The Promise - March 2011 by Abel Montoya

Promise The

Holy TriniTy Greek orTHodox CHurCH WesTfield ^ neW Jersey

FrPeter@htgocnj.org

March 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 2

908-233-8533

holytrinitywestfield.org

Great Lent Begins March 7 n

The ReveRend peTeR delvizis

onday, March 7 begins our Lenten journey. This journey leads us from desolation, found in the corrupted nature of this world, to the beautiful gates of Paradise, found in Christ’s Resurrection. The Orthodox faithful are asked to engage these special holy days to make spiritual progress in their personal passage to salvation. The formula, given to us by the Church, to accomplish this task is simple: prayer, fasting, forgiveness and charity. An increase in corporate prayer is seen with the addition of the Presanctified Liturgy, the Salutations, Compline and Lenten Vespers. Here the Church lays out its program for your spiritual edification. By attending a number of these services each week, your spirit is led by the conscious of the Church. Likewise, in imitation of the Church, our own personal prayer life increases. As we pray at home, you will see your own prayer life blossom forth bearing fruit worthy of God’s incorruptible kingdom. Fasting is self-sacrifice, a denial of the body to control carnal impulses. The body is more than food. It is spiritual and divine. We remember the words of the Saviour Himself when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” [Matt 4:4] By denying our flesh, as the Holy Fathers indicate, our spirit feasts on God’s commandments. Forgiveness is an act of returning to the Father. The model of this is perfectly described in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. [Luke 15:11-32] Our selfish devices leave us spiritually abandoned and left to die in the corrupted nature of this world. By identifying sin that is rooted within, we are assisted by the Church, through Holy Confession, to receive healing from God. This is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. “And when he saw him (the Samaritan, who is a symbol of one afflicted by the

Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

ev. Fr. Peter Delvizis was the keynote speaker for the Town of Westfield’s 24 Annual Interfaith Commemoration Service of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The commemoration service was held at the First Baptist Church in Westfield, NJ on January 17, 2011. The following is Fr. Peter’s edited and condensed speech: “I am honored and privileged to be with you today celebrating, not only the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but more importantly his sacrificial contributions to our nation. The theme for this year’s commemoration, In the World House, Local Actions Have Global Reactions, conveys to us an importantcontemporary message. Namely, that each of us is connected to one another simply by being members of the human race. We live together, work together, play together, and pray together in one common house – our world. As the world becomes smaller through the advancement of technology the word “ecumenical” [the coming together of people] is even more important. Ecumenical means world-wide. It is a Greek word derived from the word “oikos” which literally means “house” the place where which we all reside.

pag. 5

Wait for the promise of the Father

pag. 3

Dates in the Life of Our Church March

TUE

4:00 PM Greek School

WED

7:00 PM Sights judging

THUR

SAT

SUN

MON

4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Greek Dance

WED

9:00 AM Sights and Sounds Festival

MON

14 TUE

WED

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

THUR

Great Lent Begins 6:30 PM Great Compline

SAT

7:00 PM Great Vespers @ Jersey City Evangelismos Feast Day of the Annunciation

FRI

8:30 AM Orthros 7:00 PM Salutations

SAT

10:00 AM TOTS 7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy

9:00 AM Vocal Workshop 11:30 AM Baptism Veneration of the Holy Cross

SUN

4:00 PM Greek School

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

7:30 PM Choir practice

MON

7:00 PM EFGOC rehearsal

TUE

4:00 PM Greek school

28 rd

9:00 AM Sights & Sounds [snow date] Sunday of Orthodoxy - Daylight Savings Begins 8:15 AM Orthros

29 WED

6:30 PM Lenten Vespers 7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy

8:30 PM Theosis

THUR

4:00 PM Greek school

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

6:30 PM Lenten Vespers

FRI

7:00 PM Salutations

7:15 PM Marriage Prep Class 11:00 AM Trinity Circle meeting

SAT

9:30 AM Quilt-a-thon

4:00 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy 4:00 PM Greek School

4:00 PM Greek School - Greek Ind. Program

7:30 PM Parish Council

THUR

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

8:30 PM Theosis

FRI

7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy

6:30 PM Lenten Vespers

16 17

10:00 AM TOTS 8:30 PM Theosis

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy - 3 Saturday of Souls

8:15 AM Orthros

SAT

SUN

4:00 PM Greek School

8:00 AM Divine Liturgy - 2nd Saturday of Souls

7:00 PM Salutations

TUE

FRI

7:00 PM EFGOC rehearsal

7:30 PM Choir practice

8:30 PM Theosis THUR

MON

7:30 PM Philoptochos WED

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

7:15 PM Marriage Prep Class TUE

2nd Sunday in Lent, St. Gregory of Palamas

SUN

Lenten Seminar with Fr. Calivas

11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sun in Lent, St. John of the Ladder

SUN

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

7:30 PM Choir practice 7:00 PM Salutations

7:30 PM Choir practice

Blessing of the quilts TUE

WED

4:00 PM Greek school 7:00 PM Philoptochos mtg. 7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy 8:30 PM Theosis

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

pag.1

- Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Our ecumenical gathering today is to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was perhaps the greatest advocate of Civil Rights in our life time. He envisioned one house; a world that is truly ecumenical where all people can live side-byside in peace, harmony and equality. By promoting the belief that all are equal in the sight of God, regardless of race; creed; color or gender; he advanced the thought that in the individual there is found self-worth and dignity. He challenged the notion, accepted by many at that time, that the color of one’s skin should determine status in our American society. It is so very important for us to remember and to understand the ideas for which Dr. King fought. By understanding the past and the history of the Civil Rights Movement here in America, a clear picture is drawn for us today. In other words, by maintaining a connection to the past, our present reality becomes sharper and more distinctive. By respecting the events of the past, our present reality is given a deeper degree of definition. Let’s go one step further; if the past is properly understood and we allow it to shape our present reality then a linear trajectory is established connecting the past to the present thus propelling us securely into the future.

First, we have to go on a journey to the past - 1965. It was a different world back in 1965 than it is today. The cost of a new home was $13,600. Average income was $6,450. A gallon of gas was 31 cents. You could buy a new car for just $2,650. I’ve heard people ask the question: would you like to go back in time to visit the past? Most of us would say, yes; perhaps because our minds glamorize earlier times. Perhaps it is because we also have the tendency to focus on the good-old-days or on an earlier life that was filled with youthful exuberance and vitality. What if we were somehow afforded the opportunity go back to 1965? But by going back we must accept all that 1965 has to offer. So in addition of getting the $13,600 house we also must accept the turbulence and strife of this period. 1965 was a turbulent year especially in Selma, Alabama. The Selma march to Montgomery marked the political and emotional peak of the Civil Rights Movement in America. Now the connection of the Greek Orthodox: In the Selma, Alabama march; walking to the right of Dr. King, was a man with a white beard wearing a long black robe. His name was Iakovos (Greek for James) and this man was the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America – the leader of the Orthodox faith in America.

And so it is with the Civil Rights Movement. By understanding the historic events and the dreams of all those who fought to establish equality, the Civil Rights Movement of today has greater texture and can thus guide those of us who will join in to carry this movement into the future. As many of us did in preparation for today’s celebration, I read Dr. King’s historic, I Have a Dream, speech. Its message is truly timeless in that it speaks not only about the struggles of the African American in the 1960’s but it also has a contemporary quality by speaking of basic human rights. His speech speaks to me because if atrocities against humanity still exist in the world, then we must strive to work against the powers that attempt to dominate personhood. As you know, I am a Greek Orthodox clergyman. Now, you might be asking yourself: what is the connection between the Greek Orthodox, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement in America? In a brief moment, you will understand how the knowledge of history and the past link us together showing that we truly do live in a World House. Fr. Peter being presented with the Keynote Speaker Appreciation Award. The Promise ^ March 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 2

Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The days leading up to this march were marked with uncertainty for Archbishop Iakovos. He had a serious decision to make whether to attend this march or not. His residence was in New York City, a long way from Alabama. The accounts of the attacks and the civil unrest going on in the south led some to advise the Archbishop not to attend this march. But the Archbishop was commitment to social justice having witnessed first-hand how his Church was denied religious freedom in Turkey and how his own person was discriminated against being viewed as a “second-class citizen” for being a Greek minority. He acutely understood how communism decimated the Orthodox Church in the Soviet Union. If one takes a stance against injustice, one has to be against all forms of injustice. Motived by this philosophy and by his life experience he was determined to walk alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His march with Dr. King was immortalized on the cover of the March 26, 1965 issue of Life Magazine, where he stands photographed alongside King. In doing so, Archbishop Iakovos was one of the first national religious leaders to take a role in American Civil Rights. Those involved in the establishment of Civil Rights are most often also involved in the advancement of both Human Rights and Religious Freedom. These all share in the common thought that freedom – the ability to be who God has ordained you to be – is a unique unalienable right. Freedom is following God’s commandments and not our own pleasures and desires. As the Creator, He gives purpose to all things. Take for example how He created a flower. He has fashioned the rose to be a rose, a stone to be a stone, the sky to be high above us, and the ocean to be full of water. In like manner, He has created me, a simple and frail person, to be the image of Himself - The Almighty God. We pray that we are given the wisdom to hear and follow the divine commandments of our Lord. So when anyone asks us or demands us or orders us to be something that is contrary to our very own nature we must reject this as unreasonable and encroaching upon divine nature. Can that rose which God created be anything except a rose? Can the stone be anything except a stone? Can the sky be anywhere except above us? Can the oceans be anything but wet with rain? If these things follow after their own nature, we too must do the same, for if we cease being who we truly are and follow the dictates of another we cease being free. What the oppressor does not understand is that by our very nature we must first identify ourselves as a creation of God. Only after doing this can we allow another authority to direct our lives. If this authority disrespects divine personhood, then we in turn reject that authority as detrimental to personhood and thus to humanity.

Archbishop Iakovos of North & South America, walks with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Selma, Alabama march. (Courtesy GOA)

Many people, including Dr. King, were people who witnessed great injustice in this world. History is replete with oppressed persons. And when one encounters injustice to the degree where personhood is mocked or belittled or an attempt is made to strip its identity entirely away, then great pain afflicts that person. Can you imagine the pain that fills the soul of one who encounters injustice because of the color of one’s skin; or because of extreme poverty and hunger; or because of one’s birth; or by persecution; or through the loss of freedom or the restriction of movement and speech because of one’s belief? People who encounter this surely know that the divine order of this world has been upset and has somehow gone out of balance. The chaos of injustice is the diligent work of the oppressor. But by identifying with and respecting the divine nature within, these people, who feel the sting of injustice and a pain whose wounds cuts deeply, are not crippled by the affliction. Oddly enough, from the pain they feel and from the desperation that surrounds them, a dream develops. And from this dream grows a vision: the vision of restoring balance and harmony to the world, to become that which God has intended us to become. This type of vision challenges the state of disharmony, by asking: why should children not have food to eat or shoes to cover their feet; why should there not be equal rights for all; why should freedom be curtailed and speech monitored or controlled; why can I not sing praises to my God? Why should I be killed for practising faith?

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As with others, Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision was a catalyst having the ability to connect with the pain of others. From his pain, a vision grew that drew people together. And from the people came the power. And from the power of the people came the change for the African American.

For when yet one brother or sister of ours in the world-house hurts; humanity feels this pain, so we must continue to work for liberty and true freedom for all.” ^

The life of Dr. Martin Luther King is celebrated. He left this life in his prime. But his life still connects people together both here in America and throughout the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Part of his dream has been realized. Still yet, injustice and human rights abuses and the curtailing of religious freedom still exist throughout the world. Racism, human trafficking, prostitution, female castration, genocide, inhuman and brutal torture, murder, drug cartels, pornography and a host of other ills still infect the world by denying personal and collective freedoms. So in truth, Dr. King’s work continues and it must continue. We can never be satisfied when atrocities are being continually perpetrated against humankind. Let us continue lifting Dr. Fr. Peter and Presvytera Victoria accompany Dino Genakos, Barbara King’s message of peace, justice and love for one another. Let Manos and Nicholas, Stephanie and Evans Johns at the Martin Luther us offer the world a place of tranquility and non-violence. King Jr. celebration. pag. 1

- Lenten tortures of sin), he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, brought him to the inn (a symbol of the Church) and took care of him.” [Luke 10:33-34] For your benefit a more extensive article regarding Holy Confession is included in this month’s publication. Charity is love in action. Therefore to demonstrate our love for one another and for God we give out of our abundance. We give to help those in need. We give to provide for the welfare of Christ’s Holy Church. We give to advance the Kingdom of God in this world. To give makes us imitators of the Divine Person for in love He gave His only begotten Son. As we embark on the Lenten journey, we do so with faith and joy being reminded by our Lord that, “when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance… but, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” [Matt. 6:16-18] Have a blessed Lent…. Kali Sarakosti – Fr. Peter ^

Parish News

New Members of the Church

George & Maya Djurasovic Georgia Flamporis 7 Thornley Dr. 316B Pasted Ave. Chatham, NJ 07928 Westfield, NJ 07090

Jeffrey & Hazel Pantelas 17 Maple Ave. Aberdeen, NJ 07747

Dean & Jaime Steele 206 Shearwater Ct. West, Apt. 55 Jersey City, NJ 07305

The Promise ^ March 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 2

Philoptochos n 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. The Ladies Philoptochos Society will be hosting Holy Trinity’s Lenten Retreat with guest speaker Father Alkiviadis Calivas of Holy Cross Seminary. Please come out and join us – luncheon will be served complimentary. Babies Quiltathon is on Saturday, April 2nd at 9:00 a.m. We are very grateful to Connie Wygera for chairing this Lenten event for Philoptochos and to all the parishioners who will sign up and come out to help us.

When you give to Charity you make a difference in the life of others.

Calendar of Events March 15, 2011, Tuesday – Board Meeting 7:00 pm – Room 101 March 19, 2011, Saturday – 10:00 am to 2:30 pm Holy Trinity’s Lenten Retreat with guest speaker Father Alkiviadis Calivas of Holy Cross Seminary (breakfast & lunch served) April 2, 2011, Saturday – Babies Quiltathon – Bouras Center - Connie Wygera, Chairing event April 10, 2011, Sunday – Epitaphios Tray Collection – Athena Vasiliadis & Helen Hadjitheodorou April 10, 2011, Sunday – Tulle distribution; Evelyn Skorinko

April 10, 2011, Sunday – Baking for Shutins – Joanne Kallerges Chairperson April 12, 2011, Tuesday – Board Meeting – 7:00 pm – Room 101 April 17, 2011 – PALM SUNDAY –Philoptochos Hosting Fellowship Hour -Epitaphios Tray Collection– Themis Ganifas May 4, 2011, Wednesday – Annual Fashion Show at Plainfield Country Club, Edison May 8, 2011, Sunday – Mother & Grandmother award presentations May 10, 2011, Tuesday – Board Meeting – 7:00 pm June 7, 2011, Tuesday – Last Board Dinner Meeting ^

C h rysal i s Ladies Philoptochos Spring Fashion Show May 4, 2011

Plainfield Country Club, Edison, NJ Gift Basket & Ad Journal Donation/Solicitation Request WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: • Solicit/donate business ads for the Ad Journal • Place a Mother’s tribute in the Journal • Solicit/donate cash & items for gift basket raffles

Visit our website for solicitation forms: www.holytrinityfashionshow.com I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.

Helen Keller

Your support is greatly appreciated Janet O’Sullivan & Debbie Efthimion Fashion show Co-Chairs

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Preparation for Holy Confession The Sacrament of God’s Forgiveness.

he gift of God’s forgiveness is received through private prayer, corporate worship, fasting, and above all through the Sacrament of Holy Confession. The values of Holy Confession are twofold. First, through this sacramental act of the ordained priest and the Christian believer we have the assurance of divine forgiveness, according to the words of Christ. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” [John 20:23] Second, Holy Confession provides the opportunity to talk about one’s deep concerns, to receive counsel and to be encouraged toward spiritual growth. Holy Confession is appropriate whenever an Orthodox Christian feels the need for it. It is also a part of our total spiritual preparation during fast periods leading up to the great feasts of Pascha, Christmas, the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Feast of the Twelve Apostles. However, Holy Confession is especially necessary when a serious sin has been committed, when habitual sin has overwhelmed a Christian or when a Christian has stopped growing spiritually and needs a reexamination of their priorities. We confess our sins to God and the power of forgiveness is God’s. However, the gift of God’s forgiveness, although assured, is not magical. It does not automatically spare us from spiritual struggle – the continual vigilance against evil and the unceasing warfare against sin. Holy Confession will bear fruits in the Spirit only when the believer hates evil, utterly rejects sin and patiently cultivates positive habits of the life in Christ. How can one prepare for Holy Confession? Preparation is a prayerful examination of feelings, thoughts, works, acts, attitudes, habits, values, priorities, goals, direction and way of life. Our entire existence should be lived in Christ. The goal of this sincere search of conscience under the light of the Holy Spirit is to affirm our true selves in Christ. Pray and think about your confession over several days. Ask God to help you perceive your sins

and make a thorough confession of them. Sometime before the sacrament of Holy Confession offer the following prayer of repentance: “Oh Lord my God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. I have also omitted to do what Your Holy Law requires of me. But now with repentance and contrition, I turn again to Your love and mercy. I entreat You to forgive me all my transgressions and to cleanse me from all my sins. Lord, fill my heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my will by Your grace. Teach me both to desire and to do only what pleases You. Amen.” Now, make a prayerful examination of your conscience regarding all things, reflecting on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. Take paper and pencil and specify your sins so that you can make a thorough Confession, without confusion or lapse of memory.

The Ten Commandments I am the Lord your God and you shall have no other gods before Me.

Has God been the source, center and hope of my life? Have I put myself, others or things before God? Have I failed to trust in God’s existence, love and mercy?

You shall not make for yourself a graven image in order to worship it.

Have I valued anyone or anything above God? Have I given to anyone or anything the love, honor and worship that belongs to God alone? Have I made an idol of any person, idea, occupation or thing?

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Have I blasphemed God’s holy name in any way? Have I sworn a false oath? Have I broken any solemn vow or promise? Have I cursed or used foul language using the breath of my mouth that God intends to be sacred?

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

Have I worshipped regularly on Sundays and major feast days and have I helped others to do the same? Have I worked unnecessarily on Sundays or major feast

days or caused others to do so? Have I spent the Lord’s day in wholesome and edifying ways?

Honor your father and mother.

Have I loved and respected my parents as I should? Have I neglected them or failed to help them? Have I disobeyed them or caused them pain by my words or deeds? Have I treated all my family members with patience and love?

You shall not kill.

Have I caused the harm, injury or death of anyone? Have I wished my own or anyone’s harm or death? Have I been cruel to animals or destroyed any life unnecessarily? Have I killed the spirit or enthusiasm of another by curt or offensive language?

You shall not commit adultery.

Have I committed any immoral acts alone or with others or caused others to do so? Have I committed immoral acts in my heart? Have I viewed pornography through image or written text?

You shall not steal.

Have I taken anything from anywhere that was not my own or caused others to do so? Have I cheated anyone, or damaged or destroyed things that are not mine? Have I paid my debts or given to the poor in proportion to my means? Have I withheld time, talent or treasury from Christ’s Church?

You shall not bear false witness.

Have I given false testimony against anyone, spoken evil, told lies or spread rumors? Have I disclosed the sins and faults of another or made careless statements that are damaging to another? Have I engaged in idle gossip?

You shall not covet.

Have I looked with envy, jealousy or hatred toward the possessions, talents or achievements of others? Have I grieved that God has bestowed greater blessing on others than on me? The Sacrament of Holy Confession is heard upon the faithful’s request. Simply call Fr. Peter to arrange a time. ^ The Promise ^ March 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 2

Parish News & Updates Theosis Bible Study - Lenten Retreat

oly Trinity is proud to present its annual Lenten Retreat to be held on Saturday, March 19. We are happy to announce that Rev. Fr. Alkiviadas Calivas, Professor of Teleturgics at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, will be this year’s presenter.

lease join us after every Pre-sanctified Liturgy on Wednesday nights throughout Great Lent, for the Theosis Bible Study. This year’s topic is a review of Genesis, the first book of Holy Scripture. The Book of Genesis comprises a narrative extending from creation to the death of Joseph. We will touch upon prominent themes such as: God’s Promise; Blessings in place of the curse; Creation; and the history of Israel. This Book is read during the liturgical season throughout the period of Great Lent. Its special prominence in the Orthodox Church will also be discussed. This is a perfect way to gain spiritual knowledge during the Lenten Journey. ^

Fr. Calivas is an author of many books and articles. He is a beloved clergyman of the Archdiocese of America. This year’s retreat is entitled: Holy Week and Pascha – A Journey through Christ’s Passion and His Gift of Resurrection. The retreat is free and open to all parishioners. ^ 2

1. Avi Kiriakatis holding crocheted blankets hand-made by Irene Bistis. 2. Vasilopita Committee Pat Kalellis and Helen Bruno with Deacon Gregory and Fr. Peter. 3. Youth Athletic Awards. 3

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Philoptochos Seminar

oly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church was the venue for a pilot educational initiative designed for women regarding contemporary female issues in our contemporary culture. The slightly inclement weather did not deter participants from gathering to voice their opinions as well as educate themselves regarding how the Orthodox Church examines and develops her general views on matters such as, vocation, marriage, sexuality, reproductive medicine, later- life concerns and final stages of life. In a day of divinely inspired beauty, light was shed upon feminine beauty, both physical and spiritual, what defines the essence of beauty, and the cultivation of spiritual inner beauty that radiates from within. Using the landmark book on Orthodox Bioethics, Stages on Life’s Way (by Very Rev. John Breck/former Associate Professor of New Testament and Ethics at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary) as the guide for the seminar, we explored these weighty topics around the lecture theme, “from the womb to the tomb”. Diakonissa Sharon Rubis, who studied at St. Vladimir’s, presented the material in a concise, logical and thought-provoking manner, and moderated the “open mike” interactive audience portion. After a delightful luncheon sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos; President Avi Kiriakatis, introduced the afternoon segment led by a team of Bobbie Brown professional make-up artists. Bobbie Brown Cosmetics, a division of Estee Lauder, Inc., is a multibillion dollar company with products sold in over 400 retail stores and 50 countries worldwide. This fun-filled part of the

Diakonissa Sharon Rubis Presentation on Contemporary Women’s Issues

day explored the art of applied make-up technique for various situations, including day/evening looks, skin care concerns and age-appropriate natural makeup. Volunteers were able to have free makeovers and all participants were able to partake in a raffle for beauty baskets and gifts as well as purchase Bobbie Brown cosmetics customized for their individual needs. The wealth of interest in subject matter was apparent from questions raised in floor commentary. It is indicative of a thirst for this type of dialogue by Christian women who find themselves in all stages and walks of life. One could be certain that at day’s end, attendees departed with a great deal of spiritual food for thought and beautiful nourishment for the soul. ^

Parish Council Members

Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis, Presiding Priest Theodore Demetriou, President Notis Kotsolios, Vice President George Colonias, Secretary James C. Fountas, Treasurer

Nicholas J. Bouras, Asst. Treasurer Peter T. Arbes, Past President B. Theodore Bozonelis Dean Constantine Theodore Exarhakos

Richard Frigerio James P. Gianakis Jo-Ann Jayson Anthony J. Karanikolas Peter A. Ladas Robert V. LoAlbo

Kassandra Romas Peter Tarhanidis Bill Theofanous Peter Tsirigotis Theodore Vagelos George Youlios

Sacraments & Rites ChURChinGs Sun., Nov. 14 - Dante Thomas Son of Tara & Triston Glynos Sun, Nov. 21 - Alexandra Katherine Daughter of Lesley & Brian Stratton Sun, Nov. 28 - Dean Moran Son of Susan & Peter Pangis Sun, Dec. 5 - Alexander Peter Son of Melissa & Peter Nikolakopoulos

Sun, Jan. 6 - Michail Bahjat Son of Leyana & Socrates Kyritsis, Jr. BApTisMs Sat., Jan. 8 - Aiden George Son of Evelyn & Philip Viera Sun., Jan. 16 - Zoe Rose Daughter of Angela & John Poznanski Sun., Jan. 16 - Sofia Daughter of Nicole & Kosta Frangoulis

Sat., Jan. 22 - Giuliana Alexa Daughter of Anna & Alex Kalliaras Sat., Jan. 29 - Dante Thomas Son of Tara & Triston Glynos Sun., Feb. 6 - Evangeline Daughter of Melissa & Afstrathios Pafiakis FUneRAls: Tue., Nov. 30 - ^ Helen Fotos Thurs., Dec. 2 - ^ George Sidorakis Fri., December 31 - ^ Catherine Paskalides

The Promise ^ March 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 2

YHT From the Outreach Coordinators n

BY ReBeCCA KoTsonis & GUs exARhAKos

On Sunday Feb. 6th, Holy Trinity participated in Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday. Food donations were accepted and delivered to the Westfield Food Bank. A special collection was taken and a $500 check was sent to the IOCC for their efforts to combat hunger. Our thanks to all who contributed!

youth, parents and advisors want them to know that we appreciate all their efforts and we will miss their dedication and coaching. siGhTs & soUnds: We want to take this opportunity to

wish our groups, directors, and all our Sights & Sounds participants GOOD LUCK. We want to thank our coaches/ directors:

Our March Outreach will be a DVD collection for veterans (NOT kid DVDs this time). Please check your cabinets to see what DVDs can be donated to our vets.

Stathi Afendoulis – American play

FRoM The AdvisoRs:

John Gillick & Jenny Logus – Band

AThleTiCs: Congratulations to our Athletic Teams... our District II play-off results are: Jr. Boys - 1st pl. Coaches: Peter Boutsikaris & Mike Savorgiannakis. Sr. Boys - 2nd pl. Coaches: Joe O’Sullivan (retiring) & Van Grafas. Girls volleyball - 3rd pl. Coaches: Ellen Conti, Evans John & Aggie Zourzoukis

Despina & George Markos and Brian Maroldi– Greek Folk Dance

Many thanks to Joe O’Sullivan and Van Grafas for their years of coaching as they have arrived at this special time when their boys will be graduating. Joe and Van have given many hours of their time to the basketball program. The

Ellen Conti & Anjanette Valiente– Religious and American Singing Groups

Janet O’Sullivan – Choral Speaking Fellowship A group of our YHT members traveled to Clifton on Friday, Feb. 4th for the annual Valentine Dance. An enjoyable night of fellowship and fun.

See an advisor at the youth table if you have any questions Marigo Chantzis, Ellen Conti, Michelle Kallinosis, Evans John & Stathi Afendoulis. ^

The Promise • Classifieds

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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The Promise ^ March 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 2

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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

Administrative Assistant Irene Panagakos Accountant Diana R. Waltsak Caretaker Ocione Nunes

Worship

E-mail FrPeter@htgocnj.org Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis Priest Rev. Alexander G. Leondis

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

Schedule of Services Sundays

Weekdays

Orthros

8:15 AM

8:30 AM

Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM

The Promise: Volume 35, Issue 2 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10th of the preceding month

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) Christina Philippou JOY / HOPE Kathy Maglaras Yiana Leichtling Sandy Boutsikaris TOTS Joanne Paras Bookstore Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Barbara Manos Greek School PTO Irene Cohen