Koinonia_Mar2012

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KOINWNIA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION 1400 Cedar Swamp Road • Brookville, New York 11545 • Phone 516-671-5200 www.resurrectiongoc.org MARCH 2012

VOLUME 32

NUMBER 1

Understanding the Holiest Week of our Year defeat all their enemies the way they wanted or envisioned, these same people who were holding palm branches and yelling ‘Hosanna in the HighSaturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday Great and Holy Week are preceded by a two day est’ quickly deserted Christ within a weeks time.

But for us, we know that Christ Kingdom is not festival commemorating the resurrection of Lazarus and the triumphant entry of Christ into simply an earthly kingdom somewhere in the MidJerusalem. Throughout Christ’s three years of min- dle East nor was Christ coming to defeat some istry, we read in the scriptures that He was threat- neighboring country and take their land. Christ ened and the Pharisees and high priests of that day came to defeat Satan and his Angels and to do that were continually plotting to kill Him. Well, these he had to destroy their greatest weapon: sin and two events pushed them over the edge. Yet these death Great Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday events truly show the divinity and power of our These first three days of Holy Week and they Lord. That is why they are a great bridge because they connect the forty day Lenten period with constitute a single Liturgical unit. They have the same cycle and system of daily prayer. The OrGreat Week.

The Saturday of Lazarus is a great feast of the thros of each of these days is called the Service of Church and is celebrated with much joy and rev- the Bridegroom. The name comes from the central erence. Gospel of John (11:1-45). Prefigures figure in the well-known parable of the ten virgins Christ’s Resurrection and ours. Christ is the resur- (Mt 25: 1-13). Title shows intimacy of love, with rection. He bestows eternal life upon all who be- the imagery alluding to the final union of the lieve in Him. Divine and Human elements. Power Lover and the beloved.

Monday of Holy Week the Orthros (sung by anwith deep emotions.

Palm Sunday is the day in which we behold our ticipation now on Palm Sunday Evening) comKing of heaven and earth triumphantly entering memorates the blessed and noble Joseph and the into Jerusalem on a donkey as all the people were theme is the fig tree which was cursed and withgathered around Him waving palm branches and ered by the Lord. The withering of the fig tree was saying ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is a miracle of special symbolism, since the tree had He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna leaves, but no fruit. It is symbolic of the many peoin the highest.’ The people there in Jerusalem had ple who claim ethical and religious identity, but been waiting for centuries of the Messiah to come. who in reality have empty lives that yield no fruit.

The Jewish people, the Chosen people of God, This was also the case with some of the Pharisees were ecstatic that the Messiah had come in the of that period. Jesus cursed the tree: “May no fruit flesh to save them. Now you see the Jews were ever come from you again” (Matt. 21:19). The refcontinually persecuted and under attack so they erence to the story of the virtuous Joseph of the were very eager for the messiah to come so that he Old Testament (Genesis 37-41) is made only for can lead them in defeating their enemies and es- contrast, since the life of Joseph was a model of tablishing an earthly kingdom. When they realized propriety and sincere observance of ethical printhat Jesus was not going to lead them to war and ciples.

On this evening we begin with the Hymn of the Bridegroom, “Behold the Bridegroom PROGRAM OF SERVICES HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA 2012 comes in the midst 9:30 am April 7, Saturday of Lazarus DIVINE LITURGY of the night... be9:30 am Divine Liturgy, Blessing of the Palms April 8, Palm Sunday ware, therefore, O 6:00 pm Evening – First Service of Christ the Bridegroom my soul, lest you be 9:30 am Presanctified Liturgy April 9, Holy Monday

by Father John Vlahos

April 10, Holy Tuesday April 11, Holy Wednesday

2nd Service of Christ the Bridegroom Presanctified Liturgy 3rd Service of Christ the Bridegroom Presanctified Liturgy Sacrament of Holy UNCTION, with anointing

7:00 pm 9:30 am 7:00 pm 9:30 am 3:00 pm

(especially for children)

Sacrament of Holy UNCTION, with anointing DIVINE LITURGY of the Mystical Supper THE HOLY PASSION, the 12 Gospels, the Crucifixion April 13, Great & Holy Friday Church open for Veneration of the Cross & Royal Hours read APOKATHELOSIS VESPERS, the Lowering from the Cross THE LAMENTATIONS at the Epitaphio, Procession outside Divine Liturgy April 14, Holy Saturday Resurrection Orthros and Divine Liturgy Vespers of Love April 15, Easter Sunday GREAT VESPERS— Parish’s Feastday April 21, April 22, Sunday of Thomas Parish’s Feastday Orthros Archepiscopal Divine Liturgy

April 12, Holy Thursday

7:00 pm 7:00 am 7:00 pm 9:30 am 3:00 pm 7:30 pm 9:30 am 11:00pm 11:00am 7:00 pm 8:00 am 9:30 am

weighed down in sleep..... and lest you be shut out from the Kingdom...” The canticle hymn also has a symbolic exhortation: “I see your bridal hall adorned, O my Savior, and I have no wedding garment. . . O giver of Light, make radiant the vesture of my soul and save me”. At this time the solemn procession of the Icon of Christ-Bridegroom takes place around the church. The people, anticipating the sufferings of Christ, sing: “Your sublime sufferings, on this day, shine upon the world as a light of salvation.”

Tuesday of Holy Week (sung by anticipation now Monday evening) commemorates the parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13). Ethical preparation and wakefulness are the foundations of vivid faith. The parable of the Ten Virgins is developed around the theme of the Bridegroom: “Why are you heedless, O my soul? . . . Work most diligently with the talent which has been confided to you; both watch and pray”.

On Wednesday of Holy Week (sung by anticipation now on Tuesday evening) it has been ordained by the Holy Fathers of the Church that commemoration should be made of the anointing of Christ with myrrh by the fallen woman in the house of Simon the leper, in Bethany. Great emphasis is made in the liturgical services to compare the woman, a sinful harlot who is saved, to Judas, a chosen apostle who is lost. The one gives her wealth to Christ and kisses his feet; the other betrays Christ for money with a kiss. On this evening is sung the beautiful “hymn of Kassiani” The sacred ceremony of the Mysterion of the Holy Unction takes place on Wednesday afternoon. It is the day of repentance, confession and the remission of sins by the Lord, preparing the faithful to receive Holy Communion, usually the next day, Holy Thursday morning. Holy Unction is the Mysterion for cleansing sins and renewing the body and the spirit of the faithful. Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of James (5:14-15). At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil, the visible carrier of the Grace of (continued on page 4)

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GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION - MARCH 2012

A Mesaage From Parish Council President

by Kyriakos C. Demou Upon being elected your parish president by the newly installed parish council, I would like to express my sincere thank you to all and I will do my best to keep the best interests of our Church in the decision making process. I am excited to be working with a great group of parish council members and I will reach out to parishioners for assistance that may be needed.

I hope that you will all share in my enthusiasm.

I would like to build upon some of the themes and successes of my predecessor, James Gabriel, with regards to outreach, governance and transparency. In terms of outreach, we are looking to have our parishioners engage in the many ministries that are offered here at our Church. Join one of the ministries, meet and get involved. Surely there is at least one that you would be interested in. In this difficult financial time we will take a hard look at the governance of the Church by having our committees and organizations be fully accountable with finances and maintain their budget plans.

In the spirit of transparency, financial data will be disseminated showing the financial position of the church so that we may highlight where we are and educate our parishioners as to the cash inflows and outflows. We will post information on our website and also have information available by email or hard copy.

We had a very successful Parish Development Conference on March 3, 2012 which focused on our ministries. His Grace Bishop

Sevastianos of Zela was our keynote speaker and presented his knowledge on how we may better understand the four pillars of Orthodoxy.

Those four pillars are Koinonia (Fellowship), Diaconia (Service), Liturgia (Worship) and Martyria (Witness). Breakout sessions on each of the four pillars were held with discussions on how we should make an effort to get involved in our ministries which will lead to a much stronger Church.

Additionally our Youth Commission held a very successful Apokreatiko Glendi on Saturday February 11th. There were many activities for children and good food. I would like to extend my sincere thank you to all who helped and volunteered their time and efforts, as well as those who attended to make this a very successful event.

Now that the winter has passed us by we are on our way to a beautiful spring. Scaffolding will be going up once again in the Church signaling the installation of Phase II of our iconography project. This is scheduled from March 26th to the Friday before the Saturday of Lazarus (April 6th). Join us in prayer as Palm Sunday will follow the scheduled completion of Phase II, the start of Holy Week and Pascha.

We are excited once again to have His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios attend on our Nameday Sunday April 22nd. Nameday Vespers will be held on Saturday April 21st.

Wishing all of my fellow parishioners and friends a continued blessed Lent and peaceful and joyous Resurrection.

Project Generation Expands Its Reach

by Jim Gabriel

In the winter months preceding this On Saturday, February 4th, youth from across week’s symposium, project organizers were the Direct Archdiocesan District joined tobusy educating their peers on the efforts of gether for the Second Annual Project Genera- His All Holiness by attending five intertion environmental symposium.

GOYA retreats, at which they spoke to more Thirty-one teens gathered at the Church of than 600 youth from across the Direct Archthe Holy Resurrection in Brookville, NY for a diocesan District (DAD), and visiting three hour event that featured four presenta(continued on page 3) tions from their peers about environmental issues; a viewing of “Living Waters,” a video about the Religion, Science & Environment (RSE) Symposia organized

by His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew; and culminating in a group discussion led by Frs. Evagoras Constantinides and Fr. John Vlahos. The participants in the discussion were engaged in breakout sessions and debate, and concluded with a brainstorming session, led by co-chairs Callie Catacosinos and Chris Gabriel, to recommend next Pictured with Archbishop Demetrios is Callie Catacosinos steps for all of our teens. and Chris Gabriel.

Why Not Be a Sponsor of our

Greek Village Festival

By Stella and Cliff Hetzer Festival Co-Chairs The festival is a celebration of our Greek heritage and culture which we share annually with our community. It is our greatest opportunity to showcase our church family and embrace visitors and friends with love and filoxenia. This year’s event will take place on June 8th, 9th, and 10th. We are only 10 weeks away and the committee is working hard to make this festival our greatest yet. To help defray our tremendous costs of nearly $100,000 the committee is seeking friends, family and businesses to sponsor one of our 10 booths. Corporate sponsors are also being solicited and their business names and logos will appear on all of our advertising including Antenna T.V., Aktina FM, local publications, posters, flyers and our special website: www.greekvillagefestival.info. Please see Costa Zachariadis or Jimmy Xanthos to learn more.

Last year a professional videographer filmed some very special and memorable moments which you can view on our website as well. The professional dance troupe called Traditional Movement will dance both Friday and Saturday night to highlight what makes our culture so rich and inviting.

We will also have the mechanical rides again which were a big hit with the children. This year’s raffle will include 2 cars, flat screen T.V.s, laptops, i-pads, jewelry and so much more.

The success of our festival comes from the dedication of all the volunteers. Please consider giving your time and come share in the fun and fellowship of this cultural event. We also need everyone to all bring all their friends, relatives, koumbari and neighbors to eat, drink and dance. OPA! Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection

GREEK VILLAGE FESTIVAL RAFFLE 1500 Only will ts Ticke ld!

Be So

GRAND PRIZE 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO or $15,000 cash alternative

2nd PRIZE 2012 FIAT 500 or $10,000 cash alternative

Drawing June 10 th

AND OTHER EXCITING PRIZES Including . . . at , 2012 8 PM • • • • • •

(2) Dinner for 10 • Sony Digital SLR Camera (3) Laptop Computers • Case of Fine Wine (3) 60” Flat Screen HDTVs • David Yurman Jewelry (3) Apple iPad 2s • 4 Tickets to Yankees Home Game Home Theatre System • 4 Tickets to Mets Home Game Family Getaway at Great Wolf Lodge

2012 PARISH COUNCIL: Kyriakos Demou President, Peter J. Pappas Vice President, Stella Hetzer Secretary, Nicholas Tsafos Treasurer, John Panagopoulos Asst. Treasurer, Constantine Zachariadis Asst. Secretary, Anne Alexandrou, Lewis Bazakos, Kathy Costas, Zefy Christopoulos, Kostas Fakiris, James Gabriel, Leonidas Fampritsis, Soterios Panageas, Simeon Patestas, Paula Savvinidis, Anne Vandoros, Gus Vlavianos, James Xanthos.

MINISTRIES: Philoptochos: Athina Beaury, Youth Commission: Nickie Demos, Debbie Catacosinos, Sunday School: Tina Mihaltses, Greek School: Elizabeth Horton, Principal, PTA President: Angela Panageas, Parea Club: Frank Albers, Ann Billias, Little Angels: Mimi Grabavenko, HOPE: Millie Gianoukakis, JOY: Kelly Gatanas, Patti Andreolas, GOYA: Anne Alexandrou, Helen Fakatselis, Vivian Paralikas, Scouts: Dean Mihaltses, Anthony Brigis, Choir: Ted Brakatselos, Jr. Choir: Anna Bonet, Seniors Club: Maria Verveniotis, Aleka Bellidoro, Koinonia: Zefy Christopoulos, Festival: Stella and Cliff Hetzer, Food Pantry: Millie Gianoukakis, Effie Marie Smith.

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GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION - MARCH 2012

Winter/Spring with St. Catherine’s Philoptochos By: Athina Beaury, President

We’ve enjoyed a beautiful winter and participated in delivering several delicious and nutritious meals to the North Shore Sheltering Program feeding up to 30 men each time. Thank you to all our caring volunteers that prepared and delivered those meals. We still have a wish list of items that the men can use, please come see us during coffee hour.

Our Knit for a Cause campaign was very successful, our very talented knitters and crocheters made blankets, sweaters, wraps, and bibs for many people in need.

Looking ahead, we welcome spring and Easter Preparations.

Please join us as we have our next General Membership meeting and make Palms in the Great Hall, Friday, April 6th at 7:00PM. We’ll be decorating the Epitaphio on Good Friday morning, starting at 10:00AM, all are welcome.

On Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00PM we’ll have our next Book Club meeting, discussing the very

interesting book; St. Nektarios which can be purchased at our bookstore. To secure a copy please call Christine Zeiner at 921-0524.

We are now accepting applications for our St. Catherine’s Philoptochos Scholarship. If you are a Greek Orthodox High School Senior and have done philanthropic work in your community, you can apply for this scholarship.

Please contact Vasilianna Fakiris at vfakiris@optonline.net. Application deadline is May 1st.

Last but certainly not least, preparations and volunteering for our Festival. We’ll be baking ravani, koulourakia and kourambiedes on Monday, June 4th, and setting up our booth, all are welcome to come help.

Thank you all for your continuous support. If you know of anyone in need or if you’d like to help in any way, have ideas or comments please do not hesitate to contact me via email; athina@beaury.net or cell phone; 917-613-4963

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Project Generation (continued from page 2) numerous parishes, speaking at GOYA meetings and Teen Seminars. By the day of the event, five parishes sent a total of 31 teens to participate.

Team Generation will continue to work with GOYAN’s from across the DAD, rolling out the recommendations of this year’s symposium. But the efforts are no longer limited to our immediate area. On President’s Day Weekend, project founder Chris Gabriel visited the Boston Metropolis Winter Camp, where he will introduce Generation to over 150 campers and staff. His presentation was met with a high degree of enthusiasm, concluding with a lengthy Question & Answer segment. Campers and counselors alike were anxious to learn what they could do and how Chris went about initiating such an effort. Some in attendance offered to serve on a committee to further Project Generation in their Metropolis. Additional expansion looms ahead. Planning sessions with the Metropolis of Pittsburgh are expected to begin in March, and informal dialogue

has begun with two other Metropolises.

Shortly after the New York symposium and visit to Boston, Team Generation visited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios to provide him with an update. His Eminence engaged Chris, Callie and their advisors in dialogue about the efforts, and again, as he had first done in a letter send last year, conveyed the appreciation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. During his visit to Constantinople during Holy Week, he will present His All Holiness with a birthday card from Project Generation participants, along with a proceedings of the symposium and a Project Generation water bottle.

Project Generation was initiated in 2009, responding to the call of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the younger generation to lead the way forward on environment issues.

Following more than a year of planning, organizing and recruiting, the inaugural symposium was held in February, 2011, in conjunction with the Direct Archdiocesan District Youth Office.

One of Our Very Own Wins Federation Scholarship Did you know that Greek Orthodox Church choir members from around the nation belong to the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians? In fact the Direct Archdiocesan District (DAD) is one of several regional districts whose boundaries stretch from the eastern shores of Long Island to parts of New York City and through much of Connecticut.

Well for a good number of years, DAD through its generosity and tireless efforts has offered annual Federation Scholarships. Federation scholarship winners are chosen on the basis of academic records, leadership, and dedication to church ideals, significant church music accomplishments or promise and anticipated college/university goals. The sole criterion which must be adhered to, is all scholarship recipients must plan to either major or minor in musical study.

In January of this year after a Sunday Liturgy, a short ceremony was held by Fr. John and the DAD Federation President, Mrs. Anna Dounelis. One of our very own was a recipient of a 2011 Scholar-

ship. John T. Brakatselos was pre- Theodore (Ted) Brakatselos is our sented with a certificate and a choir director and not only misses his check for one thousand dollars. son at home, but also in the baritone Many of you may recognize John section of our choir.

John is pursuing a music concentrafrom his rich baritone voice which tion (major) was often at Brown heard durwith the obing Sunday jective of Liturgy becoming a over the classical last few voice peryears. former in I say the Opera “ o f t e n w o r l d . heard” beJ o h n ’s cause John voice has started his been recogfreshman nized beyear this fore.

In past Sep2011, he tember at came in 2nd B r o w n place – University H i g h located in School P r o v i voices, in dence; John Brakatselos is pictured with Father John thus, he has Vlahos and Mrs. Anna Dounelis, President of the national Hal Leonard not been the Choir Federation.

Vocal Comable to sing in our choir on Sundays as he reg- petition. Hal Leonard is world’s ularly had in the past. His father, largest print music publisher and a

leader in vocal music.

In early 2012 John was a finalist in the prestigious National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts – YoungArts program which took place in Miami.

John was one of twelve finalists that were selected from five thousand applicants ranging from visual, literal, and the performing arts. He was honored by receiving the Gold award for baritone voice, along with a check for a ten thousand dollar scholarship.

John was recognized yet again as a soloist in the 4th Annual Collegiate Vocal Solo Competition of the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra. He was one of four soloists who performed in a concert “Bach is Back” with its Chorale and Orchestra earlier this month.

We wish John continued success in his singing career and in his journey at Brown University.

We look forward to hearing him again in our wonderful choir and who knows - perhaps one day at the Met!

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GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION - MARCH 2012

Holiest Week (continued from page 1) God. The Orthros of Thursday morning is sung by anticipation Wednesday evening. We celebrate four Events: the washing of the disciples’ feet, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the Marvelous Prayer and the betrayal.

Great Holy Thursday Morning 7:00am Christ knew all the incidents which were about to take place, and called to Him His Apostles in order to institute the Holy Eucharist for them and for the Church forever. Christ presented Bread and Wine as the Elements of His Very Body and His Very Blood; they are the Precious Gifts which have been left as His perpetual Presence in the Church. The institution of the Holy Eucharist and its re-enactment through the centuries, both as a sacrifice and sacred ceremony (Mysterion), is the life giving remembrance which, along with the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, constitutes the basis of salvation for the Christian.

Then followed the incidents of dramatic closing moments of Christ’s life. After the washing of His Apostles’ feet, He pointed out the betrayer, inaugurated the Eucharist, and pronounced the new commandment of love for one another. He spoke to them words of comfort, promising the descent of the Holy Spirit to complete man’s union with Him. Christ took His Apostles and withdrew to pray.

After this agony of the “bloody sweat” came the kiss of Judas and His arrest.

The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is officiated on this day. During this Liturgy the priest prepares the “Amnos”, the Holy Communion, which is kept throughout the whole year to be given the faithful in times of sickness. The Body and Blood of Christ is present in the Church during the entire year and throughout the ages.

Evening 7:00pm Good Friday celebrates the holy, saving and awesome Passion of Christ. To take away our sins, Christ willingly endured the spittings, scourgings, buffetings, scorn, mocking and the purple robe; the reed, sponge, vinegar, nails, spear and, above all, the Cross and Death. The confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ, is celebrated. This service is long, but its content is dramatic and deeply moving for the devout Christian. Participation in the prayers and the historical sequence of the events, as related in the Gospels and hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the great events yet to come.

After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the Cross around the church, while the priest chants the 15th antiphon: “Today is hung upon the cross, He Who suspended the earth amid the waters. A Crown of thorns crowns Him, Who is King of Angels. He, who wrapped the Heavens in clouds, is clothed with the purple of mockery. He, who freed Adam in the Jordan, received buffetings. He was transfixed with nails, Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He was pierced with a lance, Who is the Son of the Virgin.

We worship Your Passion, O Christ. Show us also your glorious Resurrection.”

During the Procession, the faithful Christian kneels and prays for his spiritual welfare, imitating the thief on the Cross who confessed his faith and devotion to Christ. He then approaches and reverently kisses the Cross Good Friday Morning 9:30am According to the Hebrew custom, the “Royal Hours”, four in number, are read at this time.

These services consist of hymns, psalms, and readings from the Old and New Testaments, all related prophetically and ethically to the Person of Christ.

Taking Down of the Cross (Apokathelosis) 3:00pm The Vespers of Friday afternoon are a continuation of the Royal Hours. During this service, the removal of the Body of Christ from the Cross is commemorated with a sense of mourning for the terrible events which took place. Once more, excerpts from the Old Testament are read together with hymns, and again the entire story is related, followed by the removal from the Cross and the wrapping of the Body of Christ with a white sheet as did Joseph of Arimathea. Apostle Paul, interpreting the dreadful event, exhorts the Church: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . . we preach Christ crucified . . . the power of God and the wisdom of God” ( 1 Cor. 1: 18f.).

As the priest reads the Gospel, “…and taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in a white cloth”, he removes the Body of Christ from the Cross, wraps It in a white cloth and takes It to the altar. The priest then chants a mourning hymn: “When Joseph of Arimathea took You, the life of all, down from the Tree dead, he buried You with myrrh and fine linen . . . rejoicing. Glory to Your humiliation, O Master, who clothes yourself with light as it were with a garment”. The priest then carries the cloth on which the Body of Christ is painted or embroidered around the front of the church before placing it inside the Sepulcher, a carved bier which symbolizes the Tomb of Christ. We are reminded that during Christ’s entombment He descends into Hades to free the dead of the ages before His Incarnation.

Good Friday Evening - The Lamentation 7:30pm It consists of psalms, hymns and readings, dealing with the death of Christ, in contrast to His divinity, and in expectation of His Resurrection. One of the hymns relates: “He who holds all things is raised up on the Cross and all creation laments to see Him hang naked on the Tree”. The thoughtful, and well-written Odes, sung by the choir, compare the Compassion of God and the cruelty of man; the Might of God and the moral weakness of man.

The Odes picture all Creation trembling when witnessing its Creator hung by His own creatures: “Creation was moved...with intense astonishment when it beheld You hung in Golgotha”. The Odes remind us of the vision of Isaiah, who saw Christ, “the unwaning light of the manifestation”, and cried aloud, “The dead indeed shall arise and all those on earth shall rejoice”. During this service the Body of Christ is carried in procession around the church.

The entire congregation joins in singing the three parts of the “Hymns of Praise” (there are approximately 300 hymns, but only a few are sung).

After these hymns are sung, the priest sprinkles the Sepulcher and the whole congregation with fragrant water. There is a simultaneous praise of both the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ with their purpose of the redemption of man. We no longer lament the sufferings of the Crucified One; we now lament chiefly for our own sins because we are far from God. So these services should have a rather personal meaning of repentance and of strong faith in God. Christians observe Good Friday with fasting, prayer, cleanliness, self-examination, confession and good works, in humility and, repentance so that the Grace of the Cross might descend upon them.

Great Holy Saturday Morning 9:30am Psalms are read and Resurrection hymns are sung which tell of Christ's descent into Hades.

“Today Hades cried out groaning” is the hymn’s description of the resurrection of Adam and the conquering of death. Thus this day's celebration is called “First Resurrection”. Most of the readings

of this day are from the Old Testament on the prophesies and promise of the conquering of death. On this day the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is officiated. Apostle Paul exhorts the faithful: “We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism unto death, so we, too, might walk in newness of life” ( Romans 4:6).

After the reading of the Epistle, the priest follows the custom of tossing of bay leaves, saying: “Arise, O God, and judge the earth: for You shall take all nations as your inheritance”". The Cherubic hymn of this day is: “Let all mortal flesh keep silence and stand with fear and trembling...”", a thoughtful hymn of adoration and exaltation. The Divine Liturgy ends with the Communion Hymn: “So the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and He is risen to save us”.

The Holy Sunday of Pascha 11:00pm On Easter Sunday (Saturday midnight) the lifegiving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated. Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. The priest sings: “Come receive the light from the unwaning light, and glorify Christ, who arose from the dead”, and all the people join him in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Christian holds the Easter candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as Savior. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the church, where he reads the Gospel which refers to the Angels statement: “He is Risen; He is not here” (Mark 16:1-8).

“Christ is Risen from the dead, by death He has trampled down death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life.” From this moment the entire service takes on a joyous Easter atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection which follow are of superb meaning and expression. The people confess, “It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen from the dead.” By this hymn they admit that love of one's fellowman is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ.

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is then officiated. At the end of the Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of St. Chrysostom is read, which calls upon the people to “Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death, for the death of the Savior has set us free . . . O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is your victory? Christ is Risen and you are overthrown. To Him be glory and power unto the ages of ages.”

Easter Sunday Afternoon Vespers 11:00am Easter Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer with lighted candles. All sing the hymn, “Christ is Risen from the Dead”. The people greet one another joyously, saying: “Christ is Risen”, the Easter salutation which is answered, “Truly He is Risen”. They sing, “the dark shadows of the Law has passed away by the coming of grace”, and standing in exaltation they exclaim, “Who is so great a God as our God?” The Gospel according to John (20:19-25) is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination. The fruit of faith in the Resurrection of the Lord is love in His Name; therefore, this day is called “Sunday of Agape” (love feast), a day dedicated to Christian principles, especially to forgiveness and charity. At this time, Christians seek to end misunderstanding and arguments among those whom they may be at odds for Christ has made all things new!

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Dinner After Anastasi: Saturday, April 14th, after midnight $70 per person, plus tax, plus tip Includes: Mageiritsa (traditional Greek Easter Soup) or Avgolemono (Chicken/lemon) Tsoureki (traditional Easter bread) Easter Eggs Kokoretsi, Easter Salad Spit-roasted Lamb, Lemon Potatoes Fresh Fruits, Koulourakia (Easter Cookies)

Live Band featuring Christos Lambropoulos on Bouzouki Reservations Required

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GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE HOLY RESURRECTION - MARCH 2012

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Join The List of Stewards We would like to thank the following families who are Stewards of our Parish for the 2012 calendar year as of March 1st, 2012.

Your Stewardship provides the foundation for our Parish Ministries and our efforts in meeting the formidable challenges that promote the spreading of Christ’s Word and our Orthodox Faith.

Mr. & Mrs. Costas Adamopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Alatzas Mr. & Mrs. Frank Albers Mr. & Mrs. Lazarus Alexandrou Mr. & Mrs. Vasilis Anastasakis Mr. & Mrs. George Andoniadis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Angelidakis Dr. & Dr. Lewis Bazakos Mr. & Mrs. George Belessis Mr. & Mrs. George Billias Mrs. Margaret Bolanus Mr. & Mrs. George Boultadakis Mr. & Mrs. Loukas Boutis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Brakatselos Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Brigis Miss Kelly Burns Mr. & Mrs. Michael Burns Mrs. Theodora Canaras Ms. Joanna Canaras Mr. Thomas Carras Mr. & Mrs. James Casil Mr. Michael Casil Mr. Stephen Casil Mr. & Mrs. James Catacosinos Mrs. Anna Catelanos Mr. & Mrs. Xenophon Caviris Mr. & Mrs. Bill Chaimanis Mr. & Mrs. George Chakery Mr. Alec Choremi Mrs. Zefy Christopoulos Mrs. Georgia Contoudis Mr. & Mrs. Lou Cothalis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Coundouris Ms. Angela Dajko Mr. & Mrs. Themistoklis Dajko Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Dajko Ms. Irene Dallaris Mr. & Mrs. George Danias Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Davantzis Ms. Nickie Demos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Demou Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Demou Mr. & Mrs. William Denslow Dr. & Dr. Matthew Dilena Mr. & Mrs. Nikola Dragojlovic Mr. & Mrs. Charles Drakos Mr. & Mrs. Christos Fakatselis

Mr. & Mrs. Leonidas Fampritsis Mr. & Mrs. Leandro Fernandez Mr. & Mrs. Marinos Frangiskos Mr. & Mrs. John Frankis Mrs. Nancy Gabriel Dr. & Mrs. George Gatzonis Dr. & Mrs. Michael Georgis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gilmartin Presv. Alexandra Gratsias Mr. & Mrs. Michael Guiffre Mr. & Mrs. James Hartofilis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilis Hatzikiriako Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Hetzer Mrs. Elizabeth Horton Mrs. Catherine Ioannou Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Iordanou Mr. & Mrs. Alex Ipiotis Mrs. Millie Ipiotis Mr. & Mrs. David Jable Mr. & Mrs. Vasilis Kakoulides Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kanakaris Mr. Daniel Karas Mrs. Chrystalla Karides Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Karousos Ms. Froso Klarides Mr. John M. Koufakis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Koukoulas Mr. Peter Koumoulis Mrs. Celia Kraker Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kranyak Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kyriakoudes Mrs. Mary Ladis Mr. & Mrs. Epaminontas Lakkas Mrs. Mary Lamb Mr. & Mrs. Leandros Leandrou Mr. Nicholas Legatos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Leodis Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Litsas Mr. & Mrs. Costas Makris Mr. & Mrs. George Malikoutis Ms. Eugenia Mamakos Mrs. Thekla Manganelli Mrs. Christine Manley Mr. & Mrs. Michael Manolakis Mr. & Mrs. George Mantikas Mr. & Mrs. Soterios Masiakos Mr. Ted Masiakos

Miss Irene Robin Mason Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Mastakouris Mr. & Mrs. Gus Mastromihalis Mr. & Mrs. Dean Mihaltses Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Mihos Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Montesantos Ms. Maria Moumtzidis Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Moustakakis Mr. Spyros Mouzakitis Mr. & Mrs. Mario Mouzouris Dr. & Mrs. Andreas Niarchos Mr. Angelo Nickas Mr. Peter Nikolis Ms. Edith O'Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Sotiris Panageas Mr. & Mrs. John Panagopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Papantoniou Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pappas, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Simeon Patestas Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Patilas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pavlakis Mrs. Thelma Perdikakis Ms. Cindy Perdikakis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Chris Pittas Mr. & Mrs. Luca Pizzuti Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Plactere Mrs. Catherine Polis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Poulos Mrs. Irene Poulos Mr. & Mrs. George Pourakis Mrs. Vivian Rudis Dr. & Dr. Charles Ryan Mrs. Adena Sagos Mr. & Mrs. Savvas Savvinidis Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Schizas Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Seringer Mr. & Mrs. Chris Sideris Mr. & Mrs. Peter Smiros Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Smith Mr. & Mrs. Sam Sotiriou Mr. & Mrs. Christos Spyropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Stamatiou Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Stamatiou Dr. & Mrs. John M. Stamatos

Rev. & Mrs. Milton Stamatos Mr. James Stamos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Stampas Ms. Joanna Stavraka Mr. & Mrs. Onisis Stefas Mr. & Mrs. Teddy Theodoris Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Tomasides Mr. & Mrs. Nick Tonorezos Mr. Anastasios Tonorezos Ms. Tina Tonorezos Mr. & Mrs. Kosmas Toskos Mrs. Diana Trama Mr. Nicholas Tricouros Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsafos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsesmelis Mrs. Argie Tsontakis Mr. & Mrs. Richard Uber Mrs. Olga Uvari Mr. & Mrs. Leon Vandoros Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Varkaris Mr. & Mrs. Theo Vazanellis Mr. & Mrs. Iason Ventouratos Mr. & Mrs. Steven Verveniotis Ms. Christina Vlachos Fr. & Pres. John Vlahos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Vlavianos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Xanthos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Yarian Mr. & Mrs. James Zaccaria Mr. Peter Zaphiris Mr. & Mrs. George Zarifis Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Zeiner

Koinonia Staff Father John Vlahos Zefy Christopoulos, Editor Lisa DiPinto, Business Manager Michael Paralikas, Design, Layout & Printing

Youth Commission

By Nickie Demos

The children in our JOY group are pictured outside the Town of Oyster Bay ice skating rink.

Our HOPE children decorated little chick flower pots and planted zinnia seeds. Steven Kalamotousakis and Christopher Gianoukakis are pictured putting soil in their pots.

Our youth basketball (7 to 12 year old) program and Men’s basketball meet at the Greenvale School twice per month on Friday nights at 7:30pm. Check the church website calendar for dates.

The Greek Olympics are here!!

They will be held on May 25-27 at Suffolk Community College. If your child is presently an active member of our JOY and GOYA youth groups, he/she is eligible. Registration forms can be picked up from Nickie Demos or the advisors. Deadline for the registration forms is April 22. If your child needs a Olympic t-shirt (mandatory) see Nickie soon. Please consider this event. The Olympics has many individual events as well as team events. So if your child can run, throw, kick and play chess, backgammon etc., sign - up.

I would also like to thank my Glendi committee for all their hard work, the people who helped the evening of the Glendi, the people who volunteered baskets, prizes and food. The Glendi was so such a success and it truly does "take a village" to make things happen. I hope the spirit of goodwill that we experienced that evening becomes contagious and follows us throughout all our events at our Church.

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Lisa DiPinto (516)467-9531 Kathy Costas (516)459-6125 www.LisaDiPinto.Isagenix.com

Stella and Cliff Hetzer 240 Glen Head Road, Suite 2 Glen Head, NY 11545 Office 516-674-2000 Fax 516-674-2022 Cell 516-456-3648 stellahetzer@danielgale.com

• SOD & SEEDING • JAPANESE GARDENS • PLANTING & PRUNING • TOPSOIL / MULCH & STONE • SPRING & FALL CLEAN-UPS • ANNUAL & PERENNIAL GARDENS • LAWN CARE (WEEKLY & MONTHLY) • SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTILLATION • SALT & FRESHWATER AQUARIUMS • COMPUTER DESIGN IMAGE SERVICE

Charles J. Chiclacos Attorney At Law Engaged in the General Practice of Law with offices in NYC and Glen Cove Serving the members of this parish for over 25 years

specialized areas of: Real Estate • Personal Injury Accidents • Wills & Estates

(516) 671-6577

S & K Lawn Maintenance

LICENSED & INSURED

We Specialize In All Your Landscaping & Aquariums Needs

(516) 671-6741