February 2014 - Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

The
Community
Echo
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Monthly Newsletter of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, PA
February 2014
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Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Our Vision: We are called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be united and to strive for Theosis (oneness
with God). Our vision at Sts. Constantine and Helen is to see every parishioner recognize and
acknowledge his or her calling; and being motivated by love for Christ and faithfulness, live the
Orthodox Christian life.
And Our Parish Mission Statement: We affirm that the ultimate and exclusive goal of every
Orthodox Christian is Theosis. The mission of our parish is to reach out in love to all faithful
members, as well as to the unchurched Orthodox in our community, and to everyone interested in
Orthodoxy. We do this to help facilitate spiritual growth while intently focusing on the four pillars of
Orthodox Christianity: Leitourgia (worship), Martyria (witness), Koinonia (fellowship), and Diakonia
(service).
How to Contact the Church
Church’s Telephone Number ................................................................................................ 610-374-7511
Church’s FAX Number .......................................................................................................... 610-374-5890
Church’s E-mail Address ........................................................................... office@stsconstantinehelen.org
Church’s Web Site ...............................................................................http://www.stsconstantinehelen.org
Church Office Hours ............................................................. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website……………………………………………………………………………www.stsconstantinehelen.org
Church Staff and Volunteers
Fr. Thomas Pappalas Home Telephone ............................................................................... 610-779-7356
Fr. Tom’s E-mail address ............................................................................... frtompappalas@gmail.com
Jordan Zanetis, jm.zanetis@gmail.com ................................................................................ 615-668-4054
Fr. Spyridon Papademetriou Home Telephone ................................................................. ...610-373-1952
Deacon James Elliker Home Telephone…………………………………………….................610-926-9609
Parish Council President Artie Fecera’s Home Telephone…. ........................................... ..610-670-3434
E-mail address ............................................................................................................... afecera@aol.com
Vice-President Chuck Mowbray ............................................................................................ 610-777-0128
Philoptochos President, Des Denne……………………………..………………………………610-678-8006
E-mail address .....................................................................................................desdenne@comcast.net
Sunday School, Tula Donahue ............................................................................................. 610-670-9141
Adult Choir Director, Ann Kraras ........................................................................................... 610-376-2184
Junior Choir, Maria Damore .................................................................................................. 610-370-0635
GOYA Co-Advisors, Margaret Phyrillas (610-370-0195) and Sharon Lountzis…………..... 610-779-0479
Greek School Teacher, Sophia Tzinis .................................................................................. 610-823-3120
Greek Dance Troupe, Esther Ganas-Miranda, aristea1@aol.com ………………………......610-468-1620
Greek School, Esther Ganas-Miranda, aristea1@aol.com ...….…………………………......610-468-1620
Altar Care, Alan Kachel. Chris Carley, Jim Rohm………………….……………. ……………610-929-8545
Children’s Library, Denise Porcaro ....................................................................................... 610-926-2130
Vacation Bible School, Amy Elliker ....................................................................................... 610-913-1223
Church Bookstore, Chris Dialectos (610-373-7702) and Dawn Medaglia ........................... 610-376-3661
Epistle Readers, Karl Krohn .................................................................................................. 610-779-5223
Office Volunteers, Fran Ioannidi ........................................................................................... 610-678-0269
(K. English, B. Futrick, J. Giovanis, L. Goodhart, S. Hatgiannis, S. Ioannidi, E. Ioannidi, G. Karahalias,
P. Orphanos, M. Pettis, M/M J. Tsakeris, P. Zampelli and E. Young)
Knitting Ministry, Fran Ioannidi .............................................................................................. 610-678-0269
Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Kallie English .................... 610-372-5695
Order of AHEPA, George Giovanis ....................................................................................... 610-775-9602
Habitat for Humanity, Milton Capiotis.................................................................................... 610-670-5842
Kitchen Crew, Steve Lecatsas .............................................................................................. 610-777-0201
Meals on Wheels, Susan Seibert .......................................................................................... 610-678-5907
JOY Advisors, Sophia Westover and Marianthi Caloiero ..................................................... 610-406-5189
OPA Advisor, Amy Elliker…..………………………………………………………………….….610-913-1223
Fellowship Hour Coordinator, Vangie McGowan .................................................................. 610-779-1402
Koleva Coordinator, Mary Pettis………………………………………………………………….610-678-2712
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Christ Three-Part Recipe
for Lent
return to unity, solidarity, love. To forgive is to
put between me and my ‘enemy’ the radiant
forgiveness of God Himself.”
(Matthew 6:14-21
By: Father Anthony Coniaris
Our first challenge for Great Lent is to
receive God’s forgiveness and to forgive.
In the Gospel lesson in the Orthodox
lectionary prescribed for the Sunday
before Great Lent (Chees-fare Sunday),
the Lord Jesus offers us a three-part
recipe for Lent: forgiveness, fasting, and
laying up treasures in heaven
Part II: Fasting will be included in March’s
ECHO and Part III: Treasures in Heaven will
be included in April’s ECHO.
New Year’s Eve
Celebration was a
Resounding Success
.
Part I: Forgiveness
The trouble with our world today is that we
have built too many walls. There was the Iron
Curtain. The Bamboo Curtain. Walls between
the races, between husbands and wives,
parents and children. Walls between man
and God. One of the best ways to tear down
walls is by forgiveness.
By: Cynthia Petrakis
It’s official! The celebration of the Church’s
100th Year Celebration has begun. The
Church New Year’s Eve Party was a
resounding success! ENOSI provided
excellent Greek and American dance music
for the 175 high-spirited guests including
children.
The walls between man and God are built by
sin. During Great Lent the Church calls upon
us to look at the cross of Jesus and His great
mercy. She invites us to come to Christ
during this time in the great Sacrament of
Confession to exchange our sins for the
riches of His Grace, to taste and experience
for ourselves the sweetness of His forgiving
love.
Every linen-topped table was occupied,
surrounded by festive decorations and
lighting. Plentiful mezethes, beverages,
delicious Vasilopita bread prepared by Mauro
Kotsakis and the ladies of the Philoptochos
Society, and a continental breakfast were
enjoyed by all. Guests were even treated to
homemade patsa provided by Hippocrates
and Anna Deligiannis. This event brimming
with good fellowship was a perfect beginning
for the many events being planned this year.
Having received His forgiveness, God calls
on us to grant forgiveness to all who have
hurt us and also to seek forgiveness from
those whom we have hurt. God offers us His
forgiveness very graciously and generously.
But, His forgiveness obligates us to forgive
others. This is exactly what Jesus says in this
Gospel passage: “For if you forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father also will
forgive you; but if you do not forgive men
their trespasses, neither will your Father
forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Christianity begins with the forgiveness of our
Lord. But it does not end there. Because I
have been forgiven and daily am being
forgiven by God for my many sins, I am
obligated to forgive others.
Heartfelt thanks to all of the guests who
supported this party with such positive
remarks about the evening! Kudos to church
board members and other volunteers who
lent a hand during the night. A big thumbs up
to Staci Futrick, who set up two Sunday
School areas as disco and game rooms and
provided snacks for children who attended.
Special thanks to members of the Church
Social Committee for orchestrating this
kickoff event: Connie and Artie Fecera, Harry
Dialectos, Mim and Evan Lambros, Vangie
McGowan, Frank and Cindy Petrakis, and
Kim and Elaine Shunk.
So Lent becomes a time for tearing down
walls first between man and God and then
between
neighbors.
Fr.
Alexander
Schmemann has written in his book Great
Lent:
The formula worked! Great music, good food,
beautiful surroundings, and a reasonable
ticket price made for a memorable event.
Happy ‘2014! Now, let the celebration of this
historical year continue, as one, united
church family.
.
“The triumph of sin, the main sign of its rule
over the world, is division, opposition,
separation, hatred. Therefore, the first break
through this fortress of sin is forgiveness; the
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Religious Calendar for February
Sunday, 2nd
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord
Orthros at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 1 (Thrones): S. Lambriodes, M. Toma, G. Caloiero, C. Siozos, C.
Sterious, D. Porcaro, M. Faust, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley,
E. Hansen , E. Elliker
Sunday, 9th
Sixteenth Sunday of Luke (Publican and Pharisee – Tridion Begins)
Orthros at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Acolytes: Group 2 (Powers): A. Mathews, S. Dikos, E. Hargrave, D.
Kyvelos, T. Limberiou, G. Limberiou, K. Mitchell, S. Mitchell, H. Robitzer, D.
Scantzos, A. Scantzos, E. Ross, N. Simotas
th
Monday, 10
Feast of St, Haralambos the Martyr
Orthros at 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday 16th
Seventeenth Sunday of Luke (Prodigal)
Orthros at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): Andrew Lountzis, P. Breit, D. Damore, A. Lountzis,
A. Midouhas, A. Marmarou, E. Polyak, N. Lountzis, P. Daglis, J. Radwanski, A.
Tilley, A. Lynch, C. Sasaran
nd
Saturday, 22 Saturday of the Souls
Orthros at 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, 23rd Judgment Sunday (Meatfare)
Orthros at 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 4 (Archangels): A. Phyrillas, N. Waligurski, J. Koumaras, J.
Phyrillas, V. Phyrillas, A. Futrick, A. Futrick, Jr., G. Koumaras, Y. Patestas, T.
Siegel, T. Hunsicker, A. Karetas, J. Wagner
.
Orthodoxy Class
Father Tom begins his annual Orthodoxy Classes on Wednesday, February 12 from 7 to 8:30
p.m. The classes will run for six weeks and are designed for both Orthodox parishioners and nonOrthodox who are interested in learning the basic teachings of the Orthodox Church. We will be
using the book Understanding the Orthodox Church. The cost is $10.00. Please call the church
office as soon as possible to register.
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Fellowship Hosts
Saturday of the Souls
Feb. 2
Mr. & Mrs. George Barakos
Mrs. Angelica Baxewanis
Ms. Joanne Baxewanis
Mr. & Mrs. John Baxewanis
Mr. & Mrs. David Becker
On the three Saturdays of the Souls on
February 22, March 1 and March 8, a Divine
Liturgy and Memorial Service will take place,
giving us the opportunity to remember and
pray for our departed loved ones.
Feb. 9
Ms. Mary Beighley
Ms. Iris Bellman
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Berstler
Miss Kalliopi Bozakis
Mr. Jesse Brandow
On the form below please list the names of
those that you want remembered in prayer
and mail or bring the form to the church
office, specifying the Saturday or Saturdays
preferred.
Feb. 16
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Breen
Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Burkert
Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Burkman
Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Caloiero
Mr. & Mrs. David Campbell
Feb. 23
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Cammarano
Mr. & Mrs. Mauro Cammarano
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Capiotis
Miss Stephanie Cardinal
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Care
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Community News
____________________________________
Baptized:
____________________________________
Samantha Lynn daughter of Trevor and Amy
Vaughan on January 11 with Kathy Rohm,
Hany Kheir and Andrew Kheir as sponsors.
____________________________________
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
____________________________________
Married:
____________________________________
Matthew Nicholas Kunkelman and Jacquelyn
Valencia on January 4, they will reside in
Summerville, South Carolina.
____________________________________
____________________________________
~ Lord Crown them with Glory and Honor ~
____________________________________
Our Sympathy:
____________________________________
To the families of George T. Kefalas who
passed into eternal life on January 2.
____________________________________
~ Eternal be his memory ~
____________________________________
____________________________________
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have helped to bring this wonderful ministry
to fruition.
Remember in Prayer
A very big thank you to the following
additional individuals who responded to the
recent appeal to help fund our parish’s Food
Pantry. The total amount received was
$6,625.00. Parishioners can still contribute by
sending your donation to the Church Office.
Please remember in prayer parishioners who
are in nursing homes and retirement
communities, the home-bound, and those
convalescing: Ruth Anthony, Helen Arones,
Catherine Daniels, George Dracoules,
Georgia Earhart, Caroline Exas, Stella Exas,
Katherine Fisher, Frances George, Mary
Harris, Helen Hatzas, Rose Kaisoglus,
Dorothy Kreisher, Marie Lecatsas, Mary
Marmarou, Helen Nicholas, Maria Papoutsis,
Helen Psaros, William Thomas, Sebastian
Ulrich, Margaret Wesner and Molly Yatron.
Edward and Stephanie Breen
Thomas and Maria Crassas
Despina Denne
John and Fran Ioannidi
Steve and Joyce Lecatsas
Evangeline McGowan
From Our Parish Council
And those hospitalized during the month of
January:
Theodora
Griffith,
Pauline
Heckman, Eleni Kakalelis, and James
Thomas
Artie Fecera, President
Our last Parish Council Meeting was held
Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Members
present: President, Artie Fecera, VicePresident, Chuck Mowbray, Secretary, Tony
Phyrillas, Treasurer, Mike Mavreles, Gus
Kraras, Harry Dialectos, Anthony Koumaras,
Connie Fecera, Kim Shunk, Frank T.
Petrakis, Stratton Marmarou, Gus Kotsakis,
Angel Helm and Father Tom.
Matthew 25
“I was hungry and you gave me food: I was
thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a
stranger and you took me in; I was naked
and you clothed me; I was sick and you
visited me; I was in prison and you came to
me…inasmuch as you did it to one of the
least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.”
Members absent: Financial Secretary Nick
Karetas, and Athan Dialectos.
Mike Mavreles gave us a report on our Year
End Budget. For parishioners who were
unable to attend the January 5, 2014 General
Assembly, we approved the 2014 budget.
This year’s budget was lower than 2013. As
Council Members we are working hard to
keep expenses down.
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our
neighbors in need, mostly families from the
Oakbrook
Housing
Development.
On
December 17 our parish provided food for 61
needy families, which included 271 children
and 50 senior citizens. The total number of
people served was 513. The Pantry will
continue to distribute food on the last
Tuesday of the month. Parishioners can help
by 1) volunteering to help distribute food in
future months by calling the Church Office to
sign up, and 2) contributing to the Food
Pantry Fund to help cover expenses. Thank
you to all the donors, and volunteers who
Angel Helm gave Council a report on our
Capital Campaign. We have 132 families that
pledged for a total of $395,000. We thank all
those families that pledged. Our goal is
$500,000. We need everyone’s help to reach
our goal. If you did not pledge, please
consider – no matter what the amount you
decide.
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Connie Fecera gave us a report on our New
Year’s Eve Celebration that kicked-off our
“100 Year Anniversary Celebration”. Connie
reported that we had approximately 175
people who attended including children and
enjoyed the music of Enosi.
Capiotis, Milton and Sharon
Care, Robert and Maria
Chaknos, Michael and Karen
Damore, Anthony and Maria
Darcourt, Marcia
Dastra, Lula
Dikos, Connie
Donahue, Bernard and Patricia
Exas, Caroline
Exas, Stella
Georgeadis, James and Christine
Green, Despina
Griffith, Theodora
Holden, Marilyn
Hunsicker, Scott and Marisa
Kefalas, George and Georgia
Koutalelis, Eva
Kovras, Esther A.
Kralles, Athens and Joyce
Krallis, Anthony and Maria
Kraras, Christ and Ann
Kraras, Dean and Jennifer
Kraras, Gust
Lawrence, Shane and Stasia
Lountzis, Katherine
Lountzis, Nicholas Petros III
Marmarou, Stratton P. and Joanne
Maroulis, Peter and Cornelia
McGowan, Evangeline
Miller, Leon and Rosemarie
Moliatu, Shawn and Heather
Mowbray, Charles and Stella
Moyer, Michael and Kathy
Ott, Robert and Elaine
Platanos, Nicholas and Kathryn
Porcaro, Victoria
Radwanski, Justin and Vicky
Rogers, Gary and Susan
Savadelis, Katherine
Scaros, Anthousa E.
Simotas, Nicholas and Aspasia
Sotos, Lambros and Antigone
Theodossiou, Jerry and Linda
Warren, Gregory and Darice
Weidner, Mark and Joanne
Whitman, Dean and Sharon
Yatron, George and Shirleen
Zeppos, Alex and Filippia
Zervanos, Michael and Catherine
Zogas, Gust and Doris
Gust Kraras gave us a report on the “100
Year Anniversary Celebration” leading up to
our May 18th Grand Banquet. There will be
several observances. Each honoring the
Church Organizations with an Artoclasia, a
brunch and a group photo. They are Sunday
th
February 9 Philoptochos, Sunday February
th
16 Greek School, Sunday February 23rd
Choir, Sunday March 2nd Altar Boys, Sunday
March 16th Sunday School, Sunday March
30th Parish Council, Sunday April 6 GOYA
and Sunday May 4th AHEPA. Any
parishioners belonging to any of these
organizations past or present are invited to
participate.
Our strategic theme for our January Meeting
was our Parish Council Yearly Seminar
conducted by Father Tom.
Our next Parish Council Meeting will be held
on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. Remember
to see Harry Dialectos for your food coupons
at Fellowship. It helps our Church financially
and is at no cost to our parishioners.
Stewardship
Steve Lecatsas, Chairman
Thank you to all the following additional
Parishioners who have submitted their 2014
pledge cards. Total pledges received to date
are $102,041.00 and the average pledge per
family is $944.82. Parishioners who have not
yet submitted their pledge cards are asked to
please do so at their earliest convenience.
Anthony, Ruth
Apsokardu, George and Carolee
Arones, Helen
Cammarano, Andrew and Sophia
Cammarano, Mauro and Angel
Labe (Cammarano, Gregory and Stephanie
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ABIDING IN GOD’S LOVE
AND SECURING OUR FUTURE
Happy New Year to all! We are beginning the countdown to our campaign conclusion in May of this
year. That is just four months away and we need all of our parish members to help reach our goal. In
the month of January through January 21st, we received three new pledges totaling $8,300.00. We
are just shy of $396,000.00. Please call the Church or send in your pledge card to help us reach our
goal. If our entire parish participates, WE CAN BE SUCCESSFUL!!
New Pledges:
Stewards ($1 - $2,499)
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Phyrillas
Patrons ($2,500 - $4,999)
Dr. James Pace
Esteemed Patrons ($5,000 - $14,999)
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Petrakis
Total pledges received as of January 21, 2014 are $395,790.00.
ST. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN Greek Orthodox Church
READING, PA
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Sunday School
We look forward to helping to teach your
children for the remainder of the Sunday
School year. May God bless you and your
children. Teachers - Tina Daniels, Heather
Moliatu, Aids - Shelly Edwards, Fran
Thompson, Des Yianoulis.
Submitted by Connie Fecera – Lead Teacher
Tula Donahue, Director
We hope everyone has survived the cold and
snowy month of January!!!! Sunday School
Attendance continues to be wonderful and we
thank the parents who are dedicated to
having their children learn about Orthodoxy.
Please remember that Sunday School starts
at 9:45, we have noticed an increase in
tardiness and hope you can do your best to
attend Sunday School by 9:45! Students
arriving late do disrupt the teaching time!
Parents of Altar Boys – please remind your
son to sign in at their respective Sunday
School class prior to going to Altar!
Children’s Library – The Children’s Library
is open. If you are interested in helping on
Sundays, please contact Denise Porcaro at
dporcaro01@comcast.net. Each Sunday we
will have classes visit the library. We do ask
that you have your child return the book with
one or two weeks.
Word of the Month
Sacrament Μυστńριο mē-sté-rē-o
A mysterious way in which God imparts grace
and love to His people.
The Holy Eucharist is considered the
“sacrament of sacraments.”
Sacraments help us to become more like
Jesus.
Perfect Attendance – We would like to
recognize the following students who had
perfect attendance (no absences) during the
months of November and December.
This month we are spotlighting the
Prekindergarten Class. Thank you to all the
faithful parents who bring their children to
Sunday School. The teachers appreciate the
opportunity to teach your children about our
Orthodox Faith and what it takes to be a
faithful Christian.
Andrew – 12th grade
Stavanna Donahue – 11th grade
Mackenzie Kraras – 6th grade
th
Peyton Kraras – 6 grade
Nicholas Lountzis – 4th grade
rd
Carly Futrick – 3 grade
Amanda Tilley – 3rd grade
Courtney Futrick – 2nd grade
nd
AJ Tilley – 2 grade
Christopher Sasaran – 2nd grade
Niko Simotas – 2nd grade
Christopher Kraras – 1st grade
Delaney Kraras – Beginnings
Alex Sasaran – Beginnings
Zoe Simotas – Beginnings
Chelsea Rechieru – PreK
Each week the class begins by making the
sign of the cross and a prayer. Prayer is a
wonderful gift to give our children, we teach
them they can pray anytime and God will be
faithful to hear and answer their prayers.
Sometime he will say yes, sometimes no and
sometimes wait, but he will always answer.
The children practice the sign of the cross
throughout the Liturgy also. Teaching them
to listen to Father Tom and when to make the
sign of the cross helps them to get accustom
to paying attention and following the
progression of the Liturgy. We have a lesson
each week according to the church calendar
along with a craft. The Pre-K class is always
eager to join in with questions and answers
about our lesson of the week.
Youth Volunteers: We want to acknowledge
the following students who volunteered
during the month of January. Alex Lountzis
was our Epistle Reader. James Phyrillas was
our pleasant Greeter. Jessica Craciun,
Michelle Craciun, Soci Phyrillas, and
Chrisovalandis Siozos passed the trays.
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assembled to commemorate our church’s
and chapter’s milestone anniversaries!
Philoptochos
Philoptochos Stewardship…
Letters for 2014 stewardship were sent out to
all members in early January. Please
remember to send in your stewardship
contribution by March 31st to remain a
member in good standing. If you are not yet
a member but would like to join, please contact
Paula Berstler at 610-921-9496.
Submitted by: Des Denne & Cindy Petrakis
What an exciting time for our parish! As we
busily prepare to celebrate an incredible 100
years for our beloved church, we are pleased to
note that 2014 also marks an amazing 80 years
for our St. Xenia Philoptochos chapter. Our
parish plans to hold a series of centennial
events honoring all the major organizations,
and how fitting it is that Philoptochos will be the
first!
Sunshine Committee…
We extend a warm welcome to Dawn
Medaglia, who has graciously volunteered to
assume the duties of this committee. Dawn
looks forward to continuing the Philoptochos
tradition of sending thoughtful expressions of
cheer and sympathy to our parishioners. At the
same time, we give our loving thanks to Mary
Sianis for her many years of faithful service on
this committee as she continues her service on
our board. Thank you, ladies!
CHURCH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
HONORING PHILOPTOCHOS
On Sunday, February 9th, we invite all
Philoptochos members to sit together at the
front of the church in the reserved pews on
the right hand side.
Artoclasia and prayers will be offered for all
past and present members, and group photos
will be taken to memorialize the event for our
future generations. Following the service, we
will join the rest of the parish for a lovely brunch
generously sponsored by Angel Cammarano
on behalf of Philoptochos. Please don’t miss
this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
ON THE CALENDAR…
Sunday, February 9th – “GO RED”
All
women are invited to wear red to church in
support
of
the
American
Heart
Association’s GO RED campaign to bring
awareness to heart disease, the #1 killer of
American women.
NOTE: Ladies, if you still have your red
ribbon from last year, please wear it
again!!
Monday, February 10th – General Meeting
featuring guest speaker Gus Kraras, who
will share his memories and vast
knowledge of our church’s history (see
enclosed flyer). Don’t miss this wonderful
program!
Monday, February 17th – Serving dinner at
Opportunity House Shelter. Contact Kally
English at 610-372-5695 to help serve or
make a donation.
Sunday, February 23rd – Apokries
Special Announcement:
Due to the centennial celebrations
planned over the next few months, the
Apokries event has been cancelled.
Saturday, April 5th – Spring Bake Sale &
Easter Plant Sale. Pre-Order forms are
Vasilopita Spaghetti Dinner Wrap-up…
We thank all parishioners who attended our
annual Vasilopita dinner on January 12th. Your
support allows us to make a generous donation
to benefit the children of Saint Basil Academy.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped
set up, serve, and clean up, and to all the men
in the kitchen crew who prepared the delicious
spaghetti & meatball dinner. We owe a special
debt of gratitude to Mauro Kotsakis and her
team for lovingly preparing the delicious
Vasilopita and desserts. Great job, everyone!
Public Relations/Photography…
Check out the Philoptochos Showcase at any
time to keep abreast of what’s going in in our
chapter and to view photographs taken of
Philoptochos events throughout the year.
Please take the time to enjoy the special
centennial
display
that
our
ladies
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included in this Echo. Please return
your form and payment on or before the
deadline of March 2 2014 to guarantee
your order!
As our parish prepares for its Centennial
Celebration, we will take time to look back at
the role Greek school has played over these
past 100 years here in Reading. On Sunday,
February 16th we ask that all parishioners
who have ever been involved in some way
with the Greek school, whether they’ve
helped teach or simply attended classes, plan
to attend Liturgy together to honor all those
who’ve worked so hard to make our parish a
strong presence in the community and
upheld proudly the rich Hellenic heritage
that’s been handed down to us. After the
Artoclasia which will be offered for the health
and wellbeing of all, a group picture will be
taken to mark this special occasion. A
luncheon will follow in our social hall. Please
mark your calendars and plan to join us.
February Baking Schedule
Bread – Tues., Feb. 18, 9:00 a.m.
Finikia – Thurs., Feb. 20, 9:00 a.m.
Philoptochos Gives…
Kourambiedes
– Thurs.,
27,in9:00
a.m.
The
following donations
wereFeb.
made
January:
$1000
–
Saint
Basil
Academy
Your help is welcome---please volunteer
$500
– Kivotos
of the
as much
or as tou
littleKosmou
time as (“Ark
you can!
World”), a charity in Greece that cares for
Philoptochos Gives…
The following donations were made in
January:
° $1000 – Saint Basil Academy
° $500 – Kivotos tou Kosmou (“Ark of the
World”), a charity in Greece that cares for
children in need
° $350 – National Social Services Fun
KEFI Dance Troupe
Submitted by Esther Ganas-Miranda
GREEK SCHOOL NEWS
This month marks KEFI’s 5 year anniversary.
Many of our dancers are original members of
our group and for them, Greek dancing has
become an important part of how they
identify with their heritage but perhaps more
significantly, meeting every week to dance
together is one of the few opportunities we
can offer them to be “social” without an
electronic device in their hands
TA NEA
Submitted by Esther Ganas-Miranda
After a two week break for Christmas,
classes resumed in January with a renewed
sense of purpose as the school year seems
to be flying by. The Greek school families
celebrated Christmas with a dinner on
December 16th and a special visit from Αγιο
Βασιλη who brought gifts for everyone and
posed for pictures with our youngsters (and
some who are just young at heart).
The group took a bit of an extended break for
the holiday season, but we started again in
earnest at the end of January. Felicia has
plans to introduce a few new dances and
bring some embellishments to our standards.
We would love to see some new faces join us
on Monday evenings in the church hall. With
the hectic Fall/Winter sports season behind
us, this may be the perfect time to add Greek
dance to your schedule. We’d love to bring
back a JOY aged group as well so if you
think your kids might be interested, please
come and watch a practice. The only
guarantees we make is that you’ll have fun!
Although we don’t formally celebrate Greek
Letters Day as we associate it with the Feast
of the Three Hierarchs on January 30th, we
still recount the lives of St. Basil the Great,
St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John
Chrysostom and how they laid the
groundwork for the perfect union of
scholarship and theology. Their combined,
immense contributions in so many realms of
learning still stand as examples for us to
emulate today.
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Memorial Donations
In Memory of Robert McGowan
Evangeline McGowan
January 30, 2013
In
Memory
of
Presvytera
Papademetriou
Gregory and Lisa Kallis
The parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen
is extremely grateful to all the people who
generously donate money in memory of their
loved ones.
Metaxia
In Loving Memory of Anastasis Phyrillas
Gregory and Lisa Kallis
In Memory of Christ and Mary Andrianakos
Patricia D. Mavreles
In Memory of Nicholaou Psaroulis (father of
Sophia Tzinis)
Angeliki Ganas, Vaso Hemrich, Dionisios and
Maria Kotsakis, Katie Lountzis, Joseph and
Esther Miranda
In Memory of Isabel Chaknos
Jeffrey S. Kiehne
In Memory of Jane (Kranis) Deininger
Larry and Dawn Medaglia
In Memory of Elpida Rapp
Maria Karahalias
In Memory of Lt. Col. James DeVage
Lula Dastra, Augie and Mary Ninfo, Stella Ninfo
In Memory of Nicholas Salakos and Sadie
Patton
Despina Green
In Memory of George Dialectos
Maria Care, Athan and Gretchen Dialectos,
Joanne Dialectos, Scott and Angel Helm
In Memory of Nicholas Salakos and Sadie
Patton
Helen Scouten, Franklyn and Mary Wise
In Memory of Vasiliki Fotopoulos
Gregory and Lisa Kallis
In Memory of John, Stella, Kim Sianis and
Sophie Harris
Harry and Mary Sianis
In Memory of Borys and Matina Hac
Gregory and Lisa Kallis
In Memory of Dimitrios Iliopoulos
Gregory and Lisa Kallis
In Memory of Theodore and Helen Skias,
Thomas and Athena Pappas, George and
Esther Grerelis, Harry and Jennie Andrian
and Calabria and Helen Harris
Michael R. and Cleo DeSantis
In Memory of Denise Karahalias and George
Kefalas
Michael and Constantina Marmarou, Evelpis
Paraskis
In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz
Mercena, Stephanie and Ed
In Memory of Peter Karahalias
Dennis Karahalias, Maria Karahalias, Brian and
Thekli Sariano
In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz and
Harry P. Zaharis
David and Vlacia Campbell, Drew and Brittani
Campbell, Alexis Campbell
In Memory of George Kefalas
Sal and Mary Caloiero, John and Despina
Frangakis, George and Antigone Kakales,
Dennis Karahalias, Maria Karahalias, Mr. and
Mrs. Stratton Marmarou, Brian and Thekli
Sariano, Miss Froso Kefalas, Gust Kraras, Bill
and Anna Panos
In Memory of Seva Zervanos
Scott and Crisanne Bansner, Mr. and Mrs. John
Ioannidi, Gust Kraras, Spyridon G. and Mary M.
Patton, Frank and Cindy Petrakis, James and
Rita Petrakes, Harold E. and Lana Rodgers,
Peter and Chris Shaeffer John and Karen
Tripolitis, Christ and Hariklia Zervanos
In Memory of Vasilios and PanagiotaKoufomichalis (Kallis) and Constantine and
Spyridoula Trihias (our parents in Greece)
Gregory and Lisa Kallis
14
February 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
GOYA Basketball
Tournament, Canonsburg, PA
2
Feast of the
Presentation of Our Lord
8:30am Orthros
9:45am Sunday School
9:45am Divine Liturgy
3
5:30pm Greek School
4
5
5:30pm Greek School
5:30pm Greek School
7:00pm Philoptochos Board
Meeting (Library)
6:00pm GOYA Basketball
6
7
8
13
14
15
7:30pm Book Study
IOCC Souper Bowl Sunday
Tournament, Canonsburg
9
16th Sunday of Luke
(Publican and Pharisee)
Triodion begins
8:30am Orthros
9:45am Sunday School
9:45am Divine Liturgy
Philoptochos Artoclasia and
100th Celebration Lunch
(following Divine Liturgy)
10
Feast of St. Haralambos
the Martyr
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Liturgy
11
12
5:30pm Greek School
5:30pm Greek School
7:30pm Book Study
7:00pm Parish Council
6:00pm GOYA Basketball
7:00pm Orthodoxy Class
2:00pm Philoptochos Mtg.
(Gust Kraras, guest
speaker)
GOYA
7:30pm Book Study
16
17th Sunday of Luke
(Prodigal)
8:30am Orthros
9:45am Sunday School
9:45am Divine Liturgy
17
5:00pm Cooking for
Opportunity House
18
House Blessings (Day 8)
5:30pm Greek School
5:30pm Greek School
19
20
Basketball
21
9:00am Baking Finikia
9:00am Baking Bread
5:30pm Greek School
7:30pm Book Study
6:00pm GOYA Basketball
→ Pittsburgh, PA
23
24
5:30pm Greek School
.
25
26
5:30pm Greek School
5:30pm Greek School
6:00pm Food Pantry
6:00pm GOYA Basketball
7:00pm Orthodoxy Class
Choir 100th Celebration
Lunch (following Divine
Liturgy)
GOYA Meeting following
Divine Liturgy (H.S. Rm.)
7:30pm Book Study
15
→
22
GOYA Basketball
Tournament, Lancaster, PA
7:00pm Orthodoxy Class
7:30pm Book Study
Judgment Sunday
(Meatfare)
8:30am Orthros
9:45am Sunday School
9:45am Divine Liturgy
→
Saturday of the Souls
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Liturgy
Greek School 100th
Celebration Lunch (following
Divine Liturgy)
→
Tournament
27
9 9:00am Baking
Kourambiedes
5:30pm Greek School
7:30pm Book Study
28
`
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
1001 East Wyomissing Boulevard
Reading, PA 19611
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Reading, PA
Permit No. 101
About the Icon on the front cover…. Right-believing George the Great Prince of Vladimir
Holy Great Prince George was a son of Great Prince Vsevolod, nicknamed “Big Nest.” He was born
in the year 1189, and he assumed the great princely throne of Vladimir in 1212. He was distinguished
for his military valor and his piety. In the year 1237 the Tatar (Mongol) Horde of Batu descended
upon the Russian land. St George was compelled to leave the capital city in charge of his sons, and
went north to meet up with the other princes.
On March 4, 1238 the Battle at the River Sita was fought, in which the Tatars destroyed the small but
valiant company of the Great Prince. The saint himself fell in this fight, and Bishop Cyril buried his
body at the Rostov cathedral. Two years later, it was transferred to Vladimir’s Dormition cathedral
with great solemnity.
The Church glorification of the saint occurred in 1645.
The deadline for the March Echo issue is February 19, 2014.
16