Pastoral Perspective
Father Georgios Livaditis
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings we have shared and the challenges we have overcome together. In the spirit of love, peace, and harmony, may this year bring us closer as a community, united in faith and purpose.
Let us embrace one another with open hearts, fostering a sense of belonging and support. May we extend our hands in friendship and understanding, nurturing the bonds that tie us together. In doing so, we can create a sanctuary of hope where everyone feels valued and cher-
ished. As we embark on this journey into the new year, let us hold onto the hope for a brighter future, filled with opportunities for growth, kindness, and compassion. Together, let us strive to embody the teachings of our Lord, spreading His love and light to all those we encounter.
May the grace of God bless each of you abundantly in the coming year. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, health, and divine blessings.
With love and peace,
Aing up with parents in the choir and therefore spending lots of time around its members and the loft), I can tell you that their bird’s- eye view is a unique and powerful perspective from which to witness and participate in services. To watch all the moving parts from above - the worshippers, the chanters, the Priest and the Altar Boys - all at once like a beautifully choreographed dance, is a very moving and soul-filling experience.
I have had the privilege and good fortune of growing up around many of these incredibly dedicated servants of our church, who have always been a perfect example to me of “returning whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
So, to them I say: You are appreciated, and we thank you for the “Joyful Noise!” “Well done, good and faithful servants!”
Vicky Andriotis, Editor
Rduring this time period that he formed the E Mirofori Society. The Society’s members were single girls, who worked for the Church. In 1931, they formed the first Choir. Through their fundraising projects, they purchased, among other things, the church organ.
The first choir director was Despina Trangelli. Despina served until 1935, when Mary Vaniotis Chiapis became choir director. In 1937, when Holy Trinity moved from West Liberty Street to Myrtle Ave., Maria loannou Callas became the director, until Ted Thomas, son of the then priest at Holy Trinity, took over in 1940. From 1947 to 1957, the position was filled by Professor Vanaseskou. In 1957, George Kalander served as choir director until 1959, when Harriet Ganatsou took over as director along with Rose Gaches serving as substitute / assistant director. In 1961, Michael Cokias, a professional tenor, became the
Choir - Myrtle Ave
It was in 1974 that George Manos, a member of the Holy Trinity Choir, became director and remained in that position until 1999. During his tenure, George also became director of the Holy Trinity Chorale which was founded in 1973 by Emmanuel and Helen Spyrou. It was also during this time that the choir performed various concerts for the first time with other churches.
In 1990, the Choir spent time in a recording studio to produce an audio cassette tape of Church hymns, which they later sold. In 1991, the Choir and Hellenic Chorale performed a Christmas Concert with concert pianist Jason Solomonides.
The Holy Trinity Choir became members of the Archdiocesan Choir Federation and has since performed in many of the Federations tri-state performances. ... In 1994, the Hellenic Chorale celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a Gala Concert. They were joined by St. Barbara’s of Orange, CT choir and pianist Jason Solomonides.
gy at Madison Square Garden during Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit… During over 40 of those years, Sophie Frangenes was the organist for the Choir . In 1999 Phoebe Kamelakis Leask became choir director. Phoebe was the daughter of Rev. John S. Kamelakis, who substituted at Holy Trinity Church during his retirement...Through the years, two members of the Holy Trinity Choir have had the distinction of being honored by the Archdiocesan Choir Federation as Members of the Year. Rose Caches was honored in 1999 and Frossie Trigonis in 2002.
The Holy Trinity Senior Choir has also encouraged the establishment of the Holy Trinity Junior Choir, currently (2013) under the direction of Joanna Rizos Bogardus, daughter of the Senior Choir’s Director, Phoebe. in Federation Conference in Orange...The Choir continues to participate in local concerts, Federation Concerts, PanOrthodox services, Inter-faith services...
Why is the ministry of Choir important to the church?
Archbishop Elpidophoros said about choir during his remarks in honor of Church Musicians Sunday: “Beautiful music, being sung by beautiful voices, magnifies the experience of worship such that the mind and heart are carried heavenward”. We feel that the choir is important to our Church, as it symbolizes the communal voice of the Church, and enhances the spiritual experience during church services for all the faithful through music.
Music allows all of us to participate in the service and connect as one voice through prayer. The function of the choir can be seen as “conversation” between clergy and the congregation, not as a performance. It’s a ministerial arm of the Church that helps to unite us all in prayer.
During church services, we hear the prayers and hymns from Father which flow to our Psalti and to the choir. It is a beautiful interaction, and this conversation of Divine worship is uniquely tied to our Orthodox roots. It is a distinctive element of our Liturgy to use choral accompaniment and
chanters, and this tradition dates back to the early Christian Church.
How are the needs of the Choir funded?
We have done fundraisers like Gift Basket raffles and Silent Auctions. We try to have at least one fundraising opportunity a year, around the time of National Church Musician’s Sunday, which takes place on the first Sunday in October, but it can sometimes be challenging. Many of our generous parishioners have donated to choir in memory of a loved one, and these funds do help us with the needs of the choir or the choir loft. In addition to raising funds, we could also use volunteers to help us organize music and files.
What do you want people to know the most about your organization?
Our choir is a family. We are a group of people who love God and love to sing, and are committed to serving the church while participating fully in the services.
Each of us will tell you that we cherish the connections we have made with one (Continued on page 8)
another over the years in choir. These connections have happened partly because we're always learning together, (sometimes struggling), and striving to do better with each new hymn or arrangement we try. We strive to listen to one another, and do our best with each and every “Amin” or “Kirie Eleison.” At rehearsals, we go over the hymns in both Greek and English, and we read the words and reflect on them. We are guided by our committed director, and we are thoughtful about how we should be singing. There are often challenges, but MANY, many wonderful moments of learning and growing.
We are also proud of the talented young people from our community who participate in our Junior Choir program. Junior Choir parents have told us that Choir has impacted their children’s spiritual growth. Through choir, they have developed a deeper connection to their faith and they have found it heartwarming to see them sing the hymns and chants that have been passed down for generations traditions coming alive in their voices.
From a parent speaking about Junior Choir: “Being part of the choir has given our children a sense of belonging within the church. It’s not just about singing; it’s about community, friendship, and understanding the deeper meanings of our liturgy. The choir fosters discipline, teamwork, and reverence, all of which shape them as people and strengthen their faith. For parents, it’s a blessing to see how they are actively involved in something that keeps our traditions alive and brings joy to our church services.”
What would make the greatest difference in helping your organization?
This is an easy question to answer. We would love and need more parishioners to join us and sing in the choir. Sadly, we have lost members due to passing, life events, and relocation. More voices will help us continue to offer the beauty of our musical Liturgy. When we say there are no skills required, we mean it! Come on up to the loft and listen, sing with us, and join us.
Rehearsals are weekly, typically on Monday evenings. We learn a little bit at each and every rehearsal, and we help each other. You don’t need to read music, or Greek, as our music is in phonetics. We spend time listening to one another, and we encourage each other. It’s a wonderful group that is supportive and also fun!
What are your organizations goals for this (Ecclesiastical) year and beyond?
We would love to have our parishioners sing altogether as one with us, everyone raising their voice in prayer, whether you think you can sing or not!
Along with this, we hope to sing downstairs with our parishioners more this coming year, so that everyone can sing along with us.
To gain more choir members! Along with this, we'd love the youth of our community to join us, learn the hymns of the church, & participate in the Liturgy on a regular basis. From elementary school, to high school, the youth are our future!
Fund a Choir Scholarship - If not this coming year, in the future.
Community service - We’d like to give back to our church and our organizations.
Workshops, trainings and opportunities to learn more about voice techniques and music in general.
Happy New Year everyone! May the new year bring blessings, health and happiness to you and your families!
The holiday season was busy with lots of activities and events! We had our first, very successful “Make Your Own Wreath” night on November 19. Everyone who attended made their own wreath, with wreaths, decorations, and refreshments provided by Philoptochos. Many thanks to Kalliopi Tsitsipas for creating the beautiful bows for everyone! It was a fun night, which will become an annual event!
The Christmas Bake Sale weekend was on Dec. 21 and 22. Thank you to all who supported the sale!
shut ins, Stella Capiris, passed away on Dec 4th. Stella was a pillar of our community, having served as Philoptochos president, Parish Council president, and held many other positions in our parish in her long tenure. May her memory be eternal and Aionia I Mnimi.
Additionally, we gave 10 gift bags with tsourekia, kourambiedes and koulourakia along with a $100 Shop Rite gift card to Father to distribute in his discretion to needy individuals and families of our community.
There was another blanket drop off on Nov. 25th to John Street. They were very welcomed and much appreciated. We will continue to collect for the remainder of the winter months.
We were honored to witness the ordination of our very own Deacon Anastasios to the priesthood. At the luncheon that followed the services, we presented Father Anastasios with a gift, a check of $1,000 to
go towards his new vestments. We also provided 37 platters of Lenten desserts for the ordination luncheon. Best of luck to Father Anastasios and his family in their new home! We will miss them!
drive is also ongoing for the rest of the winter months.
Thank you to Kalliopi Tsitsipas for sponsoring the Christmas luncheon in memory of her late husband, Stergios, for his one year memorial. Thank you to all the Philoptochos ladies who helped with the preparation, set up, and serving at the luncheon.
Philoptochos sponsored 3 children's gifts for Saint Basil, which, along with the rest of the gifts, were delivered by Lisa Kontom-
On December 17, Philoptochos held their Christmas Dinner at Ralph and Rich’s. Thank you to all who attended and celebrated the Christmas spirit.
On Sunday, January 12, we will be honoring Saint Basil by celebrating Vasilopita Day.
All proceeds from that day will go to Saint Basil Academy. A small reception, sponsored by Philoptochos, will follow church
Written by: MARIA COOK , PHILOPTOCHOS PRESIDENT
We want to send our prayers for a successful healing to Dr. Nikos Demos who is recovering from a hip injury. We ask that everyone also keep him in their prayers for a good recovery and healing. Καλή Ανάρρωση, Nikos.
We had to say goodbye to our longtime Senior member, Miranda Baker. She has moved to Florida and we wish her best wishes on her new adventures. She will be missed.
We wish to extend Happy Birthday wishes (Χρόνια Πολλά!) to any of our Seniors who have a Birthday celebration in January. We look forward to the coming month of our upcoming meetings. Please consider our group if you are a Senior and are interested, you may contact Linda Bellas at 203-731-1382 to let us know you are interested in joining our group.
Written by: LINDA BELLAS ELF
Axios Father Anastasios
On December 4, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America ordained or very own Deacon Anastasios Hallas to the priesthood ! Axios! Axios! Axios!
Greek School Highlights
December has been a joyous and enriching month for our Greek School students! Under the expert guidance of Joanna Bogardus, our choir director, and Evangelos Zaharatos, our church chantor, the children had the unique opportunity to learn and sing the sacred hymns of the Nativity. These hymns, steeped in Orthodox tradition, helped immerse the students in the
In addition to their musical accomplishments, the students enjoyed a festive and filled afternoon in the Aegean Hall, where they decorated the Christmas tree and baked delicious Christmas cookies. The sight of their joyful faces and the sound of
their laughter truly captured the spirit of the
As we look ahead to the new year, our focus for January will be the Feast of the Three Hierarchs—Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. Known as the pillars of Orthodoxy and the patrons of education, these saints provide a meaningful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of faith and learning. Stay tuned for details on how our youth will be participating in this significant
spirit of giving, and we hope that more children will become involved in this initiative every year.
and GOYA would like to thank everyone for participating in their Vasilopita and Christmas card fundraisers. All proceeds gathered will go back to benefit our youth programs and activities. Please stay tuned
Happy New Year to all! Hoping your holidays were filled with joy, family and love! Daughters of Penelope wishes you all the best in 2025!
November and December were busy but gratifying months for DOP. We had a sock drive in which we collected hundreds of socks. We met early December and created over 180 kindness bags containing socks, gloves, granola bars and hats made by members of our knitting club. These bags were distributed Under the Bridge. Thank you to everyone who donated socks, etc.
Also, handmade shawls and more hats were divided and prepared to go to facilities in the area. Sisters came together and assembled these bags as well to be distributed to The Smilow Cancer Center, Mozaic Senior Life (our neighbors!), handmade baby blankets to Binky Patrol, Home for the Brave, CT Love Army, Cesar Battala School in Bridgeport and Justice Center in Bridgeport.
Once again this Christmas Daughters of Penelope put together 10 Christmas gift bags with all sorts of delicious food items created to make Christmas a little
more enjoyable for local families. DOP sisters, as well as other donors, including our Ahepans, went above and beyond and donated all food items and numerous gift cards to local grocery stores. Festive gift bags were tied with beautiful crocheted Christmas ornaments made by our very own Eleni Spyrou. They were gorgeous and appreciated.
December also brought our Christmas raffle which was a huge success! Thank you to everyone in and outside of our community who supported this fundraiser. By doing so you continue to help us fund our yearly scholarship and all our philanthropic projects.
Sadly, we lost a dear member of our group and our church community. Stella Capiris, we can all agree, was Holy Trinity! Her contributions
can to provide assistance to those in need. That will include more fundraising, more kindness drives, Easter food baskets, Moths Day raffle and whatever we can fit in between. Looking forward to share it all with you. We thank you for your continued support.
Happy New Year from all the members of the Daughters of Penelope!
Written by:
THEODORA FATIBENE DOP PRESIDENT
Fast Foods Fast Day Recipes
Tahini Honey Cookies
Dairy Free, Gluten Free, and Delicious
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 23 mins
Servings: 14 cookies
Calories: 157kcal
Equipment
1 Stand mixer or hand held mixer
1 Mini-scooper
Parchment paper
Baking tray
Cooling rack
Ingredients
1½ cups almond flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup (80 mL) honey
⅓ cup (80 mL) tahini
2 tbsp (30 mL) water if needed
½ cup (70 grams) sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
In a medium size bowl whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
•1½ cups almond flour,½ tsp baking soda,½ tsp cinnamon,¼ tsp nutmeg,¼ tsp salt
•In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment blend together the honey and tahini until well combined.
⅓ cup (80 mL) honey,⅓ cup (80 mL) tahini
•Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix well to combine. Add up to 2 tablespoons of water if you find that the batter is crumbly. Your dough should be moist enough to shape into balls.
2 tbsp (30 mL) water
•Place your sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Using a mini-scooper or a tablespoon, make balls of dough and roll them in the sesame seeds to coat them all around.
½ cup (70 grams) sesame seeds
•Transfer the cookie dough to a parchment lined baking sheet and use a glass to press down to turn the balls into discs approximately ¼ inch thick.
•Bake in the middle rack of your oven for about 810 minutes or until golden brown. Allow your cookies to cool on the cookie tray for 3 - 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Submitted by Vicky
the New Year
Iam the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time. I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months. All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires. All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."
Advice
For the new year
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kids’ Corner Color Me
The Feast of EpiphanyJanuary 6th
Source: “Take-Home Lesson Pages.” Religious Education Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, religioused.sanfran.goar ch.org/take-homelesson-pages/. .
Submitted by Vicky Andriotis.
When Jesus was baptized by Saint John the Baptist in the River Jordan, God the Father spoke saying, "This is my Son. I am pleased with Him." At the same time the Holy Spirit was seen as a white dove that landed on Jesus. This day is called Epiphany Day or Theophany, which means "God has been shown to us." Because Jesus blessed the waters when he was baptized in the River Jordan, water is blessed in our Church Services for Epiphany for us to drink and to bless our homes.
Weekday and Weekend Liturgies: Orthros 8:30am
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
VASILOPITA
MEMORIAL -
GUS VERRAS
40 DAYS
DIVINE LITURGY— EPIPHANY/ BLESSING OF THE WATERS
DIVINE LITURGY— SYNAXIS OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
DIVINE LITURGY— SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
MEMORIALVASILIKI BILLIE LYCOUDES 10 YEARS
MEMORIALHECTOR
CRESPO 6 MONTHS
GREEK SCHOOL HIERARCHS CELEBRATION
DIVINE LITURGY— SYNAXIS OF THE THREE HIERARCHS
DIVINE LITURGY— SAINTS ANTONIOS & ATHANASIOS
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
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