The Promise -February 2012 by Abel Montoya

Promise The

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY

HtgocWestfield@htgocnj.org

February 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 2

908-233-8533

holytrinitywestfield.org

Let’s come back to Life! Lenten 2012

■ THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

ent, that great period in the life of the Church dedicated to prayer, fasting and reconciliation, begins on February 27. During this Season of Repentance, the Church asks us to deepen our commitment to Jesus Christ. We do this fi rst by beginning with repentance. The crucial statement pronounced by St. John the Baptist and by Christ Himself as He began His awesome and life-saving ministry is for each of us to “repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” Many of us today need to come to Christ, for many have spiritually drifted away from God. Recently, I read the story of Christ walking into the city of Nain where He raised back to life a young man who was once dead. Of course, we know Jesus performed two other “death to life” miracles in the Gospels. This story is captivating, because we see, on the one hand, a young man who died, who was ready to be buried, surrounded by mourners crying out, and on the other Christ Himself showing His customary love and compassion for this young man and his widowed mother The funeral procession stops as Christ is confronted by death - man’s adversary. Not to be insulted or mocked, the Lord touches the coffin and says, “young man, I say to you arise.” And the young man rose back to life as he began to speak. Imagine the awestruck crowd that day seeing and witnessing this incredible miracle. Not only

do we witness Christ’s divinity when He brings this person back to life, but we also witness His humanity, for He showed love and compassion to this family. Christ also shows us His love and compassion. He is always there in our time of need, ready to accept us back into the fold of His flock. This story also demonstrates the theme of Lent. Many of us are dead in sin and by relying on God’s power we can wake out of our spiritual complacency to open our eyes to His glory. Many of us today are spiritually dead. We become the walking dead since we are void of any Godly conscious, ignorant to the power given to us in the Divine Liturgy. We follow after the whims of this world neglecting the eternal kingdom. We sporadically attend church or we do not receive the Holy Sacraments. We do not involve ourselves in Stewardship. And the thought never occurs to us to attend the Lenten divine services. Have you drifted away from Christ and His Church? It is easy to drift. To be a drifter is to allow a current or some other force to subtlety take you away. Are you slipping away from Christ, your family, your Church? Lent asks you to take courage and begin swimming against this current that is pulling you away. You must know that Christ is with you giving you the strength to return to Him. Return to the father and be an imitator of the Prodigal Son. Run towards the Father’s embrace. We need to wake up! We need to open eyes and ears to the word of God. We need to prepare ourselves for the last day Pag. 3

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Dates in the Life of Our Church February - March

SUN

WED

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM TOTS

8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 11:45 AM Communion Breakfast

TUE

14 WED

THUR

4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Greek dance practice 7:30 PM Parish Council meeting

FRI

4:00 PM Greek School

7:30 PM Cultural Comm. presentation Saturday of Souls 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy Meat Fare Sunday 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Sights & Sounds preliminary set up Church ofﬁce closed

MON

20 TUE

21 WED

22 THUR

11:00 AM Trinity Circle meeting

FRI

SAT

8:15 PM Theosis 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice / Greek dancing 7:00 PM Salutations 8:00 AM Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy 9:00 AM Sights & Sounds Festival Sunday of Orthodoxy

MON

THUR

FRI

6:30 PM Lenten Vespers 7:15 PM Marriage Prep. 7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed Liturgy 8:15 PM Theosis 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice 7:00 PM Salutations 2nd Sunday in Lent

SUN

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

MON

8:00 PM NNJYC

TUE

10:00 AM TOTS

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy & Procession of the Icons

4:00 PM Greek School

7:30 PM Lenten choir practice 7:15 PM Marriage Prep. 4:00 PM Greek School 6:30 PM Great Compline 7:30 PM Parish Council

4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice / Greek dance practice

WED

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy Cheese Fare Sunday 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Sights & Sounds Set up

10:00 AM TOTS 7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed 8:15 PM Theosis

Saturday of Souls

SUN

3:00 PM Wedding

7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed Liturgy Sights judging

THUR

7:00 PM Sights to Westﬁeld

SAT

WED

SUN

7:30 PM Greek dance practice

7:30 PM Choir practice

SAT

6:30 PM Lenten Vespers

SUN

7:30 PM Greek dance practice

TUE

Godparent/Godchild Sunday

SUN

6:30 PM Great Compline 4:00 PM Greek School

Saint Haralambos

FRI

Lent begins

MON

THUR

15 FRI

16 SAT

4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice 7:00 PM Salutations 10:00 AM Lenten Retreat with Fr. Calivas

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Parish Council - 2012 News

■

THEODORE DEMETRIOU, PRESIDENT

he Parish Council for 2012 is full of familiar faces composed mostly of very experienced people. The changes: long-time member Dean Constantine retired. Agapios Kyritsis, after a one-year breather, was voted back on the Board. The Parish Council selected Anthony Bosco to fill the one vacancy open through a resignation. The Executive Board consists of Theodore Demetriou, President; Notis Kotsolios, Vice President; George Colonias, Secretary; James C. Fountas, Treasurer; and Ted Exarhakos, Assistant Treasurer. The remaining members are Peter T. Arbes, Nicholas J. Bouras, B. Theodore Bozonelis, Richard Frigerio, James P. Gianakis, Jo-Ann Jayson, A.J. Karanikolas, Peter A. Ladas. Robert V. LoAlbo, Kassandra Romas, Michael Savva, Peter Tarhanidis, Bill Theofanous, Ted Vagelos, and George Youlios. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT DO WE DO Each December, members of Holy Trinity in good standing, elect 11 stewards to serve on the Parish Council for a two-year term. The following year, another 11 are elected. Along with Father Peter, we represent the leadership of the community. The Executive Committee has the power to contract on behalf of the community. However, our job is not limited to the secular activities of the church. Along with Fr. Peter’s guidance, we help assist with all of Holy Trinity’s ministries. On December 4, 2011, Parish Council elections were held to elect members to serve on the 2012-2013 Board. These individuals join the eleven Parish Council members whose term will be completed at the end of this year. Congratulations to: Nicholas J. Bouras, B. Theodore Bozonelis, Anthony Bosco, Theodore Demetriou, James C. Fountas, Richard Frigerio, James P. Gianakis, Jo-Ann Jayson, Notis Kotsolios, Agapios Kyritsis, Robert V. LoAlbo, and Kassandra Romas. These members will join Peter T. Arbes, George

While many of our organizations are fairly autonomous, legally, to the outside world, the Board is responsible for what happens at all Holy Trinity organizational events and activities. I stress, our mission is for the spiritual well-being of all. The Board must also set an example of being good Orthodox Christians and good stewards of our church. We have committees headed by a council member who assist with the various ministries. These include religious education, fi nance, maintenance, stewardship, youth, outreach, and Greek education. Every month, we review what is happening at each of these ministries. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the Council, including Fr. Peter, conducts a Parish Assembly for all in the parish to attend. At this time, we review actions taken by the Parish Council, we submit a financial report, and we ask for approval of our future budget requirements. This is a brief summary of “what it is that we do” I want to invite you all to engage me or any other council member in discussion regarding any part of our life here at Holy Trinity. I want to thank all the board members, all the volunteers who head our numerous organizations, and all who labor in making Holy Trinity function so well. Finally, I want to thank Fr. Peter and Presbytera Victoria for the job they do on behalf of all of us. ^ Colonias, Theodore Exarhakos, AJ Karanikolas, Peter Ladas, Michael Savva, Peter Tarhanidis, Bill Theofanous, Theodore Vagelos, and George Youlios. These twenty-two dedicated men and women will serve Holy Trinity as volunteers and make it possible for the church to function effectively on a parish level. We offer them our heartfelt thanks for assuming the great responsibilities before God, our Orthodox Church, our Holy Archdiocese, and you, our faithful parishioners.

Pag. 1 - Let’s come back to Life! God’s judgment. Like those who were awestruck with this incredible miracle, are you awestruck when we come to Church on Sunday Mornings to meet the Lord; to witness the beauty of Orthodoxy; the beauty of our Icons; the smell of incense; the appearance of God’s Body and Blood; for if this does not, then nothing will.

If you allow it, Christ will touch the coffin of spiritual lifelessness that you lay in. He can touch your life to bring you true peace in your life. He, and only He, can wake you from spiritual death. This miracle demonstrates to us that Christ is life, and that if you believe in Him, you will come back to Life! ^

Sacraments & Rites FUNERALS

Wed., November 30 ^ Charles Albert Honecker

Sat., January 7 ^ Dr. Louis L. Martin

Thurs., December 29 ^ Betty Carpousis

Mon., January 9 ^ Spiros Goros The Promise ^ February 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 2

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Philoptochos ■ AVI KIRIAKATIS, PRESIDENT To aid the poor, the aged, the hungry, the needy, and the sick through charitable works performed with discretion, courtesy, and kindness. llen Manos Athenson and Maria Stevens are this year’s Membership Committee Co-chairs for the Annual Philoptochos Stewardship Drive through April 30th. As always, we would like to encourage all the women in our Holy Trinity community to become members of Philoptochos. The work we do in Christ’s name goes to support numerous charitable organizations, needy families, various research foundations, in addition to the many requests we receive throughout the year. As many of you know, Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of our Church and the second largest philanthropic woman’s organization in the United States. It is important for every woman in our community to join, and this year our goal is to increase our membership. We invite, embrace and welcome your involvement. Your stewardship will enable us to continue to meet our many charitable commitments. Sign up during Sunday Fellowship hour or by returning your stewardship envelope that is mailed to each of your homes. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to call either Ellen, Maria, myself or one of our Board Members. All this

is possible by simply one woman asking another woman to care, get involved and help the less fortunate. Our annual Vasilopita Luncheon was held on Sunday, January 15 in the Bouras Center. We were delighted to have with us this year Fr. Constantine Sitaras; Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis, President of Saint Basil’s Board of Directors; ten children from St. Basil’s Academy, two from the Bridge program and three Counselors. Philoptochos presented the children with a gift for a bowling with pizza night and the Parish Council with a movie and popcorn night. The luncheon was catered by the Marco Polo Restaurant in Summit, NJ. We would like to extend our appreciation to Agapios Kyritsis and Chef Apostolos Apostolou for once again catering our Vasilopita luncheon. The proceeds from this annual event go to the ongoing support of St. Basil’s Academy, Garrison, NY. Working on the Vasilopita makes us think of the children at Saint Basil’s and what it must be like to have no family stability and yet to fi nd a safe heaven with Father Costa Sitaras and Presvytera. We thank Patricia Kalellis and Helen Bruno for co-chairing this heartwarming event, as well as all the Philoptochos ladies for their help. We also extend our appreciation to the following people who donated the raffle gifts: Patty Kalellis, Helen Bruno, Joanne Kallergis,

Avi Kiriakatis, the Greek Store/Diamandes Family and Katina & Peter Vasilios. We are very thankful to Themis Ganifas for volunteering to Chair the annual Quilt-a-thon on Saturday, March 31. Kindly give her your support during this Lenten event and come out to sew and help us make quilts for the babies. Fashion Show Co-chairs Janet O’Sullivan and Debbie Efthimion have once again started working towards a spectacular fashion show “Mystique,” at the Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club, Scotch Plains, NJ. Kindly see the “save the date insert” Wednesday, May 9, 2012.

Calendar of Events Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 - Tray collection “Go Red for Women” American Heart Association Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 - Board Meeting Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 - Visitation to St. Michael’s Home, Yonkers, NY Sunday, March 4, 2012 - Tray collection on Sunday of Orthodoxy for Metropolis Emergency Social Services Thursday, March 15, 2012 - General Meeting “Philoptochos Tea Party” Saturday, March 31, 2012 - Babies Quilt-a-thon - Bouras Center - Themis Ganifas chairing event Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - Annual Fashion Show at Shackamaxon Country Club, Scotch Plains, NJ. ^

Theosis Bible Study Theosis Classes Begin February 29

heosis is a religious educational class that seeks to teach various aspects of the Orthodox faith. This class is held every Wednesday night after the Presanctified Liturgy. This year’s class of six weeks will introduce the development of the historical church beginning from its foundation with Christ. You are invited to continue exploring the faith as part of your Lenten spiritual development. SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION Christians who live in communion with Christ are expected to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Confession periodically as a form of spiritual check-up, as a

means of humbling themselves before God and in order to receive guidance in the spiritual life from their pastor. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in this fashion, the penitent and priest form a closer spiritual bond. Confession has never been viewed legalistically in the Orthodox Church, i.e. as a way of sentencing and punishing guilt. On the contrary, the sinner is considered to be a prisoner of Satan and, as such, a morally sick person. Christ comes through the Sacrament of Confession to liberate and heal rather than to judge. In order to schedule a confession, please call the church office to see Fr. Peter.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINAR Holy Trinity offers a special seminar to those couples seeking to marr y. The Marriage Preparation Seminar is intended to help adequately prepare those individuals for marriage. T h is sem i na r shows t he chu rch ’s willingness to help the engaged couple make their marriage all it can be by showing its sanctity and special place in our society. This year, marriage prep is scheduled for Monday, March 5 & 12 at 7:15 PM. Remember your wedding is only but one day; your marriage lasts a lifetime. ^

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Presents its

Annual Lenten Retreat ON THE DIVINE LITURGY Featured Speaker:

REV. FR. ALKIVIADAS CALIVAS March 17, 2012, From 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM in the Bouras Center Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield, NJ

A Lenten Luncheon will be served. [RSVP - 908.233.8533] This complimentary Lenten Retreat offers an insightful glance into the profound theological and spiritual riches of the Divine Liturgy as celebrated in the Orthodox Church. Fr. Calivas, Professor Emeritus of Liturgics at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, will discuss the liturgy as the central unifying act of the Church. This Retreat is offered to all those who seek to heighten their experience of Great Lent

during this sacred period in the life of the Church. Fr. Alkiviadas Calivas received his B.A. Th. from Holy Cross, a S.T.B. from the General Theological Seminary, a Th. M. from St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary, and a Th. D. from the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece.He was ordained to the sacred priesthood in the summer of 1956 and served St. Spyridon GOC in Washington Heights.

He was appointed to the faculty of Holy Cross in 1978 and served as the school’s Dean for many years and as President of Hellenic College. He has published many articles/essays and authored six books, including Aspects of Orthodox Worship and Great Week and Pascha in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is married to Presvytera Erasmia and has three children and eight grandchildren.

e Date! Save t h ay 9, 2012 sday, M Wedne

T he Ladies Philoptochos Annual Fashion Show Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club, Scotch Plains, NJ Fashions will be presented by Noel Brogan Productions.

We only have a few weeks until it is spring-time to start thinking about the Ladies Philoptochos annual fashion show! The title of this year’s fashion show is “Mystique,” and the logo is deep blue eyes. Mystique is a fascinating aura of mystery within and surrounding a woman in her life’s journey. A woman who has mystique has a certain belief in her worth, potential, inner beauty, and talents, and recognizes them as gifts from God. By looking at herself and the world through Christian eyes, she learns truth and develops faith, hope, and love and discovers the courage to step into the adventure of sharing her gifts. The ladies of Westfield’s Philoptochos demonstrate this mystique. This year’s title is dedicated to those women and all women on their personal journeys.

Watch the mail in early March for your invitation! THE ANNUAL FASHION SHOW IS PHILOPTOCHOS’ MAIN FUNDRAISER. EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP MAKE THIS FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: • Attend the fashion show •Place or solicit an ad in the Ad Journal • Place a Mother’s Day tribute in the Ad Journal • Donate cash or items for gift basket rafﬂes • Purchase rafﬂe tickets Proceeds of this year’s Grand Raffle will support The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Lupus Foundation of America. All other proceeds will directly benefit the numerous service programs and charitable causes of Philoptochos. Particularly in these difficult times, your support is greatly appreciated.

It is a joy to be chairing this event and working with the lovely ladies of Philoptochos once again. T hank you for your support and encouragement. Janet O’Sullivan & Debbie Efthimion CO-CHAIRS 2012 SPRING FASHION SHOW The Promise ^ February 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 2

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SATURDAY OF THE SOULS ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS FEBRUARY 18, 25, & MARCH 3

rior to Great Lent, the Church offers the Divine Liturgy to pray for the souls of its departed servants. These three “Saturday of the Souls” follow the ancient practice of praying for those who have taken their repose in the Lord. Orthodox Christianity has always taught that those who have fallen asleep are not dead but still alive in Christ Jesus!

For the Repose of the Servants of God: Υπερ Αναπαυσεως των Δουλων του Θεου:

What a beautiful belief. In its very essence, prayer for the dead is a proclamation of the Resurrection of Christ – a gift that in turn is shared to all believers. It is therefore imperative for us, the living, to remember our loved ones who have passed on and to pray that the Lord accept them into His heavenly kingdom. The death of a loved one brings separation which is sorrowful and tragic. Unfortunately, this is the reality of the fallen world and no one can escape this somber incident. When death occurs, the bereaved focus their energy and thoughts on the deceased in order to maintain some type of connection. For weeks, months and even years the bereaved will think of and remember their beloved. The Church understands that there exists a need for us to have a continued connection with a departed loved one. Hence, we remember them in various facets of our life, including prayer. Prayers for the dead do in fact maintain a link while also providing a means of intercession asking the Lord to bring salvation. The prayers of the Church help to comfort us in our moment of loss and frailty. Simply stated, the prayers heard during the Saturday of the Souls are both for the living and the dead bringing us one step closer to the realization of eternal life in Christ. Please plan to attend the liturgies and DO NOT simply give the names to Father without being present praying for your loved ones with the entire church. ^

Please enter the full baptismal names of your deceased loved ones. (For example: “Nicholas” instead of “Nick” or “Niko.”)

PLEASE RETURN FORM TO FR. PETER. 6

The “Saturdays of the Souls” are those days that the Holy Church has speciﬁcally prescribed to pray for those who have taken their repose in the Lord. Memorial Services will not be scheduled on the Sundays immediately following a Ψυχοσαββατον. This helps maintain the purpose of the Saturday of Souls Liturgies.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Sunday of the Prodigal Son February 12

he Sunday of the Prodigal Son is the second Sunday of a three-week period prior to the commencement of Great Lent. As with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, the theme of this Sunday is repentance, and the focus on the parable of the Prodigal Son leads Orthodox Christians to contemplate the necessity of repentance in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. The name for this Sunday is taken from the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ found in Luke 15:11-32. The parable is the story of a man and his two sons. The youngest of the sons asks his father to give him his inheritance. The father does this, and soon after the son leaves and journeys to a distant country (vv. 11-13). After the younger son arrives, he squanders all of his possessions with “prodigal” living. Within a short period of time, he wastes everything. A severe famine comes, but he has nothing and falls into great need (vv. 13-14). He is able to find work feeding swine, but this does not improve his situation. The parable says that in the midst of his dire conditions, he came to himself. He realized that his father’s hired servants have enough to eat and food to spare, while he perishes with hunger. He says, “I will arise and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants’” (vv. 17-19). He arose and returned to his father. As he approached, his father saw him at a great distance and ran to meet him, embraced him, and kissed him. The son admitted his sinfulness and his unworthiness to be called a son, but in his joy at the return of his son, the father called his servants to bring the best robe, a ring for his son’s finger, and sandals for his feet. He also called for the fatted calf to be killed for a feast. He exclaimed, “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (vv. 20-24). While they were feasting and celebrating the return of the prodigal son, the

older son comes and inquires about what is happening. He is told that his brother had returned and that his father has received him with a feast. The older brother becomes a ngr y and will not go in to the feast. The father comes out and pleads with him, but the older son answers by saying he has been faithful to his father for many years and yet the father never gave him the opportunity for such feasting. He e x p r e s s e s his anger and jealousy over his brother who was received in such Icon of the Prodigal Son provided by Theologic & used with permission. a manner after he repentance, and the greatness of God’s squandered his compassion. The Heavenly Father is inheritance (vv. 25-30). The father responds by telling his oldest patiently and lovingly waiting for our son, “You are always with me, and all that I have return. There is no sin that can overcome is yours. It was right that we should make merry His love for us. and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found” (vv. 31-32). The parable of the Prodigal Son forms an exact icon of repentance at its different stages. Sin is exile, enslavement to strangers, hunger. Repentance is the return from exile to our true home; it is to receive back our inheritance and freedom in the Father’s house. But repentance implies action: “I will rise up and go…” (v. 18). To repent is not just to feel dissatisfied, but to make a decision and to act upon it. In the words of our Lord, we also learn of three things through this parable: the condition of the sinner, the rule of

Finally, this parable offers us insight into the world in which we live. It is a world where the activities of people are disconnected and not ordered toward the fulfilment of God’s divine purpose for life. It is a world of incoherent pursuits, of illusory strivings, of craving for foods and drinks that do not satisfy, a world where nothing ultimately makes sense, and a world engulfed in untruth, deceit and sin. It is the exact opposite of the world as created by God and potentially recreated by his Son and Spirit. There is no cure for the evils of our age unless we return to God. The world in which we live is not a normal world, but a Pag. 9 wasteland.

The Promise ^ February 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 2

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YHT UPDATE

■

VICKIE ZOURZOUKIS, GOYA PRESIDENT

he Youth of Holy Trinity are in the midst of preparing for Sights & Sounds, one of the most exciting Youth events of the year! Over 600 youth members from around the state participate in this festival of arts and music. We hope that all of the youth members are able to join us in at least one of the many events. There are many categories and something for everyone’s exceptional talents. If any youth or parents have any questions, feel free to contact any of the advisors or myself. I look forward to seeing all of our youth members at this event of fellowship and entertainment! FROM THE ADVISORS: SIGHTS DUE: Feb. 19th Parents and youth - mark your calendars for these set-up dates: Sun. Feb. 19th, Sun. Feb. 26th, and Thurs. March 1st - Sights & Sounds - Sat., March 3rd. Best of luck to our individual and group sound performers.

ATHLETICS: On Sunday, January 8th , we played our last games of the regular season. This year a District II tournament will be played on Sat., Jan 28 so all the churches in the District can participate. Sun. Jan 29th are the play-offs. Results in the next Promise. Our thanks to our coaching team: Peter Bousikaris, Ellen Conti, Aida Economides, Andrew Jayson, Evans John, Mike Savogiannakis and Peter Tarhanides. Congratulations to our athletes and coaches on a great 20112012 season. UPCOMING EVENTS: Outreach: Souper Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5th – Collection for the IOCC participation in the tackle hunger campaign. Valentine’s Dance - Friday, February 10th at Asbury Park. Our thanks to the Zourzoukis family for hosting a gettogether over the Christmas break. We had a wonderful time and appreciate the chance for fellowship. ^

YOUTH RETREAT LOCK-IN

n December 2, the Youth of Holy Trinity held a lock-in. A lock-in is simply an all-night retreat at church. The youth with the advisors and Fr. Peter spent all-night here and slept in the Bouras Center. One part of the lock-in was called The Panel of Experts. Each participant wrote a religious minded question. These questions were then collected without being signed and one person from the group would randomly select a question and attempt to answer it. If the participant needed help, he would turn to the rest of the group or Panel of Experts to help answer the question. If further explanation was required, then Fr. Peter would offer closing remarks. Because of the interest and time constraints not all of the questions were answered. In the next few issues of The Promise these questions will be reprinted with a short answer given. Mind you, the following is the actually question posed by an anonymous youth member.

Q. Why is God so violent in the Old Testament and so nice in the New Testament? A. First, it is imperative to remember that God is the same God in both the Old and New Testaments. He never changes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” [Hebrews 13:8]. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…” [Psalm 44:7]. The God found in the pages of the New Testament is the very same God who created the universe and gave the Hebrew people the covenant. This same God, in the New Testament, came to earth offering Himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of all. How God is understood or portrayed throughout the pages of Scripture emphasizes the revealed knowledge of Him. The

people of God are under the Law in the Old Testament and therefore do not know Him as the merciful and compassionate One. God is still distant having not as yet descended from heaven to embrace human flesh and touch creation. So description of Him by the various authors of the Old Testament is more impersonal and also sometimes quite violent. Violence, in the Old Testament, can be explained as a foreshadowing of the destruction of those powers opposing the will of God and the annihilation of the devil’s feeble plot of sedition. With certainty, the Old Testament makes it known that it is God Who is all powerful and He will utterly destroy His opponents. These events are fulfilled with Christ’s descent into Hades, after His Crucifi xion and death, to destroy the power of death once and for all. In the New Testament, through the Incarnation, God appears to humanity and is not bound by the Law. Christ, the True Law-giver, surpasses the Law. Through His presence and life upon the earth, His mercy, love and compassion is abundantly displayed. To this day, His presence still touches our lives. We feel and become participants of His graciousness and love day in and day out. The authors of the New Testament having participated in the Divine Life and being led by the Holy Spirit wrote about this same God in a new and awesome way. After the coming of Christ, the Law is not needed since we have the very Spirit of God leading us. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” [Galatians 5:18] It is made clear to all that above all things, God is LOVE! ^

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Bookstore

Happy New Year Wishes from the Book Store!

■ SANDY MOURATOGLOU OLTMANN & ANDREA BLASI

Warm your family’s hearts with appetizing aromas that only hint at the delicacies you can prepare using these cookbooks: THE BEST OF GREEK CUISINE: COOKING WITH GEORGIA SARIANIDES POPULAR GREEK RECIPES by the Philoptochos of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Charleston, South Carolina

TASTE & SEE: AMERICAN ORTHODOX COOKING by The St. Ignatius Antiochian

Orthodox Church, Franklin, Tennessee. Come, browse all our offerings; if you don’t see what you want, we can order it for you! When you support our Church Book Store, you support our Church. Also, you can enhance your Stewardship by being a Book Store Cashier when convenient; if interested, please stop by our table some Sunday. ^

Cultural Committee

n Friday, February 17 at 7:30 PM, the Cultural Committee of Holy Trinity will present the exciting author Mr. Lars Brownworth. Mr. Lars Brownworth is a researcher, an author, a noted speaker and broadcaster, will discuss his book: “LOST TO THE WEST: THE FORGOTTEN BYZANTINE E MPIR E THAT R ESCUED WESTERN CIVILIZATION”. He and his brother were the creators of the fi rst historical podcast titled “12 BYZANTINE RULERS”.. The New York Times calls him “an effective and engaging popularizer” and likens him to Will Durant. Mr. Brownworth, a student of history, states that the driving premise behind the book is that Byzantine history has been sadly neglected by the West, despite its many contributions during its one thousand plus years in existence. World history, as it has been sadly taught in the past, shows that no room exists for the Eastern Roman Empire. The success of the podcast inspired him to write the book which highlights the main points of Byzantine identity:

a) Religion - the advancement and preser vation of Christianity (the Hellenes were among the fi rst to embrace and spread Christianity); b) Culture - Byzantine scholars preserved and copied the manuscripts of the many ancient texts, and also expanded trade which flourished and spread throughout the East. These preservations were the catalyst for the Renaissance as, aristocrats, philosophers, artists and tradesmen fled to the West after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 as the West was emerging from the Dark Ages. Mr. Brownworth, a native of Long Island, is a graduate of Houghton College and is a Resident Assistant for the Smithsonian and a Reader at the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library. He has led academic tours to Constantinople and is currently working on a biographical series of the Macedonian Emperors of Byzantium. This lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. ^

Pag. 7 -Sunday of the Prodigal Son

The son returns to his father who embraces him with forgiveness and love.

Here we can see the challenge of life in this world and the alienation from God that can happen when sin reigns in our lives. As a result of sin in our lives, we lose the joy of communion with God, we defile and lose our spiritual beauty, and we find ourselves far away from our real home, our real life. In true repentance, we realize this, and we express a deep desire to return, to recover what has been lost. On this day the Church reminds us of what we have abandoned and lost, and beckons us to find the desire and power to return. Our Heavenly Father is waiting and ready to receive us with His loving forgiveness and His saving embrace. ^ The Promise ^ February 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 2

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In Memoriam

Remembering Lou Martin ■

MIRIAM KOTSONIS

n the last day of 2011, Louis Martin, beloved member of our Holy Trinity Choir fell asleep in the Lord after a sudden, short illness. He leaves behind his wife Alix and two daughters, Judy and Debbie, along with many friends and family members. It is both so easy and so hard to write a remembrance of Lou. Easy because there’s no shortage of good things to say: Lou served as a strong, active and valued supporter of Holy Trinity, Westfield and the NJ District of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians. Very hard because the past tense does not come naturally when thinking about a dear friend, true-voiced bass, choir workshop travel buddy, and weekly stabilizing force behind our 14-grade Religious Education program. Lou was in his 20th year as a choir member of Holy Trinity. He wasn’t born hearing the Greek language, yet he became comfortably fluent in singing the hymns of the Church and took every opportunity to participate in concerts (Lenten, Christmas, and even Greek folk songs), workshops, and Federation conferences, most recently in Baltimore this past October. He was happy to serve as mentor to other basses and

proved to be an effective coach. In 2009 Lou accepted our choir director’s request to record a training CD of the Holy Trinity “standard” Liturgy. Always modest, during the session he repeatedly asked, “Was that OK?” In fact, it was excellent! He worked with the focus of a pro, each hymn lovingly offered with simplicity and beauty. We are glad we have this as a remembrance of him for the many years to come.

Lou understood that a vibrant choir organization requires a lot of work beyond singing. To that end, he found additional ways to use his many talents, serving as NJ District treasurer, editor of our NJ District Choir Notes, and producer of Lenten Concert posters for over 10 years. Highly educated and experienced in leadership and project management, Lou also served for eight years as co-director of Holy Trinity’s large Religious Education program. He managed the complex logistics capably, and hundreds of children knew the tall, friendly man who entered their classrooms each week. Fewer people knew that Lou held a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology and led an organization that supported global drug development teams with advanced analytic methods. His resume held over seven densely filled pages of research publications and presentations aimed at medical advances. Many will remember Lou’s calm presence, ability to get things done well, and stable, sure voice. I’m happy I also had the chance to see his warmth, openness, humor, and faith. All of us knew him as a truly gentle man. May his memory be eternal. ^

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Contact Information Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Westfield, NJ 07090-1109 Phone 908-233-8533 Fax 908-233-0623 E-mail HtgocWestfield@htgocnj.org Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis

Worship Psaltis Pascalis Kuvalakis Choir Director Kathryn Athanasoulas Organist Phyllis Verenes Head Acolyte Chris Wolff

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The Promise: Volume 36, Issue 2

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Orthros

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Divine Liturgy

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Ministries Parish Council Ted Demetriou Philoptochos Avi Kiriakatis Religious Education Louis Martin Eleftheria Wolff Greek School Rita Fitanidis Trinity Circle Athena Manos TAG Barbara Arbes Youth (GOYA) Vickie Zourzoukis JOY / HOPE Kathy Maglaras Yiana Leichtling Sandy Boutsikaris TOTS Joanne Paras Bookstore Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Barbara Manos Greek School PTO Irene Cohen

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