December 2015 - Holy Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Transcription
December 2015 - Holy Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! The Voice Volume : 15 Number : 12 Month : December 2015 The Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church A HOMILY ON THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM I behold a new and wondrous mystery! My ears resound to the Shepherd's song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn. The Angels sing! The Archangels blend their voices in harmony! The Cherubim offer their joyful praise! The Seraphim exalt His glory! All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below; and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised. Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side the Sun of Justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed, he had the power, He descended, He redeemed; all things move in obedience to God. This day He Who Is, is Born; and He Who Is becomes what He was not. For when He was God, He became man; yet not departing from the Godhead that is His. Nor yet by any loss of divinity became He man, nor through increase became He God from man; but being the Word He became flesh, His nature, because of impassibility, remaining unchanged. And so the kings have come, and they have seen the heavenly King that has come upon the earth, not bringing with Him Angels, nor Archangels, nor Thrones, nor Dominions, nor Powers, nor Principalities, but, treading a new and solitary path, He has come forth from a spotless womb. Yet He has not forsaken His angels, nor left them deprived of His care, nor because of His Incarnation has he departed from the Godhead. And behold, Kings have come, that they might adore the heavenly King of glory; Soldiers have come, that they might serve the Leader of the Hosts of Heaven; Women have come, that they might adore Him Who was born of a woman so that He might change the pains of child-birth into joy; Virgins have come, to the Son of the Virgin, beholding with joy, that He Who is the Giver of milk, Who has decreed that the fountains of the breast pour forth in ready streams, receives from a Virgin Mother the food of infancy; Infants have come, that they may adore Him Who became a little child, so that out of the mouth of infants and babes, He might perfect praise; Continued on Page 3 THE VOICE December 2015 Children have come, to the Child Who raised up martyrs through the rage of Herod; Men have come, to Him Who became man, that He might heal the miseries of His servants; Shepherds have come, to the Good Shepherd who has laid down His life for His sheep; Priests have come, to Him Who has become a High Priest according to the order of Melchisedech; Servants have come, to Him Who took upon Himself the form of a servant that He might bless our servitude with the reward of freedom; Fishermen have come, to Him Who from amongst fishermen chose catchers of men; Publicans have come, to Him Who from amongst them named a chosen Evangelist; Sinful women have come, to Him Who exposed His feet to the tears of the repentant; And that I may embrace them all together, all sinners have come, that they may look upon the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. Since therefore all rejoice, I too desire to rejoice. I too wish to share the choral dance, to celebrate the festival. But I take my part, not plucking the harp, not shaking the Thyrsian staff, not with the music of pipes, nor holding a torch, but holding in my arms the cradle of Christ. For this is all my hope, this is my life, this is my salvation, this is my pipe, my harp. And bearing it I come, and having from its power received the gift of speech, I too, with the angels, sing: Glory to God in the Highest; and with the shepherds: and on earth peace to men of good will. Outreach Ministry: The Good Shepherd Food Pantry Feed the Hungry - Christmas Outreach Thank you to everyone who supported our Thanksgiving Outreach Program this year. The mission to help our neighbors is the heart of this vital ministry. With only a few weeks until Christmas, we must now focus on collecting supplies to provide Christmas meals for these families. We have set our goal at 300 families. We need all donations at Church by Friday, December 18th. This gives us time to count and purchase additional supplies if necessary. We invite everyone to help us assemble the packages on Sunday, December 20th following the Divine Liturgy. Help is also needed for distribution on Monday, December 21st. We will need volunteers at Church at 8:00 am to get everything organized and ready for distribution. Here is a list of items needed: 300 Hams (8-10 lb.) – cooked, preferred 300 boxes of mashed potatoes 300 cans of cranberry sauce (15 oz.) 300 cans of mixed fruit or fruit cocktail (15 oz.) 300 cans of vegetables (15 oz.) 300 cans of turkey or chicken gravy (15 oz.) 300 boxes of corn or other type of bread 300 frozen fruit pies – pre-baked, preferred Together, let’s make a difference in our community! 3 | Page THE VOICE Inside this Issue: Christ is Born!................................... 1 The Nativity of the Lord.................... 2 Christmas Outreach.......................... 3 Thank You Chris Jonson.................... 4 Youth Ministries............................... 4 President’s Message......................... 5 Parish Announcements..................... 5 Church Organizations ...................... 6 Transitions........................................ 7 Community Concert......................... 8 2016 Stewardship............................. 9 New Website.................................... 9 Stewardship Message....................... 10 Stewardship List .............................. 10 Parish Calendar ............................... 14 Church Information ......................... 15 Community Christmas Card.............. 16 December 2015 THANK YOU CHRIS! The Clergy, Parish Council and Community would like to thank Chris Jonson for 25 years of dedicated service to our Parish. We wish him all the best, and hope he enjoys a long and well deserved retirement. YOUTH MINISTRIES By: Father William Redmon Greetings in Christ! Our December GOYA meeting will be held on Saturday, December 12th, at the Christmas Party, after our Nursing Home Christmas Caroling Ministry. The schedule will be announced via e-mail once we have coordinated the times with the nursing homes. Our December HOPE/JOY meeting will be held on Thursday, December 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. In November, GOYA held their International Luncheon. Many thanks to Stef Diaz for making it a success! International Luncheon is the second largest event GOYA hosts each year, and is key to the financial stability of the group. GOYA would like to thank everyone who supported the event. In November, HOPE/JOY had its largest meeting yet, and welcomed some new families to the ministry. The theme for the evening was Thanksgiving, and the families of HOPE/JOY offered thanks to God by donating food for the Thanksgiving Meal Ministry and our Food Pantry. We collected several bags of canned goods and five turkeys. HOPE/JOY also welcomed Anna Ioannides and Zach Nicholas to the Ministry Team. On November 14th, Holy Trinity–Saint Nicholas hosted a retreat for Youth Ministers and Sunday School teachers from the surrounding area. Our guest speaker was Dr. Anthony Vrame, Director of the Archdiocesan Department of Religious Education. Many thanks to all who made the retreat a success. May God bless each and every one of you as we prepare to welcome His Nativity. -Fr. William 4 | Page THE VOICE December 2015 Parish Council President's Message - by Jim Gelis As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, it is time to look back on a year that seemed to pass so quickly. Let me begin by sharing my gratitude and appreciation to those who helped make a difference in the life of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. I offer my thanks to the clergy for their tireless and faithful service; to our Parish staff who run our operations; to the Parish Council for pulling together in this challenging year; to the volunteers who serve on important committees that turn goals into results; to the organizations that have supported our Parish for as long as I can remember; and to all parishioners for your sharing time, commitment, and faith so that we can worship together in Christ’s Church. In 2015, we witnessed Fr. William’s first year of answering God’s calling beginning with his ordination to the priesthood. Recently, we joined Fr. Bill in celebrating his 40 years of life in the clergy. We said “Goodbye” to friends who served this Parish for many years and watched the passing of the torch to a new generation of Parish leaders. At times, when the task seemed overwhelming, we experienced the reassuring presence of God’s love and mercy to strengthen our resolve and pull together as a community. The proposed renovation of our Multi-Purpose Community Hall is about to become a reality. With the design and drawings completed, the Parish Council with the work of the Building Improvements Committee is preparing to engage a contractor to begin construction. Concerning the business matters of our Parish, the festival overcame the first night of bad weather and provided the income needed to sustain the work of our Parish. Stewardship has continued to grow thanks to your faith and generosity. As of October this year, pledges were up 12% over the same period in 2014, although actual pledges received were down slightly by 2%. Nevertheless, I am encouraged by the long-term trend of Stewardship as an indication of the Parish’s growth. There is still time to complete our commitments for this year’s Stewardship and to turn in our pledges so that 2016 will be an even greater success. With the year 2015 almost behind us, let’s consider goals for the Parish in 2016 and beyond. At the Fall General Assembly, we proposed a new direction for our Parish inspired and guided by the vision of what the Church wants us to become. It is an approach that looks to the future, not with anticipation of persistent financial shortfalls, but instead confronts the challenges of sustaining the operations of this Parish while striving to fulfill a higher purpose. It means committing our resources – our time, talents and treasure—to a task with the knowledge that “through faith, all things are possible”. When we focus on supporting the mission of the Church and engaging the community in our efforts, then the list of active stewards will grow, and we will see a Parish more vibrant than we ever imagined. At the close of this year, I encourage all of you to find opportunities to help our Parish achieve its vision. Let’s get energized in the execution of our ministries in 2016 so that all will begin to see a difference in our Parish life. May this Christmas season bring joy to all of you, and the New Year filled with continued blessings. PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS Christmas Caroling in December! The season has returned for us to vocalize the joy we share to shut-in Church members, their co-residents and families. We plan 2 days of indoor caroling and will begin at a residence or nursing home. We will visit 4 to 5 locations each day. Carolers will meet on Saturday, December 12th at 11:00 am at a location to be announced, and on Saturday, December 19th at 1:00 pm after the Nativity rehearsal. Individuals, families of all ages and friends are invited to join us anywhere along the route on one or both days. We sing several familiar carols in English with one or two in Greek (other languages welcome). Musicians with instruments welcome. Please let us know if you would like us to visit someone. You can call, text (513)375-5039 or e-mail Jim Raptis for details: raptis@centurylink.net Congratulations to Triffon Callos for being re-elected to his position as a Green Township Trustee. Proud parents are Tom and Trish Callos. 5 | Page THE VOICE December 2015 CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS OVER FIFTY CLUB…Ann Jonson We had a good crowd on October 17. Bill and Marie Tsacalis, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on October 30, treated us to a delicious cake by “George”. We had Dr. Antoinette Pragalos speak about aging. We welcomed two new members, Koula Ponticos and Evangelia Stavropoulos rejoined. So happy to have you with us. Sophie Guethlein, who passed away on October 19, leaves her daughter, Patricia (Father Angelo) and daughter, Stephanie, and her sister, Chris Bender. Our sympathy to their families. She will be missed by all of her friends in the Over 50’s which she enjoyed coming to whenever possible. And, she loved her Church and always gave a helping hand whenever needed. We lit a candle in her memory. May she rest in peace. Our Christmas luncheon will be on December 19 at Church. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE…Vera Manolakas Another year has passed by so quickly. In looking over the year, we had some wonderful events. We are proud to have been able to continue to serve our Church community by providing tsourekia for Pascha each year. Our Wine Tasting event this year was the best we have ever held. Matching the wine to the food and having a knowledgeable wine expert present, along with incredible appetizers, made all the difference. cesses of the year. We look forward to the new year with renewed vigor. Lastly, we'd like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. PHILOPTOCHOS…Georgianne Gaz Early December will be very busy for the Ladies of Philoptochos and we invite members of our Parish to celebrate with us. Immediately following the St. Nicholas Vespers, Saturday evening, December 5, the Ladies of Philoptochos will be providing refreshments. Sunday, December 6, after the Divine Liturgy, members of GOYA will be participating in “The Make A Difference” program, baking cookies for the City Gospel Mission. The GOYA bakers will be assisted by the members of Philoptochos, and the cookies will be part of the holiday meal served by the ladies of Philoptochos on Tuesday, December 8, at the City Gospel Mission. The Philoptochos Christmas Party will be taking place on Monday evening, December 7, at 6:30pm in the Banquet Room. The dinner is being catered and the cost is $25 per person, plus a donation to The Good Shepherd Food Pantry. The items most needed by the pantry are cold cereals, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, pasta sauces, canned soups and vegetables, vegetable oil, flour and sugar. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 1. Call or email Loy Jonson: (513) 829-6699 or cjonson@cinci.rr.com. We are also proud to have served the community by providing baklava by the pan for the past 29 years. Many people now count on having homemade baklava for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are happy to serve you. Our final delivery for baklava will be December 20. We would like to remind all bread makers and bakers that the Vasilopita Auction and Brunch will be taking place on Sunday, January 10, 2016 after the Divine Liturgy. Bake a loaf or two of Vasilopita…one can be used for the baskets for the community and the other can be put into the auction for raising funds for the Philoptochos Charities. On a sad note, we lost a 68 year life member, Sophie Guethlein, in October. Calypso is indebted to Sophie for all she has done for us. May her memory be eternal. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2016. In November, the chapter had its chapter visitation by the District Lodge. Governor Charrie Regopoulos was accompanied by Marshal Debbie Urse, PDG, and Maids Advisor Alexis Blessing for the visitation. We also initiated a new member into the Order. In celebration of Founders' Day November 16, the chapter viewed the video Legacy of a Dream featuring our founder, Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld. Our living past chapter presidents were also honored at the meeting. Daughters is ending the year by coming together for our annual Christmas Dinner, which is being held at the Grand Finale. It is a time for us to reflect on the past year and to celebrate our suc- AHEPA…Peter Rodish If you have not talked with anyone from AHEPA lately, we invite you to explore this wonderful brotherhood. Please ask how you can join and be involved. We meet once a month at the AHEPA House with a dinner and meeting. We sponsor Greek Independence Day with a wonderful event at the Church. We will be in our third year of our golf outing that has continued to grow. We just completed our Thanksgiving Dinner with over 70 people attending. We invite you to explore the opportunities and fellowship with AHEPA. Feel free to call me directly at 859-512-8550. 6 | Page THE VOICE SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL…Peter Aamodt One of the priorities of this year’s Religious Education Team is to minister to our Sunday Church School teachers by providing opportunities to deepen their teaching perspectives and skills. One such opportunity was the recent SCS Teacher Retreat held on November 14th. Leading this retreat was Dr. Tony Vrame, Archdiocesan Director of Religious Education. Over the course of five hours, Dr. Vrame focused our attention on two main themes: “Christ as Teacher” and “Encountering the Learner.” While the teaching aspect of Jesus’ earthly ministry is very much apparent in the Scriptures, we were prompted, especially through Scriptural examples, to consider the different methods He employed. This included His choice of words and relevant illustrations when speaking to individuals or crowds. On the other hand, his method of teaching also relied on the ability of learners to discover the meaning of lessons for themselves, whether through carefully posed questions or even through silence. December 2015 This consideration of the learner comprised the other thematic emphasis of our time together. Most importantly, Jesus met learners in their present developmental context. Dr. Vrame helped us to explore the ramifications of teaching various grades of students based on differing age-based abilities to grasp the many theological and moral concepts contained in Orthodox Christianity. The purpose of a teacher retreat is to encourage a sense of spiritual refreshment. Certainly our participating SCS teachers, as well as those from Dayton and Springfield Parishes, had ample time for reflection and renewed commitment to the spiritual growth of our children. We were also privileged to have Dr. Vrame with us as demonstration of the Archdiocesan support for our religious education programs at the Parish level. The RET thanks both Dr. Vrame and Fr. William, our retreat organizer, for a truly beneficial session. Transitions BAPTISMS: The New Christian: Magdalene Ann Parents: Jonathan and Julie (Thayer) Hart Sponsor: Stephanie Batsakes Date: October 24, 2015 The New Christian: Korinna Ann Parents: Lukas and Lauren (Sievers) Jonson Sponsors: Dr. Joshua and Alison Nadaud Date: October 31, 2015 The New Christian: Nektarios Michael Parents: George and Eleni (Lekas) Haralamos Sponsors: George and Stacey Loukoumidis Date: November 1, 2015 WEDDING: The Newlyweds: Heather Foley and Christos Palassis Sponsors: John and Idalia Kanaris Date: November 7, 2015 FUNERALS: Mary Kontonickas, age 83, November 6, 2015. Peter Plomaritis, age 45, November 20, 2015. 7 | Page THE VOICE December 2015 FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS COMMUNITY CONCERT To benefit the Good Shepherd Pantry Christmas Outreach Sunday, December 6 Concert at 7:00 pm Champagne and holiday dessert reception at 8:00 pm The concert will be held in our Church sanctuary. Featuring a Byzantine Brass quintet, a Vocal Ensemble of local professional singers performing selections from Byzantine and Baroque traditions, and an old fashion Christmas Carol sing-a-long led by our own choir. Event is free and open to all Church Community members, families, and guests. In lieu of an admission ticket, we ask that you bring a generous donation of nonperishable canned goods and a free-will offering to support our Christmas outreach. The following items are particularly encouraged: canned corn, canned green beans, box of mashed potatoes, canned chicken or turkey gravy, canned cranberry sauce, canned mixed fruit or fruit cocktail, box of corn or other type of bread. 8 | Page THE VOICE December 2015 2016 STEWARDSHIP In November everyone should have received our 2016 Stewardship Campaign materials in the mail. This year’s Stewardship Committee and Parish Council are asking everyone to join them in moving our community to a 100% stewardship funded Parish. This means we must move our stewardship goal beyond the usual $430,000 each year and closer to the $854,000 needed to run our Parish’s Ministries. One of the first steps towards obtaining this goal is for our Parishioners to fill out a pledge card making their commitment for the coming year. Making a pledge is an integral part of every stewardship program. Remember, your pledge card is NOT a contract, it can always be changed. The Committee is asking for everyone to turn in their pledge card by Sunday, December 6th. Let’s work together to support our Ministries! New Website Design In November we launched a new website design. We have been working to make our new website design inviting and full of information about our faith and our Parish. For many people outside our community, our website is the first stop for information about our community. We hope that this new website will offer a user friendly tool for information about us. We are still working on a new Panegyri website, which we hope to launch before the end of the year. Please take some time and visit us at: http://www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/ 9 | Page THE VOICE December 2015 Stewardship Message Have you ever thought about what Stewardship really means? It's more than just giving money to the Church to keep the lights on and the AC running. It's more than volunteering at Panegyri. It's even more than supporting our Food Pantry or other Outreach Ministries. Stewardship is, most fundamentally, a way of life that responds to our Lord's command to have dominion over His creation. The proper exercise of our God-given authority is not about exploiting the world for our own purposes, or hording our moneys for some future need, or to ensure an inheritance. It's also not about elevating that which we oversee into some kind of false idol. Proper Stewardship is about using what we have for the purposes that God ordained of them, in furtherance of His will. It is about making sure that all that we have, which comes from God in the first place, is used to improve the lot of those around us, and not for our own glorification; but rather to the glory of God. Stewardship, then, involves responsibility. We need to be responsible with our money, making sure that it isn't used wastefully, and being willing to sacrifice it on behalf of God Almighty. We need to be responsible with our time, making sure it isn't squandered, and being willing to use it to further the work of the Lord and His Church in this world. We need to be responsible with our resources, lands and beasts of the earth and other treasures from the natural world, making sure that they are neither abused nor neglected; but rather used for Godly purposes, to feed the hungry, build shelter for the homeless, bring power to those who are without, improving their lives immeasurably, and doing all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Having all these blessings from God, how can we do anything less than our part to spread them throughout the world? We have wealth beyond the expectations of any previous age, we have access to resources the likes of which are unheard of in any other period of history, and our understanding of the world and the way that God makes His creation work grows by leaps and bounds, with no end in sight. It is incumbent upon us, this most fortunate of generations, to share these bountiful gifts with those around us, to support those in need, to lift up the fallen, and to guarantee that the Body of Christ, the Orthodox Church, cannot just survive; but thrive, growing its ministries and spreading the Gospel to every corner of the Earth. Stewardship is about more than simply money. It is a way of life. I pray that each and every one of us commits to that philosophy of living, to the idea that we have been commanded by God to care for His world and His faithful, and that we take up this responsibility with joy, sacrificing our wants for the needs of the Church and those around us who don't share in those blessings. Matthew Neuendorf, Holy Trinity - Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Parish Council, Assistant Secretary 2015 STEWARDSHIP LIST THROUGH 11-18-15 Aamodt, Peter & Karen Adinamis, George & Robyn Akroush, Mike & Kathy Alex, James L. & Koula Allgeier, Brian & Ellen Anastasiou, Demetra Andreadis, Paul Andreadis, Sophie S. Andrews, Evan & Terry Andrews, Greg Antoniades, Anthony & Tracey Apalodimas, Maria Apostol, Katherine Apostolides, Vasso A. Argeros, Aristea Arvanetes, Gregory & Sandra Assaley, Lewis & Patricia Bakiri, Keti & Andrew Murray Balli, James & Virginia Barnhart, Thomas & Sylvia Basile, Courtney Bates, Justin Batsakes, George P. Batsakis, Chris & Lydia Beish, Andrew Beish, Karen Beltsos, Chris & Melissa Beltsos, Paul & Jeanna Beltsos, Sam & Esmine Beltsos, Steven & Kanda Benard, Matthew & Sophia Bender, Christina E. Bender, Robert & Kathy Bertok, Christina Betas, Dimitrios Betas, George Betas, Maria Bikas, George M. & Anna Bikas, Michael & Anna Bikas, Nick & Nicole Bilionis, Charles† & Angela Binzer, Brian & Chrisanthi Blaesser, Stacey Borcoman, Tate & Nicole Borod, Gregory & Gloria Bottomley, Stephen & Stephanie Boulmetis, Samuel N. & Anita Boumis, Peter & Kimberly Brausch, Robert & Julie Bouras, Anna Bridges, Herstle & Mena Brown, Bryan & Nickie 10 | Page THE VOICE December 2015 The rich man is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever. St. John Chrysostom The parishioners listed here have made a commitment and/or contribution towards 2015 Stewardship. If you have not completed your Stewardship Pledge for 2015, we encourage you to do so today. 2016 Stewardship materials were mailed out last month. Please take a moment to fill out a pledge card and make your commitment for the new year. Brown, William & George-Ann Bugitzedes, Marian Bujnoch, Digger & Lindsay Caddell, Chris & Eleni Callos, Harry† & Angie† Callos, Thomas & Patricia Callos, Triffon & Stacey Campbell, Corey & Stacy Caneris, Adonis & Ana Maria Caneris, Anthony & Antoinette Caneris, Dr. Onassis A. Cantrell, Daniel & Katerina Cardullias, Dr. Peter & Elaine Carey, Lee & Tula Carras, Evan & Betsy Carumpalos, Constantine Cassis, Constantine & Carrie Cassis, Eli & Christine Cassis, Fr. William & Presvytera Anastasia Chachoff, Nada Chantilas, George Chantilas, James & Dr. Lydia Chapas, Lefty Charnas, Terry & Koula Christman, Carl & Becky Christofield, Angeliki Christoforidis, Alexander & Jennifer Christon, Angelos & Deanna Christopher, Spiro & Olga Christopoulos, Vassiliki Christos, Mary J. Chryssovergis, Chris & Cara Cimarosti, Helen Claffie, Sean & Angela Colak, Tony & Joan Colyer, Jeff & Laura Colyer, Keith & Diane Condorodis, Anestis J. & Janeen D. Condorodis, Dr. Constandinos J. & Carolyn Cook, Barbara Cook, Frank† & Karen Corleanca, Monica Coures, George Cranley, John & Dena Dargis, Melody & David David, Mossa & Caroline Demakes, Mina Demetrion, Jim J. & Carole Denas, George & Eugenia Denas, Haralambos & Athoniseea Denison, Theda Diaz, Chris & Stephanie Drew, Dr. William & Katherine Economacos, Demetrios & Christine Economacos, Eleni Economacos, Tom & Jennifer Economakis, Tina Edgington, Paul & Mary Lou Elias, Nicholas Elias, Tom & Tina Eliopoulos-Rosenbloom, Connie Ernst, James H. & Sue Evangelou, Sofia Favatella, Nathan & Allison Fawcett, Tracy & Jessica Fekkos, Haralambos & Loella Ann Fielden, Brad & Tricia Fillios, Alexandra Fillios, Elias & Mary Firman, Nancy & Jerry Fotopoulos, Christine Francis, Dean & Kathy Frangowlakis, Thomas Frankenstein, George & Christine Franklin, Gari Frantzis, Kosta & Tammy Freeman, Maria Freudenberg, Grey & Eleni Fritz, Christine Furkas, Lisa Gaier, Dean Gaier, Jeffrey & Chris Anne Galanes, George Gallagher, Sean & Marina Gardner, Michael & Kara Gaskins, Mark & Kristin Gaz, Georgianne Gelis, Debbie Gelis, Georgia Gelis, James & Kathy Gelis, Maria Georgeton, Chris P. & Barbara Georgeton, John C. & Ann Georgeton, John P. & Kimberly Georgeton, Peter C. Georgeton, Peter T. & Nancy Georgiou, Dean Georgiou, George & Maria Georgiton, John N. & Jenny Georgiton, Nick & Kristy Georgiton, Peter J. & Betsy Georgostathis, Gus & Connie Georgostathis, Gus & Eleni Georgostathis, James & Lillian Georgostathis, Maria Georgoulakis, Athanasios & Sofia Geromes, Alexander Gerros, Mary Ghiz, Leslie Ghizas, John & Helen Gilbert, Bob & Faith Gionnette, Lena & Mike Giovis, Chris A. & Jean M. Giovis, Helen Giovis, Jenny & Michael Goodpaster Giovis, Thomas M. Glaser, Brian & Stella Gormas, Pete† Grammas, George & Pam Grammas, James & Tasia Grammas, Mary Grammas, Nick Grammas, Peter & Panagiota Greene, David & Maria Gregory, Dean & Hedy Gregory, Matula Gregory, Thomas & Pamela Gregory, Victoria Guethlein, Sophia† Haddad, Saba & Elise Haralamos, George & Eleni Haralamos, Mike G. & Akrivi Hayden, Jason & Rebecca Herrmann, Dennis & Stacy Hill, Ann “Tasha” Himonidis, Chris & Ruth Hodges, Nick & Millie Hodson, Thomas Humbert, Randy & DeDe Iatrides, Panawiota Iatrides, Steve & Christina Kutsubu Iliopoulos, Ilias Ioannides, Tasos & Anna Ioannou, Maria & John Ioannou, Michael & Meagan Johnson, John & Antigone Jones, Carolyn Jones, Demus J. & Betty Jones, James A. & Jo Ann Jonson, Alexander & Ann Jonson, Chris C. & Loy Jonson, George N. & Sophia Jonson, James G. & Thelma Jonson, Luke & Lauren Jonson, Patricia J. Jonson, Spencer & Katherine Kahle, John & Nickie Kalemanis, Gary & Maria Kalemanis, George & Nikki Kalomeres, Carol Kambelos, John P. & Erato Kambelos, Dr. Peter J. Kanaris, Christos Kanaris, Kostantinos & Katy Kanelos, Dino & Julie Kanelos, Eleni Kanelos, John K. & Christine Kaniaris, John & Idalia Kapourales, Harry & Vivian Kapourales, Louis 11 | Page THE VOICE Kappas, James P. Karageorge, Dimitri & Athena Karakatsani, Marianthi Karampas, George & Diane Karas, Bill J. & Lynn Karas, Ted & Dixie Karras, Giorgio & Erene Kasidonis, John & Tina Kasprzycki, Peter & Edyta Katsanis, Claire C. Katsanis, James & Diane Katsaounis, Nick & Fay Kavouras, George & Fran Kehayes, Peggy Kehayes, William & Melissa Kellaris, Dr. James & Janice Kelley, Michael & Pauline Kelso, Greg & Kelly Kereiakes, James & Helen Kessis, Nick Kessis, Paul Kevin, Patrick & Diane Kezios, Bessie Kissopoulos, Nick & Effy Kladakis, John & Teddi Kontonickas, Mary† Kontopos, Pete & Katerina Kontopos, Vagelis & Amanda Kontsis, George & Melissa Koros, Kostas & Dina Korvessis, Anthony & Georgia Lydia Koskinaris, Athanasios & Helen Kostopoulos, Dina Kostopoulos, Christos & Erin Kostopoulos, Nikolaos & Dana Kotsovos, Christos & Victoria Koutas, Peter & Barbara Kranias, George & Litsa Kranias, Stratos & Amanda Kunkemoeller, Thomas & Janice Kurlas, Gus Kurlas, Louise T. Kyrios, Eleni Kyrios, Irini Kyrios, Lillian Kyrios, Tassos & Maria Lagos, Tom & Matina Lambrinides, Nicholas & Diane Lambrinides, Ted & Kimberly Lambrinides, Thomas J. & Mary Ann Landando, James & Yvonne Landers, Lauren Larew, Karl & Jordan Knouff Lazares, Gus J. Lazares, John K. & Patricia Leon, Gus A. & Kathryn LesChander, Scott L. & Alexandra Leslie, Wayne & Peggy Levenderis, Bill & Jill Liaros, Vasilios & Evangelia Liston, Robert & Eleni Loukoumidis, George & Stacey Lysko, Bob & Stacy Makris, George J. & Katherine Makris, Thomas & Ellen Maleas, Pete C. & Pearl Mamaligas, Mike & Joann Manolakas, Alexander & Vera Marinakis, Bill D. & Evonne Marinakis, George D. & Eleni Marinakis, George S. Marinakis, Panagiota Marinakis, Ted D. & Katie Maris, George & Tricia Marrone, John J. & Jeri Marrone, John & Tai Masella, Ron & Christine Mathes, Robert & Dena Mavridoglou, Anthony & Janette Mavridoglou, George & Penny Mavridoglou, Konstantinos Mavridoglou, Michael & Laura Mavridoglou, Nicholas & Jessica McKay, Betty Jo McKay, John P. & Christine McKay, Phil & Chris McLeish, David & Kiki McNulty, Robin & Melanie Megois, Lee S. & Stephanie Menkhaus, David & Natalie Merianos, Ted Meyer, Andy & Maria Mikesell, Marco & Aphrodite Miller, Cleo Minor, Eleni Mintsoulis, Maria & Jack O’Banion Mirkopoulos, Nicholas Mirkos, Marilyn Mirkos, Steve & Edyta Misali, A. J. "Ike" Misali, John P. & Deborah Misali, Mary Jean Misali, Paul J. Mitropoulos, Pete & Konstantina Mohler, David & Angel Mokas, Mary Monroe, Angeliki Morgan, Paul & Mary Morris, John & Christine Mortensen, Danny Moulas, Dean & Catherine Moyer, Gabe & Maria Muennich, Sam & Melissa Murray-Nikias, Stella P. Naser, Jacoub & Dina Nathan, Jaimie & Amy Neuendorf, David & Patricia Neuendorf, Matthew Nicholas, Eugene & Cindy Nicholas, George & Eugenia Nicholas, Nick & Helen Nicholas, Zachary Nichols, Ron & Philanthy Niehoff, Barbara Nikias, Charles P. & Vicki Nikias, Vasilia Nitsis, Dimitrius & Leisa Nourtsis, Sam & Alexandra Nyktas, George W. O'Neill, Brian & Stephanie December 2015 Orphanos, Peter & Angela Pagdadis, Sotiris & Stephanie Palassis, Nick & Maria Paliobagis, Vasiliki Panagiotidis, Pantelis & Anastasia Panagis, Nick & Maria Papakirk, James & Maria Panos, Aphrodite Panos, Lula Pantel, Nicholas J. Paolucci, Anthony & Angie Papaioannou, Thomas & Mary Paparodis, Bess Papas, James & Demetra Papasavvas, Nektarios & Sally Papathanas, Harry & Joyce Papathanas, Katherine Papathanas, Mary Kay Papathanasiou, Konstantinos & Tammy Pappas, Martha H. Pappas, Steven & Jolene Parsenios, Lewis G. Parthenakis, Nicholas & Angie Pascal, Betsy Pascal, James Pastroumas, Evgenia Pavlakis, George & Suzanne Payiatis, Paul & Patricia Perdikakis, Constance Perdikakis, Gus G. & Jo Ann Perdikakis, Lynn Perdikakis, Maria Peters, Claire Petkos, Joannis & Christina Petropoulos, Kosta & Tina Petrou, Evey Petrou, James & Carrie Phillips, Joshua & Katherine Pilipovich, George & Cynthia Plomaritis, Peter† & Elsa Pohlmann, Elliot & Nicoletta Politis, Michael & Carmen Polychroniou, Constantine & Christina Poneris, Constantino & Tara Poneris, Kosta & Christine Ponticos, George D. Ponticos, Koula Prasinos, Jim & Nicki Prasinos, Zoe Priest, Daniel & Christina Proffitt, Steve & Laurie Psihountakis, Manouso & Anastasia Psihountas, Mary Quill, Kevin & Mary Rallis, Angelo Ramstetter, Robert & Lisa Raptis, James & Maria Raptis, James & Olga Redmon, Fr. William & Presvytera Elizabeth Reich, Joseph & Stacy Rempe, William & Barbara Riber, Sam & Filio Richardson, Josh & Nicole Riemann, Christopher & Blanca 12 | Page THE VOICE Rigas, Athanasios & Aphrodite Riggs, Adam & Athena Rodish, Peter & Suzanne Romanos, Michael & Carla Rombes, Maria Rombes, Tom & Angie Rombis, Petros & Sofia Romero, Evangelia & Eric Peck Rose, Marvin & Chrysoula Saba, Youhana Sajkich, Steven Sakellariou, George Sakellariou, Maria B. Sakelos, Irene Sakelos, James Sakelos, John & Kathleen Sampson, Angeline Sampson, Michael G. & Roxanne Sampson, Nick & Becky Sampson, Tony & Mary Ann Sansalone, Anthony & Angeleke Sansone, Craig & Susanna Sarakatsannis, George & Marie Sarakatsannis, Nicholas J. & Vicki Sarakatsannis, Nicholas L. & Carla Sarakatsannis, Olympia Sarakatsannis, Panny Sarlis, Nikolaos & Vaseleke Sarros, George H. & Alexandra Sarros, Harry J. Sarros, John H Schmalz, Mary Ann Schmidberger, Gary & Elizabeth Schmitz, Thomas & Cathy Schneider, Elizabeth R. Schoemaker, Henry & Georgia Schooley, Barbara Schuler, Bill & Julie Schulte, Nick & Ianthe Schultz, James & Sarah Schutter, Michael & Lynne Sciortino, Mark & Jenny Sebastian, Chrisanthy Semertzides, Dr. John & Evie Semertzides, Manos & Elizabeth Seremetis, Afrodite K. Seremetis, Gregory G. Seremetis, Stratin & Marjory Sherlock, Michael & Chrysanne Siambekos, Steve T. & Laura Sias, Georgios N. & Kathy Sideris, Danny & Amy Sideris, Mina Sideris, Nick & Jane Siegel, August C. Simos, Marianthi Sims, Penelope & Robert Snider, Luke & Dacia Snyder, Milan & Elaine Soulas, Angelo & Eleni Soulas, Konstantinos & Patricia Spanorigas, Nicholas & Becky Spanos, Van & Litsa Sparks, Ryan & Sophia Sperelakis, Dolores Sperelakis, Sophia Spirtoff, John & Vicki Stacey, Christine Staios, Olga Stamatakos, Anthony Stamatakos, Dino & Diamanto Stamatakos, Gus & Vivi Stamatakos, Tom & Becky Stanifer, Randy & Eleni Stathis, Angelos & Aspasia Stathis, Lee & Evie Stavros, Cathy Stefanopoulos, Andrew & Carol Stenger, Doug & Lauren Stephan, Charles M. Stephan, George Stephan, Kara Stephan, Melinda Stephan, Michael Stephan, Nicholas & Alyssa Steppe, Greg & Ellene Stergiopoulos, James & Dilys Stergiopoulos, William M.† & Janis Stergiopulos, Anna Stergiopulos, Nick & Corey Stiegelmeyer, Michael & Tasia Storch, Mark & Angela Storgion, James & Terry Strain, Richard & Katherine Strike, Louis Stringas, Emanuel Stroplos, Gus Suhar, Sylvia Sweiss, Riyad Sylvester, Debi Tassopoulos, Michael & Ritsa Thomakos, Artemis Thomas, Bill Tipis, Constantine & Lisa Tipis, Eleni Toleski, Steve & Tatsa Tremoulis, John N. & Sunday Trennepohl, Mike & Tina Trester, Ron & Maria Triantafillou, Nicholas Triantafillou, Tilemahos Triantafilou, Alex & Jennifer Triantafilou, George & Eleni Triantafilou, Nicholas P. & Lenna Triantafilou, Peter J. Triantafilou, Rita Trivett, Michael & Matina Truta, Traian & Alina Campan Tsacalis, William & Marie Tsiominas, John & Anna Tsolometes, James & Maria Turner, Kent & Carolyn Valcarcel, John & JoAnne Vardaka, Marianna Varnell, Charles & Krista Vasilakis, Theologos & Mary Vasiliou, Angelo & Maria Vasiliou, Demetrios & Gloria Vasiliou, Kosta & Jodi Vassil, William J. December 2015 Vassiliou, Alex & Soula Vassiliou, Helen Vessey, Lenie Vidas, Angelis & Evridiki Vidas, Cynthia Vidas, Ethel Vidas, Evangelia P. Vidas, Michael & Sofia Vidas, Olga Vlachos, Christopher Vlahakis, Tom & Carol Vollhardt III, Arthur & AnnaMarie Watson, Douglas & Akrivi Weis, Daniel & Anastasia Weisenborn, Cary & Maria Weitfle, Christopher & Maria Williams, Jacinta Williamson, Mark A. & Karen Wilson, Beth & Martin Wilson, Wallace & Michelle Witt, Alan J. & Bessie Wright, Duane M. & Stacy Xanthakos, Stavra & Helmut Roehrig Zaferes, Eleni Zaferes, George P. & Diane Zaferes, Katherine (Tina) Zaferes, Patricia J. Zaferes, Patricia P. Zaferes, Toula Zagorianos, Kristos & Kathy Zaharopoulos, Antonios & Dimitra Zigoris, Mark & Irene Zolotas, Pete & Papy 13 | Page December 2015 For the most updated Calendar, visit www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 1 2 3 7:00 p.m. DOP Christmas Dinner 6:30 p.m. Parish Bible Study 6:30 p.m. HOPE & JOY Meeting Friday 4 Saturday 5 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers for St. Nicholas 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 6 7 8 9 St. Nicholas the Wonderworker 8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy GOYA Mtg. 6:00 p.m. Philoptochos Christmas Dinner 6:30 p.m. AHEPA Mtg. 6:30 p.m. Parish Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Feast of St. Nicholas Community Concert 13 8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Mothers Club Breakfast with Santa 21 8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Christmas Outreach Distribution SCS Nativity Program Greek School Kalanta 15 16 6:30 p.m. Parish Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Orthodox Reading Group 20 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 22 28 8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy No Orthodox Reading Group 12 17 18 19 12:00 p.m. Over Fifty Lunch 24 25 No Parish Bible Study Christmas Eve 8:30 a.m. Vesperal Divine Liturgy Christmas The Nativity of the Lord 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 29 6:00 p.m. Parish Council Dinner & Mtg. 23 No Orthodox Reading Group 27 11 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal No Orthodox Reading Group 14 10 30 No Parish Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy 31 Church Office Closed 26 THE VOICE December 2015 Clergy Presiding Priest: Very Rev. Father William Cassis Assistant Priest: Rev. Father William Redmon Staff Parish Administrator: Eugene Nicholas Facilities Manager: Chris Jonson Building Maintenance Technician: Craig Sansone Officers Parish Council Members James Gelis, President Members Chris Chryssovergis Nicholas L. Sarakatsannis, Vice-President David Greene Peter Rodish, Treasurer Stacey Loukoumidis Justin Bates, Asst. Treasurer Christine Masella Karen Aamodt, Secretary Jessica Mavridoglou Matthew Neuendorf, Asst. Secretary Michael Mavridoglou Nektarios Papasavvas Organizations and Ministries Our Mission THE VOICE is the official monthly newsletter of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our Parish was founded in 1907 and serves Orthodox Christians throughout the tri-state area. Our mission is to reach out to all members of the Community by providing relevant information on the religious, spiritual and cultural life of the Parish; news on the accomplishments of Parish members and organizations, and editorial points of view. Philoptochos Society: Georgianne Gaz, President Parish Choir: Janice Kellaris, Director Cantors: Louis Kapourales, Tasos Ioannides, James Raptis, Philanthy Nichols Altar Boys: Gus Siegel, Father William Cassis, Father William Redmon Sunday Church School: Religious Education Team, Peter Aamodt, Chairman Greek School: Alexandros Laftsidis, Director GOYA: Father William Redmon, GOYA Ministry Team HOPE and JOY Groups: Father William Redmon, Ministry Team Mothers Club: Catherine Stavros, President AHEPA: Peter Rodish, President Daughters of Penelope: Vera Manolakas, President The next deadline for submitting news to the "Voice" is December 6, 2015 Submissions can be dropped off or mailed to the Church Office or e-mailed to gopriest@gmail.com or goc7000@gmail.com Our Church website can be found at www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org Over 50s Club: Ann Jonson, President Parish Bible Study and Orthodoxy 101: Father William Cassis Orthodox Reading Group: Father William Redmon THANK YOU Outreach/Samaritan Fund: Father William Cassis, Father William Redmon, Eugene Nicholas The Good Shepherd Food Pantry: Stephanie Diaz, Maria Freeman, Mary Morgan, Matina Trivett Agios Demetrios Society: Jim Grammas, Maria Panagis PANEGYRI: Eugene Nicholas, Chris Chryssovergis Parish Bookstore: Christina Polychroniou Office Hours: Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Worship Schedule: Matins, 8:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. Other Services as scheduled. 15 | Page Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 7000 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH 45224 Tel: (513) 591-0030 Fax: (513) 591-0043 www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 2118 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD ‘Tis the season to join the members of our Parish in expressing Christmas greetings to one another by participating in our annual COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD. This is a wonderful way to extend holiday greetings to one another, and a successful means of raising funds for our beloved Parish. You can be part of our annual Christmas Card by filling out this form and returning it to the Church Office no later than Wednesday, December 2, 2015 along with a contribution of $30.00 per family. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated. Please list my/our family on the COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD as follows: ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________