Promise The
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY
November 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 7
HtgocWestfield@htgocnj.org
908-233-8533
holytrinitywestfield.org
A Month of Thanksgiving
Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. Alleluia! For His mercy endures forever. Alleluia! – Psalm 106:1
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THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
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hanksgiving is a way of life. As the cited Psalm instructs, our thanksgiving must always be directed to the Lord for He is not only good to us but He is also merciful.
The month of November is a special month for our country and for our community. First, we celebrate the National Holiday of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 22. Here we are asked to call to mind all the benefits and blessings our Lord has bestowed upon us. We live in a tremendous country offering us liberty and prosperity beyond imagination. With this comes the responsibility of thanking the One who has provided these blessings. For an Orthodox Christian, it is Christ who is the center of this celebration. For if we dare to make ourselves, our prejudices, our cultural heritage, or a political party the focal point of Thanksgiving Day then we lose sight of our unity in Christ and with one another. Unity is what makes this country so exceptionally great. In offering thanks to the Lord, we recognize His kindness and generosity. Giving thanks is the first step in enthroning Christ deep within our hearts. By continuing in this manner, this thanksgiving becomes a way of life. This leads us to the Eucharistic Meal (eucaristia), the most profound form of thanksgiving. Through the Eucharist, in the process of giving thanks, we are actually united to Christ. As we concentrate on eucaristia, the giving thanks to God this month, it becomes apparent to all that Holy Trinity is a vehicle through which this is accomplished.
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We offer thanksgiving at every Divine Liturgy. God is made present to us through the Eucharist. When we commune on the Body and Blood of Christ, His Divine life touches ours. Our human existence at that moment touches and is then united to the eternal and ineffable God. Through this union, our bodies, our lives, and our souls become consecrated vessels and temples of the living God. November is a special month for our parish as well. We offer thanks to the Lord for providing events of fellowship such as the parish dinner dance to be held on Saturday, November 10 and the parish Thanksgiving luncheon on Sunday, November 18. Our coming together as a united community is displayed at fellowship-events such as these. Holy Trinity offers each of its members so much by way of fellowship and worship. For these great gifts, we thank our Lord. Pag. 4
A Prayer for Deliverance From Hurricane Sandy
Master, Lord our God, who through Your consubstantial and beginningless Logos, and Your Life-giving Spirit who is equal in honor, has brought everything out of nothingness into being; who has set sandy barriers to the sea, and weighted the mountains and the valleys in a balance; who has measured the skies and holds the water in the palm of Your hand; We thank You exceedingly for not depriving us of Your mercies and compassion, and for not destroying Your inheritance. You did restore the world of nature and the great ocean to its usual calmness and precise course; we thank You for bringing an end to the tempest and restoring order to the winds that blow once more with gentleness and moderation.
We ask that You grant us continuing grace in the these days following this great storm so that we may obediently walk in Your holy commandments, to lead sober, righteous and virtuous lives, ever mindful of Your great mercies and the blessings You have already and continually bestow upon us. We thank You for hearing our humble prayers in the midst of our struggles and we continue to praise and glorify the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all the days of our lives. Amen.
I pray that the entire family of Holy Trinity weathered Hurricane Sandy well. Events like this can certainly provide for moments of reflection and contemplation as it bring us closer to our Creator knowing the preciousness of life. Material items can be fi xed or replaced and through perseverance and strengthen we will return to a more normal state.
If you, or a family that you know, are in need of assistance please contact the Fr. Peter at the church office by dialling 908.233.8533 or email at HtgocWestfield@htgocnj.org Additionally, I would like to update you on the following: The church has sustained no damage and is currently with electrical power. If you or someone you know is still in need of support or assistance please contact the church office. ^
Wait for the promise of the Father
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Dates in the Life of Our Church November - December Sts. Cosmas & Damianos
THUR
1
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
22
4:00 PM Greek School
FRI
7:30 PM Choir / Greek Dance FRI
2
7-9 PM Philoptochos Art Show
4
8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
SUN
25
Holy Archangels
THUR
8
29
7:30 PM Choir / Greek Dance
9
8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
SAT
10 SUN
11
7:00 PM
Parish Dinner Dance @ Renaissance Pantagis Restaurant
8:15 AM Orthros
2
13
4:00 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting 7:30 PM Parish Council Meeting
WED
TUE
4
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
THUR
4:00 PM Greek School
15
SUN
6
18
SUN
9
WED
21
Entrance of the Theotokos 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
2
8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 11:45 AM Jr. Greek Dance 12 Noon Philoptochos baking for homebound
MON
TUE
8:00 PM NNJYC Meeting
GOYA Lock-in
7
11
11:00 AM Trinity Circle Christmas Party 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Parish Council St. Spyridon the Wonderworker
WED
12
8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
12:00 PM Youth Thanksgiving Luncheon
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St. Nicholas 8:30 AM Orthros
7:30 PM Choir / Sr. Greek Dance
11:45 AM Jr. Greek Dance MON
4:00 PM Greek School
FRI
7:30 PM Sr. Greek Dance
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
4:00 PM Greek School
10
8:15 AM Orthros
8:15 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
7:30 PM Choir Stewardship Sunday
8:30 AM Orthros
THUR
St. Philip/St. Gregory Palamas
14
St. Andrew the Apostle
11:45 AM Parish Council Elections / Jr. Greek Dance
11:45 AM Parish General Assembly / Jr. Greek Dance TUE
7:30 PM Choir
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy SUN
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 3:30 PM Wedding
4:00 PM Greek School
FRI
30
St. Nektarios
FRI
9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
7:30 PM Sr. Greek Dance
8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy
8:15 AM Orthros 11:45 AM Jr. Greek Dance
THUR
11:45 AM Jr. Greek Dance 12-4 PM Philoptochos Art Show
OfďŹ ce Closed
23
Daylight Savings
SUN
Thanksgiving Day
THUR
6:30 PM Philoptochos Genl. Mtg. & Christmas Party THUR
13
SUN
16
4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir / Sr. Greek Dance 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 11:45 AM Jr. Greek Dance
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
Stewardship ■
THEODORE DEMETRIOU, PRESIDENT, PARISH COUNCIL
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n the coming weeks you will be hearing much about STEWARDSHIP. What it is, why we embrace it at Holy Trinity, and how it has served us for over 25 years. Lately, however, our parish has been faced with a troubling situation. The total funds raised through Stewardship has fallen. This is due, in part, to a drop in the number of families enrolled as members of our community. The leadership of this church is concerned, and looking into causes of this situation. Holy Trinity Stewards must respond to the needs of our church. This involves evolving from the single dollar ($1) mentality many still offer for candles. I have pointed this out in the past: a dollar of 25 years ago is only worth 50 cents in today’s purchasing power. We also do not limit the number of candles you can take with that one dollar. The parishioners of Holy Trinity may have become somewhat complacent ion regards to personal Stewardship because the programs and fi nances have been “taken care of ” in part by a few large donors. This is no longer the case and we cannot survive this way. As an indicator of this, pledges have fallen off. It appears that we will have a $100,000 shortfall in our operating account in 2012. The lousy economy hasn’t helped. I recognize that the weakened U.S. economy has had a negative impact. Psychologically it has affected all of us. People have lost jobs and are concerned about their
job. Home prices have dropped and in spite of the recent rise, the value of many 401K plans are down from 4 or 5 years ago.
SOLUTIONS: I invite everyone to communicate with me: by email, phone or letter. What kind of corrective action can your leadership may take to reverse this downtrend. Give us your opinion and your thoughts. This parish has been a leader in most facets of what a Greek Orthodox church in America offers its members:
Religious services Religious education Greek education Youth programs Adult programs Senior programs Superior facilities It is time for us to pull together. To participate, to be generous (within our means) and most important above all else to fully participate in the R ELIGIOUS services that Holy Trinity provides to its communicants. Together we can get this ship on the right course. ^
S T E W A R D S H I P S U N D AY Stewardship Sunday will be held on Sunday, November 18. The 2013 Christian Stewardship Cards and pamphlet have been mailed to all Stewards of Holy Trinity. This year’s theme follows the Clergy/ Laity theme of: “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” Please pray about your offering to Holy Trinity keeping in mind that your pledge sustains the personnel, ministries and physical buildings covering all ministries here. The operating expense of our church for the year 2013 is estimated at $730,000. This represents a $1,250 pledge or $25/week. The responsibility of sustaining our parish rests on you. Your contribution to glorify God is appreciated greatly. Everyone is asked to bring their Stewardship Cards with them to church on Sunday, November 18 so that they may be placed in the trays and presented to our Lord. Please remember to vote or seek elective office all Stewardship Pledge Cards must be received by March 1, 2013. The fall Parish Assembly will be held on Sunday, November 11. Your attendance is requested since important financial issues will be presented. The Parish Council elections will be held on Sunday, December 2 after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The parish will select eleven (11) members to join the other eleven who serve on the Parish Council. Only those sacramental members of the church and those who submitted pledge cards by March 1, 2012 will be eligible to vote. Please check the voting rooster that day.
New Members of the Church Steven & Corina Atanase 7115 Grassman Pl. Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
David & Iris Love 38 Roselle Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016
Lenore Morales 243 Windsor Ave. Westfield, NJ 07090
Kristin Savnik 217 Prospect Ave., Unit 11-1B Cranford, NJ 07016
Katie Vasilow 520 Hudson St., Apt. 5R Hoboken, NJ 07030
Donita Zourzoukis 25 Canterbury Pl. Cranford, NJ 07016
The Promise ^ November 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 7
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Orthodox Faith I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30)
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n this blessed day of Thanksgiving, we are encouraged in the tradition of this great national holiday to be thankful to God for His presence in our lives and His abundant gifts to us. As Orthodox Christians t his gratef u lness to G od is something we share with all who celebrate this day. It is also an attitude and manner of life that is presented in our worship and in our relationships with others.
can bring joy and fulfilment into the life of another person. Kindness and respect through acts of thankfulness can affirm human value and dignity and instill hope that care and compassion remain essential qualities of life. An attitude of thanksgiving even in the midst of challenging circumstances can be the strength for another and a witness of the power and grace of God.
This is a vital connection of faith to life. Does the thanksgiving you of fer to G od become attitudes of gratefulness and Our fi rst calling as Christians is joy in all areas of your life? Are to respond to the grace of God you thankful to Him through through worship and communion your kindness and gratitude with Him. We sing hymns of toward others? Is your life praise and thanksgiving, offering Photo: Joe McNally a witness of thanksgiving , honor and glory to our Creator bringing blessings and strength and Sustainer. We celebrate and receive the to others? These are questions to consider Holy Eucharist, a divine mystery of worship on this holiday as we affirm the spiritual and faith that unites us with Christ and character of this day and the priority of fi lls our hearts with joy. We also show our thanksgiving in our Christian lives. thankfulness to God by responding to His As you gather in homes, as you share in meals, call to service. We give our time, abilities, and and as you offer time in serving others, may resources for the sacred work of His kingdom you praise His name with songs and magnify and for the needs of others. Him with thanksgiving! ^ This spiritual fruit of thanksgiving which is produced from grateful hearts can have a tremendous impact. Words of gratitude
AN INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE ON THE LIMITATIONS OF GOVERNMENT BY ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM “Shou ld we look to kings and princes to put right the inequa lities between rich and poor? Should we requ ire s o ld ie r s t o come and seize the rich person’s gold and distribute it among his destitute neighbors? Should we beg the emperor to impose a tax on the rich so great that it reduces them to the level of the poor and then to share the proceeds of that tax among everyone? Equality imposed by force would achieve nothing, and do much harm. Those who combined both cruel hearts and sharp minds would soon fi nd ways of making themselves rich again. Worse still, the rich whose gold was taken away would feel bitter and resentful; while the poor who received the gold from the hands of soldiers would feel no gratitude, because no generosity would have prompted the gift. Far from bringing moral benefit to society, it would actually do moral harm.
SACRAMENTS & RITES CHURCHINGS Sun., Oct. 14 - Ava Eleni & Autumn Sophia Daughters of Michael & Constantina Coppola
Son of Patrizio & Pamela DiSarro Sat., Oct. 13 - George Joachim Son of Peter & Kerry Pappas
BAPTISMS Sat., Sept. 22 - Isabel Maria Daughter of Michael & Stephanie Phillipou Sun., Sept. 23 - Rocco Amedeo
FUNERALS Tues., Sept. 18 - ^ Pelagia Christodoulou Tues., Oct. 2 - ^ Maria Atanase Thurs., Oct. 11 - ^ Nicholas Pappas
Material justice cannot be accomplished by compulsion, a change of heart will not follow. The only way to achieve true justice is to change people’s hearts fi rst—and then they will joyfully share their wealth.” St. John Chrysostom More quotes from St. John can be read in a new book: On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom. ^
Pag.1 A MONTH OF THANKSGIVING Two other events in November also show how important it is to give thanks through Stewardship. We offer thanks to the Lord by bringing to His Church our financial resources on a regular basis. Stewardship is our way of thanking God and insuring that the ministries of His Holy Church continue. Stewardship Sunday, November 18, and the Parish Assembly on November 11, ask us to care for the personnel, the ministries, and the physical buildings that make present and establish a spiritual home for each of us. We offer Stewardship to thank those faithful individuals who accept a sacrificial position in ministering to you. We also offer Stewardship to maintain an Orthodox presence in this particular local geographical area. Lastly, we offer Stewardship to ensure a clean, safe and proper environment so that our worship of God and also all educational, charitable, cultural and
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fellowship pursuits can continue with dignity and strength. Stewardship also allows us to dedicate the important commodity of time in worshipping God and promoting Him in this world. Stewardship also allows us to return God-given talent to help instruct and guide others. Without the offering of proper Stewardship (time, talent and treasures), Holy Trinity’s mission falters. If we falter, not only do we risk a reduction of services but we fail to live up to our high calling as Stewards of God’s world. In all things, let us give thanks for this month of November. If we intend to observe this month of Thanksgiving, let us observe it unto the Lord. If we feast during this month, let it be a feast unto the Lord. If we act out of charity, may it be an act of love to purify our hearts. If we offer thanks, let it be to the Dominion of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. ^
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
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. Philoptochos Website
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e have updated our Philoptochos website and encourage everyone to take a look and see the many organizations, hospitals, and families in need we have supported throughout the years. We are blessed to have Father Peter Delvizis as our Spiritual Advisor as we work together to address the needs of our community. We honor our National commitments, Metropolis obligations and listen to requests for donations each month. When a new appeal is made, we assess the situation and assist those in need based on criteria from our Metropolis and our own Philoptochos.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Jersey Affiliate
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he National Philoptochos Society and all Philoptochos Chapters recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help fight breast cancer.
Philoptochos General Meeting
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uesday, October 10, - 7:00 pm Bouras Center “Soles 4 Souls” This shoe drive is a true demonstration of the mission of Philoptochos which is to be friends of the poor and to help those in need by supplying shoes all over the world. Please donate used shoes or sneakers and place them at “Soles 4 Souls” box in Bouras center during Fellowship Hour. We thank Sophie Stappas for chairing this event and we are very grateful to all our parishioners for their generous shoe donations. After the meeting we will have ZUMBA Gold introduction with instructor Theresa Loneker – wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.
Benefit Shopping at Lord & Taylor Wednesday, October 24
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his is a wonderful shopping event with great bargains. Penny Pefanis will be selling a $5 00 coupon during the month of October at the Philoptochos table during Fellowship Hour that can be used that day. Even if you don’t plan on shopping that day, please purchase a ticket as all the money stays with Philoptochos. The more coupons we sell the more money we will raise as we compete with many non-profit organizations and the one who sells the most coupons gets to win a big monetary prize from Lord & Taylor up to $1,000. We ask all our parishioners to please support this event. The funds collected will help purchase the prizes for The Grand Raffle at our Annual Spring Fashion Show.
Recipients of this year’s awards will be: The Greek Children’s Fund www.greekchildrensfund.org, and Wounded Warrior Project www. woundedwarriorproject.com.
Annual St. Basil Visitation
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aturday, October 27, Garrison, NY - Please join us for a beautiful day beginning with Church services with Father Costas Sitaras and have lunch with the children.
50/50 Raffle
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affle tickets have been mailed out to all Parishioners. Please purchase one book as we will have the drawing on Sunday, October 28 during Fellowship Hour. We thank Marina LoAlbo for Chairing this event and all our Parishioners for their generosity.
Philoptochos Sixth Annual Fine Art & Photograph Show - November
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e begin our art show with wine. cheese and sale reception on Friday, Nov. 2 from 7-9 pm, and Sunday, Nov. 4 from 12-4 pm. We ask everyone to come out, visit the artists and see their beautiful work. A portion of the art show will benefit HomeFirst homeless of Union County.
Calendar of Events Friday & Sunday, Nov. 2 & 4 - Sixth Fine Art & Photography Show Nitsa Bruno & Avi Kiriakatis Co-chairs Sunday, November 4 - Tray Collection Saints Cosmas & Damianos - Ecumenical Patriarchate Obligation - Jean Fountas, Terri Kotsolios Saturday, December 1 - Bloomingdale’s Brunch/Fashion Show - Ellen-Manos-Athenson, Nina Anastasiou, Marianne Savorgianakis, Christina Colonias - Co-Chairs Saturday, December 8 - Decorate Church for Christmas - Chrissy Vasilow, Chairperson Wednesday, December 12 - General Christmas Dinner/Meeting Party - Enjoy singing and shopping and donate a gift to Elizabeth Battered Women’s Shelter - Marina LoAlbo, Chairperson Sunday, December 16 Christmas Baking for “Home Bound”, Joanne Kallerges, Chairperson. ^ The Promise ^ November 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 7
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Parish Life
CHRIST ENCOUNTER
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he 36th Annual Christ Encounter weekend was another tremendous success!
Thirty six GOYA members attended and were all full of excitement from the moment they loaded the bus on Friday night until they arrived back at Holy Trinity on Sunday afternoon. This year’s retreat theme was PEACE. We discussed the concept of peace as it applies to the Orthodox faith. Wishlaterns were lit and set off into the sky - what a magnificient sight it was to see! As these make-shift glowing hot-air balloons ascended high into the sky, they symbolically took with them those things that threatened a peace-filled life. Peace is given to us by Christ and He is the One who takes away all doubt, stress, anxiety, fear, worry. Christ, as the Light of the world, was seen as incenerating these cares of our life as the wish-laterns began to burn-up high in the sky. Another highlight of the weekend was making tye dye t-shirts which fit the theme of peace. The best part of the weekend is to witness the special bonds that are formed between each GOYAN. Special thanks to Janet O’Sullivan and Fr. Peter for organizing the retreat materials and attending the sessions as well as Felicia Karsos, John Logus, Yiana Leichtling, and Debbie Vlahakis for chaperoning. ^
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
CELEBRATION IN ASBURY PARK
Fr. Peter with Holy Trinity boys divers, Nik Karsos & Nicholas Johns.
Fr. Peter with girls divers Christina Kallinosis & Nicole Economides.
Nicholas John with his parents prior to the dive.
Dimitrios & Michelle Kallinosis with Christina.
Holy Trinity Divers with GOYA President, Stephanie Johns.
Family members attending Holy Cross celebration in Asbury Park. Holy Trinity Group at Asbury Park.
MR. & MS. GOYA 2012 Mr. Westfield, Nik Karsos & Ms. Westfield, Stephanie Johns with the Holy Trinity GOYA at Mr./Ms. GOYA. Mr. & Ms. Westfield with Holy Trinity advisors.
Fr. Peter with Mr. & Ms. Westfield.
Mr. GOYA, Nik Karsos with his mother, Felicia.
GOYAns enjoying Mr./Ms. Pageant. The Promise ^ November 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 7
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Holy Trinity Choir A Plea for More Choir Members
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KATHRYN ATHANASOULAS, CHOIR DIRECTOR
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ur choir is struggling to find male voices. You’ve told us you love hearing us sing every Sunday from Sep. through June, and we truly love being there, too. But…We need more voices.
We can often barely cover the music with the basic parts, and we have to forego many beautiful hymns because we don’t have male singers. A church of our size needs to support a much fuller choir. Do not be fooled by the number of people up front in the choir. Yes, sometimes you will see every seat fi lled… but this includes the Angel Choir and Byzan-“teens.” They are our beloved apprentices. Their contribution is wonderful and inspiring, but they generally are not prepared to sing our broader set of hymns. Our choir is to be commended for their dedication, attending rehearsals and Liturgies faithfully, and making the best sound possible. But we are in real need of more Sopranos and… Where are the Men? We know you are out there. We also know the often-expressed concern: “I can’t be there every Thursday or Sunday.” A few thoughts about that… First, this may be solvable if you discuss it with the choir director. Second, like many other expressions of faith and love, commitment grows over time. When you really want to do something, you figure it out. But do you really want to do it? Maybe you think it’s a burden, something else to sap your energy after a long week. Talk with choir
members and you’ll hear they’ll use words like “invigorating,” “fun,” “friendly,” “relaxing,” and not words like “have to” or “obligation.” Will it bring you to church on Sunday more often over time? Perhaps it will, but only because you want to be there, because someone is expecting you. In fact, several hundred people are expecting you. You know all about Stewardship: each of us is asked to use his or her time, treasure and talent for our church to glorify God. If you can sing and do not use this gift now, you are missing a chance to help where a need exists. Contact me at church or via email- kathanasoulas@ hotmail.com and see what a difference your voice can make. DON’T FORGET THE ANGEL CHOIR AND BYZAN “TEENS” It is important that we keep replenishing the children in these groups that have been singing each Sunday. Since about 1992 the Angel Choir has been opened to boys and girls ages 7-12. We rehearse after Religious Education classes in the church for about 25-30 minutes. They sing along with whatever they know during the Liturgy and then are featured during Communion on the solea before proceeding to Religious Education classes. It is a simplest way for children to learn our beautiful hymns at the same time enhancing our choir. The Byzan-“teens” are for girls and boys ages 13 and up who wish to continue singing with the choir. They are former Angel Choir members who know the basic liturgy. We welcome others who wish to sing but did not have the advantage of being in the Angel Choir. Please see the director for details. Help keep choirs alive and well. ^
Sign up for Holy Trinity’s Community Christmas Card
Once again, we invite you to participate in this community expression of joy over our Lord’s birth. Every member and friend of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church mailing list will receive a copy of the COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD imprinted with the names of those who have donated. Please complete the form below and send it in with your check. The donation is $10.00 per family. New members and those not listed in the Parish Directory must include their address. For convenience in handling, please make your payment by check. DEADLINE - Return to the Church Office by Sunday, December 2, 2012. Names received after December 5th may not appear on the card. Please return the bottom portion along with your donation. Thank you.
If more information is desired, please contact Cynthia Ladas, 908-232-0646 or Mary Skiadas, 732-469-4988. Please print your name(s) clearly and as you wish it to appear on the “COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD.”
Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________City:____________________ZIP:_______ Tel.: ____________________________Check # ________ $________ Cash: $__________ Donation: $10.00. Please return by December 2, 2012 and make your check payable to: “Holy Trinity Ladies Philoptochos.” Thank you for your support. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill RoadWestfield, NJ 07090-1109
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
A Guide to Orthodox Church Saints
Saints in November
T
here are a number of wonderful saints whom the Orthodox Church celebrates in the month of November. A saint is a friend of God. The sanctity of their pure life allows them to reflect Christ in this world. Through them the power of Christ is felt through miracles that are a constant reminder of the Resurrection. Though they are no longer here on this earth, they are still alive in Christ Jesus. We, too, can achieve holiness of life by immolating purity in our lives…We; too, through Christ can become living saints. NOV. 8 THE SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS Because He is true, boundless Love, God created “all things visible and invisible” to share in Him. According to St. Gregor y the Theologian, “Since for the goodness of God it was not sufficient to be occupied only with the contemplation of Himself, but it was needful that good should extend further and further, so that the number of those who receive grace might be as many as possible (because this is characteristic of the greatest Goodness) - therefore, God devised first of all the angelic heavenly powers; and the thought became deed, which was fulfilled by the Word, and perfected by the Spirit... and then because the first creatures were pleasing to Him, He devised another world, material and visible, the orderly composition of heaven and earth, and that which is between them.” The invisible - including heaven and the Bodiless Powers - was created by God before the world we live in. The heavenly hosts even witnessed and praised the creation of the material world, as the Lord explained to Job, “When the stars were created, all My angels sang praises to Me.” (Job 38:7) In addition to praising and ministering to God, the Bodiless Powers are the agents of His will: they administer the creation, protect and intercede for man, and attempt to guide man and the nations to Him - sometimes means correcting man’s actions, sometimes teaching or revealing God’s will to him. The Bodiless Powers were made by God without physical form or substance (“incorporeal”). All the Bodiless Powers share the common name of ‘angel’ - which means “messenger” in Greek - by virtue of their service: they “stand before the face of the Creator and serve Him.” As creatures who come before the face of God, angels are powerful intercessors, meaning they speak on man’s behalf to Him. While instructing His disciples about caring for His followers - the sheep of His flock - the Lord Jesus Christ said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, their angels in heaven always behold the face of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) Nameday – today, those who bear the name Michael, Michele, Gabriel, Gabriella, celebrate their nameday. NOV. 9 ST. NEKTARIOS THE WONDERWORKER Saint Nektarios was born in Sely vria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting himself through school in Consta ntinople with much hard labor, he became a monk on Chios in 1876 ,
receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarios. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarios went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarios showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God’s house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarios was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high. On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarios was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarios’ swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarios had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarios, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarios of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarios to leave Egypt. Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to fi nd a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; fi nding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarios is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world.
NOV. 21 ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS This Feast commemorates the Theotokos as a young child who entered the Temple in Jerusalem. The birth and early life of t he Virgin Mary is not recorded in the Gospels or other books of the New Testament, however this information can be found in a work dating from the second century known as the Book of James or Protevangelion. When Mary was three years old, Joachim and Anna decided that the time had come to fulfi l their promise and to offer her to the Lord. Joachim gathered the young girls of the neighborhood to form an escort, and he made them go in front of Mary, carrying torches. Captivated by the torches, the young child followed joyfully to the Temple, not once looking back at her parents nor weeping as she was parted from them. The holy Virgin ran toward the Temple, overtaking her attendant maidens and threw herself into the arms of the High Priest Zacharias, who was waiting for her at the gate of the Temple with the elders. Zacharias blessed her saying, “It is in you that He has glorified your name in every generation. It is in you that He will reveal the Redemption that He has prepared for His people in the last days.” Then, Zacharias brought the child into the Holy of Holies—a place where only the High Priest was permitted to enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. He placed her on the steps of the altar, and the grace of the Lord descended upon her. She arose and expressed her joy in a dance as wonder seized all who saw this happen. The Virgin Mary dwelt in the Temple for nine years until, reaching an age for marriage; she was taken from the Temple by the priests and elders and entrusted to Joseph as the guardian of her virginity. The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple signifies her total dedication to God and her readiness for her future vocation as the Mother of the Incarnate Lord. This is a feast of anticipation. As honor is shown to Mary, the faithful are called to look forward to the Incarnation of Christ, celebrated in a little more than a month by the Feast of the Nativity on December 25. NOV. 25 ST. CATHERINE THE GREAT MARTYR Catherine was the d au g hte r of K i n g Constus. After the death of her father, she lived with her mother in Alexandria. Her mother was secretly a Christian who, through her spiritual father, brought Catherine to the Christian Faith. In a vision, St. Catherine received a ring from the Lord Jesus Himself as a sign of her betrothal to Him. This ring remains on her fi nger even today. Catherine was greatly gifted by God and was well educated in Greek philosophy, medicine, rhetoric and logic. In addition to that, she was of unusual physical beauty. When the iniquitous Emperor Maxentius offered sacrifices to the idols and
ordered others to do the same, Catherine boldly confronted the emperor and denounced his idolatrous errors. The emperor, seeing that she was greater than he in wisdom and knowledge, summoned fi fty of his wisest men to debate with her on matters of faith and to put her to shame. Catherine outwitted and shamed them. In a rage, the emperor ordered all fifty of those men burned. By St. Catherine’s prayers, all fi fty confessed the name of Christ and declared themselves Christians before their execution. After Catherine had been put in prison, she converted the emperor’s commander, Porphyrios, and two hundred soldiers to the true Faith, as well as Empress AugustaVasilissa herself. They all suffered for Christ. During the torture of St. Catherine, an angel of God came to her and destroyed the wheel on which the holy virgin was being tortured. Afterward, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared to her and comforted her. After many tortures, Catherine was beheaded at the age of eighteen. Her miracleworking relics repose on Mount Sinai. NOV. 30 ST. ANDREW THE FIRST-CALLED APOSTLE Andrew, the son of Jona h a nd brother of Peter, was born in Bethsaida and was a fisherman by trade. At fi rst he was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, but when St. John pointed to the Lord Jesus, saying, Behold the Lamb of God! (John 1:36), Andrew left his fi rst teacher and followed Christ. Then, Andrew brought his brother Peter to the Lord. Following the descent of the Holy Spirit, it fell by lot to the fi rst apostle of Christ, St. Andrew, to preach the Gospel in Byzantium and Thrace, then in the lands along the Danube and in Russia around the Black Sea, and finally in Epirus, Greece and the Peloponnese, where he suffered. In Byzantium, he appointed St. Stachys as its fi rst bishop; in Kiev, he planted a Cross on a high place and prophesied a bright Christian future for the Russian people; throughout Thrace, Epirus, Greece and the Peloponnese, he converted multitudes of people to the Faith and ordained bishops and priests for them. In the city of Patras, he performed many miracles in the name of Christ, and won many over to the Lord. Among the new faithful were the brother and wife of the Proconsul Aegeates. Angered at this, Aegeates subjected St. Andrew to torture and then crucified him. While the apostle of Christ was still alive on the cross, he gave beneficial instructions to the Christians who had gathered around. The people wanted to take him down from the cross but he refused to let them. Then the apostle prayed to God and an extraordinary light encompassed him. This brilliant illumination lasted for half an hour, and when it disappeared, the apostle gave up his holy soul to God. Thus, the First-called Apostle, the fi rst of the Twelve Great Apostles to know the Lord and follow Him, fi nished his earthly course. St. Andrew suffered for his Lord in the year 62 AD. His relics were taken to Constantinople; his head was later taken to Rome, and one hand was taken to Moscow and relics returned to Patras, Greece. ^
The Promise ^ November 2012 ^ Volume 36, Issue 7
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YHT
GREEK SCHOOL
W
elcome Back to Greek School! We started the year off with Father Peter’s blessing and an agiasmos service. The children are back at work with their language studies. We are proud to announce that we have 88 students enrolled in our Greek School this year.
ATHLETICS:November 11th - Westfield vs. Amboy - Home November 25th - Westfield vs. Toms River - Home Support the YHT Athletic Teams. ^
Youth of Holy Trinity Thanksgiving Luncheon 4YHT$
The Greek S chool PTO would like to thank all the Holy Trinity families for their support. Our goal is to assist the teachers a nd s u pp or t t he c h i ld re n of Holy Trinit y, promoting their education in the Greek language and culture. We also hope to enhance our children’s e x p e r ie nc e by or g a n i z i n g activities outside the classroom in the coming year. We need your interest and ideas. We hope
Sunday, November 18, 2012 in the Bouras Center 4YHT$
Please help support Youth Activities! 4YHT$
Adults - $15.00 • Youth - $10.00 4YHT$
Reservation forms are available at the Youth table during the fellowship hour.
that Greek school will motivate our children to maintain and promote the values they have received from their parents and ancestors, and keep them close to our Greek Orthodox Faith. This year we are selling poloshirts for the Greek School Families. They can wear these to some of our school holiday programs according to Kyria Rita’s plans, or anytime to show support of our school. We will also be marching in the annual Greek Independence Day parade in New York City. This year the parade will be on April 7th, 2013. Wishing a ll the children a GR EAT start to the school year! ^
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