The Desert Messenger - St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

The Desert
Messenger
“Behold, I send My messenger before Your Face, who shall prepare Your way...” (Matthew 11:10)
Volume 11, Issue 11
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Las Vegas, NV
December 2013
From
Father
John
Beloved in Christ:
I pray that each of us are making the spiritual journey during this holy fasting season,
together with the Righteous Joseph and the Holy Virgin Mary, which leads to the manger in
Bethlehem – and that along the way we are taking some time to reflect on the great mystery of
Jesus Christ’s Nativity in the Flesh. I find it helpful to do so by reading the Nativity narratives of
the Gospels, and my own favorite during this season is the account of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke.
St. Luke’s seemingly simple descriptive narrative is replete with profound
theological meaning: “And she gave birth to her first-born Son and
wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Imagine . . . Mary gave birth to the Incarnate God: The Holy Spirit
overshadowed the Holy Virgin and she conceived the One Who is
inconceivable – yes, the pre-eternal God, through the flesh of Mary, became
the God-Man. This glorious Birth was foretold 700 years earlier in Isaiah’s
prophecy, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His
name Immanuel (‘God is with us’).” (Isaiah 7:14) The Evangelist Luke
emphasized that Jesus (which means, “God saves”) was Mary’s first-born Son
– so that believers in all times would know that she was a virgin before and
during His Birth (and according to Holy Tradition, she remained a virgin
after throughout the remainder of her life – Holy Scripture also attests to this, as Christ entrusted her to the
Apostle and Evangelist John from the Cross, for she had no other children).
After giving birth to the Christ-child, the Virgin Mary wrapped Him in swaddling cloths: Due to the
cultural influence of popular non-Orthodox portrayals, we tend to envision the Birth of Jesus in a somewhat
romantic fashion, as if the sweet little blue-eyed, blonde curly-haired baby had been wrapped in a receiving
blanket in a soft bed of hay! However, our Orthodox Christian iconography depicts the truth of the event –
specifically the swaddling cloths resemble, in a prophetic way, the burial linen in which our Lord would be
wrapped following His removal from the Cross. Far from the cradle of our Nativity sets, the Orthodox icon
depicts the manger as a coffin – and so the imagery of the cloths and the manger brings home the fact that
Jesus Christ was born in the Flesh for one reason . . . in order to die for our sins!
When we read that there was no place for Joseph and Mary at the inn, although we might have the
tendency to romanticize this detail as well, St. Luke’s account foretells these very words our Lord would
later use during His public ministry: Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of
Man has nowhere to lay His Head.” (Matthew 8:20) Christ came into the world because the world had
drifted far, far away from God and, indeed, had rejected Him – just as we read in St. John’s prologue, “He
came to His own home, and His own people received Him not.” (John 1:11) However, the hope of this
Holy Season is that all of us will become spiritually renewed by focusing on the real meaning of Christ’s
Nativity and therefore willingly receive Christ in our hearts and minds – just as the Virgin and the manger
received Him, so that we all might become the children of God.
With Love in the Incarnate Lord,
The Desert Messenger
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sundays: 8:45 am Orthros ~ 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Church School follows Holy Communion
The Fast of the Nativity
continues through December 24
Sunday, December 1/14th Sunday of Luke/
Holy Prophet Naoum/St. Philaret the Merciful
Orthros: Tone Six (Second Plagal)
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Matthew 28:16-20
Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
Friday, December 6/St. Nicholas Myra the
Wonderworker
8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: Hebrews 13:17-21
Gospel: Luke 6:17-23
Sunday, December 8/10th Sunday of Luke/
Forefeast of the Conception of St. Anna/St.
Patapios/Holy Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy
Orthros: Tone Seven (Grave)
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Mark 16:1-8
Epistle: Ephesians 2:14-22
Gospel: Luke 13:10-17
Parish Council Elections follow Liturgy
Wednesday, December 11/St. Spyridon of
Trimythous the Wonderworker
5:00 pm Orthros ~ 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy
Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-19
Gospel: John 10:9-16
Sunday, December 22/Sunday before the Nativity of
Christ/Holy Ancestors/Holy Prophet Daniel and the
Three Youths/Great Martyr Anastasia
Orthros: Tone One
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Luke 24:1-12
Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 32-40
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25
Christmas Pageant follows Liturgy
Tuesday, December 24/Eve of the Nativity of Christ/
Holy Martyr Eugenia
6:00 pm Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
(Please fast from 1:00 pm to receive Holy Communion)
Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12
Gospel: Luke 2:1-20
Wednesday, December 25/Holy Nativity of Christ
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
No Fasting through January 4
Friday, December 27/Holy First-Martyr Stephen
8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-5, 47-60
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42
Sunday, December 29/Sunday after the Nativity/
Thursday, December 12/St. Spyridon
(Liturgy on Wednesday evening, December 12)
Sunday, December 15/11th Sunday of Luke/Holy
Forefathers/Holy Hiermartyr Eleftherios and His
Mother Anthea
Orthros: Tone Eight (Fourth Plagal)
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Mark 16:9-20
Epistle: 2 Timothy 1:8-18
Gospel: Luke 14:16-24; Matthew 22:14
Let us praise, bless and worship the Lord!
Holy 14,000 Innocents
Orthros: Tone Two
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Luke 24:13-35
Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23
Wednesday, January 1/The Circumcision of Christ/
St. Basil the Great
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Epistle: Colossians 2:8-12
Gospel: Luke 2:20-21, 40-52
Adult Study: “The Gospel of St. Luke”
Join us on Wednesdays (unless noted) at 7:00 pm in Kokkos Hall
Bring Your Bible (Oxford Annotated RSV is available in the Bookstore)
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The Desert Messenger
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
December 1
Ushers: Adam Bieker, John Fotopoulos, Stephanie Demoleas,
George Bochanis, Jim Monoyudis and Demetrious Asim
Fellowship: Forerunners, Seniors of St. John the Baptist
December 8: Parish Council Elections
Ushers: Tami Stefanatos, Ramona Tasios, John Fotopoulos, Paula Kelesis,
Stacy Mavrantonis and Jeremy Bauck
Fellowship: Daughters of Penelope
December 15
Ushers: Jim Monoyudis, Demetrious Asim, John Koutsulis,
George Bochanis, Stephanie Demoleas and Adam Bieker
Memorial: Emmanuel “Mike” Markakis (3 years); The Semendrians
Fellowship: Folk Dance Group
December 22: Christmas Pageant
Ushers: Stacy Mavrantonis, Paula Kelesis, Ramona Tasios, Tami Stefanatos,
Jeremy Bauck and John Fotopoulos
Memorial: Georgia Nichols (3 months)
Fellowship: Philoptochos and Parish Council
December 29
Ushers: Jeremy Bauck, John Koutsulis, Adam Bieker, Jim Monoyudis,
Paula Kelesis and George Bochanis
Fellowship: John, Eileen and Sam Koutsulis
Stewardship Sunday ~ December 8 . . . Offer It Up!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Liturgies
Tuesday, December 24
Eve of the Nativity of
Our Lord Jesus Christ
6:00 pm Vesperal Liturgy
of St. Basil the Great
(Please fast from 1:00 pm)
Wednesday, December 25
Nativity of Our Lord, God
and Savior Jesus Christ
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
of St. John Chrysostom
As these are distinct Liturgies, you may prepare to receive
Holy Communion at both. Please be sure to attend at least one and
hopefully both Liturgies with your family and loved ones.
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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
5300 S. El Camino Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Rev. Father John Hondros
frjohn@vegasgreekorthodox.com
Rev. Father Matthew Swehla
frmatthew@vegasgreekorthodox.com
Karen Rawlinson
Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Clark
Bookkeeper
Eric Kornbluh
Catering & Events Manager
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Telephone: (702) 221-8245
FAX: (702) 221-9167
www.vegasgreekorthodox.com
Parish Council: John Fotopoulos
Philoptochos: Bernadette Anthony
Stewardship & Outreach:
Mark Karris & Justina Szukiewicz
Choir: Athena Mertes
Chanters & Youth Choir:
Presvytera Maria Hondros
Church School: Eileen Koutsulis
Altar Servers: Alex Szukiewicz
GOYA:
Tammy Chomakos & Kouli Pouridis
Orthodox Family Fellowship:
Amy Bauck, Robyn Goldrick &
Sharon Katsaros
Greek Folk Dance:
Tammy Chomakos
Greek School: Helene Soursos
Orthodox Connection Las Vegas:
Adam Bieker
Orthodox Christian Fellowship:
Father Matthew &
Presvytera Annie Swehla
Mr. & Mrs.: Amy & Jeremy Bauck
East Valley Fellowship: Bill Bruninga
Adult Basketball: TBD
Forerunners: Marie & Gary Setian
Orthodox Bookstore:
Constantine Frangakis
Bill Andrews Library:
TBD
Hellenic Historical Society:
Nitsa Filios
Kokkos Scholarship Committee:
Helen Stock
The Desert Messenger
Stewardship and Community Outreach
As we move through this holiday season from Thanksgiving
toward the beautiful and wondrous Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, let us draw near to the Lord in thanksgiving, worship and awe like
the Magi of old. After traveling a great distance and encountering many
unexpected perils, the Magi presented gifts to the newborn Savior as their
offerings of faith and worship to the Lord.
On Stewardship Sunday, December 8, and throughout the
upcoming year, we will have the same opportunity to seek out our Lord
and present to God our offerings of thanksgiving, faith and worship. We
make a commitment to our Lord and to the family of St. John the Baptist
through our time, talents, and treasure. We can follow the example of the
Magi at that first Nativity who undertook a journey (time) requiring their
skills and abilities (talents), and approached our Lord with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (treasures).
The words of St. John Chrysostom echo that spirit of giving embodied in the Magi: “The rich man is
not the one who has much, but gives much. For what he gives remains forever.”
I pray that all of us at St. John the Baptist have a blessed holiday season as we seek out our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ now and in the days to come.
In Peace, Mark Karris, Stewardship and Community Outreach
Dear Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you to all who participated in the Parish Assembly. We have been blessed: The
majority of our parishioners believe that 2014 will be the year our Church becomes stronger in
every aspect.
Our Stewardship program has taken on new life under the direction of Mark Karas and
Justina Szukiewicz. We want to thank them for putting initiative and hard work into this ministry. We
also want to thank the Audit Committee for its involvement in structuring the budget. The committee
worked countless hours, providing financial insight and recommending positive solutions for the Church’s
financial future.
Thanks to all for the huge turnout at the Orthodox Family Fellowship bowling outing. Events like
this can only strengthen our spiritual involvement and promote goodwill within our community.
In November I attended the Forerunners Luncheon, which honored our veterans and featured
Manny’s wonderful stuffed cabbage plate. Thank you for promoting this senior ministry. We all appreciate
our veterans’ service to our country.
Once again we ask that all who have not fulfilled their 2013 Stewardship to please see Karen in the
Church Office or simply mail in the remainder of your offering. December is also the month when we commit
to our 2014 Stewardship. Please remember to fill out the Stewardship Card in its entirety and return it at the
Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 8.
Also on Sunday, December 8, we will vote for six 2014-2015 Parish Council members. All current
Stewards are encouraged to vote. Please ask a Parish Council member if you need additional information. I
want to personally thank – together with our Reverend Fathers and Parish Council members – Tami
Stefanatos and Jim Monoyudis for their dedication and service over the years. Although they decided not to
run in this election, they have assured me that their presence and Church participation will remain strong.
May you have a Blessed Holiday Season and may God continue to bless all of us.
With love in Christ, John Fotopoulos, Parish Council President
Parish
Council
Report
Χριστος Γενναται ~ Δοξασατε! Christ is Born ~ Glorify Him!
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The Desert Messenger
Philoptochos
News
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2 Corinthians 9:7)
Doesn’t it seem that during this Season of Giving, there is always someone asking?
The Ladies Philoptochos Society is asking you to contribute our many charitable causes by supporting
the 31st Annual Christmas Pastry Tins and Boxes. The boxes and tins hold homemade melomakarona,
kourembiethes, almond kourembiethes (a new cookie!), and of course baklava. The boxes are bigger and hold
more cookies; yet they are still a bargain at $20. With this project you participate in giving to the ministries
of the St. John community, the needy of Southern Nevada and, through the IOCC and other national
organizations, the world.
Another way to support Philoptochos’ charitable causes is to add your name to the annual Christmas
Card, which sends Christmas greetings to the entire St. John community. Please see Andrea Takas at
Fellowship after Liturgy or drop your form off with a check to Karen.
Here are two other important dates for your calendar:
Friday, December 6, following Liturgy: We will be packing the Christmas Pastry tins and boxes.
Please come and give us a couple of hours. It may sound like work but there are always lots of laughs as well.
The more the merrier – gentlemen are welcome too!
Monday, December 9, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: The Annual Philoptochos Christmas Party in Panos Hall.
Cost is $40. Please bring a sweatshirt (any size) for youths at the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.
Please RSVP to Joanne DeMangus.
During this time of year, when we honor the Panagia, our chapter’s namesake, keep this Gospel
passage in your heart: “And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with
God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name
Jesus.’” (Luke 1:30-31)
Merry Christmas! Bernadette Anthony, Philoptochos President
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD
2013 Christmas Card Submission Form
Name & Phone or Email: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Print Your Name as you wish it to appear on the card (names only ~ no greeting, please):
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Donation: $20 per family ~ Deadline: Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Parish Council Elections ~ 2014-15 Term
Sunday, December 8 ~ Following the Divine Liturgy until 1:30 pm ~ Panos Hall
The Candidates are . . .
Adam Bieker, Paula Kelesis,
Stacy Mavrantonis, Kouli Pouridis,
Skip Ruffner and Ramona Tasios
There are Six (6) Positions Open ~ 2013 Stewards in Good Standing are Eligible to Vote
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The Desert Messenger
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The Desert Messenger
From Father Matthew
Blessed Season of the Nativity!
While we try to remember the true “reason for the season,” it is not hard to miss the Gift-Giving
Season that is also upon us: Stores are filled to the brim with all of the latest, greatest toys, gadgets, and must
-have items; people are spending their weekends and evenings shopping for the long list of friends and
relatives; and businesses are placing all of their financial hopes on the big Christmas sales.
Yet there is a more important gift exchange that also occurs – though it is sometimes obscured by the
glitz and glitter of the shopping outlets and malls: Our God and Father gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to
become a weak and defenseless human being. Jesus, Who is the Lord of All, took on human form and went
willingly to the Cross, to die for our sins.
In uniting God with humanity, our Lord Jesus Christ also united humanity with God. In fact, the
reason why we can call God “Father” is because His Son has united us with Him, so that we may become
sons and daughters of God by grace. “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to
redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons . . . heir(s) of God
through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4,7)
This most amazing gift was given by our Lord with no strings attached. He requires nothing of us.
Rather He has done this as a sign of His unyielding and sacrificial love, and He only hopes that we will
reciprocate. In this way it is a gift exchange. We can show our thankfulness to God by responding in love
and gratitude for the things which God has given us.
In this season we can remember the many blessings which God has showered upon us – our life, our
loved ones, our material comforts, but most importantly our salvation – and respond by offering our gifts
back to God.
This month our GOYAns are recognizing a “Month of Service to the Poor” by
giving of their time and material possessions. They are accomplishing this in a few
ways:
•Toy Drive. Many needy families in Las Vegas are unable to buy gifts for their
children. So the Las Vegas Rescue Mission collects and wraps hundreds of gifts for
these less fortunate children. GOYAns are being asked to buy a gift (or gifts!) with
their own money to give to the Toy Drive. Parishioners may also take part in this
worthy charity by purchasing new unopened gifts to donate. The
Toy Drive donation box is located across from the Church Office.
•Canned Food Drive. GOYA will be collecting all types
of non-perishable food to give to the Rescue Mission, so that they can hand out food to
the hungry throughout the year. All parishioners are welcome to donate by placing
non-perishable foods into the Food Drive donation box located across from the Church
Office.
•Evening of Service. We will begin the Christmas break on the right note this
year. On Friday, December 20, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm GOYAns will visit the Rescue Mission to help wrap
their donated gifts and organize their donated canned foods. Please set aside this date so that your teen can
experience true Christian charity.
This month we remember that giving back is our way of thanking God for all that He has given. On
Christmas Day we celebrate the most profound gift in the history of creation: God’s union with us, and our
union with God. Let us this month and always give thanks to God by giving back that which we have
received. For this is the true and life-creating gift exchange.
Your Servant in Christ, Father Matthew
“The Youths, brought up together in piety . . . standing in the midst of the flames,
they sang, ‘O God of our Fathers, blessed are You!’” ~ Nativity Katavasiai, Ode 7
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The Desert Messenger
Youth and Family Ministries
Church School
Hi everyone! I want to wish you a wonderful Advent! This is a special time of year, especially for our
children who are so excited for the upcoming festivities.
We will have our annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 22, following Divine Liturgy.
The actors will be in costumes and all other participants will wear their “Sunday best.” We will have Pageant
Rehearsal on Saturday, December 21, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, followed by our annual Youth Ministry
Christmas Party 1:00 – 3:00 pm with a special guest. The Church School will provide the lunch. However
we are asking for the following help:
Church School girls, please bring a dessert.
Church School boys, please bring drinks (water, soda, juice box etc.).
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Eileen Koutsulis, Church School Director (702) 521-6516 or vivaleenie@cox.net
Youth Choir News
Happy Advent! This is the time of the year to reflect on the Birth of Christ, born for
our salvation! The Liturgy was beautiful in November when Bishop Ilia visited us. Everyone
did a fantastic job!
We have a change for the month of December. I have a family commitment out of
town on our normal second Sunday (December 8). Therefore, the Youth Choir will have a 1520 minute practice on Sunday, December 15 in the 4th-5th Grades classroom, and we will
chant the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 22. We will then participate in the singing of Christmas
carols along with the presentation of the Christmas Pageant in Church right after the Liturgy.
Looking forward to hearing all your wonderful voices. Love in Christ, Presvytera Maria
Orthodox Family Fellowship
Last month we had an AMAZING turnout at Boulder Bowl, where families bowled and ate pizza on a
Saturday afternoon.
This month the Bauck Family is hosting their annual Christmas potluck. Come and bring your
favorite dish to the Bauck’s home
on Saturday, December 14, at
7:00 pm.
Children of all ages and
their families are welcome. Please
RSVP to Amy Bauck at
abauck@1791.com.
“But as for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord, because He
is holy.” ~ Joshua 24:15
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The Desert Messenger
GOYA
Sr. GOYA at Grimaldi’s >>>
For our “Month of Service to the Poor” GOYAns will
volunteer at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission on Friday,
December 20. Parents are welcome! We will meet at the
Church at 4:00 pm and drive to the Rescue Mission together.
Once there we will help wrap those gifts which we have given
and organize those cans which we haveve donated. We will
finish at 7:30 pm and return to the Church at 8:00 pm.
Yours in Christ, Father Matthew
Greek Folk Dance
We want to give a big “Thank You” to those that attended, volunteered and donated to our 4th
Annual Wine Experience. We had a wonderful time and have already begun planning the event for 2014.
The Folk Dance Festival is going to be here before we know it, and we only have a few more
opportunities to raise money for our expenses!
On December 13 and 14 our Greek Dancers will be Christmas Caroling for the community again this
year! If you would like the carolers to come to your home or Christmas Party, please contact any Dance Board
member or use the form below.
On December 15 we are hosting Fellowship and will be selling homemade soup and bread!
February 9 is our annual FDF Luncheon where we will perform our dances for the community.
An important reminder: Church School attendance has been low. It is a requirement of Folk Dance
that the dancers attend Church School regularly. If Church School attendance does not increase, Father John
will not sign off on the dance rosters.
The 2014 Folk Dance Festival will be held at the Anaheim Marriott. If you have not done so, please
go the web site and book you room www.yourfdf.org. An email will be sent to everyone on our list regarding
FDF registration and information.
If you are a seamstress and can sew costumes please contact a Dance Board member. Lastly, thank you
to those who volunteered for Project 150. The bagged meals for the homeless were appreciated.
If you are not receiving emails, please let me know so we can add you, update or correct your email
address. In Christ, Tammy Chomakos and the Greek Folk Dance Board
I would like to receive the Greek Folk Dance Christmas Carolers at my home on:
Check one:
_____ Friday, December 13
_____ Saturday, December 14
_____ Either day
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone _________________________________ Cell Phone ___________________________________
Please fill out and return this form to the Church Office or a Dance Board Member by December 8.
We will do our best to accommodate your request as indicated above. You will be contacted as the
dates get closer to coordinate an approximate time of arrival. Thank You for your support!
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The Desert Messenger
Adult and Young Adult Ministries
Orthodox Connection Las Vegas
Greetings from OCLV!
When God blesses us, we need to give back to Him; and the best way to do this is through His
Church. I was reminded of this as my term on Parish Council was ending. I thought of justifications for not
running again – job promotion, newborn at home, etc. But a wise person I spoke with said to think of this
Church responsibility as a blessing rather than a burden. We are all called to serve our Church in different
capacities, whether it is through our Stewardship, volunteering for the Food Festival, or supporting the
Church by attending events. The opportunity to accept these is our way of thanking God for His blessings to
us. Let us not make excuses by our burdens, but instead find time to give back.
In the spirit of the Nativity Fast, OCLV, along with any other helping hands, will be feeding those in
need Saturday, December 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Las Vegas Rescue Mission, 480 W. Bonanza Rd. We
need 20 people to help, as St. John Church will be the main group serving the meal. Please RSVP so your
name may be given to the Mission. Long pants, sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes are required.
Wishing everyone a Blessed Nativity, Adam Bieker orthodoxconnectionlv@gmail.com
Mr. & Mrs. ~ A Ministry for Couples
Our November soirée at the Lekar’s house was a great success. We know that you are looking forward
to our next Mr. & Mrs. fellowship.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, January 4 at 7:00 pm, when M&Ms will
have dinner out at RePete’s Bar & Grill, 2460 W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas. See you in
the New Year!
Forerunners ~ The Seniors of St. John the Baptist
Our November meeting fell on Veterans' Day, so it was a very special luncheon. Manny prepared a
delicious meal as usual, and our Veterans were admitted free of charge. We were further blessed to have His
Grace Bishop Ilia attend, along with Father John, Father Paul and Father Dean.
Many new members made friends with our older members, sharing delightful stories of their former
parish activities. Door prizes, raffle prizes and a few games of bingo rounded out the afternoon. Fun was had
by all!
We want to remind everyone about the Shoe Box Project. Please be generous in our endeavor to help
homeless kids in our city. If you have any questions, please call Ruth at (702) 221-0989. We will deliver the
boxes around the middle of December.
We wish Jenny Cotsilis a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her at our next meeting. Here
are some dates to remember:
Sunday, December 1: Forerunners will host Fellowship after Liturgy. Bring your goodies early so
that we can set up the coffee, etc., in a timely manner.
THURSDAY, December 5, at 11:30 am: FORERUNNERS' CHRISTMAS PARTY! It will be held at
the Mad Greek Restaurant (at Durango and Sahara). Please bring $15 per person. There will be lots of fun
and prizes.
If you have any ideas regarding activities or day trips you feel would be of interest
to our members, please let someone on the board know. We want to plan for early
January.
We look forward to seeing you all at our Christmas Party, and we hope that you
can enjoy the upcoming Christmas activities. We wish each of you a Blessed and Merry
Christmas and a New Year of good health and hope.
Yours in Christ, Ruth Plentzas and the Forerunners Board
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The Desert Messenger
Orthodox Christian Fellowship ~ For Young Adults
For December OCF will meet at the Bochanis’ house for pizza,
Sunday, December 15 at 7:00 pm. Come join other young, college-aged
adults: Eat some pizza and talk about life in the middle.
Have a Blessed Nativity! Father Matthew and Presvytera Annie
Notes from the Choir Loft
Our Choir has been working diligently at rehearsals this past month. Thank you for your
hard work and commitment! The Choir will sing the Vesperal Liturgy on Christmas Eve.
Rehearsals for this service will be on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00 pm (following Liturgy)
and December 18 at 6:00 pm in the Choir loft. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend
both of these very important rehearsals as we prepare for this major Feast Day!
The Choir will sing the Divine Liturgy for the following Sundays this month: December 1, 8, 15, 29.
Youth Choir will sing the Divine Liturgy on December 22. New Choir members are always welcome!
Athena Mertes, Director
East Valley Fellowship
A sincere “Thank You” to Orthodox Family Fellowship for November’s fun event
at Boulder Bowl in Boulder City! Mark your calendars for December’s holiday events:
December 7 at 4:30 pm: Boulder City’s “Electric Night Parade” in the Boulder
City Historic District.
December 14 at 5:00 pm: Henderson's “WinterFest Evening Light Parade” in the Historic Water
Street District.
Both events are examples of classic, small town American holiday celebration – in Vegas' oldest
historic districts. There is fun for all ages and time for fellowship. Let me know if you are going and would
like to meet us there.
Please call me if you live (or visit) the East Side to get on our contact list for other activities.
Bill Bruninga (702) 602-1777
Donate Toys and Food for the Less Fortunate
December is a “Month of Service to the Poor” for our parish’s teens. This month
GOYAns will be helping families in need by leading a Canned Food Drive and a Toy Drive.
Please help our GOYAns collect food for the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Donate any nonperishable food items into the large blue bin across from the Church Office. In addition, you
can make a young child’s Christmas bright by donating new unopened children’s toys
(without wrapping paper). The “Toy Drive” box is also located across from the Church Office.
Daughters of Penelope
Thanks to the generosity of the community of St. John the Baptist, Daughters of Penelope collected
$772 for Father John’s Discretionary Fund, which assists those in need. Julie Benincasa
Pan-Arcadians
The Pan-Arcadians Alea Chapter collected and donated $1,000 to two Orthodox Missions in the
Philippines to help aid in the Typhoon Relief. This was in addition to the parish collection of $800 that was
sent to IOCC for the Philippines Typhoon Relief. Julie Benincasa
11
The Desert Messenger
Orthodox Bookstore
Greetings from Saint John the Baptist Bookstore!
Please stop by for all of your Christmas shopping needs. We have beautiful
Orthodox icons, liturgical music and theological books that make great gifts.
We have just received the 2014 Daily Lives of Saints, Miracles, and Wisdom of the Saints
and Fasting Calendar. The calendar comes as a spiral-bound book. Each page includes
the readings for that day, a saying from one of our Orthodox Saints, and the
recommended fast. Come pick up one for yourself and additional copies as gifts.
ICXC NIKA, Constantine Frangakis, Director
Our Community Registry
Baptized into Christ: Na Mas Zisoun!
Alexander, son of Christopher Murray and Veneta George, on November 9, 2013.
Godparents: Thomas and Angela Manakides.
Jonathan Temple (Adult Baptism) on November 16, 2013. Godparent: Danny Kalkas.
Marriage: Na Zisete!
John Morgan Pia and Stephanie Lee Raptis on October 26, 2013. Koumbaros: Michael John Raptis.
Fallen Asleep in the Lord: Eternal Memory
Bessie F. Kulias on November 1, 2013. Funeral on November 5 in Ely, Nevada.
Serafia Constantin McQuade on November 9, 2013. Funeral on November 15 in St. George, Utah.
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The Desert Messenger
2013 Stewards and Contributors: “Chosen and Appointed by God to Go and Bear Fruit”
Adamy, Marina
Agnos, Dimitrios and Angeline
Ahlume, Almaz
Akopian, Juliette
Alcala, Georgia
Alexander, Eleni
Alvonellos, Tim and Katerina
Anastasakis, Mark and Elaine
Anastasiou, Andrew and Kathleen
Andraktos, Manuel
Andrews, Catherine
Anthony, Stavros and Bernadette
Anton, Manuel and Carol
Aristides, George and Diana
Asim, Demetrious
Asselanis, George and Samantha
Attard, Constantine and Sophia
Bacon, Ken and Dianne
Bagis, Eleni
Balodimas, James
Barbarino, Demetra
Bartzos, Sam and Eugenia
Bauck, Jeremy and Amy
Berendji, Jim and Vivian
Berta, Irene
Bicos, Andriana
Bieker, Adam and Cassie
Bigler, Louis
Bilikopoulos, Nick and Candy
Birtas, Ann
Birtas, Helen
Bochanis, George
Borzekas, Stephen
Brilis, George and Satoko
Britten, Ronald and Carol
Brown, Faye
Bruninga, William
Bucy, Brent and Elaine
Carabas, Stephen and Linda
Carahalis, John and Jillian
Caras, Louis
Caredis, Jon and Marjorie
Carrico, William and Alexandra
Carson, Michele
Carter, Maria
Cero, Dean
Chachas, Bessie
Chachas, James
Chandrinos, Alexia
Chandrinos. Peter
Chanos, George
Chomakos, Dean and Tammy
Chomakos, George and Nikki
Chondrakis, Dimos and
Kaaren Kragerd
Ciulla, Anthony and Kleri
Christian, Clair and Chloe
Christopoulos, Ann
Chumas, Russell and Stella
Cole, Darrick and Carla
Collins, David
Collins, Dean
Cominos, Ted
Conger, William and Alexia
Conklin, Ted and Demetra
Constantine, Bill
Corum, Evgenia
Costacos, John
Costas, Charles and Louise
Costin, Sergiu and Lucia
Costuros, George and Marsha
Cosulas, Rev. Basil and Samantha
Cotsilis, Jenny
Couluris, Chris and Catherine
Coutris, Angela
Crescenti, Stephen and
Netherton, Katherine
Dalacas, Dimitri and Athanasia
Dalacas, Eleni
Dalacas, Eugenia
Dalacas, Nick and Georgia
Daskalos, George and Voula
Dawood, Evon
Delalis, Dina
Delia, Joel and Scarlet
DeMangus, Joanne
Demetriou, Demetrios and Bessie
Demolas, Illias and Jody
Demolas, Maria and Nour, Reza
Demoleas, Helen +
Demoleas, Spero and Grace
Demoleas, Stephanie
Demopoulos, Tommy and Vasiliki
Deverikos, Peter and Angela
DeWindt, Dennis and Susan
Dominguez, Eric and Amalia
Doskas, Athanasios and Anastasia
Dougan, Linda
Doukakis, Panagiotis and Chrisi
Dounis, Dina
Dounis, Georgia
Dounis, Kiki
Economon, Andrew and Stacy
Eliades, Gregory and Maria
Eliades, Harry and Agapi
Eliades, Katerina
Eliakis, Peter and Glenda
Eliakis, Varthie and Lee Ann
Eliopulos, Goldie
English, Marika
Exarhos, Nick and Sharon
Eyler, Fr. Paul and Presv. Ilean
Eyler, John and Elizabeth
Failla, Jon and Jennifer
Farren, Anthony and Maritsa
Filios, George and Nitsa
Filios, Spiridon and Eleni
Flangas, Bill and Marilyn
Flangas, Gary and Amanda
Flangas, Gus and Tamara
Foskaris, Thomas
Fotopoulos, John and Barbara
Frangakis, Christos and Anastasia
Frangakis, Costa
Frangakis, John
Franzi, Jack
Fuson, Aglaia
Garcia, Manuel and
Konsolakis, Eleni
George, Pete and Georgia
Georgiou, Byron and Therese
Georgiou, Eleftherios and Jennifer
Georgis, John and Kaliopi
Gialketsis, Barbara
Gialketsis, Bill and Shelli
Gialketsis, Julie
Gialketsis, Steve
Gialketsis, William and Terry
Gianakoulias, Nick and Magda
Goddard, Elizabeth
Gordon, Victor and Demetria
Gott, Thomas
Gousdovas, Nikos
Gousias, Elias and Maria
Grabovoi, Daniel
Grabovoi, Daphne
Grabovoi, Eftie +
Grigore, Vally and Ana
Grillas, Roula
Grissom, Tony and Georgeea
Gruber, Ernest and Zoe
Hamilton, Mary
Hamilton, Paul and Brandi
Harmon, Nicholas and Barbara
Harrison, Angie
Haynes, Leonard and Maria
Hetzel, David and Joanne
Hoadrea, Jimmy and Monci
Hondros, Catherine
Hondros, Christina
Hondros, Fr. John and Presv. Maria
Hoover, Patrick and Pauline
Howard, William and Willie
Hristopoulou, Spiridoula
Huffington, Michael
Iteen, Robert and Sophia
Jackson, Jeff and Sophia
Janlerri, Sotiraq
Jett, Chip and Karina
Kachikis, Paul and Ernestine
Kakavulias, Christina
Kakavulias, George and Helen
Kakavulias, John
Kakavulias, Maria +
Kalkas, Danny and Danielle
Kanellis, Ann
Kanoles, Konstantine
Kanoles, Helene
Kapeles, William and Tara
Kaptain, Catherine
Karalias, Petros and Constance
Karas, James
Karas, John and Marcie
Karas, Vasiliki
Karris, Mark and Suzanne
Karvounidis, Nick and Alexandra
Katris, Nick and Kathryn
Katsaros, Thomas and Sharon
Kelesis, Dina
Kelesis, George
Kelesis, Paula
Kentros, William
Khoury, Ray and Nicole
Kilgore, Richard and Eleni
Kleanthis, George and Zanetta
Kokenes, Katherine
Koliambas, Eleni
Kolokithas, Thomas and Vangie
Konsolakis, George and Sophia
Kostopoulos, Georgia
Kotonias, George and Patricia
13
Kountanis, Panagiota
Kourlos, Georgia
Koutsulis, John and Eileen
Koutsulis, Sam and Effie
Kratky, Frank and Constance
Kypreos, George
Kypreos, Peter and Geri
Kypreos, Sophia
Kyprianou, Gilbert and Alexis
Ladies Philoptochos Society
Lakis, Antoinette
Lappas, Zhaklin
Lapi, Llazaraq and Natasha
Latelle, Penny
Lavelle, Eleissa
Lazarakis, John and Panagiota
Lazaros, Stratos and Elizabeth
Lekar, Michael and Effie
Leonis, Nick and Sophia
Leonis, Tishe
Leventis, Nicholas and Christina
Leventis, Petros and Maja
Lewis, Foula
Liaos, James and Tina
Liaos, Steven and Francine
Liaos, William and Irene
Likourinou, Angie
Likourinou, Steve and June
Loughton, Dustin and Rena
Luckey, Jason and Shawna
Lymberopoulos, Mary
Maddox, Thomas and Maria
Malamatos, Kindina
Malpee, Mack and Kalliope
Mamasis, Dena
Mamasis, Tessie
Maniatakos, Ted and Maria
Manolakos, Catherine
Manos, Patricia
Mansour, Muna
Manteris, Arthur and Sue
Manteris, Stephanie
Margaretis, John and Lucila
Matsis, Alexandra
Matsis, John and Rebecca
Matsis, Mike and Kristin
Mavrantonis, Kiki and Stacy
Mavroidis, Demetrios and Debra
Mavros, Alex and Jen
Mavros, Michael and Debbie
Mavroudis, Frank and Vess, Olga
McKinney, Michael and Mersene
McNear, Elizabeth
Melton, Don and Susan
Menegatos, James
Mengisie, Melaku
Mertes, Patrick and Athena
Mikelis, Peter
Miklia, John
Millet, Jennie +
Minas, Arthur and Ewa
Miner, George and Loreane
Mirich, Kyle
Monoyudis, Jim and Julie
Morgan, Brian and Adrienne
Mulopulos, George
Murnane, Sharon
The Desert Messenger
2013 Stewardship and Financial Report
2013 Stewardship Status as of November 20, 2013
Pledges
Stewardship Gifts Pledged: $346,199
Stewardship Gifts Received: $279,156
Unfulfilled Pledge Balance: $67,043
Stewardship Families Pledged: 412
Financial Status for Month of October 2013
Bank Accounts
General Operating
Building/Maintenance
Community/Education Ctr
Construction (Loan Paymts)
Food Festival
Icon Money Market
Library Checking
Bookstore Checking
Balance as of 10.31.13
$131,612.76
$412.61
$78,951.20
$69,412.80
$231,821.42
$34,212.75
$15,971.67
$7,779.58
2013 Stewards and Contributors: “Chosen and Appointed by God to Go and Bear Fruit”
Murphy, Terry and Karen
Murray, Chris and George, Veneta
Myers, Stella
Nadzan, Don and Athena
Nedelcu, Laura and Ciprian
Neocleous, Plato
Newell, Eric and Devona
Newell, Ronald and Maria
Nicholas, John and Estella
Nichols, Georgia Christ +
Nichols, Mary
Nikitas, Andreas and Jennet
Nikitas, Rigas and Aphrodite
Nikolopoulos, Nick and Dimitra
O'Brien, Christoula
Olmsted, Travis and Marilyn
Orlando, Alleck and Jennifer
Osborn, Pearl
Ostis, Sotirios
Pacheco, Nia & Adrian
Paikos, Tom
Palivos, Vicky
Pallis, Paul
Pan Arcadians
Pandelis, Cheryl
Panos, William and Jeanne
Pantos, James
Papas, Christian and Nicole
Papas, Peter and Rita
Pappas, Antonia
Pappas, Constantine and Karina
Pappas, Libby
Pappas, Rita
Paton, Mia
Paul, Devin and Mary
Paul, Janet
Payan, Luis and Eleni
Pendleton, Tricia
Pelletier, Michael
Petersen, Todd and Diane
Petro, Aleko and Georgia
Petrou, Jim and Penelopi
Philippou, Demetrios and Luanne
Pierro, Joe and Rhonda
Pierro, Joseph Jr. and Christine
Platis, Anna
Plentzas, Spiros and Ruth
Polimerou, Angeline
Politis, Mayra and Victor
Poulos, Christine
Pouridis, Kouli and Para
Powers, Russell and Rebecca
Prifti, Mirela
Prokopis, Chris and Ritsa
Punsalan, Basil and Sophie
Pytikakis, Manos and Mary
Qeleshi, Elton and Ornela
Radosta, Athena
Raptis, Fr. Dean and Presv. Evonne
Rifakes, John and Carol +
Roberts, Sophia
Robison, Robert and Patricia
Robison, Diane
Rodis, Dimitri
Rodis, Sophia
Rosenthal, Joseph and Stephanie
Rouvas, John and Keri
Rubje, Eva
Rudolph, Brandon and
Kordogiannis, Christina
Ruffner, Skip and Kathy
Salon, Nicholas and Janelle
Salvarlis, Thomas and Joyce
Savvas, Savva
14
Setian, Gary and Marie
Shields, William and Oda, Etenesh
Shinas, George and Sharon
Simos, Tony and Lorie
Simpson, Bryan and Julie
Sirhan, Michael and Imtisal
Skalkotos, Nikolas and Georgia
Skandros, Georgia
Skaris, John and Helen
Skarlatos, Irene
Smith, Kathleen
Snow, Clifford and Christina
Snowden, Robert and Niki
Soper, Robert and Maria
Sparangis, Spyro and Helen
Sparkuhl, Alexander and Antoinette
Stamis, Angelo and Susan
Stanford, Lionel and Nennette
Stasinis, Argery
Staubs, Douglas and Anastasia
Stavropoulos, Terry and Niki
Stefanatos, Michael and Tami
Stenos, Louis
Stilianessis, Howard and Antonia
Stock, Helen
Struzas, Maria
Sukhov, Boris and Katerina
Swehla, Fr. Matthew and
Presv. Annie
Szukiewicz, Alex
Szukiewicz , Joe
Szukiewicz, Joseph and Jennia
Tafoya, Steven and Irene
Takas, Andrea
Tasios, Pete and Ramona
Taxiarchos, Andrew and Alexandra
Taxopoulos, Bryan
Teed, Charles
Thomas, Angie
Thompson, Maggy
Tohme, Tony and May
Touroutoglou, Nikolaos
Tringas, Chris and Brigette
Tselikis, Nicholas and Jennifer
Tsiralidis, Kosmas and
Katerina
Tsolis, Christos and Panagioula
Tsolis, Panagiote
Tzelalis, Steve
Tzortzis, Vasilios and Maria
Varinos, Nick and Kiki
Vergos, Charles and Eve
Vlassopoulos, Maria
Wagner, Chris and Sophye
Walter, Vernon and Alice
Walters, Lane and Mary
Waterhouse, David
Waters, Gary and Susan
White, William
Willey, Anthony and Olga
Williams, Anthony and Anna
Wilson, Steven and Cleo
Woldu, Yonas
Womack, Karl
Womack, Kimberly
Wronski, Chuck
Xerogianes, Nick and Nikki
Xikis, Victoria
Yi, Steve and Erica
Yurkov, Nikolina
Zachariou, Aspasia and Sozos
Zaferatos, Ted and Marinella
Zimmerman, Paul and Angela
Zoumboulis, Tina
15
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
29
30
23
22 8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Youth Choir Chants
Church School
Christmas Pageant
16
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
12:15 pm Youth Choir
Practice in 4th/5th Rm.
7:00 pm OCF at
Bochanis’ Home
15
31
Eve of the
Nativity of Christ
6:00 pm Vesperal
Liturgy of St. Basil the
Great
Circumcision of Christ
St. Basil the Great
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
of St. Basil
January 1
Nativity of Christ
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine
Liturgy of St. John
Chyrsostom
Church Office Closed
25
6:00 pm Choir Practice
in Choir Loft
7:00 pm Adult Study
4:30 pm All Youth
Greek Classes
24
18
17
5:00 pm Orthros
6:00 pm Divine Liturgy
(St. Spyridon)
7:00 pm Choir Practice
7:30 pm Adult Study:
7
Saturday
Greek Folk Dance Practice:
Tuesdays ~ 5:30-9:00 pm
Sundays ~ 12:30-3:00 pm
Folk Dance Seminar with Joe Graziosi:
December 19-22 ~ Times TBA
28
11:00 am Church
School Pageant
Rehearsal
1:00 pm Youth
Christmas Party
27 St. Stephen
21
4:00 pm GOYA at LV
Rescue Mission
Folk Dancers Caroling
7:00 pm OFF at Bauck’s
5:00 pm EVF Winterfest
6;30 pm Pan-Hellenic
Party at Mad Greek
OCLV at
LV Rescue Mission
14 4:30 pm
20
13
8:00 am Orthros
4:30 pm East Valley
9:00 am Divine Liturgy Fellowship at BC’s
10:30 am
Electric Night Parade
Philoptochos Pastry
Packing in Kokkos
6 St. Nicholas
Friday
8:00 am Orthros
Church Office Closed 9:00 am Divine Liturgy
26
19
(Celebrated 12/11)
12 St. Spyridon
11
8:45 am Orthros
6:00 pm Philoptochos
10:00 am Divine Liturgy Christmas Party in
Stewardship Sunday Panos Hall
Parish Council
Elections (‘til 1:30 pm)
9
4:30 pm All Youth
Greek Classes
6:00 pm Parish Council
Meeting in Library
5
10
4
Wednesday Thursday
8
3
Tuesday
4:30 pm All Youth
6:00 pm Church School 11:30 am Forerunner
Greek Classes
Teachers in Library
Christmas Luncheon
6:00 pm PC Candidates 7:00 pm Adult Study
at Mad Greek Café
Meeting in Library
2
Monday
8:45 am Orthros
5:30 pm Folk Dance
10:00 am Divine Liturgy Board in Library
1
Sunday
DECEMBER 2013 - IN THE YEAR OF THE LORD
The Desert Messenger
The Desert Messenger
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
5300 South El Camino Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89118-1922
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The Desert Messenger
The Way of the Lord
I behold a strange and most wonderful mystery:
The cave as heaven;
the Virgin as the throne of the Cherubim;
the manger a place in which was lain Christ our God,
Whom nothing can contain.
Praising Him, let us also magnify Him.
~ Katavasiai of the Nativity, Ode 9
Καλα Χριστουγεννα! Blessed Christmas!
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LAS VEGAS NV
PERMIT NO. 98