PDF, 6.07MB - St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church
Transcription
PDF, 6.07MB - St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church
St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church Canton, Ohio Celebrating Our Past Building Our Future September & October 2012 St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church Parish Administrators 2012 Office Hours: Phone: Website: Email: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-3:00 pm Office: 330-454-7278 Fax: 330-454-0099 www.stharalambos.com Haralambos251@stharalambos.com Rev. DR. nicholas V. gamvas, PROTOPRESBYTER Phone: 330-454-2443 Cell: 330-685-5030 Email: Fathernick@stharalambos.com Parish Council OFFICERS President………………….. Vice President…………….. Treasurer………………….. Asst. Treasurer……………. Secretary………………….. Asst. Secretary……………. Dr. William Skendelas Ron A. Darrah Steve Diamant James Kellamis Christopher Manos Sia Pope Members Vince Arrigo Michael Fakelis Xenophon Griveas Paula Macris Dr. Peter Michalos Peter Papadopulos Anthony Ramphos Nicholas Ramphos Chris H. Vallos Georgia Zenallis Church Staff Secretary…………………... Alexandra Tank Alex@stharalambos.com Project Manager……….. … Stephanie Withers Stephanie@stharalambos.com Custodian………………….. John Sakellariou Choir Director……………... Dr. Alex Christ Subdeacons………………. Sextons ………………….… Chanters………………….. Parish Organizations Sunday School Director….. Greek School ……….……. Ladies Philoptochos Soc…. Men’s Club………………… Silver Liners …………….... Icon, Gift & Bookstore……. Funeral & Makaria……….. Mary Griveas Dennis Tzouloufis Mary Griveas Peter Papadopulos Kathy Dieringer Helenann Meder Fran Armatas Diane Foradas Paula Macris Ann Simatacolos Rena Cotopolis GOYA………...……..…….. JOY………….……………... YAL………………………… Hellenic Dancers…………. Agia Markella Chios Soc... Pan-Cretan Association…. AHEPA……………………. Daughters of Penelope….. Sons of Pericles…………. Bill Poulos, Jr. Labib El-Bardawil Dean Darrah Eustathios Fronimos Petros Gaitanos John C. Kellamis Thomas A. Cazantzes Michael A. Lazoran Labib El-Bardawil Carol Capocci Allison Sarris Christina Armatas Eleni Paxos Eleni Paxos Frances Pantelides George Kalantzis Eleni Paxos Bill Poulos, III ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH SEPTEMBER PASTORAL MESSAGE THE BEGINNING OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL NEW YEAR Also the Feastday of St. Simeon the Stylite and the 40 women Martyrs of Thrace SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ, The beginning of the ecclesiastical year offers us the opportunity to reflect on the place of worship within our parish communities. It is the cycle of worship that provides the content of the Ecclesiastical Year. It is this content which compels us, the clergy and laity, to examine what it is that makes true worship the core of a Christian, and therefore an Orthodox, life in Christ – theosis . By entering the Ecclesiastical Year we discover—perhaps for the first time—the mercy and love of God revealed in the celebrations which open to us the great acts of salvation. In these celebrations, culminating in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the body of Orthodox Christians is made into the body of Christ. In these celebrations, the Kingdom of God is being proclaimed and revealed. With the proclamation of the Gospel we are given the opportunity to receive the living Word of God which renews and illumines those seeking “to run the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). By embracing this Word we are invited to draw near and receive from the table of the Kingdom of immortality. The Ecclesiastical New Year has the potential—indeed the power—to establish ourselves within the saving acts of God. But this potential can only be realized, can only impact our lives, if we commit ourselves to a life that yearns to know and share the Word of God. This is why we gather corporately as the Church Community. This is why the services of the Church cannot be ends in themselves, but the context from which the ministry of Christ, manifested by the faithful, permeates and transfigures the world. Beloved in the Lord, a great and awesome gift has been entrusted to us. By entering the Ecclesiastical Year we are given the opportunity to proclaim in word and deed the Gospel of new and eternal life. Let us draw near “in faith and love” and enter with great joy into the mystery of the liturgical life of our Church. And let us proclaim to the world the saving acts of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With love in the Christ, + Father Nicholas V. Gamvas + Rev. Protopresbyter Nicholas V. Gamvas, D.Min., Ph.D., Proistamenos Koinonia September & October 2012 3 SUNDAY MONDAY TUEDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH 9:00 †Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year SEPTEMBER 2012 2 9:00 †13th Sunday of Matthew 3 Labor Day Office Closed 3:30 †Sacrament 4 SATURDAY 5 6 7 8 5:30 Philop. Bd Mtg 6:30 Philop. Mtg. 6:30 Parish Council Meeting 6:00 Sunday School Teacher Mtg. 9:00 †Nativity of the Theotokos 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29 9:00 †Sunday Before the Holy Cross †Memorial-40 day Victoria Cotopolis 9:00 †Sunday After the Holy Cross †Memorial-3 yr Fotini Tzouloufis 12:00 JOY Mtg. 6:00 GOYA Mtg. 23 9:00 †1st Sunday of Luke 9:45 Start of Sunday 5:30 Greek School Begins 6:00 Senior Choir Rehearsal 12:30 Silver Liners Luncheon 6:30 Parish Council Meeting 9:00 †Exaltation of the Holy Cross 6:00 Bible Study Happy Birthday Father Nick! Chronia Polla! 6:30 5K Meeting 24 5:30 Greek School 25 3:30 Bible Study 4:20 Dance Practice 6:00 Junior Choir Rehearsal 6:30 Men’s Club Mtg. School & Choir 30 6:00 Krassas Catering Event PLEASE JOIN US! 9:00 †2nd Sunday of Luke OCTOBER 2012 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 21 22 28 29 5:30 Greek School 5:30 Philop. Board 9:00 †3rd Sunday of Luke National Church Music Sunday 9:00 †4th Sunday of Luke 9:00 †6th Sunday of Luke Youth Sunday 6:00 Goya Mtg. 5:30 Greek School 5:30 Greek School 11:00 Krassas Catering Event 5:30 Greek School 9:00 †Protection of 5:30 Greek School the Theotokos Godparent Sunday 4 4 5 6 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 31 12:00 Silver Liners Meeting 3:30 Bible Study 4:20 Dance Practice Nov. & Dec. Koinonia Deadline 4:20 Dance Practice 4:20 Dance Practice 4:20 Dance Practice 9:00 †St. Demetrios 11:30 Past Presidents’ Luncheon 6:00 Krassas Catering Event Whoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:15 Koinonia September & October 2012 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH September & October Liturgical Calendar SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 1 SATURDAY BEGINNING OF THE NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR - 9:00 a.m. - Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy and Agiasmos Blessing S - Holy Water will be at the end of the Divine Liturgy. SEPTEMBER 2 SUNDAY 13th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW - ΄ 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy SEPTEMBER 8 SATURDAY THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS - 9:00 a.m. - Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy SEPTEMBER 9 SUNDAY SUNDAY BEFORE THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy. SEPTEMBER 14 FRIDAY THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 9:00 a.m. - Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy This is a serious fast day. No meat, fish or dairy products are permitted on this day. SEPTEMBER 16 SUNDAY SUNDAY AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy. SEPTEMBER 23 SUNDAY 1st SUNDAY OF LUKE - ΄ 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy First Day of Sunday School! Welcome Back Students, Teachers & Choir Members! SEPTEMBER 30 SUNDAY 2nd SUNDAY OF LUKE - ΄ 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy OCTOBER 7 SUNDAY 3rd SUNDAY OF LUKE - NAT’L. CHURCH MUSIC SUNDAY - ΄ 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy The St. Haralambos Parish Council will sponsor the coffee hour and Cake in honor of our beautiful St. Haralambos Choir and Chanters. OCTOBER 14 SUNDAY 4th SUNDAY OF LUKE - ΄ 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy OCTOBER 21 SUNDAY 6th SUNDAY OF LUKE - 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy OCTOBER 26 FRIDAY ST. DEMETRIOS THE GREAT MARTYR - 9:00 a.m. - Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy OCTOBER 28 SUNDAY HOLY PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS - HOLY SKEPI OXI DAY 9:00 a.m. - Orthros 10:00 a.m. - Divine Liturgy followed by a Doxology Service This is a National Day of celebration in Greece for observance of those who gave their lives for the sake of “FREEDOM.” OCTOBER Koinonia September & October 2012 5 Exhaltation of The Holy Cross September 14 Fr. Nicholas V. Gamvas The Exaltation of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross, or Holy Cross Day. The liturgy of the Cross is a triumphant liturgy. When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus when He was lifted up on the Cross. Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of the Cross, the instrument of our redemption. To follow Christ we must take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if it means death on the cross. We identify with Christ on the Cross and become co-redeemers, sharing in His cross. Saint Helen, the Emperor’s mother, desiring to visit the holy places there, made a journey into Palestine in 326, though she was at that time near eighty years of age. On her arrival at Jerusalem she was inspired with a great desire to find the identical cross on which Christ had suffered for our sins, in order to build the proposed church on the site of Calvary. She was informed that, if she could find the Holy Sepulchre, she would also find the instruments of the punishment, since it was the custom among the Jews to dig a pit near the place where the body of a criminal was buried, and to throw into it whatever had contributed to his execution. Near it were found three crosses and the nails which had pierced Our Saviour’s body, with the title which had been fixed to His cross. By this discovery they knew that one of those three crosses was the one they sought, and that the others belonged to the two criminals between whom Our Savior had been crucified. But because the title was found separate from the cross, it was difficult to distinguish which of the three crosses was the one on which our Redeemer consummated His sacrifice for the salvation of the world. In this perplexity the holy Bishop of Jerusalem Macarius, knowing that one of the principal ladies of the city lay ill and at the point of death, suggested to the Empress to have the three crosses carried to the sick person, not doubting that God would reveal which one was the cross they sought. Saint Macarius prayed that God would have regard to their faith, and then he applied the crosses, one after another, to the patient. She was immediately and perfectly cured by the touch of the True Cross, after the others had been tried without effect. Saint Helen, full of joy at having found the treasure which she had so earnestly sought and so highly esteemed, built a church on the site and placed the cross there with great veneration, after providing for it an extraordinarily rich silver reliquary. She afterwards carried part of it to her son Constantine at Constantinople, who received it with great veneration; and another part she took to Rome, to be placed in the church which she built there, called Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, where it remains to this day. Orthodoxy honors this event on September 14 at a special service in which the priest carries a small cross on a tray decorated with vasilikos, (basil) throughout the church. (Vasilikos), Basil is the traditional flower of the Orthodox church, is also used during the feast days of Epiphany, the Veneration of the Holy Cross, and any time the service of ayasmos (blessing of water) takes place. The church has established September 14 as a day of fasting equal to that of Good Friday, as a reminder that Christ died on the cross; many partake of Holy Communion on this Feast day. The Gospel reading at the Divine Liturgy describes the Crucifixion of Christ. After the service, each parishioner receives a basil sprig. 6 Koinonia September & October 2012 The Life of Saint Demetrios October 26 Fr. Nicholas V. Gamvas WHO IS ST. DEMETRIOS? Saint Demetrios was born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 270 AD. He came from a wealthy family and because he was athletic in appearance and heroic in spirit, he became a high-ranking officer in the Roman Army at a very young age. (This is why he is depicted in Byzantine icons in military dress, either standing or riding a horse.) He considered himself a soldier of Christ first, and a military soldier second. He spent most of his time as a devout missionary, preaching the Gospel at secret meetings and converting pagans to the Christian faith. At one of these meetings, he was captured and placed in front of the Emperor Maximian, who wanted to learn the truth about the conversions. Saint Demetrios proclaimed his faith by saying: "...only in Christ do I believe." With that proclamation, Maximian ordered that Saint Demetrios be sent to prison and subjected to the cruelest tortures. Even though Saint Demetrios was imprisoned, he did not stop preaching the gospel to those who came to see him. In jail, he was visited by his follower, Nestoras. Nestoras was a man of small stature and had come to ask for his beloved teacher's blessing to fight in the upcoming gladiator games. The emperor had decided to use the games as a duel between Christianity and paganism by challenging any Christian to a fight against the athletic giant, Leo. With the blessing of Saint Demetrios, Nestoras fought and killed Leo. Enraged at the loss of his favorite gladiator, the emperor commanded that Nestoras be beheaded on the spot. Recognizing that Saint Demetrios was the inspiring power behind Nestoras, the emperor ordered that Saint Demetrios be executed by spear on October 26, 306 AD Christians buried the body of Saint Demetrios at the place of his execution and because of the beautiful scent that emanated from his tomb, he was named Mirovlitis or "The Myrrh Gusher". The most ancient icons of Saint Demetrios may be found in his temple in Thessaloniki where he is the patron saint. This is not just because he was born and died there, but because the people believe it was his intervention that saved the city during many attacks by Slavic nations, the Bulgarians, Arabs, Saracens and others. Even the liberation of Thessaloniki during the Balkan wars of 1912 coincide with the feast day of Saint Demetrios on October 26th. Koinonia September & October 2012 7 THE HOLY SKEPI THE HOLY PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS October 28 OXI DAY CELEBRATION Fr. Nicholas V. Gamvas The Protection of the Mother of God is one of the most beloved feast days on the Orthodox calendar, commemorated on October 1. The feast is celebrated additionally on October 28 in the Greek Orthodox tradition. The Greek Skepi (Σκέπη), has a complex meaning. First of all, it refers to a cloak or shroud, but it also means protection or intercession. For this reason, the name of the feast is variously translated as the Veil of Our Lady, the Protecting Veil of the Theotokos, the Protection of the Theotokos, or the Intercession of the Theotokos. The feast day celebrates the appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae in the tenth century. At the end of St. (Andrew of Constantinople) life, he, with his disciple St. Epiphanius, and a group of people, saw the Mother of God, St. John the Baptist, and several other saints and angels during a vigil in the Church of Blachernae, nearby the city gates. The Blachernae Palace church was where several of her relics were kept. The relics were her robe, veil, and part of her belt that had been transferred from Palestine during the fifth century. The Theotokos approached the center of the church, knelt down and remained in prayer for a long time. Her face was drowned in tears. Then she took her veil off and spread it over the people as a sign of protection. During the time, the people in the city were threatened by a barbarian invasion. After the appearance of the Mother of God, the danger was averted and the city was spared from bloodshed and suffering. In recent years, the Feast of the Protection has become associated with thanksgiving for the deliverance of the Greek nation from the Italian invasion of 1940. These events are commemorated in Greece in a national holiday known as "OXI Day" or "No Day," referring to the response of the Greek leader Metaxas to Mussolini's ultimatum. In recognition of this, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece elected in 1960 to transfer the Feast from October 1 to October 28. The Ecumenical Patriarchate also provides for this usage in its parishes in Greece and in the Greek diaspora, and it is generally observed now throughout the Greek-speaking world. The observance includes the chanting of a Doxology incorporating hymns recognizing the Protection of the Theotokos over the Greek nation, as well as the kontakion "O Champion Leader." Two different events that took place four hundred years apart are combined in this one icon. Both events took place in the former Church of Blachernae in Constantinople. The icon of the feast, Protection of the Mother of God, shows the Theotokos standing above the faithful with her arms outstretched in prayer and draped with a veil. On both sides of her are angels. On the lower right of most icons of this feast, are saints Andrew and his disciple Epiphanius who saw this vision of the Mother of God, with the twelve apostles, bishops, holy women, monks and martyrs, spreading her veil in protection over the congregation. St. Epiphanius is wearing a tunic under his cloak and gestures in astonishment at the miraculous appearance, while St. Andrew, Fool-for-Christ, is dressed only in a cloak. 8 Koinonia September & October 2012 THE HOLY SKEPI THE HOLY PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS Continued Below the Theotokos, in the center of the icon, stands a young man with a halo, he is clothed in a deacon's sticharion. In his left hand, he is holding an open scroll with the text of the Kontakion for Nativity in honor of the Mother of God. This is St. Romanus the Melodist, the famous hymnographer whose feast is also celebrated on the same day, October 1. He is with his choir attended by the Emperor Leo the Wise together with the Empress and the Patriarch of Constantinople. TROPARIAN (Tone 4) Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy illumined by your coming, O Mother of God. Beholding your pure image we fervently cry to you: "Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection; deliver us from every form of evil by entreating Christ, your Son and our God that He may save our souls." KONTAKION (Tone 3) Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church and with choirs of saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and bishops worship, apostles and prophets rejoice together, since for our sake she prays to the pre-eternal God. Koinonia September & October 2012 9 National Church Music Sunday On this day, we will be commemorating National Church Music Sunday to honor our choir director, our choir members, and our beloved chanters. On behalf of Fr. Nicholas, the Parish Council, and the St. Haralambos parishioners, and chanters, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the choir members who continuously give many hours of dedicated service to our church and parishioners. They help sustain our beautiful traditions of Byzantine music through their ministry. Our choir has been in existence for almost 100 years! A well deserved thank you and appreciation from your St. Haralambos family!!! Byzantine Choir Members Choir Director - Dr. Alex M. Christ Organist - Alexandra Tank Chanters - Petros Gaitanos, John Kellamis, Thomas Cazantzes, Michael Lazoran, Labib El-Bardawil Flora Anderson Paris Apostolou Nicholas Bournelis Melody Bowman Ali Carpathios Mary Carpathios Rena Cotopolis Angie Creekus Vassa Delis Barbara Diamant Joseph DiStefano Anna Economou Louis Eustathios Niove Fasoulas Ann Fillis Ted Fillis Diane Foradas Vanessa Gabriele Carolyn Hill Mary Hill Georgia Karipides Christian Kellamis Christine Kellamis Elbus Kellamis Natalia Kellamis Michael Lazoran Nicholas Loukas Goldie Manos Susie Manos Georgia Matthews Linda Millis Tom Millis Stephanie Moran Anna Pirovolos Allison Sarris Ann Simatacolas Joanna Sirgo Kelly Sklavounos Olga Snyder Carolyn Spilios Chris Anne Stavrianou William Stavrianou Nicole Tank Dan Trifelos Mary Trifelos Betty Tsangeos Helen Tsarwhas Katherine Vaitsis Georgia Wacker John Yatras Lydia Yatras Junior Choir Members Thank you to our past Junior Choir Members! The new list of Junior Choir Members will appear in the Sunday Bulletin on October 7, 2012. Parents, please sign up your children, it promises to be a very rewarding experience! 10 Koinonia September & October 2012 The Daily Cycles of Orthodox Liturgics ~ Part I GREAT VESPERS In the Orthodox Church the liturgical day begins in the evening with the setting of the sun. This practice follows the Biblical account of creation: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Gen 1:5). The Vesper service in the Church always begins with the evening psalm: “...the sun knows it’s time for setting, Thou makest darkness and it is night….” (Psalm 104: 19-20) This psalm, which glorifies God’s creation of the world, is man’s very first act of worship, for man first of all meets God as Creator. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, O Lord my God, Thou art very great… O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all. The earth is full of Thy creatures (Ps 104:24). Following the psalm, the Great Litany, the opening petition of all liturgical services of the Church is intoned. In it we pray to the Lord for everyone and everything. Following this litany a number of psalms are chanted, a different group each evening. On the eve of Sunday, however, sections of the first psalm and the other psalms which are chanted to begin the week are usually chanted. Psalm 141 is always sung at Vespers. During this psalm the evening incense is offered: Lord, I call upon Thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense. And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. (Psalm 141:1-2). At this point special hymns are sung for the particular day. If it be a Church feast: songs in honor of the celebration are sung. On Saturday evenings, the eve of the Lord’s Day, these hymns always praise Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The special hymns normally end with a song called a Theotokion which honors Mary, the Mother of Christ. Following this, the vesperal hymn is sung. If it be a special feast or the eve of Sunday, the celebrant will come to the center or the church building with lighted candles and incense. This hymn belongs to every Vesper service. O Gladsome Light of the holy glory of the Immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening. We praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For it is right at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise, O Son of God and Giver of Life, therefore all the world glorifies Thee. Christ is praised as the Light which illumines man’s darkness, the Light of the world and of the Kingdom of God which shall have no evening (Isa 60:20, Rev 21:25). A verse from the Psalms, the prokeimenon, follows—a different one for each day, announcing the day’s spiritual theme. If it be a special day, three readings from the Old Testament are included. Then more evening prayers and petitions follow with additional hymns for the particular day, all of which end with the chanting of the Song of St Simeon: Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation: which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and to be the glory of Thy people Israel (Lk 1:29-32). After proclaiming our own vision of Christ, the Light and Salvation of the world, we say the prayers of the ThriceHoly (trisagion) through to the Our Father. We sing the main theme song of the day, called the Troparion, and we are dismissed with the usual benediction. The service of Vespers takes us through creation, sin, and salvation in Christ. It leads us to the meditation of God’s word and the glorification of his love for men. It instructs us and allows us to praise God for the particular events or persons whose memory is celebrated and made present to us in the Church. It prepares us for the sleep of the night and the dawn of the new day to come. On the eves of the Divine Liturgy, it begins our movement into the most perfect communion with God in the sacramental mysteries. Koinonia September & October 2012 11 Ask Father Nick Q: In many of our Church Iconography and on Crosses I see at the bottom the Skull and crossbones, isn’t this an occult symbol? ~ Calliope A: The skull resting below the cross represents the belief that Christ is victorious over death. Skulls, especially when pictured with scourges are attributes of penitent saints such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Jerome, and St. Mary Magdalene. In Icons of saints and hermits, skulls represent the rejection of vain living and the holy contemplation of mortality. The morbidity of these thoughts may be tempered by a cross being placed near the skull to symbolize the saint's meditations upon the eternal life to be enjoyed in the company of our Lord and God. The familiar skull and crossbones sign has long been used to warn the unwary of poison and other dangers which, if ignored, could lead to death and was used on early pharmacy bottles as a warning. It was also a favorite symbol on Christian graves to show a joyous liberation from the flesh and to serve as a warning to sinners of the vanity and brevity of earthly life. Sometimes often present below the feet of Christ are letters: meaning: The place of the skull, where Adam was. A double skull which is rare refers to Adam & Eve. We are reminded that Adam our forefather lost Paradise through wrongly eating from the tree, and that Christ is the new Adam, bringing us Salvation and Paradise through the tree of the Holy Cross. Sometimes, the arm bones will be shown crossed, the right arm over the left, just as believers cross their arms to receive Holy Communion. Q: How did Mary Magdalene die? ~ Jenny A: The Orthodox Church refers to St. Mary Magdalene as Myrhbearer and Equal to the Apostles. The New Testament doesn't say what St. Mary Magdalene did in the years after Jesus Ascended into Heaven. But church tradition did preserve some stories and legends about her. According to one story, she went to live in a city called Ephesus (in modern Turkey) and eventually died there. However, there is another tradition that she and several other people traveled to southern France, and that she lived at a place called La Sainte-Baume for thirty years. Other traditions hold that she travelled to Britain and France. Since Magdalene means 'of Tyre' or a Phoenician, it seems quite possible she took the message of the resurrected Christ to Phoenicia's former colonies. Most likely, St. Mary Magdalene is not buried in Jerusalem. She probably died of old age but no one is really sure how or where. 12 Koinonia September & October 2012 ASK FATHER NICK CONTINUED Q: Is the Christian Science Church a cult and what are their beliefs? ~ Georgia A: The movement known as Christian Science is a religion "emphasizing divine healing as practiced by Jesus Christ." It is officially known as The Church of Christ, Scientist (CCS) (with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts), founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Glover Patterson Eddy (1821-1910). It is one of the more sophisticated modern cults, attracting many intellectuals and celebrities. The rules laid down in Mary Baker Eddy's Manual of The Mother Church (1895); church affairs are now overseen by a self-perpetuating board of five people. Source of Authority: Christian Scientists have given Bible terms allegorical, metaphysical definitions that are completely different from normal Christian usage. The Holy Trinity: Christian Science clearly repudiates the Trinitarian Godhead: "The theory of three persons in one God (that is, a personal Trinity or Tri-unity) suggests polytheism. Holy Spirit. Christian Science denies that the Holy Spirit is a personal being. Jesus Christ.: Christian Science denies that the incarnation of Christ was the fullness of deity dwelling in human flesh, denies the perfection of the man Jesus, and attempts to explain away the historical death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Resurrection: It is obvious that if Jesus never physically died on the cross to atone for sins that mankind cannot commit (Science and Health, pp. 45-46), then the resurrection must also have a unique meaning in Christian Science. Eddy explains, "When Jesus reproduced his body after its burial, he revealed the myth or material falsity of evil; its powerlessness to destroy good and the omnipotence of the Mind that knows this: he also showed forth the error of nothingness of supposed life in matter, and the great somethingness of the good we possess, which is of Spirit, and immortal" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 201). Jesus’ resurrection was thus the manifestation of the error of evil. He demonstrated that sin and death are illusions and that if one wishes to rid themselves of these illusions, they only need to deny their reality. Sin: Christian Science denies the existence of all matter, including man's physical body. They say that man is "incapable of sin, sickness, and death. Salvation: Since Christian Scientists do not believe that sin is real, they, therefore, see no need for salvation in Jesus Christ. Hell: Christian Science denies the existence of hell and eternal punishment, and, therefore, there is no devil. Man's Destiny: Christian Science teaches that since God is all good and nothing that is real exists outside God, then sin, sickness, and death are mortal error or an illusion. Disease and Death: Christian Scientists claim that since organic disease does not exist, "the cause of all so-called disease is mental.” The "Gospel" of Christian Science. Jesus, who possessed the Christ consciousness as do all men to a lesser extent, went to the cross, not to bring about forgiveness of sin, for sin is an illusion, but rather to demonstrate that death is an illusion. The physical dangers: of Christian Science are obvious. Since they are taught that learning about their bodies is spiritually harmful, Christian Scientists are ill equipped to understand the symptoms of illness. They often suffer needlessly from treatable ailments and neglect life-threatening conditions that could be cured if treated in their early stages. It’s all anti Christ and salvation through Him, our Lord and Savior! Koinonia September & October 2012 13 ASK FATHER NICK CONTINUED Q: What is the Orthodox Church’s viewpoint on Triadic Distiction Vortical Paradigm, Entropic-extropic integrated dimensional extrapolation, and finite-infinite biopsychophysical reality? ~ Anthony A: The first word that comes to mind is, Julie Andrews in the movie: Mary Poppins , when she sings: Supercalafragalisticexpialidocious! On a serious note: your very good question really refers to: Biopsychophysics and the Expanding Consciousness. As a Priest, Theologist, Psychologist, Biologist, and Martial Artist, I can respond to your question in this way: the question about methods of “expanding consciousness and biopsychophysics” is whether they are compatible with Orthodox Christianity. I would say that they are, as long as they do not lead a person away from Orthodoxy and as long as a Christian is only using the experience as a means to an end rather than as the end itself. Some people worship the experience or the method of gaining the experience, and this is a form of idolatry; rather than viewing it as a miracle and a mystery from God in inspire our faith in Him. I would also say that: “No one should boast about an expanded conscious experience, but instead use it to build the faith of those with doubts, and in the case of my experience, to give comfort to those people bereaved and to those people in general who have doubts about an afterlife. As Christ said, “Those who believe in Me, shall have eternal life.” (John 5:24) Thus, any such experience is a gift of grace, by the permission of God, and God should be praised and thanked for His precious gift. Experiences should also be tested by the light of Scripture, Holy Tradition, and with the Reason, to make sure that they are compatible with the fundamental doctrines of Orthodox Christianity and our Holy Church. If not then we fall into heresy. In fact this is what many of our Holy Saints, Holy Fathers, Aesthetics, and Holy people experienced as we read about their lives in the Holy Scriptures and Oral Traditions. Many of our Orthodox Mystics and Clerics guided by God’s grace experience many miracles, healings, and unexplained mysteries every day that can only be attributed Q: What does the term Acheiropoita mean? ~ Jen A: Acheiropoieta is a Byzantine Greek word: αχειροποίητα, that translates to: "made without hand"; singular acheiropoieton. They are also called Icons Made Without Hands and are a particular kind of icon which have come into existence miraculously, not created by a human painter. Invariably these are images of Jesus or the Virgin Mary. The most notable examples are, in the Eastern Orthodox Church the Image of Edessa or the Mandylion, and in the West, the Veil of Veronica and the Shroud of Turin. 14 Koinonia September & October 2012 ASK FATHER NICK CONTINUED Q: Why is the Church called APOSTOLIC? ~ Demetra A: The Church is apostolic because she teaches what the apostles taught and can trace her existence historically directly back to the apostles. It was the Apostle Paul, for example, who established the Christian Church in Greece through his early missionary journeys. His letters to the Corinthians, the Thessalonians, the Philippians were written to the churches he had established in those Greek cities. The Church he founded there has never ceased to exist. The Apostles Peter & Paul founded the church in Antioch which exists to this day as the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Other apostles established the church in Jerusalem, Alexandria, Greece and Cyprus. The Eastern Orthodox Church has existed in these places since the days of the apostles. From these cities and countries, missionaries brought the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus to other countries: Russia, the Ukraine, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, etc. This self-governing family of churches is known today as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Thus, the Orthodox Church is the legitimate and historical continuation of the early Church. She has the same faith, the same spirit, the same ethos. "This is the Apostolic faith, this is the faith of the Fathers, this is the Orthodox faith, this faith has established the universe" (From the Sunday of Orthodoxy vespers). The Church is therefore both visible and invisible. The visible Church is the Church Militant on earth. The invisible Church is the Church Triumphant in heaven, "the heavenly Jerusalem . . . innumerable angels in festal gathering . . . the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22-23). The Church is therefore the Kingdom of God on earth, which manifests in its fullness the Grace of God’s redemptive work in Christ to the world. Q: Why does the Priest commune the Body and Blood of Christ of separately? ~ Bill A: When addressing many questions concerning practices of Orthodox faith and worship, the answers have sometimes more to do with the changing ways of doing things rather than adherences to rules or directives. This question relating to the differences of reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Divine Liturgy is a case in point. Receiving of the Body of Christ directly into the hands and drinking the Blood of Christ directly from the chalice, is actually the more ancient practice and is dealt with by some of the Canons of the early Councils of our Church (e.g. from the ‘Quinisext Council’ in Trullo in 692 AD). The Clergy still follow this ancient custom down to this day. However, the practice for the laity has changed for most celebrations of the Divine Liturgy. The laity receives the Body and Blood of Christ combined in the Holy chalice, via a sacred spoon directly into their mouth. Such a change has taken place for many reasons; concerns for ease of reception and care when distributing the very real presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ in particular. The ‘Liturgy of Saint James’ is celebrated on only one day each year, on his Feast Day - 23rd October; it is this James who is identified as the ‘Brother of God’. During this service, the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ is distributed separately; first the Holy Body and then the Holy Blood. This service reflects the more ancient practice. However when we are to receive the ‘Holy Communion’, it must be remembered that we are partaking of the Body and Blood of the incarnate Son of God. We do so with care, with humility, and ‘with fear of God, with faith and love as we draw near’.” Koinonia September & October 2012 15 41st CLERGY/ LAITY CONGRESS REPORT Phoenix, Arizona, July 3-5, 2012 SUBMITTED BY DELEGATE: Fr. Nicholas V. Gamvas, 11, July 2012 TO: Parish Council, Philoptochos, Parishioners (September/October Koinonia, and will be available at the Fall 2012 General Assembly In Summary: OPENING ADDRESS OF ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS: On Monday July 3, 2012,we convene in our Clergy-Laity Congress with the paternal blessings and the fervent prayers of our deeply respected, admired and beloved Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. A Patriarch who is constantly with us spiritually, and who offers generously his paternal love and wise guidance to our effort to promote our Orthodox Faith in the Western Hemisphere. We humbly present to him our deep gratitude and devotion, along with our wholehearted wishes and prayers on the occasion of his 20 th anniversary as Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch. We also express our gratitude to the Lord our God for this 41 st Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress, focused on the theme “Chosen and appointed by God to go and bear fruit”. COMMENTS BY ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW: Most reverend and most honored beloved brother, Archbishop Demetrios; most reverend and right reverend brother Hierarchs; beloved Fathers and children in the Lord; “Holy partners in a heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1) Unfortunately, we do not have the spiritual joy of physically participating in the deliberations of your clergy laity congress. However, we are sending you, as our Patriarchal Representative, our dearly beloved brother and concelebrant, His Eminence Metropolitan Sotirios of Toronto, who will personally convey the blessing and positive sentiments of the Mother Church and ourselves to all of you collectively and individually. THE CLERGY LAITY CONGRESS: The Clergy-Laity Congress was attended by 790 participants, 651 of which were registered delegates from 326 parishes. The National Philoptochos Convention had the second highest participation record with 372 delegates. The work of the committees and the workshops on the ministries of the Church, which started on Monday following the opening session, continued all day Tuesday, July 3. The work of these two days was the core of the Clergy -Laity Congress, providing both information and forums to present new ideas and develop the ministries and the organizations of the Church. The delegates, clergy and laity alike, reported finding the information presented throughout as edifying and valuable for their ministry in the parishes. The reports presented and discussed were by the following: Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science and Technology (AACST); Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; Leadership 100 presented by chairman Charles Cotros; Greek Education; Parish Development; Outreach, Missions and Evangelism; Administration Committee; Stewardship; Communications; Internet; Finance; Chaplaincy; Religious Education; Youth and Camping Ministries; and Family and Marriage. Following the presentation of the Administration Committee report, there was significant discussion regarding the issue of convening the Clergy-Laity Congress every three years instead of every two years as the practice has been for many decades. Finally the overwhelming majority voted to maintain the current frequency of the Clergy -Laity Congresses at every two years. The Resolutions Committee presented five resolutions which were adopted by the majority of the delegates. These were: 1) a resolution of support for the suffering people in Greece, 2) a resolution on the Patriarchate of Antioch and the situation in Syria, 3) a resolution for the protection of religious freedom of all Christians in Egypt, 4) a resolution supporting accessibility of church facilities to people with disabilities, and 5) a resolution of “Thanks.” In his closing remarks, Archbishop Demetrios of America expressed his gratitude to all the delegates for their diligent work and participation and to the all the Metropolitans for listening lovingly. He said that special care should be given to young adults and college students, for the Orthodox Christian family, in outreach to the un churched and the baptized who are not regularly practicing, and to the opportunities for outreach that arise in our parishes on occasions like church festivals. The Patriarchal Representative Metropolitan Sotirios of Toronto expressed gratitude for the respect he received and for what is being done by the Church in America for our Ecumenical Patriarchate. Remarks and pastoral exhortations were also offered at the banquet by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Patriarchal Representative Metropolitan Sotirios of Toronto, and Archbishop Demetrios of America, who said that this Congress set a high level of achievement in all aspects of its work and reiterated the need to focus on the issues of youth, the disconnected and non-practicing Orthodox Christians, and the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Church at the World Trade Center as beacon for faith and Orthodoxy worldwide. Finally, Thursday July 5, the Congress closed with a farewell Clergy fellowship breakfast. 16 Continued Koinonia September & October 2012 RESOLUTIONS OF THE 41 ST BIENNIAL CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA - JULY 4, 2012 RESOLUTION ON THE SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GREECE WHEREAS, Greece and the rest of Europe continue to be in economic recession; and WHEREAS, the people of Greece are suffering greatly from this situation and the crisis with the Euro; WHEREAS, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has established a fund to directly help with the basic needs of the people of Greece; WHEREAS the Archdiocese has provided almost One Million Dollars of direct assistance to the people of Greece; and WHEREAS, there is a need for further assistance for the people of Greece, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the 41 st Biennial Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America assembled in Phoenix, Arizona: 1) That we call upon the people of America, and particularly our Faithful in this country, to continue to provide assistance through the Archdiocese fund; and 2) That the Clergy-Laity Congress offer its prayers and support to all those who are suffering in Greece. RESOLUTION ON GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ANTIOCH WHEREAS, Syria is going through a period of serious disorder and armed conflict; WHEREAS, the Patriarchate of Antioch is one of the five original Apostolic Sees of the Church; WHEREAS, the Patriarchate of Antioch is physically located in Damascus, Syria and there are thousands of Greek Orthodox Christians located in Syria who are affected by the armed conflict; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the 41 st Biennial Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America assembled in Phoenix, Arizona: 1) That the Government of the United States seek the protection and preservation of the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Orthodox Christian communities in Syria during this armed conflict and thereafter; 2) That the people of Syria resolve their differences in peace and not armed conflict; 3) That the United Nations, in its mediation of the armed conflict, ensure the protection of all Christians located in Syria; and 4) That copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Secretary of State of the United States of America, the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. RESOLUTION ON CHRISTIANS IN EGYPT WHEREAS, Ten Percent of the population of Egypt is Christian through the Coptic Oriental Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria; WHEREAS, the government of Egypt is preparing a new constitution for Egypt; and WHEREAS, Christians in Egypt have suffered persecution from time to time; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the 41 st Biennial Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America assembled in Phoenix, Arizona: 1) That the Government of the United States of America seek the protection and religious freedom of all Christians in Egypt; 2) That the Christians in Egypt be afforded religious freedom and be protected under the new constitution; and 3) That copies of this resolution be sent to the Secretary of State of the United States of America, the Egyptian Ambassador to the United States of America, the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United States. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ACCESSIBILITY OF CHURCHES AND PARISH FACITILIES FOR PARISHIONERS WITH DISABILITIES WHEREAS, we, the Clergy and Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, embrace as full contributing members of our Church family, our brothers and sisters with disabilities; and WHEREAS, we wish to make our Parishes welcoming and accessible to all Orthodox Christians, regardless of any differences; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the 41 st Biennial Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America assembled in Phoenix, Arizona: That we urge all of our Parishes to work to make our Churches and Parish facilities open and accessible to all people with disabilities. RESOLUTION OF THANKS We, the Delegates of this 41 st Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, express our heartfelt thanks to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his representative Metropolitan Sotirios of Toronto, for their greetings and loving participation at the Congress; We thank our spiritual father, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, for his wisdom and guidance throughout the Congress proceedings; We thank our Holy Eparchial Synod for its participation in and support of the work of this Clergy -Laity Congress. We thank National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and Philoptochos President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Jeannie Ranglas, as well as the members of the Philoptochos Society, for joining us in a spirit of love and Christian fellowship and for their inspiring philanthropic efforts that carry out Christ’s work in our country and throughout the world. We congratulate the Philoptochos Society on its 80 th Anniversary! Thank You St. Haralambos for sending me to Clergy/Laity in Phoenix My sincerest appreciation to the General Assembly and to the Parish Council of St. Haralambos for sending me to the 41 st Clergy/ Laity Congress in Phoenix, AZ. It was truly a most spiritually enriching and rewarding experience. Koinonia September & October 2012 17 St. Haralambos Parish Council PRESIDENT’S REPORT Dear Parishioners, The summer is almost over. I hope everyone had a great summer and accomplished everything that you had planned. As the new ecclesiastical year will be starting in September, we need to again register our children for Sunday School and Greek School. We will also be accepting applications for boys and girls basketball coaches for the upcoming season. Please submit application letters to the church office. The Stewardship Committee will be working on collecting outstanding pledge cards for 2012. The pledge cards returned total is 379 for 2012. Please return your pledge cards if you have not already done so. The names and addresses from the 2012/2013 pledge cards will be used in the directory for the 100th Anniversary Album. Also please contact the church office with your e-mail address if you would like to be on the church e-mail list. The gold leafing around the icons on the Iconostasis has been completed. The painting of the interior of the church will begin after Labor Day. Unfortunately, Archbishop Demetrios will not be able to attend our 100th Anniversary weekend, but Metropolitan Savas should be in attendance. Plans are being made for the 100th Anniversary celebration of St. Haralambos. The Philoptochos is planning a Past President’s Luncheon on Saturday, October 13, 2012. A Holiday Ball is planned for Saturday, November 24, 2012, which will be chaired by Eleni Paxos and the St. Haralambos Hellenic Dancers. On Friday, February 8, 2013, a “Step Back in Time” event is being planned in the Cultural Center. On Saturday, February 9, 2013 a brunch is planned in the morning and after vespers, there will be a coffee and tea reception in the evening. On Sunday February 10, 2013 after the Divine Liturgy, a Grand Banquet is being planned. A 5K run chaired by Alex Tank is planned in the summer of 2013. Anyone interested in helping with these events or the 100th Anniversary Album please contact Stephanie Withers, Peter Michalos or the chairs of each event. I hope all of you will plan on volunteering for and attending these events. We have many activities and plans over the next 12 months. You do not have to wait to be asked, please volunteer. St Haralambos is our church and we all must work together to keep our church strong. Yours in Christ, William Skendelas Parish Council President 18 Koinonia September & October 2012 St. Haralambos Church Parish Council Meeting Minutes Summary JUNE 13, 2012 TREASURER’S REPORT Our General Account currently has a balance of $36,447.44 and we are up to date on our financial obligations. Anthony Ramphos made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented and Peter Papadopulos second the motion. Motion approved by Parish Council. CORRESPONDENCE A letter received by Fr. Gamvas from Metropolitan Savas stated that Fr. George Callos will succeed Archdeacon Raphael (Ryan) Gzikowski who served as Chancellor under Metropolitan Maximos. Archdeacon Ryan will assume the responsibilities of Registrar and Personal Assistant to the Metropolitan. PRIEST’S REPORT Altar Boy recognition is Sunday June 17th, with a pizza night in the Fall. Vacation Bible School is scheduled for the week of June 18-22 at Holy Trinity. Next year at our church. Dancer’s picnic is on Thursday, June 14th, at 6:00. AHEPA Convention is the weekend of June 22-24. Presentation of the Kourmoulis Scholarships will be June 24th. My vacation was approved by Metropolitan Savas for the last week in July and the last two weeks of August. JULY 11, 2012 TREASURER’S REPORT Currently we have $18,404.36 in the General Account. The Renovation Fund has a balance of $19,850. The Krassas Event Center Fund $39,540, Preservation Fund $189,289. The 100th Anniversary has $19,616. Bills due this week total $14,881.57, with $646.89 past due Nick Ramphos made a motion for the treasurer to pay the bills to his discretion. Mike Fakelis seconded. The motion passed. CORRESPONDENCE Holy Trinity sent a letter for their festival album. Jim Kellamis made a motion to approve an ad for their album. Nick Ramphos seconded. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral sent a letter for an ad for their 100th Anniversary. Album. Will bring up at next meeting. MAINTENANCE Coon Caulking started sealing the church. Nick Ramphos received a letter from Stark County Soil and Water. They say the storm water pond is not in compliance because the grass has not taken root. They suggest planting some plants at the bottom soil if it rains the soil won't clog the drains. 100TH ANNIVERSARY All the guests have been invited. Not sure if all coming yet but looks promising. Not sure if having a Reception on Friday or a Grand Ball on Saturday Night. NEW BUSINESS Alex Krassas 100th birthday is July 15th. Coffee hour will be in the Krassas Center. Mr. Krassas will be given a plaque to commemorate the special occasion. Koinonia September & October 2012 19 Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 251 25th Street N.W., Canton, Ohio 44709 +Rev. Dr. Fr. Nicholas V. Gamvas, Protopresbyter PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS Parish Council Elections will be held for the positions of Parish Council Members on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012 immediately following church services. Dear Fellow Parishioners: Now is the time for any parishioner to step-up, make a commitment, and play a role in sustaining the growth of St. Haralambos Church. We would like a good representation of males, females, youth, middle age and older members, all in good-standing, wishing to make their contribution to our church. There are NINE (9) Council seats up for election to serve a TWO (2) year term for 2013-2014. Please submit your Petition for Parish Council Candidate to any member of the Board of Elections Committee or the church office on or by SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012, so that we may enter your name on the ballot. NO APPLICATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT DATE, PUSUANT TO THE CHURCH BY-LAWS. Thank you for this consideration. Board of Elections Members ~ Kay Colon, Mario Gaitanos, John Kellamis, Angela Shankel, Roger Shook PARISH COUNCIL CANDIDATE PETITION FOR 2013-2014 Please enter my name on the ballot for St. Haralambos Church Parish Council Elections. NAME: (please print) ________________________________________________________________ AGE: _______ MARITAL STATUS: _____________ OCCUPATION: __________________ PREVIOUS SERVICE TO CHURCH/ORGANIZATIONS: __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________ SIGNATURE ________________________ DATE Date Received: ____/____/____ Comments: __________________________________________________________ By: ______________________ OFFICE USE ONLY ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 20 Koinonia September & October 2012 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2013-2014 ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION PARISHIONER NAME: (please print) ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________ PH: ___________________________ PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS FOR REQUESTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT: __________ __________ THE PARISHIONER WILL BE OUT OF THE COUNTY ON ELECTION DAY or THE PARISHIONER IS PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO ATTEND THE ELECTION SITE ON ELECTION DAY BECAUSE OF ILLNESS APPLICANT SIGNATURE: ______________________________________ DATE: ___________________ NO PROXY VOTING WILL BE PERMITTED. ABSENTEE BALLOTING IS GOVERNED BY THE PARISH BYLAWS FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTING, ARTICLE 25, SECTION 6, OF THE UNIFORM PARISH REGULATIONS WHICH IS AVAILABLE FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE OR FROM A BOARD OF ELECTION MEMBER. PLEASE RETURN IN A SEALED ENVELOPE MARKED “ABSENTEE BALLOT” TO THE CHURCH OFFICE. THANK YOU. Please join Us For Godparent Sunday! All Godparents and their Godchildren are invited to attend the RECONFIRMATION OF BAPTISMAL VOWS on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012 This special day gives everyone the opportunity to bond! Godparents, Godchildren, and Koumbaroi! Please call each other and set the date to join us on this day for spiritual renewal and fellowship! Koinonia September & October 2012 21 St. Haralambos Church MEN’S CLUB MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2012 Any member in good standing with St. Haralambos Church may submit a candidate for consideration. The names of the candidates will be submitted to a committee composed of the Priest, Parish Council President, Men’s Club President, and past recipients of the award who will make the final decision. The Man of the Award Banquet will be held on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2012. MAN OF THE YEAR RECOMMENDATION 2012 I (We) recommend for consideration as a candidate for Man of the Year: I (We) feel that this person deserves this recognition because: Signature of the Petitioner DEADLINE FOR THIS PETITION IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2012. Please return this form in a sealed envelope to the Men’s Club mailbox in the Church Office. If necessary, attach any additional information. Thank you. 22 Koinonia September & October 2012 Our Sincerest Appreciation To MIKE & MARIA PAXOS, NICK & ALEXIA for their donation of $10,000.00 for the Gold Leafing of the Iconostasion and Holy Altar Renovation. This generous gift is most kind and thoughtful of you. May our Lord bless your family a hundredfold! Thank you! To EVERYONE who has participated and donated of Your Time, Talents, & Treasures to The Painting of The Church (which will begin after Labor Day weekend) The Altar Renovation Fund The Church Renovation Fund The Church Preservation Fund And to Each and Every Church Fund Your most kind, generous, and thoughtful donations are most sincerely appreciated! “for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7) “ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός.” (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Β΄ 9:7) Koinonia September & October 2012 23 SAINT HARALAMBOS CHURCH Past Presidents' Luncheon SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012 11:30 a.m. - Doors Open 12:00 Noon - Lunch Served Alex D. Krassas Event Center Honoring all Past Presidents of our SAINT HARALAMBOS PARISH COUNCIL & PHILOPTOCHOS Everyone is Welcome! Donation $25 For tickets please call: Kathy Dieringer, 330-497-7150 or Helen Apostalides, 330-494-6457 Hosted by Saint Haralambos Ladies Philoptochos Society In Celebration of Saint Haralambos Church 100th Year Anniversary! 24 Koinonia September & October 2012 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH Past Presidents of our PARISH COUNCIL & PHILOPTOCHOS This wonderful event is to honor the valuable time, effort, and dedication that our family members have given to St. Haralambos Church. Please plan on joining us for this blessed celebration! Listed in alphabetical order. PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENTS JAMES ADAMS* JOHN ANDERSON, SR.* PETER ANDREWS* JACK C. BIRIS* PETRO BOSSIS** PETER BOURNELIS CARL G. BOZEKA* STEVE G. BOZEKA EDWARD COCALIS** RON A. DARRAH GEORGE A. DELIS* CHRIST DIAMANT* STEVEN DIAMANT EMMANUEL ELITE** JOHN ERGAZOS MANSO A. ERGAZOS* JOHN ERGON** ANDREW GALANOPOULOS** PETER C. GERROS** XENOPHON GRIVEAS CHRIS J. KELLAMIS JAMES KELLAMIS JOHN C. KELLAMIS GEORGE KEREAKOS** JOHN C. KIMINAS* GEORGE KOUTRAS* FRANK KOUTSOPOULOS** STEVE LINARDOS** JAMES G. MANNOS ANTHONY MANOS* JAMES P. MANOS* JAMES A. MARINOS* FRANK M. MERGUS* GEORGE P. MICHALOS DR. PETER G. MICHALOS PETER SPYROS MICHALOS* EMANUEL MIHOS** MIMIS MITROPOULOS** PETER NIANIARIS** HARRY NIARCHOS* STEVE PAXOS WILLIAM PETROPOULOS* JOHN PETROUTSOPOULOS** JAMES N. PIMPAS* H. STEVEN POULOS NICK A. RAMPHOS SAM SIDERIS** PANDA SPILIOS* WILLIAM STAMATON GEORGE STATHAKAROS* PETER TENDER** HARRY A. THOMAS, JR.* HARRY TRIFELOS* CHRIS VALLOS *Deceased PHILOPTOCHOS PRESIDENTS ANGELINE ADAMAKOU* HELEN APOSTALIDES CATHERINE BERBELIS* ELECTRA BIRIS* MRS. CHRISTOPHOULOU** SOPHIA FARMAKIS** ANNA GEORGIADES** MARY GRIVEAS HARIKLIA GUNIAS* BESSIE HOFF* GEORGIA KALLISON* ANNA KARDASI* MAREGOULA KARDASI** BARBARA (PAPADOPULOS) LAMBROU GOLDIE MANOS HARRIET MARINOS LOUISA MIHOS** BARBARA MORAKIS MARY PAPPAS* GLORIA PARKER POLLY PIMPAS* ANNA PIROVOLOS BETTY (GEORGIADES) SEVILLIS** MARY THOMAS* MARY TRIFELOS BETTY TSANGEOS ESTHER VAGOTIS BEATRICE VALLOS* STELLA VALLOS **Deceased, need a family representative We need family reps for the names marked with **. Please contact Barb Lambrou at 330-832-5065. Koinonia September & October 2012 25 St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church th 100 Anniversary NEWS As we are fast approaching the 100th Anniversary of our beloved St. Haralambos Church, we will continue to update everyone with the latest information. Please continue to check your Sunday Bulletins and emails for new updates. If we do not have your email, please send it to: Haralambos251@stharalambos.com. Keep in mind, the most important part of this joyous celebration is YOU! All events are being planned for you, our wonderful parishioners and friends who have somehow, sometime, stepped into the heart of St. Haralambos Church to sustain us for 100 years! These are ONE TIME great events not to be missed! We are looking for our PAST PARISHIONERS who have moved or not currently involved with our church. If you know of anyone, PLEASE submit their address to the church office a.s.a.p. so they also can be included, EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT TO US! 100th ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 100th ALBUM Please mark your calendars. Note: Some events may be added or changed. SAT. OCT. 13 SAT. NOV. 24 FRI. FEB. 8, 2013 SAT. FEB. 9, 2013 SUN. FEB. 10, 2013 TBA PAST PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON HOLIDAY BALL “STEP BACK IN TIME” BRUNCH, GREAT VESPERS HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY, GRAND BANQUET 5K ANNIVERSARY WALK/RUN SCHEDULE FOR ALBUM PHOTOS We would like all organization members to attend these photo sessions right after church as these are the group photos that will be placed in the 100th Album. ALSO, this is the time for all parishioners to have their FAMILY PORTRAITS taken. Call Allison Sarris, 330-456-0864, to schedule or re-schedule photo sessions. All heads of organizations, please contact your members to show up for pictures. SUNDAYS SEPT. 16 SEPT. 23 SEPT. 30 OCT. 7 OCT. 14 OCT. 21 OCT. 28 26 JOY, PARISHIONERS MEN’S CLUB, CHIOS SOC., PARISHIONERS PHILOPTOCHOS, SILVER LINERS, BOOKSTORE, PARISHIONERS CHOIR, CHANTERS, SEXTONS, ALTAR BOYS, PARISHIONERS SUNDAY SCHOOL, GREEK SCHOOL, PARISHIONERS GOYA, PARISHIONERS OPEN, PARISHIONERS HURRY, Please get your ad in this very important keepsake! This album is for EVERYONE. You DO NOT have to put in a family history, some are, some aren’t. Any ad is accepted. A simple “congratulations” ad is very easy to do. Please contact any of us, Peter Michalos, Ron A. Darrah. or Stephanie Withers, WE NEED YOUR HELP! 100th ALBUM See contacts above. 5K ANNIV. WALK/RUN Come to meeting on Tues. Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. or contact Alexandra Tank in Church Office. Koinonia September & October 2012 St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church Everyone is invited to attend! 100th Anniversary HOLIDAY BALL Dinner & Dance Saturday, November 24, 2012 6:30 p.m. ~ DINNER 8:00 p.m.-Midnight ~ DANCE ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH CULTURAL CENTER Music & Entertainment by Live Band ~ STIGMA Special Performances by ~ ST. HARALAMBOS HELLENIC DANCERS Tickets: Adults $15/person Children & Students $10/person HOSTED BY THE ST. HARALAMBOS HELLENIC DANCERS All proceeds for this dance will benefit the St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. More details to follow in Sunday Bulletins. Koinonia September & October 2012 27 St. Haralambos Church PHILOPTOCHOS Our first meeting of the new ecclesiastical year will take place on Tuesday, September 4 th, beginning at 6:30 pm. Please join us for an evening of fellowship. In an effort to keep you informed, we’ve listed the year’s calendar of events below. Please keep the dates/upcoming events in mind and plan to attend. On Sunday, September 16th, Philoptochos will pass a tray with proceeds going to Holy Cross School of Theology. Please give generously and thanks. We hope you plan to attend the Past Presidents’ Luncheon, which will be held on Saturday, October 13 th, in honor of all past Philoptochos and Parish Council presidents. Complete details and information can be found in this issue of the Koinonia. Please consider purchasing a ticket and joining us for this special event! 2012-2013 PHILOPTOCHOS CALENDAR OF EVENTS DAY, DATE & TIME TOPIC TUESDAY - September 4 @ 6:30 Time to meet-and-greet returning and new faces to Philoptochos! MONDAY, October 1 @ 6:30 pm Meeting and Program SATURDAY, October 13 @ 11:30 Past Presidents’ Luncheon – Alex D. Krassas Event Center MONDAY, November 5 @ 6:30 pm Meeting and Program SUNDAY, December 9 – 1:00 pm Christmas Party – Location to be announced SUNDAY, January 6, 2013 Happy New Year! Annual Vasilopeta Celebration (Meeting for Board Members only afterwards) MONDAY, February 4 @ 6:30 pm Meeting/Social Program in the works! Saint Haralambos 100th Anniversary Name Day Weekend: SATURDAY, February 9: Philoptochos-sponsored Brunch - Please join us for all weekend events in honor of our beloved church’s 100th anniversary. Check out all updates in the weekly Sunday Bulletins, Koinonia issues, or on the church website. MONDAY, March 4 @6:30 pm Meeting and Program SUNDAY, March 24 Sunday of Orthodoxy hosted by Saint Haralambos WEDNESDAY, March 27 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at St. Haralambos. Philoptochos sponsored fellowship reception afterwards. MONDAY, April 1 @ 6:30 pm Meeting and Lenten Program FRIDAY/SATURDAY April 19 & 20 Rummage Sale at Saint Haralambos MONDAY, May 6 Annual Mother’s Day Dinner at Saint Haralambos We are always looking for and welcome volunteers to help with our Sunday Coffee Hour. Please consider offering to sponsor a month or even a few weeks, if possible. Any questions and/or further information needed may be directed to Mrs. Rena Cotopolis, coordinator, (330-497-0427). Thank you. Respectfully in His Name, 28 Koinonia September & October 2012 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH Silver Liners New members are always welcome! Age 55 and over! Dues are just $5.00 for the remainder of 2012! The Silver Liners were a busy group this summer! Fifty-six of us travelled to Cleveland in late June and spent a day at the Horseshoe and Tower City shopping area. In August, we joined Holy Trinity’s Senior Citizen group for a luncheon cruise aboard the Nautica Queen cruising Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, while enjoying some “big band” entertainment . In planning our monthly programs, we’ll keep travelling at the forefront with a European river boat cruising program and a look an African safari complete with African artifacts on display. With the kind of weather we had this summer, we have invited WEWS Channel 5 meteorologist and Greek-American Jason Nicholas, as our September guest speaker. Since Jason delivers the noon weather report, he will be arriving around 2:00 p.m. Therefore, we will start our luncheon at 12:30 instead of noon that day. In October, we will celebrate the 50th year of our club!! Along with a special “complimentary” luncheon for our members, radio personality, “Ricco” from WDRN, will entertain us on “Growing Up in the Happy Days”. This is one fast paced show you don’t want to miss! Our annual community Christmas project will begin soon. This is our only fundraiser and we hope everyone will participate. Our first meeting of our 50th year is Tuesday, September 18 at 12:30 p.m. I hope to see all of our members there for an afternoon of delicious food, an informative program and fellowship. ~Kathy Dieringer UPCOMING MEETINGS Please join us, mark your calendars now! TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 12:30 p.m. St. Haralambos Cultural Center Guest presenter: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 12:00 Noon St. Haralambos Cultural Center Our 50th Birthday Celebration! JASON NICHOLAS “RICCO” WEWS Meteorologist WDRN Radio Personality Koinonia September & October 2012 29 ST. HARALAMBOS CHOIR MEMBERSHIP DRIVE PLEASE JOIN US! WE NEED YOU! NEW MEMBERS WANTED! ALL AGES WELCOME! By using the gift of music to sing praises to our Lord is a true act of Christian Orthodox Stewardship. Parishioners who have a love for singing, especially our young people, are invited to join our choir! MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND JOIN US! Our rehearsal schedule is not demanding and we have a lot of fun! Choir is under the direction of Dr. Alex Christ. Please call 330-499-6723 if you have any questions. SENIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12 6:00 p.m. SHARP Junior Choir Notes: Ages 4+ up invited! If dates and times do not fit in to your schedule, please call Alex. In Choir you are guaranteed JOIN 30 JUNIOR CHOIR REHEARSAL THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27 6:00 p.m. SHARP the same seat every Sunday! US! Koinonia September & October 2012 St. Haralambos Church YOUTH SUNDAY October 23, 2011 Fr. Nicholas V. Gamvas Two young children were talking to each other about parent problems. One of them complained to the other, saying: “First they teach you to talk, then they teach you to walk, and as soon as you learn how to do both, they tell you to ‘sit down and be quiet!’” 1. 2. 3. What is your view of young people in the church? How do you believe your view matches up with Jesus’ view? Does your attitude toward the young people sound something like this: We want youth in church as long as it doesn’t cost too much money in the Sunday School , Greek School, GOYA, JOY, YAL. Mark, 10:13-16 – “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” In the Ancient Greece, there was no word for “teenager” --the word used in our passage today means youth of any age. Also, in the first century, you were either a child or an adult. Once you turned 13, you were treated like an adult. Some of you are thinking, “Hey, that’s great!”--You not only were treated like an adult, you had the responsibilities of an adult and had to work like an adult. Did you notice that it says “people” were bringing children to Jesus? I wonder why Mark doesn’t use the term for “parents”? --I guess it was because more were involved than just parents. They must have been grandparents, brothers and sisters, and even neighbors. The same event is recorded in Matthew and Luke and they also use the term for “people” and not “parents”. As a result of the adults who brought the youth to Jesus and Jesus’ acceptance of them, the youth were able to find intimate relationship with Jesus. Why is it important to bring them to Jesus while they’re young? Orthodox Church statistics show us that 85 percent of our Youth began their relationship with Christ and the Holy Church before age 14. A fairly recent Gallup poll showed that: a. 19 out of 20 Christians are Churched before the age of 25, stay in Church. However, 1. After age 25, 1 in 10,000 , 2. After age 35, 1 in 50,000 and 3. After age 45, 1 in 200,000. 4. After age 55, 1 in 300,000, 5. After age 75, 1 in 700,000. If you look at things statistically, it makes sense to spend time more with the young, “the future of our Church” and --the prospects of a return for our investment is greater for the future success of St. Haralambos, our Youth, and the Church as a whole. Some practical ways to encourage our youth: 1. Speak to them 2. Give them a pat on the back and tell them you think they’re doing a great job. What is youth ministry? Youth ministry is offering of service by the whole church as a whole parish, to young people by the whole church community. Amen Koinonia September & October 2012 37 31 St. Haralambos Church Sunday School “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 Welcome back to a new Sunday School year! Classes will begin on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2012, 9:45 a.m. We are truly blessed to have a very knowledgeable, nurturing, dedicated staff and thank the parents for entrusting your children’s religious education training to these excellent, committed teachers. They are as follows: 2 and 3-year olds: Pre-Kindergarten: Kindergarten: 1st and 2nd Grade: 3rd and 4th Grade: 5th and 6th Grade: 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade: 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade: Office: Joanna Volas, Stephanie Nastoff Stephanie Machamer, Diane Foster Tina Wey, Paula Papadopulos Stephanie Withers Linda Natale Tula Pirovolos John Kellamis, Angela Vagotis-Shankel Karen Lazoran Roseann Eustathios, Kathy Hardesty, Stephanie Likouris, Stella Vallos A registration form is included in this issue of the Koinonia. Please fill one out for each of your children. (Extra forms are available in the office.) Please feel free to stop by our office if you have any questions and/or concerns. Our door is always open and we appreciate your suggestions as well as your input. Grades Pre-K through Grade 4 will go directly to their classrooms upon arrival at church. Classes begin at 9:45 AM. Please be prompt in bringing your children so they may receive the full benefit of the religious education being provided to them. Thank you in advance for your cooperation! Grades 5 through high school and the two/three-year old class will begin classroom instruction immediately following Holy Communion. Our Thanksgiving Food Drive will begin on October 7 th. Please send in non-perishable food items with your children each Sunday. This has always been a very successful outreach project due in large part to the participation of our students and staff as well as our wonderful parishioners who so generously contribute to it each year. Thank you in advance for your continued support! Our teachers are ready, willing, excited, AND able to begin another year of teaching your children about God and our Orthodox faith. All we need is your willingness to bring them to church each Sunday. Thank you for your continued support of our Sunday School. Respectfully in His Name, Mary Griveas NOTE: No classes on Sunday, October 28th – Godparent Sunday. 32 Koinonia September & October 2012 ST. HARALAMBOS SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM 2012–2013 SCHOOL YEAR FAMILY’S LAST NAME __________________________________________________ CHILD'S NAME ________________________________________________________ CHILD'S BAPTISMAL NAME _____________________________________________ FATHER'S NAME ______________________________________________________ MOTHER'S NAME ______________________________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________ CITY/ZIP CODE ________________________________________________________ HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER ____________________________________________ CHILD'S BIRTHDATE ___________________________________________________ AGE ______________ GRADE ENTERING ____________________ PLEASE LIST ANY FOOD ALLERGIES: _____________________________________ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Koinonia September & October 2012 33 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH GREEK SCHOOL Welcome Back to Greek School! The St. Haralambos Greek School program welcomes anyone who is interested in learning the Greek language for both ADULTS AND CHILDREN. REGISTRATION DATES ADULTS AND CHILDREN SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 2, 9, & 16 in the lobby after church services. You may also sign-up in the church office. Forms are also available on the information wall display in the lobby. Please fill-out and bring the registration form with you, to the right of this page, along with your payment. CLASS SCHEDULE Classes are held on MONDAYS. Starting MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 BEGINNERS INTERMEDIATE ADULTS Pre-K - Kindergarten and 1st - 3rd Grades 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 4th - 6th Grades 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Beginners and Advanced 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: Additional Classes will be added as needed. Private Classes are also available by appointment. 34 Koinonia September & October 2012 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH GREEK SCHOOL Registration Form 2012-2013 School Year Greek School is back in session starting the week of SEPTEMBER 17, 2012. Class fees for children and adults is $30.00 for books and materials. Please check either Children or Adult class. CHILDREN: ________ ADULT: ________ PAYMENT DUE UPON REGISTRATION. NAME: _____________________________________________________________ AGE: ________ (Child) ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________ BIRTH DATE: _______________ GRADE: ___________ (Public School) _____________________________________________________________ H-PHONE: _______________________________________ C-PHONE: _______________________________________ E-MAIL: (Parent’s) _______________________________________ FATHER’S NAME: _____________________________________________________________ MOTHER’S NAME: _____________________________________________________________ For Office Use Only Date paid: _____/_____/_____ Amount: $_________ Check # ________ Koinonia September & October 2012 35 ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH GOYA NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! Children in 7th-12th Grades GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH OF AMERICA GOYA GOING-ON’S Please mark your calendars! Please remember that this schedule of events does not include retreats, tournaments, birthday celebrations and other outings that are not on the church calendar yet....but I do believe we are off to a great start! For updates, please refer to current Sunday Bulletins and future Koinonia’s. 2012 2013 2013 Sunday, September 16, 6:00 p.m. First meeting. Elections. Movie Night: THE CROSS AND THE TOWERS Sunday, January 20, 6:00 p.m. Christmas Party at Casa Capocci. No Meeting. Saturday, May 4 Wrap red eggs for Pascha Sunday Sunday, October 21 Youth Sunday. Oath of Office 6:00 p.m. Meeting Saturday, February 9 Name Day Weekend. Brunch with the Bishop. Sunday, October 28 Godparent Sunday Sunday, November 18, 6:00 p.m. Meeting and Thanksgiving Ta-doo. Saturday, November 24 100th Anniversary Dance, attend as a group. Saturday, December 15 Set-up and rehearse A COOL YULE . Sunday, December 16, Noon A COOL YULE program. No Meeting. Carol Lynne Capocci Advisor s! Sunday, February 17 Youth Sunday. 100th Anniversary Memorial Service for GOYA. 6:00 p.m. Valentine Party & Meeting Sunday, March 17, 6:00 p.m. Meeting. Lenten Journey Begins. Sunday, May 5 Xristos Anesti! Sunday, May 12 Bake for and Host Mom's Day Coffee Hour Sunday, May 19 Last Meeting. Wrap-up. determine end-of-the-year play day. June 5-8 St. Haralambos Summerfest Lemonade and Coca Cola Stand Sunday, March 24 Sunday of Orthodoxy hosted by St. Haralambos Sunday, March 27 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Meal hosted by St. Haralambos June 17-21 Assist Vacation Bible School Staff at St. Haralambos Sunday, April 21, 6:00 p.m. Meeting and Movie Night (Seasonally appropriate) PLEASE JOIN US! Sunday, April 26 Overnight Vigil at St. Haralambos. Includes confession, readings and prayer, cleaning the narthex, making palm crosses and a Lenten meal. Sunday, April 27 Lazarus Sunday 36 Koinonia September & October 2012 Welcome Back! Registration & First Practice FIRST dance practice for ALL groups will be on Thursday, September 27, 2012. Practices will begin at times listed below at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. Registration forms will be DUE on this day. You can pick up registration forms on Sunday, September 23, 2012, immediately following church services in the youth room. If you are interested in joining the group, please stop by the registration table on Sunday, September 23, 2012. You must be 7 years old by December 31, 2012 to register. PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER Date: September 27 & October 4, 11, 18 & 25 Place: St. Haralambos Cultural Center Time: Beginners 4:20 – 5:00 Intermediate 5:00 – 6:00 Training Seniors 5:00 – 6:30 Seniors 6:00 – 7:30 September Performances: The senior dancers will be performing at the following venues in September: Saturday, September 1, 2012 – Berea Oktoberfest Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Saturday, September 8, 2012 – St. Nicholas Lorain Food Festival For an up-to-date schedule of events and detailed information about the group, please visit our website at: www.sthhd.com. Koinonia September & October 2012 37 COMMUNITY NEWS St. Haralambos Church BIRTH DEATHS & MEMORIALS Congratulations to Dennis and Aristea Tzouloufis on the birth of their baby boy on July 31, 2012. All of our best to your little miracle! DEATHS Freda Sekora Nick Barry (Bozeka) Victoria Cotopolis Steve Chrisanthus Peter James Foradas BAPTISMS Sophia Bournelis was baptized on July 1, 2012. Her Godmother is Maria Orlando. Sophia is the daughter of Nicholas and Heidi Bournelis. Yeorgia Zenallis was baptized on July 15, 2012. Her Godparents are Joseph and Diane Foster. Yeorgia is the daughter of Alex and Amy Zenallis. Much happiness to all of you! Nas Sas Zhsi! WEDDING Nicholas Bournelis and Heidi Plappert, were married on July 1, 2012. Their Koumbara was Maria Orlando. Wishing you both much love and happiness! BAKE SALE The Agia Markella Chios Society will be hosting a Bake Sale on Sunday, September 23, 2012. Please show your support for the Chios Relief Fund! CONGRATULATIONS! July 12, 2012 July 14, 2012 July 31, 2012 August 11, 2012 August 16, 2012 MEMORIALS September 9, 2012, 40 days Victoria Cotopolis September 16, 2012, 3 yrs. Fotini Tzouloufis Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of these families. May their beautiful memory be eternal! THANK YOU! DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS FLOWERS Our church was adorned with beautiful flowers and icon floral wreaths for the Dormition of the Theotokos. Thank you to: Chris & Elbus Kellamis, John & Christine Kellamis, and Stacey Pappakostas who donated flowers in memory of her parents, Peter & Nikolitsa Pappakostas. May God bless all of you for your thoughtfulness! COFFEE HOURS A gracious thank you to all of our St. Haralambos Families and Organizations who volunteered to sponsor our coffee hours this summer! It was great to see everyone involved. Your support was truly appreciated by all! ALEX D. KRASSAS TURNED 100! Our congratulations to Mr. Alex D. Krassas who turned 100 years of age on July 15, 2012! St. Haralambos Philoptochos hosted a beautiful Coffee Hour for Mr. Krassas which was enjoyed by many! We wish you many more years of God’s blessings of good health and much happiness! Mr. Krassas pictured with family members Dan & Carol Trifelos, Athene Karis, and Mary Trifelos. 38 Koinonia September & October 2012 St. Haralambos Hellenic Dancers Trip GREECE & ITALY 2012 vatican city Acropolis, greece petro Gaitanos, Mystras at psalti stand Olympic Stadium, Olympia Olympic Stadium, athens Lindos, Rhodes Rhodes, agia marina, panagyri performance Koinonia September & October 2012 39 Bible Study with Father Nick Bible Study With Deacon Keric PART I - IV TUESDAYS, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. THURSDAYS, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 25 SEPTEMBER 20 Part I ~ Studying The Holy Apostles Holy Scripture, Oral Tradition, & The Apostles of Christ “Sandals In The Dust” by M.E. Rosson and OCTOBER 18 Please mark your calendars! OCTOBER 23 Part II ~ Studying the Holy Apostles (Continued) Holy Scripture, Oral Tradition, & The Apostles of Christ “On The Wall” NOVEMBER 27 Part III ~ Studying the Holy Apostles For your convenience, we have many forms available to you “On the Wall.” (Continued) Holy Scripture, Oral Tradition, & The Apostles of Christ The Information Wall Display Is located right outside the Church Office in the lobby. DECEMBER 18 In this organizer you can find items such as: Part IV ~ Studying the Holy Apostles (Wrap-Up) Holy Scripture, Oral Tradition, & The Apostles of Christ Sources: “Orthodox Study Bible” and “Sandals in The Dust” by M. E. Rossen This book is on sale in our Bookstore for $6.50 40 Greek School Registration Forms Sunday School Registration Forms The “Koinonia” Church Calendars Sunday Bulletins Pledge Cards Preservation Pledge Cards 100th Anniversary Album Contracts and much more! it Check out! Koinonia September & October 2012 St. Haralambos Church 100th PRESERVATION FUND St. Haralambos Church MEN’S CLUB meeting A Friendly Reminder Pledge Cards are still needed for our 100th Preservation Fund! The Preservation Fund is extremely important for the finances of St. Harlambos Church. The intent of this fund is for future maintenance projects and emergency events. For those who have already pledged, we thank you for your generous commitment! St. Haralambos Church YOUTH BASKETBALL COACHES NEEDED TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2012 6:00 Social 6:30 Dinner New Members Age 18+ Are Always Welcome! Please Join Us!!! St. Haralambos Church J.O.Y. Junior Orthodox Youth, Ages 7-12 JOY’n us on SUNDAY, Join in on the fun with our St. Haralambos Youth! SEPTEMBER 16, 2012, 12:00 If you are interested in coaching Parents and children, please join us for the first meeting! We are planning many fun activities for our youth! Boys or Girls Basketball, please submit your letter of intent by September 30, 2012 to the St. Haralambos Parish Council. Please consider, it’s fun! Koinonia September & October 2012 Youth Room JOY Advisor: Allison Sarris, 330-456-0864. JOY Assistants: Tula Pirovolos & Theodora Stavrakis 41 GOD’S SECOND GREATEST COMMANDMENT In Matt .22:39, Christ calls us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” According to the “Orthodox Study Bible” page 1312, when interpreted properly, “we are to love our neighbor as one created in God’s image and likeness just as we are. The Church Fathers teach that we find our true self in loving our neighbor.” We have shown our community our “love of neighbor” by our various outreach projects. It is time to continue these projects. During the Sunday School Year we ask our parish to help us in collecting school supplies (notebooks, rulers, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, Kleenex, etc), Travel-sized Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc), Books (new or gently used), new or gently used & clean hats, mittens, & scarves, as well as new or gently used stuffed animals for the “Hugables for Christ” Christmas project. With more people unemployed, our outreach projects will touch more than “one” heart at a time. Our parish has always had a “heart” to change the world, help us to continue to change our community more than “one heart” at a time. Always in His Service, Karen Lazoran ST. HARALAMBOS CHURCH 100th Anniversary Trivia Contest! There will be 10 trivia questions in each issue of the first 5 Koinonia’s in 2012. In the Nov/Dec Koinonia the winner and the answers will be announced. The prize for the most correct answers will be a $100 restaurant gift certificate at your favorite Greek restaurant. To be included in this contest, please return this form with your answers to the Church Office by OCT. 31, 2012. Mark envelope: “Trivia Contest.” PLEASE PRINT. Thank You and Good Luck! NAME: _______________________________________ PHONE: ____________________________________ 1. What are the three types of Orthodox Church architecture? _________________________________ 2 What type is our church? ____________________________________________________________ 3 What are the parts of the church? _____________________________________________________ 4 Where is the solea? ________________________________________________________________ 5 Who is the patron saint of our church? __________________________________________________ 6 Name the part of the church where people worship? ________________________________________ 7 What is the significance of the Epitaphion? ______________________________________________ 8 Name the seven sacraments. __________________________________________________________ 9 What is the Eucharist? ______________________________________________________________ 10 What is the Iconostasion? ___________________________________________________________ 42 Koinonia September & October 2012 ___________________________________________________________ _______________________ ____________ Icon, Gift & Bookstore Tear Soup is a treasured book for people of all ages to read New during the process of healing & from grief. It is a 15 minute H Reco ighly read. mm ende d Often quoted as the most helpful and relatable of all readings during difficult times, Tear Soup, a recipe for healing after loss, will bring comfort, insights and ultimately help fill the voids created by loss. Loss, meaning. .. loss of all kinds - death, miscarriage, divorce, employment, disappointment, etc. Tear Soup offers helpful tips to use with yourself, friends, children, couples, and male grievers. Tear Soup * affirms the bereaved * educates the unbereaved * is a building block for children Tear Soup is by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen, with 30 years of experience in the hospice and bereavement field. It is in its tenth printing with over 350,000 copies in print. SEPTEMBER VOLUNTEERS Sun. Sept. 2 After Church Dolly Sousaris & Mary Carpathios Sun. Sept. 9 Niove Fasoulas & Melody Bowman Sun. Sept. 16 Goldie Manos & Mary Trifelos Sun. Sept. 23 Georgia Trikkas & Flora Anderson Sun. Sept 30 Helen Tsarwhas & Ann Simatacolos OCTOBER VOLUNTEERS Sun. Oct. 7 Mary Carpathios & Helen Meder Sun.Oct.14 Niove Fasoulas & Helen Tsarwhas Sun. Oct. 21 Georgia Trikkas & Flora Anderson Sun. Oct. 28 Chris Anne Stavrianou & Ann Simatacolos 44 Missed Parishioners Below is a list of some of our church family members who are not able to attend. Thoughtful visits and cards are most welcome! Thank you, God bless you for your thoughtfulness! CANTON REGENCY 4515 22nd St. NW Canton, OH 44708 PH: 330-477-7664 GENEVIEVE HONDRAKIS CLARA MANOS INN AT BELDEN VILLAGE 3927 38th St. NW Canton, OH 44718 PH: 330-493-0096 HELEN DIAMANT MANOR CARE HEALTH SERV. 5005 Higbee Ave. NW Canton, OH 44718 PH: 330-492-7835 NICK MALOUDIS ST. LUKE LUTHERAN COMM. 220 Applegrove St. NE North Canton, OH 44720 PH: 330-499-8341 ANNA ECONOMOU - PH: 330-363-5564 NENA KOUNOUZVELIS - PH: 330-498-3988 HARRY LAGGERIS ROMALUE LANGOS SAM MANOS HARRIET TRIKILAS STONE CROSSING 836 34th St. NW Canton, OH 44709 PH: 330-492-7131 ANN COOBATIS NICHOLET VAITSIS WATERFORD AT ST. LUKE 201 Holl Rd. NE, #220 North Canton, OH 44720 PH: 330-490-2344 IRENE LAGGERIS Koinonia September & October 2012 Emergency Telephone Numbers When - You are sad, phone John 14 You have sinned, phone Psalm 51 You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91 People have failed you, phone Psalm 27 It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139 Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11 You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23 You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34 You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13 You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18 You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39 You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30 It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90 You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30 You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121 You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87 You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1 Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone Mark 10:17-31 You are depressed, phone Psalm 27 Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37 You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13 It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15 You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126 You feel the world is small compared to you, phone Psalm 19 You want to carry fruit, phone John 15 Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17 With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55 To get along with other people, phone Romans 12 ALTERNATE NUMBERS For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47 For security, call Psalm 121:3 For assurance, call Mark 8:35 For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18 ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY. NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY. ALL LINES TO GOD ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY. FEED YOUR FAITH…….AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH. Koinonia September & October 2012 37 45 SEPTEMBER 1 George Hatzakis Eros Ramphos 2 Acia Shaheen HAPPY 15 Giulio Gabriele Fr. Nicholas Gamvas Dina Nikolaou 3 Lorraine Manos Michael T. Paxos Nikki Rossetti 16 Angeline Ellis Jennifer Espinosa Angelo Palmer Stella Plesko 4 Mary Manos 17 Maria Basiakos 5 Nicholas Stilianos 18 Amelia Colón Mary Manolas Stephen Skendelas Sylvia Williams 6 Nicholas Bournelis Steve A. Bozeka Angelo Bozekas Christopher Gaitanos Aristides Kaplanis Thomas Millis 7 Sophie Manos Joanna Volas 8 George Foradis Mary Trifelos Renea Tsenekos 9 Virginia Ballas Gregory Macris Eleni Thomas Michelle Trbovich 10 Harry Laggeris 11 Samantha Foradis Katherine Kapalko Stephanie Likouris Jonathan Machamer Nicole Rossetti Joe Waggoner Alexia Zenallis 12 Harriet Anderson David Rispinto 13 Gust Goutras Emanuel Karinos Irene Tsenekos 14 Stavros Basiakos Effrosene Bourlas Chris Georgiades Theodore Kourouniotis Michael Stamaton 46 BIRTHDAY! 19 Melody Bowman Stephanie Nastoff Dana Stilianos John Yatras 20 George K. Bourlas Gregory Kandis Andrew Parker 21 Bill Nicholas Howard Rutter 23 Tina Bolon Catherine Carpenter Virginia Chuchanis Jason Meade 24 Katherine Manuselis Alex Poinar 25 John Bellas George Calandros Carol Capocci Leonidas Paxos Christine Sklavounos 26 Dina Fakelis 29 Alyssa Diamant 30 Dylan Christ OCTOBER 1 Sia Pope ! M A N Y Y E A R S ! 2 Olga Michalos George Tsenekos Pheona Williams Nicholas Withers Steve Zoumberakis 3 Mary A. Kallos Niki Strohmenger Thomas Vonortas 4 Yianni Kantzos Michael Nastoff Adam Sousaris 5 Denise Bellas Stephanie Fakelis James Vallos 6 John Tsangeos Stephanie Waggoner 7 Eftihia Frustaci Olympia Loukas Lois Manos 8 Nick Cotopolis Dina DiDonato Constantine Foradis John D. Kosmides Nick Regopoulos 9 Helen Bozeka Irene Laggeris Joseph Manuselis Peter Sotiropoulos 10 Michael Gialouris George Michalos Nick Paxos Lydia Yatras 12 Nick Contes Cynthia Poinar Chris Ann Stavrianou James Xides 13 John C. Bahas Jason Colón 14 Joseph Anderson Michael Giustino Andrew Kouris Diana Tsenekos 15 James Arrigo Alexis Christ Lindsey Foradis Dru Strohmenger 16 Yolanda Kouris Nicholas Koutras Diana Leonard Harry Murutes Caden Paone Philip Stavrianou Georgia Wacker 17 Michael Calandros Alex Zenallis 18 Carole Carpathios Mary Allison Parker Sophia Politis 19 Jonathan Carpathios Steve Manolakis Jack Usner 21 Savva Bournelis Michael Kazes 22 Michael Arrigo 23 Maria DiGiacomo Troy Trbovich 24 Mark Panagopoulos Jason Paone Eliot Strohmenger 25 Hannah English Nicki Horaitis 27 Nick Karantanes Vasilios Konstantacos Craig Nixdorf 28 Kamal Bichara Carolyn Michalos Gregory Panopoulos Kathryn Vretas 29 Georgene Gabriele Sophia Tsenekos John Vallos Victoria Vallos 30 Penelope Ralles 31 Tina Cotopolis Talia Hardesty Koinonia September & October 2012 9th ANNUAL GREEK OKTOBERFEST! OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2012 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 & 6 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. ST. GEORGE CULTURAL CENTER 364 First St. S.E., Massillon, OH 44646 For more information, please call 330-832-3659 St. Haralambos Church Altar Boy Schedule All young men ages 8-18 are ALWAYS welcome to join our Altar Boy Teams at ANY time! Please see Father Nicholas, Spiritual Advisor SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER SCHEDULE, PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Be on time to start at 9:45 a.m. TEAM A - SEPTEMBER 2 SEPTEMBER 30 OCTOBER 28 TEAM B - SEPTEMBER 9 OCTOBER 7 TEAM C - SEPTEMBER 16 OCTOBER 14 TEAM D - SEPTEMBER 23 OCTOBER 21 TEAM A Theodore Kantzos, Captain Christian Kellamis, Co-Capt. Michael Pirovolos, Co-Capt. Yianni Kantzos Markos Kantzos Dean Sarris TEAM B Savva Bournelis, Co-Capt. Alexander Christ, Co-Capt. John Vallos Adam Varlamos Andrew Turner Louis Varlamos Luke Sarris TEAM C Vincent Arrigo, Co-Capt. Michael Contos, Co-Capt. Evan Norris Theo Millis Nicholas Regas Michael Stamaton Alexander Regas TEAM D Gabriel Panopoulos, Capt. Joseph Panopoulos, Co-Capt. Gregory Panopoulos Jorge Tsenekos Derek Manos Yanni Volas Kosta Volas WELCOME! Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Canton, Ohio Permit No. 1408 Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 251 25th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44709 The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross September 14 TROPARION OF THE CROSS O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, grant victory to Orthodox Christians over the Adversary; and by the power of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation. THE ICON SAINT MAKARIOS THE BISHOP OF JERUSALEM The central figure, robed in bishop’s vestments, depicted elevating the Cross above the crowd for veneration. SAINT HELENA The crowned woman in the lower left. SAINT CONSTANTINE THE GREAT The crowned man in the lower right. THE CROWD The citizens of Jerusalem and saintly bishops, deacons, and monastics. JERUSALEM The city of Jerusalem is shown in the background, above the Cross is the domed Church of the Holy Sepulchre which Saints Constantine and Helena had erected over the site.