Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church IEPOΣ NAOΣ KOIMHΣEΩΣ THΣ ΘEOTOKOΥ In the year of the Lord DECEMBER 2013
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 5761 East Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814-1954 Phone (562) 494-8929 - Fax (562) 985-1379 Email office@assumptionlb.org Rev. Fr. Christos Kanakis, Proistamenos Page 2 Voula Michail - Kitsios, Office Administrator Penny Benetatos, Choir Director PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Chris Dolas - President David Matty - Vice President Jimmy Mentas - Recording Secretary Jimmy Eleopoulos - Corresponding Secretary Nick Zamvakellis - Treasurer Board Members Kathy Bastas, Dino Syrengelas, Matoula Batshoun, Peter Bouras, Olympia Stapakis, George Stavros, Nick Monios, Sam Platis AHEPA Tasos Papas - President Bulletin Coordinator Voula Michail - Kitsios Bookstore Zoe Falley - Administrator Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director & Organist Karen Fic - President Choir Board Church School Juliana Augoustatos - Superintendent Daughters of Penelope Catherine Vackrinos Sofie Batshoun Family Night Sam Platis Junior Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director Karen Fic - Assistant Director Greek School Kathryn Condaras - Principal Donna Stavros - P.T.A Hope/Joy Maria Georgakopoulos - Advisor Dusty Hanson - Advisor Junior GOYA Georgi Spirtos Francis - Advisor Tia Kanavos, Vasso Conley Jorge Rivera, Sexton George Dorlis, Psaltis PHILOPTOCHOS Bobbie Soupos - President Karen Fic - 1st Vice President Amelia Ladas - 2nd Vice President Mary Lofton- Correspond. Secretary Lia Kakaris - Recording Secretary Nikki Andrews - Treasurer Marilyn Coats - Assistant Treasurer Kathy Bastas - Advisor Board Members Eftihia Missios, Olympia Stapakis, Andria Salsman, Matoula Batshoun, Zoe Falley, Vickie Hennig, Anne Pucket GOYA President - Christina Karidakis Vice President - Sina Bacol Treasurer - Margo Papacalos Corres. Secretary - Dena Bussa Rec. Secretary - Tasia Matty Historian - Christa Demos, Lexi Varonos Advisors - Lucia Papacalos, Vickie Demos, Maria Bussa Athletic Director: David Matty Email: goyalb.events@gmail.com Greek Cultural Arts and Dance Dina Lioulias - President Maria Georgakopoulos - Vice President Georgia Alvertos - Corresponding Secretary Dusty Hanson - Recording Secretary Elene Dalkos - Treasurer Senior Christians Nick Monios - President Sons of Pericles Christo Beckas - President Stewardship Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair) Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri Trisagio Ministry Max & Mary Lofton, Vickie Hennig, Yiota Beckas Welcome Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair), Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri
Christmas Encyclical Pastor s Message The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2 Dearly Beloved, Christ is Born! Glorify Him! The Christmas season is a season of light. We see the decorative lights that brighten the night skies and herald the coming of the light of Christ into the world. The light has returned; the light of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior has shattered the darkness of the world. While natural cycles cause the darkness of winter, the real darkness is human pride, cynicism, and isolation which tear apart our relations with God, our neighbor and the world around us. The Nativity of Christ penetrates this darkness in the most unlikely of ways, the birth of a child. We expect God to act dramatically and with might to correct our world, to put things right. In the Church we often sing, Who is so great a God as our God? He alone does wonders. But not at Christmas, because in His Nativity, Jesus Christ enters the world in humility and poverty, almost unnoticed, except for a great light that draws attention. As a hymn of Vespers for Christmas says, When the Lord Jesus was born of the Holy Virgin, all the world was enlightened. The shepherds watched in the fields, the Magi adored and the angels praised in song. Most likely you will mark the coming of the light by decorating your Christmas tree with lights, placing lights in your home, or placing candles in your windows. Each one of these actions remind all who see them that yours is a Christian home and you have important news to proclaim: Christ is Born! and the world glorifies the Sun of Righteousness! The light has come into the world and his name is Jesus born of the virgin. Like the angles in the Gospels we will go to our churches and sing the doxology, Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men Luke 2:14. Beloved brothers and sisters, do not let the darkness of our age overpower you. It is easy to be cynical and bitter at this time. The news is filled with ongoing war, financial disasters, endless political gridlock and widespread crime. But because we are Christians we know that God is with us. The Almighty God kept His promise to send a Savior of His people. Christ Jesus is Born. He is Emmanuel; He has entered our world and never left us. We are not alone. We know this in our hearts and we experience this is our churches, we are hopeful people. We can reflect the light of Christ in our workplaces, among our friends and neighbors, in our communities. We no longer live in darkness, because we have seen the light of Christ. We can overpower the darkness of our time through kindness and respect for all people. We can do this by our willingness to be generous stewards and philanthropists in our churches and in our society supporting the many needs of both. Parents will, in these days, read storybooks to their children at bedtime. They may attend a Christmas show at a theater. These are wonderful family experiences that will create a lifetime of memories. But do not limit a child s understanding of Christmas to television specials or sugary spectacles that avoid the real story of Christmas.This year, one night, open the Bible and read the story of Christ s Birth. Tell your children you have a beautiful story to share with them, one that changed the world and changes lives. Tell them it is a love story, a story of God s love for all of us. May the light of the Star of Bethlehem, the light of Christ, illumine your path and shine in your hearts in these Holy Days of Light. Wit,h Love in Christ the Newborn King, + G E R A S I M O S Metropolitan of San Francisco Page 3
Greetings Panagia Parishioners! President s Message Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your families! Wow!!! If you did not attend the Ministries Fair on Sunday, November 17 th, you sure did miss a great event. Congratulations to all the Parish Ministries on a very successful event. Many parishioners thoroughly enjoyed the discussing, signing up and taking their pictures for the Parish Directory. If you and your family were not able to take a photograph for the Parish Directory, look at the weekly bulletins or call the church office for make-up sessions. Special thanks to Kathy Bastas, Stewardship Char and the Stewardship Committee, you all did an exceptional job in preparing the Stewardship Letters for Stewardship Sunday. Again as stated in the November Monthly Bulletin, in order for our Panagia Parish to operate for the next three to five months, we are requesting our members to try and pay their unpaid pledged balances as soon as you possibly can. We are also requesting each and all of you to really pray and put sincere thoughts in increasing your pledge amount for 2014. We are also requesting that as we come to next year, if you are able to adjust your actual Stewardship payment earlier in 2014 rather than later. Remember, this is our Panagia Parish. We all need to take care of our Panagia Parish. We all love, respect and appreciate our church. Please make your best sincere effort in assisting in our Panagia Parish s need for help! I am confident, by working sincerely and diligently we will make it through these upcoming financial challenges in the next upcoming three to five months! THANK YOU! Thanks to all for attending and participating in the Fall General Parish Assembly Meeting. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events: Parish Council Elections Sunday, December 8 th New Year s Eve Party hosted by our Assumption Greek Dance Ministry Tuesday, December 31 st Epiphany 2014 Sunday, January 5 th Please look both in our Panagia Bulletin and our weekly Sunday Bulletins for other events! You can always visit our new web site at www.assumptionlb.org and check the web calendar to see all the church services, ministry events and many more postings. Our Parish Council is here to serve you and our Panagia Parish. Please do not hesitate to call or ask any of your parish council members or me with any questions! We will provide you with the answers we know and get back to you with the answers we don t know. On behalf of the entire Parish Council, we wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for all of your continued support! Chris Dolas President Page 4
Philoptochos The Holidays are upon us and WE need your support! This time of the year is always such a hustle, bustle time. A time of the year that many are down and out! Families who are desperately in need of help are depending on ALL of US. Think of all the children who do not know the difference between rich and/or poor. They are happy with a hot meal and warm clothes. Unlike our own children who are fortunate to have so much. Please, select a name from the Christmas Tree in the Narthex and fulfill that child s wish. We accept gift cards all year round for this purpose as well as a check and/or cash. Please, help Philoptochos make someone s holidays that much nicer. Let s make their wishes come true! Thank you! Light the Path was a wonderful event. St. Anthony s Greek Church did an excellent job of hosting it this year. Next year Assumption Long Beach will host this event. Thank you to all who attended and/or sponsored this year's Light the Path. Lady Vet s Christmas Party is the 13 th of December, 11:30 pm in the Cultural Center. Come meet these ladies and welcome them to the Assumption Family. Lunch will be served. Philoptochos Christmas Party is the 15 th of December, following church services in the Cultural Center. To be catered by TGIS. Always a fun event! Make your reservations now. Trinity Children s Christmas Party is Thursday the 19 th of December. All are welcome to attend. Matoula Batshoun is chairing this event along with Philoptochos, Goya and Maids of Athena. Pizza/Salad lunch will be served. Santa will make his usual appearance. Vasilopita Are you planning on baking bread? Would you like to purchase a coin or two? Amelia Ladas is the lady you need to speak with. She has just the coin/s you need. Our Membership Tea will be held the 23 rd of February. Theme this year is Lights, Camera, Action. We invite all of you to sponsor a table in your favorite Movie theme, Theatre/Stage Theme. Who are your favorite Actors/Actress s? It s always a fun and exciting challenge. A prize will be awarded for best dressed table. If interested please ask any of the Philoptochos Board Members what it s all about. Love to have your participation! To date we have one table promised. Theme: Gone with the Wind. WE would love to share your ideas as well. Won t you give it some thought? Let us know! Coffee Hour Would YOU like to sponsor coffee hour? Maybe celebrate a loved one s Birthday and/or Anniversary with all of us. What a pleasant way to celebrate an occasion with your friends and family. Give it some thought and let me know. WE Ladies of Philoptochos wish ALL OF YOU a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year! God Bless Everyone! Nothing Great Was Ever Achieved Without Enthusiasm Bobbie Soupos President Page 5
Annual Christmas Tree Wish List Trinity Youth Services Sponsored by Philoptochos Organized by Maids of Athena One of our outreach organizations that we support is Trinity Youth Services in Long Beach. Every day Trinity is helping children and healing families through the foster care program. Join us as we endeavor to break the cycle and embrace the future! We need your help in making children s wishes come true! Look for our Christmas tree, which is now up in the Narthex, decorated with paper ornaments. On these ornaments, you will see the child s name, age, gender, and the item she/he has requested. Trinity has requested the gifts to be unwrapped. Please place the item you purchased in a Christmas bag, unwrapped, and tape/staple the ornament on the item with the child s name eligible to read. Put presents along the wall behind the tree. Drop gift cards in the Christmas stocking hanging on the tree. Absolute deadline is Sunday, December 15 Please support our church ministries in helping bring smiles to these children s faces. Thank You and Merry Christmas, Philoptochos, GOYA & Maids of Athena For questions, please contact: Bobbie Soupos, Philoptochos President: (714) 307-1488 Sofie Batshoun, Maids of Athena President: (714) 705-9314 Matoula Batshoun, Philoptochos Assist Treasurer: (714) 705-9316 Page 6
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In the year of the Lord - Sunday Monday Tuesday Wedne 1 ΙΔ Λουκά 14th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 8 I Λουκά. 10th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 2 3 9 10 Βαρ Barbara th Or Divine Litu Greek School5:3 Greek Sch 5:30 pm - 7: Parish Elections 15 IA Λουκά 11th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Philoptochos Christmas Party 22 Προ της Χριστού Γεννήσεως. Sunday before Nativity Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday School Christmas Pageant 29 Μετά την Χριστού Γέννησιν. Sunday after Nativity Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 16 17 Senior Christians Christmas Potluck 11:30 am P. C. Meeting 7:00 pm 23 24 Christmas Eve Orthros 5:00 pm Nativity Liturgy 6:00 pm (Holy Communion) 30 31 New Year s Eve Orthros 5:00 pm Divine Liturgy 6:00 pm Circumcision of Christ & St. Basil Greek Sch Christmas 5:30 pm - 7: Christm Office clo Page 8 Events are subject to change; please refer
December 2013 sday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 άρας μεγαλ.. e Great Martyr hros 9:30 am rgy 10:00 am pm - 7 pm ool 00 pm ool: Party 00 pm 11 18 5 Vespers 7:00 pm St. Nicholas in Northridge Choir practice 7:15 pm 12 Σπυρίδωνος. St. Spyridon the Wonderworker Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Choir practice 7:15 pm 19 Trinity Foster Home Christmas party 4pm - 8pm Choir practice 7:15 pm 6 Νικολάου Μύρων Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am At St. Nicholas Chapel at Rose Hills 13 Philoptochos Luncheon with the Military Ladies 11:30 pm Family Night 6:00 pm 7 14 20 21 25 26 27 28 as sed Office closed Dance School Reaching for the Stars New Year s Eve Glendi 7 pm to weekly bulletin for current schedule info Page 9
Panagia s Stewardship Family as of November 20, 2013 Ala Falanai & Lisa & family Alex Helen Alexiou Archimedes Alexiou Demi Alexopoulos Christina Amarantos Harriet Andrade Everardo & Theony Andrews James & Nikki Andrikos Ioannis & Argyro Antoniou Konstantinos & Maria Apostle Helen Apostle Matina Apostle Perry & Rosie Argeris John & Vasiliki Argyros Dionisios & Irini Argyros Phillip & Amy Armogida Elaine Armogida Rod & Krista Armstrong Randy & Janet Bahos kanella Balas Louis & Toula Bassett Shea & Natalia Bastas Demetra Bastas Nikolaos & Kathy Batsaras Ilias & Yota Batshoun Christina Batshoun Emil & Matoula Batshoun Sofia Benetatos Harry & Penny Berdanis John & Helen Berovinos Michael & Kimberly Berovinos Tony & Bonnie Bouras Kathy Bouras Peter Bozigian Linda Breres Zena Brillakis Gus & Nicki Brooks Harriet Castritis Demetrios & Vivi Chelekis Louis & Vicki Chioles James & Effie Choullis Manolis & Sotiria Chrysanthis Alexandra Coats Marilyne Colazas Xenophon & Mila Condaras Nicolas & Katerina Contos Angeliki Contos Vasilis & Voula Cook Jeffrey & Susan Cornwell Carlyle & Demetra Coromelas Acrivi Cozakos Nick Critides Anastasius $ Shawnee Dalkos Bob & Vaso Dalkos Chris & Roula Dalkos John & Stavroula Dalkos Peter & Elene Dalpe Arvanitis Toula Demos Eleni Demos George & Vickie Demos Joanna Deneff Alkisti Deneff Anthony Deneff Peter & Diane Deneff William & Diana Deralas Dean Diacoumacos Marya Diamond Helen Dogris Alex & Peggy Dolas Chris Dolas James Dolas Jim & Camille Dolas John & Theodora Dolas Peter Douroupis Ioannis & Isabel Edwards Nickolas & Pamela Eleopoulos Gus & Robbin Eleopoulos Jimmy & Leigh Etchepare Anna Exacoustos Stella Ezroj Michael & Christine Falley Zoe Fattaleh Raja Fattaleh Sabba & Diana Fenn Brad & Anna Fiamengo Alexandria Fic Karen Fisher Kathryn Foutris Constantine & Christine Frudakis Katina Futris William & Mary Galanis Jerry & Marian Georgakopoulos Mike & Maria Georgedes Katy Georges Louie & Penny Georgiadou Vicki Georgoulis George & Anna Ghilarducci Walt & Laura Giannoutsos Tatiana Gillotti John & Christina Gossen Ryan & Jennifer Tsakoumakis Gurrola Raymond & Mary Gutierrez Ivan & Esther Hadjimarkos Nicholas & Stemma Hadjioannou Nicole & Arion Hanna Jeannette Hansen Helen Hanson Chris & Dusty Hardaway Herman & Pamela Haririan Alka Hatziris John & Ramona Hennig Fred & Vickie Herron Craig & Diana Jordanides Dennis & Giselle Jordanides Timothy & Ria Kades Clio Kakaris Telis & Lia Kallins George & Bettina Kallins James & Virginia Kaltcheva Velitchka Kanavos Peter & Tia Karapoulios Angelo & Eleni Karidakis George & Diane Karidakis Nick & Jim Karmiris Christopher & Christina Karthas Nicholas Kastanas Vassilios & Paris Kiapos Alexandra Kitsios Kostas & Voula Kokkinides Joyce Konstantinidis Byron & Kaite Kontokanis Dimitris & Maria Kootsikas Coula Korakis Michael & Georgia Kostallas Tony & Cathy Koulos Peter & Emily Kourtis Costa & Cecilia Krebenios Anastasia Kyriakos Spiros & Laine Ladas Amelia Ladas Charlie & Patty Lafkas Peter & Ada Lambrakis Spiro & Catherine Lambros Mary Lembesis Ann Lembesis John Jr. & Theresa Lembesis Nick & Saskia Lembesis Pendalis & Evangelia Liakos Nicole Liarakos George & Dezi Liarakos John & Athanasia Liarakos, Dimitrios & Voula Lioulias Sotiris & Dina Lofton Max & Mary Loizides George & Rodou
Thank you for your loving support and commitment to our church. Lopez Jeff & Georgia Makridis Gus & Georgine Manos Andrew & Pamela Mantikas Nick & Katherine Marangopoulos Jake & Tammy Marentis Victoria Markouizos George & Argyro Markouizos Karolos & Georgia Markouizos Nektarios & Lisa Matty David & Barbara Mavrovitis Michail & Monica Mentas Ann Mentas James & Patricia Michel David & Vasiliki Michel David Vasili Milonas Dina Missios Basil & Eftihia Monios Nick & Linda Montalbano Paul & Maria Morgan Richard & Valerie Nakai Keiichi & Saki Nezis Alice Okerman David & Elaine Panos George Panou Vivian Papacalos George & Lucia Papadakis Colleen Papadakis Lillian & Andrianna Papadopoulos Evanghelo & Lorraine Papaggelis Christina Papakoulos Angie Papas Maria Papas Tasos & Georgia Pappas Mark & Shari Pappas Victor & Christina Pappas Victor & Tanya Parlapanides Charles & Elenie Pass Gus & Toula Paulos Mary Paulos Nicholas Paulos Todd & Cindy Phillips Crystal Phoutrides Neilos & Patricia Platis Jim & Kay Platis Sam & Laura Pliaconis Alexander & Nicole Polychrones Speros & Dora Popoff Thalia Poulis John Raptis Maria Reed Richard & Kyriaki Rembuskos Panayiotis & Valerie Rembuskos Steve & Amy Richards Dean & Dorothy Richmond Dan & Doris Roll Fotini Roubanis Savvas $ Jodi Russos Asimina Salsman Mel & Andria Santamarina Jose & Ronnea Seger Clay & Suzan Sehremelis Andy & Leslie Sehremelis Athena Sharkoff Donald & Anna Sharkoff James & Katherine Shweiri George & Cathy Siames Faye Silva Robert & Nicolette Simitian Richard & Anna Siouris Chris & Yota Skandalakis Melia Skaropoulos Eleni Skourtas Tony & Angelique Smyrniotis Alexandra Smyrniotis Christos & Mary Sotiriou Elias Sotiriou Panagiotis & Vasiliki Soultanakis Paul & Trudith Soupos Tom & Bobbie Spiropoulos Katherine Sprague Ronald $ Mary Stapakis Olympia Stapakis Steve & Joanne Stathis Robert & Josefa Stavros Andy & Amber Stavros Bill & Maria Stavros George & Donna Stavros John & Gwen Stavros Louis & Mary Stavros Ted & Olga Stavros Tom Stergiou Eleni Stevenson Gus & Leona Stewards Sean & Denise Sullos James & Vickie Sverkos Peter & Natalie Syrengelas Andreas & Evdoxia Syrengelas Andreas & Niky Syrengelas Dino & Dora Syrengelas George & Athanasia Syrengelas Michael & Elizabeth Syrengelas Sotiria Syrengelas Toula Syrengelas Vasili & Maria Talaganis Ernest Talaganis John & Kathleen Talaganis Nick & Amy Tavlarides Angelo & Mary Tener Theresa Teodosiadis Romilos & Melpomeni Terzi Popi Terzis Constantinos & Suzanna Thermos Gerry & Elli Thibault Irene Toulios Spyros & Helen Toumasis Gerasimos & Koula Triantos Anastasia N. Trigonis Tula Trikounakis Tony & Irma Tsakoumakis Stan & Debora Tsamous Peter & Helen Tsimerekis Christos & Christina Tsimerekis Nicos & Anna Vackrinos Catherine Valaskantjis Nikiforos & Georgia Van Der Meyden Dieder & Anne Vardakis Alex Vargo Douglas & Elefteria Varonos Alex, Gonzo & family Varzak Darlene Vasilomanolakis Francine Vasilomanolakis Mike & Nikki Veganes Peter Vlachos Dino & Helen Vlahakis Mary Watkins Evangelia Whalen Christopher &Sara Yakos John & Flora Yortzidis Dimitrios & Stacy Zambos Angie Zambos John & Stephanie Zamvakellis Nick & Alison Zarifes Angie Zimmerman Roseann (Rikki) Zoolakis Anthony & Kari Zoumberakis Stelios & Stacy Page 11
Save the Date The Philoptochos Society Of Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Annual Christmas Benefit Luncheon and Fashion Show The Gift of Christmas Saturday December 7 th, 2013 10:30 in the morning The Langham Huntington Hotel 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue Pasadena, California For Reservations &Information please call Samantha Malisos (626) 824-0393; panagiachapter@gmail.com Church Office (626) 449-6943 Epiphany Celebration Our 62nd Year Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Long Beach 5761 E. Colorado Street Long Beach, CA 90814 Liturgy & Glendi / Sunday January 5, 2014 Hosted by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 8:45 AM - Orthros 10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy Carpool 11:30AM 12:00 Noon Service of the Cross & Diving for the Holy Cross* Following the Blessings of the Waters GLENDI Page 12
GOYA Basket Ball Dear GOYANS and Parents, We are currently updating our GOYA membership list here at the Assumption. We have many new GOYA Parishioners who we would love to add to the list so they may participate in our activities and athletic events, and many current GOYA Parishioners who we would love to see more active. If you are a new or existing GOYAN (or Parent thereof,) and have not been receiving any Email correspondence from our GOYA, please Email the following information to Dena Bussa at: GOYALB.events@gmail.com Name and Age of your Son/Daughter Email Address of your Son/Daughter Home Phone/ Cell Phone of your Son/Daughter Parent(s) names and Email Addresses Parent(s) Home/Cell Phone number GOYA includes young teens ages 12 through 19 years of age. If you are currently on our GOYA list and have been receiving our Emails, you need not respond unless you would like to make any changes to your contact information. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!! Sincerely, The Assumption GOYA Board COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Choir is sponsoring a Community Christmas Card. All the proceeds will go towards the church s organ replacement fund. The present organ was purchased used 70 years ago and it is a miracle that it has lasted as long as it has, but finally it is giving up. Please support this effort by entering your family s name in the card for $25 per line. The card will be mailed to all the families in the community s mailing list. This will save you money and effort because it can replace the individual cards you will send to other members of our community Please visit the choir table after Sunday services and sign up so that your family s name will appear with all the others on this year s Christmas Card. Your choir thanks you. BEST WISHES Greek School Greek School is in full swing. This year we have had very good attendance and the teachers are very proud of their student's progress. For the month of December. Greek school will be on vacation from December 25th through January 1st. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 8th, 2014. Merry Christmas, kai Kali Hronia. Katerina Condaras, Principal Announcements WEDDINGS 11/16/13 Nikos Davilas & Chrysanthi Paxos Koumbaros: Nicole Hadjioannou Na zisete - Congratulations BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS 11/30/13 Eirini Chrysovalantou Sophia Proud Parents : Dimitris & Stacie Yortzidis Nonoi: Nick & Andriana Paras Na sas zisei! - Congratulations WITH SYMPATHY To Eleni & Tom Dimitropoulos and family for the loss of her mother Maria Mattas on 11/4/13. May her memory be eternal. December s Prosforo Prosforo for the month of December is donated by Mina Russos. Thank you. If you would like to donate our Sunday prosforo please call the church office. Page 13
Ο άγιος Μάμας (2 Σεπτεμβρίου) ΒΙΟΙ ΑΓΙΩΝ Greek Column by Voula Michail Στη Βασιλεία του Χριστού κάθε ηλικία έχει να επιδείξει τους αντιπροσώπους της. Γιατί κάθε ηλικία έχει προσφέρει σ' Αυτόν ό,τι διαλεχτό κι υπέροχο έχει να παρουσιάσει. Κι η εφηβική ηλικία, που είναι η πιο δύσκολη στη ζωή του ανθρώπου, έχει να προβάλει τους δικούς της. Ο άγιος Μάμας είναι ένας απ' αυτούς. Διαλεχτός στους διαλεχτούς κι ωραίος στους ωραίους αποτελεί μια απ' τις πιο αγαπητές κι ηρωικές μορφές της Εκκλησίας μας των τριών πρώτων αιώνων. Οι γονείς του Θεόδοτος και Ρουφίνα ζούσαν στη Γάγγρα της Παφλαγονίας και ήσαν χριστιανοί με μεγάλη κοινωνική θέση. Την εποχή αυτή ο αυτοκράτορας Αυρηλιανός κίνησε σκληρό διωγμό ενάντια στους χριστιανούς (270-275 μ.χ.). Μεταξύ των πρώτων συνελήφθη ο Θεόδοτος κι αφού ανακρίθηκε κι ομολόγησε τον Χριστό, ρίχτηκε στις φυλακές της Καισαρείας. Η σύζυγος του, η ενάρετη Ρουφίνα, σαν έμαθε τη φυλάκιση του συντρόφου της, αν και ήταν ετοιμόγεννη, έτρεξε να τον συναντήσει. Εκεί με παρρησία ομολόγησε και αυτή την πίστη του Χριστού, που φλόγιζε την καρδία της, με αποτέλεσμα να κλεισθεί στη φυλακή. Δύο αδελφές ψυχές, ευγενικές κι αγαπημένες, ενωμένες στη χαρά και στον πόνο. Μια νύχτα η Ρουφίνα εκεί στη σκοτεινή κι υγρή φυλακή, έφερε στον κόσμο το παιδάκι της. Η καρδιά της σκίρτησε από χαρά. Αλλά μόνο για μια στιγμή. Όταν πήρε το παιδάκι της να το δείξει στον σύζυγο της, τον καλό Θεόδοτο, τον βρήκε νεκρό. Τα μαρτύρια τα πολλά που δοκίμασε για την πίστη και την αγάπη του Χριστού, τον οδήγησαν πρόωρα στον θάνατο. Η πονεμένη μάνα με συντριβή ψυχής έβαλε το παιδί στην αγκαλιά του, γονάτισε δίπλα του κι έκαμε με δάκρυα την προσευχή της. Ύστερα έγειρε δίπλα του για να μη σηκωθεί ποτές. Την ίδια νύχτα παρέδωσε κι αυτή το πνεύμα. Η ψυχή της πέταξε κοντά στον Χριστό, που αγάπησε με την καρδιά της. Τα βάσανα και οι ταλαιπωρίες της φυλακής την οδήγησαν τόσο γρήγορα στον ουρανό, κοντά στον μάρτυρα σύζυγο της. Και το παιδί της; Ορφανό, πεντάρφανο μένει τώρα! Τι άραγε θα γίνει; Την απάντηση δίνει το πνεύμα του θεού! "Ορφανόν και χήραν αναλήψεται". Το ορφανό και τη χήρα τα παίρνει υπό την προστασία του ο Θεός. Και να! Μια ευσεβής γυναίκα, η Αμμία Ματρώνα οδηγημένη από ένα άγγελο πηγαίνει στη φυλακή. Παίρνει τα λείψανα των μαρτύρων γονιών και τα ενταφιάζει με σεβασμό. Ύστερα παίρνει στο σπίτι και το παιδί κι αναλαμβάνει με προθυμία και στοργή την ανατροφή του. Από τα πρώτα ψελλίσματά του "μάμα-μάμα" του έδωκε το όνομα Μάμας. Κοντά στην καινούργια μανούλα του το παιδί μεγάλωσε με της πίστης τ' άγιο "κι άφθαρτο μάννα". Και το τίμησε. Όχι μόνο ο ίδιος από παιδί αγωνιζόταν να ζει τη χριστιανική ζωή, αλλά και φρόντιζε τα όσα μάνθανε, να τα διδάσκει και στα παιδιά της ηλικίας του. Υπεράξιο παιδί αξίων γονιών, μα κι υπέροχης θετής μητέρας του. Η διαγωγή αυτή και ο ζήλος του μικρού ιεραποστόλου δεν άργησαν να γίνουν γνωστά. Κάποια μέρα μερικοί εχθροί της πίστεως τον έπιασαν και τον οδήγησαν μπροστά στον σκληρό ηγεμόνα Δημόκριτο. Εκείνος, σαν είδε το παιδί, προσπάθησε με κολακείες στην αρχή κι απειλές αργότερα να τον μεταπείσει από τις αρχές και την πίστη του. Μα δεν μπόρεσε. Όλες του οι προσπάθειες πήγαν χαμένες. Τότες άρχισαν τα βασανιστήρια. Το ξύλο, το πλήγωμα του κορμιού με σιδερένια νύχια, το κάψιμο των πληγών με αναμμένες λαμπάδες και τέλος το ρίξιμο στη θάλασσα με μια σιδερένια σφαίρα δεμένη στον λαιμό. Το αποτέλεσμα; Μηδέν! Στήν Κύπρο ο άγιος Μαμάς είναι ένας πολύ σεβαστός και δημοφιλής άγιος, Πολλοί ναοί και παρεκκλήσια, μα και χωριά φέρουν το όνομα του (Σ όλη την Κύπρο 66 ναοί περίπου είναι αφιερωμένοι στον Άγιο Μάμα).. Αλλά και πολλές κυπριακές παραδόσεις κυκλοφορούν μεταξύ του λαού γύρω από την άγια μορφή του. Μια τέτοια παράδοση που δημιουργήθηκε, όπως φαίνεται, κατά την περίοδο της Τουρκοκρατίας, δίνει μια πολύ όμορφη ερμηνεία της εικονογράφησης του αγίου, καβάλα σ' ένα λιοντάρι και μ' ένα αρνί στα χέρια. Page 14
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ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 5761 E. Colorado St. Long Beach, CA 90814 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LONG BEACH, CA PERMIT NO. 344 Worship Services Regular Schedule Orthros 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM NOTE: Sunday Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00AM year-round. See enclosed calendar for dates and times of other services this month.