Dec 2013 Jan 2014 Περιοδικό τῆς Ἐνορίας-Κοινότητος Ἁγίας Ἄννας, Χρυσή Ἀκτή Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Parish- Community of St Anna, Gold Coast 31 a Crombie Ave, Bundall PO Box 5074 GCMC Qld 9726 (07) 5574 0777, 5574 0434 admin@gocstanna.org If you would like to receive the Phos in colour by email send your email address to admin@gocstanna.org PRESIDENT S REPORT On 29th of September 2013 the Tenth National Youth Conference was held at the Dormition of the Theotokos at Mt Gravatt. The Youth conference went for three days with over 300 delegates in total. The theme was The Terminology and Psychology of Socio-Political Developments in the Contemporary World. It was wonderful to see our Youth participate at the conference and in the programme and at the same time meet a lot of Orthodox Youth from around Australia to share ideas and friendships. Congratulations to our Youth of St Anna who did us proud! On the last day of the conference, the 1 st of October 2013, all participants and many parishioners from around south-east Queensland travelled to Bribie Island for the Official Opening of the Saint Andrews Theological College Youth Campus & Recreation Centre. It was officially opened by His Grace Bishop Ezekiel, His Grace Bishop Seraphim, and His Grace Bishop Iakovos. Many priests from around Australia attended the opening with official guests representing the three levels of Government. Also present was the Bribie Island Committee and the many donors who have contributed either financially or through physical contribution over the many years of establishing the retreat. It is a fabulous facility and congratulations go to all who have worked hard to make this project a reality. In the near future I am sure our Youth group will be utilising this well appointed Youth Retreat. The Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association held their 59 th national convention on the Gold Coast. The delegates commenced by attending a Church service at our community on the 13 th of October 2013. An installation of the new National President of AHEPA took place on the 17 th of October 2013. The new National President of AHEPA is Ms Christine Lynch OAM and our community congratulates her on her election. We also congratulate Mr Elias Doufas, the outgoing Past President of AHEPA, on his role and contribution to AHEPA throughout Australia and overseas. Mr Doufas was a former Treasurer of our Community s here at St Anna. On the 18 th of October 2013, the last day of the AHEPA convention, a jointly organised (Ahepa and Main Committee ) Taverna Night function was held at our Hellenic Centre. Over 200 people were in attendance and a wonderful night was had by all. There were many official guests including The Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Qld Mr Jim Raptis OBE, the new National President of AHEPA, Ms Christine Lynch OAM, the National Immediate Past President Mr Elias Doufas, Mr Nick Xynias AO, Honorary President & CEO of the Ethnic Communities Council of Qld, Mr Ricardo Viana, President of the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, and Mr Dimitri Kelaidis State President of AHEPA QLD. On the 22 nd of October 2013, a book launch was held at the Greek Club in Brisbane. The book, titled The Greeks of Brisbane Migration Arrival Home was written by the late Dr Constantine Castan. Mr Jim Raptis, the Honorary Consul-General for Greece in Queensland launched the book. Other speeches were made by the Rev Father Dimitri Tsakas the Vicar-General of Qld, Emeritus Professor Robert Milns, Mrs Voula Castan and editor Barbara Garlick. The book details the social history of Greeks in Brisbane from the mid 19 th century to the present day. Dr Alfred Vincent presented a highly informative and detailed lecture at our Community Centre on the 24 th of October 2013. The title of his presentation was El Greco s World The./2 Coming up in Dec-Jan: Dec 8 School concert Dec 17 Seniors Christmas Luncheon Dec 15 Carols by Candlelight Jan 12 Theophania Jan 14 Seniors resumes Jan 29 Greek School enrolments Feb 5 Greek School resumes CHURCH SERVICES See Inside or go to our website To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at: www.gocstanna.org
Page 2 President s Report cont... Venetian Empire in Greece in the Age of the Theotokopoulos (1541-1614). His presentation included a power point presentation and music. Our community is most grateful to the Cultural Committee of St George who facilitated Dr Vincent s visit. We thank Tim Klintsaris for his technical support and for his assistance with the setup of the room along with the ever helpful Manos Vairmakis. We also thank the Ladies Auxiliary for supplying and preparing the supper. On the 27th of October 2013, the annual Oxi Day was celebrated. Directly after the Divine Liturgy, a wreath laying ceremony took place at the cenotaph. Afterwards, a light luncheon was served in our Hellenic Centre by our Ladies Auxiliary. Official guests included Mr Dimitri Kelaidis, the State President of Ahepa Qld, Ms Jane Di Lizio, State Secretary of Ahepa Qld, and Mr Sam Koutsoukos, Chairman of the Education Committee of Ahepa Qld. The Greek School Principal Mr Michael Christoforou gave a brief outline of the history and meaning of OXI day in Greek and also this outline was presented in English by Ms Marlie Costan the Greek School s Deputy Principal. After these formalities, students from each year level of our Greek School recited poems. The students did an outstanding job and congratulations go to all students, parents, grandparents and all the teachers in assisting them in learning their poems. Congratulations go to Mr Michael Christoforou and the whole teaching staff for their hard work. A dancing display was performed by the Junior Group (teacher Sally Daikin-Cominos), the Intermediate Group (teacher Vera Georgiou), and the Senior Group (teacher Angela Psirris). All dancers performed to a high standard and congratulations go to all students. teer their services every Wednesday to train the young students in traditional Greek dancing. We sincerely thank Ahepa Qld for the awards, certificates and prizes given out on that day in response to the their competition. Ahepa s generosity to this community is greatly acknowledged and deeply appreciated. As well as their prizes, a donation of $1000 was given to our community. We thank AHEPA for their support and love. Many thanks also to the Ladies Auxiliary who provided a wonderful array of delicious food at the buffet table. On the 8th of November 2013, our community was visited by 60 students and teachers from St Euphemia College, Bankstown, Sydney. They were accompanied also by Rev Peter Mavromatis, from the Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of St Euphemia. After spending a week on the Gold Coast, on the last day, the group attended a church service and afterwards the Ladies Auxiliary provided a light brunch for all. The Captains and Vice-Captains presented our community with a beautiful icon which was gratefully received by Father Roman. In response, our community presented the students with a comprehensive book entitled The Children of Achilles The Greeks in Asia Minor for their library. On a sad note, since the last edition of The Phos two parishioners have passed away. In September 2013 we lost a good friend, the late Mr Vassili Poulis. Our sympathy goes to their children, John & Theo Poulis and their families. More recently we lost a former Main Committee member and former Treasurer of this community, the late Mr John Symeonides on the 10th of October 2013.Our sympathy goes to his siblings and extended family. May their memories be eternal. I would like to wish Father Roman, our Committees and all our Community a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy 2014. Thank you to all of you within the Community who have assisted the Church and Community in any way throughout the year. Your assistance is deeply appreciated. James Nides President We particularly thank the teachers who volun-
Page 3 Greek Orthodox Parish-Community of St Anna Theophania Celebrations Diving for the Cross and Blessing of the Waters Ceremony - Evandale Park 12th January 2014 Followed by Luncheon (spit roasted lamb) & Live Music - Greek Community Hall. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT by 3.00pm Thurs 9th Jan 2014 Adults/Seniors $30.00 High School Students $25.00 PAYMENT ON DAY (No Discount Given) Adults/Seniors $35.00 High School Students $30.00 Primary School Student $10 Children Under 6 FREE Tickets available at the office between 9.00 am - 3.00 pm Mon-Thurs Ph: 5574 0434 EFTPOS FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT OFFICE Bookings Essential Cancellation Policy: No refund available if cancelled less than 7 days
Page 4 HIGH TEA SUCCESS The Ladies Auxiliary extends very warm thanks to our kind guests who attended our recent High Tea at Royal Pines Resort. Our guest speaker, Editor of Money magazine, Effie Zahos gave a warm and informative overview of all matters to do with all finance. Effie is a local girl who grew up within our community and we were very pleased to welcome her back. We wish Effie every success in her career and thank her for taking time to be with us. The afternoon was both lively and fun with Effie s talk and we thank her for taking questions from the floor. There were some excellent raffle prizes and we are grateful to our raffle donors especially, Hellenika Restaurant for their generous restaurant vouchers. Our afternoon raised a little over $2000 which will be used to help the needy who approach us for assistance. From left Sandra Voukelatos, Effie Zahos & Helen Raptis CHRISTMAS GROCERY DRIVE - UNTIL SUNDAY DEC 8 The Ladies Auxiliary is very honoured to facilitate our 4 th Christmas Grocery Drive. Our Grocery Appeal is going well and we thank those of you who have already kindly donated groceries. The appeal is open until the beginning of December when the Auxiliary will package the goods into hampers to be distributed to families in need. If you are able to assist with donations of groceries you will be helping to make a more cheerful Festive Season for many families. Help them to feel the kindness of the Christmas spirit. LADIES AUXILIARY REPORT PAST EVENTS The Auxiliary has been busy. We were very honoured to assist with the preparation of food and service for the joint Ahepan-Greek Community Taverna night which was the concluding event for the Ahepan National Conference. As well, we assisted with the luncheon at the Official Opening of the Bribie Island campus, held at the beginning of October. On 16 th November, we organised all the food, cooked and provided food service for a fundraising event entitled, Love Your Sister. You may have seen on morning television a young man who is cycling around Australia, raising money in honour of his sister who is battling cancer. This event was a further extension of this fundraising. GREEK SCHOOL & COMMUNITY BREAK-UP PARTY-SUNDAY DEC 8 Sunday, 8th December marks the farewell of another year for our Greek School children. After the Divine Liturgy, the children and their families are invited to the hall for the traditional Greek School program under the dir-ection of Principal, Mr Michael Chris-toforou. Santa Claus will attend at the conclusion of the festivities. The Ladies Auxiliary will offer the refreshments however, if any parents can assist with a plate of fasting food, it would be greatly appreciated. The Auxiliary will also distribute treats for the children. The afternoon is not just for Greek School children. All families are warmly invited to attend. CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT SUN- DAY DEC 15 Join in the spirit of Christmas fellowship on Sunday, 15 December when our Carols by Candlelight will be celebrated outside the Church. From 6pm-7pm a Vespers service will take place. After this, simple refreshments will be served in the Hall. At about 7.20pm, we will settle outside under the stars, for a beautiful program of Greek and English Christmas Carols. All the words of the Carols will be provided. Special candles will be available for purchase and please bring a chair for your added comfort. As this is a time of year where our thoughts turn to those less fortunate, there will be a collection made for Welfare. This fulfils a major mission of our Church of helping people in need. Gather your family, friends and neighbours for this special evening of joy and friendship as we sing to honour the birth of Jesus. THEOPHANIA CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON - SUNDAY JAN 12 Following on from the joys of Christmas, we continue in the New Year with the celebration of the Blessing of the Waters on Sunday, 8 January. After the traditional Retrieval of the Cross from the waters at Evandale, you are all warmly invited to a lamb on the souvla lunch at the hall. Since this is one of our most sought after events of the year, it is ESSENTIAL THAT YOU BOOK to ensure your table. Bring your visitors and friends to enjoy an afternoon of celebration, feasting and dancing. Please see the enclosed flyer for further details. CHRISTMAS WISHES TO ALL The Auxiliary extends warm wishes to Father Roman and to his family for a joyous Christmas and we wish them good health in the New Year. As well, we extend these wishes to all of you, dear parishioners, as we pray that peace, love and good health fill your lives and those of your loved ones. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
Page 5 Greek Orthodox Parish Community of St. Anna Ladies Auxiliary presents On SUNDAY 15 th DECEMBER St Anna s Church grounds, 31a Crombie Ave, Bundall 5.30 pm - Vespers 6.30 pm - Refreshment break 7.20pm - Xmas Program The program will include St Anna s Christmas Appeal. Proceeds go to help fund our charitable work for those in desperate need. PROGRAM Carols by candlelight in Greek & English Santa Claus Collection for Christmas appeal Glo sticks available for purchase For your comfort please bring your own chairs!
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Page 8 ΑΝΑΦΟΡΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΝΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Αγαπητοί Γονείς/ Κηδεμόνες και Φίλοι, EΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΟΥ «ΟΧΙ» Με λαμπρότητα και εθνική περηφάνια γιορτάσαμε κι εφέτος την Ιστορική Επέτειο του «ΟΧΙ», της 28 ης Οκτωβρίου 1940, την Κυριακή 27 Οκτωβρίου 2013, στην Αίθουσα της Κοινότητάς μας. Στον εορτασμό παρευρέθηκαν ο Ιερέας μας, Πατήρ Ρωμανός, ο Πρόεδρος και Μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου της Κοινότητας, Εκπρόσωποι της Οργανώσεως ΑΧΕΠΑ, οι Κυρίες της Βοηθητικής Επιτροπής, πάρα πολλοί Γονείς και Φίλοι και τα πιο πολλά παιδιά του σχολείου μας. Τα παιδιά μας, τα οποία κατά την διάρκεια του εορτασμού επέδειξαν αξιοθαύμαστη πειθαρχία και συμπεριφορά, παρουσίασαν με εξαιρετική επιτυχία ένα εθνικό, καλλιτεχνικό πρόγραμμα. Μπράβο Παιδιά!! Είμαστε περήφανοι για σας. Συγχαρητήρια κι ευχαριστίες αξίζουν επίσης και στους δασκάλους και στους γονείς που τα προετοίμασαν. Συγχαρητήρια και στα χορευτικά συγκροτήματα που παρουσίασαν με επιτυχία διάφορους Ελληνικούς παραδοσιακούς χορούς και στις χοροδιδασκάλισσες που τα προετοίμασαν. Κατά το τέλος της Εορτής, οι εκπρόσωποι της ΑΧΕΠΑ απένειμαν στα παιδιά τα βραβεία του «Διαγωνισμού της Αχέπα». Οι βραβευθέντες είναι οι ακόλουθοι: 1 ΑΝΩΤΕΡΕΣ TΑΞΕΙΣ: 1.Ελένη Τσολακίδου Β Γυμνασίου 2. Βενιαμίν Σεν ΣΤ ηµοτικού 3. Χρυσούλα Πάρη Β Γυμνασίου 2. ΜΕΣΑΙΕΣ ΤΑΞΕΙΣ: 1. Μιχάλης Nides E Δημοτικού 2. Αντώνης Λεκάνης Β Δημοτικού 3.Αντώνης Βιδισάκης Γ Δημοτικού 3.ΠΡΟΔ. A ΔΗΜ. 1.Χριστόφορος Ρουσσάκης Α Δημοτικού 2.Dorian Vulinovich A Δημοτικού 3. Μαργαρίτα Κωστόγλου Προδημοτική ιδιαίτερο ευχαριστώ εκφράζουμε στις Κυρίες της Βοηθητικής Επιτροπής που ετοίμασαν το γεύμα και στον Κο& Κα Nides, οι οποίοι έκαναν όλες τις απαραίτητες προετοιμασίες. ΤΕΛΟΣ ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗΣ ΧΡΟΝΙΑΣ Με την ευκαιρία αυτή θα θέλαμε να εκφράσουμε τις θερμές μας ευχαριστίες προς :. Το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο για την συνεχή υποστήριξή του.. Τον Πατέρα Ρωμανό για τις νουθεσίες του και την αγάπη του προς το Σχολείο..Τις Κυρίες της Βοηθητικής Επιτροπής, που είναι πάντοτε πρόθυμες να βοηθήσουν το Σχολείο..Τον Δημήτρη και την Ανθούλα Nides και την Ελένη Λεκάνη που βοήθησαν πάρα πολύ καθ όλη τη διάρκεια του χρόνου, φροντίζοντας για την κανονική λειτουργία του Σχολείου, (σχολική καντίνα, προμήθεια απαραίτητης γραφικής ύλης, προετοιμασία εορτών και άλλων εκδηλώσεων κλπ.) Το αφοσιωμένο μας προσωπικό αισθάνεται μεγάλη ευγνομωσύνη προς όλους τους γονείς, παππούδες, γιαγιάδες και φίλους για την μεγάλη υποστήριξη που παρέχουν προς το σχολείο μας. ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗ ΕΟΡΤΗ Η Σχολική μας Εορτή για τις Εορτές των Χριστουγέννων και τη Λήξη των Μαθημάτων θα λάβει χώρα την Κυριακή 8 Δεκεμβρίου 2013, στην Κοινοτική Αίθουσα, ακριβώς μετά το πέρας της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Η τελευταία ημέρα λειτουργίας του Σχολείου θα είναι η Τετάρτη 11 Δεκεμβρίου, 2013. ΣΧΟΛΙΚΟ ΕΤΟΣ 2014 Οι Εγγραφές θα αρχίσουν την Τετάρτη 29 Ιανουαρίου 2014 και τα τακτικά Μαθήματα την επόμενη Τετάρτη 5 Φεβρουαρίου, 2014. Αναμένουμε να σας δούμε όλους στη γιορτή μας. ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ ΣΕ ΟΛΟΥΣ Οι εκπρόσωποι της Αχέπα συνεισέφεραν επίσης ένα σημαντικό χρηματικό ποσό για τις ανάγκες του σχολείου μας. Τους ευχαριστούμε πολύ. Ευχαριστούμε όλους όσους παρευρέθηκαν και τίμησαν την Ιστορική Επέτειο του «ΟΧΙ». Ένα Εκ της Διευθύνσεως του Σχολείου (Μ. Χριστοφόρου και Μάρλη Κώσταν)
Page 9 GREEK SCHOOL REPORT Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends, OXI DAY CELEBRATIONS It was once again with much pride and enthusiasm that our school community came together to celebrate the historical event of 28 October 1940 on Sunday 27 October 2013. Our community hall saw Father Romanos, the Greek Community President and members of the committee, representatives from the AHEPA foundation, the Ladies of the Auxiliary, parents, friends and many students all gather to participate in this commemorative occasion. We commend our students who demonstrated outstanding behaviour during all presentations, speeches and performances. Well done to all. We are proud of their efforts. Commendations and thanks are also due to teachers and parents who helped in preparing students. We would also like to congratulate the dance groups and their respective dance teachers who entertained us; everyone thoroughly enjoyed their performances. At the end of the feast, representatives of AHEPA awarded prizes to the children who participated in the "Contest of AHEPA." The winners are: 1.SENIOR GRADES: 1.Penny Tsolakidou (Year 8) 2. Βen Sen (Year 6) 3. Crystal Paris (Year 8) 2. JUNIOR GRADES: 1. Μichael Nides (Grade 5) 2. Anthony Lekanis (Grade 2) 3. Anthony Vitetzakis (Grade 3) 3.PREP GRADE 1: 1.Christopher Roussakis (Grade 1) 2.Dorian Vulinovich (Grade ) 3. Margarita Kostoglou (Prep) We would also like to acknowledge the representatives of AHEPA for their monetary contribution towards the needs of our school. We thank AHEPA for all their involvement and support. Finally we thank everyone who attended and honored the historical anniversary of "OXI". A special thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary Committee who prepared the meal and to Mr. & Mrs. Nides who made all the necessary preparations. END OF YEAR As another year of our Afternoon Greek School draws to an end, we would like to express our sincere thanks to: * The Board of Directors for their continuous support. * Father Romanos for his love and constant care of our school. * The Ladies of the Auxiliary who work tirelessly for the school community. * James and Anthoula Nides and Eleni Lekanis, who ensure the smooth running and operation of all aspects of this educational facility including the maintenance of the school canteen, the purchase of stationery supplies and the preparing and organising of school celebrations and other events. Our dedicated staff is grateful to all parents, grandparents and friends for the ongoing support given to our school. SCHOOL CELEBRATION Our end of school concert will take place on Sunday 8 December 2013 in the Community Hall just after the Divine Liturgy. We look forward to seeing all students, their families and friends participate in this joyous occasion. The last day of school will be Wednesday 11 December 2013 where students will enjoy a social day with their peers and their teachers. SCHOOL YEAR 2014 School enrolments will begin on Wednesday 29 January 2014 and regular classes will start on Wednesday 5 Feb 2014. Kind Regards Michael Christoforou and Marlie Costan MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Page 10 Father Romanos will be visiting the Northern Rivers of NSW from Tuesday 14th January to Friday 17th January 2014. ΑΙΤΗΣΗ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΥ ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΩΝ ΣΤΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ 2014 APPLICATION FOR THE BLESSING OF HOMES AT THEOPHANIA 2014 Όνοµα/Name: ιεύθυνση/address: Τηλέφωνο/Phone No: Please hand in completed form at Church or send to Fr Romanos Stergiou PO Box 7796 GCMC, Bundall, Qld 9726 SPIRITUAL CORNER Περί Μετανοίας Η µετάνοια η αληθινή θα φέρει τον αγιασµό εν υπάρχει ανώτερο πράγµα απ αυτό που λέγεται µετάνοια και εξοµολόγηση. Αυτό το µυστήριο είναι η προσφορά της αγάπης του Θεού στον άνθρωπο. Μ αυτό τον τέλειο τρόπο απαλλάσσεται ο άνθρωπος απ το κακό. Πηγαίνουµε, εξοµολογούµαστε, αισθανόµαστε τη συνδιαλλαγή µετά του Θεού, έρχεται η χαρά µέσα µας, φεύγει η ενοχή. Στην Ορθοδοξία δεν υπάρχει αδιέξοδο. εν υπάρχει αδιέξοδο, γιατί υπάρχει ο εξοµολόγος, που έχει την χάρι να συγχωρεί. Μεγάλο πράγµα ο πνευµατικός! Εγώ από µικρός το είχα -και τώρα ακόµη. Όταν συνέβαινε ν αµαρτήσω, το εξοµολογιόµουνα και µου έφευγαν όλα. Πετούσα απ τη χαρά µου. Είµαι αµαρτωλός, αδύνατος, καταφεύγω στην ευσπλαγχνία του Θεού, σώζοµαι, γαληνεύω, τα ξεχνάω όλα. Κάθε µέρα σκέπτοµαι ότι αµαρτάνω, αλλά επιθυµώ ό,τι µου συµβαίνει να το κάνω προσευχή και να µην το κλείνω µέσα µου. Η αµαρτία κάνει τον άνθρωπο πολύ µπερδεµένο ψυχικά. Το µπέρδεµα δεν φεύγει µε τίποτε. Μόνο µε το φως του Χριστού γίνεται το ξεµπέρδεµα. Την πρώτη κίνηση κάνει ο Χριστός. εύτε προς µε πάντες οι κοπιώντες. Μετά εµείς οι άνθρωποι αποδεχόµαστε αυτό το φως µε την αγαθή µας προαίρεση, που την εκφράζουµε µε την αγάπη µας απέναντί Του, µε την προσευχή, µε τα µυστήρια. Για να µετανοήσει η ψυχή, πρέπει να ξυπνήσει. Εκεί, στο ξύπνηµα αυτό, γίνεται το θαύµα της µετανοίας. Κι εδώ βρίσκεται η προαίρεση του ανθρώπου. Το ξύπνηµα, όµως, δεν έγκειται µόνο στον άνθρωπο. Ο άνθρωπος µόνος δεν µπορεί. Επεµβαίνει ο Θεός. Τότε έρχεται η θεία χάρις. Χωρίς την χάρι δεν µπορεί να µετανοήσει ο άνθρωπος. Η αγάπη του Θεού θα κάνει το πάν. Μπορεί να µεταχειριστεί κάτι -µια ασθένεια ή κάτι άλλο, εξαρτάται- για να φέρει τον άνθρωπο σε µετάνοια. Άρα η µετάνοια διά της θείας χάριτος κατορθούται. Απλά και απαλά εµείς θα κάνουµε µία κίνηση προς τον Θεό κι από κει και πέρα έρχεται η χάρις. Μπορεί να µου πείτε: Τότε µε την χάρι γίνονται όλα. Αυτό είναι ένα λεπτό σηµείο. Γίνεται κι εδώ εκείνο ακριβώς που λέω. εν µπορούµε ν αγαπήσουµε τον Θεό, αν ο Θεός δεν µας αγαπήσει. Ο Απόστολος Παύλος το λέει πολύ ωραία: "Νύν δε γνόντες Θεόν, µάλλον δε γνωσθέντες υπό Θεού ". Το ίδιο συµβαίνει και µε τη µετάνοια. εν µπορούµε να µετανοήσουµε, αν ο Κύριος δεν µας δώσει µετάνοια. Και αυτό ισχύει για τα πάντα. ηλαδή ισχύει το γραφικό: "Χωρίς εµού ού δύνασθαι ποιείν ουδέν". Αν δεν υπάρχουν προϋποθέσεις, για να εγκύψει µέσα µας ο Χριστός, µετάνοια δεν έρχεται. Οι προϋποθέσεις είναι η ταπείνωση, η αγάπη, η προσευχή, οι µετάνοιες, ο κόπος για τον Χριστό. Αν δεν είναι το συναίσθηµα αγνό, αν δεν υπάρχει απλότητα, αν η ψυχή έχει ιδιοτέλεια, δεν έρχεται η θεία χάρις. Συµβαίνει τότε να πηγαίνουµε να εξοµολογούµαστε, αλλά να µην αισθανόµαστε ανακούφιση. Η µετάνοια είναι πολύ λεπτό πράγµα. Η µετάνοια η αληθινή θα φέρει τον αγιασµό. Η µετάνοια µας αγιάζει.
Page 11 GREEK JUNIOR MASTERCHEF 2013 St Andrew's Bribie Island Retreat Opening On Sunday October 20, the Kids and Teens of St Anna participated in its 3rd annual Greek Junior MasterChef. The event once again proved to be popular with around 48 participants. Proud parents and grandparents were on hand to help their kids learn to make Greek traditional dishes including Dolmathes, Yemista, Bougatsa, Galaktabouriko, Koulourakia and Kourabiethes. A sum of $262 was given to St Anna to cover the cleaning costs of our community hall and a small donation. During the Sept/Oct school holidays St Anna Kids and Teens organised a road trip to attend the opening of the St Andrew s Theological College Bribie Island Campus (also known as the Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre). The opening of the campus took place as part of the 10th National Youth Conference hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community Parish of the Dormition of our Lady (Southside Parish). The conference was attended by approximately 350 delegates from all over Australia including parish priests and His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos. A big thank you goes to those dedicated parents who all put in a huge effort to make this another successful event; to John Sophios and family from TunzaFun for providing raffle prizes and free laser skirmish passes for all participants, Theo Kostogolou from Pita Pan for providing the aprons and chefs hats and to the Toula and Andrew Gregory, Denise Precopis Mum, Froso and Helen and Peter Lyopiris who donated fresh grapevine leaves for the Dolmathes demonstration. Many are keen to see what will be on the menu next year! Sally Cominos-Dakin & Chris Sakley This campus was established as a multi-purpose youth and community retreat centre and educational facility to encourage the spiritual, social, cultural, educational and sporting development of our youth in an Orthodox Christian framework. The day commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the small island style church dedicated to Panayia located in the grounds of the Campus and was followed by the official opening ceremony and lunch. The campus is located just across the road from the local beach. So, after lunch we joined the other delegates for a paddle and swim before heading back to the Gold Coast. A big thank you to those families who supported this excursion. Sally Cominos-Dakin
Page 12 Kollyva Memorials with Kollyva can not be conducted between the Sat. of Lazarus and the Sun. of St. Thomas; on the major feast days of our Lord and the Parish Church nor on the 15th Aug, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. To arrange for Kollyva, contact contact Eleni Paris on 0419 309 417 Senior Citizens We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am on Tuesdays. BYO Food Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας The Senior Citizens had a trip to the Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club on November 5th. This is an enjoyable destination for the group with the smorgasbord restaurant a real favourite. Everybody had a wonderful day as you can see by the photos below. The Seniors will be having their Christmas breakup at the Food Fantasy restaurant at Jupiters Casino on the 17th December. The luncheon starts at 12.00pm and the cost is $29.95 per person. Please book and pay with Vaso Kyriakou. The Seniors will recommence on Tuesday 4th January, 2014. We would like to thank the Senior Citizens committee for their hard work through the year and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Father Romanos Stergiou Parish Priest Email: father@gocstanna.org Phone: 07 5574 0777 Mobile: 0414 740 477 Fax: 5574 2287 Office Hours: by appointment please call directly