monasticism in general. His prescribing of daily monastic life his famous still controls both the structure and moral fiber of much of Eastern monasticism. He built at the outskirts of Caesarea a complex of buildings which included, besides his Episcopal residence and church, hospitals and hostels for the poor. Care was extended by a system of relief as good as any we have today. Thus, the first and most effective endeavor of social concern and care was established within the Christian society and, in many respects, still remains the model for contemporary Churches upon which to build their own social work. By writings and by word he defended the Nicene formulation of the Homoousion, and the virtual end of the Arian controversy sh ortly after his death in 379 is to a great measure attributed to him. Besides his Rule on monasticism, he wrote and extremely impor tant treatise on the Holy Spirit. His complex of buildings outside Caesarea, named Basilias after him, was in reality a great monastery admini stered by monks in all its facets and functions. Thus, St. Basil was the first to ascribe to monasticism a social mission and to give impetus to later monastic communities within cities aiming at serving both God and men. Together with St. Gregory of Nazianzus he compiled the famous Phi localia, a selection of important excerpts from the works of Origen. HOPE / JOY / JR GOYA ~ An Evening with the Saints

34 Men for their Times St Ephraim the Syrian The Lord has given each of His children different talents and abilities. Within the framework of His Holy Church it is also apparent that he has provided spiritual leaders who were exactly and perfectly matched for the type of work that needed to be accomplished. St Ephraim, who is revered by the Orthodox Church, was born in Syria in 306 AD. Although never advancing beyond the deaconate, St Ephraim had a profound influence on the Church during his formative years of development and growth. His talent for composing prayers and hymns provided the early church with a firm foundation in the areas of liturgies and spiritually. He is, perhaps, best known for his penetrating Lenten Prayer, which is still recited at Lenten services in Orthodox Churches Everywhere. He died in 373 AD. His Feastday (Nameday) is celebrated on January 28th each year. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ St. Mark of Ephesus The Lord has given each of His children different talents and abilities. Within the framework of His Holy Church it is also apparent that he has provided spiritual leaders who were exactly and perfectly matched for the type of work that needed to be accomplished. St Mark of Ephesus lived in the 15th century. Blessed with a brilliant mind and deep religious convictions, he quickly ascended the ladder of Church Leadership, being elevated to the prestigious position of Metropolitan of Ephesus while still a young man. At a time when the Church was weakened by the threat of Turkish invasions and other internal and external difficulties, St Mark of Ephesus was a staunch defender of Orthodoxy. He spoke out vigorously against the ill-advised attempt at reunion with Rome at the Council of Florence, much to the dismay of the emperor, who saw this as a possible solution to the problems the Turks posed to Constantinople. After two years of banishment by the Emperor, St. Mark returned to Constantinople, where he was wildly heralded as a hero of the Faith. He died in 1444 AD. His Feast (Nameday) is celebrated on January 19th each year.

35 2013 HOUSE BLESSING INFORMATION The Feast of Holy Epiphany (January 6 th ) is one of the many joyous Holy Days in the Orthodox Church. The Holy Epiphany commemorates the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River. Woven within the traditions of the Orthodox celebration of the Feast is the blessing of the homes of the faithful. The purpose of blessing homes is to show our acceptance of God s sanctification and to reveal the home as what it was created by God to be: a way to His Kingdom. It also shows that the church in the home, the family, is a reflection of the Church. By blessing the home, we consecrate it and all activities therein to God. This year Fr. Dean and Fr. Nick will be blessing from Jan. 8 th thru Jan. 31 st. Listed below are the days and times Fr. Dean and Fr. Nick will be able to bless your home. Please complete the form below and return it to the Church Office or to Fr. Dean or Fr. Nick personally NO LATER THAN JANUARY 4th. Please be flexible with your schedule on that day. You will be notified a day or two before the approximate time of one of the Father s visit. If you are unable to be home for Father s visit because of conflicts or illness, please call the Church Office and reschedule. When Fr. Dean or Fr. Nick comes to your home, the following should be observed: 1. Have as many family members there as possible. 2. Set a place either in the dining room or kitchen with the following items: A. An Icon B. A medium sized bowl with water filled a quarter way in it C. A white dish towel D. A candle E. Incense (optional) 3. Print the FIRST NAMES of all family members on a sheet of paper 4. Please remember that since Fr. Dean and Fr. Nick will be making many visitations, a social visit may not always be possible at this time. 5. PLEASE TURN ALL LIGHTS ON IN THE ROOMS TO BE BLESSED Please CIRCLE the day and time you wish Fr. Dean or Fr. Nick to come to home: DAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY TIME - 9:00am 12 Noon 1:30pm 4:30pm 6:00pm 9:00pm NAME ADDRESS HOME PHONE

36 January 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 St. Basil 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Church Office Closed Happy New Year NO FAST 2 5pm Greek School RESUMES NO FAST 3 7pm GOYA 8pm Dance NO FAST 4 7pm JR GOYA NO FAST 5 6 Holy Theophany 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 10am Sunday School Family Worship 7 St John the Baptist 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 5pm Greek School 8 6pm Philoptochos Board Meeting 6pm Girls BBall Practice 7:15pm Boys BBall Practice *House Blessings Begin 9 12:30pm Bible Study 5pm Greek School FAST 10 1pm Heart Gathering 7pm Dance pm GOYA Anthony Vineland, NJ FAST am Philoptochos Board Meeting 11am Philoptochos General Meeting 13 Sunday after Theophany 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 10am Sunday School Vasilopita Sunday & Philoptochos Luncheon in the Hall after Worship. 14 5pm Greek School 15 6:30pm AHEPA Meeting 6pm Girls BBall Practice 7:15pm Boys BBall Practice 16 12:30pm Bible Study 5pm Greek School 6pm Exec PC Meeting 7pm Parish Council Meeting FAST 17 7pm GOYA 7pm Adult Bible Study 8pm Dance 18 St Athanasios & Cyril 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 7pm Jr. GOYA FAST 19 1pm HOPE/ JOY Event GOYA FD Festival 20 12th Sunday of Luke 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 10am Sunday School (GOYA FD Festival) 21 5pm Greek School 22 6pm Philoptochos Meeting 6pm Girls BBall Practice 6:30pm DOP Meeting 7:15pm Boys BBall Practice 23 12:30pm Bible Study 5pm Greek School FAST 24 7pm PAREA 7pm Adult Bible Study 7pm Dance 25 St Gregory the Theologian 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy FAST 26 3:30pm Wedding 7pm Greek School Winter Wonderland Community Dance 27 15th Sunday of Luke 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 10am Sunday School Greek School Letters Day Program HUC/AHEPA Breakfast & Speaker 28 5pm Greek School 29 6pm Girls BBall Practice 7:15pm Boys BBall Practice 30 Three Hierarchs 9am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 12:30pm Bible Study 5pm Greek School FAST 31 7pm Adult Bible Study 7pm Dance

37 Ιανουάριος 2013 Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο 1 Βασιλείου του Μέγα Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. Γραφείο της Εκκλησίας Κλειστό ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕ ΝΟ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ!! ΑΡΤΗΣΙΜΗ 2 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ ΑΡΧΙΖΕΙ ΑΡΤΗΣΙΜΗ 3 7μμ ΓΚΟΓΙΑ 8μμ Πρακτική Χορού ΑΡΤΗΣΙΜΗ 4 7μμ ΓΚΟΓΙΑ ΑΡΤΗΣΙΜΗ 5 6 Άγια Θεοφάνεια Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ 10 π.μ. Κατηχητικό 7 Σύναξις Ιωάννου Προδρόμου του Βαπτιστού. Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολείο 8 6μμ Συνάντησ Συμβουλίου Φιλοπτώχου Προπόνηση Μπάσκετ Μπ. 6 μμ Κορίτσια 7:15μμ Αγόρια 9 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 10 1μμ Αειθαλείς Νέοι 7μμ Μελέτη Βίβλου Ενηλίκων 7μμ Πρακτική Χορού 11 ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ π.μ. Συνάντηση Συμβουλίου Φιλοπτώχου 11 π.μ. Γενική Συνάντηση Φιλοπτώχου 13 Κυριακή μετά τα Θεοφάνεια. Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργ 10 π.μ. 10 π.μ. Κατηχητικό Κυριακή Βασιλόπιτας & Γεύμα Φιλοπτώχου στην Αίθουσα μετά την Λειτουργία 14 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ 15 6:30μμ Συνάντηση ΑΧΕΠΑ Προπόνηση Μπάσκετ Μπ. 6 μμ Κορίτσια 7:15μμ Αγόρια 16 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ 6μμ Συνάντ. Εκτελεστικού Συμβουλίου 7μμ Συνάντησ Κοινοτικού Συμβουλίου ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 17 7 μ.μ. ΓΚΟΓΙΑ 7μμ Μελέτη Βίβλου Ενηλίκων 8μμ Πρακτική Χορού 18 Αθανασίου και Κυρίλλου Πατριαρχών Αλεξανδρείας. Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. 7μμ GOYA Ελάσσων ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 19 1μμ Εκδήλωση ΕΛΠΙΔΑ/ ΧΑΡΑ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ GOYA 20 Η 12η Κυριακή τού Οσίου Λουκά. Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. (Φεστιβάλ GOΥΑ FD) 21 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ 22 6pm Συνάντησ. Φιλοπτώχου 6:30 μμ Συνάντ. Θυγ. Πηνελόπης Προπόνηση Μπάσκετ Μπ. 6 μμ Κορίτσια 7:15μμ Αγόρια 23 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 24 7μ.μ Παρέα 7μμ Μελέτη Βίβλου Ενηλίκων 7μμ Πρακτική Χορού 25 Γρηγορίου αρχιεπισκόπο υ Κων/ πόλεως, του Θεολόγου Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 26 3:30 μμ. Γάμος 7μμ Χοροεσπερίδα Ελληνικού Σχολείου την Χώρας των Θαυμάτων 27 Η 15η Κυριακή τού Οσίου Λουκά. Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργ 10 π.μ. 10 π.μ. Κατηχητικό Ο Εορτασμός της Ημέρας των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων/ HUC/AHEPA Πρωϊνό και Ομιλητής 28 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ 29 Προπόνηση Μπάσκετ Μπ. 6 μμ Κορίτσια 7:15μμ Αγόρια 30 Τριών Ιεραρχών Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. 5μμ Ελλ. Σχολ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 31 7μμ Μελέτη Βίβλου Ενηλίκων 7μμ Πρακτική Χορού

38 Handbags Jewelry Gifts & So Much More! Talleyville Towne Shoppes 4001 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE P Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm Gift Certificates Available Over 50 Locations We Cater Any Size Party Please support our Advertisers Their ads support the cost of the monthly bulletin. You can help by supporting them ~ or by placing an ad for your business here!!! Call the office to find out how.

39 744 Hertford Road Wilmington, DE Cell Office Fax Wilmington & Hockessin (302) Spiros Mantzavinos Public Relations Marketing