ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 908-964-7957 UNION, NJ www.stdgocunion.org

THE Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 908-964-7957 UNION, NJ www.stdgocunion.org My Beloved Spiritual Children, In just a few weeks, our beloved Community will join Greek Orthodox Christians all over the world as we celebrate the most glorious and dual Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos and Greek Independence Day. March 25th is truly a special day in which our minds and hearts are drawn to these two significant events of Divine Providence that have ushered in hope and salvation for us in both a spiritual and physical manner. It is with tremendous joy that the Virgin Mary hears the divinely spoken words of the Archangel Gabriel announcing to her the profound message from on high, And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1:31-33) These glad tidings of joy and highest honor are received with the utmost purity and humility by Mary, who by being the chosen vessel of God, thus establishes herself as our new common Mother, taking the place of the ancient Eve. For unlike Eve, she yielded to the divine will, thereby exchanging the ancient disobedience of Eve with her divinely inspired response, Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38). It was indeed right that she was chosen, perfectly suited to the great task, having been raised in the very precincts of holiness, fed by the Holy Angels of God, immersed in His commandments from her early youth. Now, standing before the Archangel of God as a pure and undefiled Virgin; for in giving birth she was a Virgin, and after birth, she remained a pure and undefiled Virgin, as the prophetic words of the ancient prophet declared: This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. (Ezk. 44:2) Therefore, as was declared to her, we also lift up our voices and say Rejoice! Rejoice exceedingly, Lady full of grace, for the God before all ages, only begotten Son of the Father, took up His abode in your flesh, that you might bring forth the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), a fitting vessel and throne for Him, having yourself descended from a royal line; bearing in the flesh He who would set at liberty (Rom. 8:20-21; Gal. 5:1,13) those held in bondage to sin and death. It was on this great festal occasion of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in 1821, a feast where the freedom from oppression of death and the hope of new life is brightly hymned, that the ever-memorable events of the struggles for the independence of the Hellenic peoples against the 400 years-long Turkish domination commenced. In the luminous glow of this great feast Metropolitan Germanos of Patras blessed the new flag of the nascent Greek Nation, prayers and supplications were offered to the Living God, and the protection of the Panagia was invoked for this great work of freedom. Let us recall their struggle, let us honor their sacrifice, let us offer heartfelt thanks to our gracious Lord for these acts of Divine Providence, and hymns to His Most Holy Mother, the ever-blessed Theotokos, the constant and fervent intercessor of every Orthodox Christian from age to age. My beloved, as we continue our spiritual warfare and arduous Journey during this Holy and Great Lent, let each one of us look towards her, whom we call the hope of the Christian race. For in her example we see the model of holiness, with the perfection of every virtue, lived in long-suffering, with a heart completely dedicated to Almighty God. In her Annunciation we see hope realized and the pain and suffering of the world alleviated may her assent to the Divine Will also be found within each one of us as we strive towards the Feast of Feasts, the celebration of new life, our Lord s Pascha, where the liberty celebrated today has its fulfillment. Praying that His loving kindness cascade over our very being and that He will strengthen us on our Lenten Journey, I remain, With Love in Christ, Archimandrite George Nikas Pastor S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 1 Spring 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Letter 1 President s Letter 3 Stewards 4 Our Faith 5 Philoptochos 6 Greek School 7 Sunday School 10 Joy/Hope 11 GOYA 12 PTO 14 Father s Letter (Gr) 15 Photos 16 Ads 18

Upcoming Events Baptisms March 23 rd Michael & Theoniki Cocca April 21st Ryan Shannon & Stefanie Papazoglou Pastor President: Memorials March 10 th Aggeliki Vayas 6 months Fr Alexander Kile 9 months Fr Prokopios Nikas 9 months Aikaterini Stravelakis 1 yr Konstantinos Stravelakis 10 yr Vice President: Secretary: Assistant Secretary: Treasurer: Of Interest March 17 th Greek School Program Assistant Treasurer: April 7 th Greek Parade NYC Board of Trustees V. Rev. George Nikas Nikos Zavolas Ted Kastis Lucas Loucopoulos Irene Melachrinos Stephen Petses Bob Zaphiros Michael Santos Board Members John Agriantonis, Demetrios Papadopoulos, Tasia Lappas, Michael Drivas, Antonios Drivas, George Mastorou, Kostas Vasilopoulos, Betty Spiropoulos, Gary Niec, Barbara Zois, Kryriakos Galiatsatos Honorary Members Steve Zourzoukis, Vasilios Koukoutsis Church Secretary: Fanny Kontzialis Mazis Cantor: George Papasavvas Sexton: Petros Voci St. Demetrios Parish Committees Parish Representatives - Nikos Zavolas, Luke Loukopoulos, Bob Zaphiros Herald Newsleter Office Stewardship Web Site Facebook Rentals Antonios Drivas (Chairman) Editor K. Drivas, S. Petses, I. Melachrinos Luke Loukopoulos (Chairman) D. Papadopoulos, M. Santos, N. Zavolas,B. Zaphiros Bobby Zaphiros (Chairman) L.Loukopoulos, M. Santos, B. Zois, Fotini Mazis Luke Loukopoulos (Chairman) B. Zaphiros, Father George, Fotini Mazis Betty Spiropoulos (Chairlady) M. Drivas, N.Zavolas J. Papadopoulos/Bob Zaphiros (Co-Chairmen) Fund Raising Events - Demetrios Papadopoulos (Chairman) M.Santos, B. Zaphiros,B. Spiropoulos, S. Petses Building Maintenance Demetrios Papadopoulos (Chairman) Kitchen - M. Kontos, M. Santos, B.Zaphiros, John Protopapas, T.Kastis Ted Kastis (Chairman) B. Zaphiros,J. Protopapas, Leonidas Stathakopoulos, K. Galiatsatos, D.Stamatiadis Event Coordinating Nikos Zavolas (Chairman) Welcoming - B. Spiropoulos, T. Lappas, D. Papadopoulos, M.Drivas, G.Nice, B. Zois, G.Scalla, M. Agriantonis, S. Malouhos, M. Sarris, S. Maladrenias, V.Georgiou, M.Pelardis, V.Zavolas Garry Niec (Chairman) T. Lappas, S. Zourzoukis, M. Drivas, B. Spiropoulos, B. Zois, D. Vassilopoulos, Dear Readers: As this is first issue of the New Year and a new Parish Council, please note that the committees have been listed above and the members of those committees have been posted. May God grace them by His loving kindness and may this year be a year of faith and of witness. May we accomplish great things for our beloved Church! Thank you for stepping up and for volunteering your time and energy serving others! This is the gospel of Christ and the law of Christ and we must never forget we are all members of His Body, the Church. Thereby we should come together as an ekklessia (which translates to: a gathering of believers) and worship frequently and partake of the holy sacraments given unto us for our salvation. The Herald wishes those volunteers above and the rest of our beloved community a blessed Lent and joyful Pascha! - AD S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 2

President s Letter First of all I would like to thank the Parish Council Board Members, the organizations, the members and friends of St Demetrios for all their help and dedication during 2012. We were able under very difficult conditions not only to overcome problems but to build solid foundations for the future of our community. During 2012 all our events were successful, not only financially, but they were also very well organized, and people had a good time with their friends. We took part in the Greek Parade on Fifth Ave in NY City, we held the Greek Glenti with Hristo Zavola and his orchestra Fantasia in March, we held the presentation of the book Bon Voyage, we had our annual Greek Festival in September, we had the St Demetrios Feast Day in October, and we held the New Year s Eve Party which was one of the best we ever had! We have also beautified our Church with our Church Renovation Projects: we finished the new Loukoumades House which will be also used for storage, we remodeled our bathrooms, and we have a brand new working sound system! I would also like to thank the Parish Council for voting me as the Parish Council President for the year 2013. I have said this once before and I will always say it: We are all responsible for our community. We should not only say it, but we should also show it with our participation, because the love we have for our community is greater than the problems we are facing. NOW LET S DEVELOP THIS MORE! Nikos Zavolas President of the St. Demetrios Parish Council Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω το συμβούλιο μου, τους οργανισμούς, τα μέλη και τους φίλους της κοινότητας, για την χρονιά που πέρασε. Καταφέραμε κάτω από δύσκολες συνθήκες, όχι απλά να ξεπεράσουμε εμπόδια και προβλήματα, αλλά να κτίσουμε πάνω σε αυτά και να δημιουργήσουμε στέρεες βάσεις για το μέλλον. Όλες μας οι εκδηλώσεις πέτυχαν, όχι μόνο από οικονομικής πλευράς, αλλά και από οργάνωση και από ψυχαγωγία! Από πού ν αρχίσουμε; Από την ελληνική παρέλαση; από το ελληνικό γλέντι με την ορχήστρα Φαντασία; από την παρουσίαση του βιβλίου Bon Voyage; από το Φεστιβάλ; από την εορτή του Αγίου Δημητρίου; ή από το πρωτοχρονιάτικο ρεβεγιόν, που κατά γενική ομολογία, ήταν ένα από τα καλύτερα που έγιναν στη κοινότητά μας; Επίσης θέλω να ευχαριστήσω το συμβούλιο για μια ακόμη φορά, για την επανεκλογή μου παμψηφεί, ως πρόεδρος και για το 2013! Το Church Renovation Project που αρχίσαμε ( Λουκουματζίδικο και αποθήκη, καινούργιοι υγιεινοί χώροι, νέο σύστημα ακουστικής ) θα συνεχιστεί με έργα που χρειάζεται η κοινότητα. Το είπα και το ξαναλέω και θα το λέω πάντα : Όλοι μας είμαστε υπεύθυνοι για την κοινότητα μας και πρέπει όχι μόνο να το λέμε, αλλά να το δείχνουμε με την συμμετοχή μας. Διότι η αγάπη μας για αυτή τη κοινότητα, είναι μεγαλύτερη από τα προβλήματα μας. ΑΣ ΤΟ ΑΞΙΟΠΟΙΗΣΟΥΜΕ ΑΥΤΟ ΑΚΟΜΗ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΟ! Νίκος Ζαβόλας Πρόεδρος Εκκλησιαστικού Συμβουλίου του Αγίου Δημητρίου S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 3

2012 Stewards Agriantonis, Andrew & Mata Mr & Mrs Agriantonis, John & Fotini Mr & Mrs Alexiou, Triantafyllos Mr Andrianopoulos, Andrian Ms Angelis, Jennie Mrs Antipatis, Christos & Mina Mr & Mrs Apostolatos, Christina Arvanites, Demetrios Mr. & Mrs. Barber, Nikitas and Maria Barnet, Peter Mr.& Mrs. Bays, Demostenis Bougelekas, E. Mr. & Mrs. Boutsikaris, George & Efrosine Boutsikaris, Harry Mr. & Mrs. Boyle, Thomas Mr & Mrs Bukuvalas, John Caplanis, John & Nancy Mr & Mrs Chatzopoulos, Theano Mrs Coniaris, Betty, Ms. Demas, Anastasia Demertzis, Antonios Demetrakis, Demetrios Mr & Mrs Demoleas, Demetria Diakogiannakis, Anastasios & Irene Dimitrakakis, George Mr & Mrs Dimitrakakis, Hristos Mr Dimitroulakis, Arhondoula Drakos, Maria Mrs Drimitsios, Georgios Drivas, Antonios & Kathy Mr & Mrs Drivas, Mike Mr & Mrs Economidis, Minas & Gianna Mr & Mrs Efstathiou, Bess Mrs Efstratiou, Seraphim Efthimiou, Angela Egglezos, Stefanos & Nitsa Mr & Mrs Emmanouilidis, Mike & Popi Mr & Mrs Erotokritou, Stavros Filippatos, Ekaterini Frangos, George & Maria Galiatsatos, Kyriakos Mr. & Mrs. Gatoulis, Fotini Mr & Mrs Georgalis, Andrew & Maria Mr & Mrs Georgalis, George Mr & Mrs Georgas, Voula Georgiadis, John & Cynthia Georgiou, Andreas and Sophia Georgiou, George Mr & Mrs Georgiou, Marina Mr & Mrs Gerakaris, Niki Getoneas, Angeliki Givas, Zaferoua & Vasiliki Greberis, Azouletta Mrs Greberis, John Lambroussis, George Mr & Mrs Langlais, Joseph Lappas, Konstantinos Tasia Mr & Mrs Lignos, Antonia Mrs. Lima, Michael Mr. & Mrs. Loucopoulos, Argyro Mrs Loucopoulos, Lucas Mr. & Mrs. Riginos, Stavrianthi Rigos, Georgia Rigos, Irene Sakoutis Cordeiro, Despina Santos, Mike Mr & Mrs Savvis, Despina Mr & Mrs Scala, Georgia Ms Gyftopulos, John & Popi Mr & Mrs Malandrenios, George & Sophia Mr & Mrs Sideris, Hariklia Mrs Halkias, Fotini Handrinos, George & Maria Mr & Mrs Hartford, Patrice Malouhos, George & Stella Mr & Mrs Marmaras, Basil Mr. & Mrs. Mastorou, George Mr & Mrs Sipsis, Spiros Smith, Nicolas Sofianakos, Kostas Mr Hatzimanolis, Antonios & Kokona Mr Mazis, Nikos & Fotini Kontzialis Mazis Mr & Soro, Mrs Georgia Mrs. Hondros, Angie Hristos Dimitrakis Hrysoullakis, Eugenia Ms Ioannidis, Socrates & Giselle Mr & Mrs Ioannou, Yianna A. Juvelis, Stelios Mr. & Mrs. Kantonidis, Nicholas Karaminas, Sofia Mrs. Karant, Nicholas Kastis, Theodore Mr & Mrs Katsikis, Gus Kefali, Maria Mrs Ketikidis, Harry Mr Kiaourtzis, Tsambika Kizoulis, George Mr & Mrs Kizoulis, Minas & Antonia Kizoulis, Nicholas Mr & Mrs Melachrinos, Anestis & Irene Melachrinos, Dean Mr. & Mrs. Merra, Martha Micheludis, Christopher Mr & Mrs Milonas, Asimina Mimides, Stephen Moulinos, D. Mr. & Mrs. Murphy, Daniel Mr & Mrs Niec, Gary Mr & Mrs Niotis, Fouli Niotis, Manny Mr & Mrs Nuzzo, David & Katie Mr & Mrs Orfanidis, Sophia/Koukoutsis, Ilias Orfanidis, Virginia Pallantios, Peter Mr Panos, Louis & Bessie Mr & Mrs Papadopoulos, Demetrios Sotiriou, John Mr & Mrs Spiropoulos, Demetrios & Betty Mr & Stavrakis, Georgia Mrs Stavrakis, Tommy Mr & Mrs Stergiou, Soultana Stillitano, Francesco Taverniaris, Emmanuel Mr & Mrs Theocharopoulos, George & Natalie Thomakos, George & Jennifer & Nich Thomakos, Tasia Tsakiridis, Vasilios Mr. & Mrs. Tsemberlis, Tom Tsoukas, Minas Mr Valassis, Ted Mr. & Mrs. Vasiliadis, M Mr & Mrs Vasilopoulos, Dinos Mr. & Mrs. Vasilopoulos, Frank Mr. & Mrs. Kokonis, John & Stavroula Kartsonas Mr & Mrs Papadopoulos, Nicholas Mr. & Mrs. Vayas, Demetrios Mr & Mrs Konstas, Tasos & Maria Kontos, Christos Mr. & Mrs. Kontos, Menelaos Mr & Mrs Kontos, Nicholas Mr & Mrs Korkovelos, Demetrios Mr. & Mrs. Kostas, Maria Mr & Mrs Kostas, Nikos & Maria Mr & Mrs Kostis, Athanasios Mr. & Mrs. Kostis, John & Mary Mr & Mrs Kostis, Zoe Mrs Koufomihalis, Christos Koufomihalis, Xanthi Koukoutsis, V. Mr. & Mrs. Koutroumbis, Stamatis Mr. & Mrs. Koutsis, Konstantinos Mr. & Mrs. Koutzoulis, Sophia Mr & Mrs Kyriakou, Jason & Zoe Lambrakopoulos, Kostas & Anna Mr & Mrs Papaioannou, Eleni Mr & Mrs Vayas, Evangelia Papakostas, Thomas & Irene Mr& Mrs Vlahos, Athanasios Mr Papasavvas, Christofi Mr. Vouloumanos, G. Mr. & Mrs. Papasavvas, George Mr & Mrs Vouloumanos, Stella Papatsambasis, Triantafylos & Argyro Mr & Vozos, Mrs Frixos & Fannie Mr & Mrs Papazoglou, Evangelos Mr. Vrohidis, Angelo Pappas, Harry Mr Vrohidis, Athanasios Mr Pavlakis, Stilianos Mr. & Mrs. Vrohidis, Maria Mrs. Pelardis, Despina William, Peter H. Pelardis, Steve Mr & Mrs Wolz, Smaro Ms Pelardis, Tsambikos & Maria Mr & Mrs Xarhoulakos, Demetrios Mr & Mrs Perdikologos, Mr & Mrs Zaphiros, Harry Mr & Mrs Petses, Stephan & Julia Mr & Mrs Zavolas, Nick & Flora Mr & Mrs Piplos, George & Anneta Mr & Mrs Zavolas, Nikos & Angie Mr & Mrs Plagianakos, Tina Zavolas, Vasilios Mr. & Mrs. Plaitakis, Nikolaos & Gina Mr & Mrs Zois, Barbara Ms. Pothetos, M. Mr. & Mrs. Zourzoukis, Demetris Mr Pozo, Wilson Mr & Mrs Zourzoukis, George Mr Zourzoukis, Steve Mr. & Mrs. S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 4

Our Orthodox Faith Confession The forgotten Sacrament My Beloved Spiritual Children, I pray that my message finds all of you spiritually rejuvenated and physically robust as we prepare to travel together on our Lenten Journey commencing on March 17 th, Clean Monday, and culminating with the triumphant and Life-giving Feast of Pascha, on May 5 th. Indeed, what a special time of year Holy and Great Lent is, a time when we look inward in retrospection and upward in humility and longing. It is a period when we must take an honest inventory of ourselves, our actions, our thoughts our whole being. The Church stands ready to assist us in our mission to forgive others, our desire to cleanse ourselves and lifelong goal to reach theosis. As the Feast of Feasts, the Resurrection of our Lord, approaches, it is imperative that we use this time to prepare ourselves, through repentance and confession, so that we might come and receive the Light from the unwaning Light with a pure conscience and a soul undefiled. Repentance is an act of reconciliation, of reintegration into the Body of Christ, which has been torn asunder by sin. It is a new beginning, an invitation to new life, an opening up of new horizons, the gaining of a new vision indeed, an act in which the entire Church Community participates, where both prodigal and saint are repenting sinners. The Greek term for repentance, metanoia, denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental transformation of outlook, of man s vision of the world and of himself, and a new way of loving others and God. For in repentance, it is man s total limitation and insufficiency that is placed before God, not simply particular wrongdoings or transgressions. Through the act of repentance and the subsequent sacrament of confession, we experience a Pascha from death to life for we bury our sinful state in the abyss of our weakness and resurrect one in the presence of God s abundant mercy and love. For St. John Chrysostom exhorts us to enter into the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do not be ashamed again to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent. Confession is thus a necessary sacrament in which our genuine repentance bears fruit and we are reconciled to the love of God. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. (James 5:16) In the Orthodox Church, it is customary that we make our confession before God to a Priest, who is seen as a witness of repentance, not a recipient of secrets or a detective of specific misdeeds. The senses of the Priest are dissolved in the sacramental mystery as the loving tenderness and infinite justice and mercy of our Lord take over. Through the forgiveness of sins in confession, the past is no longer an intolerable burden but rather an encouragement for what lies ahead. Life acquires an attitude of expectation, not of despondency; and confession becomes the way out of the impasse caused by sin. God Himself is revealed before us and walks in front of us. Praying that His loving kindness cascade over our very being and that He will strengthen us on our Lenten Journey, I remain, With Love in Christ, Archimandrite George Nikas Pastor S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 5

Philoptochos Adelphotis St Irene of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Dear members and friends of St Demetrios,Union,NJ, On behalf of the Board and Members of our Philoptochos Adelphotis St. Irene of St. Demetrios in Union, I would like to wish all our Parishoners a blessed and healthy Lent. We like to thank all of you who came, supported, and participated in our first activity of the year, our Vasilopita Dinner. Now we are getting ready to hold our Valentine Auction on Friday, Feb 8 th at 5pm, anticipating it to be a success. Thank you to all who have given and donated items for this auction. We hope that you will be there with us and we are promising you an afternoon full of fun and prizes. On Sunday, March 24 th, we will be celebrating the Sunday of Orthodoxy and will have our annual Memorial Service for all the deceased members of our Philoptochos Society followed by a Dinner with Program. Thank you for all your help and support and please contact me or any other member of the Philoptochos Board if you or someone else that you know needs help or assistance in any way. It is because of your help and support that our Philoptochos continues it s mission with success!! God Bless you and your families. Respectfully, Maria Kostas, President mdkostas@gmail.com S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 6

Τα Νέα του Σχολείου μας Η Γιορτή των Γραμμάτων Η Γιορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών εορτάζεται για πάρα πολλά χρόνια από τα Ελληνικά σχολεία διότι οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες υπήρξαν οι μεγάλοι διδάσκαλοι του Χριστιανισμού που ταυτόχρονα προώθησαν την Ελληνική μόρφωση. Εδώ στην Αμερική, η γιορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών έχει ευρύτερη σημασία διότι αυτή την ημέρα γιορτάζουμε επίσης και τιμούμε τα Ελληνικἀ Γράμματα, δηλαδή τα επιτεύματα του Ελληνικού πνεύματος, και ιδιαίτερα την Ελληνική γλώσσα. Προς τιμή των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων κάθε χρόνο, τα παιδιά του σχολείου μας παρουσιάζουν ένα σύντομο πρόγραμμα που συμπεριλαμβάνει, τραγουδάκια, ποιήματα και σκέτς. Φέτος το πρόγραμμα αυτό έγινε την Κυριακή, 3 Φεβρουαρίου, στην κοινοτική μας αίθουσα ύστερα από ένα πρόγευμα που προσεφέρθη δωρεάν σε όλους από τις διδασκάλισσές μας, τα μέλη της σχολικής επιτροπής,το PΤΟ και πολλούς άλλους φίλους και υποστηρικτές του σχολείου μας. Το πρόγραμμα των μαθητών, εντυπωσίασε όπως πάντα, όλους τους παρευρισκομένους που εθαύμασαν όχι μόνο την ευχέρεια με την οποίαν τα παιδιά μας χρησιμοποιούν την Ελληνική γλώσσα, αλλά και το μεγάλο θεατρικό τους ταλέντο. Συγχαρητήρια στα παιδιά μας και τις διδασκάλισσες που τα προετοίμασαν.! Η Πρώτη Τάξη Σε κάθε έκδοση προβάλλουμε και διαφορετική τάξη Σ την πρώτη τάξη τα παιδιά, αφού επαναλάβουν την Ελληνική αλφάβητο και τον ήχο του κάθε γράμματος, μαθαίνουν πως να διαβάζουν και να γράφουν. Επίσης μαθαίνουν πολλές καινούργιες λέξεις και φράσεις και διδάσκονται για πρώτη φορά ορθογραφία. Μεγάλη έμφαση δίδεται, όπως και σε όλες τις τάξεις μας, η ομιλία στα Ελληνικά μέσα στην τάξη. Τα παιδιά της δευτέρας μαθαίνουν επίσης για τις μεγάλες εθνικές μας εορτές, όπως την 28η Οκτωβρίου, την 25 η Mαρτίου, πως γιορτάζουμε τα Χριστούγεννα, το Πάσχα, ποιός είναι ο Αγ. Δημήτριος, κλπ. Διδάσκονται ακόμα και λίγη γεωγραφία όταν μαθαίνουν να αναγνωρίζουν τον χάρτη της Ελλάδας. Κατά την διάρκεια της χρονιάς, τα παιδιά της δευτέρας έχουν την ευκαιρία να μάθουν διάφορα ποιήματα και τραγούδια, τα οποία εμπλουτίζουν ακόμα περισσότερο το λεξιλόγιό τους στα Ελληνικά και τα βοηθούν στην ομιλία τους. Η φετεινή τάξη έχει δέκα παιδάκια. Διδασκάλισσα είναι η κυρία Αθανασία Καπλάνη. Καλοκαιρινή Ψυχαγωγία στα Ελληνικά Σ το ημερολόγιο της φετεινής σχολικής χρονιάς, η εβδομάδα από 24 μέχρι 28 Ιουνίου είχε καθορισtεί ως «Ελληνική Κατασκήνωση. Tο πρωτοποριακό αυτό πρόγραμμα θα λειτουργούσε για πέντε συνεχή πρωινἀ. Δυστυχώς όμως, όπως ανακαλύψαμε αργότερα, τα περισσότερα δημόσια σχολεία της περιοχής, οπου φοιτούν τα παιδιά μας, θα παραμείνουν ανοιχτά έως και τις 27 Ιουνίου και επομένως δεν θα μπορούσαμε να έχουμε την κατασκήνωση όπως την είχαμε αρχικά σχεδιάσει. Τον Ιούλιο η τον Αύγουστο θα ήταν δύσκολο να προσφέρουμε το ίδιο πρόγραμμα, διότι πολλά παιδιά και αρκετές δασκάλες θα λείπουν σε διακοπές. Έτσι το σχολείο μας απεφάσισε να προσφέρει στα παιδιά μας (από προνήπιο μέχρι 6 η τάξη) ένα μικρότερο πρόγραμμα σε τρία συνεχή απογεύματα, 17, 18 και 19 Ιουνίου, από τις 4:30 έως τις 6:30 μμ. Σκοπός αυτού του προγράμματος είναι να δώσει την ευκαιρία σε όλα τα παιδιά να εξασκήσουν τα Ελληνικά τους παίζοντας διάφορα παιχνίδια και λαμβάνοντας μέρος σε ευχάριστες δραστηριὀτητες. Όχι μαθήματα, μόνο ψυχαγωγία! Η μικρή αυτή κατασκήνωση θα προσφερθεί δωρεάν σε όλα τα παιδιά του σχολείου μας. Την Άνοιξη θα λάβετε περισσότερες πληροφορίες για τις δραστηριότητες των τριών αυτών ημερών, καθώς και πως θα εγγράψετε τα παιδιά σας. Μη Ξεχάσετε Κυριακή, 17 Μαρτίου Γιορτή της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας Μετά την Θ. Λειτουργία Κυριακή, 7 Απριλίου Παρέλαση στη Νέα Υόρκη S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 7

Greek School News Greek Letters Day T he Greek Letters Day is the celebration of the Three Hierarchs of the Orthodox Church: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom, who have been credited with working diligently to see the development of Greek literature and education. Here in America, Greek Letter Day is also a celebration of the Greek language and culture. To celebrate Greek Letters Day, every year our school presents a program, which allows our students to showcase their Greek speaking ability, by reciting poems, singing songs, and playing various roles in skits. When preparing for this program, our youngsters also get an opportunity to expand and enrich their language skills because they are learning new words and phrases, which may not otherwise encounter in their regular lessons. The Greek Letters Day celebration took place this year on Sunday, February 3, after a complimentary to all breakfast, which was donated by our teachers, the members of the BOE, the PTO, and various friends and supporters of our school. As in the past, we were all impressed by our children s Greek speaking skill as well as their superb acting ability. Congratulations to our talented students and their dedicated teachers who had prepared them! Our First Grade Please note that in every issue we feature a different class I n our first grade, the students review the Greek alphabet, the names and sounds of each letter, and learn how to read and write. They also learn the correct spelling of new words. In the first grade the students are given homework and spelling tests. The second graders also learn about major events of our Greek history, such as OXI Day, Greek Independence Day, and other major holidays such as Christmas, Easter and St. Demetrios Day. They also learn a bit of geography by recognizing the map of Greece. As it is our school s practice, great emphasis is given to Greek speaking during class. Throughout the year, the children learn to sing songs and recite poems in Greek, which enhances their vocabulary and language skills. Our first grade class this year has ten students. Their teacher is Mrs. Athanasia Caplanis. Greek Summer Fun W hen we created our school calendar for this year, we included a week of Greek Summer Camp, which was going to take place mornings from June 24 to June 28. Unfortunately, as we found out later, most public schools, which our children attend, will still be in session until June 27, and therefore many of our students would not have been able to attend our camp. Rescheduling the camp in July or August, would have been almost impossible, as many of our teachers and children will be away on vacation. As an alternative, our school is now offering a shorter program, which will take place on three consecutive afternoons, June 17, 18, and 19. The hours will be from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm each day. This smaller camp will offer children of all grades (pre-k to 6) three days of fun-filled activities, which will aim to entertain them while helping them το practice speaking Greek! No lessons, just fun! This program will be free to all our students. More information on the camp activities and how to register your child will be made available to you in the spring. Upcoming Events & Reminders Sunday, March 17 Greek Independence Day Program after church Sunday, April 7 Greek Parade-NYC S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 8

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SUNDAY SCHOOL To all Parishioners and Parents, As this is the first bulletin of the New Year, we have completed a half year of classes with your children. Our Sunday school keeps growing with over 50 students and our dedicated wonderful volunteer teachers enjoy teaching our church lessons to your children. We meet with Father George to discuss our curriculum with his spiritual support. We now have three classrooms for our children & students: Grades: Pre-K to 3 rd, 4 th - 6 th, and 7-th-12th. Our curriculum for every Sunday is: discussing the Sunday's lesson, learning about upcoming saint days, the meaning of the church holidays throughout the year, reading the Children's Bible Stories and Bible readings (for the older students). The children are practicing to learn by heart the Lord's Prayer in English and Greek. Our older students are now reading aloud the Creed/ To Pistevo during the Sunday Liturgy. In November, with the direction of Mrs. Katerina Drivas, we had a successful goodwill project to help the needy. The Samaritan s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts were enjoyable for the children to complete knowing it was to help those less fortunate. We appreciate your faithfulness in bringing your children every Sunday. There is a lesson to learn every Sunday. Sunday School makes a difference. Your Sunday school teachers are: Irene Melachrinos, Sammie Wolz, Maria Palivou, Katerina Moulinou, Katerina Drivas, Demetria Demoleas, Julia Petses, Stefano Petses, Anthony Drivas, Joanna Stravelakis and Nicholas Papadopoulos May God continue to bless our community and enlighten us in our efforts to guide our children in the right path. Sincerely, Nicholas Papadopoulos Sunday School Director nicholaspap@aol.com S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 10

& The JOY/HOPE program occurs every third Friday of the month and activities are planned to bring the children together to have fun and build lasting friendships. In November, we had a pizza party and decorated a Thanksgiving autumn wreath. The children wrote what they were thankful for on each leaf of the wreath. In December, to celebrate the holidays together, we baked butter cookies, made a keepsake Christmas ornament with each child s picture on it, and had a gift exchange. In January it was Movie Night! The kids had popcorn and watched the movie Sharktales. Upcoming events include, learning about Lent and making a Kira Sarakosti, Game Night and many more fun-filled activities throughout the year! We will also hold a special event on Saturday, April 13th. The children of JOY/HOPE will make their Easter Lambatha Candles. We will also be making lambathes that will be sold on Sundays during Lent at coffee hour, as a fundraising event. If you would like more information about the JOY/HOPE program or would like to be added to our distribution list please speak to Julia Petses or Maria Frangos, or send an email to joyhopestdunion@gmail.com S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 11

of St. Demetrios Goya is an association of Greek Orthodox teenagers between the ages of 12 to 17 years of age. It is an organization for our youth to learn and grow as Orthodox Christians in today s society as well as opportunity to socialize and embrace the Greek culture. Members of the GOYA participate in many exciting activities throughout the year: The Elevation of the Holy Cross and Blessing of the Waters happens every year in September at Asbury Park. Goyans that participated were Spiros Lappas, Kostantinos Zavolas and Voula Zaphiros. Mr. and Miss GOYA took place in September at the Pines Manor in Edison NJ. Our Miss GOYA representative was Mary Ellen Santana and her escort Achilleas Vasilarakis. Both did an exceptional job. Thanks to all the parents who participated in the event. We started the year by holding our first Bake Sale and later with a Gyro Sale. Thank you to all the parents and Goyans who participated. All funds raised will go to different activities throughout the year. Our first event is the bowling tournament to be held at Fairview on March 16, 2013. Our youth are excited to see their fellow Goyans. In February, we are taking part in the bridges program held at Holy Trinity in Westfield. We will contribute in making sandwiches and packed toiletry to distribute to the homeless people in Newark. Our Goyans are proud to be able to help the less fortunate. We are working very hard to represent our church for Sights and Sounds which is held on March 2nd at Holy Trinity in Westfield. Other upcoming events include a soccer tournament and Olympics. I would like to thank Father George Nikas, board members, the parents and parishioners for all their guidance and support throughout the year. Thank you to Keria Mata, Keria Despina and Angela Zavolas for their dedication and support towards our goyans. A special thank you to Sofia Malandrenias for her unconditional support. We are blessed to have her part of our team 2013 Goya Board Members Goya Advisors President: Voula Zaphiros Vice President: Mary Ellen Santana Vice President: Andreas Fanos Secretary: Irene Sarris Asst. Secretary: Stephanos Lappas Maria Sarris Sofia Malandrenias Angie Zavolas Popi Emmanouilidis Kostas Lappas Nikos Zavolas S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 12

We always welcome new members to our Goya family. Please feel free to email mariasarris@verizon.net for more information about events and membership S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 13

Greek School P.T.O. Dear Parents/Guardians, We are looking forward to our upcoming events and volunteers to make these events a success for our children. Our Bake Sale, will take place, Sunday, March 3rd. We are looking for donations and especially Greek pastries. They are our best sellers. Our next fundraiser, will be our Rummage Sale, which will take place, Saturday, May 18th from 11am-3pm in the church parking lot. Each individual that wants to be a part of the Rummage Sale, will have their own table and sell their own belongings and 20% of all their profit will be donated to the PTO. Please let me know who is interested. Our school field trip will take place on Saturday, June 8th and our PTO picnic along with the Greek School graduation will be held on Thursday, June 13th. For more info, email: smalouhos@gmail.com PTO BOARD President: Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary: Stella Malouhos Voula Kartsonas Maria Pelardis Fotini Mazis S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 14

Αγαπητοί μου Σε μερικές μέρες η κοινότητά μας, μαζί με όλους τους Ορθόδοξους Ελληνες Χριστιανούς σε όλο το κόσμο, θα γιορτάσει την διπλή γιορτή, του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου και της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας. Η 25 Μαρτίου έχει ξεχωριστή θέση στη καρδιά μας, γιατί γιορτάζουμε αυτά τα πολύ σημαντικά για μας γεγονότα, της Θεϊκής Πρόνιας που μας έδωσε ελπίδα όχι μόνο για την σωτηρία της ψυχής μας αλλά και του σώματός μας. Με μεγάλη χαρά η Παρθένος Μαρία ακούει τα λόγια του Αρχάγγελου Γαβριήλ που της ανακοινώνει το Θεϊκό μήνυμα: καὶ ἰδοὺ συλλήμψῃ ἐν γαστρὶ καὶ τέξῃ υἱόν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν. οὗτος ἔσται μέγας καὶ υἱὸς ὑψίστου κληθήσεται καὶ δώσει αὐτῷ κύριος ὁ θεὸς τὸν θρόνον Δαυὶδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ βασιλεύσει ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ἰακὼβ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. (Λουκάν 1:31-33) Τα χαρμόσυνα νέα και τη μεγάλη τιμή δέχετε με μεγάλη ταπεινοσύνη η Μαρία όπου ο Κύριος διάλεξε εκείνη να είναι η κιβωτός του Θεού. Η Μαρία γίνετε η νέα μας μητέρα, και παίρνει τη θέση της Εύας. Η Μαρία όμως είναι διαφορετική απο την Εύα η Εύα δεν ακολούθησε το λόγο του Θεού, αλλά Μαρία τον ακολουθεί με την απάντησή της: ἰδοὺ ἡ δούλη Κυρίου γένοιτό μοι κατὰ τὸ ρῆμά σου. (Λουκάν 1:8) Και ήταν πράγματι ορθό που διάλεξε εκείνη ο Θεός, σωστά διαλεγμένη για το μέγα ρόλο της, μεγαλωμένη μέσα στην εκκλησία και στα άγια, ανάμεσα από τους αγγέλους του Θεού, μυημένη στις εντολές Του απο μιρκή ηλικία. Τώρα, στέκεται μπροστά στον Αρχάγγελο του Θεού ως καθαρή και αμόλυντη παρθενα. Ηταν εξαρχής αγνή παρθένα, και παράμεινε μετά την γεννήση του Κυρίου καθαρή και αμόλυντη παρθένα όπως τα προφητικά λόγια του αρχαίου προφήτη δήλωσαν: καὶ εἶπε Κύριος πρός με ἡ πύλη αὕτη κεκλεισμένη ἔσται, οὐκ ἀνοιχθήσεται, καὶ οὐδεὶς μὴ διέλθῃ δι' αὐτῆς, ὅτι Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς Ἰσραὴλ εἰσελεύσεται δι' αὐτῆς, καὶ ἔσται κεκλεισμένη (Ιεζεκιήλ 44:2) Ο άγγελος είπε στην Παναγία: Χαίρε, κυρία γεμάτη χάρη, ο Θεός προ πάντων των αιώνων, ο μονογενής Υιός του Πατρός, θα είναι στη σάρκα σου. Ο πρίγκιπας της ειρήνης, Αυτός που θα ελευθερώσει τον κόσμο από την αμαρτία. Κατά τη διάρκεια της μεγάλης αυτής γιορτής του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου, το 1821, μια γιορτή που έντονα υμνούμε την ελευθερία από τον θάνατο και την ελπίδα της παντοτινής ζωής, άρχισε ο αγώνας για την ανεξαρτησία των Ελλήνων ενάντια στα 400 χρόνια Τουρκοκρατίας. Ο Παλαιών Πατρών Γερμανός ευλόγησε τη νέα σημαία του Ελληνικού Έθνους, και με προσευχές και δεήσεις προς τον Θεό, και ζητώντας την προστασία της Παναγίας ξεκίνησε το μεγάλο έργο της ελευθερίας. Ας θυμηθούμε τον αγώνα τους, ας τιμήσουμε τη θυσία τους, ας ευχαριστήσουμε εγκάρδια τον Κύριο μας για την Θεία Πρόνοιά του, ας υμνήσουμε την Υπεραγία Μητέρα Του, τη Θεοτόκο, η οποία μεσολαβεί για κάθε Ορθόδοξο Χριστιανό. Αγαπημένοι μου, κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της Αγίας και Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, ας έχουμε στη σκέψη ο καθένας από εμάς την Θεοτόκο, η οποία είναι η ελπίδα του χριστιανικού αγώνα. Σε αυτήν βλέπουμε την αγιότητα, την τελειότητα της κάθε αρετής, την ελπίδα. Η συγκατάθεσή της στη Θεία Θέληση ας καθοδηγεί και εμάς καθώς ετοιμαζόμαστε για την Εορτή των Εορτών, η γιορτή της νέας ζωής, το Πάσχα του Κυρίου μας! Προσεύχοντας ότι η αγάπη και η καλοσύνη Του Κυρίου θα μας ενισχύει καθόλη τη διάρκεια της Τεσσαρακοστής, Διατελώ Με αγάπη εν Χριστώ, Αρχιμανδρίτης Γεώργιος Νίκας Προϊστάμενος S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 15

The Life of Our Church S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 16

cv A Glimpse of Our Beloved Community S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 17

Galloping Hill Caterers Your Host: George Thomas 325 Chestnut Street, Five Points, Union, NJ 07083 Tel: (908) 686-2683 Fax: (908) 688-2376 Website: www.gallopinghillcaterers.com Email: gallopinghill@comcast.net Tom Stavrakis President 67 Newark Way Tel: 973.763.4036 Maplewood, NJ 07040 Fax: 973.763.6128 macmenu@aol.com 973-763-4036 1.800.622.MENU BMW of Morristown Angelo Filippatos New Vehicle Client Advisor 111 Ridgedale Ave Morristown, NJ 07960-4267 Phone 973-796-3053 Fax 973-352-6663 Angelo.filippatos@openroad.com 973-796-3053 GRILL 908-647-2193 201-401-5559 S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 18

908-233-0052 917-833-9120 908-233-0052 917-833-9120 908-688-8060 www.spconstructionandson.com michaelmortgage.com 908-665-0211 Please support our sponsors who have graciously donated to make The Herald possible. For anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, please email us at: TheHeraldNewsletter@gmail.com Future sponsorships will allow us to expand and improve upon this publication. Again, Thank You! YOUR AD HERE! Thank you for supporting The Herald and the St. Demetrios community! S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 19

================================================================================================================= April 7 th - NYC Greek Independence Day Parade!!! Bus leaving from Church: $25 Adults/ Children free Come join us for dinner at Limani Seafood Grill afterwards! ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 721 Rahway Avenue UNION, NJ 07083 Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Union, NJ Permit No. 229 Dated Material Or Current Resident S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h U n i o n, N J Page 20