Page 1 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 The Chalice Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 2200 Church Road Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone (732) 255-5525 Fax (732) 255-8180 Email: saintbarbara@stbarbaranj.org Website: www.stbarbaranj.org Rev. Fr. Economos Paul Pappas Email: stbpriest@stbarbaranj.org Sunday Services Orthros 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kay Gould, Office Administrator The Chalice Editor: Kay Gould September December 2015 Internet Broadcasting is available every week for viewing of Liturgy by logging onto the church website and clicking on Live Broadcast Sept 25-27 Oct 17 Nov 1 Nov 7 Nov 13 Nov 21 Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 6 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 18 Dec 25 Dec 31 Upcoming Events Festival Faith/Hope/Joy Trunk or Treat OXI Day Program Saint Barbara Dinner Dance Philoptochos Gift Auction PTO Trip Saint Barbara Vespers Reception Saint Barbara Feast Day & Luncheon Faith/Hope/Joy Christmas Caroling GOYA Surprise Trip PTO Christmas Pageant & Brunch GOYA Christmas Caroling & Party Christmas New Year s Eve September 8 Reading: According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife. Apolytikion of Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life. Kontakion of Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
Page 2 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 My Beloved in Christ, From Your Priest s Desk Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey September 1 st is the first day of the New Ecclesiastical Year. It marks a new beginning, a fresh start for the Church. In most prominent religions other than Christianity, there are celebrations of a new year, a new beginning. For example the Native Americans would make all new pottery for their homes, then break the old pottery and begin using the new at a celebration that was held annually. It was a time for spiritual renewal for them, as well as a physical renewal for the Native Americans. For Orthodox Christians, this is our celebration of a new church year. The major feasts of Pascha and Pentecost are behind us, we now look forward to renewing the cycle of remembering Christ's Holy Life. In the months ahead we will remember Christ's birth during the Nativity Season. We will celebrate His Holy Baptism, which made the waters of Baptism Holy and Life-Giving for us. Today the cycle of the commemoration of Christ's Life is starting over again. There is wisdom in this renewing cycle. As we observe the seasons change, we also observe the Scripture readings, and Fasts and Feast Days of the church change. Each reading, each Fast, each Feast Day is designed as an aid in teaching us the Holy Life of Christ and His Compassion for us. In the early church people were not educated like we are today. Many could not read and write. They depended on the church to teach them the Life of Christ. They looked to the Church to educate them in the way to follow the life of Christ. The Holy Church responsive to the needs of the people, used Holy Icons, Scripture, and Fasts, and Feast Days to teach the people. A person could enter a church and look at the Holy Icons and receive a beautiful sermon in color. A window to Heaven, a way to learn through sight and touch. Veneration and respect of the Holy Icons, (teaching windows to Heaven), included kissing the icons as an act of showing their love for the saints depicted on the icons, not out of worship of the icon, but as a symbol of love and respect for Holy Things and people. Just as a soldier might take out a picture of their spouse and children and kiss them before they fall asleep at night to express their deep love for them, so we as Orthodox Christians kiss the Holy Icons to express our love for our Brethren in Christ who are now part of the Church Triumphant in Heaven. The soldier is not worshiping their family by kissing their picture; the soldier is merely expressing their love for their family. The same holds true for the Orthodox Christian that kisses a Holy Icon. As we begin the Liturgical year, let us make a pledge within ourselves to live this year with the Church and Christ as our focal point. Let us make an effort to
Page 3 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 to put Christ first in our lives. When your life revolves around Jesus Christ, you will notice that everything falls into place as it should. Many people look for different focuses in their lives; they often center their lives on things other than Christ. When a person centers their life on temporary things, they are almost always sorely disappointed by those temporary things, only to end up lost and disoriented. A person that centers their life on Christ and His Holy Church will live a well balanced life. The focal point of this person s life will always be there, it will be a shining beacon to lead them to the truth. Christ said, "Seek Ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and its Righteousness, and all things will be added unto you"! This is truth! Jesus Christ should be your focus for this new Liturgical year. Why do people fail in their resolutions, why do people become dis-enchanted, and lethargic? It s because their resolutions are based on earthly things. They are based on things that will perish. When you make a resolution to focus on Christ, the object of your focus will never fail, He will never forsake you, He will never perish, and by making your focus on Him and His Holy Precepts and Teachings, you will never perish as well. No matter what your profession, no matter what your marital status, no matter what station in life you currently hold, you are welcome to start over with a new beginning. Refresh yourself in the Holy Spirit of God, all of us have the ability to declare a new beginning and leave the past behind us. Let s take this opportunity today as the Holy Church begins a new Liturgical year, to start over, to remember the Grace we received from our Baptism, to dwell on things that are Holy and Righteous, to worship in Spirit and Truth, to follow the Holy Teachings of Christ, to make Him the very Center Point of our lives. In other words, let s have a blessed new Church Year through the Grace of our Lord. In His service, A PRAYER FOR A NEW BEGINNING In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As we start our new Church year, O Lord, we ask that You would enable us by the power of The Holy Spirit to place our lives entirely in Your Holy Hands. Grant us Lord, Your Divine, Saving Grace that we may live according to Your Holy Precepts. Guide us, teach us, and empower us with the strength to overturn temptation. Establish our souls on firm, solid ground that we may build upon a foundation unshaken by the woes of this sinful world. Cleanse us from every stain or defilement of flesh and spirit, that we may start our new beginning revitalized by Your Holy Grace. Hear us, Heavenly Father, as we acknowledge that on our own, we do not have the power to make or follow through on any resolution. But by calling upon Your strength and guidance, we may accomplish this new beginning. AMEN.
Fellow Parishioners: Page 4 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Parish Council President s Message I hope that all of you had a very happy, enjoyable, and fun-filled summer. The summer months always seem to fly by. On May 8, 2015, Saint Barbara hosted its annual fashion show tropical soirée at the Versailles Ballroom in Toms River. Chairwoman Theodora Sergiou and her hard working committee organized a beautiful affair that was attended by 160 parishioners and guests. Everyone had a wonderful time seeing the latest fashions and accessories on our parishioner models, who partnered with Donovan Catholic students, and on our Church youth models. There was a lovely gift auction that everyone admired and music too. The proceeds of the fashion show were for the Saint Barbara Parish Athletic Center and the Habitat for Humanity. There was also an article and pictures of the fashion show in Industry magazine. Please mark your calendars for next year s fashion show on May 13, 2016. On May 11, 2015 at the Metropolis Clergy Laity conference hosted by The Venetian in Garfield, N.J., the following parishioners were honored by the Metropolis: Aris Floros, member of the Parish Council; Maria Kaiafas, Philoptochos; Chloe Genakos, GOYA; Sophia Karakoglou, community honoree; and Steven Vogios, most senior steward. All were honored at the Grand Banquet. On June 3, 2015, Saint Barbara hosted a golf tournament at the Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood. It was a very successful fundraiser for Saint Barbara with 87 golfers and 27 sponsors. Many thanks to chairman George Gkionis, Co-chairman John Gkionis, and their terrific committee for planning this event. The golf course was closed for the afternoon just for the Saint Barbara golf tournament. After the golf tournament, there was a dinner reception which was attended by 100 people. During the dinner reception festivities, there was a gift auction and prizes for the golfers. It was a fun-filled day for all. Next year the golf outing is tentatively scheduled for June 8, 2016 at the Woodlake Country Club. Over the summer months, the Church was still active. From June 22-25, 2015, the Church hosted Camp Saint Barbara. There were approximately 30 campers and the camp organizers were Marina Papanikolas and Chrysanthe Patestos. There were many activities for the children at the camp and there were field trips to Silverton Farms, the Ocean County planetarium and Island Beach State Park. On September 25-27, 2015, the Church will be having its annual festival, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Church. Chairman Sotiris Sergiou and the festival committee are working very hard preparing for the festival. As all of you know, the success of the festival depends on the entire Saint Barbara community. It is critical to the Church that many volunteers participate at the festival. A festival ad journal will be distributed at the festival. The festival ad journal proved to be very successful last year. Personal or business ads are welcome. Please contact Tasos Papanikolas to place your ad. Please mark your calendars for the Church dinner dance on November 7, 2015 which will be held at the Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle. More details will follow. Good health and prosperity to everyone as we begin our new Ecclesiastical year. Lou Karagias, President
Page 5 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 ~PARISH NEWS~ PHILOPTOCHOS Love in Action Let All That You Do Be Done With Love The second half of 2015 has been a very busy time for Philoptochos starting with our gift auction in May. This event was once again co-chaired by Presbytera Donna Pappas and Cindy Lobman. The auction was well attended and a financial success for our ministry. Great thanks to all who donated many beautiful gifts for this good cause. We are looking forward to again presenting this event on Friday, November 13, 2015. Anyone who would like to lend a helping hand in November would be greatly appreciated. Our elections took place this spring and a new board of dedicated women was voted in along with a new Executive Board. The following comprise the 2015-2017 Executive Board: President- Valasia Schaefer, First Vice- President- Goldie Marousis, Second Vice-President- Cindy Lobman, Corresponding Secretary- Lambia Heilman, Recording Secretary- Betty Hoffman, Treasurer- Stella Zizos, Asst. Treasurer- Elaine Gregory, and Advisor- Demetria Linardakis. Philoptochos would like to acknowledge the dedication and love that Dee has put into the past four years as President and thank her for the many many hours she has volunteered for St. Barbara s Parish. On August 15 th we will be hosting Panaghia s Breakfast following the liturgy. This wonderful breakfast is chaired by Stella Zizos, Elaine Peters, and Cindy Lobman. Every year this tireless trio of women set up this beautiful event with love in their hearts. A big thank you to Stella, Elaine, and Cindy. With the festival coming near we would like to announce our very important baking dates which will take place at the church. August 25 and 27, September 8, 10, and 12. All are invited to come and help with the baking that is such an important part of our festival. Lastly our Welcome Aboard pot luck dinner will take place on Tuesday October 20 th at 6:30. All current members are invited and we would love to have anyone interested in becoming a new member to join us on this night. Valasia Schaefer, Philoptochos President SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Welcome back to another AWESOME year of Sunday School! We hope you had a relaxing summer and are ready for the exciting year we have planned! In-person Sunday School registration and a Meet the Teachers Day will be held on Sunday, September 13 th in the church hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with Sunday School teachers to ask questions, discuss concerns, and review curriculum for the upcoming year. If you are unable to attend the in-person registration event, registration may be completed by filling out the registration form found in The Chalice or outside the church office. Additionally, registration forms are available online at www.stbarbaranj.org. Sunday School officially begins on October 4 th. Please have your children in church, seated in the designated Sunday School area by 9:15am. The Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:30am. Following Holy Communion, Fr. Paul will offer the Blessing of the Waters. This is a beautiful way for your children to start their Sunday School year! The PTO will be hosting a welcome back party after church for all the children! We hope you will join us. Your Sunday School Directors, Pamela Cousoulis Chrysanthe Patestos Annette Wilk Dearest Fellow Parishioners, P.T.O. Summer is over and another school year is ahead of us, along with our new PTO calendar of events. It is with great pleasure that I announce to you our 2015-16 board members: Vicky Constantinou-President, Cindy Rossi- Vice President, Aphrodite Ioannidis-Treasurer, and Anna Casey-Secretary. Wishing you all best of luck!!! I would like to welcome back our Greek school teachers, Kyria Stavroula and Kyria Theano, and extend a special welcome our new Greek school teacher Kyria Marina Papanikolas!! We wish them a successful and productive school year.
Page 6 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Stanley Stellakis will continue to be our Greek dance teacher and will start festival practices on September 14th. As always, our Greek Festival is on the last weekend of September (the 25th, 26th & 27th). This is a very busy time for our parish, so please see the sign-up sheets and sign up at the PTO booth or anywhere else needed. With everybody's help and commitment, we can have another successful and profitable festival. October is a very busy month for our PTO. On October 4th we will have a "Welcome Back" party for all the children and Sunday School teachers, and on October 18th we will have our annual PTO Bake sale. So ladies, get those recipes out and let's get busy baking some pies, koulourakia (cookies), baklava or any other dessert that you would like to share with us. Finally, October 25 th is OXI Day, the day our Greek school children recite their poems. Save the Date of December 19th for our annual Christmas trip!! Details to soon follow! Lastly, in December we will be getting ready for our annual Christmas Pageant and brunch. Our special guest from the North Pole will visit our St. Barbara children and listen to their wish lists. So much to do, so much to accomplish, but with team work, determination and above all faith in our loving God, everything and anything is possible. Thank you all for your continued love and support!!! Become a PTO member and make a difference in your child's life. Remember, our children are the future of our beloved Saint Barbara's Church!!! Much Love & Respect, Vicky Constantinou, PTO President GOYA There is nothing quite like a fresh start! Cheers to another year of GOYA and a chance for all of us to create stronger bonds with one another, participate in more activities and most importantly develop an incredible relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Goyans! We are all so excited to get to know each and everyone of you and cannot wait to make you feel at home. Church truly is our second home and we are all one big family, so welcome! I also would like to congratulate our 2015-2016 board, which includes: Brendon Hudak, Emilio Emnance III, Steven Floros, Anna Scott, Andreas Sergiou, Lauren Galazzo (Treasurer), Elena Patestos (Secretary), Florentina Sergiou (Vice President) and Marielle Marlys (President). The official start of our year will begin with the swearing in of our board after Divine Liturgy in the beginning of September. Following this will be our first GOYA meeting. This is a great opportunity for everyone to register for GOYA and sign up for our many upcoming events. The first event will take place on Sunday, September 27th, GOYA will be traveling to Asbury Park for the annual Diving of the Cross. Each year Goyans represent their church while attempting to retrieve the cross that is thrown into the blessed waters by Metropolitan Evangelos. Proudly representing Toms River for the senior division are Elena Patestos and Emilio Emnance III. Our Junior divers are Erin Chavan and Aris Condos! We send them lots of luck and prayers as this event quickly approaches. Of course September also brings one of the most anticipated events of the year, the annual Greek Festival. Throughout the weekend Goyans and their parents will volunteer countless hours while working the Lemonade Stand. We will ensure that all our customers are kept hydrated, happy and are able to experience our culture. In addition Goyans will also wow the audience with a traditional Greek dance performance! As one fun filled month draws to a close, another will soon begin. Marielle Marlys and George Roeber will be competing for the coveted titles of Miss and Mr. GOYA on October 11 th at the Pines Manor. Goyans will be able to reunite and spend time with their friends from other parishes as this is the first regional event of the season! October also means that volleyball and basketball games and practices are in full swing. Almost every Sunday the Toms River teams will either host games or attend other parishes. We are so blessed, honored, and proud to show Goyans from other churches our PAC! In November GOYA will host a bake sale where parishioners can buy delicious treats and pre-order their Christmas cookie trays! The yummy cookies that make up the trays are generously donated by families of our Goyans and are assembled by our Goyans! As we embrace the holiday season a favorite event for many of our Goyans is the annual Christmas caroling and party. Each December we all gather at the church and take the bus to various restaurants and homes to spread holiday cheer. Following the classical Christmas carols is a fun gift exchange back at the church.
Page 7 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 With God s blessing we are sure to have a wonderful and successful GOYA year. As president, I hope and pray to make a positive impact on the community of St. Barbara and do everything in my power to honor the community that has helped raise and love me infinitely. I cannot wait to make this an unforgettable year for all with the help of my fellow Goyans, advisors and parish. God Bless, Marielle Marlys GOYA President Faith/Hope/Joy Love Your Neighbor Become More Like Jesus Do you have children ages PreK-6 th grade? Sign them up for FAITH (PreK). HOPE (K-2 nd ), or JOY (3 rd -6 th )! They ll enjoy FUN & FELLOWSHIP during the school year on the 1 st Friday of the month from 6pm-8pm, plus some extra awesome activities throughout the year! The mission of FAITH, HOPE & JOY is to strengthen your child s relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through fun and creative activities which focus on worship, witness, service and fellowship, children will build a foundation of faith and begin to understand Orthodox Christianity. This year s theme is Love Thy Neighbor. The children of FAITH, HOPE & JOY will be learning to show God s love through community service, fellowship with other parish youth groups and participation in meaningful projects and fun activities. Registration forms for FAITH, HOPE & JOY can be found outside the church office. A voluntary donation of $10 per child will help defray the cost of craft supplies for the year. If you are interested in helping out for the year, please contact Fr. Paul or one of the FAITH, HOPE & JOY Advisors. In His Service, Your FAITH, HOPE & JOY Ministry Team Despina Boutsikaris Pam Cousoulis Amy Crist Chrysanthe Patestos Maria Vasilakis Kali Parea As we approach the end of 2015, Kali Parea will be celebrating our 30th anniversary with a luncheon sometime this fall at our fellowship hall. Could you believe that thirty years have gone by so quickly? Kali Parea is also planning a trip on September 29th to the World Trade Center Memorial and let's not forget our annual Christmas Party at the Clarion in Tom River December 12th from 12:00 noon till 4:00 PM. Admission $35.00 per person. Please join us for an afternoon of Christmas spirit. Contact Chairperson Ziggy Manos at 1-732-286-9058 In the past months we celebrated Fourth of July with a picnic / luncheon and on the 14th of July, fourteen of us went to see Twist and Shout at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. A great musical show featuring music of the 50s and 60s. A luncheon was served and a good time was had by all. New members are always welcome to join us at Kali Parea. We meet every Wednesday at our fellowship hall from 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM. Please join us for a afternoon of refreshments and games. Wishing everyone a Joyous Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year! God Bless, Arthur (Duke) Chaconis - Advisor A.H.E.P.A Ocean County Chapter #467 Dear Parishioners, Thank you all for your support of the New Year's party. Out next event is our cruise in June, as we did last year, to be followed by a couple of other events that will be posted later in the year. We are looking for new members in order to keep the Greek Spirit alive here in the USA. The organization has a lot to offer and I dare you to go on our AHEPA website (www.ahepa.org) to see what we have to offer, what AHEPA has done for this great country, the USA, Greece, Cyprus, and locally. Since 1922, when AHEPA was originally created in order to help our Greek brothers who were new in this country,
Page 8 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 our organization has come a long way. Please, do not let the hard work of your fathers, brothers, uncles, and cousins go to waste. ΖΗΤΟ Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ, God Bless America and Freedom for Cyprus. Savvas M. Kyriacou, Chapter # 467 President DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Aphrodite Chapter #374 Greetings from the Daughters of Penelope, The Daughters of Penelope ended their year with a luncheon meeting in June and began to make plans for the upcoming year. The Daughters of Penelope are looking forward to begin their new year at the festival with Penelope s Treasurers. We will be looking once again for donations to be sold at that time. We will also be selling Christmas Ornaments during the festival. YiaYia s Soup to Go will begin in October after church. The Daughters of Penelope will host several other events in order to support St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, the Ocean-Monmouth Food Bank to name a few of our events to support our Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence, locally and nationally. Thank you to all who helped to make last year s events successful by supporting us in our endeavors as we continue to promote philanthropic, educational and cultural activities with local chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece and Cyprus. If you would like to join the Daughters of Penelope, please email kalexis117@gmail.com, call 732-691-0161 or speak with one of our DOP. Karen Alexis Marousis PDG, Chapter President Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon, you know. Same products, same prices, same service. 1. Go to smile.amazon.com 2. Sign into your amazon.com account. If you do not have one, easily create one by clicking Create an account. 3. Once you have signed into your account, AmazonSmile will then ask you to choose a charitable organization. This search box will appear in the middle of the page: 4. Type St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church into the search box. 5. Click the yellow Select button for St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River, NJ 6. Now any time you purchase on AmazonSmile, 0.5 percent will be donated to Saint Barbara! Memorial Garden Memorialize your loved ones with Saint Memorial an engraving in Barbara s Garden The cost of engraving is $200 per name. Forms are available in the Church Office or on our website, www.stbarbaranj.org.
Page 9 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 ~ COUNSELS FOR LIFE ~ from the Life and teachings of Father Epiphanios Theodoropoulos When people treat you unjustly, God justifies us. People are governed with two qualities: with humility and love. The devil pushes us to sin, but the last yes we say. Quite a few people are ungrateful. If we wait for repayment, we will get upset. If, though, we don t wait for any, then we are calm. Let us accept people as they are and not as we want them to be. Don t glue yourselves before the television. Don t forget that the button is not only used to open it, but for us to close it, too. Guard yourselves from this means of mass blindness. Don t abuse animals. A righteous one has compassion on the souls of his beasts, while the innards of the impious are unmerciful (Proverbs 12:10). If something is harmful, kill it without torturing it. Speak more to God about your children, rather than to your children about God. For the correct, Christian upbringing of your children: few words, much example, and more prayer are necessary. Parents must love their children as their children and not their idols. That is, they should love the child as he or she is and not as they would wish he or she is, that is reassembling them. Events which now seem like misfortunes later on prove to be God s blessings. If afflictions did not exist, we would not seek Paradise. We should accept afflictions just as we accept the hardship of a surgical operation in order to secure our health. Pain humbles man. And the more he is humbled, the more he approaches God. In great afflictions only God can console. For this reason, the best thing is prayer and not so much words of consolation. In times of affliction, look at the Crucified One. The institution of fasting is necessary. I fear much that those who consciously ignore the practice of fasting, without having health reasons, are not really interested in the salvation of their souls. When you work, it is both allowed and imposed that you pray. But when you pray, you should not work.
Page 10 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Epiphanios (Theodoropoulos) Elder Epiphanios of Athens (Theodoropoulos) was a priestmonk in the twentieth century who served the Church in Athens. Biographical Timeline 1930 Dec 27: Etioklis Theodoropoulos was born to John and Georgia who lived in Vornazion, in the southwest Peloponnese. 1932: From two years of age, Etioklis would tell people that he wanted to be a priest. 1935: At five, Etioklis attended all services of his parish, fasting and preparing for Holy Communion as an adult would. He would also arrive early for church, often before the priest. Etioklis was sent to school in the nearest large town, Kalamata, excelling in all his studies except mathematics. In junior high school, Etioklis began his theological training on his own. He also spent a great deal of time in his parish, attending services, and also at monasteries, especially Voulcanou Monastery near Kalamata. 1949: Etioklis moved to Athens after completing his studies. He enrolled at the Theological School of the University of Athens. Despite being asked by his professors to continue graduate studies abroad and become a lecturer, Etioklis refused, wanting to enter a monastery. He frequently visited the Monastery of Longovarda on Paros, and the abbot, Elder Philotheos, was his spiritual father until his repose. 1956 Nov: Etioklis was ordained to the diaconate by Metropolian Ierotheos of Aitolia and Akarnania, and given the name Epiphanios. He had waited until he was 25, in obedience to the canons. In the same year, he published Holy Scripture and the Evil Spirits, his first book. 1961: Dcn Epiphanios was ordained to the priesthood in his thirtieth year, again in obedience to the canons, by Metropolitan Ambrose of Eleutheropolis. As a living, he worked as an editor of the Astir publishing house. He served at a chapel of the Three Great Hierarchs in downtown Athens, fulfilling his wish to keep a quiet life; however, people flocked to him for guidance and spiritual comfort. 1965: Elder Epiphanios, aside from serving as a priest and confessor, also wrote twenty-two books and many articles in service to the Church. He was asked many times to become a bishop, but he refused the honour. Elder Epiphanios kept a strict rule of prayer, despite being in the middle of Athens and being constantly beset with pastoral work. He would, having read morning prayers, read the service of Matins along with the canons from the Menaion and the Paraklitiki. After this, he would study or write, then perform pastoral work until lunchtime. Instead of lunch, he would meet with people or speak on the telephone. At about 5pm, he would serve Vespers and a supplicatory canon. He then would go to his chapel and hear confessions, then would visit the sick and suffering in hospital. When he returned he would have people waiting for him or telephone calls to receive. After a late dinner, he would read Small Compline and the Akathist to the Mother of God. He would then attempt to sleep. Elder Epiphanios suffered from insomnia, and prayed for divine assistance. He picked up the New Testament one night, searching for understanding, and saw 2 Cor 12:7, which spoke about a thorn in the flesh; Elder Epiphanios was glad, knowing that his suffering was allowed by God. He asked God for assistance twice more, and on opening the New Testament again, received the same response. He was not willing to ask a fourth time. 1982 Dec: Elder Epiphanios was diagnosed with pre-canceric gastrorrhagia and operated on. Three quarters of his stomach was removed. He had continued poor health and eventually was confined to his bed. 1989 Nov 10: Having arranged for his funeral and burial, and being spiritually prepared, Elder Epiphanios reposed at 58 years of age.
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Page 12 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Registry Statistics 2014 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
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Page 14 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Greek School Graduation GOYA Olympics Golf Outing
Page 15 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Camp Saint Barbara
Page 16 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Ο κόσμος των Αγγέλων (Αρχιμανδρίτου Ιωάννου Καραμούζη) Η Αγία Γραφή και η Ιερά Παράδοση φιλοξενούν πολυάριθμες μαρτυρίες σχετικά με την ύπαρξη και τη δράση των αγγέλων. Μετά από τη πτώση των πρωτοπλάστων άγγελοι φυλάσσουν το Παράδεισο, άγγελοι διδάσκουν στον Αδάμ τον τρόπο καλλιέργειας της γης, ενώ άγγελοι εμφανίζονται στον Αβραάμ, το Λωτ, κατά την έξοδο των Ισραηλιτών από την Αίγυπτο και σε πολλούς από τους προφήτες. Στο κείμενο της Καινής Διαθήκης οι άγγελοι μνημονεύονται σε πολλά χωρία, εκ των οποίων τα ενδεικτικότερα είναι κατά τον Ευαγγελισμό της Θεοτόκου και καθ όλη τη πορεία του Ιησού από τη Γέννηση μέχρι και την Ανάληψή του. Δημιουργία και σκοπός ύπαρξης των αγγέλων Οι άγγελοι δημιουργήθηκαν πριν από τον υλικό κόσμο, αφού στο βιβλίο της Π.Δ. «Ιώβ» παρουσιάζεται ο Θεός να μιλά και να ομολογεί ότι μόλις δημιούργησε τα άστρα, όλοι οι άγγελοι τον ύμνησαν με δοξολογίες. Ενώ και ο Μέγας Βασίλειος αναφέρει ότι πριν τη δημιουργία του υλικού κόσμου υπήρχε υπέρχρονη και πρεσβύτερη κατάσταση, που είναι ο κόσμος των αγγέλων. Ο τρόπος με τον οποίο δημιουργήθηκαν από το Θεό δεν μας είναι γνωστός. Ωστόσο μπορούμε να λάβουμε μία εικόνα γι αυτόν μέσα από την διδασκαλία του αγίου Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου, ο οποίος λέγει ότι οι αγγελικές δυνάμεις δημιουργήθηκαν μόλις ο Θεός συνέλαβε την ιδέα της δημιουργίας τους. Δηλαδή η απόφαση του Θεού να δημιουργήσει τον αγγελικό κόσμο, σήμανε ταυτόχρονα και τη δημιουργία του. Ο σκοπός της δημιουργίας των αγγέλων δεν έχει να κάνει με κάποια ανάγκη του Θεού. Δεν είναι δυνατό ο υλικός ή ακόμη και αυτός ο πνευματικός κόσμος να μπορεί να προσφέρει κάτι επιπλέον στη δόξα του Θεού. Ο σκοπός της δημιουργίας των αγγέλων φανερώνεται από τον άγιο Ιωάννη τον Χρυσόστομο, ο οποίος λέγει ότι ο Θεός τους έδωσε ύπαρξη και ζωή γι αυτούς τους ίδιους, με κίνητρο την «εκστατική» του αγάπη και αγαθότητα και με σκοπό να συμμεριστούν ως λογικά όντα τη μακαριότητά του. Μετέχουν στη Θεία μακαριότητα και τρέφονται με τη διαρκή θέα του προσώπου του Θεού. Ωστόσο αυτή η συμμετοχή στη θεία μακαριότητα ωθεί τις αγγελικές δυνάμεις σε μία συνεχή ανοδική πορεία, σε μία πορεία προς τη πνευματική τελειότητα. Φύση και Χαρακτηριστικά των αγγέλων Ο άγιος Ιωάννης ο Δαμασκηνός προσπαθώντας να δώσει έναν ορισμό περί των αγγέλων λέγει ότι είναι φύσεις νοερές, αεικίνητες, αυτεξούσιες, ασώματες. Υπηρετούν το θεό και είναι κατά χάριν αθάνατες. Η φύση των αγγέλων είναι πνευματική. Επειδή όμως απολύτως άϋλος και ασώματος νοείται μόνο ο θεός, γι αυτό το αγγελικό σώμα νοείται ως αιθέριο, πυροειδές, ταχύτατο και πολύ λεπτότερο από τη γνωστή μας ύλη. Οι άγγελοι ως προς τη προαίρεση είναι ελεύθεροι και τρεπτοί, έχοντας δυνατότητα να προκόπτουν στο αγαθό, αλλά και να τρέπονται στο κακό. Οι νοερές δυνάμεις διαθέτουν σύμφωνα με τον άγιο Γρηγόριο Παλαμά νου και λόγο, δίχως όμως «πνεύμα ζωοποιό» επειδή δεν έχουν σώμα. Γι αυτό δεν συνάγουν τη θεία γνώση μέσα από τις αισθήσεις ή από
Page 17 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 αναλύσεις λογισμών, αλλά μένοντας καθαροί από κάθε υλικό στοιχείο συλλαμβάνουν τα νοητά νοερώς και αϋλως. Παρ όλη τη καθαρότητα και απλότητα της αγγελικής φύσης, οι άγγελοι είναι δεκτικοί της κακίας. Έτσι μπορούν να επιλέξουν τη συνεχή προαγωγή στην άνωθεν Γνώση και τη κοινωνία της Αγάπης ή την άρνηση αυτής της Αγαθότητας. Αποτέλεσμα της ελευθερίας τους είναι και η πτώση του τάγματος του Εωσφόρου. Αυτό το αγγελικό τάγμα δεν αρκέστηκε στη θαυμαστή λαμπρότητά του, αρνήθηκε την ιεραρχημένη πρόοδο της θείας γνώσης και θέλησε τη πλήρη και άμεση εξομοίωσή του με το Θεό. Γι αυτό το λόγο ηθελημένα δόθηκε στη κακία, στερήθηκε την αληθινή ζωή, την οποία μόνο του (το τάγμα των δαιμόνων) αρνήθηκε. Κατ αυτό τον τρόπο έγιναν πνεύματα νεκρά αφού απέβαλαν την αληθινή ζωή και δεν αισθάνονται κόρο από την ορμή τους προς τη κακία προσθέτοντας με άθλιο τρόπο διαρκώς κακία επάνω στην ήδη υπάρχουσα. Οι άγγελοι όμως που δεν ακολούθησαν τον Εωσφόρο στην αποστασία του, απέκτησαν το χάρισμα της τέλειας ατρεψίας και ακινησίας προς το κακό. Αυτό συνέβη με την ενανθρώπηση, τη σταυρική θυσία και την ανάσταση του Χριστού, αφού έμαθαν ότι ο δρόμος που οδηγεί στην ομοίωση με το Θεό δεν είναι η έπαρση, αλλά η ταπείνωση. Η ακινησία των αγγέλων προς το κακό δεν σημαίνει ότι εξαφανίζεται το αυτεξούσιό τους, αλλά ότι εξαγιάζεται με τη χάρη του Αγίου Πνεύματος. Οι άγγελοι έχουν μεγαλύτερες και ανώτερες γνωστικές ικανότητες από τους ανθρώπους. Βέβαια δεν είναι ούτε παντογνώστες, ούτε παντοδύναμοι όπως ο Θεός. Δεν προγνωρίζουν τα μέλλοντα, παρά μόνο αν τους τα αποκαλύψει ο Θεός, ούτε γνωρίζουν τι ακριβώς κρύβεται στη καρδιά κάθε ανθρώπου. Δεν γνωρίζουν πότε θα γίνει η συντέλεια του κόσμου και η Δευτέρα παρουσία του Χριστού. Η μετακίνησή τους γίνεται ταχύτατα, αλλά δεν είναι πανταχού παρόντες. Κάθε φορά βρίσκονται σε συγκεκριμένο τόπο, δίχως να γνωρίζουν το τι συμβαίνει αλλού. Δεν έχουν φύλο, γιατί η φύση τους είναι πνευματική, ενώ δεν χρειάζονται τροφή για να ζήσουν, ή ανάπαυση για να ξεκουραστούν, αλλά ούτε πεθαίνουν και ούτε πολλαπλασιάζονται. Η αθανασία τους δεν πηγάζει από τη φύση τους, αλλά επειδή μετέχουν «κατά χάριν» στην αγιότητα του Θεού. Διάταξη των αγγέλων Ο αριθμός των αγγελικών όντων είναι ανυπολόγιστος και απροσμέτρητος. Ο ίδιος ο Ιησούς ομιλεί στη Γεσθημανή για περισσότερες από δώδεκα λεγεώνες αγγέλων, ενώ ο Ευαγγελιστής Ιωάννης μαρτυρεί ότι είδε και άκουσε γύρω από το Θεϊκό θρόνο χορωδία από μυριάδες μυριάδων και χιλιάδες χιλιάδων αγγέλων. Όλοι αυτοί οι αναρίθμητοι άγγελοι είναι οργανωμένοι σε τάγματα ή αλλιώς σε τάξεις. Συγκεντρώνοντας τις αναφορές σε αυτό το θέμα του Προφήτη Ησαϊα, του προφήτη Ιεζεκιήλ, του αποστόλου Παύλου, του αγίου Διονυσίου του αρεοπαγίτη και του Οσίου Νικήτα Στηθάτου, μπορούμε να καταλήξουμε στα εξής:
Page 18 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Τα τάγματα των αγγέλων είναι εννέα, τα οποία ταξινομούνται σε τρεις τρίχορες ιεραρχίες ή ταξιαρχίες, κατά τον ακόλουθο τρόπο: Σεραφείμ, Χερουβείμ, Θρόνοι - Κυριότητες, Δυνάμεις, Εξουσίες - Αρχές, Αρχάγγελοι, Άγγελοι. Ιδίωμα της πρώτης ιεραρχίας είναι η πύρινη σοφία και η γνώση των ουρανίων, ενώ έργο τους ο θεοπρεπής ύμνος του «γελ». Η δεύτερη ιεραρχία έχει ως ιδίωμα τη διευθέτηση των μεγάλων πραγμάτων και την διενέργεια των θαυμάτων, ενώ έργο τους είναι ο τρισάγιος ύμνος «Άγιος, Άγιος, Άγιος». Τέλος ιδίωμα της τρίτης ιεραρχίας είναι να εκτελούν θείες υπηρεσίες και έργο τους αποτελεί ο ύμνος «Αλληλούϊα». Πέρα από τα ονόματα των εννέα τάξεων, η Αγία Γραφή μας φανερώνει και τα προσωπικά ονόματα ορισμένων αγγέλων. Γνωρίζουμε το Γαβριήλ, που σημαίνει «ήρωας του Θεού», από την εμφάνισή του στο προφήτη Δανιήλ, στο προφήτη Ζαχαρία και στη Θεοτόκο. Γνωρίζουμε το Μιχαήλ, που σημαίνει «τις ως ο Θεός ημών», ενώ εμφανίζεται πολλές φορές στη Παλαιά Διαθήκη. Ο Ραφαήλ είναι ο τρίτος άγγελος που γνωρίζουμε, το όνομά του σημαίνει «ο Κύριος θεραπεύει» και εμφανίζεται στον Τωβίτ μεταφέροντας τις ανθρώπινες προσευχές στο θρόνο του Θεού. Τέλος γνωστός από την εβραϊκή παράδοση είναι και ο Ουριήλ. Έργο των αγγέλων Οι άγγελοι πραγματοποιούν τριπλό έργο. Πρώτα απ όλα δοξολογούν ακατάπαυστα το Θεό. Αυτή η δοξολογία δεν τους έχει επιβληθεί ως εντολή, αλλά είναι τελείως αυθόρμητη, που ξεπηγάζει από τους ίδιους, όταν αντικρύζουν το κάλλος του Θεϊκού προσώπου και τα μεγαλεία της δημιουργίας του. Τη νύχτα των Χριστουγέννων π.χ. εμφανίσθηκε πλήθος στρατιάς ουρανίου που αινούσε το Θεό για το γεγονός της θείας ενσαρκώσεως. Το δεύτερο έργο τους είναι η διακονία στη Θεία Οικονομία. Νιώθουν τόση αγάπη και ευγνωμοσύνη προς το Πλάστη τους και σφοδρή επιθυμία για τη δική τους πρόοδο, ώστε να διακονούν τα μυστήρια της Θείας Οικονομίας. Τα αγγελικά τάγματα μεταδίδουν ιεραρχικά το φωτισμό και τη γνώση το ένα στο άλλο. Τις αποκαλύψεις του Θεού τις διδάσκουν οι ανώτερες τάξεις στις κατώτερες και όταν επιτρέψει ο Θεός να αποκαλυφθεί κάποιο μυστήριο σε νου αγίου ανθρώπου, αυτό θα γίνει ιεραρχικά. Το τρίτο έργο των αγγελικών δυνάμεων αφορά τη σωτηρία των ανθρώπων. Με αυτό επιφορτίσθηκαν μετά την δημιουργία του ανθρώπου και το επιτελούν με ιδιαίτερη προθυμία και χαρά, αφού κάθε φορά που μετανοεί ένας άνθρωπος για τις αμαρτίες του, πανηγυρίζουν και χαίρονται στον ουρανό. Στο αρχαιότατο έργο «ποιμήν» του Ερμά, γίνεται λόγος για τον προσωπικό φύλακα άγγελο κάθε ανθρώπου. Αυτός μάλιστα είναι τρυφερός, σεμνός, πράος, διδάσκει στην ανθρώπινη καρδιά τη δικαιοσύνη και το δρόμο προς το αγαθό. Και άλλοι πατέρες της εκκλησίας μας διδάσκουν ότι απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση παραμονής του φύλακα αγγέλου δίπλα στον άνθρωπο, είναι ο άγιος βίος, διαφορετικά απομακρύνεται εξ αιτίας των πονηρών και αμαρτωλών έργων. Ο άγγελος αυτός παρηγορεί στις θλίψεις, βοηθά στους πόνους, συμπάσχει με τον άνθρωπο, τον οδηγεί στη μετάνοια και τον προστατεύει από ορατούς και αόρατους εχθρούς.
Page 19 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Εκτός όμως από το φύλακα άγγελο του κάθε ανθρώπου, υπάρχουν και οι φύλακες άγγελοι των εθνών, των πόλεων και των κατά τόπους εκκλησιών. Στη Παλαιά Διαθήκη στο βιβλίο του Δευτερονομίου ο Θεός διαμοιράζει τα έθνη και τοποθετεί τα όρια των εθνών σύμφωνα με τον αριθμό των αγγέλων του. Έπειτα ο άγιος Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος παρατηρεί ότι ο Θεός έχει εγκαταστήσει σε κάθε πόλη στρατόπεδα αγγέλων που αναχαιτίζουν τις επιθέσεις των δαιμόνων. Ενώ τέλος ο άγιος Ιππόλυτος είναι ιδιαίτερα σαφής, όταν παρομοιάζει την εκκλησία με πλοίο που έχει ναύτες τους αγγέλους. Τιμή των αγγέλων Η ορθόδοξη εκκλησία τιμούσε πάντοτε τους αγγέλους. Η δε τιμητική τους προσκύνηση διακηρύχθηκε επίσημα από τη Ζ οικουμενική σύνοδο σε αντιδιαστολή προς τη λατρεία που αφορά μόνο το πρόσωπο του Θεού. Στον εβδομαδιαίο λειτουργικό κύκλο των ακολουθιών, η Δευτέρα αφιερώνεται στις αγγελικές δυνάμεις. Δύο παρακλητικοί κανόνες αφορούν το φύλακα άγγελο και τις επουράνιες Δυνάμεις. Ο ετήσιος λειτουργικός κύκλος σηματοδοτείται από έξι εορτές αφιερωμένες στον αγγελικό κόσμο, με κυρίαρχη εκείνη της 8ης Νοεμβρίου, κατά την οποία εορτάζεται η σύναξη των αγγέλων υπό τον αρχάγγελο Μιχαήλ ως αντίσταση κατά της αποστασίας του Εωσφόρου. Αλλά η κατεξοχήν τιμή των αγγέλων γίνεται στη Θεία Λειτουργία. Εκεί, ο λαός του Θεού στη γη και οι στρατιές του ουρανού με ένα στόμα, σε μία κοινή λειτουργική σύναξη προσφέρουν στο Θεό δοξολογία. Μαζί με τους ιερείς συνέρχονται στο θυσιαστήριο και συλλειτουργούν τη θεϊκή αγαθότητα. Μαζί κυκλώνουν την αγία Τράπεζα και τα τίμια δώρα, διά χειρός αγγέλου αναφέρονται εις οσμήν ευωδίας πνευματικής στο υπερουράνιο και νοερό θυσιαστήριο. Ωστόσο, εκείνοι που τιμούν ιδιαίτερα τους αγγέλους είναι οι μοναχοί. Μέσα από την διαρκή προσευχή τους, την υπεράνθρωπη άσκησή τους, αγωνίζονται να ομοιάσουν στους αγγέλους και να αναπληρώσουν το εκπεσόν τάγμα των δαιμόνων. Γι αυτό και η ακολουθία της μοναχικής κουράς φέρει το όνομα: «Ακολουθία του μεγάλου και αγγελικού Σχήματος».
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Page 21 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Jul 2, 2015 NEW YORK The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, responding to the Supreme Court decision of June 26, Obergefell v. Hodges issued today the following release: Response of to Obergefell v Hodges The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America strongly disagrees with the United States Supreme Court decision of June 26, Obergefell v. Hodges, in which the Court invents a constitutional right for two members of the same sex to marry, and imposes upon all States the responsibility to license and recognize such marriages. The Supreme Court, in the narrowest majority possible, has overstepped its purview by essentially re-defining marriage itself. It has attempted to settle a polarizing social and moral question through legislative fiat. It is immoral and unjust for our government to establish in law a right for two members of the same sex to wed. Such legislation harms society and especially threatens children who, where possible, deserve the loving care of both a father and a mother. As Orthodox Christian bishops, charged by our Savior Jesus Christ to shepherd His flock, we will continue to uphold and proclaim the teaching of our Lord that marriage, from its inception, is the lifelong sacramental union of a man and a woman. We call upon all Orthodox Christians in our nation to remain firm in their Orthodox faith, and to renew their deep reverence for and commitment to marriage as taught by the Church. We also call upon our nation s civic leaders to respect the law of Almighty God and uphold the deeply-rooted beliefs of millions of Americans.
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Page 27 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 ADVERTISING SPACE
Page 28 The Chalice Sept Dec 2015 Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 2200 Church Road Toms River, NJ 08753 Greek Food, Pastries, Café, Greek Music, Live Band, Vendors, Games, Rides, Kids Activities, Youth Group Dance Performances, Church Tours and more Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church OPA! Entrance Donation $2.00 Children Free Free Parking and Shuttle Bus from Ocean County College SAVE THE DATES! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 : NOON - 11:00 PM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 : NOON - 11:00 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 : NOON - 6:00 PM www.saintbarbaragreekfestival.com Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 2200 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753