November/December 2013 2013 Page 1 Volume 11, Issue 6 A Publication of the The Voice of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George ΔΙΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Piscataway, New Jersey The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD. (Matt.3:3) «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήµῳ, Ἑτοιµάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3) A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST In This Issue Thanksgiving Christmas Our Faith Stewardship Christmas Concert Joy-Hope Goya Greek Night Altar Boys Groups Daughters Fashion Show New Year s Eve Dance In Every Issue Priest s Message President s Message Church Calendar PTO News Sunday School News Greek School News G.O.Y.A. News Philoptochos News Dear Faithful, "We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God." At every Liturgy, we sing these words of praise and thanksgiving. God deserves our praise and thanksgiving at all times. He created us, He provides for us. He saved us after the fall from sin. He restores us to Himself. He promises us an eternal home in heaven. "Always and for everything give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." The Bible says (Ephesians 5:20) Giving thanks when all goes well is easy. Should we give thanks in adversity? "God whispers to us in our prosperity. He speaks to us in our comfort. He shouts to us in our adversity." A sophist wrote. Thank you prison. You taught me much!" wrote Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the former Nobel writer, who attributed his spiritual insight to years he spent in a communist prison. As we face the dangers of our time, with war in the Middle East, the famine and starvation in Africa and elsewhere, the threat of nations acquiring a nuclear arsenal and for that they may sell them to warring nations and God forbid to terrorists, we must never cease in thanksgiving and prayer. We need spiritual grace and wisdom, as do the leaders of nations confronted with world changing decisions. We need guidance to avoid the arrogance associated with power. We need to pray and give thanks with humility. Thanksgiving reminds us that God alone is omnipotent and aware of all the sides in every dispute. Therefore, God is our highest and final hope. It is never right to kill and be violent. It may be the lesser of two evils at a given time. Yet as long as we can, as long as it may be possible, we need first to seek peaceful solutions to our problems and God's wisdom. We are fast approaching the Christmas fast and the Christmas hymns. Everything becomes festive beginning with Thanksgiving. Definitely the mystical atmosphere of Great Lent, before Easter, is missing. Nevertheless, the Church asks us to fast and pray in joy for the Great Event that is about to happen, not only for us Orthodox Christians but also for all mankind. It is very easy to lose sight of the miracle of Bethlehem in our modem world, what with so many external and internal pressures as well as very important social issues that are facing our nation. Also what doesn't help either is the commercialization of Christmas, because that influences us, how we celebrate this most awesome and important event of our Christian life. However, this annual reminder of the continuous presence of the Divine in our world is necessary for us all. Nothing is more usual, nothing is more miraculous than the birth of a child; every child's birthday is a reminder of the presence of God in the world. The present troubles of our society seem overwhelming. The sorrow, the injustice, the poverty, the unkindness of war, the inhumanity of man to man, the distortion of the divine image which we cause, is everywhere. At this point of our lives, for the majority of us, we have lost sight of God, and now we are suffering. The message of Christmas is clear: The birth of Christ carries the necessary spiritual renewal which can restore us, if we receive it with the eye of faith and the simplicity of a child. On every feast of the Nativity of our (Continued on page 4)
Page 2 November/December 2013 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Parish Ministries Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Priest Parish Council President George Petrantonakis Vice President / Administration Lampros Ε. Bourodimos Vice President / Operations George Zalokostas Secretary Bill Fottis Treasurer Comptroller Antonios Kalogridis Jr. Members Demetrios Anastasatos Constantine Apostolakis George Athanasopoulos John Blazakis Katherine Catanzaro Thomas Kalanekos John Millas Perry Petsanas Andreas S. Savva The Voice of St. George Published bi-monthly by the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Tel.: 732-463-1642 Fax: 732-699-9309 E-mail: sggoc@optonline.net Editor in Chief: Alexandra Avgitidis Committee Members: Arete Bouhlas, Eftihia Karayiannidis, Polly Ploussiou, Katina Kehayas, Georgia Peterson. Periodical postage paid at Kilmer, NJ 08817, Permit # 379. The Voice of St. George is produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be found on the internet at www.stgeorgepiscataway.org Subscription is free for the members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. George GOC, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Philoptochos Society - St. Barbara Effie Bouziotis, President Georgia Peterson, 1st Vice President Malvina Wilkens, 2nd Vice President Virginia Theokas, Rec. Secretary Anna Stevens, Corresp. Secretary Evangelia Manolakis, Treasurer Georgia Kouridakis, Asst. Treasurer Cantors and Choir Dimitrios Fousteris, Director Sunday School Lemonia Malahias Miko, Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis Greek School Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent Toula Karamarkos, Principal Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher Katerina Kourti, Teacher Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher Chrisoula Plias, Teacher Iro Mavrianos, Teacher SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS Church Organizations Parent Teacher Organization Helen Sirimis, Co-Vice President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Kathy Miller, Secretary Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer GOYA George Stavrianidis President Ioanna Kontos, Vice President Joanna Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secretary Evangelia Makropoulos, Rec. Secretary Demetri Demos, Treasurer Hope Sirimis, Historian GOYA Advisors Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor John DeLaurentis, George Demos, Sophia Exarchakis, Evie Georgopoulos, Rita Polos, Roseanne Rexines, Peter Sirimis, Annie Sullivan JOY/HOPE Lefki Hadjiloucas Love & Faith Dimitra Kambitsis Church Committees GET INVOLVED We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office 732.463.1642 Annual St. George Dinner Dance Bookmobile Capital Improvements Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek and Catechism Schools Historic Committee House & Grounds Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Relations Religious Artifacts Stewardship Technology Services Voice of St. George To Our St. George Parishioners The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.
November/December 2013 Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. NOVEMBER Friday 1 Saints Kosmas & Damian Sunday 3 5 th Sunday of Luke Friday 8 Synaxis of the Archangels Saturday 9 Saint Nectarios Sunday 10 8 th Sunday of Luke Sunday 17 9 th Sunday of Luke Thursday 21 Entry of the Theotokos Sunday 24 13 th Sunday of Luke Saturday 30 Saint Andrew DECEMBER Sunday 1 14 th Sunday of Luke Wednesday 4 Saint Barbara Friday 6 Saint Nicholas Sunday 8 10 th Sunday of Luke Thursday 12 Saint Spyridon Sunday 15 11 th Sunday of Luke Sunday 22 Sunday before the Nativity of Christ Wednesday 25 Nativity of Christ Sunday 29 Sunday after the Nativity of Christ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές ώρες 9 π.μ. ΝΟΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Παρασκευή 1 Κοσμά & Δαμιανού των Ανάργυρων Κυριακή 3 Ε Κυριακή Λουκά Παρασκευή 8 Σύναξις Ταξιαρχών Μιχαήλ καί Γαβριήλ Σάββατο 9 Αγίου Νεκταρίου Κυριακή 10 Η Κυριακή Λουκά Κυριακή 17 Θ Κυριακή Λουκά Πέμπτη 21 Εισόδια της Θεοτόκου Κυριακή 24 ΙΓ Κυριακή Λουκά Σάββατο 30 Αγίου Ανδρέα ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Κυριακή 1 ΙΔ Κυριακή Λουκά Τετάρτη 4 Αγίας Βαρβάρας Παρασκευή 6 Αγίου Νικολάου Κυριακή 8 Ι Κυριακή Λουκά Πέμπτη 12 Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος Κυριακή 15 ΙΑ Κυριακή Λουκά Κυριακή 22 Κυριακή προ της Χριστού Γεννήσεως Τετάρτη 25 Η Γέννησις του Χριστού Κυριακή 29 Κυριακή μετά την Χριστού Γέννησιν ALTAR BOY GROUPS FORMED The Altar Boy groups for 2013-2014 have been formed, but they are not closed! If your son would like to serve in the Altar and he is 10 years old or older, please let me know as soon as possible. Altar Boys are required to be in the Altar on the Sundays that they are on duty, no later than 10:10 a.m. All Captains are asked to be in the Altar a little earlier, by 10:00 a.m., to make sure that everything is ready and to get instructions from Father Nicholas as to what will be happening for that day. As always, the appropriate dress code for All Altar Boys that are serving, without exception is recommended; dress shirt, tie dress socks and dress shoes. No one will be admitted in the Altar with a polo shirt, jeans or sneakers or boot shoes. All Altar Boys, if they are not serving in the Altar, are required to be in Catechism School. This rule will be strictly adhered to, because attendance will be taken every Sunday for ALL Altar Boys. PLEASE COME AND JOIN!!! ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 Sunday, November 3 Group C Sunday, December 1 Group C Sunday, November 10 Group D Sunday, December 8 Group D Sunday, November 17 Group A Sunday, December 15 Group A Sunday, November 24 Group B Sunday, December 22 Group B Wednesday, December 25 Group C (Christmas Day) Sunday, December 29 Group D ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL FUND All donations to the Memorial Fund are greatly appreciated. As we all know, we have a beautiful Memorial Tree located in the Memorial Room of the Community Center. Anyone wishing to purchase a leaf ($350), a dove ($2,000), or a stone ($1,500) in memory of a loved one, May their memory be eternal, please contact either John Stroumtsos or Fr. Nick Pastrikos by calling the church office 732.463.1642.
Page 4 November/December 2013 ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί, «Σε ανυμνούμε, σε δοξολογούμε, σε ευχαριστούμε και προσευχόμαστε σε Σε, Κύριε και Θεέ μας». Σε κάθε λειτουργία, ψέλνουμε αυτά τα λόγια ύμνησης και ευχαριστίας. Δικαίως υμνούμε και ευχαριστούμε το Θεό ανά πάσα στιγμή. Αυτός μας έπλασε. Μας παρέχει όλα τ αγαθά. Μας έσωσε από το προπατορικό αμάρτημα. Μας έφερε πίσω σ' αυτόν. Μας υπόσχεται την αιώνια ζωή στους ουρανούς. «Πάντοτε και για το κάθε τι δίνετε ευχαριστίες εις το όνομα του Ιησού Χριστού προς τον πατέρα και Θεό μας». Αυτό μας λέει η Αγία Γραφή (Εφεσίους 5:20). Το να δίνουμε ευχαριστίες όταν όλα πάνε καλά είναι πολύ εύκολο. Πρέπει να δίνουμε ευχαριστίες και όταν ακόμα αντιμετωπίζουμε αντιξοότητες; «Ο Θεός μας ψιθυρίζει στην ευτυχία μας. Μας μιλάει στην άνεση μας. Μας φωνάζει σε στιγμές απελπισίας», έγραψε ένας σοφιστής. «Ευχαριστώ τη φυλακή. Με δίδαξε πολλά», έγραψε ο Αλέξανδρος Σολζενίτσιν, ο Ρώσος Νομπελίστας συγγραφέας, ο οποίος απέδιδε την πνευματικότητά του στα χρόνια που έζησε στην φυλακή. Ενώ αντιμετωπίζουμε τους σημερινούς κινδύνους με τον πόλεμο στην Μέση Ανατολή, την πείνα στην Αφρική και αλλαχού, την απειλή της εξάπλωσης των πυρηνικών όπλων από τρομοκράτες, δεν θα πρέπει να διακόψουμε τις ευχαριστίες μας και τις προσευχές μας. Έχουμε ανάγκη πνευματικής φώτισης και σωστής γνώσης, τόσο εμείς όσο και οι αρχηγοί κρατών που παίρνουν σοβαρές και κρίσιμες αποφάσεις. Έχουμε ανάγκη καθοδήγησης, έχουμε ανάγκη προσευχής και ευχαριστίας με ταπείνωση. Η Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών μας υπενθυμίζει ότι ο Θεός είναι ο μόνος Παντοδύναμος και ο πανταχού παρόν, ώστε να γνωρίζει όλες τις φάσεις του κάθε προβλήματος. Γι αυτό, ο Θεός είναι η μόνη μας ελπίδα. Η βία δεν είναι ποτέ η απάντηση σε ένα πρόβλημα. Ίσως μερικές φορές να φαίνεται σαν το λιγότερο από δύο κακά, αλλά πρώτα θα πρέπει να αποζητούμε την ειρηνική λύση στα προβλήματα μας και την σοφία του Θεού. Πλησιάζουμε την νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων και τους Χριστουγεννιάτικους ύμνους. Όλα παίρνουν μια εορταστική ατμόσφαιρα μετά την εορτή των Ευχαριστιών. Οπωσδήποτε, η κατάνυξη της Μεγάλης Σαρακοστής, προ του Πάσχα, απουσιάζει, εν τούτοις η Εκκλησία μας ζητεί να νηστέψουμε και να προσευχηθούμε με αγαλλίαση για το Μέγα Γεγονός που έγκειται να συμβεί, όχι μόνο για εμάς τους Ορθοδόξους Χριστιανούς, αλλά και για ολόκληρη την ανθρωπότητα. Είναι πολύ εύκολο να αγνοήσουμε το θαύμα της Βηθλεέμ, με τις εξωτερικές και εσωτερικές πιέσεις που δεχόμαστε, καθώς και με τα τόσο σοβαρά κοινωνικά προβλήματα που αντιμετωπίζει το έθνος μας. Επίσης, ένας επιπρόσθετος αρνητικός παράγοντας είναι η εμποροποίηση των Χριστουγέννων, διότι αυτή επηρεάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίον εορτάζομε αυτό το σημαντικό γεγονός της Χριστιανικής μας ζωής. Όμως, αυτή η ετήσια υπενθύμιση της συνεχούς Θεϊκής παρουσίας είναι αναγκαία για όλους μας. Τίποτα δεν είναι πιο φυσικό, τίποτα δεν είναι πιο θαυματουργό όσο η γέννηση ενός βρέφους. Η γέννηση κάθε παιδιού είναι μια υπενθύμιση της παρουσίας του Θεού. α σημερινά κοινωνικά προβλήματα μας φαίνονται αφόρητα. Η λύπη, η αδικία, η φτώχεια, τα καταστροφικά αποτελέσματα του πολέμου, η έλλειψη ανθρωπισμού, η διαστροφή της θεϊκής μορφής είναι διασπαρμένη παντού. Σ' αυτό το σημείο της ζωής μας, η πλειοψηφία από μας έχει χάσει την πραγματική έννοια του Θεού, γι' αυτό και υποφέρουμε. Το Χριστουγεννιάτικο μήνυμα είναι ευκρινές: Η γέννηση του Χριστού προσφέρει την πνευματική ανανέωση, η οποία δύναται να μας σώσει, εάν τη λάβουμε με πίστη και με παιδική αθωότητα. Κάθε Χριστούγεννα οι εκκλησίες γίνονται η σπηλιά της Βηθλεέμ και η Αγία Τράπεζα αυτών των εκκλησιών μετατρέπεται σε φάτνη. Και ο Πράος Ιησούς καλεί όλους μας, πλούσιους και φτωχούς, νέους και γέρους, να προσέλθουμε με λατρεία και να λάβουμε τις θεϊκές Του ευλογίες: «Προσέλθετε όλοι οι δεινούντες και οιδοπορούντες ότι δώσω υμίν ανάπαυσιν». Εύχομαι σε όλους σας Χαρούμενες και Ευλογημένες Εορτές των Χριστουγέννων και ας ευχηθώ, συνάμα, πως θα δω ΟΛΗ την οικογένεια του Αγίου Γεωργίου στην εκκλησία, ώστε μαζί να λατρεύσουμε τον Κύριο και να δοξάσουμε την Γέννηση Του. Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός Message from our Priest (Continued from page 1) Lord, our Churches become the cave of Bethlehem and the holy altar in these Churches becomes the crib of the little Jesus, the Savior of the world. This Gentle Jesus calls all of us, rich and poor, young and old, to come to Him in adoration and receive His heavenly blessings: Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. May you all have a very Blessed and Spiritual Christmas Season. And I pray that I will see ALL of my St. George Family in church, so that we can all worship our Lord and His birth TOGETHER. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos
November/December 2013 Page 5 STEWARDSHIP ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ During this gift-giving season, do NOT forget your beloved St. George. Follow your heart and give your share. Σε αυτή την περίοδο που όλοι χαρίζετε δώρα, ΜΗΝ ξεχνάτε τον αγαπημένο σας Άγιο Γεώργιο. Ακολουθήστε την καρδιά σας και δώστε το μερίδιο σας. STEWARDSHIP REQUIREMENTS Any person can give any amount for Stewardship. However, to be considered a member in good standing, to participate in the sacraments of Baptism or Wedding, and to have one vote in the General Assembly, the following minimums must be met: $350 for single adult or husband and wife (age 18-64): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $350); ($700 total, both can vote) $250 for a married senior couple (age 65+): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $200); ($400 total, both can vote) $200 for single senior and college student (age 18-24, must show proof of attending college full time) Greater than the required contributions: those who have been blessed should consider a greater contribution. ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ Ο καθένας μπορεί να προσφέρει ότι μπορεί. Όμως, για να θεωρηθείτε κανονικό μέλος, να μπορείτε να πάρετε μέρος στα Mυστήρια της Βάπτισης και του Γάμου και να έχετε δικαίωμα ενός ψήφου στην Γενική Συνέλευση, απαιτούνται οι κάτωθι ελάχιστες εισφορές: $350 ανά ανύπαντρο άτομο ή οικογένεια (18-64 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $350 έκαστος (σύνολο $700) ψηφίζουν και οι δύο) $250 ανά ηλικιωμένο ζευγάρι (άνω των 65 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $200 έκαστος (σύνολο $400), ψηφίζουν και οι δύο) $200 για μόνους ηλικιωμένους και φοιτητές (18-24 ετών, πρέπει να αποδείξουν ότι είναι φοιτητές): μία ψήφος Πέραν του καθορισμένου ποσού: όσοι έχουν ευλογηθεί με οικονομική ευχέρεια θα πρέπει να προσφέρουν περισσότερο από ότι καθορίζεται πιο πάνω. OUR PARISH OUR PEOPLE Baptisms September 29 October 5 Panagiotis Apostolos Voudouris Son of Apostolos & Sophia Voudouris Godparent: Dimitrios Georgostathis Anastasia Rose Dean Daughter of Jon & Kathryn Dean Godparent: Dimitri Giannios October 12 November 3 Joseph Charles Graf Son of Charles Jospeph & Meredtih Graf Godparent: Jessica Maratea Dimitrios Peter Amaxopoulos Son of John & Vanessa Amaxopoulos Godparent: Vasilios Amaxopoulos October 6 Evangelos Antonio Koukourdelis Son of Georgios & Raquel Koukourdelis Godparent: Nikolaos Ioannou October 27 Weddings Anthony & Georgia Kalogridis Koumbaro: Themistoklis Fiotakis Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal September 20 Bessie Zacharatos October 28 Vasilia Statis
Page 6 November/December 2013 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA The first Philoptochos meeting of the 2013-2014 ecclesiastical year took place on Thursday evening, September 19, in the Memorial Room with president Effie Bouziotis presiding. President Bouziotis led the membership in prayer and welcomed the membership to our first of three evening meetings which will take place to accommodate our many members who cannot attend our Saturday meetings. Treasurer Evangelia Manolakis gave the treasurer s report. The meeting continued with fulfillment of this month s annual obligations and committee reports. Upcoming activities include: Greece/Cyprus Fund Raiser, October 20 St. Basil Visitation, Νοωεμβερ 9 Christmas Card Donations throughout November Baklava/Spanakopita Sale, November 24 St. Barbara Liturgy, December 4 St. Barbara Artoklasia, December 1 St. Barbara Luncheon, December 8 Christmas Bread Sale, December 21, 22 Vasilopita Sale, December 29 Vasilopita Celebration, January 12, 2014 The Blanket committee which sews baby blankets and gowns for premies in the local hospitals (MATERIAL is needed for this project), and the Knitting/Crocheting group that sends scarves and hats to the children at St. Basil Academy and local hospitals (these ladies would appreciate donations of YARN for their projects), visitations to shut-ins, cooking for the homeless, Sunday greeters, and many other activities continue. Membership chairman Angie Alexander indicated that we have over 100 members. We invite all the ladies of our community who are not yet members of our Philoptochos Society to join us. Our next two evening meetings are scheduled for October 17 and November 21 at 7:00 pm. The December meeting will be on Saturday, December 21 at 11:00 am. We encourage all our members to attend all our meetings! A notice to all our parishioners: When writing a check to the Philoptochos, please make all checks payable to: Do you have a United Way deduction in your payroll check? Consider having your employer send your United Way contribution to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number 032224 BAKLAVA & SPANAKOPITA SALE The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava and spanakopita for the holidays. All baklava and spanakopita must be preordered by November 10, 2013. They will be sold on November 24, 2013. Place your orders early! Call Koula Athanasopoulos, 732-469-6298, or Effie Bouziotis, 908-725-6744 Christmas Bread will be sold Dec. 21, 22 Vasilopites will be sold Dec. 29 The Ladies Philoptochos Society Invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 8, 2013 1:00 p.m. PITHARI RESTAURANT Highland Park, NJ For Reservations Call: Georgia Kouridakis, 732-247-2494 Anna Kalogridis, 732-985-0688 Pegi Zajac, 908-788-0667 VASILOPITA CELEBRATION Following the Divine Liturgy on January 12, 2014, the annual luncheon and cutting of the Vasilopita will take place in the Ahepa Hall. Let us all attend this traditional event as one family and give our annual donation for the children of St. Basil Academy! You may also make your donation by mailing your check payable to St. Barbara Philoptochos Society (notation Vasilopita ) to: St. Barbara Philoptochos Society-Vasilopita 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ 08854-5699
November/December 2013 Page 7 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD 2013 Dear St. George Parishioners: We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the Philoptochos will prepare the St. George Community Christmas Card which will be mailed to every member of our parish and which will carry our holiday greetings to all our parishioners. This Community Christmas Card becomes possible through your donations. However, not only does your donation extend holiday greetings to all but, more importantly, it is used for the much needed assistance to the needy of our community. Your contribution truly represents the Christian spirit of helping those in need. And so we ask you, once again, to give your donation to the Needy Cases Fund. In so doing, you will be helping those in need and you will be assuring that your name will be included on the Community Christmas Card. You may give your donation by filling in the form below and bringing it to the church or by mailing it to PHILOPTOCHOS, c/o St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Please make checks payable to the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. To assure that your name is included on the Christmas Card, your contribution must be received no later than November 24, 2013. The names of contributors received after November 24 will be listed in the January church bulletin. In addition, if you are employed by a company that participates in a Gift Matching Program, please bring the necessary forms so we may benefit from this program. Obtain a gift matching form from your personnel office, complete the employee s section and bring the form to us. We ll do the rest. Thank you and God Bless you always, NEEDY FUND COMMITTEE Detach and return the form below with your donation no later than Sunday, November 24, 2013. ============= ========================================================================== I would like to participate in the ST. GEORGE NEEDY CASES FUND. Enclosed you will find my donation for $. Please list my name on the Christmas Card as follows: Name: Address: Telephone Number: IN MEMORIAM Με μεγάλη συγκίνηση και απέραντη αγάπη, ευχαριστούμε απο βάθους καρδιάς, τους συγγενείς μας, τους καλούς μας φίλους και αγαπητούς γνωστούς, όπως και όλη την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου, για την τόσο μεγάλη κατανόηση, υποστήριξη και συμμετοχή τους, στο βαρύ πένθος του πατέρα μας, παππού μας και τον αγαπημένο μας Ευστάθιο Λ. Μπουροδήμο. Ευχαριστούμε ~~~ Με αγάπη σε όλους Η Πρώτη Γυναίκα και Μητέρα τον Παιδιών τους: Ελένη Μαντζουράνη Μπουροδήμου Ο Υιός: Λάμπρος Ε. Μπουροδήμος, Ναϊόμη Μπουροδήμου και παιδιά, Διονύσιος, Ιούλιος και Μαρία Η Κόρη: Σόνια Μπουροδήμου Πετεινάτου, Δημήτριος Πετεινάτος και παιδιά, Ελευθερία και Ιάσωνας With great emotion and boundless love, we thank from the depths of the heart, our relatives, our good friends and dear acquaintances, and also the whole Community of Saint George, for their great understanding, support and participation, in the deep mourning of our father, our grandfather, and our beloved Efstathios L. Bourodimos. Thank you ~~~ With love to all First Wife and Mother of their Children: Eleni Mantzourani Bourodimos Son: Lampros E. Bourodimos, Naomi Bourodimos and children, Dionisios, Julius, and Maria Daughter: Sonia Bourodimos Petinatos, Dimitrios Petinatos and children, Eleftheria and Jason
Page 8 November/December 2013 G.O.Y.A. GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION As the summer sun begins to fade, the new light for the GOYA year begins. Our first GOYA meeting was held on Sunday, September 8th. The installations of the GOYA board also took place on this exciting day. Our organization is a safe environment where every young person can grow spiritually while making friendships that will last a lifetime. If you are between the ages of twelve to eighteen, please consider becoming a part of our GOYA family. The deadline to join is November 1 st, 2013. All members have a strong passion for GOYA and for strengthening our church community. Welcome to all the new members and we look forward to expanding the St. George GOYA even further. Here are some opportunities to get involved: Monday 6:30-8:30 - junior boys basketball Tuesday 7:00-9:00 - girls volleyball Wednesday 7:00-9:00 -senior boys basketball Thursday 7:00-9:00 - Greek dance Congratulations to Niko Koutsoubis who won the boys junior division at the Holy Cross Celebration held at Asbury Park on September 15th. Good job to all the divers that represented St. George. On Sunday, September 29th, the Heel to Heal walk, benefiting the Embrace Kids Foundation of New Brunswick, was held. Those who came out had a beautiful day supporting this important cause. September has been a great month for our GOYA! Leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and October has finally arrived. As leaves cover the streets, events cover our GOYA calendar. On Friday, October 4 th, we are having our first charity night. All GOYAns and their families are encouraged to come. Our second GOYA meeting, on Sunday October 6 th, will have sign-ups for the Harvest Dance (October 18 th ) and the Bowling Tournament (November 2 nd ). After the meeting, we will be selling gyros and hosting the volleyball and basketball games in our community center. On Sunday, October 13 th, Alexandra Koutsoubis and George Stravrianidis will represent our church in the Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant. Good luck to the both of them. Our talented Greek dance group will be performing at a very special event, our church dance on October 19 th. May God continue to guide us all during the new GOYA year. Together, as a community, let s work toward making this a memorable one. Respectably submitted, Hope Sirimis, GOYA Historian
November/December 2013 Page 9 The St. George Piscataway Youth Group proudly invites you to our 11 th annual Greek Night November 23, 2013 6:30 pm - 12:00 am St. George AHEPA Hall Community Center 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Mezedakia & Full Buffet Dinner BYO Wine & Beer Music and Dancing with DJ Tommy Karas Special Performance by St. George GOYA Dance Group RSVP: Sophie Exarchakis 732 723-9088 sophiex@verizon.net Adults $35 GOYA & College students with ID $25 Children under 12 - $10 Children under 5 free NO tickets will be sold at the door All proceeds will benefit The Embrace Kids Founda on, a charity that supports the non medical needs of children with cancer or blood disorders and their families at The Cancer Ins tute of NJ and the Bristol Myers Squibb Children s Hospital at R.W. Johnson University Hospital
Page 10 November/December 2013 P.T.O. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Pulling Together for Our Kids Dear Parents, The PTO Executive Board would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents that volunteered their time, helped by baking and/or purchasing treats at our annual bake sale. Your support during this event was valuable and your contributions have helped the organization tremendously. We would like to remind you, the PTO is a parent volunteer organization that supports the school by organizing volunteers for various programs and by providing financial assistance through fundraising for enrichment programs and other items not available through school funds. As the parent/guardian of a St. George student, you are asked to support the PTO by attending the meetings held on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the church on the second floor. The next meetings will take place on November 19 th and December 17 th respectively. To become a member, please fill out the enclosed form and return it as directed. We would also like to welcome two new members to our board, Maria Petrou as Co-Vice President and Irene Drakopoulos as Treasurer. We are still looking for someone to fill the shoes of PTO President. Please consider volunteering your time to assist as we need your help. Please consider volunteering your time and talent to the PTO. If each St George family volunteered for one event or activity it would spread the work load of this wonderful organization and make it more manageable, enjoyable and successful for everyone. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome! Teach your children by example - be involved! We can't do it without you! PTO Executive Board Officers: Helen Sirimis, Co-Vice President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Kathy Miller, Secretary Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer PTO e-mail address: stgpto@optonline.net Upcoming Events Christmas Tree Lighting December 13 th at 5 p.m. in the AHEPA hall. Please consider donating unbreakable ornaments. A labeled bin will be placed in the AHEPA hall so you can drop off the ornaments if you are unable to attend. The children enjoy decorating the tree. We welcome all the families to attend this festive tradition. Christmas Communion Breakfast December 15 th following the Divine Liturgy in the AHEPA Hall. If you would like to volunteer to assist for this event we need help in photographing families, aiding the children with the crafts, food donations, setting up and serving food. Dear Parishioners, JOY HOPE Joy, children ages 8-11 Hope, children ages 4-7 Love and Faith, toddlers ages 1-3 On October 12 th we held our first meeting of the year. About 20 children had the opportunity to observe Fr Nick conduct the baptisms of teddy Yianni and doll Eleni. The children had hands-on experience by being the nona, nono, parents, grandparents or hold candles during the possession around the baptismal fountain. Subsequently the children painted pumpkins and played games in our Ahepa hall. Our November meeting will be on November 9 th at 2-4pm. Fr Nick will be teaching the real meaning of Thanksgiving. The children will have an opportunity to prepare sandwiches for a New Brunswick Soup Kitchen. Contributions to the materials for making sandwiches (bread, cheese, ham), apples, chips are welcomed. Our December meeting will be on December 13 th at 6-8pm. It will coincide with the PTO Tree decoration. Our children will help with the decoration of our community s Christmas tree as well as spend time with Fr Nick on discussing a religious topic around Christmas. Please let us know of your participation at stgeorgejoyandhope@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you in our next meeting. Lefkie Hadjiloucas and Iro Mavrianos
November/December 2013 Page 11 SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Parent Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) JOIN THE ST. GEORGE PTO Through partnership with the teachers & parents, the following are some of the annual expenses PTO pays for: Greek School books and supplies, Religious Education School (Sunday School) supplies, Saint Chrysostom s Oratorical Festival monetary awards, bus to NYC Greek Independence Day parade, End-Of-Year party for Greek school and Sunday School students, Communion Breakfasts, Greek School Programs (March 25 th and Graduation) and more. The donation is $20 per family and it allows you to vote on important issues at PTO meetings and receive one free copy of St. George Friend Finder directory which lists the Greek School and Religious Education School classes, teachers and students names and contact information. 2013-2014 PTO MEMBERSHIP FORM Please make check payable to Saint George P.T.O. and mail it with this completed form to: Saint George P.T.O., 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854. You may also drop off your completed membership form and check in an envelope marked P.T.O. Membership at the church office, or send it with your child to your Greek School or Religious Education teachers. List all children attending Greek School and/or Religious Education School Child s First and Last Name Greek School grade/ Parent s Name(s): @$20 = $ Additional copies of Friend Finder student directory for $3 each: # copies @ $3 each = $ TOTAL ENCLOSED: $
Page 12 November/December 2013 SUNDAY SCHOOL Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we would like to thank everyone for the support and trust you have placed in us in providing an Orthodox Christian foundation of Photograph of our Kindergarten Class faith and values to your children. We are very proud of our Catechism program and of the many committed volunteers. We encourage all parents to please bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that for the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. The set curriculum developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Religious Education, the liturgical hymnology, the participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects carried out throughout the year provide a complete picture of our Catechism Program. In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we present the curricula followed by several grades. Today we will present the curriculum of Grades K, 1, 2 and 3. Grade K: What We See and Do in Church : An introduction to basic Church teachings, events in the liturgical calendar, Bible stories and hymns. Each lesson has a brief text and an illustration for coloring. Grade 1: Prayer in Daily Life - Discussions address when and how we pray. Each student is creating a personal prayer journal which includes the Lord s Prayer, bedtime, mealtime, and other short prayers. Grade 2: Loving God Love at home, in church, serving others and obeying rules are the emphasis of this grade. We reemphasize the Lord s Prayer and we learn the Jesus Prayer. We also begin to take a walk through the Orthodox Church by learning the parts of the Church building, the meaning of icons, candles, the altar table, etc. Grade 3: Sharing God s World Children learn about sharing through the example of Jesus and are inspired to observe these examples in the Divine Liturgy, the Sacraments and other services of the Church. The result is that our children become caring and sharing individuals. This grade also learns to recite the prayer of Psalm 23, The Lord is my Sheppard. We would like to express our deep gratitude to our volunteer organization for their efforts, dedication and perseverance. I now would like to present you our 2013-2014 Catechism staff. Cradle Responsible Dimitra Kambitsis Ioanna Kontos Konstantine Lyssikatos Nursery Teachers: Chrisoula Kalogridis Naomi Bourodimos Hope Sirimis George Exarchakis Pre-Kindergarten Teachers Maria-Regina Caputo Helen Sirimis Joy Mangafas Kindergarten Teachers Georgia Lambros Meropi Martini Alexandra Koutsoubis Jason Stavrianidis First Grade Teachers Helen Gargalidis Mary Christodoulou Evangelia Makropoulos Amelia Jennings Sofia Feggulis Second Grade Teachers Stacey Alphas Georgia Preite Zoe Makropoulos Kristina Alphas Third Grade Teachers Irene Rompos Evangelia Frangeas Kyra Sirimis Nicolette Garthe Fourth and Fifth Grades Teachers Maria Petrou Georgia Papanastasiou Karissa Zubulake Nicolette Polos Sixth Grade Teachers Argie Kantilierakis Maria Kantilierakis Sophia Chiotis Alexia Kostis Seventh Grade Teachers Maria Boyiadjis Athinoula Bizos Joanna Kantilierakis Dimitri Demos Eighth and Ninth Grades Teachers Lemonia Malahias Maria Demos Nicholas Priete John Apostolakis Teen Rap Maggie Stavrianidis Peter Combates George Stavrianidis Music Teacher Louise Lambros Support Staff Overall Administrator Paul Stevens Treasurer Georgia Peterson Administration Ted Lambros Georgia Peterson Attendance Flora Savva Safety Peter Sirimis Book Mobile Irene Drakopoulos Scholarships Helene Pappas Malvina Wilkens Mary Bouleeris Georgia Peterson Substitute Teacher Perry Petsanas We pray that we continue to have a successful year. For your valuable feedback, please contact me at lmalahias@yahoo.com. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Catechism Program Staff
November/December 2013 Page 13 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ - GREEK SCHOOL Αγαπητοί Γονείς, Τα μαθήματα του Ελληνικού Σχολείου άρχισαν στις 9 Σεπτεμβρίου. Αυτήν την ημέρα ο πατέρας Νικόλαος έκανε αγιασμό για τα παιδιά του σχολείου και τις δασκάλες και στην συνέχεια αγίασε όλες τις τάξεις. Επειδή είναι καιρός ακόμη, όσοι θέλετε να δώσετε την ευκαιρία στα παιδιά σας να παρακολουθήσουν μαθήματα και να μάθουν την ωραία ελληνική μας γλώσσα και τα ελληνικά μας ήθη και έθιμα, θα χαρούμε πάρα πολύ να τα δούμε στο σχολείο μας. Οι τάξεις του σχολείου είναι προνήπια, νήπια, 1 η μικρή, 1 η μεγάλη, 2 α, 3 η, 4 η, 5 η, 6 η, και τα Regents. Τα παιδιά που θα εγγραφούν πρέπει να είναι τεσσάρων χρονών για τα προνήπια και έξι χρονών για την πρώτη μικρή. Αν τα παιδιά σας είναι έξι χρονών, μπορείτε να τα γράψετε αμέσως στην 1 η μικρή. Το σχολείο λειτουργεί από Δευτέρα μέχρι Παρασκευή, από τις 4:30μ.μ. μέχρι τις 6:30μ.μ και κάθε Τετάρτη μέχρι τις 8:30μ.μ. Οι μαθητές κάθε τάξης, παρακολουθούν μαθήματα μόνον μία μέρα την εβδομάδα. Την 28 η Οκτωβρίου που γιορτάσαμε την εθνική μας εορτή, οι μαθητές των μεγάλων τάξεων έκαναν εργασίες για τις δύο μεγάλες εορτές, του Αγίου Δημητρίου και της 28 ης Οκτωβρίου. Επίσης τα παιδιά της 5 ης και 6 ης τάξης απήγγειλαν ποιήματα στην γιορτή που διοργάνωσε ο σύλλογος των Μακεδόνων με μεγάλη επιτυχία. Είμαστε πολύ υπερήφανοι για τα παιδιά μας που κάνουν τόσες προσπάθειες και αναδεικνύουν το σχολείο μας ένα από τα καλύτερα σχολεία. Με τον ερχομό του Thanksgiving και των Χριστουγέννων, ευχόμαστε σε όλους να περάσετε αυτές τις μεγάλες γιορτές με υγεία, χαρά και ευτυχία. Με εκτίμηση, Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου Dear Parents, Classes in our Greek School began on September 9. On this day, father Nicholas blessed the children and the teachers of our school, and then all of the classrooms. Since there is still time for those of you who want to give your children the chance to attend classes and learn our beautiful Greek language and our Greek customs and traditions, we will be happy too to see them enrolled in our school. The grades of our school are preschool, kindergarten, 1st small, 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th, 6 th grade, and Regents. Children must be four years old to be enrolled in preschool and six years old for 1st small. If your children are six years old, you can enroll them directly in the 1st small. Our Greek school is open Monday to Friday from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm and every Wednesday until 8:30 pm. The students of each grade attend class only once a week. On October 28 th, when we celebrated our national holiday, the students of the higher grades did projects for both major holidays, for St. Demetrios and for the 28 th of October. Also, the children of the 5th and 6th grades recited poems during the celebration which was organized by the Association of Macedonians with great success. We are very proud of our children who work hard and make our school one of the best schools. With the coming of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we wish everyone to enjoy these great Holidays with health, joy and happiness. Sincerely, The Teachers of the Greek School Merry Christmas Καλά Χριστούγεννα A PRAYER FOR THANKSGIVING You have cared for the earth and have filled it with Your riches. Abundance flows in Your steppes, through the pastures and wilderness. You provide for our land, softening it with showers, bathing it in light and blessing it with growth. On this occasion of our Thanksgiving, we as a nation take rest from our labors to consider Your many blessings. We thank You for our freedoms, and for the opportunity to contribute our skills, our attributes and our values toward the good of society. We thank You for the mixture of our cultures, blending us into one people under God. Help us to be a light unto other nations, and to further the cause of freedom and justice all over the world. We remember those who are less fortunate than we. We lift up in prayer the victims of poverty and racism and all those who suffer from forms of political and economic oppression. Let the word that goes forth from our mouths speak of Your peace and let us proclaim our hope in Christ as Savior of all humankind. We pray that You will bless all those who gather here, as we have come to experience Your presence among us. Give us your guidance, o God, and empower us for Your work. For we claim nothing for ourselves, but return all honor and glory unto You, and offer our thanks and praise. Amen.
Page 14 November/December 2013 OUR FAITH Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ PRESENTATION OF THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY THE THEOTOKOS, November 21 How many of us know the names of the parents of the Virgin Mary? Their names are Joachim and Anna. They were devout people who loved God very much. Anna prayed constantly to Almighty God since they were not blessed with children. She prayed that she might have the high honor of becoming the mother of a child whom she would pledge to His Holy Temple. Many years passed and Anna still retained her faith and hope. At last, God did grant her request. Anna became the mother of a little girl whom she named Mary. In accordance with the tradition of the era, Mary was presented to the Temple of God as soon as she reached the age of three. Joachim and Anna brought her to the priests at the Temple where she remained for twelve years until the age of 15. She was presented to God's Temple on November 21st. During the time of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the children who were dedicated to the Temple were taken by the holy men of the Temple and given the finest education possible. The education was conducted for twelve years and then the children were returned to their homes. In accordance with the writings of the Fathers, Mary was received into the Temple by Zacharias, the High Priest, and the father of St. John the Baptist. Mary, at the end of the twelve years, was returned to her parents at age 15. Shortly thereafter, she was visited by the Archangel Gabriel who told her that she would soon become the Mother of the Son of God. Joachim and Anna, the parents of the Theotokos, have become very important Saints of our Church, and we observe their Feast Day on September 9th. Joachim and Anna are known as the Patron Saints of Pious Education because of the education that Mary received from competent educators of their day. If you should be blessed to visit the Holy Land one day, be certain to visit the beautiful shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her parents, Joachim and Anna. At the base of the Garden of Gesthemane you will see a beautiful magnificent shrine and as you enter the shrine and proceed to descend a long flight of cement stairs, you will see to the left the tomb of Joachim and to the right the tomb of Anna. Further down the shrine, you will then see where the Theotokos was laid to rest at the time of her death. According to tradition, the Theotokos, was assumed, or taken into heaven at that same time, therefore what you will find will be an empty tomb. ΤΑ ΕΙΣΟΔΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ, 21 Νοεμβρίου «Σήμερον της ευδοκίας Θεού το προοίμιον, και της των ανθρώπων σωτηρίας η προκήρυξις. Εν ναώ του Θεού τρανώς η Παρθένος δείκνυται, και τον Χριστόν τοις πάσι προκαταγγέλλεται. Αυτή και ημείς μεγαλοφώνως βοήσωμεν Χαίρε της οικονομίας του Κτίστου η εκπλήρωσις». Μία από τις κυριότερες και μεγαλύτερες Θεομητορικές εορτές του έτους είναι τα «Εισόδια» της Θεοτόκου. Η Εκκλησία μας την τιμά στις 21 Νοεμβρίου, με ιδιαίτερη λαμπρότητα. Η σημασία της εορτής αυτής είναι μεγάλη και ιερή. Αποτελεί την βάση και την αρχή για όλη την μετέπειτα ζωή της Θεοτόκου. Όπως γνωρίζουμε, η Παναγία Θεοτόκος, γεννήθηκε από γονείς γηραιούς, τον Ιωακείμ και την Άννα, που είχαν παρακαλέσει με πολύ πόνο τον Θεό να τους δώσει ένα τέκνο και να το αφιερώσουν στο Ναό Του. Πραγματικά, αυτό και έκαναν. Όταν δηλαδή η Μαρία έγινε τριών ετών την έφεραν οι ίδιοι οι γονείς της στο Ναό και την παρέδωσαν στα χέρια του Ζαχαρία του ιερέα. Αυτός την αγκάλιασε, την ευλόγησε και είπε: «Εμεγάλυνε ο Κύριος το όνομα σου σε όλες τις γενεές. Με σένα θα ευλογηθούν τα έθνη και ο Κύριος θα λυτρώσει τους υιούς του Ισραήλ». Και ανέβασε την τριετή Μαρία στο εσωτερικό του θυσιαστηρίου, όπου ο Θεός την χαρίτωσε. Και ευφράνθηκε η Παναγία και με αγαλλίαση ψυχής σκίρτησε και όλοι πνευματικά πανηγύρισαν που έμεινε στο Ναό τον Άγιο, για να αγιασθεί και να γίνει αργότερα η Μητέρα του ίδιου του Θεού. ΣΠΟΥΔΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΙΚΟΝΑ ΤΩΝ ΕΙΣΟΔΙΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ Στην εικονογράφηση του γεγονότος των Εισοδίων της Θεοτόκου, βλέπουμε, στο κέντρο την Παναγία σαν μικρό τριετές κοράσιον, που όμως έχει όλη την ιερότητα της μέλλουσας Μητέρας του Θεού. Ο ιερέας Ζαχαρίας ο μετέπειτα πατέρας του Προδρόμου, έχει ακουμπήσει ευλαβικά και στοργικά το χέρι του επάνω στην κεφαλή της. Την ευλογεί και την υποδέχεται στα άγια των αγίων, φορώντας ενδύματα λειτουργικά και διακριτικό της ιεροσύνης στην κεφαλή του. Η Παναγία στέκει με ιερή σιγή απέναντί του έχει τα χέρια της σε στάση ευλαβική και συγχρόνως κινητική απέναντί του, που δηλώνει την προθυμία και την χαρά της προσελεύσεώς της στον Ναό του Κυρίου. Αυτό είναι το σχέδιο και το θέλημα του Θεού και η προαιώνια βουλή του για την σωτηρία των ανθρώπων. Το ίδιο ευλαβικά και με ιερή συγκίνηση εικονίζονται και οι γέροντες γονείς της Ιωακείμ και Άννα. Την παραδίδουν στα χέρια του Ζαχαρία με μια κίνηση πολύ εκφραστική, που δηλώνει την προθυμία τους να εκπληρώσουν την υπόσχεσή τους στο Θεό και να του αφιερώσουν το μονάκριβο παιδί τους, που το απέκτησαν μετά από πολλών χρόνων προσευχή και νηστεία και σε γήρας προχωρημένο. Όμως η αγάπη στο Θεό επισκιάζει τα σπλάχνα της στοργής της ανθρώπινης φύσης. Έχουν στραμμένα τα βλέμματά τους στην παιδίσκη τους Μαρία, προσέχοντάς την με πολύ συγκίνηση. Πίσω τους βλέπουμε πολλές νεανίδες, να κρατούν λαμπάδες αναμμένες και να προπέμπουν την Παναγία οδηγώντας την στο Ιερό, όπου έμεινε σαν περιστερά ηγιασμένη και έγινε η λαμπάδα του Θεού, η κατοικία Του, ο ναός Του, το θυσιαστήριο και η λατρεία η ζώσα και καθαρά.
November/December 2013 Page 15 THANKSGIVING Before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here. Before time gets the best of us, let us make some reflection and preparation for this important day. Since childhood, we have trained to say thank you when something is given to us or done to us. Though it is meant to come from our hearts, it often becomes a mechanical response: very empty of meaning and sincerity. Let us all be careful of this in life and on Thanksgiving Day in particular. Let us make Thanksgiving Day truly a day upon which we give thanks. It is not "turkey day" as many call it. Let us be sure to keep thankfulness in Thanksgiving Day and make it a day in which we will echo the words of Psalm 67, "that God has been gracious and thusly is due a hymn of thanksgiving. I would like to wish all of my St. George faithful a very blessed Thanksgiving Day. Let us take the time and meditate on the Greatness of our Lord and Savior and Praise Him, for His Gift of Love and His many blessings. May we keep in mind those who are poor and less fortunate and express our love and concern for them through our benevolent actions. Fr. Nick Πριν το καταλάβουμε έφθασε κι αυτή η όμορφη ημέρα. Ας ετοιμαστούμε λοιπόν. Από μικρά παιδιά μας μαθαίνουν να λέμε «ευχαριστώ» όταν μας δίνουν κάτι. Και παρ όλο που πρέπει να έρχεται από καρδιάς, τις περισσότερες φορές το ευχαριστώ έρχεται αυτόματα, χωρίς αίσθημα. Ας δώσουμε σημασία σ αυτήν την σπουδαία ημέρα. Δεν είναι «ημέρα της γαλοπούλας» όπως πολλοί την αποκαλούν, είναι ημέρα που στο μυαλό μας πρέπει να φέρνει τον 67 ον ψαλμό που λέγει: «Ο Θεός είναι αγαθός και του πρέπουν ύμνοι και ευχαριστίες». Εύχομαι σε όλους τους πιστούς του Αγίου Γεωργίου «Καλή Ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών». Ας προσευχηθούμε στον Μεγάλο Θεό και Σωτήρα μας και ας Τον δοξάζουμε για το δώρο της αγάπης και για όλες τις ευλογίες Του. Ας μην ξεχνάμε τους φτωχούς και δυστυχισμένους που χρειάζονται την βοήθεια μας. Πατήρ Νικόλαος CHRISTMAS The Giving of Gifts is an important part of our observance of the Nativity of our Lord. One of the main hymns of the Church for this great Feast Day which is sung during Vespers, deals with this exact matter of gift giving. It says, "What shall we bring you O Christ when you were born and put on this earth for our sakes. For each creature created by you has brought you forth their thanks; the Angels with their songs, the Heavens with the stars, the Magi their gifts, the Shepherds their Wonder, the Earth a cave, the wilderness the Manger. But we, the Virgin Mother. These same sentiments are also expressed in the icon of the Nativity. The Angelic choir proclaims glory to God and peace to men of good will. The Heavens open to let a star pierce the darkness of earth and point its fingers of light to the Newborn King, the Shepherds wonder at the miracle that has come to pass, the Earth offers the Cave, a bleak wound in the land symbolizing the sin that engulfs mankind, the Wilderness offers its refuse where man can come and feed on the Bread of Life... But we? Well, Humanity offers the Mother, flesh of our flesh, bone of our bone, the one full grace and faith, the Handmaiden of God who accepts His will and becomes the Temple for the Only-Begotten Son of God. To all this the icon adds the presence of Joseph who will care for the child. In the center of the icon is the Christ-Child, born in a type of tomb, wrapped in swaddling clothes that are not unlike the garments of burial. Yes, even in birth we are reminded of the destiny that awaits the Lord: to die that we might live. Soon, my friends, we will be celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many gifts will be given as an expression of our love and affection. Acting in the same spirit, it is only fitting and proper to remember Christ, whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas Day. Our Church, the house of God, is our Home as well as our spiritual refuge where we receive His Heavenly Blessings in ample abundance at every Divine Liturgy. Please remember to set aside a gift for your church during this very important Holiday, and send it whenever you can. Our Lord will bless you ABUNDANTLY FOR IT!!! ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ
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November/December 2013 Page 17 Ytá{ ÉÇ f{éã Sponsored by: Daughters of Penelope, Tethys #229, New Brunswick/Piscataway, NJ St. George Greek Orthodox Church-Community Center AHEPA HALL 1101 River Road, Piscataway, New Jersey Friday December 6 th (Doors Open @ 6:30pm) Fashions by: Coldwater Creek The Village at Bridgewater Commons tates menswear DESIGNER SUITS OUTLET PRICES, Bridgewater Commons delia*s Young Trend Wear, Bridgewater Commons Door Prizes, Auctions and more! Desserts & Refreshments Proceeds to Benefit: Wounded Warriors/Got Your Back, The Joan Dalianis Foundation & Other Charities For Reservations Call: Pauline Ploussiou (732) 297-6246 Toni Finley (908) 788-8744 (Tickets may also be purchased at the door.) Donation: $15.00 per person
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Page 20 November/December Non-Profit Org. 2013 U.S. POSTAGE Paid New Brunswick, N.J. Permit No. 379 SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: 732.463.1642 Email: sggoc@optonline.net WE RE IN COLOR ON THE WEB! STGEORGEPISCATAWAY.ORG We keep trying to improve The Voice of St. George and we welcome your comments and suggestions. We cannot do it without your help. Our email is voicestgeorge@optonline.net. The Voice is produced entirely by volunteers but, still, we are responsible and apologize for any omissions, delays, and imperfections associated with this and any other issue. Please help us make the next one better. Happy New Year! Συνεχίζουμε τις προσπάθειες μας για συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου μας. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, για το πως να κάνουμε αυτό το δελτίο πιο χρήσιμο είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Το δελτίο αυτό είναι μεν αποτέλεσμα εθελοντικής εργασίας, είμαστε όμως υπεύθυνοι και ζητούμε συγγνώμη για όποιες καθυστερήσεις, παραλείψεις, ή λάθη αναπόφευκτα γίνονται. Ζητούμε την κατανόηση σας και την βοήθεια σας να κάνουμε το επόμενο τεύχος καλύτερο. Το ηλεκτρονικό μας ταχυδρομείο είναι voicestgeorge@optonline.net. Καλή Χρονιά! If you prefer to receive The Voice of St. George electronically, please fill out the form below and return to the church office. Going paperless will help the Church reduce operating expenses by cutting printing and mailing costs. All information is confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of email notifications, website updates, church events and publications. Remember to include sggoc@optonline.net in your address book. Mr./Mrs./Mr. & Mrs./Ms. Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: (H) ( ) (C) ( ) Email 1: Email 2: IMPORTANT NOTICE The Voice of St. George is published on a bi-monthly basis. We are asking all organizations and individuals to please submit their articles to voicestgeorge@optonline.net or bring them to the office by the following deadlines. Include your photos in.jpg format. Articles/images will not be accepted after deadline dates. There will be no exceptions. Thank you. BI-MONTHLY ISSUE SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATES September/October August 1 November/December October 1 January/February December 1 March/April February 1 May/June April 1 July/August (with Calendar) June 1