HOLY TRINITY. June / July Volume 47 Issue 6 & 7 SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, THE HOLY APOSTLES. Feast Day: June 29

Transcript

1 HOLY TRINITY June / July 2016 Volume 47 Issue 6 & 7 SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, THE HOLY APOSTLES Feast Day: June 29 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. Fr. Christos Christofidis, Proistamenos, fr.christofidis@holytrinitywilmington.org For pastoral emergencies - you may call Fr. (717) Susan Kelleher, Church Secretary (home) Anargyros Liparos, Protopsaltis PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS George Rassias, President - (610) Georgia Halakos, First Vice President - (302) Tom Hatzis, Second Vice President - (302) Tom Karas, Parish Council Treasurer - (302) John Pennias, Parish Council Secretary - (302) Yvonne Tsavalas, Assistant Secretary - (302) Constantine Caras John Koninis II Tom Diamanty Steve Nicholas Leon Fotakos Paraskevi Wolcott (856) Vickie Karakasidis Peter Xarhoulakos Michael Kirifides Parish Council Meetings - 3rd Thursday of every 7PM CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos Georgia Halakos, President (856) Sunday School Maroula Haralambidis, Co-Director Sunday School Amalea Rassias, Co-Director GOYA Dia Halakos (856) JOY Tonia Belitsas HOPE Hillary Raptis Choir Anthony Pantelopulos, Director The Heart Club Peter Xarhoulakos, President Greek School John Pennias, Director St. Elpida George Righos (609) Terpsichorean Dance Troupes Harry Malapetsas Altar Guild Helen Doukakis, President Editorial Staff Dr. Costas Fountzoulas / Emmanuel Dining Room East Nikkie Tsakataras & Tina Ganiaris King Holy Trinity Food Pantry Steve Nicholas / Adult Bible Study George Righos & John Lazare Bible Study Class Fr. Christos Christofidis AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS AHEPA Michael Kirifides, President Daughters of Penelope Gale Kostas, President Hellenic University Club Maria Caras, 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 From the Desk of Fr. Christos A Contemplation for Summer Days REFUSING TO PLAY FAVORITES The general Epistle of St. James 2:1-13 Our main message this month is: If you want God s favor don t treat people with favoritism. To show favoritism is a denial of your faith. V1-4: Be consistent with everyone V5-7: Recognize your own contradiction V8-13: Develop compassion for all Let s begin; let s look at James 2:1 My brothers as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don t show favoritism (partiality anthopoareskia). First notice James tenderness! He calls his readers brothers. He also calls them believers. We are brothers and believers because we are in the same family Christians and on the same team, the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Therefore, there is not to be any distinction among the members of the family. Paul makes it clear in Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Would you notice next how he refers to Jesus? He is the half-brother of Jesus and son of Joseph, but he does not make mention of this at all. Instead he calls Him glorious. John 1:14 says, that Jesus is God s Glory come down to earth. Let s get straight who we are. We are brothers and believers. And let s focus on Who He is Ο ΩΝ - He is the Glorious Lord Jesus Christ who died on the Cross and was resurrected. In light of who we are and Who He Is, we re told how to treat others. Don t Show Favoritism This is written in the present tense which means we re to stop showing favoritism. To show favor literally means, to accept the face prosopolypsia of someone. It is the idea of turning toward the one and turning away from the other based on outward appearance. To show favoritism is incompatible with our Christian identity faith because Acts 10:34 says Does God show favoritism. No. God does not show favoritism. According to 1Peter1:17, God judges each mans work impartially. He expects us to treat people fairly as Leviticus 19:15 advises, Do not pervert justice, do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. As a good teacher, James makes his point that we are not to show partiality and then he illustrates it so it sinks in a bit deeper. Look at v2 Suppose a man comes into your gathering wearing a gold ring and fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes comes in. Suppose that at the end of the Divine Liturgy an announcement is made that in the Narthex a very famous football player is waiting to enter the church, I am wondering if we could find a seat up front. Would anyone be willing to give up their seat for him? And when you hear the door open most of you would look towards the back would you not? The text is very specific, literally it reads, a gold fingered man. Continued next page...

4 Continued... When someone wore a gold ring back then, they did so to let others know they were rich. Fine clothes were often bright and flashy, sometimes with silver or gold thread sewn into them so they glistened in the sunlight! I googled most expensive suit and found a suit made from a fine blend of cashmere wool and silk that contains over 480 diamonds. Each gem is a half karat for a total of 240 karats of bling. It sells for $943,000. If someone came in church wearing that they would stand out for sure. In contrast, how would you feel if a poor person came in the doors wearing the only set of clothes he owns? The word for shabby means vile, dirty, and disheveled. Historians estimate that up to 90% of Palestinians back then were considered poor and would have worn homemade clothing. James says that we d be prone to show partiality to the man wearing the fine clothes; v3 uses this phrase: if you show special attention which means to gaze upon. It is easy to turn our attention away from the glory of the Lord to the material splendor of someone s clothing (pocket), car or status. To the finely dressed may we say, Come in the front of the church; here is a good seat for you and we would definitely announce his name, title and other but to say to the poor man, You stand over there. The flashy guy gets the best seat; the filthy guy gets the floor! That s an accurate picture of what we do when we think we re better than others because we treat them as if they are beneath us, inferior! In essence we have become God s officials telling Him, Hey Lord, you do not know how to judge anymore. Last time I checked He does not need any help running the world. Check out v4: Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? One reason, if not the main reason favoritism is given over to the well dressed man is that they thought he could increase his offering or that he would so something special for them. Their motives were all messed up. Let s face it. Let the truth be told. We tend to judge the better off as better. We re prone to give preference to the pretty or to those who make us look good or can do something good for us! Our focus must be on the true glory of God, the Lord Jesus Christ and not the passing of glory to outward appearances. We must become lovers of God not lovers of man! Truly this human illness-weakness causes disunity, enmity in Christian families. Someone wrote: The inclusing Gospel cannot be shared by an exclusive people. Wondering why churches are empty? The poison of exclusiveness is flowing in our veins! In verses 5-7, after giving another affectionate appeal, Listen, my dear brothers James asks four questions to get us to see the contradictions that reside within us. Each question expects demands an affirmative answer. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised to those who love Him? Who is the real poor man? The one who does not know Jesus! Remaining questions: Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Yes. Are they not the ones who are dragging you into the courts? Yes. Are they not the ones slandering the noble Name of Him to whom you belong? Yes. We are called to treat people consistently but it does not take long to realize how many contradictions surface in our own lives. In verses 8-13 we re given some practical ways that we can develop some compassion and move toward mercy! We see in verse 8 If you really keep the royal law found in scripture; Love your neighbors as yourself, you re doing right.

5 James is quoting Leviticus 19:18 which was referenced by the Glorious Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 22:39. The reason this is called the royal law is because it was reinforced by the King of Glory and His command, along with the one about Loving God, rules over all the other laws. Brother and Sisters in the Risen Lord, it is impossible to truly love your neighbor and show favoritism. Can you say that you love others as much as you love yourself? Correctly then the Prophet David says every man is not authentic. We need to understand and see that favoritism is a severe sin! James emphatically says, vs9-11, But if you show favoritism deal with others with partiality you sin (you work a sin) and are convicted by the law of God as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said do not commit adultery also said Do not murder, If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. What s the harm in ignoring people we think are different or strange or weird? Some of us look down on people from other races or countries. Or maybe we separate people according to what is written on their business card, or their income, their education, their vocation, or simply because they were not in our clique. Others of us act like snobs when we see someone struggling with something we don t struggle with. This is true among the youth also. Who outside our narrow circle do we invite to our affairs? For whom outside our own immediate family do we offer prayers? In the Old Testament 1Samuel 16:7 God says to Samuel the Prophet about the 8 th son of Jesse, David, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. And we all know that King David became the most faithful and fair king of all Israel. Let us watch our words and adjust our actions. Let us choose to be merciful, v14. Conclusion: In a Life Magazine photo essay, people from all walks of life from the homeless to Fortune 500 executives were photographed. Every one of them was just wearing a towel wrapped around their bodies. Do you know what the conclusion was? They all looked the same! But if you really want to learn the truth about the lesson we just discussed and perhaps understand its enormous worth, look inside the casket during a funeral visit and wonder who is this, a soldier or a general, a poor man or rich, righteous or sinner? How will the Lord of the living and the dead judge him? With no favoritism! Let us make a motion and all of us should second it and agree upon, favoritism is a disease that destroys unity and must be eradicated from among us! Have a safe and blessed summer! Fr. Christos On Hiatus for the summer months: GOYA Greek School JOY/HOPE Philoptochos See you in September! Sunday School Terpsichorean Dance Troupes Monday & Wednesday Bible Study Heart

6 Dear Parishioners, Christos Anesti! The Presidents Letter Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες, Χριστός Ανέστη! With the celebration of Christ's Resurrection having renewed our spirit we look forward to the coming Pentecost and celebration of our Church's name day. In the meantime, our Parish is about to undertake two monumental projects: 1) our annual Festival begins June 7th and runs through June 11th and 2) the complete restoration of our Church and Great Bell Tower has begun and will continue into the early Fall. Make yourself available to assist with the Festival in any capacity you can. Call the Church office to volunteer your time. With respect to the renovation work, make your Pledge to the Capital Campaign Committee so that your contribution can be memorialized with those who have given to date. This time of year also brings attention to the accomplishments of youth. I would like to congratulate John Pedraza who was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Junior Division of the Metropolis Oratorical Festival, after winning our Parish level and Regional level competitions. I would also note and congratulate and thank all those Senior and Junior level participants from our Parish. In our thirteen-parish Delaware Valley Region, only one other church had more participants than our Holy Trinity, an astounding turnaround in our participation over recent years. Similarly, we must congratulate all of our graduates (see information inside this Bulletin). We are very proud of you all and wish you the best in your future endeavors. I hope and pray you enjoy a happy and healthy summer season. Please keep an eye out for s as we intend to present some youth and family oriented activities over the course of the summer. Also keep in mind that Services continue through the summer months and it would be nice to see you in Church. If you have ideas or suggestions for the coming year, now is the time to share and cultivate the same and, finally, keep in mind the Welcome Back Picnic (mark your calendars) for Registration and Ministry sign-up on Sunday, September 11, Sincerely, George Rassias Έχοντας ανανεώσει το πνεύμα μας με τον εορτασμό της Αναστάσεωςς του Χριστού προσβλέπουμε στον εορτασμό της Πεντηκοστή και της ονομαστικής εορτής της Εκκλησίας μας. Η Ενορία μας ήδη είναι έτοιμη να αναλάβη δύο μνημειώδη έργα: 1) το ετήσιο Φεστιβάλ μας που αρχίζει την 7 ην Ιουνίου και θα διαρκέση μέχρι την 11 ην Ιουνίου και 2) την πλήρη αποκατάστασιν της Εκκλησίας μας και του Μεγάλου Καμπαναριού οι εργασίες έχουν αρχίσει και θα συνεχισθούν μέχρι την αρχή του φθινοπώρου. Να είσθε έτοιμοι να βοηθήσετε στο Φεστιβάλ με οποιαδήποτε τρόπο μπορείτε. Καλέστε το γραφείο Εκκλησία για να προσφέρετε εθελοντικά το χρόνο σας. Σχετικά με το έργο ανακαινίσεως, δώστε την προσφορά σας στην Επιτροπή Κεφαλαιαγοράς, έτσι ώστε η συμβολή σας να συμπερηφθή εις ανάμνησιν με τους μέχρι τώρα δωρητές. Αυτή την στιγμή αναλογιζώμαστε επίσης τα επιτεύγματα της νεολαίας μας. Θα ήθελα να συγχαρώ τον John Pedraza ο οποίος εκέρδισε τιμητική διάκριση στο Ρητορικό Φεστιβάλ Νέων της Μητροπόλεως, μετά τη νίκη του στο επίπεδο της Ενορίας και Περιφερείας μας. Θα ήθελα να επισημάνω επίσης και να συγχαρώ και να ευχαριστήσω όλους εκείνους που συμμετείχαν στο Μείζον και Ελάσσων επίπεδο της Ενορίας μας. Από τις δεκατρείς ενορίες της Περιφερείας της Κοιλάδας του Delaware, μόνο μία άλλη κοινότητα είχε περισσότερους συμμετοχές από Αγία Τριάδα μας, το οποίον αποτελεί μια εκπληκτική αναστροφή της συμμετοχής μας τα τελευταία χρόνια. Ομοίως, πρέπει να συγχαρούμε όλους τους αποφοίτους μας (δείτε πληροφορίες σε αυτό το Δελτίο). Είμαστε πολύ υπερήφανοι για όλους σας και σας εύχομαι το καλύτερο στις μελλοντικές σας προσπάθειες. Ελπίζω και προσεύχομαι να απολαύσετε μια ευτυχισμένη και υγιά καλοκαιρινή περίοδο. Παρακαλώ να προσέχετε τα μηνύματα του ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου όπου σκοπεύουμε να παρουσιάσουμε κάποιες δραστηριότητες για την νεολαία και την οικογένεια κατά τη διάρκεια του καλοκαιριού. Επίσης, να έχετε υπ όψιν ότι οι ακολουθίες συνεχίζονται και τους καλοκαιρινούς μήνες και θα ήταν ωραίο να σας δούμε στην Εκκλησία. Αν έχετε ιδέες ή προτάσεις για το επόμενο έτος, τώρα είναι η στιγμή να τις μοιρασθήτε και γνωστοποιήσετε. Τέλος, να έχετε κατά νου το πικνίκ Καλωσορίσματος (σημειώστε το στο ημερολόγιά σας) για Εγγραφή στις διάφορες υπηρεσίες την Κυριακή, 11 ην Σεπτεμβρίου Ειλικρινά, Γιώργος Ρασσιάς

7 Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity St. Agape Chapter Dear Philoptochos Ladies and Parishioners, Our wonderful Ladies of Philoptochos had a very busy and fruitful year. We had a successful Bid N Buy Luncheon, Community Communion Breakfast, Vasilopita Luncheon, and Palm Sunday Luncheon, all of which support our Parish and our National & Local Charities. I thank all the ladies and parishioners that participated and helped us fulfill our Philoptochos Mission. As we look forward to our new Ecclesiastical year we urge all women, aged 18 and older, to consider joining Philoptochos. We need your support to continue our mission. We welcome you to join us at our annual Welcome Back Picnic in September. Remember we will continue to serve at the Emmanuel Dining Room during the Summer and we thank all the families that support this Feed the Hungry initiative. We wish everyone a wonderful and relaxing Summer in which we are rejuvenated to continue our philanthropic endeavors in the Fall. In Christ s Service, Georgia Halakos End of the Year Luncheon - May Tonic Grille & Restaurant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kollyva for Memorials Our Philoptochos Society would like to thank two of its members, Vasiliki Kromedas, for her generous offer to prepare the kollyva for any family of our community and donate the money for our Philoptochos charities, and Loula Kapordelis for helping her. The cost will be $100 which will include the Prosforon and the wine. Please allow at least a week and call Alexandra Tsaganos at who will contact Vasiliki. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

8 Philoptochos Feed the Hungry Initiative As part of the Feed the Hungry Initiative we have begun sponsoring meals at Emmanuel Dining Room East on the 30 th, 1 st, 2 nd, and 17 th of each month. We have permanent sponsors on three of the days. We thank the Tsionas, Mistras, and Bacchieri Families as well as the Season s Family. In April, the 4 th day was sponsored by the Karakasidis Family and in May will be sponsored by Henry and Ester Irrthum. If you would like to help us out by sponsoring a month please contact Soula We thank our sponsors for their selfless giving to those in need. April: Karakasidis Family Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family May: Henry & Esther Irrthum Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family June: Ted & Kathy Michell Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family July: Gus & Elaine Michell Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family August: George & Yvonne Vassilatos Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family September: Fran & Susie Kelleher Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family October: Pat s Pizza Family Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family November: (PUT YOUR FAMILY HERE) Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family December: (PUT YOUR FAMILY HERE) Mistras & Bacchieri Families Halakos Family Tsionas Family The Sunday School Awards and Graduation Reading: He that was greater than all who are born of women, the Prophet who received God's testimony that he surpassed all the Prophets, was born of the aged and barren Elizabeth (Luke 1: 7) and filled all his kinsmen, and those that lived round about, with gladness and wonder. But even more wondrous was that which followed on the eighth day when he was circumcised, that is, the day on which a male child receives his name. Those present called him Zacharias, the name of his father. But the mother said, "Not so, but he shall be called John." Since the child's father was unable to speak, he was asked, by means of a sign, to indicate the child's name. He then asked for a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And immediately Zacharias' mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed from its silence of nine months, and filled with the Holy Spirit, he blessed the God of Israel, Who had fulfilled the promises made to their fathers, and had visited them that were sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and had sent to them the light of salvation. Zacharias prophesied concerning the child also, saying that he would be a Prophet of the Most High and Forerunner of Jesus Christ. And the child John, who was filled with grace, grew and waxed strong in the Spirit; and he was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel (Luke 1:57-80). His name is a variation of the Hebrew "Johanan," which means "Yah is gracious." Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone: O Prophet and Forerunner of the presence of Christ, we who fervently honor you cannot worthily praise you. For by your revered and glorious birth the barrenness of your mother and the muteness of your father were unbound, and the incarnation of the Son of God is proclaimed to the world. Kontakion in the Third Tone: She that once was barren doth today bring forth Christ's Forerunner, John, the culmination and the crown of all the Prophets. For when he, in River Jordan, laid his hand on Him Whom the Prophets preached aforetime, he was revealed as God the Word's fore-chosen Prophet, His mighty preacher, and His Forerunner in grace. Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery / Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press / Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery

9 DON T FORGET... FESTIVAL 2016 Our Festival is right around the corner and, as always, we need your help to pull off this monumental task! Please call your booth chair today and volunteer your time, talent and treasure to your booth and to our parish! GREEK FESTIVAL -Tuesday, June 7 - Saturday, June 11 25,000 Dolmades Trays Mousaka Trays Pastichio... WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR FINAL PREP! Sweets are next - contact the Philoptochos or the Daughters of Penelope to offer your help! Work Station or Booth Booth Chairs Telephone Church Tours Fr. Christos Christofidis (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Inside Dining Room Gus Caras (302) Georgia Halakos (302) Catherine Stathakis (302) Peter Xarhoulakos (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Outdoor Take-out booth Demitri, Yanni, & Evangelos Halakos (302) Loula Kapordelis (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gyro booth George Rassias (610) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Souvlaki booth John Kostas (302) Emanuel Fournaris (302) George Fournaris (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Calamari/FF/ Spiros Mantzavinos (302) Spanakopita booth Chris Sarmousakis ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Loukoumades booth Anamaria & Anthoula Anagnostou (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pastries - Hall balcony Ladies of Philoptochos (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pastries - outdoor booth Marika Sarmousakis (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bars Nick Karavasilis (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Money room Tom Karas- HTC Treasurer (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Outdoor Soda booth GOYA (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kitchen Demitri Halakos (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Outside Grounds Tom Diamanty (302) John Koninis, Jr. (302) Lou Novakis (610) George Tsavalas (302) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PLEASE OFFER YOUR HELP!! WE NEED YOU!!!

10 John Pedraza made Honorable Mention at Metropolis Level St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival CONGRATS JOHN!! Our Myrophores Our GOYAn s wrap eggs for Pascha!

11 Holy Trinity GOYA sponsors Easter Egg Hunt Sadly the rain forced our Egg Hunt indoors but a great time was had by all who attended! The bounty was plentiful!

12 Holy Friday Youth Retreat

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14 Christos Anesti Alithos Anesti

15 Bartholomew and Barnabas the Holy Apostles (Feast Day: June 11) Reading: Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles, and had Galilee as his homeland; this is all that is known of him for certain according to the history of the Gospels. Concerning his apostolic work, certain say that he preached in Arabia and Persia, and especially in India, bringing to them the Gospel written by Saint Matthew, which had been written originally in Hebrew, and which was found there one hundred years later by Pantaenus, formerly a stoic philosopher and later an illustrious teacher of the Christian school in Alexandria (see Eusebius, Eccl. Hist., 5: 10). Other accounts say that he went to Armenia. According to some, he ended his life by being crucified, or by being flayed alive, in Albanopolis (Urbanopolis) of Armenia. This also confirms an ancient tradition preserved by the Armenians. According to some, Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same person, because the Evangelists who mention Bartholomew do not mention Nathanael; and John, who alone mentions Nathanael as one of the Twelve, says nothing of Bartholomew. Indeed, Bartholomew is a patronymic, "son of Talmai," which means "bold, spirited" (see also Jesus of Navi 15:14; II Kings 3:3), and Nathanael could have had this as a surname. According to the Synaxarion of the Menaion on April 22, however, it is Simon the Zealot and Nathanael who are the same; the Evangelists who mention Simon the Zealot (or "the Cananite") do not mention Nathanael. Saint Barnabas, one of the Seventy, was from Cyprus, of the tribe of Levi, and a fellow disciple with Paul under Gamaliel. He was called Joses, but was renamed Barnabas, which means "son of consolation," perhaps to distinguish him from the Joses called Barsabas and surnamed Justus (Acts 1:23). Saint Barnabas had a field, which he sold and brought the money to the Apostles (Acts 4:36-37). Before the conversion of Saul to Paul, it was Barnabas who was the leader of the Seventy Apostles, the first in preaching and chief spokesman. After Saul's vision on the road to Damascus, it was Barnabas who joined him to the Apostles when the others, because of Saul's reputation as a persecutor of the Church, still feared him (Acts 9:26-27); again it was Saint Barnabas who conscripted Paul as a preacher, bringing him from Tarsus to Antioch after the stoning of Stephen, to assist in spreading the Gospel (Acts 11:25-26). Saint Barnabas preached the Gospel in many places, traveled together with Paul, and finally was stoned to death by the Jews in his native Cyprus. During the reign of Zeno, in the year 478, his sacred relics were found, having on his chest the Gospel according to Matthew written in Greek by Barnabas' own hand. This Gospel was brought to Zeno. Because of this the Church of Cyprus received the right of autonomy, and its archbishop was given the privilege, like the emperor, of signing his decrees and encyclicals in vermilion. Apolytikion in the Third Tone O Holy Apostles, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone To the Church thou hast appeared as a great daystar; with thy teachings as thy rays and beams of awesome miracles, thou hast enlightened those praising thee, the Lord's Apostle, O sacred Bartholomew. To thy Lord, O Barnabas, thou wast a genuine servant; and among the Seventy Apostles, thou wast the foremost; and with Paul, thou shonest brightly in thy wise preaching, making known unto all men Christ Jesus, the Saviour. For this cause, we celebrate thy divine memorial with hymns and spiritual songs. Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery / Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery / Icon courtesy of St. Isaac's Skete The Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles (Feast Day: June 30) Reading: The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9). Apolytikion in the Third Tone O Holy Apostles, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins. Kontakion in the Second Tone O Lord, receive the steadfast and divinely voiced preachers, the pinnacle of Your disciples, unto their rest and the enjoyment of Your blessings. You received, above every offering, their labors and their life. You alone know what the heart holds. Reading courtesy of Narthex Press / Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press / Kontakion courtesy of Narthex Press

16 Διάφορα Δρ. Κώστας Γ. Φούντζουλας Δύο μεγάλες ημέρες Υπάρχουν δύο ημέρες στις ΗΠΑ που χωρίς να είναι θρησκευτικές ημέρες, πιστεύω ότι είναι όχι μόνο εθνικές ημέρες αλλά έχουν ταυτοχρόνως και παγκόσμιο χαρακτήρα. Είναι Η Ημέρα Μνήμης των Νεκρών (στρατιωτών), και Η Ημέρα της Αμερικάνικης Ανεξαρτησίας γνωστή και σαν 4η Ιουλίου. Η Ημέρα Μνήμης άρχισε να εορτάζεται μετά το τέλος του Εμφυλίου Πολέμου προς τιμήν των νεκρών στρατιωτών αυτού του καταστροφικού πολέμου που όμως σήμανε και την δημιουργία των συγχρόνων Η.Π.Α. Ήταν αναπόφευκτο, με τον καιρό αυτήν την ημέρα να τιμάται επίσης και η μνήμη των προσφιλών νεκρών μας, που είναι η τελευταία Δευτέρα του Μαίου. Κάθε λαός, κάθε έθνος τιμά τους δικούς του νεκρούς στρατιώτες, και ειδικά αυτούς που επεσαν για την ελευθερία και ανεξαρτησία του. Αυτοί οι νεκροί έδωσαν το υπέρτατο αγαθό για την ελευθερία της πατρίδας τους, την ζωή τους. Ας μην λησμονούμε, το ότι τήδε κείμεθα, τοις κείνων ρήμασι πειθόμενοι των αρχαίων Σπαρτιατών, που σήμαινε αναπαυόμαστε υπακούοντας στις διαταγές τους. Η άλλη μεγάλη ημέρα είναι η 4 η Ιουλίου, ή Ημέρα της Ανεξαρτησίας Την 4 ην Ιουλίου 1776 οι άποικοι της Αμερικής (ΗΠΑ) εκήρυξαν την ανεξαρτησία τους από την Μεγάλη Βρετανία και την γέννηση της Δημοκρατίας. Ένα έθνος υπό τον Θεό, αδιαίρετο, με ελευθερία και δικαιοσύνη για όλους (από την Δέσμευση της Αφοσιώσεως). Σαν Αμερικάνοι Ελληνικής καταγωγής, που επίσης τιμούμε την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας, καταλαβαίνουμε πολύ καλά την σημασία αυτής της Ημέρας που έγινε αφορμή, να δημιουργηθή η σημερινή αυτοκρατορία μας, μία αυτοκρατορία μεταναστών από όλες τις γωνιές του κόσμου. Οι περισσότεροι κάτοικοι αυτής της αυτοκρατορίας, απ' όπου κι αν ήλθαν στις φιλόξενες ακτές της Νέας Γής, όπου εόρταζαν την ανεξαρτησία της δικής τους πατρίδας, αγκάλιασαν την 4 η Ιουλίου σαν δική τους ημέρα από την πρώτη στιγμή. Η ελευθερία δεν χαρίζεται αλλά κερδίζεται με αίμα. Ας είναι ελαφρύ το χώμα των νεκρών μας, ανδρών και γυναικών που μας χάρισαν μία ελεύθερη, δημοκρατική χώρα. Various Dr. Costas G. Fountzoulas Two great days. There are two non-religious days in USA, which I believe can be considered national days with an international meaning and importance as well. These are the Memorial Day and the 4 th of July, also known as American) Independence Day. Memorial Day originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. As tragic as the Civil War was, its end marked the creation of contemporary USA. It was unavoidable though, at this day, the memory of our beloved dead to be commemorated as well, thus giving to that day an additional meaning. This day is celebrated at the last Monday of May. It is worthwhile to remember that every people, every nation honors and commemorates their fallen men and women, but in particular those who fell for the liberty and independence. Those dead gave their life, the supreme good, for the liberty of their country. Let us not forget the ancient Spartan epitaph "O Stranger, send the news home to the people of Sparta that here we are laid to rest: the commands they gave us have been obeyed." 4 th of July, also known as Independence Day, is the second great day. On July 4 th 1776, the USA colonists claimed their independence from Great Britain and the American Democracy was born. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all (Pledge of Allegiance). As Americans of Hellenic origin, who also honor the Greek Independence Day on March 25 th, we understand very well the real meaning of that Day. This Day was the reason for the creation of our contemporary empire, with a written constitution for the first time in human history, an empire of immigrants from every corner of the world. Most of the people of this empire, no matter what was their country of origin where they used to commemorate their own independence day, soon thereafter they arrived at the hospitable coasts of the New World, they adopted 4 th of July as their own Day. Freedom is not a gift but is earned with blood. Let the soil covering our dead, men and women, who gave us a free and democratic country be light.

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18 We graciously thank the 95 parishioners who have stepped up and made a pledge for the restoration project. Adamopoulos, Christos & Nancy Agriantonis, Demetrios & Saori Anastassiades, Andreas & Aglaia Apostolakis, Nicholas & Irene Apostolatos, Evaggelos Bacchieri, Gregg & Stacey Boines-Pierson, Georgia Brewster, John & Eleftheria Burpulis, Memory of Costa Caras, Constantine & Maria Christopher, Michael & Soula Christou, Vasilis & Alexandra Colborn, Brian & Nicole Constantinou, George Constantinou, John & Carol Demourtzidis, Nick & Daphne Diamanty, Tom & Sue Diamond, Anthony & Lauren Drimones, Clara Drimones, Nicholas Faller, James & Catherine Fournaris, Emmanuel & Evie Ganiaris, Memory of Fr. Stamatios Gatanis, Theodore Gatos, Paula George, Mary Gianelos, James & Stacey Giannaras, Memory of Basil & Demetra Giannaris, Memory of Fr George Graham, Alton & Catherine Grigorakakis, Maria Halakos, Demitris & Georgia Halakos, Evangelos & Donna Halakos, Ioannis & Effie Haldas, Thomas & Prudy Hatzis, Thomas & Georgia Hatzis, Nicholas & Katherine Hernjak, Nicholas Humphrey, Caroline Issaris, Katherine Johnson, Margo & Fred Kantakis, Memory of George Karakasidis, John & Vickie Karakasidis, Stephanos & Evangelia Karas, George Karas, Tom Kimbiris, George & Beatrice Kirifides, Lazarus & Helen Kirifides, Michael & Kerry Klezaras III, Michael Koninis II, John & Evdoxia Kostas, John & Gale Kress, William & Bess Lazare, John & Sandra Markatos, Harry & Susan McFarland, Antoinette Michell, Constantine & Elaine Michell, Theodore & Catherine Nicholas, Steve Oikonomou, Georgios & Lena Papachrysanthou, Chris & Popi Papachrysanthou, George & Laura Papettas, Vasilis & Christine Pappas, Helen Pat's Pizza Phillips, Pauline Psaltis, Thomas & Cindy Psaltis, Nicholas & Sophia Psaltis, John Raisis, Leo & Irene Rassias, George & Amalea Rassias, Peter & Julie Riggins, Margaret Righos, George & Elaine Roussalis, John & Valerie Sarmousakis, George & Tessie Sartin, Nimrah & Deborah Savopoulos, Virginia Snell, Bryan & Pauline Stevens, Richard & Penny Stout, Robert & Voula Tangalidis, Dimitrios & Maria Terris, Costa & Clara Tsaganos, Anthony & Joanna Tsaganos, Nicholas & Joanna Tsaganos, Robert & Kaliopi Tsakumis, George & Julie Tsavalas, George & Yvonne Valko, Regina Vassilatos, George & Yvonne Vice, Elaine & Billy Wolcott, Josiah & Paraskevi Xarhoulakos, Peter Zerefos, Demetrios & Tina Ziccarelli, Louis & Catherine Zinna, Anthony & Nina Please use the form on the next page and send in your pledge today! NOTE: 95 out of 412 in 2015 Stewards is 23% participation. Let us try to do better.

19 Preserving and Restoring our Beautiful Church One Brick at a Time Your Capital Campaign pledge will be welcome and appreciated! Over $15,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 Other Payable as follows with your check made payable to HTGOC Restoration Fund: 1st Quarter of 2016 $ 1st Quarter of 2017 $ Signature: Capital Campaign To contribute, please send your donation to: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ATTN: Capital Campaign 808 North Broom Street Wilmington, DE As of today, 95 parishioners have made a pledge to help our community. Please join them as we raise the funds needed to restore and preserve our Holy Trinity Church. Your Community Needs you! Pledged 2015 To be paid by 2016 To be paid by April 1, 2017 TOTAL Pledged PAID as of DEC 2015 PAID in 2016 Total # of Parishioners Pledged TOTALS $192, $185, $98, $476, $192, $163, Pledges to date represent 47% of our $1,000, goal Thank you for your commitment to our Community!

20 Financial Stewards of holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 2016 Adamopoulos, Demetrios + Adamopoulos, Chris & Nancy Agriantonis, Demetri & Saori Al-Annouf, Nabil & Rabia Batah Alexandratos, Angelos Alexandridis, Thanos Alexopoulos, Demetrios & Lauren Alexopoulos, John & Elena Anagnostou, Anamaria Anagnostou, Anthoula Anagnostou, Mary Anastassiades, Andreas & Litsa Andrianopoulos, Faith Angeletakis, Christos & Christina Anton, Anthony & Lucille Apessos, Spyros & Maria Apostolakis, Nicholas & Irene Archbell, Marianne & Christopher Atsidis, Kostas & Eutichia Baker, Stephanie Bambacus, Meropi Bouloukos, Harry & Anastasia Brewster, John & Eleftheria Brown, Sean & Maria Burpulis, John & Mary Burpulis, Maria Burpulis, Stamatis Caras, Constantine & Maria Chahalis, Maria Chambers, George & Katherine Chappel, Jane Charalambides, Dino& Nia Chilimidos, Dennis & Effie Christofidis, Fr Christos & Pres Ioanna Christou, Vasilios & Alexandra Coates, Efthia & George Colborn, Brian & Nicole Colello, Alexandra Colyvas, Peter Costis, Gus & Patsy Coulaloglou, Michele & Costas Courtis, Harry & Sophia Coustenis, Robert & Katherine Cozamanis, Olympia Cusanelli, Patrick Dalianis, John & Vicky Daskalopoulos, James & Nikki Demetriou, Spyros & Anna Demourtzidis, Joseph & Eirini Demourtzidis, Nikolaos & Daphne Diamanty, Thomas & Sue Diamond, Athanasios & Debbie Diamond, Anthony & Lauren Diamond, John & Susan Dickey, Irene Diniakos, Demetri Dougherty, Mark & Eleni Doukakis, Helen Drimones, Clara Drimones, Nicholas Eliades, Sophie Faller, James & Catherine Ferentinos, Joan Fotakos, Leonidas & Sophia Fountzoulas, Costas & Audrey Fournakis, Kathleen Fournaris, Anna Fournaris, Constantine Fournaris, Emmanuel & Evie Fournaris, George & Aspasia Frangia, Stephen Galanakis, Ekaterini Ganiaris, Pres. Joan Ganoudis, Joanna Gatanis, Theodore Gatos, Paula Geanopoulos, Georgiean Geanopoulos, Katy Geanopoulos, Tulla George, Mary Geralis, Loula Gianelos, James & Stacie Giannaris, Pres. Mary Giannatos, Gerry & Anna Gotides, Virginia Graham, Alton & Catherine Gray, David & Eugenia Grigorakakis, Maria Grivas, Christopher & Michelle Grivas, Demetrios & Helen Guajardo, Evangelina Halakos, Billy Halakos, Demitris & Georgia Halakos, Evangelos & Donna Halakos, Ioannis & Effie Haldas, Harry Haldas, Nicholas & Rodie Haldas, Thomas & Prudy Hann, Eugenia & Gary Hantzandreou, George & Diane Hantzandreou, Katerina Haralambidis, Maroula Hatzis, Nicholas & Katherine Hernjak, Nicholas Hoddinott, Christina & Jonathan Hondry, Joan Humphrey, Caroline Ioannou, Ida Issaris, Katherine Joannides, Joseph & Alice Johnson, Margo Joseck, Fred & Xanthy Kamenakis, George & Effie Kamenakis, Peter Kapordelis, Loula Karablacas, Helen Karablacas, Stelios Karablacas, Virginia Karakasidis, Demetrios & Eleni Karakasidis, John & Vickie Karakasidis, Stephanos & Evangelia Karaoglanis, Eleftherios & Niki Karas, George M. Karas, Tom Karas, Yianni Karavasilis, Nicholas & Foula Kehagias, Vasilis & Irini Keros, Georgia Kimbiris, George & Beatriz Kirifides, Alexander & Kathy Kirifides, Lazarus & Helen Kirifides, Michael & Kerry Kirtses, Petros & Athy Klezaras, Michael & Kathy Klezaras III, Michael Kolialis, John & Rosemary Kollias, Georgia Kolovos, Dimitrios & Fani Koninis, Christina Koninis, John & Anastasia Koninis II, John & Evdoxia Kontis, Gus & Cindy Kontomaris, Kostas & Melissa Kostas, John & Gale Kourpas, Elias & Chrystallo Mouza Koutsoukos, Yiannis & Sevy Kramedas, Gregory & Matoula Kramedas, Maria Kromedas, Constantinos & Vasiliki Kyranakis, John Kyziridis, Ioannis & Panagiota Laletas/Brockett, Ernest & Barbara Lawson, Michael & Victoria Lazare, John & Sandra Lazaridis, Anastasis & Christina Lazaridis, Nina Lazopoulos, John & Christina Little, Mary Logulla, Francis & Despiona Long, Irene MacKewiz, W. Lee & Irene Manis, Voula & John Manoloudis, Michael & Kandi Mantzavinos, Chris & Mary Mantzavinos, Spiros & Megan Maravelias, Angelique Maravelias, James & Diana Marini, Irene Marinis, Sotirios Markatos, Harry & Susan Marusiodis, Kaliope Mavridis, Prodromos & Maria Michell, Constantine & Elaine Michell, Theodore & Catherine Michell, Vasilis & Megan Milionis, Constantine Misogianes, Milt & Carol Moutsatsos, George & Alexia Nannas, Theodore & Alexandra Nicholas, Steve Nicholas, William Novakis, Louis Ochlemacher, Leo & Evangeline Pagonis, Marcos & Cheryl Pandelakis, Denis & Anna Pantelopulos, Anthony & Daphne Papachrysanthou, Chris & Popi Papanicolas, Maria Papettas, Vasilis & Christina Pappas, Dean & Zoe Pappas, Elizabeth Pappas, Lois Pappas, Sandra Pappoulis, Demetra Phalangas, Charalambos & Mary Phillips, Pauline Pierson, Vetta & Charles Pittaoulis, Steve Popescu, Chris & Viktoria Poulos, Marika Psaltis, John Psaltis, Nickolas & Sophia Psaltis, Thomas & Cindy Psihalinos, George & Athina Raisis, Leonidas & Irene Raisis, Spiros Ranalli, Anthony & Marie Rassias, Dion & Gina Rassias, George & Amalea Rassias, Peter & Julie Regas, Constantine Riggins, Margaret Righos, George & Elaine Roussalis, Valerie & John Saitis, Mary Savopoulos, Basil & Despina Savopoulos, Virginia Schillinger, Robert & Karen Shoemaker, Melissa Snell, Bryan & Pauline Soccio, Stephen & Antonia Staikos, Nicholas & Eirini Stathakis, Catherine Stavropoulos, John & Xanthy Stavru, Nicholas & Maria Stevens, Richard, & Penny Stout, Bob & Voula Tangalidis, Dimitrios & Maria Tarabicos, Christina Tarabicos, James & Sophia Tarabicos, John & Joanne Tawfik, Emad & Soultana Terris, Costas & Clara Terss, Eugenia Theodorakis, Stamatis & Lisa Tsaganos, George & Alexandra Tsaganos, Nicholas & Joanne Tsaganos, Robert & Popi Tsakataras, George Tsakataras, Nikki Tsakumis, George & Julia Tsavalas, George & Yvonne Tsionas, Angela Tsionas, Efthimios & Anna Tsoukalas, Frideriki Tsoukalas, Stavroula Tsoukalas, Harry & Niki Tsugranes, George & Penny

21 Financial Stewards of holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 2016 continued Turley, Steve & Akiko Valko, Regina VanVures, John Vassilatos, George & Yvonne Vassiliou, Kleoniki Velitskakis, Steve & Karen Vice, Billy & Elaine Visvardis, Socrates & Ruth Vouras, Nicholas Wilkinson, Clifford & Suzanne Wissman, Charles & Vaya Wissman, Charles Wolcott, Josiah & Paraskevi Xarhoulakos, Peter Yiannos, Stella Zaloga, Paul & Joann Zambetis, Paul & Zoe Zerefos, Demetri & Tina Zerefos, Markos & Eugenia Ziccarelli, Louis & Catherine Zographos, Nicholas & Katherine Pledged and/or Paid as of May 25, 2016 If you have not sent in your 2016 pledge, Please do so today!

22 Happy Birthday to Maria Kountourzis Sophia Psaltis & Chris Papachrysanthou Hronia Polla! The Heart will meet this month the 3rd Thursday in 12pm in the AHEPA Room We hope to see you there! GOYA NEWS On Thursday, June 2nd the GOYAns will go watch the Phillies for Greek Heritage Night at Citizens Bank Park. The fun begins at 7:05pm - Call the church office for ticket information. On Thursday, June 6:30pm we will have our END OF YEAR PARTY and hold ELECTIONS at the Halakos Home. Please RSVP to Georgia or the Church Office We hope you will join us for FOOD, FUN, FELLOWSHIP! On Saturday, June 25 we will join the other youth from the community and go to Washington D.C. Please see the flyer in this bulletin for more information! Please take a moment to read about our Mission & future plans on the next page! We hope you have a great summer full of REST & RELAXTION, so you can be REJUVINATED & READY to join us in September! Blessings for a safe and happy summer, Dia Halakos

23 GOYA NOTICE TO ALL YEAR OLDS AND THEIR PARENTS: It's never too early to start looking ahead and before we find ourselves wrapped up in our summer plans, please take the time to consider the benefits of participating in the GOYA Program. All children ages (and in the 7 th -12 th grades) are welcome. The GOYA program helps our youth to gather and enjoy fellowship. The coming year will include a wide variety of programs including: Welcome Back Get-Together; an overnight Retreat with our sister Delaware Valley parishes (DVYC) to kick off the year; Greek Dancing; Basketball; Sights and Sounds workshop and competition; Dances, Service Projects and fundraisers with the DVYC, and perhaps hosting the first ever Metropolis of New Jersey basketball tournament that could be the largest of its kind in the country. In addition, the GOYANs will participate in many activities as they have in the past trips to New York, local Service Projects, basketball tournaments, Annapolis Dance Festival, amusement park or beach trips. We also hope to reinstitute the Bible Studies that will provide a unique forum for interaction with Father Chris to discuss our faith. Our GOYAns will be expected to devote themselves to Sunday School and Altar Service and encouraged to participate in the Oratorical Festival. But what we really hope is that you will be a part of this terrific experience and bring your own ideas and experiences to share and enhance the group. Similarly, we hope the parents of GOYAns will not only encourage their children to participate, but also seek to get involved themselves in an advisory capacity. We hope the roots of spirituality and fellowship planted in GOYA will inspire our youth (and their entire families) to continue to grow in our Church.

24 HOLY TRINITY REGISTRY Baptisms: Evangelos Agriantos, son of Demetrios & Saori Agriantos was baptized in our church on May 14th. His sponsor was George Kimbiris. We congratulate his parents and sponsor and welcome Evangelos into the Orthodox faith. Athanasios Charalambides, son of Dino & Nia Charalambides was baptized in our church on May 14th. His sponsor was Evie Fournaris. We congratulate his parents and sponsor and welcome Athanasios into the Orthodox faith. Weddings: Stavroula Tsoukalas & Robert Richardson, were united in marriage on May 7th. The sponsors were John & Stacey Pennias. We congratulate the newly united in Christ and pray our Lord will bless them always. Funerals: Dean Pappas fell asleep in the Lord on April 30 th.his funeral was held here at Holy Trinity on May 5th. Dean is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Zoe Pappas, his two children, Dimitri & his wife Stephanie and Aleni and her husband Anthony Kyriakakis, and four grandchildren. His is also survivied by his sister, Marina Zazanis, as will as six nephews and three nieces. May his memory be eternal. Memorials: Joanne Righos McGhee ~ 40 Day ~ May 8 Tulla Geanopoulos ~ 40 Day ~ May 15 Dean Pappas ~ 40 Day ~ June 12 Konstantine Gus Tsionas ~ 3 Year ~ June 12 An Artoclasia was offered on May 21st in honor of Sts Constantine & Helen by Nicholas & Eirini Staikos for the health and well being of their family. When you pray "THROUGH EVERY PRAYER AND ENTREATY REMAIN IN CONSTANT SUPPLICATION AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT BEING WATCHFUL IN THIS WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL THE SAINTS." EPHESIANS 6:18 Prayers for Health... Andreas Anna Antoinette Barbara Caroline Catherine Chris Christa Christine Clara Daphne Doug Elaine Eleni Emma Ethan Faye George Gerasimos Gregg Gus Jacob Jason Jeremy Katherine Kathryn Maria Marika Mary Matina Michael Nicholas Peter Rachel Samantha Sophia Spyros Stephanie Stephen Taylor Tena Theophania We ask that you give baptismal names only.

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26 AHEPA Chapter, Wilmington #95Celebrates its 90th ANNIVERSARY On February 14, 2016, we celebrated ninety years from the inception of the AHEPA Chapter Wilmington #95, and today it is very appropriate to recall the dedication of its first members to the ideals of Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic responsibility and Individual and Family excellence. We, as the descendants of the founders of this worthy organization, must never forget the names of those heroic men and women and the sacrifices they made to raise their families, educate their children and struggle to reach and maintain Individual and Family excellence as they agonized to attain the American Dream. Most of all, we must never forget their love and strong belief in Orthodoxy, and their church, the Holy Trinity, which they built with prayers, tears, and hard work. May their memory be everlasting. The first Greek immigrants arrived in Wilmington Delaware in the year 1896, and soon after, they formed the Homer Club, an organization that helped the new Americans maintain their ancestral traditions, their language, and their Orthodox Christian faith. The second floor of a business entity, located at 9th and Market Streets in downtown Wilmington, became the place where they met to share joyful events and mourn dear family members. Occasionally, a Priest would visit the Greek community from NY City, or from a nearby community to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and offer Holy Communion to the faithful. Although most of the Greeks had been received well by the residents of Wilmington, we must not forget that the city was just north of the Mason-Dixon line, and attitudes towards newcomers in this area were reflecting feelings of segregation and suspicion for strangers. On February 14, 1926, a delegation arrived from Atlanta, Georgia and asked the Wilmington Greeks to join the Order of AHEPA, a newly formed organization, whose mission was to unify Greeks and protect them against discrimination, while teaching them to become good American citizens. That day, February 14, 1926, was the birthday of Wilmington s AHEPA Chapter #95, almost thirteen years before the Greek Community of Wilmington was formally organized (7/20/1939). Then, as it was the process nationally, the primary function of the early AHEPA was to Americanize the newly immigrated Greeks as well as organize Greek communities for the purpose of erecting houses of worship. One of the first known Greeks to settle in Wilmington in the year 1896 was John Govatos. Appropriately, he was a central figure in the early years, and he became a three consecutive term AHEPA's first president in Wilmington. He quickly asserted himself as a successful entrepreneur in Wilmington and became known as "Barba Yiannis" to Wilmington Greeks. If a Greek needed assistance, he only had to contact Barba Yiannis. John Govatos went on to become Supreme Treasurer of National AHEPA. In 1932, the Wilmington Greek Community was incorporated, and another well known AHEPAn, Gregory Kramedas, was elected as the Greek Community's first Parish President. Ninety percent of the members of a committee which was formed to build a church, were AHEPAns. In July 1948, during an AHEPA District Convention, the cornerstone of Holy Trinity was laid, and the AHEPA Chapter contributed $5,000 to the church building fund. An additional $500 was donated to paint the church interior. The Chapter also provided funds to defray iconography costs. As an expression of appreciation, the Parish Council dedicated the Chapter s present meeting room to AHEPA with the inscription To be known as the AHEPA Room. The icons of the 4 Evangelists on the columns that support the church dome, and two of the Prophets on the dome, painted by Leo Laskaris, were a gift of the Wilmington Chapter. (the Four Evangelists replaced in 2004 due to deterioration from exposure to ultra-violet light, along with other iconography). The iconostas and the Bishop s throne were the gift of two AHEPA brothers, James and Dr. George Boines. Every were you will look in the church you will find items and icons dedicated to the church by members of AHEPA. Since the establishment of the Greek Orthodox community in Wilmington, almost all of its Parish Council Presidents came from the ranks of AHEPA.

27 In addition to the goal of building Holy Trinity, the Wilmington Chapter sold more World War II War Bonds than any of the 500 chapters in the nation. Also raised over $538,000 for the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece. Sets of Greek Classics were donated to all the high schools in Wilmington, the University of Delaware Library, and the Wilmington Institute Free Library. Over the years, the AHEPA Family in Wilmington has been a supporter of church building activities. In the early 1970s, the Sons and Maids helped with interior maintenance and holiday decoration of the church. They also donated the original basketball backboards in the Hellenic Community Center. The Daughters and AHEPA were contributors to the Hellenic Center, with proceeds from our 1973 District Convention earmarked for that effort. In recent years, donated toward the church's air conditioning, church repairs, and spearheaded the drive to build the handicap ramp. Members of AHEPA and the Daughters have also played key roles in our church's annual festival. In the year 2004, we made an investment in Hellenic Education, and we founded the Odyssey Charter School as an expression of appreciation to the Wilmington community-at-large, for accepting our pioneers, helping them achieve the American Dream, and for the preservation of our Greek Language. Today 1145 students, in grades K to 8 attend this excellent school. Our Chapter is active in Justice for Cyprus and Cooley's anemia. Donations have been made to Special Olympics and natural disaster relief, like earthquakes, the relief of man-made terror, and we support the orphans at St. Basil's Academy. The Wilmington Chapter #95 has maintained its strength through the bond of Brotherhood we enjoy, and we strive to practice the precepts we pledged upon entrance into the Order. They are Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility and Family Excellence. While the goals of AHEPA have changed as times dictate, Brotherhood is the constant that has kept our purpose in perspective. Today as we celebrate the 90th Anniversary in the history of the Wilmington Chapter #95, we look upon a new and younger generation leadership to guide our Chapter and continue our traditions. The Wilmington Chapter membership, faithful to its tradition, continues to support our Church. For the past 14 years, representing our Holy Trinity Church, on every 30th of each month, members of AHEPA prepare and serve a meal to some 300 needy persons of our Wilmington community. The Wilmington Chapter #95 has been raising funds to support the 5th District Cancer Research Foundation since its inception in To this date, the 5th District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation, with the support of all the 18 AHEPA Chapters of New Jersey and Delaware, has provided grants in excess of $1 million to researchers who work to find the cure for cancer. Since 2007, the year after the opening of the Odyssey Charter School, the Chapter has been holding a 5K AHEPA Run for the benefit of the school, an annually major gift that provides equipment and necessary student supplies for the school's students. The Chapter continues to support the efforts of the Ministry of Caring by offering gift baskets that include Greek food, for this philanthropic organization's Silent Auction activities. Additionally, the Chapter continues to support the work of various Philanthropic, Educational, and Greek Cultural organizations. This in a very brief summary of the many activities of the Wilmington Chapter #95 and it does not include the pride, tears, pain, joy and happiness our brother AHEPAns feel while discharging their duty for Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Individual & Family Excellence. Happy 90 th Birthday AHEPA. May the blessings of the Omnipotent God and Resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ be always with you, and the AHEPA members and their families, as they seek to serve Him and humanity. I like to invite all of you who are not members of AHEPA, to please fill out an application to join us in this superb organization. It will be one of the best decisions you have ever made in your life, to join this fraternal organization, the actions of which serve well our Church, our Hellenism, Education and Philanthropy. Thank you, Michael Kirifides, President AHEPA Chapter #95

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29 Serving in May Narthex Duty: June 5 ~ Group 1 June 12 ~ Group 2 June 19 ~ Group 1 June 26 ~ Group 2 July 3 ~ Group 1 July 10 ~ Group 2 July 17 ~ Group 1 July 24 ~ Group 2 July 31 ~ Group 1 ALTAR SERVERS Alexios Angeletakis Athanasios Bodine Matthew Christofidis Chris Coulaloglou Theodore Fessaras Constantinos Fournaris Lazarus Kirifides Markos Zerefos Yianni Zerefos Prosforon Offerers June 5 ~ Katina Zographos June 12 ~ Maria Grigorakakis June 19 ~ Eugenia Zerefos June 26 ~ Sophia Regas July 3 ~ Katina Galanakis July 10 ~ Niki Karaoglanis July 17 ~ Maria Papanicholas July 24 ~ Eleni Katapodi July 31 ~ Demi Kollias If you cannot meet your scheduled date for Prosfora please contact Loula Coffee Hours: Coffee Hours will resume in September. If you or your family would like to sponsor a Coffee Hour during the summer months, please contact Susie at the Church Office and she will arrange the set-up for it.

30 Congratulations ~ 2016 Graduates ~ We are very proud of you!! High School: Theodore Fessaras, son of Irene & Zach Fessaras, graduated from Appoquinimink High School and was class salutatorian. His future plans are to attend the University of Delaware and begin a long series of years to hone his education and become a researcher in a field of physics. Lia Halakos, daughter of Ioannis & Effie Halakos, graduated from Archmere Academy and will be attending the University of Delaware n the Fall. Vasilis Halakos, son of Evangelos & Donna Halakos, graduated from Unionville High School and will be attending Penn State in the Fall. Lazarus Kirifides, son of Vasil & Rita Kirifides, graduated from Unionville High School and will be attending the Business School at St. Joseph s University in the Fall. Sophia Mantzavinos, daughter of Spiros & Megan Mantzavinos, graduated from St. Mark's High School. This Fall, she will attend Albright College in Reading, PA. She has not yet decided on a major and is looking forward to exploring her academic options in Albright College's liberal arts curriculum. She will also be a member of the Albright College Women's Lacrosse team. John Zerefos, son of Dimitri & Tina Zerefos, graduated from the Charter School of Wilmington and will be attending the University of Delaware in the Fall. College: Matthew Christofidis, son of Fr Christos & Presbytera Ioanna, graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. He is currently working at Ashfield Healthcare Corporation in Ivyland, PA in the accounts payable department. Billy Halakos, son of Georgia & Demitris Halakos, graduated from St. Joseph s University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. He will pursue an MBA in the Fall. Jerry Rassias, son of Dion & Gina Rassias, is graduating from Georgetown University with high honors with a BA in Government & the Classics. He will be attending law school in the fall. Congratulations to our Greek School Graduates ~ 2016 Vasilis Efelis, Anastasia Rigas, & Nikos Triantafyllou

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32 How do those wreaths and the Epitaphio get decorated... Missing from the wreath pictures - Helen Doukakis, Evi Fournaris, Sophia Regas, Stacey Koninis, Pres. Joan Ganiaris, Helen Grivas, Helen Kirifides, and a few others!!!!

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34 Special Thanks to Steve Nicholas for his Time & Talent directing the adorning of the Epitaphio (caught cleaning up afterwards!!!)

35 May 12th at The Emmanuel Dining Room East Evie and Manny Fournaris, long time charitable hosts to this dining room, sponsored and served our day again this May, on Thursday the 12th. We sincerely thank them both for generously giving of their time and charity, as they have done for many years! We look forward to serving with new hosts and sponsors for our days on Sunday, June 12th and Tuesday, July 12th. All are welcome to join to help serve that day and on the 12th of every month! The director of the dining rooms states... The Emmanuel Dining Rooms serve the poor most effectively by being a vehicle for the caring community to take action. I believe that when the poor come to eat and see so many volunteers giving freely of their time and treasure only to help them, it conveys a consoling message: We the community, want you to know that you are not forgotten, we are aware of your needs and we want to help. Various groups and individuals within our church generously donate the food and host the luncheon meal at the 3rd and Walnut St. location on the 12th of every month throughout the year, as we have for 36 years now! 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. Have a safe and happy summer! Holy Trinity Food Pantry To help & assist the needy of our Wilmington Metropolitan Area + Bring your donation of canned or non-perishable foods Help us fill these bins! It is hard to believe that so many of our neighbors do not know if they will have anything to eat at the end of the day. The food closets, located around the city -- the Salvation Army, The Samaritan House, St. Steven s, and the Claymont Community Center -- fill this need. We at Holy Trinity, like so many other churches and volunteer donors, make sure that these food closets have the food needed for all who come to their door. Our Food Pantry Project can only succeed if you, the parishioners, continue to donate and fill our food bins. Always needed are non-perishable items such as: Soups, fish, vegetables, meat, fruit, (any canned item), cereals, sugar, rice, pasta, cranberry sauce, baby food, coffee, tea, gravies, etc. Any food item that will not spoil. Newspaper articles appear almost daily on the homeless and the needy in our city. As Orthodox Christians we are to look after and care for the less fortunate, as it is a very Christian way to thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed upon our families. Remember when you go shopping, think about sharing with the poor. Happy are those who are concerned for the poor; The Lord will help them when they are in trouble. The Lord will protect them and preserve their lives. Psalm 41:1-2 Tina, Nikkie, John, Steve, Sandy, & Joanna

36 June 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 12pm Emmanuel Dining Room Festival Set-up 2 12pm Emmanuel Dining Room Festival Set-up 3 Festival Set-up 4 Festival Set-up 5 Sunday of the Blind Man 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Festival Set-up 6 Festival Set-up 7 11am-11pm GREEK FESTIVAL 8 11am-11pm GREEK FESTIVAL FAST 9 Holy Ascension 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 11am-11pm GREEK FESTIVAL 10 11am-11pm GREEK FESTIVAL FAST 11 11am-11pm GREEK FESTIVAL 12 Fathers of the First Ecumenical 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 12pm Emmanuel Dining Room 13 6:30pm AHEPA Meeting :30pm DVYC Meeting, Egg Harbor, NJ FAST pm Emmanuel Dining Room FAST 18 Saturday of Souls 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 19 Holy Pentecost 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Vespers of Pentecost 20 Holy Trinity 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Parish Feastday FAST Nativity of John the Baptist 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy FAST 25 4pm Ana George & Doug Wedding 26 All Saints 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Holy Apostles Peter & Paul 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 30 Synaxis of the Holy Apostles 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 12pm Emmanuel Dining Rooms July 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat FAST 1 12pm Emmanuel Dining Room FAST 2 3 2nd Sunday of Matthew 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 43rd Biennial Clergy- Laity Congress 4 Happy Independence Day Church Office Closed 43rd Biennial Clergy -Laity Congress 5 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress 6 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress FAST 7 43rd Biennial Clergy -Laity Congress 8 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress FAST rd Sunday of Matthew 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy pm Emmanuel Dining Room 13 FAST FAST Sunday of the Holy Fathers 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy 12pm Emmanuel Dining Room Prophet Elias 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy FAST St Markella of Chios 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy FAST th Sunday of Matthew 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy St. Panteleimon 10am Holy Unction FAST FAST 30 12pm St. Elpida Emmanuel Dining Room 31 6th Sunday of Matthew 8:45am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy

37 Ιούνιος 2016 Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο 1 12 μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room Διευθέτιση Φεστιβάλ 2 12 μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room Διευθέτιση Φεστιβάλ 3 Διευθέτιση Φεστιβάλ 4 Διευθέτιση Φεστιβάλ 5 Κυριακή του τυφλού 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία Διευθέτιση Φεστιβάλ 6 Διευθέτιση Φεστιβάλ 7 11πμ-11μμ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ 8 11πμ-11μμ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 9 Της Αναλήψεως 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 11πμ-11μμ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ 10 11πμ-11μμ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 11 11πμ-11μμ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ 12 Πατέρων της Α! Οικουμεμικής Συνόδου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 12 μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room 13 6:30 πμ Συνάντηση AHEPA :30μμ Συνάντηση DVYC, Egg Harbor, Ν.Ι. ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 18 Ψυχοσάββατο 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 19 Κυριακή της Πεντηκοστής 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία Εσπερινός Πεντηκοστής 20Αγίου Πνεύματος 8:45 πμ Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία Νηστεία Ενορίας ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ Γενέθλιον Ιωάννου Βαπτιστου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 25 4μμ Γάμος Άννας Γεωργίου & Doug 26 Αγίων Πάντων 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία Πέτρου & Παύλου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 30 Σύναξις Αποστόλων 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 12 μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Rooms Ιούλιος 2016 Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο 3 2η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 43ηΔιετές Κογκρέσσο Κληρολαϊκής 10 3η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 4 Ημέρα Της Ανεξαρτησίας Γραφείο Κλειστό 43ηΔιετές Κογκρέσσο Κληρολαϊκής 5 43ηΔιετές Κογκρέσσο Κληρολαϊκής μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room 6 43ηΔιετές Κογκρέσσο Κληρολαϊκής ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 13 ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 7 43ηΔιετές Κογκρέσσο Κληρολαϊκής 1 12 μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ηΔιετές Κογκρέσσο Κληρολαϊκής ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ Κυριακή των Αγίων Πατέρων 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 12 μμ Σερβίρισμα@ Emmanuel Dining Room Προφήτου Ηλία 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ Αγίας Μαρκέλλας Χίου 8:45 πμ Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία Αγίου Παντελεήμονος 10πμ Ευχέλαιον ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ 30 12μμ Σερβίρισμα Αγ. Ελπίδας Emmanuel Dining Room 31 6η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου 8:45 π.μ. Ορθρος 10 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία

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