The Promise-March 2012 by Abel Montoya

Promise The

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY

HtgocWestfield@htgocnj.org

March 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 3

908-233-8533

holytrinitywestfield.org

The Revival of a Sinner Great Lent 2012

■

THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS

reat Lent is a period in the life of the Church dedicated to prayerful reflection, fasting and reconciliation. During this Season of Repentance, the Church invites you to deepen your commitment to Jesus Christ through selfdenial, a confession of sins and communion with God. These opportunities are presented to you on a parish level and you are asked to join the family of Orthodox believers who engage in these spiritual exercises. The sinner’s first step in returning to God is made possible through repentance. Sin taints the soul. The new beginning of pure life is to actually act upon the words of our Saviour and “repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” [Matthew 4:17] WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SINNER MEETS CHRIST?

The Gospel of Christ is fi lled with stories of ordinary people, like you and me, who are sinners. Some of these individuals respond positively to the gifts offered by Christ. Some act belligerently and become adversarial to the message of salvation. To those who seek God’s mercy, a physical and

spiritual wholesomeness is given. To those who forsake Christ and the help He brings, a self-condemnation is invoked. “His blood be upon us and on our children.” [Matthew 27:25] Christ is the ultimate and the only agent of good. He accepts all who call upon His name. To the unrepentant, He leaves them to their own folly. If the sinner refuses the object of salvation, how then can he be saved? “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” [Psalm 13 (14)] By allowing God’s grace to penetrate the being and by allowing Him to remove the spiritual impediments that lie hidden deep within the heart, the sinner can become a saint. May each of us seek out God’s mercy and confess Christ as did those blessed individuals in the Gospels. During Great Lent, may we be given the wisdom to return to the heavenly Father as did the prodigal son in the Gospel according to St. Luke. AM I A SINNER?

Yes. Each of us is a sinner. Each of us has fallen short of our intended divine purpose. “The Lord stooped down from heaven Pag. 3 to look upon the sons of men, to see if there were any

The Lenten Journey Our Lenten journey has begun. 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 increases. As you pray at home, you will see your own prayer life blossom forth bearing fruit worthy of God’s incorruptible kingdom. ^

Wait for the promise of the Father

Dates in the Life of Our Church March - April

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

SUN

MON

12 TUE

WED

7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed Liturgy

8:15 AM Orthros

8:30 PM Theosis

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy & Procession of the Icons

THUR

4:00 PM Greek School

Sunday of Orthodoxy

6:30 PM Lenten Vespers 7:15 PM Marriage Prep. class 4:00 PM Greek School

FRI

7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed Liturgy

8:30 PM Theosis 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice 7:00 PM Salutations 8:30 PM Sights & Sounds Post Show 2nd Sunday in Lent

FRI

SAT

17 SUN

18 MON

19 TUE

4th Sunday in Lent-Feast of the Annunciation

7:30 PM EFGOC rehearsals

TUE

4:00 PM Greek School

WED

7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed Liturgy

27 28

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

THUR

7:15 PM Marriage Prep. class

8:15 AM Orthros

MON

8:15 AM Orthros

8:30 PM Theosis 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice

FRI

7:00 PM Akathist Hymn

4:00 PM Greek School

6:30 PM Great Compline

SAT

9:00 AM Quilt-a-thon

7:30 PM Lenten choir practice

10:00 AM TOTS 7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed

5th Sunday in Lent

SUN

8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy T.B.A. Parish Oratorical Festival

4:00 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Philoptochos General mtg. & tea 7:30 PM Choir practice

7:00 PM Salutations

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

8:30 PM Theosis THUR

7:30 PM Choir practice

SUN

7:30 PM Parish Council WED

7:00 PM Salutations

MON

7:30 PM EFGOC rehearsal

TUE

4:00 PM Greek School

2 3

7:30 PM Parish Council

10:00 AM Lenten Retreat with Rev. Fr. Alkiviadas Calivas WED

Veneration of the Holy & Precious Cross 8:15 AM Orthros

7:00 PM Philoptochos Board meeting

THUR

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

7:30 PM EFGOC rehearsal

FRI

7:00 PM Presanctiﬁed 8:30 PM Theosis 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir practice 9:00 AM Preparation of palms 7:30 PM EFGOC Lenten Concert in Asbury Park

11:00 AM Trinity Circle 4:00 PM Greek School

Holy Week & Paschal Schedule See page 3

7:30 PM NNJYC meeting

April: Holy Week, Pascha 2

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Pag. 1 - The Revival of a Sinner who understood or even sought God. All turned aside and were altogether corrupted; there was not even one doing good, no, not one! [Psalm 13 (14)] This Psalm shows that the sinner is in a dreadful predicament. With any true examination of one’s life, it is abundantly clear who the sinner is. It is I! JESUS PURSUES THE SINNER! AND THE SINNER PURSUES…?

I am the sinner, O Lord. I have run away from Your care, from Your grace, and from Your love. Indeed, as Adam and Eve who were cast from paradise, I have cast myself away from Your presence and continue to wander through the horrors of this life. Under my own power, I try to straighten and correct my life but with each attempt I stumble and meet with failure. I am cast down and abandoned like one lost. “I am counted among those who go down into Hades; I am like a helpless man, free among the dead, like slain men thrown down and sleeping in a grave, whom You remember no more.” [Psalm 87 (88)] At some juncture in personal struggle, the sinner must recognize that he is powerless to save himself. All the riches in the world, all the money that the sinner possesses, his position in life, his power, his earthly ambition, his acquaintances, have no sway over the Lord. These things have no power to save us. The Lord clearly sees the internal identity of the sinner. He understands how I exist. He knows what motivates me and what I truly search for in this present life. And while I myself cannot explain the purpose of my every action, the All-knowing God knows each deed that I perform and the intention for which it was performed. Our Lord Jesus knows what lies hidden in the center of my heart and thus, He knows me even better than I know myself. “For You know each one’s age and name, since You have known each of us from our mother’s womb.” – The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great “What do others think of me?” the sinner asks with insecurity.

But the more crucial question at some point must be contemplated: How does God view my life? When He sees me, does He see a sinner or a saint? I think God sees the divine nature hidden deep within. I think He sees the glory of His own creation in each of us but that it is covered up by something foreign. I have tainted His glory, I have hidden it, I do not give it purpose, nor do I allow it to shine forth. Thus, I live contrary to the Gospel by hiding this light under a bushel and not placing it on the top of a hill. Tragically, I lock away the divine beauty and also my true identity from everyone I know, including myself. I, the sinner, remain in darkness, in the constant shadow of death. And though, “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” [Psalm 22 (23)] With the Lord, hope abounds! The Lord, as in the beginning, is there for me. He is ever present pursuing me, seeking my return. He waits with extended arms to surround me with goodness and rid me of my sin. In the dark confines of the soul, the sinner can see a light flicker. This light of illumination is Christ, it is His teachings, it is His Church coming to us, encouraging us to flee darkness and approach the Light. As the sinner approaches the Light, a new world, a new kingdom is opened. How exceptionally beautiful is it when two lovers come together and meet. Through a tender connection and by an expression of love the two become one. In similar fashion, Christ seeks an intimate relationship with us. Even though we are unworthy, He pursues us and continues to love us beyond imagination. Great Lent is the time for us to experience the divine love offered to us and to grow in it. It is a time to deepen our commitment to the One who truly loves us and by so doing, create a new profound relationship with God. ^

Holy Week and Paschal Schedule April 7 • Saturday of Lazarus 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Palm cross making after the Liturgy April 8 • Palm Sunday 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 7:00 PM The Bridegroom Service April 9 • Holy Monday 7:00 PM The Bridegroom Service April 10 • Holy Tuesday 9:30 AM Liturgy of the Presanctiﬁed Gifts 7:00 PM The Bridegroom Service & Hymn of Kassiani April 11 • Holy Wednesday 3:00 PM Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 PM Sacrament of Holy Unction

April 12 • Holy Thursday 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 7:00 PM The Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Twelve Gospels and the Cruciﬁxion April 13 • Great & Holy Friday 9 AM-3 PM Church open for the faithful to venerate The Holy Cross 9:30 AM Imperial Hours 3:00 PM Apokathelosis, Unnailing & Descent from the Cross and Burial of Christ 7:00 PM The Lamentation Service at the Epitaphios April 14 • Holy Saturday 9:30 AM Vesperal Divine Liturgy 11:00 PM Resurrection Vigil & Paschal Divine Liturgy April 15 Sunday The Great & Holy Pascha 11:00 AM Agape Vespers The Promise ^ March 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 3

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.

Welfare of the Hellenic People

hrough front-page news, we learn of the widespread poverty that is devastating the lives of Hellenes. We read heartbreaking reports about the many parents who can no longer afford to provide adequate food and warm winter clothing for their children, and even more distressing, about the parents who are forced to abandon their children in orphanages. Hospitals are without life-saving medicines. Struggling to exist, people’s savings dwindle while unemployment rises, and for all too many, hope disintegrates into depression. These tragedies affect young and old, families and most importantly, the children who have had their dreams and futures taken away. We cannot turn our backs to the needs of our people. We will try to alleviate hunger and homelessness and strengthen family and children’s services to ensure that families remain united. The National Philoptochos Social Worker, Paulette Geanacopoulos, together with members of the National Board are researching and identif ying appropriate nonprofit, non-governmental and religious organizations that are currently “on the ground” with which we can partner and collaborate so that our efforts will yield maximum impact and efficiency. Kindly help with your donation marked ‘Welfare of the Hellenic People’ and mail it to the Ladies Philoptochos – Thank you!

Quilt-a-thon

hiloptochos is preparing for the 19th Annual Babies Quilt-a-thon to be held Saturday, March 31, 2012. This is a “Lenten community event” with entire families participating in all aspects of making the quilts. The quilts are put together and are blessed by Father Peter Delvizis, and the parish community launders and distributes the quilts to at-risk babies at local hospitals. Through the years, the church has made thousands of quilts and received scores of thank you letters from hospitals, care centers, and special homes. The project is focused on making the precious lives of babies and children infected with HIV and other illnesses a little better. All are welcomed to help us make quilts. Please contact our Chairperson, Themis Ganifas, and volunteer your time and talents for this special outreach.

Tea Party

t our March 15, 2012 General Meeting, we will be hosting a “tea party” for all our members. Tea will be served, as well as many fi nger size refreshments. Each woman will bring her favorite china tea cup, which will add to the evening’s décor…. or high tea. The speaker for the evening is the owner of a local cheese shop, and she will speak on teas and cheeses. We anticipate this event to be a lovely “ladies night out”! Kindly offer to give a ride to an older Philoptochos member and bring them to this lovely event.

Annual Fashion Show – “Mystique”

ednesday, May 9, 2012 - I would like to thank Janet O’Sullivan for making this comparison of “Mystique” a woman’s inner

beauty and talents, and recognizes them as gifts from God. We anticipate a “sold out” evening at the Shackamaxon Country Club with beautiful fashions, delicious dinner, raffles, and entertainment. This year, the proceeds of our Grand Raffle will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Lupus Foundation of America. We thank you for your support. Philoptochos is looking for a few ladies to Chair the Annual Rummage Sale. Cynthia Ladas will guide and pass on all information to you.

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

Calendar of Events Thursday, March 15, 2012 - General Meeting “Philoptochos Tea Party” - Cynthia Ladas Chairperson Saturday, March 31, 2012 - 19th Annual Babies Quilt-a-thon - Bouras Center - Themis Ganifas Chairperson Sunday, April 1, 2012 - Baking for Home Bound - Joanne Kallerges, Chairperson Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - Philoptochos & Trinity Circle to visit Holy Protection Monastery, White Haven, Pa. - Bus was donated - Barbara Manos - Chairperson Sunday, April 8, 2012 - Palm Sunday - Philoptochos hosts Fellowship Hour Tuesday, May 1, 2012 - Lord & Taylor “Shop Smart Do Good” - Penny Pefanis Chairperson Saturday, May 5, 2012 - Saint Basil Retreat, Garrison, New York - 10:00 am Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - Annual Fashion Show “Mystique” - Janet O’Sullivan & Debbie Efthimion Co-chairs. ^

Quilt-a-thon

oly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield, NJ, is preparing for its 19th annual Babies Quilt-a-thon to be held on Saturday, March 31, in the Bouras Center, beginning at 9:00 am. This is truly a “community event” with entire families participating in all aspects of making the quilts, and is very fulfi lling as it demonstrates philanthropic outreach. The quilts are put together (no sewing experience needed), the quilts are blessed by Fr. Peter, and then the parish community cleans and distributes the quilts to at-risk babies at local hospitals. Through the years, the church has made thousands of quilts and received scores of thank you letters from hospitals, care centers, and special homes. In church blessing the quilts.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Holy Trinity’s 50+ years of service to Philoptochos Honorees: Barbara Manos, Avi Kiriakatis, Helen Athenson, Mary Papadeas, & Angela Thomas with Fr. Peter at the Philoptochos Agape Luncheon. 50+ years of dedicated service to Philoptochos, Mary Papadeas, Barbara Manos, Helen Athenson, Kelly Manos, Avi Kiriakatis, Angela Thomas”.

Mary Tsipouras receiving Vasilopita.

Spyridon Mitches, graduate of St. Basil’s Academy.

The Children and Staff of St. Basil’s Academy visit Holy Trinity for the Vasilopita Luncheon.

Fr. Constantine Sitaras, Executive Director of St. Basil’s Academy.

Fr. Constantine Sitaras and Evellyn Tsiadis, St. Basil’s Academy visit to Holy Trinity.

This Lenten project is focused on making the precious lives of babies and children touched by HIV and other illnesses a little better by demonstrating that people care. Not only the Holy Trinity community, but people and organizations outside the parish participate in the annual event, so please stop by and join us, even if it is for a short time. We invite families, children of all ages, high schoolers, as well as scout troops, who will receive community credit. When you give to charity, you make a difference in the lives of others. ^ Some of the hand-made quilts. The Promise ^ March 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 3

Theosis Bible Study Theosis Classes Begin February 29

THEOSIS BIBLE STUDY Please join us after every Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday nights throughout Great Lent, for the Theosis Bible Study. This year, we will look at the development of the Christian Church from its initial days beginning with Pentecost through the various Ecumenical Councils to the contemporary time. MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINAR Our parish offers this special and unique ministry to all couples seeking to marry at Holy Trinity. As its name indicates, this seminar is intended to help engaged couples adequately prepare for their forthcoming wedding and marriage. This year it is scheduled for March 5 & 12 beginning at 7:15 PM in room 101. In this seminar, a variety of topics is discussed of which the couple needs to be aware concerning both civil and ecclesiastical requirements. A marriage also requires special spiritual preparation. Both the Church and the world recognize that the bedrock of a sound society is a strong marriage. The foundation of the couple’s future life is already being laid. It does not start suddenly after the wedding reception and honeymoon but is

now in the process of development regardless of whether the couple is aware of it or not. Spiritually, a married couple must welcome God into their unique relationship asking Him to make perfect the spark of love. A couple must thank Him for the awesome gift found in the person of the future spouse. And with His power and direction there can only be fulfi llment in their lives together.

“Both the Church and the world recognize that the bedrock of a sound society is a strong marriage.” This seminar shows the Church’s willingness to help make marriage all it can be. It introduces the couple to the parish priest. It provides insightful ways of deepening a relationship with one another and with God. It also points out certain practical issues that may surface during the initial years of marriage - a time in which most marriages are vulnerable. Holy Trinity is happy to offer this seminar in order to build lasting marital relationships. If you are an engaged couple, you are asked to attend. ^

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.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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.

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

he gift of God’s forgiveness is received through private prayer, corporate worship, the discipline of fasting, charity and above all through the sacrament of Holy Confession. T he va lues of Holy Confession a re threefold. 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 deepest concerns, and then to receive counsel and to be encouraged toward spiritual growth. Lastly, it is a time for the repentant to humble himself before the merciful God. 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’s intends to be holy?

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 env y, 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 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 3

The 22nd Annual Concert - “The Spirit of Lent“ ■ KATHRYN ATHANASOULAS

embers of our choir, Angel Choir and Byzan”teens” will be singing in the 22nd annual “The Spirit of Lent” concert under the direction of Kathryn Athanasoulas and Organist, Hope Demitry of Trenton. This concert sponsored by the District of New Jersey of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians (EFGOCM) will be hosted at St. Athanasios Church in Paramus, NJ on Friday, April 6, 2012 at 8:00 PM. Through these years our District has presented these concerts in many of our New Jersey parishes. Holy Trinity has hosted this group

in 1995, 1996 and 2005. Many of our Holy Trinity “groupies” have attended and supported these concerts wherever they are held. Their efforts are very much appreciated. One of the highlights of this program is the participation of the youth singers. Their beautiful singing has inspired other parishes to form youth groups. A reception will follow the concert. Come join us for an evening of fulfi lling spiritual music that leads into Holy Week. Boosters for our programs are also available. Tickets are being sold by our choir members or at the door. Children under 12 are free. ^

Greek School ■ JENNY STELLAKIS

JOY group with Anthony Katsingris performing at Greek School Dance.

n February 4th, the Greek School PTO held its 6th Annual Family Greek Night at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance. I would like to thank everyone who supported this annual dance and making it so successful. The highlight of the night was a special performance by the JOY dance group. Anthony Katsingris has done a fantastic job teaching this group and the children were proud to show us some of the wonderful dances they have learned. Opa! Now that the holidays and festivities have passed, the students are working hard to prepare for their annual Greek Independence Day program, to be held on Thursday, March 29th in the Bouras Center. The children will recite historic poems in traditional costumes. Finally, please consider, the Greek School PTO needs your help! We need helpful parents to actively participate in the PTO and assist in the various events that take place throughout the year for our children. Please consider offering some of your time to make a difference in our Greek School. ^

Ta Pedia dancing.

Panel of Experts’ Question

ontinuing the Panel of Experts question and answer forum from the December Lock-in and first appearing in the February The Promise, here is the second question posed by an anonymous GOYA member.

Q. Is Jesus and/or God, both judgmental of us in our sins? A: Jesus, who is the second person of the Trinitarian God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is the only ultimate Judge of a man’s sins. On Judgment Sunday, one of the last Sundays preceding Great Lent, we hear in the Gospel of the Universal Judgment that will come. We profess this Judgment Day in each Divine Liturgy while reciting the Nicene Creed. It is clear upon examination of Scripture, that the standard of judgment is uncalculated mercy towards others, and we hear this with Jesus’ own words, “In as much as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt.31:44-46) In this Gospel lesson, Christ speaks of the works produced by a saving faith. Our works and actions done with faith in Christ can lead us towards His great mercy. Our free will can lead us toward Christ or away from Him into temptation and sin. If we remain unrepentant of our sins, or do not show mercy and love for others as God shows to us, we separate ourselves further from Him and His saving love. His love is exemplified, par excellence, on the Cross. This is our saving Grace. Where repentance is shown, there is forgiveness of sins. Christ desires all men to be saved. Psalm 50 (51) declares, that God will not despise a broken and humble heart. It is we who must desire this for ourselves.

Sin, (Greek: amartia) means “to miss the mark.” Sin estranges us from God. The Church gives us sacraments and tools such as confession, fasting, communion, etc., to bridge this gap between God and His creation, so that unity may be restored and we may inherit an eternal union with Christ. The measure of our days provides time to work towards this inheritance, either an eternity spent with Christ, or an eternity separate of Him. Interestingly enough, some theologians describe this eternal abandonment as Hell itself. In this sense, we are participants in our Final Judgment: we may choose to respond to the Lord’s long-suffering love and mercy towards His creation, or not. Love necessitates a free will, otherwise it is not love. It may be coercion, need, obsession, infatuation etc., but in order to be love, it must be free. Our own free will consents to Christ’s love and seeks to obey to His commandments. In this union, we follow Christ’s great commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34] Our journey through life seeks its perfection in Christ. And when we find Christ we may stand upon that Judgment Day, receiving all of God’s mercy and love, being as we were created to be, perfect; united eternally with the Father, reconciled with all men, hearing the pronouncement, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matt. 25:34] The Orthodox interpretation of Judgment is based on God’s mercy and love, rather than a legalistic, punitive, or earthly quidpro-quo understanding. It should be noted, however, that there are other Christian denominations in our culture today that do not emphasize a Judgment at all. That interpretation, although emotionally appealing, is inconsistent with Orthodox theology as it is not scripturally based. ^

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Bookstore

The Book Store’s Lenten Features

■ SANDY MOURATOGLOU & ANDREA BLASI

Some of these books are in very short supply! To order one, stop by the Book Store table some Sunday! THE MYSTERY OF THE PASCHAL FLAME “Come, Receive The Light”, sung each Easter, will inspire readers of this book as never before! Every Pascha, a flame bursts forth without human intervention, from the sacred tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ and lights the candle of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, who then passes the light to others present. Read eyewitness accounts of this miracle and suggestions for meditation! HOLY WEEK EASTER This is a guide to all the services during Holy Week. FATHER CALIVAS’ BOOKS FROM THE 2011 LENTEN SEMINAR We still have a few left: “Great Week and Pascha in the Greek Orthodox Church” will enhance your celebration of Holy Week and Easter! “Essays in Theology and Liturgy,” volumes two and three offer a multitude of thoughts for the Orthodox Christian student! THE TRUTH OF OUR FAITH, Volume Two, by Elder Cleopa of Romania describes the Seven Sacraments. The chapter, “On the Four Types of Communion with God in the Orthodox Church”, shows that Communion is much more than just showing up at Church on Sunday and partaking of the Eucharist. Although the gifts for the well-prepared believer frequently receiving Holy Communion are beautifully explained, the other three ways are also paramount. The brevity of this chapter stands in distinct contrast to the importance of its teachings. The other Sacraments, including Marriage and Priesthood if applicable for the individual, complete the recipe for devout Christian life. During Holy Week, however, this book is an especially valuable guide!

ESTHER’S EASTER DRESS: A YOUNG GIRL’S ADVENTURE THROUGH HOLY WEEK A young girl attends each service during Holy Week, as her Mother explains the services’ meaning and scriptures. Read why she needs a special dress. There is also a section on dyeing Easter eggs and baking Paschal bread. A LENTEN COOKBOOK FOR ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS by the Saint Nectarios American Orthodox Church is a treasury of great recipes and articles. Note “On Fasting” (pages 10-14). Also, “Appendix J” explains the times and requirements for fasting. The bio of Saint Euphrosinos the Cook (pages 6-9) makes one wonder why he is only called “the Cook” especially because God rewarded him by allowing him to tend His garden of healing plants. One might also wonder whether this is the Garden of Eden or the Garden at the center of New Jerusalem, or are they both the same? Regardless, fruits and vegetables take a greater portion of our daily fare during Lent! As dieticians claim almost miraculous results from the antioxidants in plants, perhaps this cookbook, with its bio of and prayer to Saint Euphrosinos will help, not only with our dietary fast, but more importantly with our spiritual journey! POPULAR GREEK RECIPES by the Philoptochos of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Charleston, South Carolina boasts chapters on prayers for daily meals as a symbol of the Eucharist, as well as prayers for Saturday evening and Sunday, Greek Lenten foods and fasting. In addition, it has many other great features! TASTE AND SEE: AMERICAN ORTHODOX COOKING by The St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church, Franklin, Tennessee, includes recipes for fasting foods, and many other great features! As you enter the Bouras Center most Sundays, look to the right for the Book Store. If you don’t see what you want, we can order it for you! Please support the Book Store. In addition, if you would like to enhance your stewardship by being a Book Store cashier whenever your schedule permits during the Fellowship Hour, please stop by our table. ^

Parish Life... Kyria Rita Fitanidou from Holy Trinity receives the Metropolis Greek School Teacher’s Award. Amalia, Vickie, & Stephanie doing “emergency” stufﬁng of weekly announcements.

Scenes from TOTS. The Promise ^ March 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 3

YHT

From the Advisors...

■

VICKIE ZOURZOUKIS, GOYA PRESIDENT

he actors know their lines, the singers have memorized their songs, the chorale speakers have the verses down pat, and the dancers have their moves ready. Sights & Sounds day - Sat., March 3rd

Our thanks to the directors of our groups: Stathi Afendoulis - American play & chorale speaking, Ellen Conti & Anjanette Valiente - Religious and American Singing Groups, Despina & George Markos, Brian Maroldi and Kali Maris - Greek Folk Dance. Best of luck to our individual and group performers. GO WESTFIELD! OUTREACH: The youth would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support with our Outreach projects: Super/Souper Bowl Sunday. We collected over $500 to go to the IOCC’s commitment to the “tackle hunger campaign” and many food items were delivered to the Westfield food bank. On Sat. Feb. 11th members gathered together to make chocolates for a chocolate sale during the Godparent luncheon. The money raised

will benefit the Louis Martin Religious Education Fund. Our thanks to Sue Constantine and Jenny Logus for assisting with this event and our youth members who participated: Evie Kritysis, Stephanie John, Amalia Kanaras, Dean Logus and Vickie Zourzoukis. ATHLETICS: Congratulations to our players and coaches! The final District II results are: Girls volleyball placed 4th, Senior boys basketball team took 2nd place, Junior boys basketball team took 1st place. FELLOWSHIP: A group of our YHT members traveled to Toms River on Friday, Feb. 10th for the annual Valentine Dance. We had an enjoyable night of fellowship and fun in the new facility at Toms River. UPCOMING EVENTS: Friday, March 9th - Sights & Sounds Post Show in the Bouras Center following services. $5 donation. Please join us for an evening of fun and entertainment. Next major event: OLYMPICS! - Parents of interested youth who are not currently members of GOYA/YHT are encouraged to visit the youth table on Sundays. ^

New Members of the Church Vincent & Maria Altomare 40 Old Stirling Rd. Warren, NJ 07059

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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

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

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

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Ted Demetriou Avi Kiriakatis Eleftheria Wolff Rita Fitanidis Athena Manos Barbara Arbes Vickie Zourzoukis Kathy Maglaras Yiana Leichtling Sandy Boutsikaris Joanne Paras Sandy Mouratoglou Barbara Manos Irene Cohen