Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 8306 NC HWY 751, Durham NC 27713 919-484-1600 fatherstavroforos2012@gmail.com, www.stbarbarachurchnc.org News & Announcements, November 6, 2016 7th Sunday of Luke Paul the Confessor NEWCOMERS AND VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Sunday Worship Schedule: Matins 9:00 am & Divine Liturgy 10:00 am To Our Visitors and Guests We welcome you to worship with us today, whether you are an Orthodox Christian or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us. Although Holy Communion and other Sacraments are offered only to baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church, all are invited to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread) from the priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The Antidoron is not a sacrament, but it is reminiscent of the agape feast that followed worship in the ancient Christian Church. After the Divine Liturgy this morning please join us in the Church hall for fellowship and refreshments. Please complete a Visitor's Card before you leave today and drop it in the offering tray, or give it to one of the parishioners after the service, or mail it to the church Office. St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19 Today's Readings: BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three 1
years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. Πρὸς Γαλάτας 1:11-19 Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ ἄνθρωπον. Οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε ἐδιδάχθην, ἀλλὰ διʼ ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἠκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ, ὅτι καθʼ ὑπερβολὴν ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας ἐν τῷ γένει μου, περισσοτέρως ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν μου παραδόσεων. Ὅτε δὲ εὐδόκησεν ὁ θεὸς ὁ ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ, ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ ἵνα εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, εὐθέως οὐ προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι οὐδὲ ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα πρὸς τοὺς πρὸ ἐμοῦ ἀποστόλους, ἀλλὰ ἀπῆλθον εἰς Ἀραβίαν, καὶ πάλιν ὑπέστρεψα εἰς Δαμασκόν. Ἔπειτα μετὰ ἔτη τρία ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἱστορῆσαι Πέτρον, καὶ ἐπέμεινα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡμέρας δεκαπέντε. Ἕτερον δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων οὐκ εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ κυρίου. The Gospel according to Luke 8:41-56 At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 8:41-56 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ ᾧ ὄνομα Ιάειρος, καὶ αὐτὸς ἄρχων τῆς συναγωγῆς ὑπῆρχε καὶ πεσὼν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τοῦ Ιησοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ, ὅτι θυγάτηρ μονογενὴς ἦν αὐτῷ ὡς ἐτῶν δώδεκα, καὶ αὕτη ἀπέθνησκεν. Εν δὲ τῷ ὑπάγειν αὐτὸν οἱ ὄχλοι συνέπνιγον αὐτόν. καὶ γυνὴ οὖσα ἐν ῥύσει αἵματος ἀπὸ ἐτῶν δώδεκα, ἥτις ἰατροῖς προσαναλώσασα ὅλον τὸν βίον οὐκ ἴσχυσεν ὑπ οὐδενὸς θεραπευθῆναι, προσελθοῦσα ὄπισθεν ἥψατο τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου αὐτοῦ, καὶ παραχρῆμα ἔστη ἡ ῥύσις τοῦ αἵματος αὐτῆς. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ Ιησοῦς τίς ὁ ἁψάμενός μου; ἀρνουμένων δὲ πάντων εἶπεν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ ἐπιστάτα, οἱ ὄχλοι συνέχουσί σε καὶ ἀποθλίβουσι, καὶ λέγεις τίς ὁ ἁψάμενός μου; ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν ἥψατό μού τις ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔγνων δύναμιν ἐξελθοῦσαν ἀπ ἐμοῦ. ἰδοῦσα δὲ ἡ γυνὴ ὅτι οὐκ ἔλαθε, τρέμουσα ἦλθε καὶ προσπεσοῦσα αὐτῷ δι ἣν αἰτίαν ἥψατο αὐτοῦ ἀπήγγειλεν αὐτῷ ἐνώπιον παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ, καὶ ὡς ἰάθη παραχρῆμα. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῇ θάρσει, θύγατερ, ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέ σε πορεύου εἰς εἰρήνην. Ετι αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος ἔρχεταί τις παρὰ τοῦ ἀρχισυναγώγου λέγων αὐτῷ ὅτι τέθνηκεν ἡ θυγάτηρ σου μὴ σκύλλε τὸν διδάσκαλον. ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς ἀκούσας ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ λέγων μὴ φοβοῦ μόνον πίστευε, καὶ σωθήσεται. ἐλθὼν δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν οὐκ ἀφῆκεν εἰσελθεῖν οὐδένα εἰ μὴ Πέτρον καὶ Ιωάννην καὶ Ιάκωβον καὶ τὸν πατέρα τῆς παιδὸς καὶ τὴν μητέρα. ἔκλαιον δὲ πάντες καὶ ἐκόπτοντο αὐτήν. ὁ δὲ εἶπε μὴ κλαίετε οὐκ ἀπέθανεν, ἀλλὰ καθεύδει. καὶ κατεγέλων αὐτοῦ, εἰδότες ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. αὐτὸς δὲ ἐκβαλὼν ἔξω πάντας καὶ κρατήσας τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῆς ἐφώνησε λέγων ἡ παῖς, ἐγείρου. καὶ ἐπέστρεψε τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτῆς, καὶ ἀνέστη παραχρῆμα, καὶ διέταξεν αὐτῇ δοθῆναι φαγεῖν. καὶ ἐξέστησαν οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῖς. ὁ δὲ παρήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς μηδενὶ εἰπεῖν τὸ γεγονός. 2
Artoclasia - Blessing of the 5 Loaves for the health and well being of George and Maria, Vasili and Maria, James, George and Evyenia, Mike and Dino Today's Coffee Hour Marks the 31st Anniversary of the Grecian Plate Cookbook The Grecian Plate Cookbook, St. Barbara Church's award-winning cookbook, is celebrating its 31st anniversary this Sunday, November 6, with a coffee hour featuring recipes from the cookbook. The cookbook is currently in its 11th printing and has sold both nationally and internationally. Cookbooks will also be available for purchase just in time for Christmas giving to friends and family. The nearly 300 recipes are embellished with fascinating notes on the history and culture of Greece as it relates to food. The cookbook is essential to anyone interested in Greek cookery. National Philoptochos Collection for the Ecumenical Patriarchate Today in Church The National Philoptochos Commitments are adopted by the Chapter delegates at the National Philoptochos Biennial Conventions and approved by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. Each local Chapter supports these commitments through various fundraising activities. Funds are collected in specified months. In November special attention is given to our: Ecumenical Patriarchate The philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, such as Balukli Hospital and nursing home, schools, shrines and parishes, are supported through this commitment. A Philoptochos General Meeting is scheduled for today following church services. Please note this is the last meeting before the holiday season and the final meeting of 2016. Hope to see you Sunday. Yours in Christ Catherine Mariakakis - Chapter President. PROJECTS TO DATE: 2015 February 7 June 6-7 July 18 September 12 September 26 October 3 November 6 November 20-21 December 6 December 12 Gyro Day Greek Festival Gyro Feast Yard Sale Fashion Show Chicken Dinners To-go Evening of Music Joint Philoptochos/PC Fundraiser Saint Barbara Celebration Banquet Holiday Greek Pastries 2016 January 16 January 30 February 20 June 4-5 July 23 September 24 October 1 November 18-19 December 2 Evening of Music Spaghetti Event Gyro Event Greek Festival Gyro Event Evening of Jazz Greek Style Chicken Dinner & Pastry Athenian Grill and Pastry Christmas Concert 3
WE NEED YOU as a STEWARD! Our Saint Barbara Church needs each and every family to join our Stewardship Program. Our goal is to have 150 Pledged Families in the Stewardship Program. As of Sept. 30th we have 100 Pledged Families in our Stewardship Program. Please help us Reach our Goal. November of 2016 6-7th Sunday of Luke - 9 am 8 - Tuesday - Synaxis of the Archagels - 9 am 9 - Wednesday - St. Nectarios the Wonderworker - 9 am 13-8th Sunday of Luke & Feast of John Chrysostom - 9 am HOPE AND JOY ACTIVITIES - SAVE THE DATES - FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - MEETING AT THE CHURCH - TIMES TBA November 5: Peace December 3: Off because St. Barbara's Vespers January 7: Patience; Vasilopita February 4: Kindness March 4: Goodness April 1: Faithfulness May 6: Gentleness June 3: Self-Control This 2016-2107 theme is "The Fruits of the Spirit" Each session we will include fellowship and an activities based lesson on one fruit per month, 4
Phase III Building Fund Campaign (includes pledgees and donors) Pillars - $50,000 and over: None Supporters - $25,000 to $49,999: Paliouras, Jim and Helen Pappas, Ted and Theky Patrons - $10,000 to $24,999: Christakos, Dr. Arthur Mariakakis, Johnny and Catherine Marinos, Pete and Joan Anonymous Arapoglou, Alexander and Laurel Ferris, Laurice Anonymous Panos, Peter and Evelyn Providers - $1,000 to $9,999: Callahan, Katherine Marie Przybyl, Dan and Lori Constantinou, Lou Alexiades, Alec and Frances Korach, Ken and Karen Mamaies, Father Stavroforos Panov, Yuri and Elena Cocolas, George and Erie Kantner, Ed and Eve Trohanis, Donna Christie, George and Deb (In honor of John/Dena Paliouras and Jim/Helen Paliouras) Zehia, Tony and Evelyn Alexiades, Sophia Christakos, Eleni Pashales, George Wippich, Robert & Robbie Dennos, Anne Bourbous, Nick Barton, Lance and Maria (Marinos) Dates, John and Ana Paliouras, Nicholas Koutouzakis, Helen Balafas, Nicholas & Eugenia Anonymous Megaro, Matthew & Tina Sunas, Marian Venakides, Stephanos & Maria Kleoudis, Christi Livanos, George Friends - $100 to $999: Stephens, Vicky Constantinou, Costa Goodwin, Len & Elaine Chronaki, Bessie & Irene Zaferatos, Kerri Papanikas, Kleanthis & Angelika Kanaris, Paul & Margarida McCullough, Daniel & Monique Parker, Kendal (Korach) Afendoulis, Gus Thuer, Olga B. Waters, Michael Harlan, Konstantinos Bakis, George Caudle, Gordon & Sophia McWhirter, John & Mary Jon Murtos, Father Peter & Ann Livas, Katherine Grasos, V. B. Paliouras, Cind As of September 30, 2016 36 Pledgees: $235,690 23 Donors: $ 11,025 Total: $246,715 5
Pastry Sale Assembly Schedule November 6 through November 17, 2016 Sunday, November 6, 2016: All racks will be set up in the conference room. Monday, November 7, 2016 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm: Assemble Baklava in foil baking cups - Put in long trays. Sunday, November 13, 2016 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Assemble kourambiethes and finikia Monday, November 14, 2016 9:30 am to 1:30 pm We will assemble assortment boxes. Monday afternoon, November 14, 2016-2:00 pm to 5:30pm Theky Pappas and her volunteers will start assembling the orders. Tuesday, November 15, 2016-10 am to 2:00 pm Theky and her volunteers will continue assembling the orders. We will package Cheese Triangles and Spinach Triangles Wednesday, November 16, 2016-1:30 to 5:00 pm: Decorate the Social Hall Tables, Pastry Booth and Athenian Grill tables Thursday, November 17, 2016 - Contact Theky Pappas Philoptochos members may pick up their orders. Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19, 2016-11 am to 8 pm: The 12th Annual Holiday Greek Pastry Sale, and the Athenian Grill. Sunday, November 20, 2016: We need 3 ladies to sell pastries in the Social Hall after church. Contact Joan Marinos or Catherine Mariakakis and give them the times that you can assist them with this project. 6
November 18 & 19, 2016 Philoptochos 12 th Annual Holiday Greek Pastry Sale & ATHENIAN GRILL Christmas Concert Rehearsal Dates: Saturday November 12th 2 to 5 pm. Sunday November 27th 3 to 6 pm Dress Rehearsal Dear Philoptochos Ladies, Christmas Pastry Sale Work Schedule The 12th Annual Holiday Greek Pastry Sale is Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19, 2016. The work schedule for the Pastry Booth is attached. We will have two shifts for each day. Please let me know as soon as possible the times you will assist us in the booth. If you need flyers to pass out to your friends and neighbors, please let me know. Flyers are also available at the church. On the back of the Pastry Flyer is the Athenian Grill sponsored by the Parish Council. Pastry Sale orders are due by Sunday, November 13, 2016. You are our main source of advertisement. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors and let's make both Pastry Sale and Athenian Grill a great success. Love in Christ, Joan Marinos Friday, November 18, 2016 Saturday November 19, 2016 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Contact Joan Marinos to give me the hours that you can assist. 7
Hey Everyone! Re: Concert Dec. 2 Byzantine Voices Choral Society We have 3 rehearsals scheduled so far for Byzantine Voices Choral Society. Saturday November 12th in the afternoon around 2:00 Tuesday November 15th at 6:30 pm Sunday November 27th around 2:00. Please attend as many as you can of these rehearsals as they may be the only chant group sessions we have this month. Also, please do not forget that each of you has a training CD and text/music for the program which you can practice each day. Tip: begin by saying aloud the text in rhythm. Then hum melody. Put melody and words together last. This is how you have a been learning in our sessions. thanks to all of you for your contribution to this endeavor. You are all a blessing to me! -Tony Philoptochos December Dates to Remember: November 27 holiday decorations go up December 3 St Barbara vesper & reception December 10 bake sale December 11 caroling Note that the salvation army angel tree will be going up November 13. The tentative deadline for gifts being collected will be December 4 TRIANGLE YAL PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION A few reminders: -Event next week: We look forward to seeing you next Weds, Nov 9 for Paraklesis/Thanksgiving dinner at 6:30p at Holy Trinity Raleigh. We'll be sure to introduce ourselves to you. -December Event at St. Barbara's: We will shoot for a day in December to have an event (e.g. Paraklesis + maybe dinner) at St. Barbara's (but not on the feast day of St. Barbara's). We will plan for a Thursday or Friday evening and we will offer you a topic to speak on. We will follow-up soon with possible dates and in about 10-14 days about a topic we'd like you to speak on. -Hurricane Matthew: We will keep things as is with Gina re: Hurricane Matthew point person and I will talk to her and encourage her to introduce herself to you. Maybe she'll be at next week's event and we can make that introduction then. Looking ahead: -We came to the joint conclusion that it would be great to have a St. Barbara YALer serve on the steering committee starting January 2017. In the meantime, we will send blurbs/event items to Fr. Stavroforos directly and he will post them in the bulletin at St. Barbara's to spread the word at St. Barbara and help recruit future YALers.He can start by posting our "About" statement below!. 8
Blurbs/Copy to share in your newsletter: About YAL The Triangle Young Adult League (YAL) is a Pan-Orthodox Christian Young Adult Ministry for the Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) of North Carolina. We welcome all post-college young adults to join us! (note: we primarily comprise of members who are between ages 22-35). YAL's Mission: Our mission is to bring young Orthodox Christians together for Service, Fellowship, Worship and Christian Witness. We do so only with the support of all of our parishes, and the love and mentorship of the St. John the Merciful Outreach Ministry. November YAL Event to share: Wednesday, November 9th - Paraklesis and Friendsgiving potluck dinner at 6:30 at Holy Trinity Raleigh - Please join us for Paraklesis at 6:30 p.m. followed by a potluck dinner at 7:15 p.m. Please RSVP at Triangleyal@gmail.com Turkey, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and salad will be provided by the Triangle YAL steering committee. Please bring an appetizer, side dish, dessert or drink to share. Friends are welcome! Poinsettia's Can Be Ordered for the Church today! 9
PARENT MORNING COFFEE AND MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSION Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at 8:30 am Bean Traders, 105 W NC HWY, Unit 249 Blueprints for the Little Church begins by providing a theological underpinning for and explanation of the little church within the home. Creating an Orthodox home, the authors argue, is really about raising saints. I love this quote: It s not about manners it s about holiness. It s not about good behavior it s about a life given completely to God in loving humility and peace. -Blueprints for the Little Church However, just telling parents that they should raise saints can lead to frustration if there is no guidance. The book, using the wisdom of the Church fathers, provides that guidance. Organized by the three major disciplines of piety prayer, fasting, and almsgiving Blueprints for the Little Church walks families through practical ways they can involve their families in the life of the Church. What I Liked Real Examples from Real Families One of my favorite things about the book is the way that it uses real examples of real families. In every chapter there are several block quotes from Orthodox mothers and fathers about how they actually live out that particular principle (fasting, creating a routine of prayer, etc.) in their own families. This is exactly the kind of advice and encouragement that I need! It also helps readers realize that there is no one right way to incorporate Orthodox spirituality into the home. Each family is different and, therefore, their home lives will look different. Quotes from Saints I also appreciated the quotes from saints that were scattered throughout the book. I ve even typed up a few and placed them around my house! One of my favorites was from St. John Chrysostom: If the man who buried his one talent gained nothing, but was punished instead, it is obvious that one s own virtue is not enough for salvation, but the virtue of those for whom one is responsible is also required. Therefore, let us be greatly concerned for our wives and our children, and for ourselves as well, and as we educate both ourselves and them let us beg God to help us in our task. If He sees that we care about this, He will help us. -St. John Chrysostom The Appendix on the Church Calendar Finally, I also really appreciated the appendix on the church calendar. In this part of the book, the authors provide a short explanation for each feast of the Church as well as a sample craft that children could do. While I m not a particularly crafty person, I did get some ideas for my church school class. Who This Book is For I wholeheartedly recommend Blueprints for the Little Church as an excellent resource for Orthodox families. If you are an Orthodox Christian or interested in Orthodoxy: Plans are being made for a once a month parent breakfast coffee at a local coffee shop like Bean Traders, where we can talk about the book amongst ourselves with Fr. Stavroforos. If you are interested in being a part of this program please contact Summer Kinnard smkinard@gmail.com. 10
Dear 2016 Stewards of Saint Barbara Church, I am sending this to you on behalf of this year's election committee for the upcoming 2016 elections. Many of you may be considering running for the parish council, but may not be sure that you meet the requirements to put your name in for candidacy. As you can see we have three criteria for eligibility. In reading the items below if you are not certain whether or not you have met the criteria please feel free to contact those who can provide you with definite answers. If you have a question in regards to stewardship and financial eligibility contact treasurer Evelyn Zehia by e-mail <ezehia@att.net>. If you have questions in regards to your ecclesiastical eligibility contact Fr. Stavroforos by e-mail <fatherstavroforos2012@gmail.com>. If you have any questions in regards to the election process please contact a member of the elections committee. Those running the 2016 elections are Hope Odzak <hdodzak@gmail.com>, Demi Vlachos <dvlachos@nc.rr.com>, and Anne Dennos <acdennos@gmail.com>. You can put your name in nomination by e-mailing the following form to one of the members of the election committee: All nominations should be sent to the members of the election committee from the time that you receive this information all the way up to the date of the General Assembly on November 20th. Nominations will be taken from the floor at the assembly itself. Nominations for candidacy will be closed at the close of the general assembly. First time candidates will be asked to attend a seminar that will be held at Holy Trinity in Raleigh. Further Information regarding this matter will be sent to those candidates that need to meet this requirement. The ballot of eligible candidates will be prepared for elections that will be held on Sunday December 11th at Saint Barbara after the Celebration of the Divine Liturgy. What constitutes one's eligibility to run for the Parish Council and to have voting privileges? Stewardship Eligibility A candidate for the Parish Council must be a parishioner in good standing of the Parish for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the date of the election and must live his or her life in accordance with the Faith and Canons of the Church. The Priest determines whether the Parishioners are in canonical and financial good standing as specified below. (UPR Article 25 Section 2) Ecclesiastical Eligibility: 1. Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to: adhere to and to live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith; faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services; participate regularly in the holy sacraments; respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the Church; be obedient in matters of the Faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute towards the progress of the Church's sacred mission; and be an effective witness of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people. (UPR Article 18 Section 1) 2. No persons may marry more than three times in the Church, with permission for a third marriage granted only with extreme oikonomia. (Archdiocese Pastoral Guidelines) 3. In cases involving the marriage of Orthodox and non-orthodox Christians, the latter must have been baptized in water, in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Church cannot bless the marriage of an Orthodox Christian to a non-christian. (Archdiocese Pastoral Guidelines) 4. A person who belongs to a parish under the jurisdiction of a bishop who is not in communion with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, or who, if married has not had his or her marriage blessed by the Orthodox Church, or, if divorced, has not received an ecclesiastical divorce, is not ecclesiastically in good standing with the Church. However, this condition need not remain permanent. Please make an effort to speak with Fr. Stavroforos in order to be able seek his advice and counsel so that you can once again work towards you being in good standing with the Church. (Archdiocese Pastoral Guidelines) 11
5. A baptized or chrismated Orthodox Christian whose wedding has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church is no longer in good standing with the Church, and may not receive the Sacraments of the Church, including Holy Communion, or become a Sponsor of an Orthodox Marriage, Baptism or Chrismation. (Archdiocese Pastoral Guidelines) Financial Eligibility The definition of "fulfilling one's financial obligation to the Parish" is by necessity a flexible one. Generally, for purposes of voting in Parish Assemblies and elections, one is considered to have fulfilled his or her stewardship and financial obligations to the Parish if he or she has pledged and paid an amount certain for the year prior to the current year and has pledged an amount to the Parish for the current year. However, in the event an individual refuses or neglects to pledge a specific amount, but he or she has committed himself spiritually, morally and financially to the Greek Orthodox Faith and the parish and the records of the parish so reflect the financial commitment, he or she will be considered to have fulfilled his financial obligation and be eligible to vote. (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one's annual income as stated in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese.) New members to the Parish will have met their financial obligation to the Parish by merely pledging a sum certain for the current year. The same shall be true of persons not currently members in good standing.(per the Parish By- Laws) + Father Stavroforos -----------------------cut along the dotted lines and submit to election committee member--------------------- Nomination Form 2016 Name of Candidate: Address of Candidate: e-mail: phone: I have been a steward of St. Barbara since: Yes, I will attend the seminar since I am a first time candidate for the parish council : Signature 12