The Voice of Saint George

Transcript

1 March/April 2010 Volume 8 Issue 2 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George The Voice of Saint George The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the LORD. (Matt.3:3) «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» A Message From Our Pastor GREAT HONOR Among the many and different honors that a Christian has is the great honor to speak to his/ her creator, his/her God. The mind stops if you think seriously about this great honor. In This Issue PTO News Great Lent & Easter Information Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC 2010 Festival News Stewardship Report New Roof Donors In Every Issue Pastor s Message President s Message Church Calendar Sunday School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Voice of St. George Submission Dates During the hour of prayer the created speaks to his/her Creator; the servant to his/her Lord. It is a great honor to speak to God through prayer. It is a great privilege that the servant has the honor and priority to call the Creator of the entire universe and everything in it, Our Father who art in Heaven. From our Lord we are taught to call God our Father. Who are we, the small created to call the Creator our Father? Who are the sinners, the mean, the small in thought, to be entitled to call the source of goodness the Heavenly God, Our Father? But we have been ordered by His Son to call Him our Father. We were told and taught by Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son; and this Great Honor was given to us. If He is our Father we are His children. This is the great Honor of the Heavenly God, the Father is our Father and we are His children. Which creation of this earth has this priority to call Father his/her creator? No one, only we through prayer can communicate with Him. That is why prayer has great power. Through prayer you communicate with the Kingdom of God. That is why in the Divine Liturgy we start communicating with God with the words Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Also, we are able to communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer anywhere, everywhere and anytime. St. Paul says, Those who wish can pray everywhere ( I Timothy 2:8). It is not by appointment that prayer is everywhere and anytime. The church teaches us to pray unceasingly. How many times a day do we communicate with our Father through prayer? How many times do we call our wife or husband or our children each day? Everybody and everywhere can exalt their hearts through prayer to the Heavenly Father. Can you talk to your doctor directly or do you have to go through an answering service, a nurse or an assistant? But God listens to us in every place and in every hour. Praying to God is a great honor for us Christians. Let our prayers rise like incense says the Psalm. So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, keep praying, keep communicating with our Creator, our Father who art in Heaven, especially during this Lenten Season. Prayer heals, comforts, sustains, supports, encourages, enlightens and strengthens. It has great power, so keep praying and enjoying the Blessings of God upon you, His child. The power of prayer is great and unexplainable. I wish you a blessed Lenten Season full of prayerful days for your spiritual well being. With love in Christ, Very Rev. Alexander Kile

2 March/April 2010 Page 2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE Parish Ministries The Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Pastor Parish Council President Emmanuel Manioudakis Vice President / Administration Vassilis Keramidas Vice President / Operations George Athanasopoulos Evangeline Emanuel, Secretary Michael Sirimis, Treasurer Katerina Leftheris, Comptroller Members Lampros Bourodimos Katherine Catanzaro James Exarchakis Nick Manikopoulos Peter Manikopoulos George Petrantonakis Perry Petsanas George Rodoussakis Peter Sirimis Special Thanks to the Voice of St. George Volunteers Very Rev. Alexander Kile Board of Trustees Arete Bouhlas Daughters of Penelope Evie Georgopoulos Eftihia Karayiannidis Kay Kehayas Georgia Peterson Polly Ploussiou Eleni Giannakou-Wyatt Evellyn Tsiadis, Editor Church Organizations Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Pegi Zajac, President Cantors and Choir Yiorgos Bilalis, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Katerina Kourti, Angeliki Papasavas, Chrisoula Plias, Iro Mavrianos, Teachers Parent Teacher Organization Athinoulla Bizos, President Helen Sirimis, Vice President Nicki Makrelis, Secretary Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer GOYA Nicholas Albanese, President Advisors Eleni Banis, George Hadjiloucas, Nellie Tsipoura, Jim Exarchakis, Fotini Mangafas, Costas Makrelis, Roseanne Rexines, Mike Sirimis, Annie Sullivan, Evie Georgopoulos JOY/HOPE Helen Sirimis Moms & Tots Sonia Petinatos Senior Citizens Nicki Kopanakis, President Focus Nicholas Kambitsis Church Committees Festival John Lyssikatos Mike Dimitrakis House and Grounds George Athanasopoulos Memorial John Stroumtsos New Parking Lot Nicholas Kambitsis Lampros Bourodimos Parking/Rutgers Peter Manis Stewardship Katerina Leftheris Web-Site Jim Exarchakis Peter Sirimis To Our St. George Parishioners The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete. Very Rev. Alexander Kile St. George Parish Council

3 The Voice of St. George Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MARCH Monday 1: Great Compline 6 p.m. Wednesday 3: Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m. Friday 5: 3 rd Salutations 7 p.m. Sunday 7: 3 rd Sunday of Lent Veneration of the Holy Cross Epistles: Hebrews 4:14-5:6 Gospel Mark 8:34-9:1 Monday 8: Great Compline 6 p.m. Wednesday 10: Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m. Friday 12: 4 th Salutations 7 p.m. Sunday 14: 4 th Sunday of Lent St. John of the Ladder Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20 Gospel: Mark 9:17-31 Monday 15: Great Compline 6 p.m. Wednesday 17: Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m. Friday 19: The Akathistos Hymn 7 p.m. Sunday 21: 5 th Sunday of Lent St. Mary of Egypt Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14 Gospel: Mark 10:32-45 Thursday 25: Annunciation of the Theotokos (fish is allowed) Saturday 27: Saturday of Lazarus Communion Breakfast for the youth Sunday 28: Palm Sunday Epistle: Phil. 4:4-9 Epistle: John 12:1-18 Bridegroom Service 7:00 p.m. Monday 29: Holy Monday Bridegroom Service 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 30: Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Service 7:00 p.m. Hymn of Kassiani Wednesday 31: Holy Wednesday APRIL Thursday 1: Holy Thursday Friday 2: Holy Friday Saturday 3: Holy Saturday Sunday 4: Holy Pascha-The Resurrection Epistle: Acts 1:2-8 Gospel: John 1:1-17 Friday 9: Life Giving Fountain Sunday 11: Sunday of Thomas Epistle: Acts 5:12-20 Gospel John 20:19-31 Sunday 18: Sunday of the Myrrh Bearers Epistle: Acts 6:1-7 Gospel Mark 15:43-16:8 Thursday 22: Great Vespers of St. George 7p.m. Friday 23: Feast Day of Great Martyr Saint George The Patron Saint of our Community Sunday 25: Sunday of the Paralytic Epistle Acts 9:32-42 Gospel Mark 6:7-13 The Easter Program will be mailed separately EΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Ορθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9:00 π.μ. - 11:00 π.μ. ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ Δευτέρα 1: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6μ.μ. Τετάρτη 3: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ. Παρασκευή 5: Γ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ. Κυριακή 7: Γ Κυριακή Νηστειών Της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως Αποστ. Εβρ. 4:14-5:6 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 8:24:9:1 Δευτέρα 8: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6μ.μ. Τετάρτη 10: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ. Παρασκευή 12: Δ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ Κυριακή 14: Δ Κυριακή Νηστειών Αγίου Ιωάννου Κλίμακος Αποστ. Εβρ. 6:13-20 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 9:17:31 Δευτέρα 15: Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6μ.μ. Τετάρτη 17: Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ. Παρασκευή 19: Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7μ.μ. Κυριακή 21: Ε Κυριακή Νηστειών Αγίας Μαρίας της Αιγυπτίας Αποστ. Εβρ. 9:11-14 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 10:32:45 Πέμπτη 25: Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Σάββατο 27: Σάββατο του Λαζάρου Πρόγευμα μετά την Θεία Κοινωνία Κυριακή 28: Κυριακή των Βαΐων Αποστ. Φιλ. 4:4-9 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 12:1:18 Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7: 00 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 29: Μεγάλη Δευτέρα Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7: 00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 30: Μεγάλη Τρίτη Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7: 00 μ.μ. Ύμνος της Κασσιανής Τετάρτη 31: Μεγάλη Τετάρτη ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ Πέμπτη 1: Μεγάλη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή 2: Μεγάλη Παρασκευή Σάββατο 3: Μεγάλο Σάββατο Κυριακή 4: Άγιον Πάσχα Αποστ. Πραξ. 1:2-8 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 1:1-17 Παρασκευή 9: Της Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Κυριακή 11: Κυριακή του Θωμά Αποστ. Πραξ. 5:12-20 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 20:19-31 Κυριακή 18: Κυριακή των Μυροφόρων Αποστ. Πραξ. 6:1-7 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 15:43-16:8. Πέμπτη 22: Μέγας Εσπερινός Αγίου Γεωργίου 7μ.μ. Παρασκευή 23: Αγίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος Γεωργίου Πολιούχου της Κοινότητάς μας Κυριακή 25: Κυριακή του Παραλύτου Αποστ. Πραξ. 9:32-42 Ευαγ. Μαρκ. 6:7-13 Θα ακολουθήσει το Πασχαλινό Πρόγραμμα

4 March/April 2010 Page 4 Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Η Αγία και Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή πλησιάζει και φέτος. Η Καθαρά Δευτέρα είναι η πρώτη ημέρα της Αγίας Τεσσαρακοστής στις 15 Φεβρουαρίου και η τελευταία είναι το Μέγα Σάββατο στις 3 Απριλίου. Αυτήν την περίοδο η εκκλησία μας την καλεί αγία και την εγκωμιάζει με ύμνους και καλεί τους πιστούς σε έντονον πνευματικό αγώνα. Έφθασε καιρός, ψάλλει η των πνευματικών αγώνων αρχή, «η κατά των δαιμόνων νίκη, η πάνοπλος εγκράτεια, η των Αγγέλων ευπρέπεια, η προς τον Θεόν παρρησία» Ενώ η εκκλησία με ποικίλους τρόπους μας καλεί εις υψηλούς αγώνες, ένα μεγάλο μέρος των χριστιανών κωφεύει. Πολλοί ούτε αισθάνονται ότι διερχόμαστε την Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή. Συνεχίζουν την καθημερινή ζωή τους χωρίς να παρακολουθούν τις Ειδικές Ακολουθίες, τις Προηγιασμένες Λειτουργίες, τους Χαιρετισμούς, τα Απόδειπνα. Ούτε καν νηστεύουν κατά την διάρκεια αυτής της Αγίας Περιόδου. Οι κανόνες αυτοί δεν είναι μόνο για τους μοναχούς αλλά, όπως και για τους μοναχούς, είναι για όλους τους Χριστιανούς Ορθόδοξους μία πνευματική άσκηση. Δεν είναι παλιοκαιρινές ασκήσεις αυτές, ούτε έχουν να κάνουν με την αλλαγή της μόδας και των καιρών όπως δικαιολογούν μερικοί τον ευατόν τους. Η εκκλησία όρισε αυτήν την περίοδον μιμούμενη τον Χριστόν, ο οποίος πριν αρχίσει την επίγεια αποστολή Του, πήγε στην έρημο, προσευχήθηκε, νήστεψε, πολέμησε τον διάβολον και τον νίκησε. Αν τα παιδιά βλέπουν αυτήν την κακή συμπεριφορά των γονέων τους την μιμούνται, και δεν θα συμμετάσχουν σ αυτήν την ωραία πνευματική άσκηση, που είναι η πιο όμορφη περίοδος του χρόνου. Η Αγία Εκκλησία μας ετοιμάζει την εισαγωγή αυτής της περιόδου με τον κατανυκτικόν Εσπερινόν της Συγχωρήσεως όπου στο τέλος όλοι οι χριστιανοί ζητούν συγχώρεση ο ένας από τον άλλον. Ετσι αρχίζει η νηστεία με καθαρή συνείδηση την Καθαρή Δευτέρα και την Ακολουθία του Αποδείπνου, όπου οι Χριστιανοί προσεύχονται με τους ύμνους «Κύριε των Δυνάμεων μεθ ημών γενού άλλον γαρ εκτός Σου βοηθόν, εν θλίψεσιν ουκ έχομεν, Κύριε των Δυνάμεων, ελέησον ημάς.» Αυτή η περίοδος έχει να κάνει με το πρόσωπο μας. Η εκκλησία μας καλεί να στρέψουμε τα βλέμματα στον εαυτόν μας, να ελέγξουμε τον έσω άνθρωπον, να τον ανακρίνουμε για να διαπιστώσουμε σε ποια πνευματική κατάσταση βρισκόμαστε και πόσες ελλείψεις παρουσιάζουμε. Αυτο γίνεται μόνο με την μετάνοια και την Ιερά Εξομολόγηση. Όπως λέει και ο Ύμνος του Όρθρου της Αγίας Τεσσαρακοστής «της μετανοίας την πύλην άνοιξον υμίν Κύριε...». Από τον Θεόν παίρνει ο Χριστιανός την συγχώρηση κατά την διάρκεια της εξομολογήσεως κι αυτήν την πρακτικήν της εξομολογήσεως, της ειλικρινούς μετάνοιας, την έχουμε ξεχάσει και γι αυτό πολλοί άνθρωποι δεν εξομολογούνται. Εις την Ιεράν Εξομολόγησην ο χριστιανός λαμβάνει συγχώρησην, άφεσιν και ίασιν, την με την Θεία Κοινωνίαν ενίσχυση και αγιασμόν. Ένας ύμνος της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής μας καλεί «Αγνισώμεν την ψυχή» για αγιασμόν της ψυχής μας. Η Αγία Εκκλησία μας καλεί τακτικότερα να κοινωνούμε τα άχραντα μυστήρια κάθε Τετάρτη και Κυριακή στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας των Προηγιασμένων Δώρων μέσα εις την εβδομάδα, και της Θείας Λειτουργίας της Κυριακής, εφόσον νηστεύουμε και είμαστε έτοιμοι. Για την πνευματική μας ενίσχυση η εκκλησία ψάλλει τις στάσεις των Χαιρετισμών προς την Υπεραγίαν Θεοτόκον. Με τους ωραίους ιστορικούς ύμνους ζητούμε από την μητέρα του Θεού ενίσχυση και παρηγοριά εις τον προσωπικόν πνευματικόν αγώνα που κάνουμε. Οι πατέρες της εκκλησίας μας μαζί με τους υμνογράφους μας προτρέπουν: «νηστεύσωμεν νηστεία δεκτήν, ευάρεστον τω Κυρίω, Αληθής Νηστεία, η των κακών αλλοτριώσις, εγκράτεια γλώσσης, θυμού αποχή, επιθυμιών χωρισμός, καταλαλιάς, ψεύδους και επιορκίας, η τούτων ένδεια νηστεία εστίν, αληθής και ευπρόσδεκτος.» Με την βοήθειαν των κατανυκτικών Ακολουθιών που δημιουργούν εντονότατη πνευματικήν ατμόσφαιραν στην Εκκλησία, ο Χριστιανός θα δεχθεί μια θαυμαστή κάθαρσιν, μία ανανέωση πνευματική, ώστε αγνώτερος θα αξιωθεί να δει το πάνσεπτον πάθος Χριστού του Θεού και το Άγιον Πάσχα, πνευματικώς εναγαλιώμενος. Ας κρατήσουμε την πίστην μας με την νηστεία και την πνευματική άσκηση της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής. Ας την απολαύσουμε εμείς και όλα τα μέλη της οικογενείας μας. Ας ανθίσουν αυτές οι θρησκευτικές παραδόσεις που είναι ωφέλιμες και πνευματικώς και σωματικώς στα παιδιά μας, τα οποία όταν μεγαλώσουν θα θέσουν στα θεμέλια της ζωής των και αυτές τις σωτηριώδεις παραδόσεις της αμώμου πίστεως μας. Καλή Τεσσαρακοστή! Ο πνευματικώς υμών πατέρας Ο ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος

5 The Voice of St. George Page 5 President s Message Dear Parishioners, By now you may have heard that I have been elected to serve as the president of OUR community for a second term. I promise to fulfill my duties and obligations to the best of my ability, as I did last year. All that I ask in return is for all of you to join hands with me so that together, we will build a bigger and better St. George for the future of OUR children and grandchildren. Last year was an exceptionally busy year for the Board. In addition to managing the everyday activities of running the community, the following projects were completed: Installation of two 10 ton HVAC units on the roof of the school. These units will provide cooling for the classrooms, thereby eliminating the use of the very inefficient window air conditioning units previously in use. Installation of a new TPO membrane roof on the school. This rubberized membrane is white in color which reflects the rays of the sun thereby saving electrical energy that is required to cool the building. In addition, three inches of insulation have also been installed on the roof. A new roof has been installed on the auditorium. New windows have been installed in the school building. These are high efficiency triple glazed windows with the blinds sandwiched between the inner and outer panes of glass. A roof hatch has been installed in order to better access the roof of the school building. Before the installation of this hatch, it was very difficult to get onto the roof to service the air conditioning equipment that is mounted on the roof deck. We instituted a recycling program that was required by the Township. Prior to this program, all of the bottles and cans that we used were taken to a landfill. Now, all of these items are taken out of the waste stream and are recycled. Programmable thermostats have been installed in the school building. Prior to this, if one of the teachers mistakenly forgot to lower the temperature when classes were dismissed for the day, the heat would remain on day and night. Now, when there are no students, the temperature is automatically lowered to 60º, thereby saving on the heating bill. The parking lot was re paved and parking areas have been established at OUR three rental homes on Riverview Avenue. We can park 151 cars in the church parking lot and at least 100 more cars at the rental properties. With this many parking spots available, the need for a parking lot across the brook is no longer a priority item, especially in light of the fact that it would cost us well over one million dollars to implement that plan. We have signed a contract for the installation of a new faux terracotta roof on the church. Hopefully this roof will be completed by Easter. This project was delayed due to the fact that the contractor who submitted the lowest bid was disqualified because he was unable to meet OUR insurance requirements. We then had to re bid the job, and that was the reason for the delay. New fences have been installed at the rental homes on Riverview Avenue. These fences will not only provide security of the property, but they will also provide a visual barrier so that the neighbors won t complain when we park cars there. We still have to plant shrubbery in front of the fences. The sidewalk on the side of the church has been replaced. The old shrubbery that was between the sidewalk and the church has been replaced and the rear of the church has been landscaped, thanks to Tim Kehayas. Continued on pg. 6

6 March/April 2010 Page 6 As you can see, many improvements have been accomplished at OUR church and OUR community owned properties this past year. These improvements did not get done without much hard work. We have many more energetic projects programmed for One of them is the purchase and renovation of the property at 7 Kroeger Lane. The Board has recommended that the General Assembly approve this purchase. This home is located between the property that we presently own on the corner of River Road and Kroeger Lane and Fr. Kile s residence. It is very important that we purchase this property, not only because of its strategic location but also to silence the owner of Some of the new landscaping. this home who has always been a very outspoken opponent to everything that we have wanted to do, from expanding the parking lot to filling in the ditch on the West side of the church.. You will notice that every time I used the word OUR I capitalized it to indicate that truly, this is OUR church and OUR property; YOURS and MINE. OUR forefathers may have built it, but it is up to US to maintain it. Last year, in one of my letters to you, I indicated that it costs $586 per member to operate this facility, yet the average amount that we have received in pledges is only $378. During a recent visit by Fr. Kile to a home for aghiasmo, the people complained that they are not receiving any correspondence from the church. Upon further investigation, it turns out that these people have not paid their church dues for over three years! Pray tell, how long do these people think that we should keep sending mail to them? I realize that we live in tough economic times, but we still have to keep OUR doors open to serve YOU and YOUR children. Where do you think this money is going to come from if YOU don t contribute? Can t everyone donate just $10 per week to help us keep this church in operation? Some of you may ask: What are you doing with all of the money that is coming in from the festival, the Rutgers parking and the rental income from the homes? The answer is quite simple: (1) We re making up the financial shortfall of the senior citizens who only pay $200 per year and for those of you who cannot or will not contribute. (2) We re also using the money to fund capital improvements such as those that I listed earlier in this message. The bottom line is that we, the Board, can only do so much. We re here to serve you, the parishioners of St. George, to the best of OUR abilities. All that we re asking is that you continue to come to church and if you re able, to contribute what you can. It is my belief that you have an obligation to financially support YOUR church. On the other hand, if you re in dire economic straits, I can assure you that no one will ever turn you away because of your inability to provide funding. The doors of St. George have been open to ALL for 94 years and with your help, they ll continue to be open for at least another 94 years. GOD BLESS all of you! In closing, I would like to wish all of OUR parishioners a very Happy Easter Emanuel Manioudakis President United We Stand Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους

7 The September Voice of 2008 St. George Page 7 Μήνυμα του Προέδρου Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες, Όπως θα έχετε ήδη πληροφορηθεί εκλέχθηκα να υπηρετήσω για δεύτερη φορά ως Πρόεδρος της κοινότητάς ΜΑΣ. Υπόσχομαι να εκπληρώσω τις υποχρεώσεις και τα καθήκοντά μου όσο το δυνατόν καλύτερα, όπως έκανα και πέρυσι. Το μόνο που θα ζητήσω απ όλους εσάς ως ανταπόδοση είναι να ενώσετε τα χέρια σας με τα δικά μας ώστε να φτιάξουμε μία μεγαλύτερη και καλύτερη κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου για το μέλλον των παιδιών και των εγγονιών ΜΑΣ. Πέρυσι ήταν μία εξαιρετικά γεμάτη χρονιά για το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο. Εν συναρτήσει, με την διαχείριση λειτουργίας των καθημερινών δραστηριοτήτων της κοινότητας έχουν επίσης ολοκληρωθεί τα εξής έργα: Εγκατάσταση δύο μονάδων κλιματισμού 10 τόνων στη στέγη του σχολείου. Οι μονάδες αυτές θα παρέχουν κλιματισμό στις αίθουσες διδασκαλίας, εξαλείφοντας έτσι τη χρήση των ανεπαρκών μονάδων κλιματισμού παραθύρων που είχαν εγκατασταθεί. Εγκατάσταση νέας μεμβράνης ΤPO στη στέγη του σχολικού κτιρίου. Αυτή η επενδεδυμένη με καουτσούκ μεμβράνη είναι χρώματος λευκού και αντανακλά τις ακτίνες του ηλίου έτσι ώστε να επιτυγχάνεται εξοικονόμηση ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας που απαιτείται για τον κλιματισμό του κτιρίου. Επιπλέον, έχουν εγκατασταθεί τρεις ίντσες μόνωσης στην στέγη. Νέα στέγη έχει εγκατασταθεί στην αίθουσα γυμναστηρίου. Νέα παράθυρα έχουν εγκατασταθεί στο σχολικό κτίριο. Αυτά τα παράθυρα είναι υψηλής απόδοσης με τριπλά τζάμια και με περσίδες συγκολλημένες ανάμεσα στα εσωτερικά και εξωτερικά τζάμια. Έχει εγκατασταθεί μία νέα είσοδος στο ταβάνι με σκοπό την καλύτερη πρόσβαση στη οροφή του σχολικού κτιρίου. Πριν από την εγκατάσταση αυτής της εισόδου, ήταν πολύ δύσκολη η πρόσβαση στην οροφή για την συντήρηση του συστήματος κλιματισμού. Καθιερώσαμε ένα πρόγραμμα ανακύκλωσης που απαιτήθηκε από το δήμο. Πριν από αυτό το πρόγραμμα, όλα τα μπουκάλια και τα κουτιά που χρησιμοποιούσαμε πετάγονταν σε χωματερή. Τώρα, όλα αυτά τα αντικείμενα ανακυκλώνονται. Προγραμματιζόμενοι θερμοστάτες έχουν εγκατασταθεί στο σχολικό κτίριο, έτσι ώστε αν κατά λάθος κάποιος δάσκαλος ξέχναγε να χαμηλώσει τη θερμοκρασία όταν τελείωνε η διδασκαλία, η θέρμανση παρέμενε η ίδια καθ όλη την διάρκεια της ημέρας και της νύχτας. Τώρα, όταν δεν υπάρχουν μαθητές, η θερμοκρασία χαμηλώνει αυτόματα στους 60ºF, έτσι γίνεται εξοικονόμηση στο κόστος της θέρμανσης. Το πάρκινγκ επιστρώθηκε εκ νέου και προστέθηκαν νέοι χώροι στάθμευσης και στα τρία ενοικιαζόμενα σπίτια ΜΑΣ στην Λεωφόρο Riverview. Υπάρχει αρκετός χώρος για 151 αυτοκίνητα στην εκκλησία και τουλάχιστον 100 περισσότερα στις ενοικιαζόμενες κατοικίες. Με αυτές τις διαθέσιμες θέσεις στάθμευσης, δεν θα υπάρχει ανάγκη να παρκάρουμε απέναντι στο δρόμο, ιδίως αν λάβουμε υπόψη ότι για να εφαρμοστεί το σχέδιο εκείνο θα μας κοστίσει πάνω από ένα εκατομμύριο δολάρια. Έχει υπογραφεί μια σύμβαση για τη νέα εγκατάσταση της στέγης τύπου faux τερακότα κεραμίδια, στην εκκλησία. Ας ελπίσουμε ότι αυτή στέγη θα ολοκληρωθεί μέχρι το Πάσχα. Αυτό το έργο καθυστέρησε λόγω του γεγονότος ότι ο εργολάβος που υπέβαλε τη χαμηλότερη προσφορά αποκλείσθηκε επειδή δεν ήταν σε θέση να καλύψει τις ασφαλιστικές ΜΑΣ απαιτήσεις. Έπειτα έπρεπε να επανεξεταστεί η προσφορά του και αυτός ήταν ο λόγος για την καθυστέρηση. Νέοι φράχτες εγκαταστάθηκαν στα ενοικιαζόμενα σπίτια στη Λεωφόρο Riverview. Αυτοί οι φράχτες δεν θα παρέχουν μόνο ασφάλεια στις ιδιοκτησίες, αλλά θα παρέχουν και ένα οπτικό εμπόδιο, έτσι ώστε οι γείτονες δεν θα διαμαρτύρονται όταν σταθμεύουμε εκεί αυτοκίνητα. Πρέπει επίσης να φυτευτούν θάμνοι μπροστά από αυτούς τους φράχτες.

8 March/April 2010 Page 8 Το πεζοδρόμιο της εκκλησίας έχει αντικατασταθεί. Η παλαιά θαμνώδης περιοχή που ήταν μεταξύ του πεζοδρομίου και της εκκλησίας έχει αντικατασταθεί και το πίσω μέρος του ναού έχει διαμορφωθεί, χάρη στον Θεμιστοκλή Κεχαγιά. Όπως βλέπετε, πολλές βελτιώσεις επιτεύχθηκαν τον περασμένο χρόνο στην Εκκλησία ΜΑΣ και στις κοινοτικές ιδιοκτησίες ΜΑΣ. Οι βελτιώσεις αυτές δεν έγιναν χωρίς σκληρή εργασία. Προγραμματίζουμε πολλά άλλα ενεργειακά έργα για το Ένα από αυτά είναι η αγορά και η ανακαίνιση της ακινήτου ιδιοκτησίας στην 7 Kroeger Lane. Το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο συνέστησε όπως εγκριθεί αυτή η αγορά από την Γενική Συνέλευση. Αυτό το σπίτι βρίσκεται μεταξύ της δικής μας ιδιοκτησίας που έχουμε στην γωνία της οδού River και του δρόμου Kroeger και της κατοικίας του Πατρός Κιλέ. Είναι πολύ σημαντικό να αγοράσουμε αυτή την ιδιοκτησία, όχι μόνο λόγω της τοποθεσίας της, αλλά και να αποστομώσουμε τον ιδιοκτήτη της που πάντα ήταν ένας μεγάλος αντίπαλος σε όλα αυτά που έχουμε θελήσει να κάνουμε, όπως παραδείγματος χάριν από την επέκταση του πάρκινγκ έως το να γεμίσουμε το χαντάκι στη δυτική πλευρά της εκκλησίας. Θα παρατηρήσατε ότι κάθε φορά που χρησιμοποίησα τη λέξη ʺΜΑΣʺ την γράφω με κεφαλαία για να σας δείξω ότι πραγματικά, αυτή είναι η εκκλησία ΜΑΣ και η ιδιοκτησία ΜΑΣ, η ΔΙΚΗ σας και η ΔΙΚΗ μου. Οι πρόγονοί μας μπορεί να την έχτισαν, αλλά το να τη διατηρήσουμε εξαρτάται από ΕΜΑΣ. Πέρυσι, σε μία από τις επιστολές μου, ανέφερα ότι κοστίζει ανά μέλος 586 δολλάρια για τη λειτουργία αυτού του κτιρίου, αλλά το μέσο ποσό που έχουμε λάβει έως τώρα, σε υποσχέσεις, είναι μόνο $ 378. Σε μια πρόσφατη επίσκεψη του Πατρός Κιλέ σε κάποιο σπίτι για αγιασμό, οι άνθρωποι παραπονέθηκαν ότι δεν λαβαίνουν καμία αλληλογραφία από την εκκλησία. Μετά από διερεύνηση, αποδείχτηκε ότι οι άνθρωποι αυτοί δεν έχουν πληρώσει την συνδρομή τους στην εκκλησία παραπάνω από τρία χρόνια! Πως μπορούν να πιστεύουν αυτοί οι άνθρωποι ότι πρέπει να συνεχίσουμε να στέλνουμε εκκλησιαστική αλληλογραφία; Καταλαβαίνουμε ότι ζούμε σε δύσκολη οικονομική περίοδο, αλλά πρέπει να κρατήσουμε ακόμη τις πόρτες ΜΑΣ ανοικτές για να εξυπηρετήσουμε ΕΣΑΣ και τα παιδιά ΣΑΣ. Πού νομίζετε ότι αυτά τα χρήματα θα προέλθουν εάν εσείς δεν συμβάλλετε; Δεν μπορεί ο καθένας μας να δωρίσει $10 την εβδομάδα για να βοηθήσει να διατηρήσουμε σε λειτουργία αυτή την εκκλησία; Μερικοί από εσάς μπορεί να ρωτάτε: ʺΤι κάνετε με όλα αυτά τα χρήματα που προέρχονται από το φεστιβάλ, το πάρκινγκ του Rutgers και το εισόδημα από τα ενοίκια των σπιτιών;ʺ Η απάντηση είναι πολύ απλή: (1) έχουμε οικονομικό έλλειμμα λόγω των ηλικιωμένων πάροικων, οι οποίοι πληρώνουν μόνο $ 200 ανά έτος, και αυτούς που δεν μπορούν ή δεν συνεισφέρουν, και (2) χρησιμοποιούμε τα χρήματα για τη χρηματοδότηση των κύριων βελτιώσεων, όπως αυτές που ανάφερα πιο πάνω. Η ουσία είναι ότι εμείς, το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο, αυτά μόνο μπορούμε να κάνουμε. Είμαστε εδώ για να εξυπηρετήσουμε εσάς, τους ενορίτες του Αγίου Γεωργίου, κατά το μέγιστο των ικανοτήτων ΜΑΣ. Το μόνο που ζητούμε είναι να συνεχίσετε να έρχεστε στην εκκλησία και αν είστε σε θέση, να συνεισφέρετε ότι μπορείτε. Έχω την αυτοπεποίθηση ότι αν θέλετε μπορείτε να στηρίξετε οικονομικά την εκκλησία ΣΑΣ. Εάν έχετε μεγάλη οικονομική δυσχέρεια, μπορώ να σας διαβεβαιώσω ότι κανείς δεν θα σας τρέψει ποτέ μακριά. Οι πόρτες του Αγίου Γεωργίου ήταν ανοικτές για όλους 94 χρόνια και με τη βοήθειά σας, θα συνεχίσουν να είναι ανοικτές τουλάχιστον για άλλα 94 χρόνια. Ο ΘΕΟΣ ΝΑ ΕΥΛΟΓΕΙ όλους σας! Κλείνοντας, θα ήθελα να ευχηθώ σε όλους τους ενορίτες ΜΑΣ ένα πολύ Καλό Πάσχα. Μανώλης Μανιουδάκης Πρόεδρος Ενωμένοι επιβιώνουμε Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους

9 The Voice of St. George Page 9 The following have graciously contributed to the new roof. Very Rev Alexander Kile Margaret Agnostak Evangelia Alexander Dimos & Sofia Amaxopoulos Demetris & Eleni Andronikou Demetrios & Afrodite Antipas George & Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos Vasiliki Bliziotis Dimitri N & Maria D Bouhlas George & Mary Boulegeris Francis J & Katherine Catanzaro Michael and Aspasia Dolianitis Spyridon & Vicki Drecolias Michael & Evangeline Emanuel Georgia Exarchakis Athanasios & Stavroula Frestis Lynne Gementgis Christos & Helen Giannios Evangelos & Mitza Giannos Dimetrios & Michele Greberis Christine H Gussis Joseph & Kathryn Hirschman Arkady Honchariv Pericles & Daphne Ioulianou Athanasia Kambitsis Demetrius Kambitsis Dimitra Kambitsis Leonila Kambitsis Nicholas Kambitsis Anastasia Kangos Toula Karamarkos Spiro & Sofia Karas Basil & Katherine Kasimis Katina Kehayas George & Lisa Koutsoubis Gus Leontarakis Michael Levas Casandra Lorincz Constantinos & Helen Lyssikatos John & Evanthia Lyssikatos Thomais Lyssikatos Venetia Makris Evangelos & Olga Makropoulos Emanuel & Anna Manioudakis Elpida Marolis John & Helen Mellos Mary Messner Minas & Mary Rose Mina Thomas & Maria Moutafis Nicholas & Antonia Mpletsakis Emmanuel & Katina Papamanolis Chrysso Papanastasiou Michael & Angelica Papasavas Perry & Leah Petsanas Dean V & Teresa E Solomos Paul V & Alice J Stevens Victor P & Teresa Stevens Jr George & Eleni Stoupas John & Bella Sturges Titus & Gertude Tarnovetchi Liberty Toto & Richard Krembecki John & Stella Tsinetakes Christos & Effie Voloudakis Edward & Malvina Wilkens John & Pegi Zajac Konstantinos & Maria Zalokostas Dimitri Zambas Vasilios & Mary Zarokostas Total Roof Cost $ 82, Total Donations as of 02/10/2010 $ 15,470.00

10 March/April 2010 Page 10 Ladies Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara The annual Vasilopita Celebration sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society which took place on January 3, 2010, in the Ahepa Hall was very well attended. President Pegi Zajac thanked everyone for attending and reminded the gathering that their donations will be benefiting the children at St. Basil Academy. Representing St. Basil Academy were Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis, President of the St. Basil Board of Trustees, Mr. Charles Theokas, member of the St. Basil Board of Trustees, and Mrs. Eleni Parlapanides, Daughters of Penelope Liaison to St. Basil Academy. Mrs. Tsiadis spoke of the 23 children residing at St. Basil, reminding us that some of the children are orphans, some come from broken homes, some come from a very abusive environment and that all the children need our assistance. She thanked the Philoptochos ladies who crocheted and knitted scarves, hats and mittens, and sent these to all the children for Christmas. Mrs. Tsiadis also informed the gathering that a luncheon to benefit St. Basil Academy and sponsored by the Metropolis will take place on February 28 at the Pines Manor. Everyone is encouraged to attend this luncheon. Because of the generosity of our parishioners who attended this activity, the Philoptochos will be sending $1,200 to St. Basil Academy. Fr. Kile presided over the cutting and distribution of the delicious pites which the ladies had baked and donated for the activity. We thank these ladies as well as all those who made such generous donations for this occasion. Pres. Zajac thanked chairladies Eleni Andronikou and Eleni Parlapanides, and all those who worked so hard to make this activity such a success. On Sunday, January 31, 2010, the Ladies Philoptochos Society held its annual Membership Brunch in the Ahepa Hall. After Rev. Fr. Alexander Kile led the gathering in prayer, he commented on the importance of the Philoptochos. He encouraged all the ladies who are not yet members to join the organization and participate in the many activities which benefit our community and our church. On behalf of the membership, Pres. Pegi Zajac welcomed everyone and spoke about the Philoptochos organization and its many obligations and service to the community of St. George, to the National Philoptochos Association, to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and to the surrounding communities of Middlesex, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties. Vice President Efie Bouziotis spoke in Greek to the gathering about the many projects and obligations of the Philoptochos. The afternoon became more festive when the gathering honored Fr. Kile on the occasion of his 54th birthday with a birthday cake and the singing of Happy Birthday. To Fr. Kile we extend our best wishes for his birthday, cronia polla kai eutucismena; may he have many more happy, healthy birthdays, and may our Good Lord Bestow on him His many Blessings. President Zajac thanked all who attended and also thanked the chairladies, Stella Tsinetakis and Libby Alfieris, and all who assisted for such an outstanding event. The annual Easter Bread Sale will take place on March 28. Order your bread early. Our next meetings are scheduled for March 27 and April 24 at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Room. To all our members and to the entire St. George Community, we extend our best wishes for a very Happy Easter! ********************************************* CHRISTMAS CARD NEEDY CASES FUND The Philoptochos Needy Cases Fund Committee extends its heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to the parishioners and organizations of the St. George Community for their generous donations to the Needy Cases Fund through their participation in the community Christmas Card of We also acknowledge the following donation that was not included in this year s Christmas Card: Mr. & Mrs. Kypros Tamanas & Family In addition, we thank those parishioners from our community who took the time to investigate their company s Gift Matching Program and/or their United Way Program which resulted in a substantial benefit to the Needy Cases Fund. As a result, this permits the Needy Cases Fund committee to care for struggling families, children, disabled adults and senior citizens in our community. We strongly encourage those parishioners of the St. George community who may be eligible to help us through their company s Gift Matching Program, or their United Way Program, to utilize this wonderful opportunity. Indeed, the St. George Community will reap the benefits. Again, we thank you one and all, and pray that the new year will bring to your hearts and homes the Blessings of the Christ Child! **Remember to direct your UNITED WAY donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund--United Way Reference Number **

11 March/April The Voice of 2010 St. George Page 11 Sunday School News Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring and with the Lenten period upon us, we wish everyone Kalh Sarakosth. On behalf of Father Alex, our teachers and staff, we would like to thank our community for its support with our Religious Education Program which provides an Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to our children. Our Religious Education Program is proceeding for the ecclesiastical year with vigor and enthusiasm. Each class is following the curriculum that has been set by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; our students are learning key liturgical hymns, and they are participating in the Divine Liturgy. Additionally, the students become involved in various service projects throughout the year. Most recently our children collected $ for the Emergency Response Fund -Haiti that was sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. We would like to tell you that we are very excited about some of our upcoming events, which include: Dr. Maria Khoury - On Sunday, March 14 th we will have the pleasure of having Dr. Khoury with us. Dr. Khoury has written an outstanding series of children s books that discuss the Christian presence in the land of Christ s holy birth, crucifixion and resurrection. Dr. Khoury has also authored many articles dealing with Christian life in the Holy Land, where she resides. She will be reading some of her books with our children of Grades 1 through 5. St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival: Students from Grades 7 th, 8 th, 9 th and Teen Rap are currently preparing for our parish s St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival that is to be held on Sunday, April 11 th following the Divine Liturgy. The purpose of the St. John Chrysostom Festival is to give our youth an opportunity to research, learn, write and speak about their Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. It is the hope that these will strengthen their understanding and appreciation of our faith, and cultivate spiritual growth. Our first place participants will represent our church at the District Festival. We ask all parents of Grades 7 through Teen Rap to encourage your children to participate in this outstanding experience. For questions or additional information, please visit our website and access the link 2010 Oratorical Festival. With Holy Week upon us, we ask parents to discuss with their daughters of 8 to 13-years-old about volunteering to be Myrrhbearing Women. The Myrrhbearers or Μυροφόραι were women that followed Jesus during his ministry, who were with him during his Passion, who came to his tomb each day following his Crucifixion, and who first witnessed the Resurrection of Jesus. What an honor to participate in this humbling experience! If your daughter(s) is/are interested in volunteering, or if you want additional information, please visit our Administration desk, which is located on the second floor. Lastly, when passing by our bulletin board on the 1 st floor of the church, please glance at the display of our students original works. Each month we exhibit the works of a different grade on a theme appropriate for that month. The set curricula and the many projects carried out throughout the year, under the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Alex, provide a complete picture of our Religious Education Program. We are truly proud of our program and of the many committed volunteers for their efforts, dedication and perseverance. May God Bless, St. George Religious Education Staff

12 March/April 2010 Page 12 FATHER ANTHONY & PRESBYTERA FRANCES PAPPAS THEOLOGICAL SCHOLARSHIPS Awarded for the 11th Year! Two theological students were the recipients of $500 scholarships given in Memory of Father and Presbytera Pappas at the Sunday School Awards Assembly in June. Andrew Pavlakos of Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, son of Father Costas Pavlakos of St. Katherine in Falls Church, Virginia, is completing his baccalaureate requirements as well as experiencing ecclesiastical responsibilities through his matriculation at Hellenic College. Having been raised in a spiritual environment, Andrew has had experience instructing altar boys and teaching Bible classes. At Hellenic College Andrew was chosen as an Altar Leader with responsibilities to train and guide incoming seminarians. Following the completion of his studies at Hellenic College, Andrew plans to attend Holy Cross and achieve his goal of being ordained as an Orthodox priest. Fr. Peter Robichau of St. Vladimir s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York, is the second scholarship recipient. He is married and the father of four children. His religious pursuits occurred after 13 years of work in the field of computer network administration and engineering. Fr. Peter served as a deacon at Holy Apostles Church, West Columbia, South Carolina. In his diaconal ministry he was local charities coordinator in outreach endeavors and parish Warden and Church School Coordinator. He holds an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. Fr. Peter currently serves on weekends at Christ the Savior Church in Paramus, NJ. This theological scholarship was established in memory of Presbytera Frances Pappas at the time of her death in December It was revised this year to honor Father Anthony Pappas as well, for it was he who asked that we committee members dedicate ourselves through scholarships to assist theological students in their difficult years of study. To quote one recipient of the award, many challenges are presented to the seminarian and his family, not the least of which are financial. The scholarship committee thanks all in the St. George Community who generously and willingly contributed to this scholarship. Stewardship Report through December 2009 Number Amount Amount Summary as of: of Pledges Pledged Average Collected December 31, , , December 31, , , December 31, , , Variance vs >> 21 (4015) (18.96) (4674) Variance vs >> (24) (3579) Above is the Stewardship Report as of December 31, In summary, we received 652 pledges totaling $246,765 for an average pledge of $378. The 652 pledges compare favorably to the 631 pledges we had as of December Of the total pledges, $239,870 has been collected. Although we have more pledges this year, the amount pledged compares unfavorably to December 2008, when we had $250,780 pledged, as well as December 2007, when we had 250,344 pledged. The average pledge of $378 compares unfavorably to the $397 average pledge as of December 2008, however compares favorably to the $370 pledge for December As a reminder, please submit your Stewardship pledge for 2010.

13 The Voice of St. George Page 13 Parent Teacher Organization - PTO We would like to thank Evie Georgopoulos for organizing and coordinating our very special tribute to the teachers of our Greek School and Religious Education School on January 24 th, 2010, in celebration of the Three Heirarchs. We would also like to thank the ladies and gentlemen who helped make this event a success. It is with your continued support and contributions that we are able to celebrate our culture and heritage which in turn gives our children a solid future. On Sunday February 7 th, the P.T.O. celebrated the annual Apokriatiko Glendi. Many thanks to James Polos who coordinated and executed a wonderful dinner for all of us, and Perry Petsanas who was responsible for the Super Bowl setup so the guests could watch the game that evening. We wholeheartedly thank Dorothy Koutsoras for coordinating and executing our Basket Raffle as well as dedicating her time and expertise in making this entire event, a huge success. We are also extremely grateful to those who donated baskets so generously and made this possible for our organization. On Saturday March 20 th, at 11:00 am, please join our Greek School families in celebrating Greek Independence Day, where our school children are afforded an opportunity to recite poetry in memory of this very important day in our history. On Saturday March 27th, the Day of Lazarus, the P.T.O. will host the Lenten Communion Breakfast after church services. Everyone in our community is welcome to join us, and the children will color their Easter eggs right after the breakfast. On March 31 st, Holy Wednesday, the P.T.O. will host a special Lenten dinner for the Myrofores, Feet Washers and Altar Boys. This dinner precedes the Altar Boy Feet Washing Ceremony. We thank all the parents and children who support this very special Easter Ceremony Greek School Staff Sunday School School Staff On Easter Morning, April 4 th, following the Agapi service, the children and their families will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt. Call Athinoulla Bizos at or send an to sgpto@optonline.net if you can help with the Egg Hunt setup that morning. Many thanks to all the families and individuals who are now members of the P.T.O. The Saint George Parents and Teachers Organization Board Officers.

14 March/April 2010 Page 14 Greek Orthodox Youth Association - G. O. Y. A. Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball team for being the 1 st Place District II champions and to our Senior Basketball team for taking 3 rd Place!!! On February 5 th, 45 members of our GOYA had a blast at the Valentine s Day Dance hosted by Holmdel! Our February meeting was on February 7th and all sights were due for Sights & Sounds. Sign ups were being held that day for a possible ski trip in February (let s hope for more snow!). After the meeting, representatives from the Daughters of Penelope and AHEPA gave a presentation to our GOYA regarding starting a possible chapter of Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena as a continuation of our GOYA program. All our parents and friends had an opportunity to see our Sights & Sounds performances on Sunday, February 28 at our annual Sights & Sounds Luncheon right after Liturgy Services. Saturday, March 6 th is the big day Sights & Sounds in Westfield. We will have 33 youth members participating from our church, for a total of about 500 youth members from all of the churches. Go Piscataway!!!! Best of Luck to all of our participants and teachers. Our March GOYA meeting will be on March 7, with sign-ups for Jr. Olympics. Soon after, Easter preparations will begin with our annual palm cross making on March 27 and helping with the decoration of the Epitaphio on Holy Thursday. The GOYA soccer team will begin practices after Easter, dates to be announced. This year s Soccer Tournament will be held on May 1 (tentative date). On April 18, all of the GOYA is expected to march proudly down 5 th Avenue in commemoration of March 25 th, Greek Independence Day. Happy Easter and Καλό Πάσχα to everyone! Respectfully submitted, Maria Exarchakis, Historian SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are available to High School and College students of Greek descent through the Daughters of Penelope. Eligibility requirements vary for both male and /or female students. Athletic Scholarships are also available. Submission deadlines are in March & April. National Scholarship Applications can be downloaded at Go to the Daughters of Penelope section For District #5 Scholarships contact Joann Szela at GREEK PARADE/ΠΑΡΕΛΑΣΗ April th Avenue, New York City The Greek Orthodox Community of Saint George, Piscataway invites all its members to attend the Greek Independence Day Parade on Sunday, April 18, The Parade will take place on 5 th Avenue in New York City. Buses will leave from Rutgers Stadium the morning of the Parade. Tickets are $20 for adults (children are free). If you are interested in marching with the community float please be advised that there is a Dress Code. For more information and details please contact chairperson: George Rodoussakis Η Ελληνορθόδοξη Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου προσκαλεί όλα τα μέλη της στην ετήσια Παρέλαση για την Ημέρα της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας, 25 ης Μαρτίου Η Παρέλαση θα γίνει στην 5 η Λεωφόρο της Νέας Υόρκης την Κυριακή 18 η Απριλίου Θα υπάρχουν λεωφορεία που θα φύγουν από τον χώρο στάθμευσης του Πανεπιστημίου Rutgers το πρωΐ της ημέρας της παρέλασης. Το κόστος των εισιτηρίων είναι $20 για τους ενήλικες (δωρεάν για τα παιδιά). Αν ενδιαφέρεστε να παρελλάσσετε με το άρμα της κοινότητας, πρέπει να είστε ντυμένοι κατάλληλα. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και λεπτομέρειες αποταθείτε στον υπεύθυνο της παρέλασης: Γιώργο Ροδουσάκη

15 ***St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival 2010*** This program is given by The Department of Religious Education of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. It consists of two levels, the junior (grades 7-9) and senior (grades 10-12) divisions. All children are encouraged to participate, as they will have the opportunity to learn, write, and speak about their Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage; to help them cultivate their spiritual growth and maturity; and to gain the experience of speaking in front of an audience. Guidance will be given during Sunday School through the Parish Oratorical committee: Lemonia Miko-Malahias, Maria Boyadjis and Maggie Stavrianidis. St. George, Piscataway Oratorical Festival Presentations Sunday, April 11, 2010 * 12:30 pm in the church Topics for the Junior Division (grades 7-9): 1. His all Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew is a champion of the environment. Present some teachings of the Orthodox Church that support environmental protection and explain how it should be practiced today. 2. Icons bring to life the teachings of the Orthodox Faith. In the icon of the Resurrection, Christ is portrayed as lifting up Adam and Eve. Explain the meaning of this representation. 3. Love and death depend on our neighbor, according to St. Anthony the Great. Explore and expand on this teaching. 4. St. John of Damascus wrote many hymns for the major feast days of the Church. Tell us about St. John and his contribution to Orthodox hymnography. 5. In the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, we see that the prayer of the Publican was pleasing to God. Discuss the importance of humility in our prayers and in our daily lives. Topics for the Senior Division (grades 10-12): 1. In Proverbs 12:26, we read, The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. What is the Christian understanding of friendship and how do social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace help or hinder true friendship? 2. Psalms are read in all Orthodox worship services. Talk about the significance of Psalm 23 (24 LXX), which begins with the words, The earth is the Lord s, and all its fullness. 3. The Annunciation is one of the Major Feast Days of our Church. In her response to the Archangel Gabriel, Mary says, I am the Lord s servant. May it happen to me as you have said. As an Orthodox Christian, what does her response mean to you? 4. St. John Chrysostom closes his Commentary on St. Paul s Epistle to the Romans with the following words: Paul was a human being, sharing the same human nature with us and having everything else in common with us. But because he has shown a great love for Christ, he surpassed heaven and stood with the angels Let us then not only be amazed at and admire him but imitate him. In what sense can we imitate St. Paul? 5. Aristotle, the great philosopher, in speaking about virtue as a superb human characteristic, calls it heroic and divine in the Nicomachean Ethics, Book 7, and 1145a20. Explain why human virtue is something truly heroic and divine, especially in our days and in our world. Time Line February 7: Speaker registration to be submitted to Oratorical committee stating topic selection February 14: Review research sources with Oratorical committee February 21 & 28: Review rough draft with Oratorical committee March 7 & 14: Review final draft with Oratorical committee March 21: Last date of final draft submission to our pastor Very Reverend Fr. Alex via , VrevKile@optonline.net who will review the paper and may offer further guidance Between March 21 & April 10: Practice for speech delivery can be on Sundays or during the week with the help of the Oratorical Committee: Lemonia Miko-Malahias, Maria Boyadjis and Maggie Stavrianidis April 11: St George Piscataway Oratorical Festival Presentations will be held in the church at 12:30 pm, after Sunday morning services. All parishioners are invited to attend together with all students of the Greek and Sunday schools, GOYANs, their parents and grandparents. Two students will be chosen from each level to represent our church at the Regional Oratorical Festival April 24: Regional Oratorical Festival presentations: Kimisis tis Theotokos Church, Holmdel, NJ May 1: Metropolis Oratorical Festival presentations: Holy Trinity Church, Westfield, NJ For more information visit the Archdiocese website:

16 2010 PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX FESTIVAL 1101 RIVER ROAD PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY PHONE: (732) FAX: (732) th Annual Greek Festival! We welcome all parishioners who are interested in supporting this year s festival to attend the meetings. The annual festival will be held on May 14 th, 15 th and 16 th. This year we need help to fill a number of outstanding department positions. Specifically, Kitchen, Gift Shop, Church Tours and the Cultural Center. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact the chairperson, John Lyssikatos Offers of help will never be turned away. We are always open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with us. With the current uncertainty in the economy, the Festival Committee will be working to provide our guests the best value for their money. We will be evaluating and discussing ideas and processes to improve the Festival. This year may be our biggest challenge to continue the financial success of our festival. I believe the committee is up to the challenge. We will have a calendar, outlining all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. The calendar will be posted on the church bulletin board and communicated in the weekly announcements. We will be baking and cooking in February, March, April and May. As always, we are seeking everyone s help! The more people who get involved, the easier the activities, and the more fun we will have. We cannot depend on the same people year in and year out. Please bring a friend and join-in on the weekly preparations for the festival. As a group, we can achieve our goals! Subsequent meetings will be held on the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesdays in March and weekly meetings will be held on Tuesdays in April and May, with the exception of Holy Week. All meetings will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. As always, the meetings are open for everyone s participation. Festival Meeting Calendar March: 9 th, 23 th April: 13 th, 20 th, & 27 th May: 4 th Meetings: 7:30 to 9:00 pm 2010 ANNUAL FESTIVAL PREPARATION SCHEDULE Galaktoboureko March 2 10 am Tyropites March 9 10 am Koulourakia March am Melomakarona March am Kourampiedes April 6 10 am Keftedes April am Diples May 4 10 am

17 HOLY UNCTION Prayers for the Health of the Living Please use the other side of this page for the names of the living ΙΕΡΟΝ ΕΥΧΕΛΑΙΟΝ Ευχές Υπέρ υγείας Ζώντων Παρακαλούμε να χρησιμοποιήσετε την άλλη όψη αυτής της σελίδας για τα ονόματα των ζώντων

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19 EPITAPHIOS Prayers for the repose of the Deceased Please use the other side of this page for the names of the deceased ΕΠΙΤΑΦΙΟΣ Eυχές Υπέρ Αναπαύσεως Τεθνεώτων Παρακαλούμε να χρησιμοποιήσετε την άλλη όψη αυτής της σελίδας για τα ονόματα των κεκοιμημένων

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