September/October 2014 2014 Page 1 Volume 12, Issue 5 A Publication of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George Piscataway, New Jersey «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3) A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST In This Issue Our Faith Stewardship Church Dance Taverna Night Community in Action DOP Award Letter from Africa THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER 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 A NEW CHURCH YEAR, A NEW ERA Matins Hymn for September 1st Christ our God, your kingdom is everlasting and your Dominion is over all. You have made all things with wisdom and have established the times and seasons of our lives. We give thanks to you in awe and for all. Lord, bless the beginning of the Church year with your goodness. Grant that it be a year of grace and make us worthy with purity of heart to praise you always, Amen. Dear Faithful, September 1st marks the beginning of a new Church year and School year. It also marks a new beginning following the unprecedented leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos. The origins of the new year are related to times when the gathering of crops was completed and fresh seed was again sown. At this time of completion and new beginning, the Church always gave thanks to God. In our time, Labor Day makes this change. Summer yields to Fall. Vacations are over. School begins and the rhythm of a new year is set in motion. It is most appropriate that the Matins Hymn of September 1st helps us sort out our spiritual priorities. The first priority is our declaration of faith in Christ and His kingdom. He is our King and God who has created the universe and has set the times and seasons for all things. We profess and acknowledge His Lordship over our personal 1ives and over all things. The second priority is a spirit of thanksgiving. The hymn again invites us to give thanks to Christ in all circumstances and for all things. This should not be trivialized to mean accommodation with the many evils and destructive events in contemporary society. Rather the time meaning lies in that, even in the face of madness and tragedy, the Christian sees the larger picture of the world in God's hands. The gifts of God shall not be erased. Darkness shall not prevail. From trust in God springs innumerable hope and the spirit of thanksgiving. The third priority, prayerful petition, calls us to fervently ask for the Lord's blessings with His goodness and grace. The new year holds many things for us - cares, achievements, joy, difficulties - and the golden thread that binds and gives meaning to everything in the Lord's presence, the source of grace and goodness in our lives. Prayerful petition is above all, for the Lord Himself to grant us purity of heart and within us the chief treasure of life. General Assembly Meeting Sunday, October 12, 2014 Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos We ask that everyone attend this very important meeting. Many important issues will be discussed concerning the progress of our community. In addition, nominations for the 2015-2016 Parish Council will be taken.
Page 2 September/October 2014 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 Dimitra Bairaktaris Treasurer Mona Sarafoglou Comptroller Dean Solomos Members Demetrios Anastasatos Constantine Apostolakis George Athanasopoulos Thomas Kalanekos John Mellos John Millas Jerry Moschonas 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 Church Organizations Parent Teacher Organization Helen Sirimis, Co-Vice President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer GOYA Evangelia Makropoulos, President Ioanna Kontos, Vice President Joanna Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secretary Alexis Mangafas, Rec. Secretary George Exarchakis, Treasurer Hope Sirimis, Historian GOYA Advisors Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor John DeLaurentis, George Demos, Aliki Doninger, Sophia Exarchakis, Evie Georgopoulos, George Kostis, Rita Polos, Peter Sirimis 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.
September/October 2014 Page 3 ECCLESIASTICAL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Winter Hours Begin Sunday, September 7th Matins 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m. Weekday Services 9 a.m. ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ Οι Χειμερινές ώρες αρχίζουν την Κυριακή 7 Σεπτεμβρίου Όρθρος 9 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές 9 π.μ. Monday 1 Sunday 7 Monday 8 Sunday 14 Sunday 21 Sunday 28 SEPTEMBER Induction-Ecclesiastical New Year Sunday Before Holy Cross Nativity of the Theotokos Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sunday after Holy Cross No Liturgy in our Parish Common Divine Liturgy by all parishes of New Jersey at Paramount Theater, Asbury Park, NJ 1st Sunday of Luke Δευτέρα 1 Κυριακή 7 Δευτέρα 8 Κυριακή 14 Κυριακή 21 Κυριακή 28 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ Αρχή Ινδίκτου Κυριακή προ Υψώσεως του Τιμίου Σταυρού Το Γενέσιον της Θεοτόκου Ύψωσις του Τιμίου Σταυρού Κυριακή μετά από την Ύψωση του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Δεν θα γίνει Θεία Λειτουργία στην Εκκλησία μας λόγω της Πανηγυρικής Λειτουργίας στο Asbury Park, Nέας Ιερσέης στο Paramount Theater Α Κυριακή Λουκά OCTOBER ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ Sunday 5 Sunday 12 Saturday 18 Sunday 19 Monday 20 Thursday 23 Sunday 26 Tuesday 28 2nd Sunday of Luke Fathers of the VII Ecumenical Council St. Luke 3rd Sunday of Luke Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia St. James the Apostle St. Demetrios the Myrrhbearer Holy Protection of the Theotokos Great Doxology for OXI Day Κυριακή 5 Κυριακή 12 Σάββατο 18 Κυριακή 19 Δευτέρα 20 Πέμπτη 23 Κυριακή 26 Τρίτη 28 Β Κυριακή Λουκά Των Αγ. Πατέρων (Ζ Οικ. Συνόδου) Αποστόλου Λουκά Γ Κυριακή Λουκά Αγίου Γερασίμου Κεφαλληνίας Αποστόλου Ιακώβου Μεγαλομάρτυρος Αγίου Δημητρίου του Μυροβλύτου Αγίας Σκέπης Εθνική Εορτή «Όχι» ALTAR BOYS NEEDED!!! Father Nicholas would like to welcome back all of the St. George Altar Boys for another fruitful and very important year. I hope that everyone has had plenty of time over the summer to rest and rejuvenate. Now it is time to re-energize ourselves in Christ. Father Nicholas is again extending an invitation to all our young boys in the parish who are about to or have reached the age of 10, to come and serve God by serving in the altar as an Altar Boy. There is a saying, "once you've tried it, you would like it". This is very true, just ask any current altar boy who has experienced the feeling of serving God in the Altar. The memories will always be remembered and cherished. ALTAR BOY MEETING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 11 a.m. PLEASE COME AND JOIN!!! OUR LORD NEEDS YOU!!! ΧΡΕΙΑΖΟΜΑΣΤΕ ΙΕΡΟΠΑΙΔΑ Ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος θα ήθελε να καλωσορίσει όλα τα παιδιά που υπηρετούν στο Ιερό και να τους ευχηθεί καλή χρονιά. Είχατε αρκετό χρόνο να ξεκουραστείτε το καλοκαίρι, τώρα είναι καιρός να δραστηριοποιηθείτε για τον Χριστό. Και πάλι, ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος καλεί όλους τους νέους της κοινότητας από 10 ετών και πάνω να έλθουν να υπηρετήσουν στο Ιερό. Το Σάββατο, 13 Σεπτεμβρίου 2014 στις 11 π.μ. θα συνεδριάσουν τα Ιερόπαιδα στην Εκκλησία. ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2014 Sunday, September 7 Group B Sunday, October 5 Group Α Sunday, September 14 Group C Sunday, October 12 Group Β Sunday, September 21 No Church Sunday, October 19 Group C Sunday, September 28 Group D Sunday, October 26 Group D
Page 4 September/October 2014 ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ ΕΝΑ ΝΕΟ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΕΤΟΣ, ΜΙΑ ΝΕΑ ΑΡΧΉ Προσευχή για την 1η Σεπτεμβρίου Κύριε ημών Ιησού Χριστέ, το Βασίλειο σου δεν έχει τέλος και η Εξουσία σου δεν έχει όρια. Εσύ δημιούργησες τον κόσμο με σοφία και εσύ δημιούργησες τον χρόνο και τις εποχές για Σ' ευχαριστούμε με δέος για Κύριε, ευλόγησε την έναρξη του Νέου Εκκλησιαστικού Έτους με την απέραντή σου ευσπλαχνία και κάνε μας άξιους με την θεία σου χάρη ώστε με αγνή καρδιά να σε υμνούμε πάντοτε. Αμήν. Αγαπητοί μου Αδελφοί, Την πρώτη Σεπτεμβρίου αρχίζει το νέο εκκλησιαστικό έτος καθώς και η νέα σχολική χρονιά. Αρχίζει ακόμη ένας εκκλησιαστικός κύκλος κάτω από την απαράμιλλη ποιμαντορία του Σεβασμιότατου Μητροπολίτου Ευάγγελου. Ο εκκλησιαστικός αυτός κύκλος άρχισε την εποχή που οι άνθρωποι ασχολούμενοι κυρίως με την γεωργία, τελείωναν την συγκομιδή των καρπών τους και έσπερναν τους σπόρους για την επόμενη σοδειά. Την περίοδο αυτή η Εκκλησία πρόσφερε ευχαριστίες στον Θεό. Σήμερα, έχουμε την Ημέρα Εργασίας σαν αρχή του νέου κύκλου. Το καλοκαίρι δίνει τα σκήπτρα στο Φθινόπωρο, οι διακοπές, τελειώνουν, τα σχολεία ανοίγουν και ο ρυθμός του νέου έτους ξεκινά τον νέο του κύκλο. Ως εκ τούτου, ο Ύμνος του Όρθρου της 1ης Σεπτεμβρίου μας βοηθάει να ορίσουμε τις προτεραιότητές μας! Πρώτη είναι η προκήρυξη της πίστης μας στον Χριστό και στο Βασίλειο Του. Είναι ο Κύριος και Θεός μας, εκείνος που δημιούργησε το σύμπαν και όρισε τον χρόνο και τις εποχές για όλα όσα δημιούργησε. Η δεύτερη προτεραιότητα είναι οι ευχαριστίες μας. Ο ύμνος μας καλεί να δώσουμε ευχαριστίες για όλα. Αυτό δεν σημαίνει πως θα πρέπει να επαναπαυτούμε με τα καταστροφικά γεγονότα της σύγχρονης εποχής. Τουναντίον, σημαίνει πως ακόμη και με τις αντιξοότητες και τα τραγικά γεγονότα της σημερινής εποχής, ο χριστιανός βλέπει την μεγαλύτερη εικόνα του κόσμου στα χέρια του Θεού. Τα δώρα του Θεού δεν θα αναιρεθούν. Το σκοτάδι δεν θα επικρατήσει. Από την πίστη μας στον Θεό πηγάζει αμέτρητη ελπίδα και πνεύμα ευχαριστίας. Η τρίτη προτεραιότητα, είναι η παρακλητική προσευχή ζητώντας από τον Θεό τις ευλογίες Του με την ευσπλαχνία και την χάρη του. Το νέο έτος αποκομίζει για μας, φροντίδες, επιτυχίες, αποτυχίες, χαρά και λύπη και το χρυσό νήμα που δίνει νόημα σε όλα είναι η παρουσία του Θεού, η πηγή της αγάπης και της χάριτος στη ζωή μας. Η προσευχή, είναι πάνω απ' όλα, μία παράκληση προς τον Κύριο να μας χαρίσει αγνότητα ψυχής που είναι ο μεγαλύτερος θησαυρός της ζωής. Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός OUR PARISH OUR PEOPLE Baptisms Weddings July 27 August 16 August 24 George Frank Son of Jerel and Marina Fonzetti Godparent: Elena Maravelias Ioannis William Son of Afstathios and Melissa Pafiakis Godparents: Tamy Pafiakis and Christos Manolas Molly Green Daughter of William and Melissa Hadzimichalis Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal June 28 July 3 July 6 July 12 July 27 Elias Agelopoulos & Kalli Ann Schmid Koumbaro: Eleftherios Margelis Stephen Campo & Emily Koufis Koumbara: Areti Bouhlas Konstantinos Skontrianos & Rachel Noel Koumbaro: John Amaxopoulos Spiros Hionis & Danielle Ialeggio Koumbaro: Panagis Hionis Dennis Shoro & Stefanie Whitefield July 15 July 22 August 4 George T. Solomos Dionisia Koutsoupias Eleni Vlachos
September/October 2014 Page 5 When the old tree stopped giving, it stopped bearing fruit. Dear faithful Steward, STEWARDSHIP As stories go, this one resembles the kind of fable we read as kids: A story with a moral. This story is about an old tree that grew just outside the gates of a hot, dusty desert city. It was a marvelous old tree, loved by everyone, especially the tired traveler who refreshed himself from the tree's sweet fruit, which was the thing that made the old tree so well loved. It was always loaded with sweet and juicy fruit, even though people picked from it every day! In fact, the desert folks thought the old tree had been singularly touched by the finger of God. One day the land in which the old tree grew was sold and bought by a selfish man, consumed by greed. When he saw the travelers freely helping themselves to the old tree's fruit, he quickly put up a fence. "Stealing from me! That'll stop that!" he shouted. Those watching the old tree day after day, noticed shortly that its fruit began to wither. When it dropped to the ground, none took its place. Then the marvelous old tree itself began to shrink, like a strong athlete suddenly taken by disease. Governed by a law that affects all living things, the old tree ceased being when it could no longer give of itself. This law, God's universal law of giving, is as much a part of our lives as the law of growing, or any other physical law that guides our steps day after day. It's the law of give-and-receive. And when I think of how much I take from God's world, I bow in guilt at how little I give to His work, or to His Church, for to live, really live, is to give. 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. ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ If, dear faithful Steward, you have already made your financial Stewardship commitment to your church, God's storehouse, I pray that you feel good about it. And if you haven't given your part yet, please do so, as soon as possible, because our church can truly use it. God will bless you richly for it! Father Nicholas Pastrikos 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.
Page 6 September/October 2014 St. George Greek Orthodox Community Saturday, October 18, 2014 6:30 pm to 12:00 am in the AHEPA Hall of St. George Community Center Piscataway, NJ honoring Alice Kartikis Seating will be limited Reservations must be made and paid in advance. (Deadline 10/10/14) Donation is $50 for adults, $20 for children 18 & under, and children under 5 are free. The evening will consist of mezedakia, a full prime rib dinner with two complimentary carafes of wine per table, dessert and coffee, with fabulous door and raffle prizes Music and Dancing Come celebrate our community as one family. Please consider placing a family photo in the Ad Journal as a family keepsake and as an addition to our community s history. We are also looking for donations as well as volunteers to help with this year s Dinner Dance. Chairperson George Athanasopoulos 732-433-0661 Ad Journal- Eleni Banis 908-281-5992 Reservations- Helen Sirimis 732-422-4396
September/October 2014 Page 7 St. George Greek Orthodox Church 98th Anniversary Dinner Dance Saturday, October 18, 2014 (AHEPA Hall, Piscataway, NJ) **This year we will be honoring Mrs. Alice Kartikis** Ad Journal Contract Name Address Phone No. Please specify the page you wish to purchase: Gold Page $200 Silver Page $150 Full Page $100 Half Page $50 Quarter Page $25 Total Amount Check # Please place your message in the space provided and attach your picture or business card, or you may e-mail your message along with your business card (as a pdf file) or your picture (as a jpg file) to Mrs. Eleni Banis at magaritsidis@comcast.net. Please note the deadline for Ads is October 3, 2014 All donations are Tax Deductible- Tax ID#22-6017025 Make checks payable to: St. George Greek Orthodox Church Mail to: 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Page 8 September/October 2014 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ST. BARBARA We hope that everyone in our St. George community had an enjoyable summer. We finalized our summer activities with a successful June luncheon and hosted the coffee hour for the month of August. The Biennial National Philoptochos Convention took place in Philadelphia in July and was attended by Eleni Andronikou and Georgia Peterson who participated in 4 days of workshops and activities. Now we re all ready to begin our new ecclesiastical year with an invitation to all ladies of our community to become members of our St. Barbara Philoptochos Society. Come, join us and participate in a busy and exciting year. Our first meeting will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11:00 in the Memorial Room. The following listing summarizes our schedule of activities for the remainder of the year 2014: Brunch Fundraiser for the Needy on September 28, 2014 Cooking for the Homeless and Warming of America throughout the year. Baby blankets will be sewn in October. Visitation to the shut-ins throughout the year and, in particular, prior to the holidays. Preparation (Nov. 17 & 18) and sale (Nov. 23) of Baklava and Spanakopita in November. Community Christmas Card preparation, assembling and mailing beginning in October. Celebrating our patron saint St. Barbara s holiday with a liturgy December 4, and artoklasia December 7. St. Barbara s Luncheon, December 7, 2014. Sale of Christmas Bread on December 20 & 21, and Vasilopites on December 28. Fulfilling all our National and Metropolis Philoptochos obligations. A notice to all our parishioners: When writing a check to the Philoptochos, please make all checks payable to: St. Barbara Philoptochos Society. Our dear and beloved member Eleni Vlachos passed away on August 4, 2014. She will be greatly missed. May her memory be eternal. Remember to direct your United Way donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund United Way Reference Number 032224 BAKLAVA AND SPANAKOPITA SALE The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be selling baklava and spanakopita for the holidays. All baklava and spanakopita must be preordered by November 9, 2014; it will be sold on November 23, 2014. Place your orders early! Koula Athanasopoulos, 732-469-6298 or Niky Gerondelis, 732-356-5844 Christmas Bread sold Dec. 20 &21 Vasilopites sold December 28 The Ladies Philoptochos Society Invites you to attend ST. BARBARA S LUNCHEON Sunday, December 7, 2014 (More information will follow!) BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB APPROVAL Effective July 28, 2014, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Giving program has approved the eligibility of the St. Barbara Ladies Philoptochos Society in their Employee Giving Program, Reference ID: 107C0109764. Any questions regarding this program should be directed to Mary Boulegeris, Gift Matching/United Way Chairman. PARTICIPATE IN THE UNITED WAY PROGRAM! It s that time of the year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2014/2015 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they and their many friends consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past several years the St. George Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their continued support.
September/October 2014 Page 9 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD 2014 Dear St. George Parishioners: We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the Philoptochos will prepare the St. George Community 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 ever y member of our par ish and which will car r y 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 for m below and br inging 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 23, 2014. 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 23, 2014. ============= ========================================================================== 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: Have You Heard About the High School Program? What is it? We welcome all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. We will continue to explore God's teachings while we develop an understanding of His true calling. Goals: To use the teachings of the Bible, and relate it to your everyday life. To understand intellectual faith vs. spiritual faith. To provide you with the tools you will need to face everyday challenges and temptations. What will we discuss? We will discuss a variety of topics that teens may experience. We will hear and learn about careers from guest speakers within our church community.
Page 10 September/October 2014 G.O.Y.A. GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION WELCOME BACK! We would like to welcome back our St. George GOYANS from their summer vacations. We would like to inform you that the first official GOYA meeting will take place on Sunday, September 7th, 2014, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. At this meeting, Father Nicholas is inviting all the advisors and old and new members to join GOYA and become a part of this very dynamic and important organization. We would also like to invite and encourage all the parents of our GOYANS to join us at this meeting, so that they may also become familiar with what GOYA is all about and when the programs and activities that will be planned during the year. If you have not received a registration packet in the mail, you can pick one up at the meeting (must be 12 years old and in the 7th grade). Congratulations to our new Board: President: Evangelia Makropoulos Vice President: Ioanna Kontos Corresponding Secretary: Joanna Kantilierakis Recording Secretary: Alexis Mangafas Treasurer: George Exarchakis Historian: Hope Sirimis Mr. & Miss Goya Representatives Dimitri Demos & Joanna Kantilierakis Jr. & Senior Divers for Holy Cross: Jr. Female Diver: Stefania Hirschman Jr. Male Diver: Mihalis Chiotis Sr. Female Diver: Irene Dib PLEASE COME AND JOIN US!!! BASKETBALL COACH AND ASSISTANT NEEDED The Goya Senior Basketball Team is looking for a Coach and Assistant Coach. The basketball season starts in September and runs until end of January. Practices are every Wednesday, 7-9 pm and games are on Sundays, approx. 4-5 pm. Boys are ages 13-18. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to help out our Youth Group please contact Mrs. Fotini Mangafas at (732) 485-9444 or Father Nickolas at the church office. WELCOME BACK GOYANS We all know how difficult it is today for us adults with so much going on in our lives and in the lives of our family members. Unfortunately, it is even worse for teenagers, including our own. That is why it is up to us as parents and communicators to see that our teenagers find a safe environment and haven within our resources to help our young people with issues that confront them, because it is beneficial for a teenager to interact with other Orthodox teenagers in a wholesome environment. September is the month when schools open, including our own Sunday School Program as well. I pray that our Youth Program for the calendar year will be as successful as last year. In order for this Program to be productive and successful it will need the participation of ALL our GOYANS as well as the help and support of All the GOYAN parents. Without the help and support of the parents, our Program will be less attended because it is the parents who bring the GOYANS to most of the scheduled activities. The first GOYA meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 7th, in the Memorial Room after the Divine Liturgy. It is important for all current and new GOYAN members to attend this meeting so that the Program and activities can be discussed and addressed.
September/October 2014 Page 11 The St. George Piscataway Youth Group proudly invites you to our 12 th annual Greek Night November 22, 2014 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 Alzheimer s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter
Page 12 September/October 2014 P.T.O. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION The PTO Executive Board welcomes everybody back from your summer vacation and we welcome all the new families of the St. George Community. Below is a calendar of the PTO events & fundraisers for the 2014-2015 upcoming year planned for our parish s families. The PTO events sponsored through your membership and fundraisers are vital in order to continue and promote our Greek and Religious heritage. PTO Upcoming Events Sept 7 PTO Artoklasia & Installation of Officers with GOYA Sept 23 1 st PTO Meeting at 6:30pm October 21 PTO Meeting at 6:30pm This years PTO Board Includes Helen Sirimis, Vice President Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer Both PTO membership and Friend Finder forms will be distributed to students of the Greek and Religious Educational (Sunday) Schools. For your convenience, the forms will also be posted on the church s PTO bulletin board. The membership/donation is only $20.00 per family and it includes a free copy of St. George Friend Finder directory which lists the school teachers and students contact information. Research has shown that parent involvement in the community is help all children do better on a wide variety of measures, both socially and academically. Part of being involved in the community includes coming to PTO meetings, volunteering for events and fundraisers, and attending the family events coordinated by the community and PTO. We are requesting that all parents of 6 th grade Greek school become PTO members as the contribution is monetary toward graduation and the yearbooks. St George is a great community and the involvement of parents like you helps make it even better. If you have any questions, concerns or would like more information on PTO or the PTO sponsored events or fundraisers please don t hesitate to email us PTO e-mail address: stgpto@optonline.net Thank You!! St. George PTO ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ GREEK SCHOOL Αγαπητοί γονείς και πάροικοι της ενορίας μας, Καλωσορίσατε από τις θερινές διακοπές σας και ευχόμαστε να είχατε όλοι ένα χαρούμενο και ευχάριστο καλοκαίρι. Οι εγγραφές του Ελληνικού Σχολείου άρχισαν από τον Ιούνιο και όσοι δεν είχατε την ευκαιρία να γράψετε τα παιδιά σας, έχετε ακόμη καιρό να τα γράψετε και να τους δώσετε την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθήσουν τα μαθήματα του Ελληνικού Σχολείου για να μάθουν να διαβάζουν, να γράφουν, να μιλούν ελληνικά και να μάθουν για την Ελλάδα, καθώς και τα ελληνικά ήθη και έθιμα. Θα χαρούμε πολύ να τα δούμε στο σχολείο μας και να ξεκινήσουμε με όρεξη μια νέα σχολική χρονιά. Τα μαθήματα αρχίζουν στις 8 Σεπτεμβρίου και οι ώρες διδασκαλίας είναι από τις 4:30 μέχρι τις 6:30 το απόγευμα. Οι τάξεις του σχολείου είναι Προνήπια, Νήπια, Πρώτη μικρή, Πρώτη μεγάλη, Δευτέρα, Τρίτη, Τετάρτη, Πέμπτη, Έκτη και τα Regents. Tα παιδιά που θα εγγραφούν πρέπει να είναι τεσσάρων χρόνων για τα Προνήπια και έξι χρόνων για την Πρώτη μικρή. Άν τα παιδιά σας είναι έξι χρόνων, μπορείτε να τα γράψετε αμέσως στην Πρώτη μικρή. Το σχολείο λειτουργεί από την Δευτέρα μέχρι την Παρασκευή και οι μαθητές παρακολουθούν μαθήματα μόνον μία μέρα την εβδομάδα. Η τάξη για τα Regents είναι κάθε Τετάρτη από τις 6:30 μέχρι τις 8:30. Την πρώτη μέρα του σχολείου, στις 8 Σεπτεμβρίου, ο πατήρ Νικόλαος θα κάνει αγιασμό και θα αγιάσει τα παιδιά, τις δασκάλες και όλες τις τάξεις του σχολείου. Παρακαλούμε όσοι γονείς μπορούν, να παραβρεθούν στην εκκλησία για τον αγιασμό μαζί με τα παιδιά τους. Ευχόμαστε σε όλα τα παιδιά να έχουν υγεία και καλή πρόοδο στην καινούργια σχολική χρονιά. Με εκτίμηση, Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου
September/October 2014 Page 13 SUNDAY SCHOOL Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community, We hope that everyone had a pleasant and relaxing summer with time for reflection on all the gifts God is providing us. On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and staff, we welcome all the children and their families back to our Catechism program on the 7th of September for the 2014-2015 ecclesiastical year. As previously communicated to you, we held our end of the year ceremony on June 15, 2014 where we mentioned some of our accomplishments including our placement into the nationals of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, our much improved attendance record, etc. George Stavrianidis placed second at the national level of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Congratulations George!!! On this day, we also honored Mrs. Georgia Lambros, selected as the Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Lambros has been in our program as a teacher for 36 years; she is currently our Kindergarten head teacher. We are truly so blessed to have Georgia among us; her angelic, calm, quiet and assertive disposition is an inspiration to all of us. We look forward to having Mrs. Lambros with us for many years to come. We have an exciting program scheduled for this year that will provide a solid foundation of our Greek Orthodox faith and of leading a true Christian life. We are introducing a new class that encompasses students of grades 10 th through the 12 th. The new class will be taught by two of God s teachers, Peter Combates and Meropi Martini. Both Mr. Combates and Mrs. Martini have worked tirelessly over the summer to develop a curriculum that encompasses our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese s recommendations and our overall Christian principles. Here is a short introduction of this class. Have You Heard About The High School Program? What is it? We welcome all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. We will continue to explore God's teachings while we develop an understanding of His true calling. Goals To use the teachings of the Bible and relate it to your everyday life. To understand intellectual faith vs. spiritual faith To provide you with the tools you will need to face everyday challenges and temptations We will discuss a variety of topics that teens may experience We will hear and learn about careers from guest speakers within our church community. We encourage all parents to please bring your children to us each Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that of the following week, and thus the importance of your children s presence must be noted. The set curriculum, the hymnology, the participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects carried out throughout the year, under the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Nicholas, provide a complete picture of our program. Our Catechism Program is entirely a volunteer organization; we appreciate all the support you provide us. If you are interested in volunteering your time or talents, you may e-mail me at lmalahias@yahoo.com, or see me in church. We are very proud of our religious education program and of our commitment to your children. We pray that we see you on the 7th of September. Respectfully in Christ, St. George Catechism Staff ADULT BIBLE STUDY Now that everyone is back from their vacation, it is time for all of our organizations and groups to get back to our church oriented routines and schedules. At this time I would like to introduce a new program to our parish: A BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM, to study and try to understand the Bible in the light of the "Living Tradition of the Church" as guided by the Holy Spirit. The study itself will take no more than 1 hour and a half. We will have our first orientation meeting on Thursday, September 11th at 7 pm in the Memorial Room. Please bring your thoughts, your ideas and your bibles, so that we can discuss this program at length.
Page 14 September/October 2014 SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THE YEAR 2014-2015 BEGINS ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 LET US ALL STRIVE TO MAKE THIS A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM! Dear Parents of our Sunday School, Students look upon the first day of school with excitement, mainly because they will be seeing their friends again. Sunday School is no exception, because.it also is where many life-long friendships are nurtured. The Church becomes a house for our children, where they feel comfortable with others who share their faith and traditional moral values. As parents, we are the role models of our children. The type of adults they will become, depends upon the path we lead them on now! Recently, the largest federally funded research project of its kind, revealed that "family influence is more important than peer pressure in determining whether teenagers use drugs, smoke or drink alcohol and when they start having sex." All children, and especially teenagers, respond dramatically to authority, fair limits, and above all, the consistent sense that their parents care." Attending church regularly as a family, therefore, is one way in which parents can show their children that they love them and they care not only about their physical and material needs but also their spiritual ones as well. The lessons and discussions which take place in our classrooms are not only geared to teaching our children about our Orthodox faith, but the various projects in which our students participate are implemented so that they can learn about stewardship and compassion, sharing and being able to love one another. Let us therefore, heed the words of our Lord, dear parent, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14) CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT HOME It is a wonderful sight to behold parents and children coming together to the House of our Lord, the Church. It is even more wonderful to hear these parents insisting that we must do everything we can to assist our children to grow up in the church. In regard to this last statement that I would like to address all of the parents in our parish. Yes, it is our blessing from God to see parents accompanying their children to church. We should, however, be concerned with the Basis of Christ in education, which is the Home! In these days of increased pressure to meet the rising inflationary economy, many times a Christian may begin to forget that it is in the Home first that the child learns the values of his parents. It is in the Home that the little child will hear the candid conversations of his parents regarding the church! It is also in the Home that the child will see clearly if Christianity is really meaningful to his parents. It is without a doubt, in the Home that a child will see if his parents are fulfilling their religious and spiritual obligations, i.e. fasting, praying, giving and whether they truly believe or not. Yes, I am sure most of us remember our grandparents (Continued on page 15) ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΑΠΑΙΔΑΓΩΓΗΣΗ ΣΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ Είναι, πραγματικά όμορφο θέαμα, να βλέπεις γονείς να έρχονται μαζί µε τα παιδιά τους στην εκκλησία, τον Οίκο του Θεού! Είναι δε, ακόμα πιο ωραίο όταν ακούς τους γονείς αυτούς να ισχυρίζονται πως κάνουν το παν για να βοηθήσουν τα παιδιά τους να μεγαλώσουν χριστιανικά! Σχετικά µ' αυτό τον ισχυρισμό, θα ήθελα ν' απευθυνθώ σε όλους τους γονείς της παροικίας µας. Μάλιστα, είναι ευλογία από τον Θεό να βλέπει κανείς τους γονείς να συνοδεύουν τα παιδιά τους στην εκκλησία. Θα πρέπει, όμως, ν' αντιληφθούμε πως η Βάση της χριστιανικής διαπαιδαγώγησης είναι το Σπίτι. Στην σύγχρονη εποχή, µε τις πιέσεις στον οικονομικό και επαγγελματικό τομέα, πολλές φορές ο χριστιανός λησμονεί πως ένα παιδί μιμείται και μαθαίνει από τους γονείς. Μέσα στο περιβάλλον του σπιτιού τους τα παιδιά θ' ακούσουν τους γονείς να εκφράζονται ειλικρινά για την εκκλησία. Στο σπίτι τους θα δουν και θα μάθουν αν η θρησκεία έχει νόημα στην ζωή των γονέων του. Χωρίς αμφιβολία, το παιδί θ' αντιληφθεί αν οι γονείς του εκτελούν τα καθήκοντά τους σαν χριστιανοί, αν δηλαδή τηρούν την νηστεία, αν προσεύχονται και αν πραγματικά πιστεύουν ή όχι. (Continued on page 15)
September/October 2014 Page 15 COMMUNITY IN ACTION Preparing the Epitaphios for Panagia, August 15 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT HOME (Continued from page 14) who were not so worldly, who told us stories of saints, read prayers daily, asked the priest to come to the house to bless in January, who also kept holy fast on special holy days and who also reminded us of the sacredness of our Lord's house. Now many of our grandparents have passed away to eternal life and have left us those traditions for us to follow. If we want our children to be truly Christian, shouldn't we seek to carry on where our forefathers left off? It is easy to tell our children that they must go to church and be good Christians. But remember, no matter what we say to them, our children will be molded by what they see us doing. If the parents love Christ and his Church, and come to church regularly, then the child stands a good chance of doing the same. If the parents live an Orthodox Christian life, then the child will most likely do the same. But, if the child sees that the parents find love in the world and its ways, then the child most likely will become worldly and Christian in appearance only! If the child sees and hears that the parent is giving lip service only to the Lord and the Church, then the child will most likely do the same. If the child is being dropped off to church and to Sunday School, what do you think that same child will do when he becomes a parent? Let Christ bless all of us to realize the significance of what it is to be a Christian and then of also being a Christian parent. It is, assuredly, a big responsibility and a big job, but then, our Lord is there to help, if we do His will and pray for his guidance. WHAT FOOTSTEPS ARE YOU LEAVING FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO FOLLOW? ********************** ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΑΠΑΙΔΑΓΩΓΗΣΗ ΣΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ (Continued from page 14) Είμαι σίγουρος πως σι περισσότεροι από µας θυμούνται τον παππού και την γιαγιά που δεν είχαν τόση μόρφωση, αλλά µας διηγούνταν ιστορίες για τους αγίους, µας διάβαζαν προσευχές, καλούσαν τον ιερέα να έρθει στο σπίτι για να το ευλογήσει κάθε Ιανουάριο, νήστευαν τις άγιες ημέρες και δεν έπαυαν να µας υπενθυμίζουν την ιερότητα του Οίκου του Κυρίου. Τώρα πολλοί από τους παππούδες και τις γιαγιάδες δεν υπάρχουν πλέον, µας άφησαν όμως τα ήθη και τα έθιμα για να τα ακολουθήσουμε. Αν θέλουμε να γίνουν τα παιδιά µας καλοί Ορθόδοξοι χριστιανοί δεν θα πρέπει να συνεχίσουμε το έργο που άρχισαν οι παππούδες και οι γιαγιάδες µας; Είναι εύκολο να πεις στα παιδιά ότι πρέπει να πάνε στην εκκλησία και πως πρέπει να είναι καλοί χριστιανοί. Αλλά µή λησμονείτε, πως δεν μετράει τι συμβουλές θα δώσεις στο παιδί σου, αν εσύ ο ίδιος δεν τηρείς αυτό που διδάσκεις. Αν οι γονείς αγαπούν τον Χριστό και την Εκκλησία του και αν εκκλησιάζονται συχνά, τότε υπάρχουν μεγαλύτερες πιθανότητες πως τα παιδιά θα ακολουθήσουν το παράδειγμα των γονέων τους. Αν όμως το παιδί αντιληφθεί πως οι γονείς κάνουν μια ζωή περισσότερο κοσμική παρά χριστιανική, τότε και το παιδί θα κάνει το ίδιο σαν μεγαλώσει! Αν οι γονείς αφήνουν το παιδί στην πόρτα της εκκλησίας και γυρίζουν στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας για να το περιμαζέψουν, τότε και το παιδί θα κάνει το ίδιο σαν γίνει πατέρας ή μητέρα αργότερα στη ζωή του! Είθε ο Χριστός να ευλογήσει όλους µας ώστε να κατανοήσουμε τι σημαίνει να είναι κανείς χριστιανός και καλός χριστιανός γονεύς. Είναι πραγματικά μεγάλη ευθύνη και μεγάλος κόπος, αλλά ο Κύριος είναι στο πλευρό µας αν κάνουμε το θέλημα Του και αν προσευχόμαστε για την καθοδήγησή του. ΤΙ ΧΝΑΡΙΑ ΘΑ ΑΦΗΣΕΤΕ ΕΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΑ ΠΑΙΔΙΑ ΣΑΣ ΓΙΑ ΝΑ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΟΥΝ;
Page 16 September/October 2014 OUR FAITH SEPTEMBER: THE MONTH OF SPIRITUAL BEGINNINGS By Bill Poulos, Th.M The Orthodox liturgical year revolves around Pascha. It is the glorious event towards which all other feasts point or from which they flow. Indeed, the entire life of the Church, not only its Feasts, but also its sacramental life and unique spirituality, emanate from the Death and Resurrection of our Lord. The major Feasts on the liturgical calendar are the Church's recreation of and participation in the events that led to Christ's victory on the Cross and the events in His Life and the Church's following the Resurrection such as the Ascension and Pentecost. This fact is reinforced upon an examination of principle feasts celebrated in September, the first month of the Church's annual cycle. The events commemorated by these Feasts emphasize at the beginning of the Church year the initiation of God the Father's plan to send His Son into the world to redeem mankind. They are placed at the start of the yearly cycle to emphasize the fact that humanity's redemption was decreed before all ages and that it was the author and controller of creation. The All Holy Trinity, out of an incomprehensible love, intervened in human affairs to accomplish this divine mission. The first Feast encountered in September is The Nativity of the Theotokos, one of the Church's Twelve Great Feasts, celebrated on September 8th. We understand through the commemoration of this event that just as Christ's entrance into the world was pre-ordained by God so also was that of the Theotokos. The beginning of our salvation is heralded by the Virgin Mary's miraculous birth to St. Anna. The Theotokos, the living vessel through which the eternal Word of God assumed flesh, became the divinely appointed instrument that enabled Christ to eternally unite heaven and earth, god and man and redeem all of creation. To further emphasize the pre-determined events of God's salvation plan, the Church observes on the day following the commemoration of the birth of Panagia the Synaxis of the Holy Ancestors of God, Sts. Joachim and Anna. The feast reflects the pious tradition recorded in the 2nd century Protoevangelium of James that the Virgin Mary was miraculously born to the childless couple after an angel appeared to the barren St. Anna and revealed to her that in answer to her prayers she would conceive. The Feast further illustrates God the Father's complete knowledge and control of human events and His supernatural intervention into them to accomplish His divine will. This profound truth is once again set before the faithful with the Feast of the Conception of the Forerunner, St. John the Baptist, celebrated on September 23rd. The details of the event are recorded in Luke's Gospel, which begins by describing the aged, pious and childless couple Zechariah, the priest and his wife Elizabeth. Luke tells us that as Zechariah is serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appears to him and announces that his barren wife will have a son who will be a great Prophet. Six months later Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary and reveals to her that she will bear the Son of God. So it was that Elizabeth gave birth to St. John six months before the birth of the promised Messiah for whom he would prepare the way and one day baptize in the river Jordan. This Feast, just as the two previously discussed, once again discloses God's unveiling in time of His eternal plan for mankind's deliverance. Through these September Feasts, the initial events of our salvation are once again made present to the Church. What God accomplished returns perpetually to us in our worship. And, in order that we do not forget that Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death was won through His Passion, Death and Resurrection, the Church places on September 14th, in the midst of these other Feasts, the Feast of the Elevation of The Cross that commemorates St. Helen's finding of the true Cross. The Cross towers majestically in the middle of the month to remind us of our Lord's sacrifice on Calvary and to urge us to earnestly seek and find the true Cross in our own hearts and lives.
September/October 2014 Page 17 Daughters of Penelope Tethys #229 Winner Garden 5 th District 2014 Outstanding Chapter of the Year Thank you to all our Chapter members and to the St George Community for your Friendship and Support! Join us this year while we raise money for Charity, Church and Education. Meetings are held once a month at St George. Interested? Contact Joann Sirimis Szela 908 874-8311 or jpszela@comcast.net Keep an eye out for some of our upcoming events such as: November 2 nd Health Fair St Peters University Hospital Christmas Ornament Sales Friday Movie Nights October and February December 5 th Fashion Show March 28 th Trip to Astoria for Lenten Shopping and More! 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 18 September/October 2014 Apocalyptic End Time scenario in West Africa! Σκηνές Αποκάλυψης στις χώρες της Δυτικής Αφρικής August 19, 2014 Dear friends, I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thank you for all for the support shown over the past week. I have been assured that tens of thousands of masks and gloves are in transit to our mission. Brothers and Sisters, I find myself situated in an apocalyptic End Time scenario of which I would never have imagined could be possible. I am in the midst of the deadliest outbreak of Ebola, so far in human medical history. Freetown, the bustling capital of Sierra Leone and the location of three of our Mission s philanthropic, ecclesiastical and educational compounds, is starting to look like a page out of the New Testament s End Times prophecies:..and there shall be pestilences in various places. (Matthew 24.7). The impact and fear of Ebola is starting to make Freetown, a usually vibrant though poor urban centre, resemble a ghost town with much of it infrastructure in damage control mode. Many nurses and doctors have been killed by the virus. A significant number of hospitals, pharmacies and clinics have shut down and remain empty. A considerable proportion of members of the medical profession are not reporting for duty, preferring to stay home out of fear of being contaminated by the virus. People are afraid to receive medical attention, if they have a fever or a sore throat, out of an irrational though popular fear that doctors will kill them. This is not a time for even a minor symptom of malaria or typhoid due to an anxiety that their ailment could be misinterpreted as Ebola. Ebola victims themselves run away from clinics or hospitals when diagnosed with Ebola while some Ebola Centres are attacked by violent crowds who want the Centers removed from their neighborhood. The official statistics of the rate of infection appears to be far below the actual number. In a real sense this plague is now out of control here and it appears that international assistance and expertise is slow in coming. Corpses of victims may only be burnt or buried in designated Ebola burial sites. Public gatherings of people are now forbidden. Cinemas, bars, night clubs, football venues have all shut down. The only places where people may now gather in large numbers are in churches and mosques. We are facing international isolation. All airline flights out of Freetown have been cancelled. The few flights that may still be available are now worth their weight in gold. The majority of expats and international NGO personnel have flown out already. The popular elite resorts which they frequented in Freetown restaurants, cafes and Lumley Beach are now almost deserted. Street vendors have to stop selling by 6.00 PM. Banks must close by 1.00 PM. People are advised to stay indoors at night. Motor bikes are not permitted on the streets after 7.00 PM and cars should not be on the road after 10.00 PM. Freetown is becoming like a ghost town. The sight of people wearing gloves and chlorine buckets outside those shops that are open is common. And the whiff of chlorine is in the air. People no longer shake hands or hug for fear of contamination and there is a suspicion about everyone because the deadly enemy is invisible; so anyone you meet or talk to beggar or rich man, street person or professor could be a carrier. Entire regional districts of Sierra Leone are now under quarantine with military checkpoints you cannot go in or out and there is talk that this type of lockdown will also happen here in Freetown. Please pray for us and the West African nations that are under siege, +Rev Themi PARADISE4KIDS.ORG
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