Weekly Bulletin by Nick Sialmas

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS Memorial Service: June 22nd: 15 Year Memorial for Demetrios Festa. May his memory be eternal. June 28th: 5 Year Memorial for Esther Pericles. May her memory be eternal. Baptism: May 23rd:

Abigail Flemming – Parents are Andrea and Craig Flemming

Churching: Chrismation: Wedding: Sunday School: In Session - Please continue to bring your children to Church by 10:15 AM, so they may participate in the Divine Liturgy. For more information, please send an email to info@stngoc.org or call the Church office at 561-2556. - Sincerely, The Sunday School Team Greek School: Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 4:30 PM 6:00 PM for 1st to 4th Grade and from 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM for 5th to 8th Grade. For more information, please send an email to gspto@saintnicholasonline.org or call the Church office at 561-2556. St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19. AHEPA: TBD Youth Programs: TBD Monthly Meetings: 3rd Mon of each month @ 6:30pm: Parish Council 1st Mon of each month @ 7:00pm: Philoptochos Society 3rd Thur of each month @ 7:00pm: AHEPA 1st Wed of each month @ 6:30pm: Stewardship Volunteers Are Needed: If you are interested in volunteering to assist your Church and Community, please see any Parish Council Member. Volunteers are needed. You may also call the Church at 845-561-2556 or by email at info@saintnicholasonline.org. Together we can accomplish great things. - Sincerely, The Parish Council Future Announcements & Events: To ensure future announcements/events are published in a timely manner, please contact Emily Clifford @ 914-369-7207. Membership Contact Information: If you have recently moved, changed your phone number or e-mail address, please send us your new information so you do not miss out on any important Community correspondence. Drop a note to any Council member or Jeanette Stylians (JeanetteStylian@aol.com) as soon as possible.

STEWARDSHIP If you have any questions concerning our Stewardship Program, please feel stop by the Church office. You may also call the Church at 845-561-2556 or send an E-mail to stewardship@saintnicholasonline.org. 2008 Pledge for 2009: 2009 Pledge for 2009: Total Pledges for 2009:

7 Families 106 Families 113 Families

-- Pledge = $ 2,010 – Received = $ 2,010 (Outstanding = $ 0) -- Pledge = $50,555 – Received = $35,667 (Outstanding = $14,887) -- Pledge = $52,565 – Received = $37,677 (Outstanding = $14,887)

______________________________________________________________________________ 19-23 Fullerton Avenue / P.O. Box 2004 – Newburgh, NY 12550 Phone: (845) 561-2556 – Fax: (845) 622-3567 E-mail: info@saintnicholasonline.org - Website: www.saintnicholasonline.org -1-

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ The following are the suggested minimums for 2009.

Type Family Senior Family Senior Single Single

Annual $540.00 $300.00 $180.00 $360.00

Monthly $45.00 $25.00 $15.00 $30.00

Weekly $10.38 $5.77 $3.46 $6.92

WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT – January 1, 2009 – May 24, 2009 Month January: February: March: April: May: Total:

Income $11,576.00 $10,518.54 $15,394.00 $30,017.86 $ 5,150.31 $72,656.71

Expense $12,823.77 $18,533.03 $13,608.14 $14,464.15 $11,255.10 $70,684.19

Profit/(Loss) ($ 1,247.77) ($ 8,014.49) $ 1,785.86 $ 15,553.71 ($ 6,104.79) $ 1,972.52

As you can see we continue to run at a loss. Over 75% of the families in our community have submitted their pledge card/form and have begun to give either on an annual, bi-annual, quarterly or weekly basis. You will notice that based on the pledge amount so far, we are over the $35,000 we brought in last year. As you know, this amount was not enough help us offset our expenses last year. If you have not submitted your pledge card/form please considering doing so. Our church is supported by your contributions, donations, generosity through your willingness to give what you can. As you can see, we are running behind what our obligations are for January and now February. Last year, as we stated at our General Assembly, we ended up having to utilize the reserved funds we had set aside for this purpose. Unfortunately over the past two years we have utilized all of the reserve funds. Parishioners have asked to show the weekly and monthly income and expenses, therefore we will continue to post both the Stewardship and financial information on a weekly basis.

SERVICES AND INFORMATION Guidelines for Respectful Worship Whenever we enter the Church we should remember that we are in the house of God. Reverence and respect are required, partly because we are in God’s House and partly because we do not want to disturb those who are praying. This means that conversation should be kept to a minimum, either in the Narthex (the back of the Church) or in any other part of the Church. There are also several parts of the service when movement should be limited. These parts are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

The procession of the priest and the altar boys with the Gospel The reading of the Gospel The Great Entrance when the gifts are transferred to the altar in procession The recitation of the Creed When the priest(s) is offering the prayers “Take, eat…Take drink…” The sermon When the priest is offering a blessing Special services like memorials and other prayer services

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________

Calendar of Services in June, 2009 Sunday, June 7th

Pentecost Sunday Orthros Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM 10:15 AM

Sunday, June 14th

Orthros Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM 10:15 AM

Sunday, June 21st

Orthros Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM 10:15 AM

Sunday, June 28th

Orthros Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM 10:15 AM

Monday, June 29th

SS Peter and Paul Divine Liturgy

9:30 AM

Blessed are you, O Christ our God, who showed the fisherman wisdom by sending them the Holy Spirit. You used them to draw the entire world into your net. You love humankind, glory to you. - Hymn of Pentecost

FATHERS OF THE 1ST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL For Your Information (for further information and resources visit www.family.goarch.org) Shortly after the Mystical Supper and prior to His betrayal and arrest, Jesus Christ offered this prayer to His Father in heaven. It is the first part of what is known as the Lord’s high–priestly prayer. In this prayer we hear Jesus praying for Himself, for His disciples, and for the Church, as He prepares Himself for the final, grueling stages of His earthly ministry. As He prays to His Father He also reveals more fully His unique identity as the Son of the only true God and His role as the Savior of the world. As He prays for His Apostles, as they soon would be called by sharing His teachings with the world, He asks that they be kept united as one as He and His Father are forever united as One. Jesus foresees and foretells that there will be a struggle for them to stay united in faith and love as His Body in the world. On this day, the Orthodox Church honors the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council as a whole. This council, the first of seven that have been given the title “ecumenical,” was assembled by the emperor, St. Constantine the Great, in Nicea in 325 A.D. to preserve the unity of the Church. The 318 bishops (many of whom we now recognize as saints) gathered to defend what the Church, as a whole, believed about the person of Jesus Christ. Affirming the divinity of Christ, along with his humanity, they laid the foundation for the subsequent ecumenical councils.

Held in Nicea, Asia Minor in 325. Under Emperor Constantine the Great. 318 Bishops were present. THE ARIAN CONTROVERSY Arius denied the divinity of Christ. If Jesus was born, then there was time when He did not exist. If He became God, then there was time when He was not. The Council declared Arius' teaching a heresy, unacceptable to the Church and decreed that Christ is God. He is of the same essence "homoousios" with God the Father. To read more go to  http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8062 MATINS GOSPEL READING – May 31, 2009 Tenth Orthors Gospel The Reading is from John 21:1-14 At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 21.1-14 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐφανέρωσεν ἑαυτὸν πάλιν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης τῆς Τιβεριάδος· ἐφανέρωσε δὲ οὕτως. Ἦσαν  ὁμοῦ Σίμων Πέτρος, καὶ Θωμᾶς ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, καὶ Ναθαναὴλ ὁ ἀπὸ Κανᾶ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οἱ τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου, καὶ ἄλλοι ἐκ τῶν  μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ δύο. Λέγει αὐτοῖς Σίμων Πέτρος· ὑπάγω ἁλιεύειν. λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· ἐρχόμεθα καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν σοί. ἐξῆλθον καὶ ἀνέβησαν εἰς τὸ  πλοῖον εὐθύς, καὶ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἐπίασαν οὐδέν. Πρωΐας δὲ ἤδη γενομένης ἔστη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν· οὐ μέντοι ᾔδεισαν οἱ μαθηταὶ  ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐστι. Λέγει οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· παιδία, μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε; ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ· οὔ. Ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· βάλετε εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ  μέρη τοῦ πλοίου τὸ δίκτυον, καὶ εὑρήσετε. ἔβαλον οὖν, καὶ οὐκέτι αὐτὸ ἑλκύσαι ἴσχυσαν ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ἰχθύων. Λέγει οὖν ὁ μαθητὴς  ἐκεῖνος, ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τῷ Πέτρῳ· ὁ Κύριός ἐστι. Σίμων οὖν Πέτρος ἀκούσας ὅτι ὁ Κύριός ἐστι, τὸν ἐπενδύτην διεζώσατο· ἦν γὰρ  γυμνός· καὶ ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν·οἱ δὲ ἄλλοι μαθηταὶ τῷ πλοιαρίῳ ἦλθον· οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν μακρὰν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, ἀλλ᾿ ὡς ἀπὸ  πηχῶν διακοσίων, σύροντες τὸ δίκτυον τῶν ἰχθύων. Ὡς οὖν ἀπέβησαν εἰς τὴν γῆν, βλέπουσιν ἀνθρακιὰν κειμένην καὶ ὀψάριον  ἐπικείμενον καὶ ἄρτον. Λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἐνέγκατε ἀπὸ τῶν ὀψαρίων ὧν ἐπιάσατε νῦν. Ἀνέβη Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ εἵλκυσε τὸ δίκτυον  ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μεστὸν ἰχθύων μεγάλων ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα τριῶν· καὶ τοσούτων ὄντων οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον. Λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· δεῦτε  ἀριστήσατε. οὐδεὶς δὲ ἐτόλμα τῶν μαθητῶν ἐξετάσαι αὐτὸν σὺ τίς εἶ, εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ Κύριός ἐστιν. Ἔρχεται οὖν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ λαμβάνει τὸν  ἄρτον καὶ δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς, καὶ τὸ ὀψάριον ὁμοίως. Τοῦτο ἤδη τρίτον ἐφανερώθη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν. GOSPEL AND EPISTLE READINGS – May 31, 2009 EPISTLE READING – May 31, 2009 The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 20:16-18, 28-36 IN THOSE DAYS, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesos, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. And from Miletos he sent to Ephesos and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.' " And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 20:16-18,28-36 Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, ἔκρινεν ὁ Παῦλος παραπλεῦσαι τὴν Ἔφεσον͵ ὅπως μὴ γένηται αὐτῷ χρονοτριβῆσαι ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ͵ ἔσπευδεν γὰρ  εἰ δυνατὸν εἴη αὐτῷ τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς πεντηκοστῆς γενέσθαι εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα. Ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς Μιλήτου πέμψας εἰς Ἔφεσον μετεκαλέσατο τοὺς  πρεσβυτέρους τῆς ἐκκλησίας. Ὡς δὲ παρεγένοντο πρὸς αὐτὸν εἶπεν αὐτοῖς͵ Ὑμεῖς ἐπίστασθε ἀπὸ πρώτης ἡμέρας ἀφ΄ ἧς ἐπέβην εἰς τὴν  Ἀσίαν πῶς μεθ΄ ὑμῶν τὸν πάντα χρόνον ἐγενόμην͵ προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς καὶ παντὶ τῷ ποιμνίῳ͵ ἐν ᾧ ὑμᾶς τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ἔθετο  ἐπισκόπους͵ ποιμαίνειν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ͵ ἣν περιεποιήσατο διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ ἰδίου. Ἐγὼ οἶδα ὅτι εἰσελεύσονται μετὰ τὴν ἄφιξίν  μου λύκοι βαρεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς μὴ φειδόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου͵ καὶ ἐξ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν ἀναστήσονται ἄνδρες λαλοῦντες διεστραμμένα τοῦ ἀποσπᾶν  τοὺς μαθητὰς ὀπίσω αὐτῶν. Διὸ γρηγορεῖτε͵ μνημονεύοντες ὅτι τριετίαν νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν οὐκ ἐπαυσάμην μετὰ δακρύων νουθετῶν ἕνα  ἕκαστον. Καὶ τὰ νῦν παρατίθεμαι ὑμᾶς τῷ θεῷ καὶ τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ τῷ δυναμένῳ οἰκοδομῆσαι καὶ δοῦναι τὴν κληρονομίαν ἐν  τοῖς ἡγιασμένοις πᾶσιν. Ἀργυρίου ἢ χρυσίου ἢ ἱματισμοῦ οὐδενὸς ἐπεθύμησα· αὐτοὶ γινώσκετε ὅτι ταῖς χρείαις μου καὶ τοῖς οὖσιν μετ΄ ἐμοῦ

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ ὑπηρέτησαν αἱ χεῖρες αὗται. Πάντα ὑπέδειξα ὑμῖν ὅτι οὕτως κοπιῶντας δεῖ ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι τῶν ἀσθενούντων͵ μνημονεύειν τε τῶν  λόγων τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ὅτι αὐτὸς εἶπεν͵ Μακάριόν ἐστιν μᾶλλον διδόναι ἢ λαμβάνειν. Καὶ ταῦτα εἰπὼν θεὶς τὰ γόνατα αὐτοῦ σὺν πᾶσιν  αὐτοῖς προσηύξατο.  FATHERS OF THE 1ST ECUMENICAL COUNCIL GOSPEL READING – May 31, 2009 The Reading is from John 17:1-13 At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made. "I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves." Κατὰ Ἰ ωάννην 17.1-13 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐπάρας ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἶπεν͵ Πάτερ͵ ἐλήλυθεν ἡ ὥρα· δόξασόν σου τὸν υἱόν͵ ἵνα ὁ  υἱὸς δοξάσῃ σέ͵καθὼς ἔδωκας αὐτῷ ἐξουσίαν πάσης σαρκός͵ ἵνα πᾶν ὃ δέδωκας αὐτῷ δώσῃ αὐτοῖς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Αὕτη δέ ἐστιν ἡ  αἰώνιος ζωή͵ ἵνα γινώσκωσιν σὲ τὸν μόνον ἀληθινὸν θεὸν καὶ ὃν ἀπέστειλας Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν. Ἐγώ σε ἐδόξασα ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς͵ τὸ ἔργον  τελειώσας ὃ δέδωκάς μοι ἵνα ποιήσω·καὶ νῦν δόξασόν με σύ͵ πάτερ͵ παρὰ σεαυτῷ τῇ δόξῃ ᾗ εἶχον πρὸ τοῦ τὸν κόσμον εἶναι παρὰ σοί.  Ἐφανέρωσά σου τὸ ὄνομα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις οὓς ἔδωκάς μοι ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου. σοὶ ἦσαν κἀμοὶ αὐτοὺς ἔδωκας͵ καὶ τὸν λόγον σου τετήρηκαν.  Νῦν ἔγνωκαν ὅτι πάντα ὅσα δέδωκάς μοι παρὰ σοῦ εἰσιν·ὅτι τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἔδωκάς μοι δέδωκα αὐτοῖς͵ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλαβον καὶ ἔγνωσαν  ἀληθῶς ὅτι παρὰ σοῦ ἐξῆλθον͵ καὶ ἐπίστευσαν ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας. Ἐγὼ περὶ αὐτῶν ἐρωτῶ· οὐ περὶ τοῦ κόσμου ἐρωτῶ ἀλλὰ περὶ ὧν  δέδωκάς μοι͵ ὅτι σοί εἰσιν͵καὶ τὰ ἐμὰ πάντα σά ἐστιν καὶ τὰ σὰ ἐμά͵ καὶ δεδόξασμαι ἐν αὐτοῖς. Καὶ οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ͵ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐν τῷ  κόσμῳ εἰσίν͵ κἀγὼ πρὸς σὲ ἔρχομαι. Πάτερ ἅγιε͵ τήρησον αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ᾧ δέδωκάς μοι͵ ἵνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς ἡμεῖς. Ὅτε ἤμην  μετ΄ αὐτῶν ἐγὼ ἐτήρουν αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ᾧ δέδωκάς μοι͵ καὶ ἐφύλαξα͵ καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀπώλετο εἰ μὴ ὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀπωλείας͵  ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ. Νῦν δὲ πρὸς σὲ ἔρχομαι͵ καὶ ταῦτα λαλῶ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἵνα ἔχωσιν τὴν χαρὰν τὴν ἐμὴν πεπληρωμένην ἐν αὑτοῖς.

MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS MESSAGE FROM FATHER CHARLES Greek Festival. It’s my hope that we will all support our Greek Festival this year which falls on Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 14th. Stewardship. As of May 26, 2009, 112 Stewards have submitted their Stewardship Forms and from these forms over $52K. This represents a dramatic increase from the amount of funding our dues system generated last year. It also testifies to the love and commitment that our membership/stewards have for St. Nicholas. As we continue to promote this program this year I believe these numbers will increase. I also believe that as more and more members/stewards of St. Nicholas understand the concept of stewardship this ministry will have a positive impact on our efforts to move forward and address many of our future challenges: to God’s glory and our salvation. Guidelines for Respectful Worship Whenever we enter the Church we should remember that we are in the house of God. Reverence and respect are required, partly because we are in God’s House and partly because we do not want to disturb those who are praying. This means that conversation should be kept to a minimum, either in the Narthex (the back of the Church) or in any other part of the Church.

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ There are also several parts of the service when movement should be limited. These parts are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Adult Education Class. The next Adult Education Class will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday June 24th in our Church Hall. St. Nicholas’ Apolytikion. A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheepfold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Nicholas, our Father and our Hierarch, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls. Scheduling for Sacraments and Special Services. Always consult with Fr. Charles FIRST before making any plans related to baptisms, marriages, memorial services and other special services. Failure to do so may result in creating complications and disappointments. For example, if you book a hall on a date when Fr. Charles has other commitments, you may end up loosing the deposit. Attention Parents and Altar Boys. Altar boys should report for duty no later than 10:00 am. Your cooperation regarding this matter is appreciated. Sunday Church Breads. The church breads - prosphora – are baked and offered by the members of our community. If you have never made prosphora, and would like to consider doing so, you are encouraged to consult with Fr. Charles. Graduation Sunday. Graduation Sunday falls on June 21st after Divine Liturgy this year. High school and college grads will be acknowledged, as well as the children who have attended our Greek School and Sunday School programs. Summer Church Attendance. Each summer we slow down. Slowing down is a good thing. It gives us all a chance to recharge our batteries and enjoy the fruits of our labors. In your efforts to recharge your batteries this summer, don’t forget to consider the importance of regular family worship. See you in church. Know Jesus. Know Peace. No Jesus. No Peace. Cell Phones. Please remember to turn off all cells phone before entering our sanctuary to worship. Your cooperation regarding this matter will be greatly appreciated by everyone in attendance. Our Children’s Well-Being. We have young children coming to church. Please watch for children when driving in and out of the parking lot. Your Time and Talents are Needed. Are you offering your time and talents to your church? St. Nicholas needs everyone’s help – especially the Baby Boomers (45 - 64) and “X”ers (30 - 44). Your help will ensure that St. Nicholas continues to grow and prosper. Please consider volunteering some of your God-given time to (a) church repairs, (b) church clean-up committee, (d) In Touch & the Weekly Bulletin, (e) Sunday School, and (f) Greek School PTO. Are you interested in donating one of these items? For more information, consult Fr. Charles or Basil. • • • • •

Hand Censor Chanter’s Stand Light Flower Vases Gold set of Altar Clothes Communion Wine

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ (THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING OUR CHURCH HALL WHILE SUNDAY IS IN SESSION. YOUR COOPERATION WILL BE APPRECIATED.)

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Fathers of the 1st Council The heresiarch Arius was a Libyan by race and a protopresbyter of the Church of Alexandria. In 315, he began to blaspheme against the Son and Word of God, saying that He is not true God, consubstantial with the Father, but is rather a work and creation, alien to the essence and glory of the Father, and that there was a time when He was not. This frightful blasphemy shook the faithful of Alexandria. Alexander, his Archbishop, after trying in vain to correct him through admonitions, cut him off from communion and finally in a local council deposed him in the year 321. Yet neither did the blasphemer wish to be corrected, nor did he cease sowing the deadly tares of his heretical teachings; but writing to the bishops of other cities, Arius and his followers requested that his doctrine be examined, and if it were unsound, that the correct teaching be declared to him. By this means, his heresy became universally known and won many supporters, so that the whole Church was soon in an uproar. Therefore, moved by divine zeal, the first Christian Sovereign, Saint Constantine the Great, the equal to the Apostles, summoned the renowned First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, a city of Bithynia. It was there that the shepherds and teachers of the Church of Christ gathered from all regions in the year 325. All of them, with one mouth and one voice, declared that the Son and Word of God is one in essence with the Father, true God of true God, and they composed the holy Symbol of Faith up to the seventh article (since the remainder, beginning with "And in the Holy Spirit," was completed by the Second Ecumenical Council). Thus they anathematized the impious Arius of evil belief and those of like mind with him, and cut them off as rotten members from the whole body of the faithful. Therefore, recognizing the divine Fathers as heralds of the Faith after the divine Apostles, the Church of Christ has appointed this present Sunday for their annual commemoration, in thanksgiving and unto the glory of God, unto their praise and honour, and unto the strengthening of the true Faith. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Hermias the Martyr at Comana - May 31 According to some, this Martyr strove in contest during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, also called Antoninus (161180); according to others, it was in the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161). Already an old man, the Saint was brought before Sebastian, Proconsul in Comana of Cappadocia, and because he would not renounce his confession of Christ, his tormentors showing no reverence to his grey hairs, broke his jaw, tore the flesh from his face, pierced his eyes with a sharp instrument, subjected him to many other torments, and finally, after three days of such torture, beheaded him. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Justin the Philosopher & Martyr and his Companions - June 1 This Saint, who was from Neapolis of Palestine, was a follower of Plato the philosopher. Born in 103, he came to the Faith of Christ when he was already a mature man, seeking to find God through philosophy and human reasoning. A venerable elder appeared to him and spoke to him about the Prophets who had taught of God not through their own wisdom, but by revelation; and he led him to knowledge of Christ, Who is the fulfillment of what the Prophets taught. Saint Justin soon became a fervent follower of Christ, and an illustrious apologist of the Evangelical teachings. To the end of his life, while preaching Christ in all parts, he never put off his philosopher's garb. In Rome, he gave the Emperor Antoninus Pius (reigned 138-161) an apology wherein he proved the innocence and holiness of the Christian Faith, persuading him to relieve the persecution of Christians. Through the machinations of Crescens, a Cynic philosopher who envied him, Saint Justin was beheaded in Rome in 167 under Antoninus' successor, Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161-180). Besides his defense of Christianity (First and Second Apologies), Saint Justin wrote against paganism (Discourse to the Greeks, Hortatory Address to the Greeks), and refuted Jewish objections against Christ (Dialogue with Trypho). - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Nikephoros the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople - June 2 Saint Nicephorus was born in Constantinople about the year 758, of pious parents; his father Theodore endured exile and tribulation for the holy icons during the reign of Constantine Copronymus (741-775). Nicephorus served in the imperial palace as a secretary. Later, he took up the monastic life, and struggled in asceticism not far from the imperial city; he also founded monasteries on the eastern shore of the Bosphorus, among them one dedicated to the Great Martyr Theodore. After the repose of the holy Patriarch Tarasius, he was ordained Patriarch, on April 12, 806, and in this high office

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ led the Orthodox resistance to the Iconoclasts' war on piety, which was stirred up by Leo the Armenian. Because Nicephorus championed the veneration of the icons, Leo drove Nicephorus from his throne on March 13, 815, exiling him from one place to another, and lastly to the Monastery of Saint Theodore which Nicephorus himself had founded. It was here that, after glorifying God for nine years as Patriarch, and then for thirteen years as an exile, tormented and afflicted, he gave up his blameless soul in 828 at about the age of seventy. See also March 8. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Lucillian of Byzantium, 4 martyred Youths & Paula the Virgin - June 3 Formerly a priest of the idols near Nicomedia, the Saint came to the Christian Faith in his old age; this was during the reign of Aurelian (270-275). Lucillian was brought before Silvan the Count; when he refused to return to the service of the idols, his jaw was broken, he was beaten with rods, and hanged upside down, then imprisoned with four Christian children, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius. All of them were brought out again before Silvan, and remaining constant in their faith, were cast into a raging furnace. Preserved unharmed, they were sent to Byzantium, where the children were beheaded, and Lucillian was crucified. The virgin Paula, a Christian, buried their holy relics. For this, she was taken before the Count, and refusing to sacrifice to the idols, was stripped naked and mercilessly thrashed; after other torments, she was beheaded, in 270. There was a church in their honor in Constantinople. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Metrophanes, 1st Patriarch of Constantinople - June 4 Saint Metrophanes was born of pagan parents, but believed in Christ at a young age, and came to Byzantium. He lived at the end of the persecution of the Roman Emperors, and became the Bishop of Byzantium from about 315 to 325, during which time Saint Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire, calling it New Rome. Saint Metrophanes sent his delegate, the priest Alexander, to the First Ecumenical Council in 325, since he could not attend because of old age. He reposed the same year and was buried by Saint James of Nisibis (celebrated Jan. 13), one of the Fathers present at the First Ecumenical Council. The Canons to the Trinity of the Octoechos are not the work of this Metrophanes but another, who was Bishop of Smyrna about the middle of the ninth century, during the life of Saint Photius the Great. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Mary & Martha, the sisters of Lazarus - June 4 The Holy Myrrh-bearers Mary and Martha, together with their brother Lazarus, were especially devoted to our Savior, as we see from the accounts given in the tenth chapter of Saint Luke, and in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of Saint John. They reposed in Cyprus, where their brother became the first Bishop of Kition after his resurrection from the dead. See also the accounts on Lazarus Saturday and the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Dorotheos the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Tyre - June 5 Saint Dorotheus became Bishop of Tyre in Phoenicia about the end of the third century. During the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, about the year 303, he fled to Odyssopolis in Thrace to preserve his life, and after the death of the tyrants he returned to Tyre. He lived until the reign of Julian the Apostate (361-363), from whose persecution he again fled to Odyssopolis (or, according to Theophylact of Bulgaria, Edessa), but was found by Julian's men and slain in great torments, at the age of 107, in 361. He was very learned, and has left behind writings in both Latin and Greek relating the lives of the holy Prophets, Apostles, and other Saints. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Hilarion the New of Dalmation Monastery - June 6 Saint Hilarion, the fervent zealot for the veneration of the holy icons, was born in 775 and had Cappadocia as his homeland. About 806-811 he became Abbot of the Monastery of Dalmatus (see May 30), but was exiled by the Emperor Leo the Armenian, and later again by Theophilus; he was set free by the pious Empress Theodora, and again became Abbot of the Monastery of Dalmatus from 843 to 845, until the time of his repose. - Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery

APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal of the Second Tone - O Christ, the angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, the guards were as dead, and Mary stood by the sepulcher, seeking Your sacred body. You destroyed Hades yet remained untouched by it. You encountered the Virgin and through her, bestowed Life. Glory to You who has risen from the dead! -Translation by Narthex Press Αγγελικαί Δυνάμεις επί τό μνήμά σου, καί οι φυλάσσοντες απενεκρώθησαν, καλί ίστατο οι Μαρία εν τώ τάφω, ζητούσα τό άχραντόν σου σώμα. Εσκύλευσας τόν Άδην, μή πειρασθείς υπ' αυτού, υπήντησας τη Παρθένω,

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ δωρούμενος τήν ζωήν, ο αναστάς εκ των νεκρών, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Apolytikion for 6th Thursday after Pascha/Ascension - O Christ our God, You ascended in Glory and gladdened Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Your blessing assured them that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. -Translation by Narthex Press Ἀνελήφθης ἐν δόξῃ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὀς ἡμῶν χαροποιήσας τοὺς μαθητὰς τῇ ἐπαγγελίᾳ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος βεβαιωθέν των αὐτῶν διὰ τῆς εὐλογίας ὅτι Σὺ εἶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ ὁ λυτρωτὴς τοῦ κόσμου. Apolytikion for Fathers of the 1st Council - You are greatly glorified, O Christ our God, who established our Fathers as luminaries upon the earth, and through them led us all to the true Faith. O Most compassionate, glory to You. -Translation by Narthex Press Kontakion - O Christ our God, upon fulfilling Your dispensation for our sake, You ascended in Glory, uniting the earthly with the heavenly. You were never separate but remained inseparable, and cried out to those who love You, "I am with you and no one is against you." - Translation by Narthex Press

WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus. For He still pleads even now as Man for my salvation; ... - St. Gregory the Theologian, 4th Theological Oration - 4th Century ... for He continues to wear the Body which He assumed, until He make me God by the power of His Incarnation; although He is no longer known after the flesh -- I mean, the passions of the flesh, the same, except sin, as ours. St. Gregory the Theologian, 4th Theological Oration - 4th Century

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Interactive games and puzzles with an Orthodox theme suitable for kids from ages 5 on up. http://games.goarch.org/

WELCOME TO THE GOLD RUSH A NEW FUND RAISER FOR OUR ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH Do you have any old, unwanted or broken gold jewelry? Broken chains that cannot be fixed? Out of style bracelets that just won’t come back into style? Unmatched earrings? Gifts from ex-spouses, old boyfriends or girlfriends that you simply won’t wear anymore? Rings that lost a stone that you do not want to fix? A gold watch from a loved one that you want to donate in their memory?

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING IT TO ST. NICHOLAS! We Are Looking for 50 Generous Donors to drop their unwanted gold into the "Treasure Chest" in the Church Hall. After you have made your "deposit" please write your name on the donor’s list so we can acknowledge your donation. We will gather all the donations, take them to a broker and all funds received will be given to the Church.

Saint Nicholas Church Weekly Bulletin – May 31, 2009 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council

Economos: Rev. Fr. Charles J. Joanides – Email: joanidesch@aol.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ FUNDRAISER It will not cost you anything in addition to your regular shopping costs!!! Adams Fairacre Farms has offered our church the opportunity to purchase gift cards with the church making a 10% profit. The gift cards are $50 and can be used just like cash. Every card that you buy…our church makes $5. Buy for yourself and for gifts! Can be used anywhere in the store. A speacial thank you to those who have already participated in this fund raiser. Our Church as already received it's first return of $50, representing 10% of purchases. Thank you... For questions or purchases, ask Alexis Koudounas in church or call 845-913-8248. You may also send an E-mail to info@stngoc.org.

Upcoming Events June 13th & 14th – Greek Festival June 21st – Graduation Sunday