The Promise June 2013

Promise The

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY

HtgocWestfield@htgocnj.org

June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

908-233-8533

holytrinitywestfield.org

The Descent of the Holy Spirit HOLY PENTECOST

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THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS

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n this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Holy Apostles concretely in the form of fiery tongues, sitting upon each of them in the upper room in which they were staying. In honor of the Holy Spirit, the Divine Fathers, who have arranged all things well, decreed that we celebrate this event both separately and on the actual day of Pentecost.

For, before His Passion, the Saviour promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, saying: “It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” - St. John 16:7 And again: “When He cometh, He will teach you and will guide you into all truth.” - St. John 14:26; 16:13 And again: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall send you another Comforter, the Spirit of truth, Who proceedeth from the Father.” - John 14:16; 15:26And again, after the Passion, when He was ascending to Heaven, He said: “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” - St. Luke 24:49 Therefore, having made these promises, He sent the Holy Spirit.

When the day of Pentecost came, while the Disciples were waiting in the upper room around the third hour of the day, it suddenly thundered from heaven, to such an extent that it resounded throughout the inhabited earth; and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of fiery tongues to each one of them, and not only to the Twelve, but also to the Seventy, and they spoke in foreign tongues, that is, each of the Apostles spoke the languages of all the nations. However, it was not so much that a foreigner heard an Apostle speaking his own language, but rather, that the Apostle heard and spoke the language of each nation; hence, to those who had gathered they appeared to be drunk; for, not understanding how each Apostle could be conversing with them all individually, they supposed that he was drunk. Others were amazed, saying: “What is the meaning of this?” These latter had assembled from all parts of the earth for the Feast — Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, who had some time previously been taken captive by Antiochus.

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Dates in the Life of Our Church June - July

Saturday of Souls

SAT

22

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Holy Pentecost

SUN

23

8:30 AM Orthros

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SUN

7

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

24

9:15 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy St. Peter and St. Paul

SAT

29

8:30 AM Orthros

30

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

SAT

2:00 PM Wedding

SUN

8:15 AM Orthros

13 14

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

SUN

8:15 AM Orthros

21

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy All Saints and Holy Apostles

SUN

8:15 AM Orthros 2:30 PM Wedding

Holy Trinity – Parish Name Day

MON

INDEPENDENCE DAY

THUR

8:15 AM Orthros

SUN

28

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

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SACRAMENTS & RITES

NEW MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH

BAPTISM Sun., Mar. 10 - Gianna Rose Daughter of Christopher & Nocole Boscia Sun., Mar. 16 - Hadley Maryn Daughter of Joseph & Maressa Musumeci Sat., Apr. 16 - Brandon William Son of Jeffrey & Stephanie Thomas

Patrick & Carissa Cicalese 6 Heather Drive East Hanover, NJ 07936 Michael & Kassiani Jeffries 15 Magnolia Place Chatham, NJ 07928

WEDDING Sat., May 18 Lisa Matsick & Christos Pappas FUNERAL Thurs., Mar. 7 ^ George Nicholas Sat., Apr. 6 ^ George Pahountis

Alexander & Kendra Mc Coy 1036 Robin Ct. Green Brook, NJ 08812 Jefrey & Stephanie Thomas 815 Salem Rd. Union, NJ 07083

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Pag.1 THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT At any rate, the Holy Spirit descended after the Ascension, ten days having elapsed, and not immediately after the Ascension, so that the Lord might make the Disciples more fervent as they awaited the Spirit.

Some say that on each of these days each of the Angelic Orders approached and adored that deified flesh of the Lord. Therefore, after nine days were fulfilled, the Holy Spirit descended, when reconciliation had taken place through the Son, fifty days after Pascha, in commemoration of the old Law; for, Israel received the Decalogue fifty days after crossing the Red Sea. Consider also the symbols: there a mountain, here the upper room; there fire, here tongues of fire; instead of thunder and darkness, here there is a mighty wind.

T he Holy Spi r it descended in the form of tong ues, because this shows His affinit y with the living Word; or because the Apostles were going to teach a nd conve r t t he nations through the tongue; tongues of fire, because God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and also because fire has the property of cleansing; they were divided because of the different gifts of the Spirit.

And just as at one time He divided into many languages and confounded those who knew one language, so also now He divided into many languages those who knew one language, in order to gather together those who were scattered by those languages into the ends of the inhabited earth. The descent of the Spirit took place on the Feast in order that, with many people gathered together, the event might be recounted everywhere, and in order that those who happened to

be there at the Passover and who saw what happened to Christ might be able to marvel.

It occurred on Pentecost, because it was necessary that the Grace of the Spirit be poured out at the same time that the Law was given of old, just as Christ did on the Judaic Passover when He celebrated the proper Passover, the true Passover.

The Holy Spirit did not sit in the mouths of the Apostles, but upon their heads, encompassing the nous itself, the principal part of the soul, and one which is superior to the body, from which the tongue derives the power of speech; or because the Spirit somehow emitted a sound through the tongues of fire when He Ordained the Apostles by touching their heads to be teachers of the entire world; for the laying on of hands is performed upon the head.

The sound and the fi re were manifested because these things occurred on Mount Sinai, so as to show that it was the same Spirit both then and now that gave the Law and appointed all things. The multitude was confounded by the sound of the wind, because they thought that all the predictions which Christ had made to the Jews about their destruction had come to pass. St. Luke said “tongues as of fi re” (Acts 2:3), lest anyone should think about the Holy Spirit in corporeal terms.

T he Apost les were condem ned for drunkenness. But Peter stood up and spoke in the midst of the crowd and exposed the falsity of this claim, citing the prophecy of Joel in his speech, and he converted about three thousand of them. - Acts 2:41 The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, since He is able to comfort and refresh us, and because in His love for mankind He intercedes before God for us with unutterable sounds (Romans 8:26), as our Advocate, just as Christ also does. For He, too, is called a

Outreach ANGEL TREE - gifts for Salvation Army MITTEN TREE - mittens, gloves, hats, socks for Division of Youth & Family Services 10 turkey dinners at Christmas $ 496 Souper Bowl Sunday collection $ 500 for OCF $ 592 Metropolis of New Jersey Emergency Fund $ 1,000 for St. Basil’s Academy

Comforter or Advocate; for this reason, the Holy Spirit is said to be another Comforter.

The Apostle says: “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (1 St. John 2:1) The Holy Spirit is called “another” Comforter because He is coessential with the Father and the Son; for the adjective “another” (in the masculine gender) is applied to things of the same essence and nature, whereas we are accustomed to apply “different” (in the neuter gender) to different natures. The Holy Spirit is in both the Father and the Son in every respect.

Hence, together with Them He creates the universe and the future resurrection, and He does whatever He wills; He sanctifies, appoints, renews, sends out, makes wise, and anoints the Prophets. To put it simply, He does all things, possessing sovereignty of will and being almighty, good, upright, and governing. Through Him come all wisdom, life, and movement, whatever participates in holiness and life of any kind; in short, He has whatever the Father and the Son have, except for ingenerateness and generation, for He proceeds from the Father.

When the Spirit was poured out upon all flesh, the world was fi lled with spiritual gifts of every kind, and through Him all the nations were guided to the knowledge of God, and every disease and infirmity was banished. Three times was the Holy Spirit given by Christ to the Apostles: before the Passion very indistinctly; more manifestly after the Resurrection, through insufflation; and now Christ sent Him down in concrete form; or rather, He descended, illuminating and sanctifying the Apostles more perfectly; and through them He reclaims the ends of the earth.

By the visitation of the Holy Spirit and the intercessions of the Apostles, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen. ^

$1,000 Wounded Warriors American Heart Association collection by Philoptochos Quilt-a-thon $ 1,243 pumpkins & mums for Autism Family Times with Brianna $ 1,480 Sunday Collections for flowers for Epitaphios $ 1,500 St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego, Fire Fund $ 3,000+ for Hurricane Sandy Relief in coordination with NJ Metropolis Philoptochos and IOCC and Red Cross $ 5,000 for Camp Good Shepherd

TOTAL IN OUTREACH GIVING $15,811 Your faithfulness, love and generosity touch many people who are in need. Holy Trinity continues Christ’s mission of spreading the Gospel and helping the sick and poor. ^ The Promise ^ June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

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O Giver of Life:

The Holy Spirit in our Daily Experience ■

BY BISHOP KALLISTOS WARE

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y grandmother long ago once wondered, “Why is the Holy Spi r it never ment ioned i n sermons? Hearing of Him is like hearing news of an old friend one hasn’t heard of in a long time.” We will hear of news of this old friend today. St Symeon the New Theologian wrote this invocation to the Holy Spirit: Come, true light. Come, life eternal.

Come, hidden mystery. Come, treasure without name. Come, reality beyond all words. Come, person beyond all understanding. Come, rejoicing without end. Come, light that knows no evening.

Come, unfailing expectation of the saved. Come, raising of the fallen. Come, resurrection of the dead. Come, allpowerful, for unceasingly you create, refashion and change all things by your will alone. Come, invisible whom none may touch and handle. Come, for you continue always unmoved, yet at every instant you are wholly in movement; you draw near to us who lie in hell, yet you remain higher than the heavens. Come, for your name fills our hearts with longing and is ever on our lips; yet who you are and what your nature is, we cannot say or know. Come, Alone to the alone. Come, for you are yourself the desire that is within me. Come, my breath and my life.

Come, the consolation of my humble soul. Come, my joy, my glory, my endless delight Notice three things that St Symeon says regarding the Holy Spirit:1.) Symeon speaks of the Spirit as light, joy, glory, endless delight, rejoicing without end, and so on. Saint Seraphim of Sarov said that the Holy Spirit fills with joy whatever He touches.2.) The Spirit is also full of hope, for He looks forward to the age to come.3.) There is also the nearness yet otherness of the Spirit. He is “everywhere present” [from the prayer, O Heavenly King] yet mysterious and elusive.

Symeon calls Him “my breath and my life,” “hidden mystery,” “ beyond all words,” “beyond all understanding.” We know Him, but we do not see His face,

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for He always shows us the face of Christ.

Like the air around us, which enables us to see and be seen, He is transparent and enables us to see and hear Christ.

He is not to be classified, baffl ing our computers and filing cabinets. As the Lord said, “The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes” [Jn 3:8]. As C. S. Lewis wrote in the first of his Narnia Chronicles books, Aslan “is not a tame lion.” The Holy Spirit is not a tame spirit, either. The Spirit makes Christ close to us, establishing that relationship. The Sistine Chapel image of creation depicts Adam just after his creation, with the finger of God and that of Adam just touching — an accurate depiction of the Holy Spirit who puts us in touch with God and with one another.

The writer J. V. Taylor called the Holy

Spirit “the go-between God.” The current Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius IV, wrote, “Without the Holy Spirit God is far away.

Christ stays in the past. The Gospel is simply an organisation. Authority is a matter of propaganda. The Liturgy is no more than an evocation. Christian loving is a slave mentality. But in the Holy Spirit, the cosmos is resurrected and grows with the birth pangs of the kingdom. The Risen Christ is there. The Gospel is the power of life. The Church shows forth the life of the Trinity. Authority is a liberating service. Mission is a Pentecost.

T he Lit urg y is bot h renewa l a nd anticipation. Human action is deified.”

The Spirit makes what is far to be near, the past present. Christ without the Holy Spirit is merely an historical figure in the distant past; with the Spirit, he is present.

Without the Spirit, the Pag. 5

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Parish Council President’s Message

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AGAPIOS KYRITSIS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Dear Holy Trinity Family,

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t is springtime at Holy Trinity and like every year we are swamped with Church Holidays, Regular holidays, Festival preparation, fellowship events, our thriving youth programs, school events, graduations, and family commitments. In addition to of all of this, I would ask you to make time to attend this year’s Sunday May 19th General Assembly meeting.

It is very important that everyone try to attend these important sessions that are held twice a year in order to learn more about how your priest, parish council, and stewardship dollars work towards the ministries at Holy Trinity.

We are blessed with a committed spiritual leader, combined with a dedicated Parish Council, who take their responsibilities

of spreading of the Gospel message, as well as, the growth and maintenance of our community very passionately. It is a great time to bring up new ideas, questions, and concerns regarding today’s business and future direction. I believe it to be the proper forum where the community comes together in a spiritual and transparent fashion. This is the place for your voice to be heard. Voting on budgets, new business, new ideas are responsibilities that the parishioners should take seriously so that we can continue to flourish as a family which is so important to all of us.

In closing I would like to mention that I look forward to working with all of you in our upcoming 2013 Greek Fest.

This is an event that we can all be proud of.

Thank You. ^

Pag.4 O GIVER OF LIFE: The Holy Spirit in our Daily Experience Gospel is only words; with the Spirit, they have life-giving power. Without the Spirit, the Church is only an organization; with the Spirit, it is Communion. Without the Spirit, authority is slavish rule-following; with the Spirit, it is sharing in divine life, divinization. Without the Spirit, mission is propaganda; with the Spirit, it is Pentecostal tongues of fire. Without the Spirit, liturgy is merely recollection; with the Spirit, it is present reality. Through the Spirit, clock and calendar time is turned to sacred time: once upon a time becomes today. Note in our services in Holy Week approaching Pascha, how often “today” is used. “Today, I rise in your resurrection.” The devil says “yesterday,” and wants us to feel regret or nostalgia; and “future,” so that we might feel anxiety.

But the Spirit says “today.” The Patriarch’s speech can be summed up in one word: ZoÐpoion — the Life-giver who makes things alive for us.

There are two fundamental things about the Holy Spirit: 1.) He is understood in Scripture and Tradition as a Person, not just an impersonal force. Christ is obviously a person. It is not as obvious with the Holy Spirit, but He is a person in the experience of the Church. Note Ephesians 4.30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Impersonal forces do not feel grief, do not feel love. You may love

your computer, but your computer does not love you. Our sins, selfishness, and lack of love cause the Holy Spirit grief.

He weeps over it. 2.) The Holy Spirit is equal to the other two Persons of the Trinity. From the Creed: “Worshipped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.” Together, not below. Also, “Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” all on the same level.

Gregory of Nyssa said, “Never think of Christ without the Holy Spirit.” We could reverse that too: never think of the Holy Spirit without Christ. Irenaeus described the Son and the Spirit as the two hands of the Father, who always uses both hands together. To better understand the Holy Spirit’s work, look at the cooperation of the Holy Spirit and the Son. In the Creed: “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit and Virgin Mary.” In the Incarnation, the Holy Spirit descends upon the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit sends Christ into the world.

The Troparion for Theophany: “When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father bore witness unto You, calling You the beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove confi rmed His word as sure and true.”

The Spirit descends from the Father and rests on the Son, the same relationship as in the Incarnation. The Holy Spirit

sends the Son into public ministry. In the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, the Holy Spirit descends upon Christ as a cloud of light, as understood by the Fathers. In the Resurrection, Christ is raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul in Romans [1:4] calls Christ “the Son of God in power according to the Spirit.” In the Incarnation and Baptism, the Holy Spirit sends Christ into the world. In Pentecost, Christ sends the Holy Spirit to his disciples, and thence into the world. In the First Gospel reading on Holy Thursday evening [Jn 13:31-38; 14:1-31; 15:1-27; 16:1-33; 17:1-26; 18:1] we hear “The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. He will bear witness to Me. He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but will speak whatever He hears, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, because He will take what is mine and declare it to you” [Jn 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-14]. The Holy Spirit testifies not to Himself but to Christ, in a natural diakonia. Christology and Pneumatology are inseparable. The Holy Spirit, the “go-between” God, establishes the relationship between us and Christ. He shows us not His own face, but the face of Christ. ^ The Promise ^ June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

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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.

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hrist is Risen! May we glorify His Resurrection The Lord Christ by being charitable, offering hope to the physically and emotionally wounded, by making better the lives of others and by participating individually and collectively in unity in the good works of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Membership

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e thank all the ladies in our Church who have become Philoptochos Members as there is a place for every woman in our philanthropic organization. We can serve our Church and do more outreach, and Christ’s good work, when we work together as a team.

Art Show

Baking for Homebound

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e baked and deliver cookies and Easter Tsourekia to homebound individuals. Thank you to Joanne Kallerges for chairing this outstanding event twice a year, as well as to all the volunteers who bake, wrap and delivered 30 packages of homemade goodies.

Twelfth Annual Fashion Show “Radiance”

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uccessful event with excellent gifts and elegant fashions from Lord & Taylor’s of Westfield and the Red Carpet from Millburn.

The Brooklake Country Club was full of joyous women having a great time visiting with friends.

Our sincere congratulations and gratitude to our Chairladies Debbie Vlahakis and Kathy Maglaras for all their hard work as well as all their dedicated committees, including our wonderful men, who did an outstanding job. Our amazing Grand Raffle proceeds will be donated equally to the Wounded Warrior Project and The Greek Children’s Fund.

Metropolis Clergy/Laity

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he Metropolis Philoptochos Award this year goes to our very loving Evelyn Skorinko for all her good work, love, guidance and dedication to Holy Trinity Philoptochos.

Elections General Meeting

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ednesday, May 22, 2013 - 7:00 pm Bouras Center - We welcome all Holy Trinity Philoptochos members, as well as new parishioners, to come to this very important General Elections Meeting. Please join us in camaraderie, fellowship, to nominate someone or run for the Philoptochos Board.

Calendar of Events

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hank you to my great Co-chair, Nitsa Bruno, for her excellent leadership, our artists; Nitsa Bruno, Dr. Nicholas Demos, Maria Doutis Halkias and Costa & Avi Kiriakatis. This year’s art show enabled us to donate $800 of our proceeds to the Hellenic Relief Foundation for all their undertaking in helping the Greek people at this time of need. We were honored to have with us Greek Radio Host of Cosmos FM and HRF Board Director, Stellios Taketzis on Saturday and Phillip Vogis, Board Director on Sunday.

Quilt-a-Thon to Comfort Needy Babies

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ur family of Holy Trinity parishioners came together on Saturday, March 30, to assemble quilts for very sick, needy babies. Once sewn, the quilts were blessed the next day in church, then washed and distributed to seven hospitals and healthcare agencies in central NJ. At the request of these organizations, we changed our process to make the quilts stronger, with more machine stitching. Thanks to all parishioners and guests who took part in our Lenten project, with special acknowledgements to Themis Ganifas, who led the event, and John Logus, who donated all the materials.

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We thank our Holy Trinity Family for supporting all worthy Philoptochos events!

May 12, Sunday - Mother & Grandmother of the Year Award Presentations.

May 13, Monday - Metropolis of NJ Clergy Laity at Venetian - Philoptochos Meetings - 2 Delegates.

May 15, Wednesday - Fashion Show - Brooklake Country Club, Debbie Vlahakis & Kathy Maglaras Co-chairs.

May 22, Saturday - General Elections Meeting - Bouras Center - 7:00 pm.

June 11, Tuesday - Philoptochos Board end of year Meeting Room 101 - 7:00 pm.

June 15, Saturday - St. Basil Commencement Exercises Garrison, New York with Archbishop Demetrios.

June 16, Sunday - Philoptochos Scholarship Awards - Barbara Manos Chairperson.

June 16, Sunday - Philoptochos hosts coffee hour for Fathers - P. Pefanis Chairperson. ^

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Lenten Workshop

Prosphoron

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n Saturday, April 13 , about 60 members of the Holy Trinity family participated in the annual Lenten Workshop entitled: The Prosphoron Project: Kneading God. This hands-on workshop was lead by Fr. Peter Delvizis and assisted by coordinators Presbytera Victoria Delvizis and Lia Lewis, a graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology.

Prosphoron and the Prosphoron seal. The second session of the day was a hands-on demonstration given by Anthe Angelides and Kyria Vasiliki Zourzoukis. During this enjoyable session, the participants assisted with kneading and baking the Prosphoron.

By the end of the day, the group had baked six loaves which were then used the next day during the Divine Liturgy.

The first session discussed the theological, etymological and physical aspects of the

In addition to the workshop, a mini “museum” displayed the various types of

1 Kyria Vasiliki Zourzoukis with Anthe Angelides preparing dough

3 Presvytera Victoria introducing the prosphoron presenters

Prosphoron seals that are used in the baking as well as a display of the “altar ready” Paten as performed before every liturgy.

Many thanks are extended to John and Dean Logus for their tireless efforts. They helped set us, bring food items, clean up and everything in between. Also the Ladies of Philoptochos who helped served the Lenten meal. Lastly, Limani restaurant of Westfield is thanked for its generosity in donating the entire meal. ^

4 The Five Presenters

PROSPHORON (OFFERING BREAD)

1-3/4 cups warm water 4 teaspoons yeast (equiv. approx. 2 packets dry yeast) 4-5 cups wheat flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 Prosphoron Seal Dissolve yeast in warm water.

Sift flour and salt into large mixing bowl. Make a well in the flour. Pour in water and dissolved yeast mixture.

Stir and knead to make a stiff dough.

Anthe shows how to make Remove from bowl to knead until a the perfect seal (sfragida). smooth, yet slightly sticky, ball can be

formed (about 10 minutes).

Return to bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm location until almost double in size (about 40 minutes).

When ready, divide dough in half. Take each half and knead again briefly. If dough is sticky add some flour.

Shape each half into a flat loaf.

Place dough in 8” or 9” inch pan which has been floured, not greased.

The pan should be a little larger than the loaf.

Sprinkle flour on dough and press Prosphoron seal (that has been

dusted with flour) firmly into dough allowing seal to remain in stamped position until dough has doubled in size again (about 40 minutes). Remove seal and prick (with toothpick) around the loaf and at key intersections of the seal.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Wrap in a clean cloth (to keep the crust soft) and cool on a rack. ^

Quilt-a-Thon 2013

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Parish Life

SACRAMENT OF HOLY UNCTION AT HOLY TRINITY

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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7 1. Arrival of His Eminence with Peter Arbes.

5. Parish Council Members in Prayer.

2. His Eminence visits Holy Trinity for the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

6. His Eminence with Agapios Kyritsis.

3. Sacrament of Holy Unction at Holy Trinity.

7 & 8. Anointing with Unction.

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4. Fr. Peter reading one of the Gospel passages.

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

Oratorical Junior Participants.

Oratorical Senior Participants.

Oratorical Finalists, Nikolas Karsos & Kate Berwind competed at St. Barbara in Toms River.

The Promise ^ June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

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Parish Life

42ND ANNUAL SIGHTS & SOUNDS FESTIVAL - SATURDAY MARCH 2, 2013

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BY GENE & PAM GENTILE

Saturday March 2, 2013 n a clear, cool day the 42nd Sights & Sounds Invitational Festival, Westfield’s signature youth event, illuminated our entire facility as we hosted approximately 800 youth members, advisors, coaches, judges, priests, presvyteras, and Westfield volunteers.

What a wonderful experience for all of us! All participating youth are to be congratulated for their efforts, courage and humility. It is inspirational to see our collective youth members share their God-given talents with each other in Christian unity.

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As with any event of such magnitude, the efforts of many are necessary to ensure all details, logistics, and challenges are met.

We are blessed to have Host Committee members who give freely of themselves without hesitation and work arduously to recruit and train volunteers, set up and break down the venue repeatedly,

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months leading up to and including the day of Sights and Sounds, to Father Alexander for his continued love and support; to Nick Churus & Duke Markos our sound engineers from Sts. Nicholas, Constantine and Helen, along with their assistants who offer many hours of their time and talent to set up, run and disassemble the complex sound system; to our MC’s, Pascali Kuvalakis & Dean Paranicas; to our kitchen crew that assisted master chefs, Dino & Tom, so that all present enjoyed breakfast, lunch and a delicious fried chicken dinner; to the youth of Holy Trinity and their parents Holy who assisted in both set-up as well as Trinity restoration of all classrooms, bathrooms Dancers and the Bouras center; to the many special volunteers from our parish who assisted throughout the day of Sights and Sounds; coordinate judges, and provide meals, and to all the former chairmen of the snacks, security and supervision so that Sights & Sounds Festival whose vision the day runs smoothly for all. Our and talents have contributed to making host committee works endlessly and this event what it is today. collaboratively. They exemplif y the We thank you, our fellow parishioners, for principles of our Christian beliefs. May entrusting the Sights & Sounds Festival to God bless them. us. Holy Trinity is a unique and special Please allow us to share with you the community. It has truly been an honor for following recognitions: Our mentors, us to serve in the capacity of chairmen of steadfast advisors and tireless supporters, this parish’s signature event as we work in Anita & Stamati Kartalopoulos. the glory of God to nurture and challenge Our Host Committee: Irene Panagakos, our youth in developing their love, faith, Notis Kotsolios, Dino Genakos, Tom Andresakes, hope and fulfi llment of dreams. Truly, Ellen Athenson, George and Alison Youlios, Dean Christ is among us.

Constantine, Maria Kanaras, Aggie Zourzoukis, SIGHTS AND SOUNDS CHAIRMEN: Debbie Vlahakis, Michael Savva, Janet O’Sullivan, Angelika and Lou Anderson: 1972 - 2013: Marigo Chantzis, Ellen Conti, Michelle Kallinosis, Stathis Afendoulis, Evans John, Jenny Logus, Yiana Angelica & Louis Mauros: 1972 - 1977 Elaine & Peter Markos: 1978 -1 986 Leichtling, and Kathy Maglaras.

Our Special Helpers: Mary Vasilou, Effie Euphraxia Genakis & Irene Panagakos: 1987 - 1989 Genakis, Kassandra Romas, and Michael Anita & Stamati Kartopoulos: 1990 -2 009 Savorgiannakis.

Eugene & Pamela Gentile: 2010 - 2013 ^ Our caretakers: Oceone & Jose who spent many hours helping to keep our facility operational and clean. Then, after we all left for the evening, they stayed until the wee hours of the morning to make sure our rooms were ready for services and religious education the following day.

SPECIAL THANK YOU’S: We express our deep appreciation to Father Peter for his leadership, love and support throughout the Tireless helpers.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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YOUTH OF HOLY TRINITY - 4TH PLACE

Sights & Sounds Festival Awards

LITERATURE: Senior Short Story: Nicole Economides - 3rd Place Senior Poetry: Alexandra Maglaras - 2nd Place ART: Temperas: Maria Langis - 1st Place Posters: Julianna Baurkot - 2nd Place Posters: Alexandra Maglaras - 3rd Place Watercolors: Elias Vitoroulis - 1st Place Pastels: Elias Vitoroulis - 2nd Place Collage: Samantha Anastasiou - 3rd Place Sculpture: John Petris - Honorable Mention Scratch Board: Yianni Angelides - 2nd Place Scratch Board: Elias Vitoroulis - Honorable Mention HANDICRAFT: Woodworking-Decorative: Nicholas John - 2nd Place Woodworking-Functional: Nicholas Savorgiannakis - 3rd Place Original Design on Ready: Diana Kallinosis - 1st Place Made Item Original Design on Ready: Christina Karsos - 2nd Place Made Clothing Original Design on Ready: Dina Savva - 3rd Place Made Clothing Bead Making Original Design: Constandinos Logus - 3rd Place Freeform Candles: Diana Kallinosis - 2nd Place VISUALS: Color Photography: Alexandra Panagakos - 2nd Place Computer Enhanced: Constandinos Logus - 2nd Place Photography

SOUNDS AWARDS

THEATER: Jr. Monologue-Greek: George Maris - 4th Place Jr. Monologue-Greek: Yianni Angelides - 5th Place Choral Speaking: Stathis Afendoulis, Director - 3rd Place Nicholas Karsos Samantha Anastasiou Andreas Vlahakis Andrew Economides Jonathan Savorgianakis Alexandra Afendoulis

Sights & Sounds Committee.

Stehpanie Chavanne Nicole Economides Amalia Kanaras Alexandra Monfalcone

Olivia Manousos Christina Karsos Louis Vitoroulis Nicholas John

ENGLISH PLAY Stathis Afendoulis, Director - 1st Place Action News: Elena Arida Nicholas Karsos Samantha Anastasiou Andreas Vlahakis Andrea Kanaras Andrew Economides Jonathan Savorgiannakis Alexandra Afendoulis Andrew Economides Stehpanie Chavanne Olivia Manousas Helen Basis Diana Kallinosis Nicole Economides Alexandra Maglaras Christina Karsos Christina Kallinosis Best Actor: Nicholas Karsos Dramatic Pairs: Nicholas Karsos + Christina Karsos - 3rd Place MUSIC: Junior Singing Solo: Alyssa Kiel - 1st Place Religious Singing Group Ellen Conti, Director - 5th Place Amanda Klouser, Coach Christina Christodoulou Diana Kallinosis Andriana Kanaras Christina Kallinosis Alexandra Maglaras Cipriana Christodoulou Dina Savva Stephanie John English Singing Group Ellen Conti, Director - 3rd Place George Lykogiannis, Coach Christina Christodoulou Diana Kallinosis Andriana Kanaras Christina Kallinosis Alexandra Panagakos Cipriana Christodoulou Dina Savva Stephanie John ^

Sights & Sounds Presenters.

The Promise ^ June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

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GOYA

FROM THE GOYA PRESIDENT ■ STEPHANIE JOHN

W

e kicked off our remaining months of the winter season with our annual Souper Bowl Sunday. Thanks to everyone’s contributions, we were able to raise $495 along with a load of canned goods for a local food bank. The next week, our GOYANS gathered on a Saturday morning to make chocolates to sell as a fundraiser for the Lou Martin Fund.

Mr. Martin was always so supportive to our youth and this was a great way to remember him.

The following week, we teamed up with Union, Roseland, and Randolph to make 300 bagged lunches for the homeless in Newark. The next afternoon the juniors and seniors went to

Newark with advisors and the Bridges organization to distribute the lunches first handedly to the homeless. All participants can agree that this was a life-changing experience. On March 2, we hosted the annual state event, Sights and Sounds. We had a busy yet exciting day, and were very excited that we secured a 4th place award.

Looking forward towards the spring, we will be having our rescheduled bowling tournament dinner/dance on March 16 and our practices for Olympics will begin on March 24. Last but not least, we strongly encourage everyone attending the Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC to come to the youth table to purchase shirts. It would be great if everyone could look uniform in the cool shirts that we designed! ^

GREEK PARADE 2013

O

■ MICHAEL ANASTASIOU, PARADE LIAISON

n April 7th Holy Trinity participated in the annual New York City Greek Parade. Father Peter led almost 100 parishioners from all the organizations of our church up 5th Avenue. The biggest in attendance was the Greek School and GOYA. There was an overwhelming feeling of pride as we swayed our Greek flags in the wind and waved to all the spectators along our way.

A special t ha n k you to Mrs. Christina Wa r n ic k f or organizing this f u n c u lt u r a l event We appreciated her di ligence and fortitude.

I wou ld a lso like to thank

YHT

Happy Spring!

O

ur parade committee and GOYA would like to thank everyone who supported our t-shirt sale for the annual Greek Parade in NYC. It was very successful and the profits helped cover some of the transportation costs.

As the weather is becoming warmer we are moving away from the Sights and Sounds festivities and moving towards the volleyball court and track so that we can be prepared to

12

everyone who bought t-shirts designed by Dina Sava, Stephanie John and myself. The profit helped fund the buses for transportation to the city. Also, thank you to the Ladies of Philoptochos who donated money to help supplement transportation costs.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who attended. We had a wonderful day and I hope to see everyone march again next year, Και του χρόνου! ^ go for the gold at the annual Jr. Olympics. The excitement and adrenaline is rising as we are gathering at the Kenilworth track on Sundays after Religious Education to practice the track and field events with our coaches and trainers. Just like previous years, all athletes are expected to put in a full effort to make this year just as successful and enjoyable as last year.

A lso, all fans are welcome to come cheer us on at Monmouth University on Memorial Day Weekend!

Lastly, I would like to thank the parents and Holy Trinity community for continuously supporting our youth in all of our endeavors. It has been a very busy winter and we wouldn’t be able to accomplish as much as we do without all of your love and support. ^

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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Greek School PTO ■

CHRISTINA WARNICK, PRESIDENT

T

he Greek School of Holy Trinity has had many fun and celebratory events these past few months. The children have made us proud at every event, showing their Greek pride and sense of camaraderie.

On February 23rd, the Greek School PTO held it’s 7th annual Family Greek Night at the Basking R idge Country Club. Wonderful prizes including an iPad mini were raffled at the event. Traditional Greek dancing by our Youth Dance Group lead by Anthony and Cynthia Katsingris, instructors, highlighted the evening. On behalf of the PTO, I would like to thank all those who supported this successful event. Special thanks to Maria Tarhanides for chairing the event. Και του χρόνου!!!

The celebration of Greek Independence, March 25th was a proud one as our children wore traditional costumes and sang, danced, read poems and compositions for family members and friends in the Bouras Center. This feeling of Hellenic pride was transferred as many

members of our Greek School and parish community marched in the annual Greek Independence Day Parade on April 7th along New York City’s famous 5th Avenue.

Again, many thanks to those who marched, watched, and helped me in organizing this event. A special thank you to Nina Anastasiou for her assistance.

For our older classes, a trip to the Metropolitan Museum in New York followed by an authentic Greek meal in Astoria also highlights our spring calendar. Learning about ancient Greek artwork and viewing artifacts at a guided museum tour take the learning out of the classroom for our students and faculty.

As we look towards the end of the school year and the graduation for our oldest students, we wish to thank all of those who supported us, the PTO, the faculty and most importantly, our students.

Information regarding the registration for next year will soon be available. Those

who have children entering preK 4 who would like information regarding our Greek School’s preK class, please contact the Church office. Καλό καλοκαίρι!. ^

Holy Trinity Religious Education

Godparent/GodchildSunday with Communion Breakfast

■ ANDREA CERINI ur annual Godparent/Godchild Communion Breakfast was held on February 17. After godparents and godchildren received communion together they enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the Bouras Center.

Dino Genakos and his kitchen crew out did themselves once again.

O

Chris Kiriakatis and Ron Cerini welcomed Steve Ladas into their ranks this year. A delicious home cooked breakfast that included fresh fruit salad, perfectly scrambled eggs, delicious bagels and breads and many other wonderful treats was enjoyed by all. Though chilly outside, our Bouras center was warm with love as our community came together in prayer and fellowship.

I would like to send a special thank you to the volunteers who helped to make this day a success including Debbie, Megan and Philip Koutsaftes, Jenny andPeter Basis and Jeannie Arida. Also thank you to the many beautiful and helpful children who helped clean up after the event. It was greatly appreciated. ^ Fr. Peter with Ron & Andrea Cerini.

The Promise ^ June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

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The Bookstore

The Book Store wishes you a blessed Easter on May 5!

■ SANDY MOURATOGLOU & ANDREA BLASI CELEBRATE EASTER WITH A SPECIAL GIFT FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE: Browse our many offerings: Icons, Crosses, and religious CDs to inspire prayers; Bibles for young and old; and books on various aspects of the Greek Orthodox religion, Greek culture and cooking.

Support the Book Store: all profits are donated to the Church.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD!

Book Store Stewardship gives you the opportunity to browse our offerings and meet new friends, and most rewarding of all, to help spread the Word of God. There is an old saying: “It is better to give than to receive.” Why? Because you can receive more than you give.

See the ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLE note on Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” ^

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The Promise ^ June 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 3

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Wait for The

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Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654

of the Father

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 250 Gallows Hill Road ^ Westfield, NJ 07090 Change Service Requested

Metropolis of New Jersey

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Office Staff

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 Christopher Wolff

E-mail FrPeter@htgocnj.org

Schedule of Services

The Promise: Volume 37, Issue 3

Sundays

Weekdays

Orthros

8:15 AM

8:30 AM

Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM

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Accountant Diana R. Waltsak Caretaker Ocione Nunes

Ministries Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Greek School Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore Cultural Greek School PTO Trinity Circle

Agapios Kyritsis Avi Kiriakatis Jenny Hantzios-Basis Rita Fitanidis Stephanie John Julie Vagelos & Peggy Tsirigotis Joanne Paras Sandy Mouratoglou Barbara Manos Christina Warnick Antoinette Genakos

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