Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Paid New Brunswick, N.J. Permit No. 379 January February 2006 Volume 4 - Issue 1 A publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey The Voice of Saint George Dimhniaio Deltio Ths Ellhnikhs Orqodoxhs Koinothtas Agiou Gewrgiou Φωνή βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδόν Κυρίου (Ματθ. Γ.3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord (Matt. 3:3) Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: 732-463-1642, Fax: 732-699-9309 WE ARE ON THE WEB: StGeorgePiscataway.org Town Date and time Piscataway 1/9 (3-7p.m.) New Brunswick 1/8 (6-8p.m.) Edison 1/10 (12-3p.m., 5-9p.m.) Edison 1/28 (3-9p.m.) South River 1/11 (11a.m.-8p.m.) East Brunswick 1/13 (10a.m.-6p.m.) North Brunswick 1/14 (4-8p.m.), 1/15 (4-8p.m.) North Edison 1/28 (3-9p.m.) Dayton 1/16 (2-7p.m.) Monmouth Junction 1/16 (2-7p.m.) Kendall Park 1/16 (2-7p.m.) Warren 2/11 (3-6p.m.) Bernardsville 1/29 (4-8p.m.) Basking Ridge 1/29 (4-8p.m.) Bedminister 1/29 (4-8p.m.) Somerset 1/17(1-4p.m.), 1-18 (1-7p.m.) Old Bridge 1/19 (2-6p.m.) Milltown 1/24 (4-9p.m.) Franklin Park 1/24 (4-9p.m.) Princeton 1/22 (3-7p.m.) Bell Mead 1/23 (5-8p.m.) Hillsboro 1/23 (5-8p.m.) North Plainfield 1/27 (2-9p.m.) Bound Brook 1/27 (2-9p.m.) Metuchen 1/30 (4-7p.m.) House Blessings Schedule 2006 Town Date and time Jamesburg 2/2 (3-9p.m.) Roseborough 2/2 (3-9p.m.) Cranbury 2/2 (3-9p.m.) Plainsboro 2/2 (3-9p.m.) Monroe 2/2 (3-9p.m.) Somerville 1/25 (4-9p.m.) Bridgewater 1/26 (2-8p.m.) Raritan 2/8 (3-8p.m.) Manville 2/8 (3-8p.m.) Sayerville 2/8 (3-8p.m.) Parlin 2/8 (3-8p.m.) Oldsbridge 2/10 (4-9 p.m.) Spotswood 2/10 (4-9 p.m.) Helmetta 2/10 (4-9p.m.) Lebanon 1/31 (5-7p.m.) Whitehouse Station 1/31 (5-7p.m.) Clinton 2/13 (3-8p.m.) Flemington 2/13 (3-8p.m.) Ringoes 2/13 (3-8p.m.) Manalapan 2/7 (5-9p.m.) Englishtown 2/7 (5-9p.m.) Woodbridge 2/20 (3-9p.m.) Fords 2/20 (3-9p.m.) Iselin 2/20 (3-9p.m.) Middlesex 1/27 (2-9p.m.) Greenbrook 1/27 (2-9p.m.) Inside this issue: Periecomena: Priest s Message 1 Mhnuma Ierea 1 President s Message 5 Mhnuma Proedrou 5 Religious Information 6 Philoptochos News 7-8 House Blessings 9 Sunday School News 10 GOYA Letter 11 Greek School News 11 Greek Festival 12 General Assembly 13 PTO News 14 PTO Luncheon 15 Advertisements 16 Financial Update 18 Stewardship Update 19 Fee Guidelines 20 AHEPA Super Bowl 20 Cretan Dance 21 Schedule 22 Eortologio 23 By Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite Dear Parishioners and Friends With the blessings of our Lord we started a New Year, the Year of our Lord 2006! This 2006 is a very special number because it brings us to the 90th Anniversary of our God Protected Community which was established in 1916 by the pioneers and our forefathers. Our community was established before the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America existed. The historical documents show us that the Holy Archdiocese was instituted after the Catastrophe of Asia Minor in 1922. During these 90 years, the seed of faith that was planted in this area of New Jersey grew to hundredfold, expanded and is still expanding every day. The early laborers of this vineyard were dedicated Orthodox Christians with deep faith and great vision. They took care of their family needs, their religious needs and then the future needs. It was like all their work was inspired by the Holy Spirit. People who knew or did not know each other gathered here, for 90 years, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy together, the Feast Days, the Baptisms (Continued on page 3) Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλεξάνδρου Κιλέ Αγαπητοί μου ενορίτες και φίλοι Με την ευλογία και τη χάρη του Θεού, την 1η Ιανουαρίου αρχίσαμε το Έτος 2006, τον νέον ενιαυτόν της Χριστότητος. Ο αριθμός αυτός έχει ιδιαίτερη σημασία για την ευλογημένη κοινότητά μας διότι μας φέρνει στον εορτασμό της 90ης επετείου της ιδρύσεώς της. Η θεόσωστος κοινότητά μας ιδρύθηκε το 1916 από τους πρωτεργάτες και προπάτορές μας. Θα ήθελα να επισημάνω ότι η Ιερή κοινότητά μας ιδρύθηκε πριν από την Ιερή Αρχιεπισκοπή Βορείου και Νοτίου Αμερικής η οποία ιδρύθηκε επισήμως το 1922 μετά την Μικρασιατική καταστροφή. Κατά την διάρκεια αυτών των 90 ετών ο σπόρος της πίστεως που εφυτεύθηκε σ THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD Ç ÕÐÁÐÁÍÔÇ ÔÏÕ ÊÕÑÉÏÕ (FEBRUARY 2 ) αυτήν την περιοχή της Νέας Ιερσέης, μεγάλωσε εκατονταπλασίως και ακόμα μεγαλώνει. Οι εργάτες αυτού του αμπελώνος ήταν αφοσιωμένοι Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί με βαθιά πίστη καί μεγάλη οραματικότητα. Εφρόντισαν για τις οικογένειές τους, μετά για τις θρησκευτικές ανάγκες τους και τέλος για τις μελλοντικές ανάγκες. Φαίνεται πως όλα έγιναν με την έμπνευση του Αγίου Πνεύματος. Άνθρωποι που είτε γνωρίζονται είτε δεν γνωρίζονται μεταξύ τους, συγκεντρώνονται εδώ επί 90 ολόκληρα χρόνια γιά να δοξολογήσουν τον Θεόν, να παρακολουθήσουν την Θεία Λειτουργία τις Κυριακές και τις εορτές, (Continued on page 4)
Page 2 Page 23 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Ellhnikh Orqodoxh Ekklhsia Agiou Gewrgiou Parish Ministries ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ 15 Ιανουαρίου 28 Φεβρουαρίου 2006 Κυριακές: Ορθρος 9-10:15 π.μ. Παιδική Ακολουθία 10:15-10:30 Θεία Λειτουργία 10:30 11:45 π.μ. Καθημερινές: Ορθρος 9 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10 π.μ. Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexander Kile ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ Parish Council Pastor V.Rev. Alexander Kile President Demetrios Arhontoulis Philoptochos Society St Barbara Eleni Andronikou, President Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Parent Teacher Organization Dorothea Koutsoras, President JOY/HOPE Sophie Exarchakis Κυριακή 15: ΙΒ Κυριακή Λουκά Απόστ. Κολασσαείς. 3:4-11, Ευαγ. Λουκά 17:12-19 Τρίτη 17: Αγίου Αντωνίου του Μεγάλου Τετάρτη 18: Αγίων Αθανασίου και Κυρίλλου Πατριαρχών Αλεξανδρείας Vice President / Administration Panos G. Georgopoulos Vice President /Operations George Petrantonakis Secretary Petra Knox Treasurer George Psyllos Comptroller Maria Kaouris Christodoulatos Members Lampros E. Bourodimos Michael Dimitrakis Bill Fottis Anthony Kalogridis Simos Kontos Dorothea Koutsoras Katerina Leftheris Elizabeth Kalatzis Manolakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Sunday School Elizabeth Kalatzis Manolakis Helene Pappas Greek School Panos G. Georgopoulos, Director Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Katerina Kourtis-Gavalas, Teacher GOYA Maria Banis, President GOYA Advisors Eileen Stellakis Diane Parais Eleni Banis Jim Exarchakis George Hadjiloucas Katerina Leftheris George Papagrigorakis Dimitrios Zalokostas Maria Kantilierakis Helen Sirimis Moms & Tots Sandy Kalogridis FOCUS Nick Kambitsis Senior Citizens Nickie Kopanakis Committee Chairpersons Stewardship Simos Kontos Church Festival John Lyssikatos House and Grounds Michael Dimitrakis Memorial Dolores Stroumtsos Voice Panos G. Georgopoulos Web Design Bill Fottis Παρασκευή 20 Αγίου Ευθυμίου του Μεγάλου Κυριακή 22: Ι Κυριακή Λουκά (Τυφλού) Απόστ. Α Τιμ. 1:15-17, Ευαγ. Λουκά 18:35-43 Τετάρτη 25: Αγίου Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου Κυριακή 29: ΙΕ Κυριακή Λουκά (Ζακχαίου) Απόστ. Α Τιμ. 4:9-15, Ευαγ. Λουκά 19:1-10 ευτέρα 30: Των Τριών Ιεραρχών (Ημέρα αφιερωμένη στα Ελληνικά Γράμματα) ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ Πέμπτη 2: Υπαπαντή Του Χριστού Παρασκευή 3: Αγίου Συμεών του Θεοδόχου Κυριακή 5: ΙΖ Κυριακή Ματθαίου (Χαναναίας) Απόστ. Β Πρός Κορινθίους 6:16-7:1, Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 15:21-28 Παρασκευή 10: Αγίου Χαραλάμπους Ιερομάρτυρος Κυριακή 12: ΙΣΤ Κυριακή Λουκά (Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου ). Αρχή Τριωδίου Απόστ. Β Τιμ. 3:10-15, Ευαγ. Λουκά 18:10-14 Κυριακή 19: ΙΖ Κυριακή Λουκά (ΤουΑσώτου Υιού) Απόστ. Α Πρός Κορινθίους 6:12-20, Ευαγ. Λουκά 15:11-32 Special Thanks to all volunteers, Sunday School staff, Coaches, Greek Dance Instructors & Parents who support our church organizations and programs. This issue of the Voice of St George was prepared by V. Rev. Alexander Kile, Panos G. Georgopoulos, Chrysoula DeLaurentis, Dorothea Koutsoras, Dimitra Mpovolis and Evie Georgopoulos. Our warmest thanks to the GOYA and Greek School mothers for their help with collating, stapling and preparing this issue for mailing. We encourage all of our community organizations & ministries to post their events in The Voice of St George. We remind you that events should be advertised a month in advance. So, information should be submitted one month prior to the issue in which it will appear, preferably by sending it via email to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net We thank you for your cooperation. Have you visited the St George website lately? Just go to: www.stgeorgepiscataway.org Σάββατο 25: Α Ψυχοσάββατον Κυριακή 26: Κυριακή της Αποκρέω (Η ικαία Κρίσις του Θεού) Απόστ. Α Προς Κορινθίους 8:8-9:2, Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 25:31-46
Page 22 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES January 15 February 28, 2006 Sunday: Matins 9-10.15 a.m. Children s Service 10:15-10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:30 a.m. Weekdays: Matins 9-10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10 a.m. JANUARY Sunday 15: XII Sunday of Luke (The 10 Lepers) The chains of Saint Peter Epistle: Col. 3:4-11, Gospel: Luke 17:12-19 Tuesday 17: Saint Anthony the Great Wednesday 18: Saints Athanasios & Cyrillos Patriarchs of Alexandria Friday 20: Saint Efthimios the Great Sunday 22: XIV Sunday of Luke Epistle: I Tim. 1:15-17, Gospel: Luke 18:35-43 Wednesday 25: Saint Gregory the Theologian Sunday 29: XV Sunday of Luke (Zacchaeus) Epistle: I Tim. 4:9-15, Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 Monday 30: The Three Hierarchs (Day Dedicated to Greek Letters) FEBRUARY Thursday 2: The Presentation of Our Lord to the Temple Friday 3: Saint Symeon the God Receiver Sunday 5: XVII Sunday of Matthew (The Canaanite Woman) Epistle: II Corinthians 6:16-7:1, Gospel: Mat 15:21-28 By Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Archimandrite (Continued from page 1) and Weddings but also comfort each other in funerals and memorials. Through the church, we created relationships and we extended our families. We had 90 years to grow together and that is the reason our community is what it is today! A proud community that has made a great progress. We work hard side by side, at our festivals and at our different fundraisers. A community that is blessed with love always makes progress. We have a great Sunday School, an excellent Greek School and a lot of wonderful organizations like the Philoptochos society, the Choir, the Altar Boys, the PTO, the JOY and HOPE groups, the Moms and Tots, the Dance groups and so many others. We are especially proud of our GOYA members, the future leaders of our community. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, the year 2006 is the year to celebrate and commemorate the past and plan for the future with pride, dedication and Christian love. We are indeed a guiding light of our Orthodox faith and our Greek traditions as well as an example in the community at large. The inheritance that was given to us is great and we have the obligation to cherish and multiply it by working together. We have to give this token, that our forefathers entrusted in us, to the next generation so they can continue the work. This is what we do here at Saint George. We are grateful to our Good Lord because He has made us worthy of witnessing this beautiful jubilee of our community. The work of our hands flourished to a beautiful tree and we can enjoy its beauty. Always with the help of God, we will continue to work hard in order to keep this tree nourished and well protected. During this year, many special activities will be announced in order to celebrate this important milestone. We, the Pastor and the Parish Council members would like to have the participation of all our parishioners and our friends to all the special events that are planned this year. As this letter is coming to a close, I would like to take the opportunity and express gratitude to all the friends, Parish Council members, Greek school and Sunday School Teachers, Page 3 Youth advisors, Philoptochos members and members of other organizations of our community who worked with dedication, faith and sometimes sacrifice. Your love is what made this community be one of the best in the Holy Metropolis of NJ. We thank you all. During my tenure here, we have seen an increase in the stewardship and the different collection opportunities. God bless you all, your church thanks you. Personally, I would like to express my heartfelt SAINT GEORGE thanks to all the parishioners who supported the many church programs old and new. You are indeed great! Also, I would like to thank all the Parish Council members and our energetic President Mr. Arhontoulis for the full cooperation they have shown me as we work together for the progress of our beloved Parish as well as the offering of all the religious needs and activities for the Salvation and spiritual growth of our Parishioners. My beloved ones, with prayer, Christian love and forgiveness which lead us to our personal salvation, let us recommit ourselves to Jesus Christ, at this glorious jubilee of the 90th anniversary of our beloved community of Saint George. May the Good Lord grant all of us and our families health, love, wisdom and prosperity so we can continue with great responsibility and pride the mission of our forefathers who built this gem of Orthodoxy here on the banks of Raritan River. I wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year! With love in His service The Pastor, Very Rev. Archimandrite Alexander Kile Friday 10: Saint Haralambos the Holy Martyr Sunday 12: XVI Sunday of Luke (Publican and Pharisee). The Triodion starts. Epistle: II Tim. 3:10-15, Gospel: Luke 18:10-14 Sunday 19: XVII Sunday of Luke (Prodigal Son) Epistle: I Cor. 6:12-20, Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 Saturday 25: First Saturday of the Souls Sunday 26: Meatfare Sunday (The Judgment Day of the Lord) Epistle: I Cor. 8:8-9:2, Gospel: Mat. 25:31-46 VOICE OF ST GEORGE: CURRENT ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS AND A NOTE FROM THE VOICE COMMITTEE In this issue of the Voice of St George you can find updates on the budget of our church and on the status of the stewardship program (both as of December 31, 2005) on pages 18-19, articles on past and upcoming events, and announcements from our community organizations. We keep trying to improve the Voice and we count on you to provide information on the activities of your organizations and programs in a timely manner. We also appreciate all comments and suggestions that will help make the Voice more useful to the members of the St George community - send us email to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net. The Voice is produced entirely by volunteers who do the typesetting, the printing, the binding, and the mailing; still, we are responsible and apologize for any omissions, delays, and imperfections associated with this and any other (past and future) issue. Please help us make the next one better. Στο τεύχος αυτό του δελτίου μας μπορείτε να βρείτε μιά συνοπτική ενημέρωση γιά τον προϋπολογισμό της εκκλησίας μας και την πρόοδο του προγράμματος εκούσιας εισφοράς (μεχρι την 31η Δεκεμβρίου 2005) στις σελίδες 18-19, άρθρα για πρόσφατες αλλά και γιά προγραμματισμένες εκδηλώσεις και γεγονότα, καθώς και ανακοινώσεις των οργανισμών της κοινότητάς μας. Συνεχίζουμε τις προσπάθειες μας γιά συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου μας. Το δελτίο αυτό είναι μέν αποτέλεσμα εθελοντικής εργασίας, από την σελιδοποίηση και την εκτύπωση έως την ταχυδρομική αποστολή, είμαστε όμως υπεύθυνοι και ζητούμε συγγνώμη γιά όποιες καθυστερήσεις, παραλείψεις, ή λάθη αναπόφευκτα γίνονται. Ζητούμε την κατανόηση και συνεργασία σας και ελπίζουμε ότι θα μας βοηθήσετε παρέχοντας έγκαιρα πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις δραστηριότητες και εκδηλώσεις των προγραμμάτων στα οποία συμμετέχετε. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, γιά το πως να κάνουμε αυτό το δελτίο πιό χρήσιμο σε σας, είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Σας παρακαλούμε να στέλλετε email στην ηλεκτρονική διεύθυνση StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net.
Page 4 Page 21 (Continued from page 1) Από τον Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενο Αρχιμανδρίτη Αλέξανδρο Κιλέ καθώς επίσης και να λάβουν μέρος στα Μυστήρια και τις διάφορες Ακολουθίες. Έχουμε παρηγορήσει ο ένας τον άλλον στις δύσκολες ώρες, που αναπόφευκτα έρχονται σε όλους τους ανθρώπους, αλλά και δημιουργήσαμε δυνατές φιλίες και σχέσεις. Πολλές οικογένειες δημιουργήθηκαν και μεγάλωσαν μέσα σ αυτήν την ευλογημένη και ιστορική κοινότητα. Είχαμε 90 χρόνια να ζήσουμε και να μεγαλώσουμε μαζί, γιαυτό και είμαστε αυτό που είμαστε σήμερα! Μία υπερήφανη κοινότητα που έχει προοδεύσει πολύ. Κάθε κοινότητα στην οποία υπάρχει αγάπη και σεβασμός του ενός προς τον άλλον προκόβει και προχωρεί. ουλεύουμε σκληρά ο ένας δίπλα στον άλλο στο φεστιβάλ και στις διάφορες εκδηλώσεις. Έχουμε ένα πολύ καλό Κατηχητικό Σχολείο, ένα σπουδαίο Ελληνικό Σχολείο και πολλούς οργανισμούς. Είμαστε ιδιαίτερα υπερήφανοι γιά τα μέλη της νεολαίας μας για κάθε προσφορά τους στην εκκλησία, όπως τα ιερόπαιδα και άλλες ομάδες. Είναι καιρός να εκφράσουμε την ευγνωμοσύνη και τον σεβασμό μας σε όλους τους ιερείς, στα μέλη των εκκλησιαστικών συμβουλίων, στους προέδρους κοινότητας, στις κυρίες της Φιλοπτώχου, στους δασκάλους SAINTS ATHANASIOS & CYRILLOS PATRIARCHS OF ALEXANDRIA (JANUARY 18) και διδασκάλισσες, στους συμβούλους νεολαίας και σε όλα τα μέλη της κοινότητας που εργάστηκαν σκληρά και με αφοσίωση, πίστη, αγάπη και θυσία ώστε να γίνει η κοινότητά μας μία από τις καλύτερες της Ιεράς Μητροπόλεως της Νέας Ιερσέης. Η εκκλησία σας ευχαριστεί όλους. Με την ευκαιρία αυτή, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλους εσάς που από την ημέρα που ήλθα στην ενορία αυτή, μου προσφέρατε την συνεργασία σας και συνεχίζετε να υποστηρίζετε τα διάφορα προγράμματα της εκκλησίας. Χαίρομαι ιδιαίτερα που τα έσοδα από την Εκούσια Εισφορά έχουν αυξηθεί καθώς και πολλές από τις προσφορές σας. Ως πνευματικός σας πατέρας, σας ευχαριστώ για την υποστήριξη που δίνετε στο έργο του Χριστού. Επίσης θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τα μἐλη του εκκλησιαστικού συμβουλίου για την πολύτιμη συνεργασία τους και ιδιαιτέρως τον ενεργητικό πρόεδρο της κοινότητας κ.. Αρχοντούλη. Εργαζόμαστε εν αρμονία για την επιτυχία και την πρόοδο της ενορίας αυτής και για το πνευματικό όφελος όλων των μελών της. Μετά εν Χριστώ αγάπης Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος Αρχιμανδρίτης Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ YOUR HELP IS NEEDED A Message from the House and Grounds Committee As many of you have noticed, the facilities of our church are used around the clock and so they continuously need maintenance and repairs. Many projects were undertaken and completed this past year, with the help of donors and volunteers; however, many more are currently planned. In the next issue of the Voice of Saint George the House and Grounds Committee will present a detailed list of projects for which your help is needed: WE COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT
Page 20 Page 5 Memorial Tree Dove $2,000.00 Stone $1,500.00 Leaf $350.0 Fees for Rental of Facilities Memorial Room $250.00 Cleaning of Memorial Room $50.00 AHEPA Hall $500.00 Cleaning of AHEPA Hall $100.00 Kitchen w/cooking $150.00 Kitchen Warm food only $75.00 Soda Fountain Machine $1.00 per person ($50 minimum) Coffee Hour Sponsor ST GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, PISCATAWAY, NJ FEE GUIDELINES Coffee with Donuts $45.00 Coffee Only $25.00 Document Translation Members in Good Standing a. Ecclesiastical Documents Pertaining to Sacraments (Baptism, Marriage, etc) NO CHARCE b. Other documents $50.00 per page Non Members a. Ecclesiastical Documents $50.00 per page b. Other Documents $50.00 per page All Translations require a preparation time of one week depending on the work schedule of the Church Office. THE AHEPA MONROE CHAPTER 75 2nd ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PARTY Sunday, February 5, 2005 - Time: 6:00pm Place: St George Greek Orthodox Church-AHEPA Hall $10 per person $5 for kids 10 years and younger We are inviting the entire Greek and American Community to this FAMILY event. Please bring your friends and relatives. The Price includes plenty of FOOD and BEVERAGES. WE WILL BE HAVING FOOTBALL POOLS & DOOR PRIZES. 50% of the Net Proceeds will be donated to the St George Greek Orthodox Church President s Message/Mhnuma tou Proedrou Dear fellow Parishioners and friends On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself I would like to express the many thanks and appreciation for your support and help you give us during the year, in order to fulfill the needs of our community. I would like to bring to your attention that February is a very important month. On February 23rd, we have the Planning Board committee meeting in Piscataway. We ask all our parishioners, especially those who live in Piscataway and Somerset, to be present at this meeting so we can show our support for the urgent need of the construction of a new parking lot. If you need more information about this meeting please don t hesitate to approach me, or Mrs. Maria K. Christodoulatos on Sunday after the Divine Liturgy. On Sunday, February 12th, after church services, we have the General Assembly meeting and elections for the Board of Trustees. We all need to be present because a lot of issues will be presented and discussed and your church needs everybody s input and involvement. Let us show that we all care about this community by attending this important meeting. Also, we need to think about our vote for the members of the Board. We can not take this lightly, because we depend on the people we will vote in, to make decisions that will affect our community now and in the future. Also, I would like to remind everyone that we still have many projects pending and we are looking for volunteers to take on some of these responsibilities. Please let us know if you can give us a helping hand. There is no small offer, we welcome and appreciate all volunteers. In closing, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year, and I hope to see everyone in the General Assembly meeting. See you at church! Demetrios Arhontoulis President of the Board of Trustees Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες και φίλοι Εκ μέρους του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου αλλά και προσωπικά εκφράζω τις θερμές ευχαριστίες και την βαθιά εκτίμηση μας γιά όλη την υποστήριξη που μας δείξατε κατά την διάρκεια του χρόνου, ώστε να μπορούμε να ανταπεξέλθουμε στις πολλές ανάγκες της κοινότητας. Θα ήθελα να στρέψω την προσοχή σας στον μήνα Φεβρουάριο ο οποίος είναι πολύ σπουδαίος μήνας. Στις 23 Φεβρουαρίου έχουμε την συνέλευση στην Πολεοδομική Υπηρεσία. Είναι ανάγκη να παρευρεθούν όσοι περισσότεροι ενορίτες γίνεται, ιδιαίτερα αυτοί που κατοικούν στις πόλεις Piscataway και Somerset ώστε να παρουσιάσουμε όσο πιο πειστικά μπορούμε, την ανάγκη κατασκευής καινούργιου χώρου στάθμευσης αυτοκινήτων. Αν ενδιαφέρεστε για περισσότερες πληροφορίες μη διστάσετε να αποτανθείτε σε μένα ή στην κυρία Μαρία Κ. Χριστοδουλάτου την Κυριακή μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Την Κυριακή 12 Φεβρουαρίου, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία, έχουμε την Ημιετήσια Γενική Συνέλευση και εκλογές για τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου. Είναι απαραίτητο να είμαστε όλοι στην συνέλευση διότι θα συζητηθούν πολλά θέματα που αφορούν την εκκλησία μας και χρειαζόμαστε την γνώμη, το ενδιαφέρον και την υποστήριξη όλων των ενοριτών. Επίσης, πρέπει να λάβουμε μέρος στις εκλογές των μελών του Συμβουλίου. Ας μην αμελήσουμε φέτος την συνέλευση αυτή, και ας σκεφτούμε προσεκτικά την ψήφο μας διότι τα άτομα που θα ψηφιστούν, θα είναι οι αντιπρόσωποί μας. Σε αυτούς θα αναθέσουμε να πάρουν τις μεγάλες και μικρές αποφάσεις επηρεάζοντας την κοινότητα στο εγγύς αλλά και στο απόμακρο μέλλον. Κλείνοντας, σας υπενθυμίζω ότι ακόμα έχουμε δουλειές που πρέπει να γίνουν στην εκκλησία μας και εκκρεμότητες που πρέπει να τακτοποιηθούν. Ζητούμε εθελοντές που μπορούν να δώσουν ένα χέρι βοήθειας. Καμμία βοήθεια δεν είναι αμελητέα. Αν μπορείτε να προσφέρετε λίγο ή πολύ από τον χρόνο σας, σας παρακαλούμε ελάτε να συζητήσουμε. Εκτιμούμε κάθε προσφορά. Εύχομαι σε όλα τα μέλη της κοινότητας Καλή Χρονιά με κάθε ευλογία του Κυρίου μας. Θα σας δω στην Γενική Συνέλευση! Δημήτριος Αρχοντούλης Πρόεδρος του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου The Library Committee is accepting donations of books of suitable content for the enrichment of our Saint George Library. Desired subjects include books on Greek Orthodox Faith, Greek Education, Greek History, Greek Geography etc. If you are interested to make a donation please contact Mrs. Dimitra Mpovolis or Mrs. Niki Makrelis at the library every Wednesday 4:30-6:30 p.m. Η Επιτροπή Βιβλιοθήκης δέχεται βιβλία κατάλληλου περιεχομένου για τον εμπλουτισμό της βιβλιοθήκης της κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Αποδεκτά είναι βιβλία για την Ορθοδοξία, τους Αγίους, την Ελληνική Ιστορία, την Ελληνική Γεωγραφία κ.λ.π. Αν ενδιαφέρεστε να προσφέρετε βιβλία για τον σκοπο αυτό μπορείτε να επισκεφθείτε την βιβλιοθήκη κάθε Τετάρτη 4:30-6:30μ.μ και να αποτανθείτε στις κυρίες Δήμητρα Μποβολή ή Νίκη Μακρέλη.
Page 6 Page 19 RELIGIOUS INFORMATION: TYPIKON DURING THE LITURGY In many churches that I served, I observed that our beloved faithful do not know when we stand and when we sit during the Divine Liturgy. If I forget to signal with my hand for people to sit down, they will stand during the rest of the service, which, of course, is physically tiring and not necessary. With this article, we will go over the Divine Liturgy and I will explain to you the tradition in the Orthodox Church of when we stand and when we sit down, when we cross ourselves, when we bow our heads and when we are not allowed to walk. The Divine Liturgy starts with the words Blessed is the Kingdom, and we all stand up and cross ourselves three times. This represents the opening of the dialogue with the Kingdom of God. Second, we have the Petitions, when we ask the peace of God to come in us. We cross ourselves at the petitions, after the commemoration of the Metropolitan s name and we sit down. When the Virgin Mary is mentioned and the Priest says for to You belongs all glory we cross ourselves. Then the choir sings by the Intercession of the Theotokos Then we cross ourselves again after the commemoration of Virgin Mary s name and the Priest s response for Yours is the dominion and Yours is the kingdom The choir s response is save us o Son of God Again, the petition comes when the name of the Virgin Mary is commemorated, we stand and cross ourselves. During the petitions we ask: for the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ to save our souls. At this point the small entrance starts, the priest comes out with the Gospel in his hands, and says: wisdom let us stand. This part represents Jesus Christ who came down from Heaven, He descended to earth for our salvation through His Birth. The Priest sings: Come let us stand and bow down before Christ, we bow our heads and cross ourselves. Let us venerate and bow This hymn represents the actions of the Magi and the shepherds at His birth. Save us o Son of God...we sing unto You Alleluia This hymn represents the Angels who were singing Alleluia. Then the hymns are chanted. The Thrice Holy Hymn (Trisagion) which is the Angelic Hymn, is chanted. The priest says For you our God while the chanters are singing Holy God, Holy Mighty, we the faithful, cross ourselves. After the conclusion of the hymn we sit down for the reading of the Epistle. The Word of God was proclaimed to the world first by the Gospel. The Gospel Reading part of the Liturgy represents the preaching ministry of our Lord. Through the Epistle Reading we understand the establishing of the Christian communities and the teaching of the disciples. During the Epistle, the Priest incenses the whole congregation as a sign of the descent of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, which will be proclaimed through the Gospel. When the Priest says: Wisdom, rise, let us hear the Gospel.. we stand up. We bow our heads when the Priest says: Peace to you and we cross ourselves. The chanter says: Glory to You our God and the same at the conclusion of the Reading of the Holy Gospel. During the reading of the Gospel we do not walk. We just stand and listen carefully to the Word of God. After the Gospel reading, is the Cherubical Hymn which represents the burial of Christ. We stand up during the Cherubical Hymn and during the Great Entrance. As the Priest holds the Holy Gifts and proceeds through the church, we bow our heads, and remember the names of our family members, friends and those who are sick and we pray for them. At the second part, we commemorate the names of our loved ones who are deceased. The Priest will say: May our Lord God remember all of us in His Kingdom. At the petitions we can sit down. At the end of the petition, during the commemoration of the Virgin Mary, we cross ourselves and we stand up. Through the Mercies we cross ourselves. Peace be to you all we bow our heads. The Father the Son we cross ourselves three times. When prompted, we recite the Creed loudly. The grace of our Lord... we bow our heads. We thank you Lord we cross ourselves. When the choir sings: Holy, Holy, Holy we cross ourselves. When the Priest says: Take, eat we bow our heads and cross ourselves. At this moment we do not walk. The same applies when the Priest says: Drink of it This part of the service symbolizes the events that took place during the Last Supper. When the Priest says: Thy gifts of what is Thine.. is the most sacred moment of the Divine Liturgy. It is the moment that the Holy Spirit descends and changes the bread into the Body of Christ and the wine into the Blood of Christ. The Holy Canons of the Church teach us that on Sundays we do not kneel during this part of the Service because it is the Day of the Resurrection of our Lord (Sunday). We follow this rule during the Pentecostal season (after Easter). The Holy Canon says that we have to kneel during this part of the Liturgy when it is performed on weekdays. The reason is that the Holy Spirit is among us and Blesses everyone in the church. We pray as the Holy Spirit Blesses us, and ask God s forgiveness. In America, it is a custom now to kneel on Sundays. This tradition was founded by the late Archbishop Athenagoras who saw the need of this change because most of the faithful could not attend the Divine Liturgies performed during the week. In our church, and everywhere in America, we follow this new tradition and we kneel and pray during this part of the Liturgy (excluding the 5 Sundays of the Pentecost). When the Priest says: Especially.. we stand up and cross ourselves. At this point, the Priest commemorates the names of the deceased which were sent by the faithful in the Altar. It is good and the right thing to do, to send names in the Altar. It is part of our faith and tradition. You can send names of the living that you believe need as special prayer or blessing, or the names of your loves ones who have passed away and we pray for their souls. Everybody can send names, not only the people who have memorial services or Trisagion. After the Mercies of our God and Savior we cross ourselves and sit down. As the Priest says: deem us worthy we stand up and recite the Lord s Prayer loudly. Peace to you we bow our heads. Through the Grace... we cross ourselves. The Holy Gifts unto the Holy we cross ourselves three times and bow our heads. When the Priest asks forgiveness we respond by bowing our heads. The Holy communion represents the Resurrection of Christ. After the Priest takes communion we can sit down. We stand up when the Priest says: with the fear of God... we stand up and remain standing until he says: Always now and ever The Priest faces the congregation with the Pattern and the Chalice shown; this action represents the Ascension of the Lord. When the Priest says: For You art our sanctification we stand up and remain standing for the Thanksgiving Prayer (opisthamvonos evhi) until the conclusion of the Liturgy: with the prayers If there is an Artoclasia (Bread Loaves Service) or Memorial services they are performed before the conclusion of the Liturgy. With love in Christ, Very Rev. Alexander Kile, Archimandrite Stewardship Update/Enhmerwsh gia thn Ekousia Eisfora Please do not forget that your Church operates yearround and needs your support year-round. An integral part of the success of stewardship in the St George community is the participation of each member of this parish. We are aware that these are difficult times for many parishioners and yet the Church is here for you regardless if you choose to support it or not. If you have pledged and not paid, please do so before the end of the year. If you have not pledged at all, we encourage you to do so and soon! The Church needs your help and welcomes any and all pledges. We thank all parishioners who have pledged and we appreciate your continued support of the St George Greek Orthodox Church.
Page 18 Page 7 Financial Update/Oikonomikh Enhmerwsh Philoptochos News Nea ths Filoptwcou With this first article of the New Year, The Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara extends its best wishes to all our parishioners a very happy and healthy new year filled with all of God s Blessings! It was a busy and outstanding ending to the year 2005 for the Philoptochos ladies! We met our National Philoptochos obligations for UNICEF, The General Medical Fund, the Patriarch Athenagoras National Institute and OCMC. We completed the sewing and distribution of the baby blankets; in addition, a shipment of knitted hats and lightweight blankets for newborns was sent to the victims of the recent hurricane disasters. We prepared and mailed the Community Christmas Card and we thank all our parishioners who contributed to the Needy Fund through the Christmas Card. As fund raisers, we baked and sold 100 pans of baklava, 200 loves of Christmas Bread and--for the first time--vasilopites. We celebrated our St. Barbara s holiday with an artoklasia following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 4. Our annual St. Barbara Luncheon which was held at the Willows Restaurant was very successful. And, as we do throughout the year, our ladies visited the shut-ins of our community for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and continued the monthly cooking for the homeless and Warming of America. Our ladies also delivered knitted hats, mittens and scarves, and boxes of cookies to the 42 children at the Amandla Crossing which is a home in Middlesex County for homeless mothers and their children. Congratulations to all the chairladies of these many activities and all those who assisted for they all did an outstanding job! We continue our busy schedule as we begin the year 2006. Our Vasilopita took place on Jan. 15, 2006. On February 5 our Membership Tea is scheduled; this will be held in the Ahepa Hall and the entire community in invited. On March 12 (Orthodoxy Sunday) a Memorial Service for our deceased members will take place. On that same date, March 12, the Lenten Luncheon will also take place. The entire community is invited to this Lenten Luncheon immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The donations from the Lenten Luncheon will benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross. For our February 25, 2006, meeting, the ladies decided to invite the neighboring Philoptochos Societies as a way of getting to know our friends better and to hear of their activities. We encourage all our members to check their calendars for the dates of our monthly meetings and to attend all our meetings. Also, let s start the new year right by paying all our past dues and the dues for this new year! The Philoptochos Membership Tea The Ladies Philoptochos Society invites the entire community to its annual Membership Tea on February 5, 2006 in the AHEPA Hall immediately after the Sunday Liturgy. Join us and learn more about our Philoptochos and our many activities. A light lunch will be served. You are invited to attend the LENTEN LUNCHEON Sunday, March 12, 2006 After the Divine Liturgy in the Ahepa Hall Sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society `St. Barbara Donations are Welcome To Benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary
Page 8 Page 17 Philoptochos News Nea ths Filoptwcou ADVERTISEMENTS 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 2005. We also acknowledge the following donations that were not included in this year s Christmas Card: www.kasimatisdentistry.com 1. Savoula Amanatidis 2. Anastasios Amanatidis 3. Dimitri & Tatiana Kika 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, 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! V A S I L O P I T A C E L E B R A T I O N The annual cutting of the Vasilopita took place on Sunday, January 15, 2006, immediately after the Divine Liturgy in the Ahepa Hall which filled with our many parishioners in spite of the adverse weather conditions which prevailed. The St. Basil s Board of Trustees was represented by two members of our community who have been appointed to the Board by His Emminence Archbishop Demetrios: Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis, Secretary, and Mr. Charles Theokas. The event was very successful! After Chairman Meropi Martini welcomed the gathering, Very Rev. Fr. Alexander Kile presided over the traditional cutting and distribution of the Vasilopita to the many individuals and representatives of the various organizations of our church community. Additionally, a Vasolipita was given to Mr. Dimitrios Arhontoulis, President of our St. George Community, who personally delivered it to Rev. Fr. Anthony Pappas who is recuperating at his residence in Highland Park. The Philoptochos extends its heartfelt thanks to our many parishioners who attended and were so generous with their donations for the children of the St. Basil s Academy. Many thanks also to Evellyn & Steve Tsiadis who matched the donations at the door with their personal check of $500. A total of $1,200 was sent to National Philoptochos for our obligation toward St. Basil s Academy. Individuals who were unable to attend this annual event but would still like to make their donation, may do so by making their check payable to Ladies Philoptochos Society and mailing it to: Ladies Philoptochos Society--Vasilopita 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ 08854-5699 And in conclusion and on behalf of all the members of our Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Barbara, we wish to all the parishioners of the St. George Community a very Blessed and Healthy New Year! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS the Hellenic Cultural Association of Rutgers University and the Elytis Chair Fund are proud to present a Play Based on Plato s The Apology of Socrates at the Nicholas Theater of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ Performed by Yannis Simonides and Directed by Loukas N. Skipitaris on Sunday, March 5th, 2006 3:00 PM Tickets: $25.00 (free with valid student ID) All Proceeds go to the Modern Greek Studies Program of Rutgers University
Page 16 Page 9 ADVERTISEMENTS HOUSE BLESSINGS ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΣΠΙΤΙΩΝ CRABIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS David B. Crabiel, Founder (NJ Lic. 2301) 732-828-1331 MILLTOWN The Crabiel Home for Funerals Paulette Crabiel Wahler, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3875) 170 N. Main Street-at Riva Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel Frank S. Facchini, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 3217) 329 Livingston Avenue NEW BRUNSWICK Michael Theokas As you all already know, it is tradition in the Greek Orthodox faith to have our home blessed in the beginning of the year. It is also a nice opportunity to get the family together and participate in a vital part of our Christian Faith. In order to facilitate this, the church office has mailed cards to all parishioners informing them of when the priest will be in your area. If you did not receive a card, or for any reason you were not available that day and would like to have you home blessed, please call the church office (732)463-1642 and set up an appointment. You can also talk to Father Alex during his office hours. We hope that you make this beautiful tradition part of your family s life. The schedule for the House Blessings can be found on the back-cover of the present issue of the Voice Όπως όλοι ξέρετε, η Ελληνορθόδοξη πίστη μας επιβάλει να Αγιάζονται τα σπίτια μας την αρχή κάθε χρόνου. Είναι επίσης, μία όμορφη ευκαιρία να συγκεντρώσουμε την οικογένειά μας και να ζήσουμε από κοντά ένα κομμάτι της Χριστιανικής μας Πίστης. Με σκοπό να οργανώσει τους Αγιασμούς όσο γίνεται καλύτερα, το γραφείο της εκκλησίας μας έστειλε κάρτες που γνωστοποιούν στους ενορίτες μας πότε θα είναι ο ιερέας στην περιοχή σας. Αν δεν έχετε λάβει κάρτα, ή για οποιονδήποτε λόγο δεν μπορέσατε να έχετε τον Αγιασμό εκείνη την ημέρα, αλλά θέλετε να αγιάσετε το σπίτι σας, παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνήστε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας (732) 463-1642 για να συμφωνηθεί καινούργια ημερομηνία. Μπορείτε επίσης να μιλήσετε με τον Πατέρα Αλέξανδρο τις ώρες που είναι στο γραφείο του. Ελπίζουμε κανείς να μην χάσει την όμορφη αυτή ευκαιρία και ευχόμαστε ο ετήσιος Αγιασμός να γίνει μέρος της ζωής κάθε Χριστιανικής οικογένειας. GOWEN FUNERAL HOME, LLC John Mezaros, Mgr. (NJ Lic. 2862) 233 Somerset Street NEW YEAR S EVE DINNER DANCE 1411 Stelton Road - Piscataway, NJ 08854 732 572-9715 Please send your ad via e-mail to StGeorgeVoice@comcast.net Alpha Moving & Storage Local & Long Distance Moves (973) 586-3707 jenny@alphamoving.net This year our St. George community hosted the New Year s Eve dinner dance. Under the glow of twinkling lights, friends and family gathered to bring in 2006. Laughter, dancing and singing filled the community hall throughout the evening. Tommy Karandrikas, our DJ, mixed a terrific selection of music that inspired lots of fun and κέφι for young and old alike. There was an overflow of appetizers to get everyone started, while Mr. Peter Kalimanis prepared a superb prime rib dinner. At midnight all gathered around the big screen to watch the famous New Year s Eve ball drop from Time Square in New York. All toasted the New Year with champagne and completed their meals with Vasilopita and homemade desserts. Father Alex led the singing of the traditional Αρχιμηνιά και Αρχιχρονιά as everyone gathered to sing, reminisce and jog memories for just one more stanza of the song. The evening echoed with a feeling of family, friendship, warmth and love. What a wonderful way for the community of St. George to begin the New Year! On behalf of the St. George Board of Trustees we extend many thanks to Mr. Peter Kalimanis for cooking the delicious dinners and to Mr. Tommy Karandrikas for the wonderful entertainment; to New Athens Corner for their generous donation of condiments and liquor and to The Willows for their donation of white tablecloths to our community; to Mrs. Evanthia Georgopoulos and to Mr. Minas Michaels for their preparation and donation of the kourambiedes and melomakarona and to Antoni Kalogridis, Katerina Leftheris and George Petrantonakis for their support, hard work and donations. Happy New Year to everyone in our community! New Year s Eve Committee Co-Chairwomen Dorothea Koutsouras Elizabeth K. Manolakis
Page 10 Page 15 Sunday School News Nea tou Kathchtikou Scoleiou Εορτασμός της Ημέρας των Τριών Ιεραρχών και των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων The annual Nativity of the St. George Sunday School was presented on Sunday, December 18, directly after the Liturgy, in the Nave of St. George. This program is a presentation of the upper grades of our Sunday School under the direction of Eighth Grade teachers Marika Skiadas and Paul Stevens. Nativity music was under the direction of Mrs. Louise Lambros and our Littlest Angels were under the direction of our Kindergarten teachers Georgia Lambros, Anastasia Lambros, and Angelica Wilson. On January 15, following a beautiful tradition, the Philoptochos and the Sunday School made it possible for all students in the Sunday School to be present for the cutting of a vasilopita as they assembled in seven classrooms in our academic area. The proper order of cutting was followed by each teacher in charge who dedicated the first piece to Jesus Christ and ended with a piece cut for each student as his or her name was announced. This celebration was held following the sacrament of Communion. The first Open House of the 2005-2006 school year was held on January 15. Third Grade teachers Marianna Bunce and Irene Rompos hosted the parents of their students and briefly explained the year s academic, musical, and creative activities. Additional classes will host their Open House throughout the months of February and March. From the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has come the approved translation of the Nicean- Constantinopolitan Creed and the Lord s Prayer. It is our objective to arrive at uniformity in the recitation of these declarations of faith among our parishioners, choir members, and students. With its emergence from the Archdiocese, it should follow that no matter where we are in America, the words will be the same. The St. George Sunday School implemented the translation on January 15 in the Fifth Grade where the Creed is officially taught, and laminated copies will soon be found in our Nave. If you would like to contribute to the cost of obtaining these laminated copies for St. George, please send donations in any amount to St. George Greek Orthodox Church/Official Creed-Lord s Prayer. Upper grade teachers, who have been studying the first unit of The Cana Curriculum, Rejoicing in One Lord Jesus Christ, for division between Grades 8 and 9, have resolved the question. They are currently presenting it to our upper grade students. With additional units forthcoming in the 2006-2007 school year, further discussion will be held in the summer of 2006. The St. George PTO is organizing two major Sunday School-related activities: Teacher Appreciation Day on January 29 (Three Hierarch s) and Godparent s Day on February 19. Both events enrich the Sunday School program through the staff appreciation shown during the first and the achievement of a godparent/godchild interaction during the second. Our Emergency Action Plan (EAP) committee is now working with the original blueprints of the church determining all emergency exits (exterior) which are important in lockdown situations (missing child, intruder, etc.). Once interior identifications are completed, procedures will be determined and personnel will be assigned to monitor the exits. The committee anticipates an evacuation drill (fire, bomb threat, etc.) to take place in the spring. Fulfilling the desire of Dottie Solomos to keep music in the hearts of the children of St. George, Beth and Jimmy Solomos have donated, in her memory, a keyboard. This will be used by all St. George children involved in adult-supervised musical pursuits. The keyboard is in the Sunday School custody and is available to qualifying groups upon request. Dottie Solomos was a member of the St. George Choir for sixty-five years! SAINT ANTHONY THE GREAT (JANUARY 17) Celebration of the Day Dedicated to the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και Διδασκάλων της Ελληνικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας του Αγίου Γεωργίου γιορτάζει την ημέρα των Τριών Ιεραρχών, αφιερωμένη στα Ελληνικά Γράμματα και σας προσκαλεί σε γεύμα γιά να τιμήσουμε τις Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου και τις Δασκάλες και βοηθούς του Κατηχητικού μας Σχολείου την Κυριακή 29η Ιανουαρίου 2006 μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία στην αίθουσα ΑΧΕΠΑ του Κοινοτικού μας Κέντρου Οι κρατήσεις είναι απαραίτητες! Είσοδος $10 για το κοινό, ελεύθερη για τους επίσημους προσκεκλημένους Για πληροφορίες και κρατήσεις τηλεφωνείστε στην κ. Εύη Γεωργοπούλου (732) 329-1519 The Parents and Teachers Organization of St George Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating the Three Hierarchs Day, a day dedicated to Greek Letters and invites you to luncheon honoring the Teachers of our Greek School and the Teachers and aides of our Sunday School on Sunday January 29th, 2006 following Church Services in the AHEPA Hall of our Community Center Reservations are required! $10 for the members of the community, no charge for our guests of honor RSVP Evie Georgopoulos (732) 329-1519
Page 14 Page 11 Parent-Teacher Organization News Nea tou Sullogou Gonewn kai Didaskalwn Letter from GOYA Ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και ιδασκάλων εύχεται σε όλους τους ενορίτες της εκκλησίας του Αγίου Γεωργίου Καλή και Ευλογημένη Χρονιά! Καθώς αρχίζουμε το 2006 θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλα τα μέλη της κοινότητας που μας υποστηρίζουν και μας βοηθούν σε κάθε εκδήλωσή μας. Να είστε σίγουροι ότι η αγάπη και αφοσίωσή σας δίνει ζωή και δύναμη στο έργο του Σ.Γ.. που ωφελεί όλα τα παιδιά της κοινότητάς μας. Την Κυριακή 22 Ιανουαρίου θα γίνει η κλήρωση καλαθιών. Έχουμε πολλά όμορφα πράγματα που προσφέρονται και όπως πάντα, σας υπενθυμίζουμε πως κάθε δωρεά σας βοηθάει το έργο του Σ.Γ.. Στις 29 Ιανουρίου, γιορτάζουμε την ημέρα των Τριών Ιεραρχών, ημέρα αφιερωμένη στα Ελληνικά Γράμματα, με το γεύμα προς τιμήν των δασκάλων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου και των δασκάλων και βοηθών του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου. Μαζί με τους επίσημους προσκεκλημένους μας, όλη η κοινότητα είναι ευπρόσδεκτη. Οι κρατήσεις θέσεων είναι απαραίτητες, γιαυτό αν ενδιαφέρεστε να λάβετε μέρος σ αυτή την τόσο ξεχωριστή εκδήλωση παρακαλούμε αποτανθείτε στις κυρίες Εύη Γεωργοπούλου ή ωροθέα Κουτσώρα. Στις 19 Φεβρουαρίου αφιερώνουμε την ημέρα στους αναδόχους! Ελάτε με τη νονά ή τον νονό σας στην εκκλησία και απολαύστε ένα όμορφο μεσημέρι. Με σκοπό να εμπλουτίσει την μικρή αυτή γιορτή, ο Σ.Γ.. πωλεί λαμπάδες για τα βαφτιστήρια και μπουτονιέρες για τις Happy New Year to our Saint George Community! As we move forward in 2006, I would like to thank all the wonderful parents who helped and supported the efforts of the Saint George P.T.O. during the past year. I would like to offer special thanks to the ladies who helped put together the Holiday Party with Santa / Communion breakfast. We hope you had a wonderful time. I would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Fousteris and the members of The Young Artists Program for their performance of traditional Christmas carols. Their angelic voices carried us into the holidays with peace, hope and joy. Also, congratulations to the Young Artists Program for their wonderful caroling at the Metropolis Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos. The room was filled to capacity and the children, for the second year, performed the Kalanda. They were wonderful! The Parent Teacher Organization Starts off the year 2006 with our annual Basket Rafffle on Sunday, January 22 nd. A light luncheon will be served while the baskets are being Raffled. We invite everyone to come and enjoy this afternoon with us. On Sunday, January 29 th, the P.T.O. will be hosting a luncheon to honor The Three Hierarchs Day as well as to celebrate and thank our wonderful teachers and staff of our Sunday school and Greek school programs. We value the contributions both programs have offered the children of Saint George. We ask that all our parishioners attend this wonderful event. Please contact Mrs. Evie Georgopoulos or Mrs. Dorothy Koutsoras for information and reservations for this luncheon. On Sunday, February 19 th, the P.T.O. celebrates Godparents Day. We will be selling Lambathes and Corsages. If you would like to place an order for these items, please contact Mrs. Chrysoula De- Laurentis(732) 246-7287 or Mrs. Maggie Stavrianidis (732)266-0386, for further details. Come to church with your nono, nona or godchild and enjoy a day dedicated to this blessed bond! On Sunday February 26 th, the Parent Teacher Organization invites you to our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Apokriatiko Glendi (Mardi Gras). The admission will be $30.00 for adults18 and over and all children FREE!!!!! Our dance groups will perform, a magician will entertain the children, full dinner with dessert and guaranteed fun for all. Don t forget to dress up the children in their favorite costumes!!! For reservations, please contact Dorothy Koutsoras at (908)561-8089 or via e-mail Beb@comcast.net. Don t miss this very popular event that celebrates our culture! As you can see we have a full calendar of events planned for our community. We cannot provide such events without the help and support of our parishioners. On behalf of the children of Saint George, THANK YOU! On behalf of the P.T.O. I wish our parishioners a healthy and happy 2006. God Bless, Dorothy Koutsoras P.T.O. President νονές και τους νονούς. Κάνετε μία ευχάριστη έκπληξη στην νονά/νονό σας ή στο βαφτιστήρι σας καθώς υποστηρίζετε το έργο του Σ.Γ..! Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και για να δώσετε τις παραγελλίες σας, τηλεφωνήστε στις κυρίες Χρυσούλα Ντελαυρέντη (732) 246-7287 ή Μάγκυ Σταυριανίδου (732) 266-0386. Το Αποκριάτικο Γλέντι θα γίνει φέτος στις 26 Φεβρουαρίου. Η είσοδος είναι $30 για ενήλικες και δωρεάν για τα παιδιά κάτω των 18 ετών. Προσκαλούμε όλους τους ενορίτες και φίλους της κοινότητάς μας! Ελάτε με τις οικογένειές σας και απολαύστε τους μικρούς μασκαράδες, την μουσική, τον χορό, το καλό φαγητό και την πλούσια διασκέδαση για μικρούς και μεγάλους. Για κρατήσεις παρακαλούμε αποτανθείτε στην κ. ωροθέα Κουτσώρα τηλεφωνικώς (908) 561-8089 ή ηλεκτρονικώς στην διέυθυνση beb@comcast.net. Σας θυμίζουμε πως το Αποκριάτικο γλέντι είναι πολύ δημοφιλές γεγονός και ο αριθμός θέσεων είναι περιορισμένος, γιαυτό κλείστε το τραπέζι σας νωρίς! Ευχόμαστε να σας δούμε όλους σε όλες τις εκδηλώσεις του Σ.Γ.. το 2006! Καλή Χρονιά! Εύη Γεωργοπούλου Αντιπρόεδρος του Σ.Γ.. We wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with health and happiness! In December we went to St. Michael s which was a wonderful trip. We also participated in the Jersey City Tournament and did well. Congratulations to John Kounelias who was named All Star for Boys Volleyball. January is a very busy month for the GOYA. Our Jr. And Sr. Boys basket ball teams are in the playoffs. Our girls volleyball team is in the playoffs as well. We would like to wish all the players good luck! Our sights and sounds practices are in full swing. Good luck to all participants on March. Our families and friends can see our performances on February 19 th after church in the AHEPA Hall. We will also be participating in the Souper Bowl on Sunday, February 5 th. We ask our community to donate canned goods or paper products to be given to local a local food shelter. We will be going to Holmdel where they are hosting the Valentine s Dance. Our ski trip has been rescheduled for February 25 th. The dance groups will be performing at the Apokriatiko Glendi on February 26 th as well. The dancers look forward to seeing you all there. That is it for January and February! Thank you and we wish you all well! Greek School News Nea tou Ellhnikou Scoleiou GREEK LANGUAGE COURSE FOR ADULTS IS OFFERED - ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΓΙΑ ΕΝΗΛΙΚΕΣ Greek Language Courses for adults are offered in our Greek School. Tuition for each semester (12 weeks) is $275; lessons take place every Monday 7-8.30 p.m.. The spring semester course will start on January 23, 2006. For enrolment and more information please call the church office 732-463-1642 Monday-Friday 10 am-3 pm or send email at GreekSchool@comcast.net All levels are welcome! A Historical Committee has been formed to preserve the many historical treasures of our St George community. We invite anyone interested in joining the committee to call Elizabeth Kalatzis Manolakis at 732-249-7739 or Dorothea Koutsoras at 908-561-8089 Donations are requested to help replace our Choir s robes. For information please call Elizabeth Kalatzis Manolakis 732 249 7739 or Dorothea Koutsoras 908 561 8089
Page 12 Page 13 2006 FESTIVAL Letter from the Greek Festival Committee St George Greek Orthodox Community Ellhnikh Orqodoxh Koinothta Agiou Gewrgiou This year the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Piscataway will be having our 33rd Annual Festival. The three-day event is scheduled for May 19th, 20th and 21st. Please mark you calendars for this important church event. Our festival meetings began Thursday, January 12th. Subsequent meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of January and February. Weekly meetings will be held in March, April and May. All meeting will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. As always, the meetings are open for everyone s participation. This year we need help to fill a number of outstanding department positions. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact the chairpersons, John Lyssikatos or Michael Dimitrakis. No help will ever be turned away. We will have a calendar, outlining all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. We will be baking in February, March and April. As always, we again are seeking out everyone s help. The more people who get involved, the easier the activity and the more fun we will have. We can not depend on the same people year in and year out. We hope to make a few changes with this year s festival, in an attempt to better serve our guest and more importantly to improve the working conditions during the festival. As our plans are formalized, we will share the information with you. We are open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with us. The festival is an annual event where all the church organizations and the various Greek organizations with in our community come together to show and share our Greek culture and hospitality to our friends and neighbors within our neighboring communities. Please make every effort to be part of this important church event. FESTIVAL MEETING CALENDAR January: 12th and 26th February: 9th and 23rd March: 2nd, 9th, 19th and 23rd April: 6th, 13th and 27th May: 4th and 11th Meetings start 7:30 P.M. Sharp! General Assembly - Genikh Suneleush First Call: February 5, 2006 Second Call: February 12, 2006 MEETING AGENDA Opening Prayer Presentation of the Minutes of the Previous General Assembly Elections for the Board of Trustees Reports Priest President Treasurer Committees Stewardship House and Grounds Youth Sunday School Greek School Other Committees Old Business Discussion of the Uniform Parish Regulations* Discussion of the Election Procedures New Business Good and Welfare Adjournment * The complete text of the Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR), that will be discussed in the General Assembly, can be found, in both English and Greek, at http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/documents/upr.asp