ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ. 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652

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1 ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ T H E G O O D N E WS 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey Tel: Fax: Emergency Tel: info@stathanasiosnj.org July / August Summer Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. VOLUME 14, ISSUE 6 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2015 Dear Parishioners, Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos Ieratikos Proestamenos Parish Council 2015 President: Demetrios Xanthos Vice President: Paul Venizelos 2nd V. President: Andy Hios Treasurer: Tony Emmanouilidis Secretary: Peter Paizis Vasilios Fikaris Jason Fink Nicholas Gagis George Glavas Panagiotis Karounos Othon Katechis Emmanuel Kavrakis John Kiriakakis Kostas Lahanas Irini Mentakis Gus Panagiotopoulos George Siamboulis Chuck Tsocanos To Orthodox Christians, August is a very sacred month a month that brings with it a feeling of reverence. It is the month of the Blessed Theotokos. On the fifteenth of August our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the most solemn of feasts related to the Mother of God, her repose or falling asleep, but during this month we also celebrate the tremendous love the Virgin had for God. Special prayer services are held during the first fifteen days of the month and it is a period of special fasting and spiritual preparation similiar to the great Lent. Our Orthodox Church, honors the Mother of God above all saints because the incarnation, meaning God becoming man in the person of Christ, was not only the work of the Father, by His power and by His spirit, but it was also the work of the will and faith of the Virgin. Without the consent of Mary, without the agreement of her faith, the plan was as unreal as it would have been without the intervention of the three Divine Persons Themselves. It was only after having instructed her and persuaded her that God took Mary for His Mother and borrowed from her the flesh that she so greatly wished to lend Him. Just as He became incarnate voluntarily, so He wished that His Mother should bear Him freely and with her full consent. This why, we honor the Virgin so greatly. It was in the person of the Virgin that humanity gave its consent to the Word becoming flesh, to God becoming Man and coming to dwell among us and save us. The Blessed Mother said yes to God. She said yes for all of us. And God came down to earth to live in your life and mine. Our Holy Theotokos opened the door to a dark house and let the radiant light come in. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we will celebrate this Joyous Feast of the Theotokos, let us prepare ourselves physically and spiritually by following the fifteen day fast period. During this time, dedicated to our Beloved Mother of God, let us all follow the Orthodox fast, let us turn away from temptation and sin and focus on the love she gave to this world. Let us all strengthen our will power and enrich our prayer life, as we prepare ourselves to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the month of the Theotokos approaches us, let us all surrender all that we are, to the Spirit of Love, just as Panagia did, in order that our lives may bear Christ into our world. With love in Christ Fr. Anargyros

2 Αγαπητοί μου, Ο μήνας Αύγουστος είναι ο μήνας της Παναγίας. «Η υψηλοτέρα των Χερουβείμ και ενδοξοτέρα ασυγκρίτως των Σεραφείμ» δεσπόζει σ όλο αυτό τον όμορφο, τον πλούσιο μήνα του καλοκαιριού, και γεμίζει την Oρθόδοξη ψυχή από τη χάρη της. Οι Παρακλήσεις των δεκαπέντε πρώτων ημερών του Αυγούστου αντηχούν από το «Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε, σώσον ημάς»και τα γεμάτα μυστικό γλυκασμό και ανέκφραστη ευφροσύνη τροπάρια του Παρακλητικού Κανόνα Μεγάλου και Μικρού. Όλα τα απογεύματα (εκτός από τους εσπερινούς του Σαββάτου και την παραμονή της Μεταμορφώσεως του Σωτήρος, οι Ορθόδοξοι ναοί γεμίζουν από τις ικετήριες φωνές μας. Όρθιοι ή γονατιστοί, πάντα όμως με παιδική απλότητα και υιική οικειότητα, μιλάμε στην Παναγία μας «την χαράν των θλιβομένων». Με ένα βαθύ σεβασμό στη Μητέρα του Κυρίου μας, οι Χριστιανοί λέμε την παράκλησή μας με ύμνους και δοξολογίες ζυμωμένες με το δάκρυ της μετανοίας μας. «Κοιμήθηκε η Άχραντη και μείς κάναμε την άγια κοίμησή της, γιορτή, πανηγύρι, χαρά, ύμνο, δοξολογία. Διότι «εν τη κοιμήσει ου κατέλιπε τον κόσμον»! Αναχωρώντα;ς από τούτη τη ζωή για να καθήσει στα δεξιά του Υιού της σαν «βασίλισσα περιβεβλημένη, πεποικιλμένη»με θεία δόξα, δεν εγκατέλειψε ούτε στιγμή τον κόσμο. Μένει με μας τα παιδιά της, το λαό της και πρεσβεύει για το νέον Ισραήλ της Χάριτος, τους «υιούς του Θεού»(Εβρ.Β 10), τους οποίους ο Υιός της και Υιός του Θεού οδήγησε στη δόξα του ουρανού με τη σταυρική θυσία, την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψή του. Είναι τόσο δεμένη η Ορθόδοξος ψυχή μας με την Θεοτόκο, ώστε πέρα από τους ύμνους και τα μαγαλυνάρια, που της αναπέμπομε κάθε μέρα, σε κάθε Θ.Λειτουργία, σε κάθε ακολουθία, σε κάθε προσευχή, ξεχώρισε τον Αύγουστο, το μήνα και τον αφιέρωσε στην Παναγία, στην μητέρα πάντων των Χριστιανών, και την μεσίτριά μας στον φιλάνθρωπο Θεό. Έτσι τον Αύγουστο καλούμεθα και πάλι αγαπητοί μου να υμνήσωμε ιδιαίτερα «τον τόπον αγιάσματος της δόξης», δηλαδή την Παναγία, στην οποία κατοίκησε η θεότητα και περιχωρήθηκε με τρόπο ακατανόητο ο αχώρητος Θεός. Να ψάλλουμε καλούμεθα με βαθιά ευγνωμοσύνη, ότι η Πάναγνη κόρη, το υπόδειγμα της ταπεινώσεως «ανεδείχθη Ουρανός και ναός της Θεότητος». Έγινε, κατοικητήριο του Ηλίου, που δε δύει ποτέ. Αυτού, που έκτισε και όρισε τους «μεγάλους φωστήρες»για να φωτίζουν το στερέωμα του Ουρανού. Αγαπητοί μου Χριστιανοί, όλοι εμείς, οι δούλοι της, τα παιδιά της, πνιγμένοι μέσα στη μέριμνα της ζωής, κυκλωμένοι από πλήθος ερωτηματικά και προβληματισμούς, πιεσμένοι από τις αφροσύνες, αιχμάλωτοι των παθών μας μικρών ή μεγάλων. Ανήμποροι να αντιμετωπίσουμε από μόνοι μας την πολυκέφαλη λερναία ύδρα της αμαρτίας ας τρέξουμε προετοιμασμένοι, με νηστεία, προσευχή και Ιερά Εξομολόγηση, ας τρέξουμε κοντά της τα βραδινά του Δεκαπενταυγούστου και ας της ψάλλουμε κατανυκτικά: «Είς σέ καταφεύγομεν, την κεχαριτωμένην, ελπίς απηλπισμένων». «Άλλην ούκ έχομεν» εμείς οι αμαρτωλοί στους κινδύνους τους ατομικούς, τους οικογενειακούς και στις θλίψεις, πρεσβεία θερμή προς τον Θεό. «Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε, πρέσβευε υπέρ ημών». Και ο γλυκασμός των Αγγέλων, η Παναγία μας με τις πρεσβείες της προς τον Πανάγαθο Θεό, θα προσφέρει στην πονεμένη μας καρδιά χίλιων ειδών χαρές και απερίγραπτη, γλυκιά παρηγοριά. Με αγάπη Χριστού π. Ανάργυρος

3 AUGUST 6TH THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them to a high mountain. While praying there He was transfigured. His face shone as the sun. Jesus had many times shown His disciples His Divine Power, but now He showed them His Divine Nature. Moses and Elijah appeared with Him to dispel the Jewish fallacy that Jesus was one of the prophets. He revealed Himself to be King over the Prophets who were His servants. If Jesus, the Head of the Body, was transfigured, then we who are members of His Body will also be transfigured with Him. The dazzling light that shown through Christ on Mount Tabor is not just something that happened in the past. It is a window through which we can look to see the reality of the Kingdom of God not only in Christ but also in us. As we are incorporated into Christ through faith and the Sacraments, we are gradually transformed into His likeness. This is our personal transfiguration in Christ. We are not just Earthen vessels of clay subject to the universal law of death and corruption. These earthen vessels bear a great treasure as St. Paul states. They can become not only spirit-bearing, but God-bearing, pervaded by God s presence. They are called to share in the eternal glory of God. It was our own human nature which was filled with divine glory at the Transfiguration. It was our own human nature which was made God-like and partook of God s glory. Consider this against the background of people who claim that life is meaningless. The divine light did not merely shine around Christ, His very flesh was aflame with it. The image of God in us, which had been darkened by the sin of Adam, was once again glowing in the human nature of Jesus. Transfigured and sanctified by the grace of God, this human body of ours can indeed become an icon of man deified, transfigured and glowing with the light of the Holy Trinity. It is for this reason that many Orthodox Theologians consider the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration as the day of the celebration of the deification (theosis) of human nature in Christ.

4 PARAKLESIS (SUPPLICATION) SERVICES During the Fast in honor the Most Holy Theotokos, August 1-15, which is one of the major fast periods in the Church, there will be Paraklesis (Supplication) services in the evenings marked on the calendar at 7:00 p.m. Please bring or send in names of persons who would like to pray for during these services, for health or general well-being. Why not utilize this period as an opportunity to more fervently worship our Lord, through the prayers of His Most Holy Mother. HOLY CONFESSION Holy Confession will be held on Friday, August 7th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 12th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. =========================================== ΓΙΟΡΤΑΖΕΤΑΙ Ο ΘΑΝΑΤΟΣ Γιά πρώτη φορά στην ιστορία τού κόσμου, γιορτάζεται ο θάνατος. Και αυτό συμβαίνει μέσα στο χριστιανισμό, γιατί, ακριβώς το θάνατο τον θεωρεί όπως και είναι μετάβαση στη ζωή, στην όντως ζωή, στην αληθινή ζωή. Γι αυτό και η εκκλησία μας, την ημέρα της Κοίμησης της θεοτόκου πανηγυρίζει ψάλλοντας: <<... Τάφος και νέκρωσις ούκ εκράτησεν ως γάρ ζωής Μητέρα πρός ζωήν μετέστησεν...>> (από το κοντάκιο της εορτής). Η Μητέρα της ζωής πήγε στη ζωή. << Κλίμαξ πρός ουρανόν ο τάφος γίνεται >>. Και μόνον αυτό το μήνυμα γιά το ανθρώπινο γένος αποτελεί το δυνατότερο μήνυμα της ιστορίας. Ολα τα πλάκωνε ο θάνατος. Ηρθε ο υιός της Παρθένου και με την ανάστασή του έφερε τη ζωή. Ολα ζωοποιήθηκαν. Και τον Υιό αυτό τον γέννησε η Θεοτόκος. Να γιατί είναι << Μήτηρ Ζωής >>. Νά γιατί << αι γενεαί πάσαι μακαρίζομεν την Θεοτόκον >>. Ακόμη και η φύση αγάλλεται και χαίρει πού << νικήθηκαν οι όροι της >> και ο θάνατος έγινε ζωή. Αν θέλαμε νά πούμε ποιό είναι το πρώτο καί το τελευταίο μήνυμα της Κοίμησης της Θεοτόκου, θα λέγαμε, μαζί με το Φώτη Κόντογλου, η << ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΑΣ >>. Αυτό είναι το μήνημα της Ορθοδοξίας.

5 Γι αυτό, << άπας γηγενής σκιρτάτω >>. Ας χαρεί κάθε πιστὸς << νυν και αεί >>. Τώρα και πάντα. Ο θάνατος νικήθηκε. Να γιατί το δεκαπενταύγουστο ο πιστός λαός το άποκαλει << το μικρό πάσχα του Καλοκαιριού >>. Είναι το Πάσχα της Παναγίας μας. Είναι η παρηγοριά μας και το στήριγμά μας, μέσα στο χάος του σημερινού κόσμου. Του κόσμου που θανατώνεται καθημερινά, σωματικά και ψυχικά, χωρίς την αληθινή ελπίδα πού άκτινοβολεί η θεοτόκος μέσα στην ιστορία τού κόσμου. Ο Κόσμος Θαμπώνεται από πράματα ψεύτικα. Γι αυτό και παραπαίει. Μόνο αν στραφεί πρός την Μητέρα της ζωής θα βρεί ζωή αληθινή. Καλό Δεκαπενταύγουστο! =================================================== September 1st - Feast Day of the Indiction Beginning of the Orthodox Church Calendar Year September 1st is the first day of the Orthodox Ecclesiastical Year. It is called the beginning of the indiction. The word indiction is a Latin word meaning impose (to make somebody do something). It was first applied in imposing taxes in Egypt. The Roam Emperor Diocletian extended the system of taxing conquered people to the whole Roman Empire. The first official worldwide indiction originated with the emperor Constantine in 312 A.D. when he saw a miraculous vision of the sign of the Cross in the skies. The Church picked this day to begin its calendar year for various reasons. 1. Before the Julian calendar, the Romans began their year on September 1st. 2. According to Holy Tradition, it was on September 1st that our Blessed Lord entered the Jewish synagogue (Luke 4) to preach his mission to men. Jesus quoted from the 61st chapter of the book of Isaiah: The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek, he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the openings of the prison to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn. 3. Tradition also tells us that it was during the month of September that the Hebrews finally entered the Promised Land. 4. It has always been accepted within the church community that the month of September was the time to gather all the fruits of the summer months and prepare for the beginning of the winter months ahead. At the start of the news year hymnographers also prepared beautiful hymns to be chanted during Church Services. The hymns were offered to Almighty God so that we might receive His divine blessings throughout the coming year.

6 THE MINISTRIES OF OUR ST. ATHANASIOS PARISH We would like to inform you of the various Parish programs that are available at our community, which we may all support and participate accordingly. SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL: Sunday Church school is held during the regular school year. Grade levels are Little Angels through 12th grade. Registration will be held on Sunday, September 8th. Please see enclosed registration form. We ask all parents to enroll their children in Sunday Church School and have them attend on a regular basis so that they may become close to the Church and learn more about their faith. The first day of Sunday Church School will be September 6th. GREEK SCHOOL: Greek School is held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m, for pre-k(3) through 6th grades. In order for students to attend the pre-k (3) class, they must have reached their 3rd birthday by October 1, We will continue to offer this class, if enough children register. The first day of Greek School will be September 9th. The curriculum encompasses the Greek Language, Reading, Writing, Speaking, History, Religion, Ecclesiastical Hymns, and Geography of Greece. If enough families register, we will also offer grades 7 th & 8 th which will be held on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and will prepare students for the NY Regents Exam in Modern Greek and the Certificate of attainment in Greek. ADULT GREEK SCHOOL: Adult Greek School classes have been available for our St. Athanasios Community. If you are interested in learning the Greek Language, please sign up. Classes will be held on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., if enough people register. BIBLE STUDY AND CATECHISM: This group gets together and studies various Books from the Holy Bible under the direction of the Parish Priest. Classes meet every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. beginning September 21st. PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY: The Philoptochos Women s Society of St. Athanasios is an organization whose primary purpose is aimed toward philanthropic endeavors and programs. All men and women in our parish may become members of this society, which provides for the disadvantaged and assists the church in many ways. The first meeting will be on September 8th, and then every first Tuesday of the month. FOS (Light) is a Parish Ministry (organization) within the Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. The purpose of FOS is to promote the Orthodox Faith within and outside the parish. The FOS operates in cooperation with and under the direct supervision of the parish priest. ALTAR BOYS: Boys ages 9-17 are able to serve as Altar Boys. Along with their duties, monthly meetings and programs are also held. Anyone who would like to participate in Altar duties should contact Fr. Anargyros. H.O.P.E. / J.O.Y. : Boys and girls between the ages of 4-7 are invited to join H.O.P.E., and ages 8-11 for J.O.Y. These programs give the children the opportunity to learn about their faith, their church and the social world around them. Meetings are held once a month on Fridays.

7 G.O.Y.A.: Boys and girls between the ages of are welcome to join the G.O.Y.A. Various athletic, social and religious activities are held as well as other programs. The G.O.Y.A. meets once a month on Thursdays or Fridays. CHOIR: The choir chants hymns during the Divine Liturgy and other Church services throughout the year, except for the summer months of July and August. Practice is held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Both men and women are invited to join the choir. DANCE GROUPS: Greek Ethnic and cultural dances are taught to the children of our community. Classes will be held on Fridays from 5:00 8:00 p.m., beginning September 18th. There are two levels. Time varies depending on each level. HELLENIC SENIORS OF ST. ATHANASIOS: Parishioners may join the Hellenic Seniors group. Spiritual and social gatherings are held. The Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month at noon in the Community Center. P.T.O. Parent Teacher Organization : This organization consists of the teachers and parents of the Greek School students, and parishioners who are interested in the education of our students. The purpose of the P.T.O. is to help and support the different programs of our school. We ask everyone to please become members and active supporters of our P.T.O. EPISKEPSIS (Visitations): In cooperation with the Philoptochos. The purpose and goal is to visit and comfort our Orthodox Christians that are confined to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and homes. DIAKONIA AGAPES (St. Athanasios Food Pantry): St. Athanasios church has been supporting local Food Pantry s and assisting needy families of our parish for many years. As a result of seeing a need in our parish and community, we have formed a new parish ministry: St. Athanasios Food Pantry. The Food Pantry will be an ongoing parish ministry to serve families in need from our community, sister parishes, neighbors and friends. Together as one Christian family, we can help those in need live a better quality of life as God s children. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, we want our hand always to be there. For that we are responsible. Together we can make a change, we can make a difference! If anyone has any questions or wants more information on our food Pantry, please feel free to contact Fr. Anargyros or Presbytera Christina. WELCOME AND OUTREACH: The purpose to welcome new members to the Church / Parish, and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith within and outside the Parish. ΙΕΡΑ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ: Ο πατήρ Ανάργυρος θα εξομολογή τη Παρασκευή, 7 Αυγούστου 5:00-7:00 μ.μ., και την Τετάρτη, 12 Αυγούστου, 5:00-7:00 μ.μ. ΘΕΙΑ ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ: Εάν έχετε συγγενείς ή γνωστούς πού ευρίσκονται σε Γηροκομία, Νοσοκομεία η είναι κατάκοιτοι στο σπίτι και θέλετε τον πατέρα Ανάργυρο για να τους κοινωνήση για το Δεκαπενταύγουστο, παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείστε στο Γραφείο μας και ενημερώστε τόν Ιερέα μας. ΕΞΕΤΑΣEΙΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΤΗΧHΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ: Συγχαίρουμε τά παιδιά και των δύο Σχολείων μας πού με επιμέλεια τάξιν και πειθαρχία παρακολούθησαν τά μαθήματα των Σχολείων μας καθ όλην την διάρκεια του Σχολικού Έτους Ευχαριστούμε το διδασκαλικό προσωπικό και των δύο Σχολείων διά την καλή των συνεργασία καθ όλη την διάρκεια του Σχολικού έτους. Επίσης ευχαριστούμε τον Σύλλογο Γονέων και Διδασκάλων πού εργάστηκαν τόσο σκληρά και συνεργάσθηκαν πολύ καλά μαζί μας.

8 The Importance of Sunday School Let the children come to me, so not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Mark 10: Christian education is a challenge to the work of the Church. Not only did our Lord and Savior continuously teach the word of God during His early mission, but the Church as well from the earliest times looked upon Christian education as one of its essential ministries. As the first Christians joined the Church they devoted themselves to the apostle s teaching and fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 The greatest gift, the most precious inheritance that we have to give to our children is our Greek Orthodox Faith. Jesus makes it clear that He wants children to come to know Him, and the He considers it a grave offence for an adult to hinder this process or lead child astray: whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt 18:6 The Central aim of Christian education in our Church is to evoke and nurture faith in Jesus Christ according to the Orthodox phronema (vision) out of which issues a genuine Orthodox way of life. The Church nurtures a living awareness of the risen Christ in our midst, who is the true Celebrant of Sacraments and the true Teacher of His people, and makes Himself known to use by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The whole range of Orthodox educational material- books, filmstrips, visuals, Bible Studies, lives of saints contemporary discussion of Christian values- becomes effective to the degree that communicates the love and sprit of Christ. The focus of our efforts to educate our beloved children in the Orthodox Christian Faith must remain in our Sunday School program. When we bring our children regularly to Sunday School we provide them with a gift of knowledge that has lifelong value and significance. The need of Christian education is as immediate as when the disciples first appealed to Jesus: Teach us to pray. Luke 11:1 Christian education is an essential and abiding ministry in the Church. As other important ministries, it is never finished. It can be as vital and meaningful as the whole body of the Church makes it through provision of adequate personal, spiritual and financial resources. The validity of Christian education is demonstrated by the truth that a well informed Christian is a spiritually committed Christian within the greater body of the Church. The commission of Christian education comes from the Lord Himself: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, to the close of the age. Matt 28: Our St. Athanasios Sunday Church School Program begins on September 6 th at 10:00 A.M. Parents: Bring your children to Sunday School. Your personal example and involvement in the religious education of your children are extremely important. The priest and teachers can not do the job alone. Here is how you can help develop the spiritual life and moral upbringing of your children. Register your child to our Sunday Church School Program. Bring them to Church on time. Stay and worship at the Divine Liturgy in the Church. Be positive about Church. Discuss with them what they learned each Sunday. Teach them to bring their weekly stewardship offering. Give your personal example of Christian living. Emphasize regular repentance and Holy Communion. Put Church before every other activity on Sunday. Avoid criticism of others. Let your love for Our Lord Jesus Christ radiate.

9 SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Dear Parents, At the close of the Sunday Church School year in June, we celebrated our annual Graduation Day program with the distribution of promotional certificates and diplomas to 7 of our seniors, followed by a fun filled barbecue on our Church lawn. The lawn was filled with games, a petting zoo, and pony rides! We thank the graduation committee, all the teachers who assisted for the set up, and the PTO who jointly sponsored the petting zoo and provided the food for the barbecue. Our graduation picnic is becoming a community tradition in our Church and we thank all of those who made it possible. On behalf of the Sunday Church School staff, we welcome Dr. Eliana Antoniou as the new Sunday Church School Director and Mrs. Stella Dimatos as the Assistant Director for the school year. Our Church school couldn t be in more capable hands. Dr. Antoniou and Mrs. Dimatos have both served professionally in education and related services and will be bringing new enthusiasm and ideas to grow this very important ministry of the Church. With 128 students registered last year, we expect this trend will continue in the coming years as new families enter our community. Welcome and congratulations to Eliana and Stella! In closing, I would like to thank Father Anargyros, for his spiritual guidance and for the opportunity to serve the Church School ministry. I would also like to thank the Sunday School teachers for their hard work and support, and the children and families of our community for their dedication and commitment to religious education. Athena Georgotas Dear Parents, As the newly appointed Sunday Church School Director at St. Athanasios Church, I would like to welcome you to the new academic year, , filled with an enriching religious curriculum, as proposed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It promises to be an educational and exciting year filled with activities that pertain to our religion and traditions. Your involvement and commitment make this educational experience possible, after Holy Communion every Sunday. Each year we strive to make our program better and insure that all our children have a positive experience, in a creative teaching environment. From the moment children become part of the St. Athanasios community, it becomes our responsibility to educate them about Greek Orthodoxy and make sure they understand the beauty of our faith. Our Sunday Church School teachers are personally invested in each student, encouraging their growth, individual skills, and talents. We appreciate our teachers volunteerism and commitment to this Sunday School. Students in each grade will be taught lessons that will strengthen their faith, and at the same time present to them the countless Christian values: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. We have an exciting year in front of us and are grateful and humbled for you trusting us with your children s religious education. It is without a doubt, a worthy commitment and a blessing to experience the teachings of our Greek Orthodox faith. I would like to thank you in advance for your support and participation in the activities planned for the year. I anticipate that you and your children will have a productive Sunday School year filled with the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am happy to answer any of your questions. Please contact me at antonioue@wpunj.edu. Respectfully, Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D. Sunday Church School Director

10 As another successful Sunday Church School year comes to an end, it is only fitting to thank Athena Georgotas, our Sunday Church School Director for her dedication, commitment and untiring service to our children and parish for the past several years. After much thought and prayer, Athena has decided to retire from her position as Sunday Church School director and professional position to spend time with her children and family. Words can not express our gratitude for all that Athena has done for our children, parents in order to better understand and come closer to their Orthodox Church and faith. From her true Christian example to her love for her Church, Athena is a role model for all to follow and exemplify. We will truly miss her wisdom, guidance, knowledge and loving kindness. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ grant her many years of good health and zeal to continue His work for the good of His Holy Church. PHILOPTOCHOS The Ladies of Philoptochos Society of St. Irene greets you with love. We hope that you are enjoying your summer vacations. We would like to thank you for your continued support of Philoptochos and our efforts. We are most proud to recognize the winner of our annual achievement based scholarship for $1,000, which was awarded to Mr. Elias Marcopoulos. Elias graduated from Park Ridge High School and he will be attending Tufts University in the fall. Elias is the son of Jerry and Tina Marcopoulos. Congratulations to Elias and his family. We pray for your continued success, and that your love of learning inspires you to do great things. We are in the midst of finalizing our fall schedule, and have planned many exciting events. Our monthly meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Membership is open to all Orthodox Christian women over age 18, who are inspired to assist those in need. Please save the dates for our annual Philoptochos fashion show, which will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm at The Venetian. At this event we will be sponsoring a 50/50 raffle which will benefit the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church at the World Trade Center in NY. As always, we thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing you at our events. Sincerely, Karen Scoullos President

11 G.O.Y.A. The advisors, board and all the members of the St. Athanasios GOYA would like to wish our entire St. Athanasios family a fun-filled and healthy summer! We thank everyone who helped us throughout the year. Our many achievements would not be possible without your help! Congratulations to our winners for Indoor and Outdoor Olympics: Elias Marcopoulos (great way to end GOYA!) 1st place: Checkers 1st place: 800M Run 2nd place: Senior Boys Mile Run 3 rd place: 5K Marathon Emmanuel Garcia 1st place: Senior Boys Mile Run 2nd place: 5K Marathon Anna Tsapelis 1st place: Junior Girls Shot-put Alex Miras 1st place: Junior Boys 400M Run 3rd place: Junior Boys 100M Run Alec Garcia, Emmanuel Garcia, Alex Jouvanis, Elias Marcopoulos 2nd place: Senior Boys 4x400 Relay Charlotte Joannidis 3rd place: Junior Girls Mile Run OUR VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAME IN 2nd PLACE!!! (Thank you for all the excitement!! The fans almost got kicked out because we were cheering so loudly!) THE TEAM: Dina Christopoulos, Stefo Hunter, Alex Jouvanis, Joe Jouvanis, Chris Lekkas, Alex Miras, Katherine Scoullos, Eleni Stavris, Anna Tsapelis Evidently we acquired a new nick name at this Olympics - Go BLUE CREW!!! Please join us in welcoming next year s GOYA board! Co-Presidents - Stefo hunter & Dina Christopoulos Vice President Joe Jouvanis Treasurer Eleni Stavris Recording Secretary Demos Backos Corresponding Secretary George Makris We will miss our graduating seniors, but look forward to seeing all the new faces joining our group in the fall!! Best Wishes to our seniors: Emmanuel Garcia Christina Georgatos Alexios Jouvanis Alexandra Katechis Stella Kovoros Elias Marcopoulos Eleni Mitchell

12 On behalf of the new PTO board, we would like to congratulate our 2015 Greek school graduates! The program was enjoyed by all - AXIE!!! We hope all families had a wonderful and happy summer and have made some beautiful family memories! We are eager to begin the new Greek school program this year! We are a new and enthusiastic board whose mission is to work together with our parents and teachers in order to make a memorable year for our children! We have set two goals for the year: our first is to install white boards in every classroom; our second goal is to have stoles ( caps and vests) for each of our children when we have our celebrations. We are confident we will have continued participation and support from our awesome parents in order to achieve our goals! Our Greek school program will start on Wednesday, September 9th at 4:30pm. We ask all new and returning parents to please stop by our PTO table, in the Church lobby for a greet and meet! We will have some treats and coffee, answer questions, share ideas, and of course catch up! We look forward in meeting you and having a fantastic year! The following women make up the PTO Board: President: Rodamanthi Repousis (rhorhonj@aol.com) Co-president: Andrianna Papathanasopoulos Vice President: Evangelia Tsomos Corresponding Secretary: Maria Zervoudis Recording Secretary: Cleopatra Yannitsadis Treasurer: Tonia Yiangou Warm Regards, Rhoda Repousis PTO President GREEK SCHOOL Mary Andreou Viki Delaney Christine Gasparatos Panos Georgiades Evanthia Hrissikos Alexandra Joannidis Christos Katechis Cassandra Michalakis Teddy Psarianos Kristina Rainey Katherine Scaglione Nicoletta Venizelos Kalliopi Xanthos P.T.O. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES HIGH SCHOOL Emmanuel Garcia Christina Georgatos Alexios Jouvanis Alexandra Katechis Stella Kovoros Eleni Mitchell Elias Marcopoulos COLLEGE Spyros Callas Sotirios Karabetsos Sophia Marcopoulos Angela Panagiotopoulos Christos Panagiotopoulos GRAD SCHOOL Christos P. Paizis SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Alexios Jouvanis Alexandra Katechis Stella Kovoros Elias Marcopoulos Eleni Mitchell ORTHODOX CATECHISM Amanda Esslinger Marilyn Martillo Andrew Roushdy Diana Pallikaropoulos

13 GREEK SCHOOL Η γιορτή για την λήξη του Σχολικού έτους , η οποία διοργανώθηκε στις 6 Ιουνίου, έγινε με μεγάλη επιτυχία, και μικροί και μεγάλοι απόλαυσαν τους μαθητές μας να απαγγέλουν ποιήματα, να διαβάζουν εκθέσεις, να τραγουδούν τραγούδια. Φέτος διαλέξαμε παραδοσιακά τραγούδια, και οι γονείς και παππούδες ενθουσιάστηκαν! Την παράσταση όμως έκλεψαν και πάλι οι μαθητές των μικρών τάξεων, που εντυπωσίασαν με τις χαρούμενες φωνές τους. Την ημέρα αυτή δίνουμε μεγαλύτερη έμφαση στους μαθητές που αποφοιτούν, και βραβεύουμε αυτούς που πραγματικά κατέβαλαν μεγάλη προσπάθεια, έδειξαν πρόοδο, ανελειπή παρακαλούθηση, και καλή διαγωγή. Τους συγχαίρουμε, και ευχόμαστε πάντα να προοοδεύουν στην ζωή τους, και να μην ξεχνούν την Ελληνική τους καταγωγή, και την Χριστιανική τους παράδοση. Οι απόφοιτοι του Ελληνικού Σχολείου της χρονιάς είναι: ΜΑΡΙΑ ΑΝΔΡΕΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑ ΓΑΣΠΑΡΑΤΟΥ ΒΙΚΗ ΝΤΙΛΑΝΥ ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ ΚΑΤΕΧΗΣ ΚΑΛΛΙΟΠΗ ΞΑΝΘΟΥ ΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΑ ΣΚΑΓΚΛΙΟΝΙ ΛΕΥΤΕΡΗΣ ΨΑΡΙΑΝΟΣ ΝΙΚΟΛΕΤΑ ΒΕΝΙΖΕΛΟΥ ΠΑΝΟΣ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΑΔΗΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΙΔΟΥ ΚΑΣΣΑΝΔΡΑ ΜΙΧΑΛΑΚΗ ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑ ΡΕΪΝΥ ΕΥΑΝΘΙΑ ΧΡΥΣΣΙΚΟΥ Σε αυτό το σημείο, θέλω να εκφράσω την ευγνωμοσύνη μου για την σημαντική προσπάθεια των εκπαιδευτικών, και να τονίσω ότι πραγματικά δίνουν τον καλύτερο εαυτόν τους, για την διδασκαλία της γλώσσας μας της Ελληνικής. Δεν μπορώ να παραλείψω την στήριξη, και την βοήθεια του Συλλόγου Γονέων, όπως επίσης και τη συνεργασία και την υποστήριξη της εκπαιδευτικής επιτροπής. Εκφράζω και πάλι ολόθερμες ευχαριστίες στον Ιερατικό μας Προϊστάμενο τον Πατέρα Ανάργυρο, για το ενδιαφέρον του σε όλες μας τις προσπάθειες, τις συμβουλές του, την αγάπη του. Θα ήθελα να σας πληροφορήσω, ότι εδώ και 4 χρόνια, αρχίσαμε μία καινούργια τάξη για παιδιά 3 ετών. Αυτή η τάξη θα συνεχισθεί, αν ο αριθμός των μαθητών είναι ικανοποιητικός. Σας παρακαλούμε να γράψετε τα παιδιά σας όσο το δυνατόν νωρίτερα γίνεται, για να αποφύγουμε την ταλαιπωρία των εγγραφών τις πρώτες μέρες του σχολικού έτους. Εύχομαι σε όλους ΚΑΛΟ ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ!!!!!

14 GREEK SCHOOL The Greek school graduation that took place on June 6th, was very successful, and we enjoyed listening our children reciting poems, reading their essays, singing. This year we chose traditional songs, and all parents and grandparents were very excited. The graduation day, is mainly dedicated to our graduates, and we honor the students for their effort, attendance, and good behavior. We congratulate them, and wish them goof luck with their future studies. We hope never to forget their Greek origin and Christian faith. The Greek school graduates for the year are: MARIA ANDREOU CHRISTINA GASPARATOS VICKY DELANEY CHRISTOS KATECHIS KALLIOPI XANTHOS KATERINA SCAGLIONE LEFTERIS PSARIANOS NIKOLETA VENIZELOS PANOS GEORGIADES ALEXANDRA JOANNIDIS CASSANDRA MICHALAKIS CHRISTINA RAINEY EVANTHIA HRISSIKOS At this point, I want to express my gratitude to all our teachers, for all they do for our children. Of course many thanks to the PTO and the Education Committee for their support and help during the school year. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to Father Anargyros for his cooperation, support, guidance and love. I would like to inform you, that we started a program 4 years ago, for children 3 years old. We will continue this program, as long as we have a satisfactory number of children. Please register your children as soon as you can, to avoid the confusion of the first days of the new school year. Wishing everyone A HAPPY SUMMER!!!!! Sophia Stamatiou Greek School Principal

15 CROSS, SIGN OF THE CROSS (Το Σημείον του Σταυρού) We make the Sign of the Cross: 1. at every blessing and Doxology, and whenever we mention the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. 2. When we say a prayer or intone a litany. 3. When beginning or ending a particular important action. 4. When passing in front of a church where the Holy Gifts are reserved in the altar for the communion of the sick. 5. We also make the Sign of the Cross before and following meals, and at the beginning and end of the day. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IS MADE ONCE EACH TIME. Some, tradionally, cross themselves three times. To make the Sign of the Cross, we join the tips of our thumb and the two first fingers of our right hand, in honor of the Holy Trinity. We bend the third and little fingers to the palm to express our faith that Jesus Christ was true God, and true man. We touch our forehead, to make our minds and thoughts holy; our breast, to make our heart pure and kind; our shoulders, that our arms and hands may do good works. By this sign, we give our minds, hearts, and strength to the service of God. The sign of the Cross has been used throughout the history of the Church. Another significant meaning given to the way in which we cross ourselves is as follows: The union of the tips of the three fingers signify the equality and union of the Holy Trinity, at the same time unmixed and unconfused. Having joined our three fingers, we raise and place them first on the forehead signifying the respect towards the Holy Trinity, the Father, the son and Word of the Father without beginning and the Holy and life-giving Spirit, Who together with the Father is worshipped and glorified. Second, we lower the three fingers placing them on the abdomen, signifying that the same Son of God descended from the Heavens down to earth, was incarnated by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Ever-Virgin Mary, becoming man for our salvation. Third, we touch the right shoulder and then the left shoulder, signifying that our Savior Jesus Christ stretched His spotless hands upon the Cross for our sins and iniquities. He descended into Hades, then ascended into the Heavens and sat at the right hand of the Father, this we signify by placing our fingers first on the right shoulder. Η ΥΨΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ: Παρακαλούμε όσους έχουν Βασιλικό στο σπίτι των για τήν εορτή του Τιμίου Σταυρού, να το φέρουν στην Εκκλησία το Σάββατο, 12 Σεπτεμβρίου και να το δώσουν στο γραφείο. EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS We ask all parishioners to bring their Vasiliko plants to church on Saturday, September 12 and give them to our Neokoro. The Vasiliko will be used for the Feast of the Holy Cross on September 14th. METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY HOLY CROSS CELEBRATION IN ASBURY PARK, NJ - SUNDAY, SEPTMEBER 27, 2015 Buses will be available only if enough parishioners pre-register. Please plan on attending and supporting our divers. If interested in taking the bus along with the rest of the community, please contact the church office no later than Friday, September 18th.

16 STEWARDSHIP REPORT Stewardship List as of 7/10/15 Giving to the church is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values. It is an opportunity to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It is an opportunity to participate in the work of God. We thank the following 264 parishioners who have already made their Stewardship Pledge for Those who have not yet made their pledge, please do so today! ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ EΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ : Υπενθυμίζομε ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθή στα σπίτια σας οι κάρτες Eκούσιας Εισφοράς για το Έχετε ανανεώσει την οικονομική σας προσφορά για το 2015; Εάν όχι, κατατάξατε το όνομά σας στήν κατάσταση των ενοριτών που έχουν τακτοποιήσει την οικονομική τους υποχρέωση προς την ενορία, συμπληρώντας την κάρτα καί επιστρέφοντάς την στο γραφείο μας, μαζί μέ το δώρο της αγάπης σας. Ευχαριστούμε τις 264 οικογένειες πού ήδη εκπλήρωσαν την υπόσχεσή των για το Mr. Bill Adams Mr. & Mrs. Adam Adams Mrs. Katina Agaliotis Mr. K. Agathangelou/Ms. T. Yiangou Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Alectoridis Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Alexiades Mr. & Mrs. Paul Anagnostakos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Andreou Mrs. Silvia Andros Mr. Christopher Androulakis Mr. Evan Androulakis Mr. & Mrs. George Androulakis Ms. Renee Androulakis Mr. & Mrs. B. Antonopoulos Mr. Michael Arotis Ms. Bella Baker Mr. & Mrs. A. Barbagiannis Mr. & Mrs. George Barkouras Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Berenberg Mr. Andrew Berenberg Mr. Jason Berenberg Mr. & Mrs. John Betts Mr. & Mrs. Daryn Binder Mr. Allan Bittar Mr. Maryo Bittar Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boldrin Helen & Susan Boyas Mr. & Mrs. James Burke Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Caravoulias Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Careri Mr. Carl Carfello Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cevallos Mr. & Mrs. George Christopoulos Dr. & Mrs. George Christoudias Dr. & Mrs. Stavros Christoudias Dr. & Mrs. George Christolias Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Clark Mr. Marios Comodromos Dr. & Mrs. Ted Constandelis Mrs. Dot Constandelis Ms. Maria Constandelis Mr. Tom Contos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Cormas Mrs. Eve Cravits Mrs. Elaine Daoutis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dedes Mr. & Mrs. Aristidis Delis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Demetrakis Mrs. Maria Diacakis Mrs. Maria Diakos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Dimatos Mrs. Christina Dimitrakopoulos Mr. Michael Dimitrelis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Dorizas Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Economou Mr. & Mrs. Elias Ekonomidis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Eliopoulos Ms. Alexandra Maria Eliopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tony Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. E. Emmanouilidis Mr. John H. Emmanouilidis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Evangelou Mr. & Mrs. Sofoclis Fasitsas Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Ferriera Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Fikaris Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Fikaris Mr. Jason Fink Mrs. Artemis Gagis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gagis Mr. & Mrs. Emmanouil Galifos Mr. & Mrs. Peter George Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Georgiadis Mr. & Mrs. Andy Georgiou Mr. Metaxas Georgatos Mrs. Athena Georgotas Ms. Christina Georgotas Mr. George Geornaras Mr. & Mrs. George Glavas Mr. & Mrs. Athanase Gouliamos Mr. & Mrs. Efsratios Grammatas Ms. Mary Gregoras Mr. & Mrs. Alexiou Hadjistavrinos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Haramis Mrs. Helen Hasterlis Ms. Maria Hasterlis Ms. Paraskevi Hatziorfanos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hios Mr. & Mrs. George Hios Mr. Panayiotis Hios Mr. George Hondros Mrs. Madeline Jameson Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Joannidis Mr. & Mrs. A. Jouvanis Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Kalabakas Mrs. Sophie Kalivas Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kalogirou Mr. Alexis Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Damon Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Kamvosoulis Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kanakaris Mr. Nick Kantaris Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kapsaskis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Kardasakis Mrs. Magdalene Keen Mrs. Kalliope Kesoglou

17 Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. John Kiriakakis Mrs. Tonia Kirkham Mr. & Mrs. Charles Koehler Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kolaros Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Kolovos Mr. Nick Konstantinakos Mary & Eva Konstantinidis Ms. Irene Konstantinidis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Kontogiannis Mr. & Mrs. James Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Kourgelis MR. & Mrs. John Kourgelis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kourgelis Ms. Pelagia Kourliouros Mr. George Koutris Mr. & Mrs. Petros Kouvatsos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kovoros Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Krikelis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Lahanas Mrs. Toula Langas Ms. Christie Laoudis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Laouidis Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Larosiliere Mr. Truong Le Mr. & Mrs. Spero Leakas Mr. & Mrs. Ted Leakas Mr. George Leles Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Leou Mrs. Froso Levas Mrs. Mary Lignos Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Loukas Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Makris Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Makris Mr. & Mrs. James Makris Mr. & Mrs. James Malamas Mr. & Mrs. John Malandrucolo Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Mangafas Mrs. Helen Mantzouranis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Marcopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Jason Marcus Mr. & Mrs. Petros Matthews Mrs. Vasiliki Matthews Mr. & Mrs. C. Mavrianos Mrs. Stella Megariotis Drs. Michael & Irini Mentakis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Micholas Mr. & Mrs. James Michaels Mr. & Mrs. George Michalakis Mr. & Mrs. Gerasimos Mihalitsianos Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Bill Miras Mrs. Olympia Molfetas Ms. Maria Moshouris Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris Mr. & Mrs. Leo Mourikes Mr. Ignatius Mumtzis Mrs. Stephanie Mouzakis Smith Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Nakopoulos Mrs. Jordana Nicholas Mr. Tom Nikolaidis Mr. & Mrs. James Nissirios Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nolan Ms. Christina Notas Mr. & Mrs. John Oberle Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pahountis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paizis Mr. & Mrs. Vasos Pallikaropoulos Mr. & Mrs. G. Panagiotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Panagiotou Mr. & Mrs. A. Panagopoulos Mrs. Vaso Panagopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Dino Panayiotarakos Mr. & Mrs. Costas Papademas Mrs. Konstantina Papademas Mr. Harry Papademas Mrs. Androniki Papadopoulos Mr. George Papanester Mrs. Eleftheria Pashalis Mr. & Mrs. Charles Paterson Mr. & Mrs. Tiago Patusco Mr. & Mrs. Menelaos Pavlou Mr. George Pepines Mr. & Mrs. John Peponias Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Petrou Ms. Helen Pettas Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Portelos Mrs. Ann Pouletsos Mr. John Pouletsos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Poulis Mr. & Mrs. George Protopappas Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Raissis Mr. Anthony Rezitis Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Rodas Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Rodetis Mr. & Mrs. George Ropa Mrs. Eleanor Roumel Mr. & Mrs. John Roussos Mrs. Margie Russo Mr. & Mrs. Frank Salemme Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Samoilis Drs. Leonidas & Alexandra Samoulidis Mr. & Mrs. Costas Savvas Mr. & Mrs. William Scoullos Ms. Stacey Seretudis Mr. & Mrs. Justin Shafron Mr. & Dr. Peter Shikar Mr. & Mrs. Stergios Siabanis Mr. & Mrs. George Siamboulis Ms. Maria Sidirokastritis Mr. Stephen Sidirokastritis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Sitounis Mr. & Mrs. John Skoutakis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sofos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Sogotis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Spirou Mr. & Mrs. George Stamatiou Mr. & Mrs. Thouki Stavris Fr. & Presbytera A. Stavropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Cristakis Stylianou Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Tevletidis Mr. & Mrs. George Trahanas Mr. & Mrs. George Trakas Mrs. Evelyn Triantos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsapelis Mr. & Mrs. Vassilis Tsarouhas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tsentas Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiklidis Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Tsocanos Ms. Efthymia Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. Stan Umowski Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Vanikiotis Ms. Mariea Vanikiotis Mrs. Eugenia Varias Mrs. Catherine Varveris Dr. E. Vassiliou/Dr. E. Antoniou Mr. & Mrs. George Vathianakis Mrs. Ethel Venetos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Venizelos Mrs. Irene Veros Mr. & Mrs. George A. Vlamis Mr. & Mrs. Petros Vlasidis Mr. & Mrs. John Wain Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Xanthos Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Yannitsadis Mr. & Mrs. Louie Yannitsadis Dr. & Mrs. Ignatius Zairis Mr. & Mrs. Telly Zervoudis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zigarelli Mrs. Irene Zisa

18 BAPTISMS May 23rd - Koralia, daughter of Theodora and Rick Ferreira. The Godparents were Victoria Golemis and Constantina Shehata. June 6th - Alexios Nektarios, son of Stella and Anthony Kalogirou. The Godparent was John Vavas. June 7th - Katerina, daughter of Eleftheria and Kyriakos Mangafas. The Godparent was Tammy Diakoparaskevas. June 14th - Roubini Christina, daughter of Daniela and John H. Emmanouilidis. The Godparents were Sofia and Efstathios Loukas. June 21st - Panagiotis, son of Christina & Panagiotis Kardasakis. The sponsor was Christos Vassiliou NA SAS ZISOUN! CHRISMATIONS June 18th - Marylin (Maria) Angelita Martillo. The Sponsor was Kyriakos Mourkakos. June 26th - Amanda Lily Ann (Maria). The Sponsor was Iraklis Anagnostopoulos WEDDINGS May 30th - Evan Androulakis and Christie Laoudis. The Koubaro was Christopher Androulamkis. June 14th - Megan Dinorsco and Allan Bittar. The Koubaro was Maryo Bittar. NA ZISETE! FUNERALS June 6th - Bill Miras June 29th - Maria Panteleakis July 6th - George Vlachos OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES IN MEMORIAM It has become an accepted practice that at the death of a family member, the family requests that donations in memory of the departed, be made to St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox church. This month, we wish to thank: Mr. & Mrs. Brian Doyle Mr. & Mrs. Peter George Mr. & Mrs. A. Gouliamos Mrs. Helen Hasterlis Ms. Maria Hasterlis Ms. Claire Melissas & Family IN MEMORY OF BILL MIRAS Mr. Ignatius Mumtzis Mr. & Mrs. Marian Murez Mr. & Mrs. John Pangis Pulmonary & Medical Associates. Emerson Mrs. Margie Russo IN MEMORY OF MARIA PANTELEAKIS Drs. Irini & Michale Mentakis MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL Above represents donations made from 5/21-7/10/15 CHURCH WEBSITE Visit our church website at for new information, daily updates and to learn more about our Greek Orthodox Faith. HOSPITAL / NURSING HOME VISITATION Please notify the Church office if a family member is in the hospital, nursing home or a shut -in, so that Fr. Anargyros may visit them. CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS All church organizations are asked to submit their calendar, meetings, articles, announcements and information to the Church office by Friday, September 4th, for the October / November Newsletter MEMORIALS and 40 DAY BLESSINGS We ask all parishioners to notify the Church office at least one week before a Memorial Service or 40 Day Blessing COLLEGE STUDENTS All College students are asked to submit their new address, so that we may add their names and address to our Parish mailing list. ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΕΙΣ ΦΟΙΤΗΤΩΝ Παρακαλούμε όλους τους φοιτητές να δώσουν την διευθυνσή των στο Γραφείο μας.

19 HELLENIC FOLK DANCE PROGRAM Our purpose is to continue the positive experiences of camaraderie and fellowship under the umbrella of our Greek Orthodox Church. DANCE CLASSES WILL START ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18th, 2015 Beginners: (ages 5-7): Fridays 5:00-5:45 p.m. Cost: $150 Intermediate (Ages 8-11) Fridays 5:45-6:30 p.m. Cost: $150 GOYA: (7th -12th grades): Fridays 6:30-8:00 p.m. Cost: $200

20 SANCTIFY THOSE WHO LOVE THE BEAUTY OF THY HOUSE ΑΓΙΑΣΟΝ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΓΑΠΩΝΤΑΣ ΤΗΝ ΕΥΠΡΕΠΕΙΑΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥ ΣΟΥ Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church Iconography / Phase I and II 2015 CAMPAIGN FOR THE ADORNMENT OF OUR CHURCH We would like to thank the parishioners who have already committed to the Iconography project of our church. As of May 20, 2015 the following icons are still available: For additional information and to discuss your family s donation, please contact Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos. St. Ignatius $4,500 St. Nikitas $5,500 St. Paul $5,500 SS. Sophia (Faith-Hope-Love) $13,500 Moses and the Burning Bush $20,000 The Sacrifice of Isaac $20,000 The Presentation of the Theotokos $23,000 Kimisis of the Theotokos $23,000 The Chateau At Rochelle Park A Sub Acute Rehabilitative Care Center that Uses the latest techniques and equipment in Physical, Occupational, Respiratory, Cardiac, Orthopedic, Speech and Aquatic therapies Unparalleled Care! Assembled, at the Chateau, is a team of Highly recognized medical professionals Dr. Stefanos Pantagis, MD For more information, Or to schedule a tour, please call Elaine Hios, Director of Admissions Parkway, Rochelle Park, NJ Living Life to the Fullest Dr. Peter Kantzilieris DC 237 W Midland Ave Paramus, NJ (201) Fax (201) nextstepchiropractic@gmail.com FINE CATERING 122 Moonachie Road Moonachie, NJ Telephone ((201) Fax: (201) graycliff.com HIOS Landscaping, LLC Paramus, NJ ANDY HIOS For all your Landscaping Needs & more Serving the community for over 25 years Owner operated NJ Licensed Landscape Contractor THE EMPIRE CLUB FINE CATERING E Weddings Christenings Special Occasions Corporate Events 136 Mehroff Road Little Ferry, NJ

21 Michael J. Mentakis, M.D. CHARLES TSAKRIOS,J R., M.D. Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate European Board of Cardiovascular Disease Fellow European Society of Cardiology Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, UMD of New Jersey Diplomate of American Board of Ophthalmology Cardiovascular Disease Consultations Internal Medicine Complete Physical Exams Echocardiography Nuclear Stress Testing Ambulatory / Holter Monitoring Pacemaker Implantation And Follow-up Office Hours by Appointment 357 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ OPHTHALMOLOGY EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON 89 North Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ Telephone Office hours by Appointment RUBENSTEIN, MEYERSON, FOX, MANCINELLI, CONTE & BERN P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW ONE PARAGON DRIVE - SUITE 240 MONTVALE, NJ TEL: Matrimonial Law Guardianship & Elder Law Land Use & Real Estate Business Law Commercial Lending & Litigation Municipal Law Trust & Estate Planning WEBSITE: enissisios@rmfmclaw.com 30 West 60th Street, Suite 1Y tel: Bloomfield, NJ fax: metroeyemd.com NICHOLAS D. PANAGIOTOU, MD Diplomate American Board of Family Medicine Office hours by appointment Parkview Plaza 1200 East Ridgewood Ave West Wing, 2nd Ridgewood, NJ (201) Adult & Pediatric Complete Eye Care Waterford Towers 190 River Road Edgewater, NJ (201) The STATE street GRILL TEL: FAX: EVELYN NISSIRIOS New Jersey Keystone Physicians, PC Dedicated to a Gold Standard of Medical Care Allwood DINER Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner 913 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ State Street Bloomfield, NJ Hours of operation 7 days a week 6:00 a.m. - midnight Mon.-Thur. 6:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. Fri. & Sat. 6:00 a.m. 4:00 a.m. Sun. 6:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. James G. Logothetis & Family WESTWOOD FAMILY DENTAL John Nicholas, DDS UNION General & Cosmetic Dentistry For Adults & Children Full Range of Restorative Services State of the Art Equipment Cosmetic Bonding/Bleaching 231 Kinderkamack Road. Westwood, NJ Phone: Fax: Office hours by appointment WHOLESALE RESTAURANT SUPPLY 4 Lewis Street, Paterson, NJ Ted Khalil

22 St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church 51 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Paramus, NJ Permit No. 121 THE MINISTRIES OF ST. ATHANASIOS: SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL GREEK SCHOOL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY P.T.O. CANTOR NEOKOROS ALTAR BOYS H.O.P.E. (ages 4-7) J.O.Y. (ages 8-11) GOYA (ages 12-18) FOS (Outreach Parish Ministry) HELLENIC SENIORS BIBLE STUDY & CATECHISM GREEK DANCING EPISKEPSIS (Visitations) DIAKONIA AGAPES (Help the needy-food Pantry) AHEPA Eliana Antoniou - Director Sophia Stamatiou - Principal Karen Scoullos - President Roda Repusis - President Chris Haramis Christophoros Sardelis Contact: Sotirios Karabetsos Penny Antonopoulos Penny Antonopoulos Stella Backos / Reina Phillips Thea Portelos Helen Manztouranis Fr. Anargyros Stacey Kovoros (GOYA) Mia Petrou (HOPE/JOY) Fr. Anargyros Presbytera Christina, Christina Georgotas Chris Mavridis - Meets every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.