September/October 2015 Page 1. «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3)

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1 September/October 2015 Page 1 «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3) A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST In This Issue Priest s Message Stewardship 99th Dinner Dance Philoptochos News PTO News Greek School News Sunday School News Our Faith Announcements Have a Great New Ecclesiastical Year Dear Faithful of our beloved St. George, Our Church begins its new ecclesiastical year on September 1st, at around the same time when most parents send their children to school. The month of September contains two major feasts that we celebrate, which, I think, set the tone fr the rest of the year for us as Orthodox Christians: The Nativity of the Theotokos on September 8th, and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th. The first feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos represents the beginning of God s economy (κατ οικονομία) of salvation and His plan which is set in motion. The Apolytikion hymn, or the hymn that is chanted in honor of the feast, tells us that, in being born, the Panagia brought joy into the world because the one whom God declared spotless and more honored than the cherubim and the one who would give birth to God in the flesh was herself brought into the world. It is a foretaste of the victory of God over sin and death and it is a glimmer of hope at the horizon of the new year. This contrasts somewhat with the second major feast, that of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th. The Cross signifies the completion of the plan that God put in motion, our Lord s victory over death, by death. Because the Cross had been a universal symbol of death, through Christ s Crucifixion and Resurrection, it instead became the symbol of eternal victory and life. In our time the cross has come to mean a struggle or hardship and we use the phrases carry the cross and I have a cross to bear, that makes the cross of our Lord seem something ominous. In Byzantine times the sign of the cross was actually used as a Battle standard because of its victorious powers, but I think its more accurate meaning is for it to be understood as the ultimate symbol of perfect love. Our Lord said that greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Christ, who himself is God incarnated and love itself, lay down His life for all of humanity and conquered death on the cross. Rather than a symbol of military victory, let us see the cross of Christ as the real victory that it embodies: Love s victory over death. Through the cross, love is shown to be the single most powerful force in the universe. In every liturgy as the priest censes the Altar before the Great Entrance, he utters the paradoxical phrase Through the cross, Joy has come into the world, echoing the hymn of the Nativity of the Theotokos quoted above. My friends, as we begin this new ecclesiastical year let us carry with us the hope which is instilled in us as the Theotokos is born, and the love and victory that the Cross brings to us so that God may bless all our endeavors in the coming year. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos

2 Page 2 September/October 2015 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Parish Ministries Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Priest Parish Council President George Zalokostas Vice President / Administration Lampros Ε. Bourodimos Vice President / Operations George Athanasopoulos Secretary Dimitra Bairaktaris Treasurer Mona Sarafoglou Comptroller Peter Combates Members Demetrios Anastasatos Constantine Apostolakis Thomas Kalanekos Nicholas Koumarianos John Mellos John Millas Jerry Moschonas Perry Petsanas Dean Solomos The Voice of St. George Published bi-monthly by the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ Tel.: Fax: sggoc@optonline.net Editor in Chief: Alexandra Avgitidis Committee Members: Arete Bouhlas, Katina Kehayas, Katerina Makridaki- Rompos. Periodical postage paid at Kilmer, NJ 08817, Permit # 379. The Voice of St. George is produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be found on the internet at Subscription is free for the members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. George GOC, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Virginia Theokas, President Maggie Stavrianidis, Vice President Eleni Andronikou, Rec. Secretary Kanella Anastasatos, Cor. Secretary Georgia Kouridakis, Treasurer Evangelia Manolakis, Asst. Treasurer Cantors and Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Katerina Kourti, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Iro Mavrianos, Teacher Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Church Organizations Church Committees GET INVOLVED Parent Teacher Organization Helen Sirimis, President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Maria-Regina Caputo - Co-Vice President Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer Maria Kavouras, Secretary GOYA Nicollette Polos, Co-President Yiannis Apostolakis, Co-President Alexis Mangafas, Vice President Anastasia Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secr. Jason Stavrianidis, Rec. Secretary Gerasimos Georgopoulos, Treasurer Kristina Doninger, Historian GOYA Advisors Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor Evie Georgopoulos, Rita Polos, Peter Sirimis, George Kostis, Aliki Doninger, Sandy Kalogridis,Effie Vlahos Chrisoula DeLaurentis JOY/HOPE Lefki Hadjiloucas We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office Annual St. George Dinner Dance Bookmobile Capital Improvements Choir Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek School Historic Committee House & Grounds To Our St. George Parishioners Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Relations Religious Artifacts Stewardship Sunday School Technology Services Voice of St. George The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.

3 September/October 2015 Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Winter hours will begin Sunday, September 6th, 2015 Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Οι Χειμερινές ώρες ξεκινούν την Κυριακή 6 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015 Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές ώρες 9 π.μ. SEPTEMBER Tuesday 1 Induction-Ecclesiastical New Year Sunday 6 14th Sunday of Matthew Tuesday 8 Nativity of the Theotokos Sunday 13 Sunday Before the Holy Cross Monday 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sunday 20 Sunday 27 Sunday after Holy Cross 1st Sunday of Luke No Liturgy in our Parish Common Divine Liturgy by all parishes of New Jersey at Paramount Theater, Asbury Park, NJ OCTOBER Sunday 4 2nd Sunday of Luke Sunday 11 Fathers of the VII Ecumenical Council Sunday 18 Sunday of Luke Sunday 25 6th Sunday of Luke Monday 26 St. Demetrios the Myrrhbearer Wednesday 28 Holy Protection of the Theotokos Great Doxology for OXI Day Τρίτη 1 Κυριακή 6 Τρίτη 8 Κυριακή 13 Δευτέρα 14 Κυριακή 20 Κυριακή 27 Κυριακή 4 Κυριακή 11 Κυριακή 18 Κυριακή 25 Δευτέρα 26 Τετάρτη 28 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Αρχή Ινδίκτου ΙΔ Κυριακή του Ματθαίου Το Γενέσιον της Θεοτόκου Κυριακή προ Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού Ύψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού Κυριακή μετά από την Ύψωση του Τιμίου Σταυρού Α Κυριακή Λουκά Δεν θα γίνει Θεία Λειτουργία στην Εκκλησία μας λόγω της Πανηγυρικής Λειτουργίας στο Asbury Park ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ Β Κυριακή Λουκά Των Αγ. Πατέρων (Ζ Οικ. Συνόδου) Αποστόλου Λουκά ΣΤ Κυριακή Λουκά Μεγαλομάρτυρος Αγίου Δημητρίου του Μυροβλύτου Αγίας Σκέπης Εθνική Εορτή «Όχι» ALTAR BOYS NEEDED!!! Father Nicholas would like to welcome back all of the St. George Altar Boys for another fruitful and very important year. I hope that everyone has had plenty of time over the summer to rest and rejuvenate. Now it is time to re-energize ourselves in Christ. Father Nicholas is again extending an invitation to all our young boys in the parish who are about to or have reached the age of 10, to come and serve God by serving in the altar as an Altar Boy. There is a saying, "once you've tried it, you would like it". This is very true, just ask any current altar boy who has experienced the feeling of serving God in the Altar. The memories will always be remembered and cherished. ALTAR BOY MEETING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 11 a.m. PLEASE COME AND JOIN!!! OUR LORD NEEDS YOU!!! ΧΡΕΙΑΖΟΜΑΣΤΕ ΙΕΡΟΠΑΙΔΑ Ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος θα ήθελε να καλωσορίσει όλα τα παιδιά που υπηρετούν στο Ιερό και να τους ευχηθεί καλή χρονιά. Είχατε αρκετό χρόνο να ξεκουραστείτε το καλοκαίρι, τώρα είναι καιρός να δραστηριοποιηθείτε για τον Χριστό. Και πάλι, ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος καλεί όλους τους νέους της κοινότητας από 10 ετών και πάνω να έλθουν να υπηρετήσουν στο Ιερό. Το Σάββατο, 12 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015 στις 11 π.μ. θα συνεδριάσουν τα Ιερόπαιδα στην Εκκλησία. ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2015 Sunday, September 6 Group B Sunday, October 4 Group Α Sunday, September 13 Group C Sunday, October 11 Group Β Sunday, September 20 Group D Sunday, October 18 Group C Sunday, September 27 No Church Sunday, October 24 Group D

4 Page 4 September/October 2015 ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ Αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί, Το καινούργιο εκκλησιαστικό έτος ξεκινά την 1η Σεπτεμβρίου, περίπου την ίδια περίοδο που οι περισσότεροι γονείς στέλνουν τα παιδιά τους στο σχολείο. Ο Σεπτέμβριος περιλαμβάνει δύο μεγάλες εορτές της Εκκλησίας μας, οι οποίες καθορίζουν, τρόπο τινά, το εκκλησιαστικό έτος για εμάς τους Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς: πρόκειται για την εορτή του Γενεσίου της Θεοτόκου στις 8 Σεπτεμβρίου και την Ύψωση του Τιμίου Σταυρού στις 14 Σεπτεμβρίου. Η εορτή του Γενεσίου της Θεοτόκου αντιπροσωπεύει την έναρξη της οικονομίας του Θεού για τη σωτηρία των ψυχών μας. Το Απολυτίκιο της εορτής κάνει λόγο για την Παναγία που «έφερε χαρά στον κόσμο» γιατί ήταν «αμόλυντη» και «τιμούνταν περισσότερο και από τους αγγέλους», καθώς επίσης ήταν εκείνη που γέννησε το Χριστό. Η εορτή μας προδιαθέτει για τη νίκη του Θεού ενάντια στην αμαρτία και τον θάνατο, καθώς επίσης είναι και ένα ψύγμα ελπίδας στον ορίζοντα. Αυτή η εορτή έρχεται σε κάποια αντίθεση με την επόμενη, αυτή δηλαδή της Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Ο Σταυρός καθορίζει την ολοκλήρωση του σχεδίου του Θεού, με τη νίκη του Θεού ενάντια στο θάνατο. Παρά το γεγονός ότι ο σταυρός θεωρούνταν παγκόσμιο σύμβολο του θανάτου, με τη Σταύρωση και την Ανάσταση του Κυρίου μας, μετετράπη σε σύμβολο αιώνιας νίκης και ζωής. Για εμάς ο σταυρός θεωρείται σύμβολο πάλης και δυσκολιών και χρησιμοποιούμε φράσεις όπως «κουβαλάω βαρύ σταυρό», που ίσως μειώνουν κατά ένα βαθμό τη σημασία του σταυρού στον οποίο επάνω μαρτύρησε ο Χριστός μας. Κατά τη βυζαντινή περίοδο το σήμα του σταυρού χρησιμοποιούνταν ως ένα σύμβολο μάχης λόγω των νικητήριων δυνάμεών του, παρότι θεωρώ ότι θα έπρεπε να θεωρείται ως το απόλυτο σύμβολο της απόλυτης αγάπης. Ο Κύριός μας είπε ότι δεν υπάρχει μεγαλύτερη αγάπη από την αγάπη ενός που δίνει τη ζωή του για τους φίλους του (κατά Ιωάννη 15:13). Ο Χριστός, ο οποίος αποτελεί ενσάρκωση του Θεού και σύμβολο αγάπης, έδωσε τη ζωή Του για όλη την ανθρωπότητα και νίκησε το θάνατο πάνω στο Σταυρό. Αντί λοιπόν να θεωρούμε το σταυρό ένα σύμβολο στρατιωτικής νίκης, θα ήταν καλύτερο να βλέπουμε τον Σταυρό ως το απόλυτο σύμβολο της αληθινής νίκης που σημαίνει στην ουσία τη νίκη της αγάπης ενάντια στο θάνατο. Μέσω του σταυρού η αγάπη προβάλει ως η μόνη δύναμη στο σύμπαν. Σε κάθε λειτουργία καθώς ο ιερέας ετοιμάζεται για τη Μεγάλη Είσοδο, προφέρει την παράδοξη φράση «μέσω του σταυρού έχει έρθει η Χαρά στον κόσμο», και απαγγέλει το απολυτίκο του Γενεσίου της Θεοτόκου που αναφέραμε παραπάνω. Αγαπητοί μου πιστοί, καθώς ξεκινάμε αυτή την καινούργια εκκλησιαστική χρονιά, ας κουβαλάμε στις ψυχές μας την ελπίδα που μας γεννιέται με τη γέννηση της Θεοτόκου, και την αγάπη και τη νίκη που μας δίνει ο Τίμιος Σταυρός, ούτως ώστε ο Θεός να μας ευλογήσει σε όλες μας τις δραστηριότητες για την ερχόμενη χρονιά! Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός OUR PARISH OUR PEOPLE July 19 July 25 July 26 August 8 Baptisms Ιωάννης Son of Maria & Abraham Castillo Godparent: Konstantinos Skontrianos Αλεξάνδρα Daughter of Marina & Jinal Shah Godparent: Iolanda G. Picoti Manolache Ασπασία Ελένη Daughter of Nicole & Anthony Onyrscuk Godparent: Laura Demetra Kotsianas Ελισάβετ Daughter of Rose-Marie & Franck Paul Godparent: Andrew Theokas August 22 August 23 June 23 June 25 July 20 Weddings Konstantinos Zicopoulos & Kimberly Margolin Koumbara: Vasiliki Zicopoulos Jonathan Castillo & Evangelia Skontrianos Koumbara: Nancy Karamarkos Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal Ioannis Paleopanidis John Charles Zajac Panagis Angelos Giakoumatos July 23 Georgia Chrysanthopoulos

5 September/October 2015 Page 5 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 12:30 P.M. WE ASK THAT EVERYONE ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING. MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES WILL BE DISCUSSED CONCERNING THE PROGRESS OF OUR COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION, NOMINATIONS FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE TAKEN. FIRST CALL: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 JOY & HOPE HELP AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!! Our beloved Saint George is looking for faithful volunteers to direct and take charge of our Joy Group in September. If you are interested in taking this very important role, please speak with Fr. Nick. SUNDAY SCHOOL ΧΡΕΙΑΖΟΜΑΣΤΕ ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΡΙΕΣ Ένα από τα πιο σπουδαία και βασικά θεμέλια της Ορθοδόξου Πίστεως είναι η θρησκευτική μόρφωση. Είναι πολύ σπουδαίο τα παιδιά μας να διδαχτούν την πραγματική αλήθεια της θρησκείας μας και γιατί πρέπει να πιστεύουν σ αυτήν. Για να το πετύχουμε αυτό, το Πρόγραμμα του Κατηχητικού μας σχολείου χρειάζεται Κατηχήτριες. Χωρίς τη θέληση και βοήθειά σας σε αυτό το πρόγραμμα, εμείς σαν κοινότητα δε θα μπορέσουμε να προοδεύσουμε και έτσι τα παιδιά μας δε θα μάθουν τίποτα για την πίστη μας, σαν αληθινοί Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, παρά μόνο το όνομα θα έχουν. Σας παρακαλούμε προσπαθήστε να διαθέσετε λίγο από τον πολύτιμό σας χρόνο και ελάτε να βοηθήσετε στο Πρόγραμμα του Κατηχητικού μας Σχολείου που και φέτος θα είναι πολύ ενδιαφέρον! WE NEED SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS One of the most important and basic foundations of our Orthodox Faith is the religious education. It is very important for our children to be taught the real truth of our religion, and why they should believe in it. In order for this to happen, our Sunday School Program needs teachers. Without your help and drive in this program, we as a community will not be able to advance, and our children will not learn anything about our faith, the way they are supposed to as Orthodox Christians. For this reason we ask of you to please try and give some of your valuable time, and please come help in our Sunday School Program, which is going to be very interesting this year as well! More specifically: Our Sunday School program will need to fill 3 vacancies for this year s school year session. If you have a love for children and you would like to volunteer in our Sunday School Program, please speak to Fr. Nick or to any one of our Sunday School Directors, Mrs. Lemonia Malahias, Mrs. Maggie Stavrianidis, or Mr. Paul Stevens. RUTGERS PARKING SEASON Τα παιγνίδια ποδοσφαίρου του πανεπιστημίου Rutgers αρχίζουν σύντομα, και πάλι θα προσφέρουμε χώρο για στάθμευση αυτοκινήτων. Το πρώτο παιχνίδι θα γίνει το Σάββατο, 5 Σεπτεμβρίου. Χρειαζόμαστε εθελοντές για να βοηθήσουν για το παρκάρισμα των αυτοκινήτων. Έστω και μία ώρα από το χρόνο σας θα βοηθήσει το έργο μας και την Εκκλησία μας πάρα πολύ! Καλέστε στο Γραφείο στο για να δηλώσετε συμμετοχή. The Rutgers football season will begin shortly and the first game of the season will be on Saturday, September 5th, 2015, and again we will be parking cars in our lot. We need everyone to volunteer to help us park cars. Even if you come and help for an hour, this will help our mission and Church very much. Please call the Church Office at to register.

6 Page 6 September/October 2015 St. George Greek Orthodox Church 99th Annual Community Church Dance Saturday, October 17, 2015 (AHEPA Hall, Piscataway, NJ) ***This year we will be honoring Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Hantsoulis*** Name Address Ad Journal Contract Phone No. Please specify the page you wish to purchase: Gold Page $200 Silver Page $150 Full Page $100 Half Page $50 Quarter Page $25 Total Amount Check # Please place your message in the space provided and attach your picture or business card, or you may your message along with your business card (as a pdf file) or your picture (as a jpg file) to Miss Arete Bouhlas at abouhlas@yahoo.com. Deadline for Ads is October 2, 2015 All donations are Tax Deductible Make checks payable to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church Mail to: 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854

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8 Page 8 September/October 2015 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA Our new ecclesiastical year is soon upon us. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed a restful, happy and safe summer. Now, it is time to begin the rewarding and challenging work of our Saint Barbara Philoptochos. We ended our year with a very successful June luncheon, hosted the coffee hour for August, as well as provided delicious desserts for the Panagias luncheon. We extend a warm invitation to all ladies of our community to renew or become new members of our Saint Barbara chapter, and be part of a busy, rewarding and exciting year. Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, September 22, 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Memorial Room. We have planned some weekly meetings to accommodate those of you who cannot make the meetings on Saturdays. We hope that you will attend and support our Philoptochos. We are also planning a trip together with our Daughters of Penelope chapter to Agia Skepi in the month of October. In closing, as president of the Philoptochos, I urge you to satisfy what I believe is all of our OBLIGATION to be a member of the Saint Barbara Philoptochos. When writing a check to the Philoptochos, please make it payable to St. Barbara Philoptochos Society. Thank you. Virginia Theokas ***** The following list summarizes our schedule of activities for the remaining 2015 year: Brunch Fundraiser for the Needy on September 20, 2015 Cooking for the Homeless and Warming of America throughout the year Baby blankets, quilts and gowns will be sewn throughout the year Visitation to the shut-ins throughout the year and, in particular, prior to the holidays Preparation (Nov. 16,17,18) and sale (Nov. 21,22) of Baklava and Spanakopita in October. Community Christmas Card preparation, assembling and mailing beginning in October. Celebrating our Patron Saint Barbara s holiday with a liturgy and artoklasia on December 4. St. Barbara s luncheon on December 6, Sale of Christmas Bread on December 19 & 20 and Vasilopites on December 27 Fulfilling all our National and Metropolis Philoptochos obligations. Η νέα εκκλησιαστική χρονιά ξεκινάει σύντομα. Ελπίζουμε όλοι σας να είχατε ένα χαρούμενο και ξέγνοιαστο καλοκαίρι. Τώρα, είναι καιρός να αρχίσουμε την απαιτητική και συνάμα ικανοποιητική δουλειά μας στη Φιλόπτωχό μας. Τελειώσαμε την προηγούμενη εκκλησιαστική χρονιά με ένα πετυχημένο γεύμα τον Ιούνιο, καθώς επίσης προσφέραμε την ώρα του καφέ για τον Αύγουστο και τα νοστιμότατα γλυκά για το γεύμα στη γιορτή της Παναγίας. Απευθυνόμαστε σε όλες τις κυρίες της κοινότητάς μας προκειμένου να ανανεώσουν τη συνδρομή τους στη Φιλόπτωχο, ή να εγγραφούν ως νέα μέλη, και να συνδράμουν ενεργά σε έναν δυναμικό οργανισμό. Η πρώτη μας συνάντηση έχει οριστεί για την Τρίτη 22 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015 στις 6 μ.μ. στο Memorial Room. Έχουμε οργανώσει μερικές εβδομαδιαίες συναντήσεις για όσες από εσάς δε μπορείτε να παρευρεθείτε στις συναντήσεις του Σαββάτου. Ελπίζουμε ότι θα μπορέσετε να έρθετε. Σχεδιάζουμε επίσης μαζί με τις Θυγατέρες της Πηνελόπης μία ημερησία εκδρομή στο μοναστήρι της Αγίας Σκέπης κατά τον Οκτώβριο. Κλείνοντας, ως πρόεδρος της Φιλοπτώχου, θα ήθελα να παροτρύνω όλες σας να γίνετε μέλη της Φιλοπτώχου μας. Ευχαριστώ. Ευγενία Θεόκα ***** Our dear and beloved members Mary Jovanis and Dorothy Coniaris passed away this year. Dorothy was a very active and outstanding past president of Saint Barbara Philoptochos. They will be greatly missed. May their memory be eternal. BAKLAVA AND SPANAKOPITA SALE The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava and spanakopita for the holidays. All baklava and spanakopita must be preordered by November 8, 2015; it will be sold on November 21 and 22, Place your orders early! Koula Athanasopoulos, or Niky Gerondelis, Christmas Bread sold Dec. 19 & 20 Vasilopites sold December 27 The Ladies Philoptochos Society invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 6, 2015 (More information will follow!)

9 September/October 2015 Page 9 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD 2015 Dear St. George Parishioners: We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the Philoptochos will prepare the St. George Community Christmas Card which will be mailed to ever y member of our par ish and which will carr y our holiday greetings to all our parishioners. This Community Christmas Card becomes possible through your donations. However, not only does your donation extend holiday greetings to all but, more importantly, it is used for the much needed assistance to the needy of our community. Your contribution truly represents the Christian spirit of helping those in need. And so we ask you, once again, to give your donation to the Needy Cases Fund. In so doing, you will be helping those in need and you will be assuring that your name will be included on the Community Christmas Card. You may give your donation by filling in the for m below and br inging it to the church or by mailing it to PHILOPTOCHOS, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Please make checks payable to the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. To assure that your name is included on the Christmas Card, your contribution must be received no later than November 22, The names of contributors received after November 23rd will be listed in the January church bulletin. In addition, if you are employed by a company that participates in a Gift Matching Program, please bring the necessary forms so we may benefit from this program. Obtain a gift matching form from your personnel office, complete the employee s section and bring the form to us. We ll do the rest. Thank you and God Bless you always, NEEDY FUND COMMITTEE Detach and return the form below with your donation no later than Sunday, November 22, ============ ========================================================================== I would like to participate in the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. Enclosed you will find my donation for $. Please list my name on the Christmas Card as follows: Name: Address: Telephone Number: PARTICIPATE IN THE UNITED WAY PROGRAM! It s that time of the year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2015/2016 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they and their many friends consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past sever al years the St. Geor ge Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their continued support. Remember to direct your United Way donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number

10 Page 10 September/October 2015 STEWARDSHIP Dear Faithful, As the calendar year is soon to come to an end, I would like to thank all those in our beloved parish of St. George, who as stewards of this very active, dynamic, and productive Orthodox community have heard Christ s commandment to be Stewards of what He has given us: Many ask what does it mean to be a steward?. While I try to define and make it very simple to understand what the terms Steward and Stewardship are for this article, I think that it is best to share with you how our Church speaks of those terms. Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from God. Stewardship calls on all the faithful to cheerfully give back to God a portion of the gifts with which we have been blessed. An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox faith to become participating Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to prayerfully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent and resources to support the parish and its Ministries. EFFECTIVE STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY is not a single event or project. Rather, it is an ongoing project and program, going out to our faithful wherever they are in the walk with Christ, listening to their concerns, helping them to realize their importance as branches at the true Vine and encouraging them to offer their gifts in His service. Stewardship is caring for the needs of others and especially caring for the needs of the church. Stewardship is offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. Stewardship is what a person does after saying I believe as proof of that belief. Once again I want to personally thank all those who have conscientiously made the effort and the commitment to become Stewards at our very vibrant and dynamic parish and community. I pray those of our parishioners who have not made their stewardship commitment yet, that through prayer our Lord will speak to their hearts and make them realize how important this program is in the life of our parish, and become Stewards of our Church. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pasrikos ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ Αγαπητοί Πιστοί, Καθώς πλησιάζει το τέλος του ημερολογιακού έτους, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλους εσάς του παροίκους μας, που ακούσατε το κάλεσμα του Κυρίου για να συνεισφέρετε σε αυτή την πολύ δραστήρια, δυναμική και παραγωγική Ορθόδοξη κοινότητα. Πολλοί αναρωτούνται τι σημαίνει να είναι κάποιος Οικονόμος. Παρά το γεγονός ότι προσπαθώ να το εξηγήσω όσο πιο απλά γίνεται και να διευκρινίσω τι σημαίνει η Οικονομία-Εκούσια Εισφορά και να είναι κάποιος Οικονόμος, νομίζω ότι είναι καλύτερο να σας παραθέσω την εξήγηση όπως την παρουσιάζει η Εκκλησία μας. Η Ορθόδοξη Χριστιανική Εκούσια Εισφορά-Οικονομία είναι ένας τρόπος ζωής, ο οποίος δείχνει αναλογισμό και υπευθυνότητα απέναντι στο Θεό. Ο κύριος στόχος της Εκούσιας Εισφοράς είναι η προώθηση της πνευματικής ανάπτυξης και η ενίσχυση της πίστης. Όταν αρχίζουμε να πιστεύουμε στο Θεό, αρχίζουμε και γινόμαστε Οικονόμοι, και του δίνουμε την αγάπη, την πίστη και την εμπιστοσύνη μας και καθοδηγούμαστε από αυτές τις πεποιθήσεις. Πιστεύουμε ότι κάθε μέρος της ζωής μας είναι δώρο Θεού. Βάσει αυτού δίνουμε πίσω στο Θεό όσα μπορούμε και με τα οποία έχουμε ευλογηθεί. Ένας Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανός Οικονόμος συμμετέχει ενεργά στην Εκκλησία. Κάθε χρόνο όλοι μας, αναλογιζόμαστε όσα έχουμε στη ζωή μας και δίνουμε τον χρόνο, το ταλέντο μας, και τις πηγές που έχουμε προκειμένου να υποστηρίξουμε την Εκκλησία μας και τις δραστηριότητές της. Η ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ δε συνιστάται από ένα μόνο γεγονός. Αντίθετα, είναι ένα συνεχές έργο, για όλους τους πιστούς, οι οποίοι βαδίζουν στο δρόμο του Θεού και συνεισφέρουν στο έργο Του. Η Εκούσια Εισφορά Οικονομία αφορά την υποστήριξη της Εκκλησίας και των αναγκών της. Προσφέροντας στο Θεό, Τον ευχαριστούμε για όλα όσα προσέφερε σε εμάς, σε απόδειξη της πίστης μας. Για μία ακόμη φορά θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλους εσάς που έχετε προσπαθήσει να προσφέρετε το χρόνο, το ταλέντο και την εισφορά σας για να βοηθήσετε αυτή την πολύ σημαντική κοινότητα. Εύχομαι όσοι από εσάς δεν έχετε προσφέρει την εισφορά σας ακόμη, να ακούσετε το κάλεσμα του Θεού και να συνειδητοποιήσετε πόσο σημαντικό είναι αυτό το πρόγραμμα για τη ζωή της Εκκλησίας και της κοινότητάς μας, και να γίνετε Οικονόμοι του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός

11 September/October 2015 Page 11 G.O.Y.A. GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION WELCOME BACK! We would like to welcome back our St. George GOYAN s from their summer vacations. We would like to inform you that the first official GOYA meeting will take place on Sunday, September 13th, 2015, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. At this meeting, Father Nicholas is inviting all the advisors and old and new members to join GOYA and become a part of this very dynamic and important organization. We would also like to invite and encourage all the parents of our GOYANS to join us at this meeting, so that they may also become familiar with what GOYA is all about and when the programs and activities that will be planned during the year start. If you have not received a registration packet in the mail, you can pick one up at the meeting (must be 12 years old and in the 7th grade by October 1st). PLEASE COME AND JOIN US! Congratulations to our new Board: Co-Presidents: Nicolette Polos & Yianni Apostolakis Vice President: Alexis Mangafas Corresponding Secretary: Anastasia Kantilierakis Recording Secretary: Jason Stavrianidis Treasurer: Gerasimos (Memas) Georgopoulos Historian: Kristina Doninger Mr. & Miss Goya Representatives Gerasimos (Memas) Georgopoulos & Nicolette Polos Jr. & Sr. Divers for Holy Cross Jr. Female Diver: Angela Polos Jr. Male Diver: Constantine Stavrianidis Sr. Female Diver: Nicolette Polos Sr. Male Diver: Konstantine Lyssikatos GREEK SCHOOL ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ Καλωσορίσατε από τις θερινές διακοπές σας και ευχόμαστε να είχατε όλοι ένα χαρούμενο και ευχάριστο καλοκαίρι. Οι εγγραφές του Ελληνικού Σχολείου άρχισαν από τον Ιούνιο και όσοι δεν είχατε την ευκαιρία να γράψετε τα παιδιά σας, έχετε ακόμη καιρό να τα γράψετε και να τους δώσετε την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθήσουν τα μαθήματα του Ελληνικού Σχολείου για να μάθουν να διαβάζουν, να γράφουν, να μιλούν ελληνικά και να μάθουν για την Ελλάδα, καθώς και τα ελληνικά ήθη και έθιμα. Θα χαρούμε πολύ να τα δούμε στο σχολείο μας και να ξεκινήσουμε με όρεξη μια νέα σχολική χρονιά. Τα μαθήματα αρχίζουν στις 14 Σεπτεμβρίου και οι ώρες διδασκαλίας είναι από τις 4:30 μέχρι τις 6:30 το απόγευμα. Οι τάξεις του σχολείου είναι Προνήπια, Νήπια, Πρώτη μικρή, Πρώτη μεγάλη, Δευτέρα, Τρίτη, Τετάρτη, Πέμπτη, Έκτη και τα Regents. Tα παιδιά που θα εγγραφούν πρέπει να είναι τεσσάρων χρόνων για τα Προνήπια και έξι χρόνων για την Πρώτη μικρή. Αν τα παιδιά σας είναι έξι χρόνων, μπορείτε να τα γράψετε αμέσως στην Πρώτη μικρή. Το σχολείο λειτουργεί από την Δευτέρα μέχρι την Παρασκευή και οι μαθητές παρακολουθούν μαθήματα μόνον μία μέρα την εβδομάδα. Η τάξη για τα Regents είναι κάθε Τετάρτη από τις 6:30 μέχρι τις 8:30. Την πρώτη μέρα του σχολείου, στις 14 Σεπτεμβρίου, ο πατήρ Νικόλαος θα κάνει αγιασμό και θα αγιάσει τα παιδιά, τις δασκάλες και όλες τις τάξεις του σχολείου. Παρακαλούμε όσοι γονείς μπορούν, να παραβρεθούν στην εκκλησία για τον αγιασμό μαζί με τα παιδιά τους. Ευχόμαστε σε όλα τα παιδιά να έχουν υγεία και καλή πρόοδο στην καινούργια σχολική χρονιά. Με εκτίμηση, Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου

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13 September/October 2015 Page 13 P.T.O. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION The PTO Executive Board welcomes everybody back from your summer vacation and we welcome all the new families of the St. George Community. The PTO events sponsored through your membership & fundraisers are vital in order to continue and promote our Greek and Religious heritage. Some of which include: Purchase of Sunday school books and year end award plaques. 6 th grade year book for Greek school. Service the copy machine and pay for all copy paper. Purchase equipment and supplies for Greek and Sunday school, such as supply cabinets, sharpeners, staplers, pencils, pens, paper and other stationery items. Purchase of Greek costumes Hosting of the communion breakfast for Christmas and Easter. Hosting of the Three Hierarchs luncheon for all teachers and teachers aides. Help in the funding of medallions, certificates, prizes for participants which include all Sunday school children grades 7 th thru 12 th which is now mandatory for all GOYANS participating in GOYAN Olympics, for the Oratorical Festival. Internet modem for Sunday school grades 8 th thru 12 th Hosting and organizing of the Apokreatiko Glendi. Donation towards our church for the March 25 th Greek parade. Easter egg hunt. Organizing and providing desserts and beverages for Greek School programs. Year-end Greek School pizza party and Sunday School Graduation reception. Both PTO membership and Friend Finder forms will be distributed to students of the Greek, Religious Educational (Sunday) Schools and to the GOYA members. For your convenience, the forms will also be posted on the church s PTO bulletin board. The membership/donation is only $20.00 per family and it includes a free copy of St. George Friend Finder directory, which lists the school teachers and students contact information. We are requesting that all parents of 6 th grade Greek school become PTO members as the contribution is monetary toward graduation and the yearbooks. Research has shown that parent involvement in the community, helps all children do better on a wide variety of measures, both socially & academically. Welcome Back to a New School Year Below is a calendar of the PTO events & fundraisers for the year. Calendar of Events: September Coffee hour- Served by PTO - Month of September September 20 PTO Artoklasia November 15 December 13 January 30 January 31 February 21 March 11 March 12 March 26 PTO Bake Sale Christmas Communion Breakfast and Tree Trimming Three Hierarchs/Teachers Luncheon Set-up Three Hierarchs/Teachers Luncheon Godparent s Day Apokriatiko Setup Apokriatiko Glendi March 25 th Greek School Program Oratorical Festival Essays & Poems April Greek School Chocolate Fundraiser Easter Candle Fundraiser April 3 Oratorical Festival- Speeches Apil 20 April 23 May 1 June 6-10 June 11 June 12 March 25 th Parade in NY Easter Communion Breakfast Myrofores Rehearsal Holy Pascha & Easter Egg Hunt Greek School Pizza Party Greek School Graduation Sunday School Graduation We hope that you will continue to support the PTO through our various fundraisers and events throughout the year. Without your help, we would not be able to serve the community. We have many plans for the future that we believe will benefit our children for generations to come. However, in order to do so, your support is required. Any assistance that you are willing to offer is greatly appreciated, whether it is through membership dues, supporting our fundraisers, taking a position on the board, attending our meetings, or lending a hand at different events. Should you have any input on how we can better the organization and community, please feel free to contact us at stgpto@optonline.net. Thank You!! St. George PTO

14 Page 14 September/October 2015 SUNDAY SCHOOL Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope that everyone had a pleasant and relaxing summer with time for reflection on all the gifts God is providing us. On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we welcome all the children and their families back to our Catechism program on the 13th of September for the ecclesiastical year. We held our end of the year ceremony on June 14, 2015 where we communicated our yearly accomplishments. On this day, we also honored Mr. Ted Lambros and Mrs. Louise Lambros, selected as the Teachers of the Year. Louise is our music teacher; you will find her each week at a different classroom teaching our children the spiritual uplifting and melodic hymns of the Greek Orthodox faith. Ted is an administrator who, among other responsibilities, prepares all the classrooms early each Sunday morning for the arrival of students and teachers. Ted and Louise have been part of our program for 35 years; their deep convictions to the Greek Orthodox faith and dedication to our program are significant. We are truly so blessed to have them among us and we look forward to many years with them. We encourage all parents to please bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that of the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. The set curriculum, the hymnology, the participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects carried out throughout the year, under the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Nicholas, provide a complete picture of our program. We are very proud of our religious education program and of our commitment to your children. We pray that we see you on the 13th of September. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Catechism Staff Teachers of the Year, Mrs. Louise Lambros and Mr. Ted Lambros Graduating Teacher Assistants H.Sirimis, E. Makropoulos and A. Janssen; absent C. Alphas and K. Zubulake Our Bible Study sessions will begin again for the new ecclesiastical year beginning in September. Our sessions will be held twice a month, every second and forth Thursday of every month. Our first get-together is scheduled for Thursday, September 10th, 2015, upstairs in the library at 7:00 p.m. Our Bible study will cover the Book of Acts. Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible, your thoughts and your ideas so that we can discuss this program at length. SEE YOU THERE!!! ADULT BIBLE STUDY Οι συναντήσεις μας για τη μελέτη της Αγίας Γραφής θα συνεχίσουν κανονικά κατά το νέο εκκλησιαστικό έτος που ξεκινάει το Σεπτέμβριο. Οι συναντήσεις θα γίνονται δύο φορές το μήνα, και συγκεκριμένα την 2η και 4η Πέμπτη κάθε μήνα. Η πρώτη μας συνάντηση έχει οριστεί για την Πέμπτη 10 Σεπτεμβρίου 2015, στην αίθουσα της βιβλιοθήκης στον 1ο όροφο, στις 7:00 μ.μ. Φέτος θα καλύψουμε το Βιβλίο των Πράξεων των Αποστόλων. Παρακαλούμε φέρτε μαζί σας την Αγία Γραφή, τις σκέψεις και τις ιδέες σας για να τις συζητήσουμε εκτενέστερα!

15 September/October 2015 Page 15 OUR FAITH Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, September 14 The Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life Giving Cross is celebrated each year on September 14. The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the Emperor Constantine sent his mother Saint Helen to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places and to find the site of the Holy Sepulcher and of the Cross. Relying upon the oral tradition of the faithful, Saint Helen found the precious Cross together with the crosses of the two thieves crucified with our Lord. However, Helen had no way of determining which was the Cross of Christ. With the healing of a dying woman who touched one of the crosses, Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem identified the True Cross of Christ. Saint Helen and her court venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross along with many others who came to see this great instrument of Redemption. This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted on the day of the feast and preceded by the Matins service. On the day of the Feast at the conclusion of the Matins & of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is held. The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by branches of basil and is taken in solemn procession through the church to the chanting of the Hymn of the Feast. The tray is placed on a table, and the priest takes the Cross and offers petitions from each side of the table, the four directions of the compass. This represents the universal nature of the Offering of Christ upon the Cross. As the people respond by chanting Lord have mercy, the priest raises and lowers the cross, a commemoration of its finding and exaltation. At the conclusion of the service, the people come and venerate the cross and receive the basil from the priest. The basil is used and offered, as it was the fragrant flower growing where the Cross was found. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine being built at the World Trade Center will be a house of worship for the Greek Orthodox Community and a place of prayer and solace for all people. As part of a national initiative to support St. Nicholas, Philoptochos is asking for a $100 donation from each member, or any amount higher or lower that you are able to give, to collectively support our chapter goal of $10, Philoptochos board members will begin to reach out to members individually, and we of course welcome and encourage donations from non-members. Please ask a member of the Philoptochos to learn more.

16 Page 16 September/October 2015 OUR FAITH Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ What is the greatest gift a person can receive? A teenager asked his parish priest Father, what is the greatest gift a person can ever receive? As the priest pondered that question he realized that the answer varies to the personal needs of each individual. If you ask a hungry person, the answer is food. If you ask someone who is grieving, the answer is to have their loved one returned to them. If you ask a parent whose child is in the service, the answer is the safe return of that child. One can continue this search with every person and probably receive a multitude of different answers. However, the common theme in many of these answers would be survival. In a person s most desperate hour, the greatest needs are those that will guarantee physical survival. If you truly believe in God, you have to believe in His power, wisdom and love. He loved the world so much, that He gave His only Begotten Son to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as His children (Galatians 4:4). The Fathers of the Orthodox Church further spoke about Christ as spiritual food. Receiving Christ through the sacrament of Communion is the source of our spiritual life. Our goal in receiving the Holy Eucharist is to become one with Christ. St. Gregory the Theologian suggests to us the following spiritual recommendation: Let us become God because of Him, since He became man because of us. In reality, the becoming one with Christ is the greatest gift upon the earth! It is offered to us each and every time we participate in the Divine Liturgy. The most important, real and profound way of participating in the Divine Liturgy is by receiving Holy Communion. This is true participation, real worship and actual union. It should not be a rare practice. However, one should never receive if they have not prepared themselves. If you are receiving Holy Communion that day, leave your place reverently, follow the instructions of the parish council members closely and approach the Holy Chalice in a prayerful attitude. Approach by placing the red cloth under your chin, stating your baptismal name and open your mouth wide to receive the King of Glory. Again the Church s goal, and our goal for all this, is to take us and unite us with God through Holy Communion. When as Orthodox Christians we begin to realize this fact, then we will continuously work towards receiving this gift regularly. One will not wait for Christmas, Pascha, or the Feast of the Dormition to receive. The greatest gift is offered to us at all times, with no cost and yet this gift is priceless. Το μεγαλύτερο δώρο που μπορεί να λάβει κάποιος Ένας νέος ρώτησε τον παπά της ενορίας του «Πάτερ, ποιο είναι το μεγαλύτερο δώρο που μπορεί να λάβει ένας άνθρωπος;» Καθώς ο παπάς επεξεργαζόταν στο μυαλό του την απάντηση που θα του έδινε, άρχισε να συνειδητοποιεί ότι αυτή η απάντηση ήταν διαφορετική ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες του καθενός. Εάν ρωτήσει κάποιος έναν άνθρωπο που πεινάει, εκείνος θα του πει ότι το μεγαλύτερο δώρο είναι το φαγητό. Εάν ρωτήσουμε κάποιον που θρηνεί, το μεγαλύτερο δώρο θα ήταν εάν ο αγαπημένος του άνθρωπος ήταν ξανά ζωντανός. Εάν ρωτήσουμε κάποιον που έχει το παιδί του στο στρατό, η απάντηση θα ήταν ότι μεγαλύτερο δώρο δεν υπάρχει από την επιστροφή του παιδιού σώου. Μπορούμε να συνεχίσουμε επ άπειρον με τέτοια παραδείγματα, όμως σε όλες τις απαντήσεις ένας είναι ο κοινός παρανομαστής: η επιβίωση. Στις δυσκολότερες στιγμές του ανθρώπου, οι μεγαλύτερες ανάγκες είναι εκείνες που σχετίζονται με την επιβίωση. Εάν πιστεύετε πραγματικά στο Θεό, πρέπει να πιστέψετε στη δύναμή Του, στην σοφία και την αγάπη Του. Αγάπησε όλους μας τόσο, που θυσίασε τον Υιό Του για εμάς. Οι Πατέρες της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας, μιλάνε για το Χριστό ως «Πνευματική τροφή». Η λήψη του Σώματος και του Αίματος του Χριστού μέσω της Θείας Κοινωνίας, είναι η πηγή της πνευματικής μας ζωής. Ο στόχος μας καθώς λαμβάνουμε τη Θεία Κοινωνία είναι να γίνουμε ένα με τον Χριστό. Ο Άγιος Γρηγόριος ο Θεολόγος αναφέρει: «Ας γίνουμε ένα με το Θεό, όπως εκείνος έγινε άνθρωπος για εμάς». Στην πραγματικότητα το ότι γινόμαστε ένα με το Χριστό είναι το μεγαλύτερο δώρο επάνω στη γη! Μας προσφέρεται κάθε φορά που συμμετέχουμε στη Θεία Λειτουργία. Και ο πιο σημαντικός, αληθινός και ξεχωριστός τρόπος συμμετοχής είναι η λήψη της Θείας Κοινωνίας, κάτι το οποίο δεν πρέπει να γίνεται σπάνια. Πάρα ταύτα, δε θα πρέπει να λαμβάνουμε ποτέ Θεία Κοινωνία εάν δεν είμαστε επαρκώς προετοιμασμένοι. Θα πρέπει να προσέλθουμε ευλαβικώς στην εκκλησία, να ακολουθήσουμε τις προτροπές των μελών του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου, και να πλησιάσουμε με ευλάβεια. Θα πρέπει να τοποθετήσουμε το κόκκινο ύφασμα κάτω από το πηγούνι μας, να δηλώσουμε το βαπτιστικό μας όνομα, και να ανοίξουμε πλήρως το στόμα μας προκειμένου να λάβουμε το Σώμα και το Αίμα του Χριστού. Ο στόχος της Εκκλησίας, και ο δικός μας στόχος βέβαια, είναι να λάβουμε τη Θεία Κοινωνία και να γίνουμε ένα με τον Θεό. Όταν ως Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί συνειδητοποιήσουμε αυτό το γεγονός, τότε θα είμαστε πιο τακτικοί σε αυτή μας την προσπάθεια, και δε θα περιμένουμε τα Χριστούγεννα, το Πάσχα, και τη γιορτή της Παναγίας προκειμένου να κοινωνήσουμε.

17 September/October 2015 Page 17 ETIQUETTE CORNER Some things you should know while attending an Orthodox Christian Church LIGHTING CANDLES: Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship. We light them as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayer. The Orthodox typically light candles when coming into the Church. There are times, though, when candles should not be lit. It is not proper to light candles during the Epistle and Gospel Readings, during the Little or Great Entrances, the Sermon, and most of the times when the faithful are standing. If in doubt, a member of the Board is available to guide you. THE IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUALITY: The time to arrive at Church is before the service starts. If you arrive after the Divine Liturgy begins, try to enter the Church quietly and observe what is happening. If the Epistle or Gospel is being read or the Little or Great Entrance is taking place, wait until it is finished then quickly find a seat. If Father is giving the Sermon, stay in the back until he has concluded. Try not to interrupt the Liturgy by your entrance. The best way to avoid this situation is to arrive on time. "LET US ATTEND": In the Orthodox cultures, crossing one's legs is taboo and considered very disrespectful. In our North American culture, while there are no taboos, we tend to cross our legs to get comfortable when sitting. Crossing one's legs in church is not permitted, not because it is 'wrong' but rather because it is too casual and relaxed for being in church. Remember, sitting in church is a concession, not the normative way of prayer. You surely do not want to get too relaxed and let your mind drift. In fact, when you do sit in church, you should sit attentively. Keep feet on the floor, ready to stand at attention, which is what "let us attend" means. DURING CHURCH SERVICES COMMUNICATE WITH GOD... ONLY: Wait until coffee hour to say " Hi" to friends and family members. It is not appropriate to greet people and have conversations during the services. Talk to God while in church through your prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving. He is waiting to hear from you. LEAVING BEFORE DISMISSAL: Leaving church before dismissal deprives us of a blessing. Worship has a beginning, "Blessed is the Kingdom.." and an end "Let us depart in peace." To leave immediately after Communion is to treat the church like a restaurant where we come and go as we please. VENERATING ICONS: When you enter the church, it is traditional to venerate the icons. Usually, there are icons at the entrance to the church, and many churches have icon stands in the front as well. When venerating (kissing) the icon, please be aware that it is improper to kiss an icon on the face. HANDLING THE HOLY BREAD (ANTIDΟRON): After receiving Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread (antidοron) - the bread that was left over after Holy Communion was prepared. While antidοron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread, and as such, it should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to treat and consume the antidοron with respect. ATTIRE: USING GOOD JUDGEMENT: When attending services, there are those who feel that God will accept us regardless of our attire. Yes, God does accept us as we are, but what are we doing to prepare ourselves for Him? This is why we must take proper care in what we wear. We need not be dressed 'fancy' as to impress others. We need to be dressed 'respectfully' to present ourselves to God. Preferably, women should wear dresses and men should wear suits, or semi-formal attire during the summer season. From time to time, medical or other reasons arise which may prohibit the wearing of certain clothing. You should use your good judgment when these situations arise. Speaking with your priest will help also. Thank you for paying attention! See you in Church!!!

18 Page 18 September/October 2015 HAPPINESS IS SINGING IN THE CHOIR! The St. George Choir has had many people grace the Church Divine Liturgy by sharing their voices in song and praising God. Participation in the Divine Liturgy throughout the ecclesiastical year and the special Lenten period services by your church choir members has been a blessing that has remained a constant for over the years that St. George has existed, from the tiny church on River Road in Highland Park, to its present beautiful home in Piscataway. The St. George Choir is a member of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians/New Jersey District (EFGOCM) and many choir members participate in Federation Conferences, District Workshops and Church Music Institutes, (CMI), Holy Cross Celebration, Lenten Program Offerings and Christmas Concerts. If you have been blessed with the ability to sing, you should consider sharing this talent with your fellow parishioners each week. The choir needs new voices in order to enhance the service the choir offers to the music ministry of St. George. We need you!! If you wish to join us, please see Mr. Demetrios Fousteris, Choir Director and Psalti, or any member of the choir for additional information. HOW WELL VERSED ARE YOU IN THE BIBLE? See if you can name the person who said it. Match the rhyme with the speaker, using the list of names below. Good luck!!! PAUL PETER MARTHA ANNA SARAH DAVID SIMEON RUTH NOAH 1. I swore I d be loyal no matter what came But instead I denied Him, and felt bitter shame. 2. As Abraham s wife and late in my life, I held my first son at ninety and one! 3. In the temple we saw Him - our Messiah and Lord! He was born as God promised and prophets foretold! 4. I slew a tough giant with a stone and a sling, and was later anointed as Israel s king. 5. Of resurrected Jesus, I would have no part, until the Holy Spirit changed my hardened heart. 6. I m glad I obeyed, though far from the sea, the ark that I built saved my family and me. 7. I stayed with Naomi and went to her land, then soon Boaz saw me and asked for my hand. 8. My sister sat by Him and listened instead of helping me serve food -The Lord said I was way too busy, and Mary chose the greatest good. Answers: 1 Peter (Mark 14:72) 2 Sarah (Genesis 17:17; 18:10) 3 Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) 4 David (1 Samuel 17:49) 5 Paul (Acts 9: 1-6) 6 - Noah (Genesis 7:1) 7 Ruth (Ruth 4:13) 8 Martha (Luke 10:41-42)

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