May Newsletter-Final 1.pub - Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

LIGHT FROM LIGHT
Transfiguration of Our Lord
Greek Orthodox Church
Newsletter
Volume 15, Issue 5
May 2012
Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Thank you to all of the volunteers who
made our Pascha celebraon very special
this year. Your sacrifice of me, talents,
treasures connue to be essenal to the
community atmosphere that we all enjoy
as members of Transfiguraon.
A special thanks to Fr. Vasileios, Pres.
Stella, and Liz Strong for their reless
service to our community. Thank you to
all of the Council members, the ladies of
Philoptochos, the many ministry leaders,
the Altar servers, the chanters, the usher
ministry, and to EVERYONE who made
this a truly beauful and blessed Pascha!
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
In Service to His Church,
Brandon Suehs, Parish Council President
Mark Your Calendar
Parish Council
Brandon Suehs - President
Marko Bjeletich - Vice Pres.
Summer Service Hours Begin on May 27: Orthros: 8:15 a.m.
Pat Mitchell - Secretary
Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
John Chronis - Treas.
Stephen Dow
Judy Eagle
Because of the June installaon of the dome iconography, we
will worship in Mount Tabor Hall on June 17 and June 24.
Shelley Ebeling
Anita Jones
Ioannis Ousaklidis
The church office will be
closed on Memorial Day.
Transfiguration of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church
414 St. Stephens School Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 329-6363 Fax: (512) 329-6364
Fr. Vasileios Flegas, Parish Priest- frvasileios@transfiguration.org; (512) 574-1972
Stuart Yoder
LIGHT FROM LIGHT
is published monthly, except June & July
(combined), by Transfiguration Greek
Orthodox Church. To submit articles and
photos for publication, please contact
Reno & Melissa Lauro
(meatballandpepper@gmail.com).
Light from Light
2
Feast of the Ascension of
Our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ
Introduction
he Feast of the Ascension of our Lord God and
Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on the
foreth day aer the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha
(Easter). Since the date of Pascha changes each year,
the date of the Feast of the Ascension changes. This
year, the Apodosis of Pascha and the Vespers for the
Ascension will be celebrated Wednesday evening, May 23,
at 5:30 p.m. The Feast of Ascension will be celebrated
Thursday morning: May 24, 9:00 a.m., Orthros and 10:00
a.m. Divine Liturgy.
The Feast itself commemorates when, on the foreth day
aer His Resurrecon, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount
of Olives, and aer blessing them and asking them to wait
for the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit, He
ascended into heaven.
Biblical Story
The story of the Ascension of our Lord, celebrated as one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the
Church, is found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles 1:3-11. It is also menoned in the Gospels
of Mark (16:19) and Luke (24:50-53). The moment of the Ascension is told in one sentence: "He
was lied up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight" (Acts 1:9).
Christ made His last appearance on earth, forty days aer His Resurrecon from the dead. The
Acts of the Apostles states that the disciples were in Jerusalem. Jesus appeared before them and
commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the "Promise of the Father". He
stated, "You shall be bapzed with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5).
Aer Jesus gave these instrucons, He led the disciples to the Mount of Olives. Here, He
commissioned them to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It is also at this me that the disciples were directed by Christ to "go
and make disciples of all naons, bapzing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit" (Ma2hew 28:19). Jesus also told them that He would be with them always, "even to
the end of the world" (Ma2hew 28:20).
As the disciples watched, Jesus lied up His hands, blessed them, and then was taken up out of
their sight (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). Two angels appeared to them and asked them why they were
gazing into heaven. Then one of the angels said, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into
heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him going into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
May 2012
3
Icon of the Feast
The icon of The Ascension of
Our Lord is a joyous icon. It is
painted with bright colors.
Christ is shown ascending in His
glory in a mandorla 1. A mandorla is a design which is almond-shaped or round. Inside
the mandorla is the figure of a
holy person. Christ blesses the
assembly with His right hand 2.
In His le is a scroll. The scroll is
a symbol of teaching 3. This
icon shows that the Lord in
1. Christ ascending into heaven on a mandorla.
heaven is the source of
blessing. In addion, Jesus is
the source of knowledge. The icon reminds us that Christ connues to be the source of the teaching
and message of the Church, blessing and guiding those to whom He has entrusted his work.
2. Christ blessing with His right hand those who are
witnessing His glorious Ascension into heaven (detail).
3. The Scroll in Christ's left hand (detail).
The Theotokos occupies a very special place in this icon 4. She is in the center of the icon, immediately
below the ascending Christ. The gesture of her hands is gesture of prayer. She is clearly outlined by the
whiteness of the garments of the angels 5. The Theotokos is depicted in a very calm pose. This is quite
different from the appearance of the
Disciples. They are moving about,
talking to one another and looking
and poinng towards heaven. The
enre group, the Theotokos and the
disciples represent the Church.
The icon of the Ascension includes some who did not witness the
Ascension. St. Paul is shown to the
le of the Theotokos, but we know
that he was not present at the Ascension 6. At that me, St. Paul did
not yet believe in Jesus. But he became a Chrisan and one of the
greatest Apostles and missionaries
4. The Theotokos amongst the Angels and Apostles
of Church.
The icon expresses the sovereignty of Christ over His Church; He is its Head, its guide, its source of
inspiraon and teaching; it receives its commission and ministry from Him, and fulfills it in the power of
the Holy Spirit.
Light from Light
4
Orthodox Christian Celebration of
the Feast of the Ascension
This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is
conducted on the day of the Feast, May 24, and preceded by the Mans service. A Great Vespers is
conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast at 5:30 p.m. on May 23. Scripture readings for
the Feast are the following: At Vespers: Isaiah 2:2-3, 62:10-63:9; Zechariah 14:1,4,8-11. At the
Orthros (Mans) Mark 16:9-20; At the Divine Liturgy: Acts 1:1-12; Luke 24:36-53.
Hymns of the Feast
5. The Theotokos (detail).
6. Saint Paul, who did not
witness Christ's Ascension, is
depicted in the icon (detail).
Reproduced from www.goarch.org
Apolykion (Fourth Tone)
O Christ our God, You ascended in Glory and
gladdened Your disciples by the promise of the
Holy Spirit. Your blessing assured them that
You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the
world.
Kontakion (Plagal of the Second Tone)
O Christ our God, upon fulfilling Your
dispensaon for our sake, You ascended in
Glory, uning the earthly with the heavenly.
You were never separate but remained
inseparable, and cried out to those who love
You,
"I am with you and no one is against you."
THE COMMUNITY OF TRANSFIGURATION
CONGRATULATES THE GRADUATES OF
THE CLASS OF 2012!
Aimee Gouris
Daughter of Tom and Allison Gouris
Aimee is graduating from Lake Travis High School and planning to attend Austin
Community College before transferring to another four-year university.
“I have lived here since 1997. Other than participating in the Arts, I love to learn
about history. I wish to pursue a degree in archeology and anthropology. I want
to thank everyone for pushing and shaping me, to create the person who I am
today. I want to thank my parents the most for constantly encouraging me to test
new waters. My favorite quote is ‘You got a dream … You gotta protect it. People
can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you “You can’t do it.” If you
want something go get it. Period.’ (Said by Chris Gardner in the Pursuit of
Happiness) Thanks guys!”
May 2012
5
Maria Chronis
Daughter of John and Amy Chronis
Amy is graduating from Texas Christian University’s M.J.
Neeley School of Business. She’s majoring Marketing Major
with an International Emphasis.
Quote: "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is
sweet." ~Aristotle
Emily Daskalantonakis
Daughter of Michael and Beth Daskalantonakis
I am graduating from James Bowie High School and will be attending The
University of Texas at Austin to study Neurobiology. Hook ‘em!
Some of my most fulfilling experiences in high school include serving as a
mentor in the Peer Assistance and Leadership program where I have had
the honor of working with elementary and middle school children lacking
positive role models in their lives. I have also valued performing and
directing as a member of the Bowie theater company. Some other great
experiences for me in high school have been: serving as the Secretary of
the National Honor Society; playing for and managing the volleyball team;
and participating in as many unique clubs as possible.
My Church Community has always been the center of my life. GOYA
activities, camp, retreats and basketball tournaments have been such an
important part of who I am. I have also loved participating as a dancer
with the Levendia since I was in elementary school!
Thank you to all of the people in our community who have loved and helped me throughout my life, and
special thanks to my Sunday School teachers and lovable GOYA buddies and advisors! It is also important to
me that I thank Father Jordan, Father Michael, and Father Vasileios for loving and guiding me. Who knew that
right in the middle of Texas, I would be raised in the most loving Greek Orthodox horio?!
We congratulate Emily on being elected a member of the Who’s Who at James Bowie High School—a great
honor for which only 25 out of 600 students are selected.
Light from Light 6
Mia Karides
Daughter of George and Georgia Karides
Mia will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business
Administration Degree in Accounting as well as a
Master of Professional Accounting Degree with
Honors from the University of Texas at Austin
McCombs School of Business.
While at UT, Mia was a member of Delta Delta Delta
Sorority. She will begin her career in Public
Accounting this September.
Katina Hicks
Daughter of Vickie Hicks
Granddaughter of Kaliopi Gialusis
Katina is graduating from
Stony Point High School,
Round Rock ISD. She will
be attending Austin
Community College before
transferring
to Texas A&M.
Her honors include being
listed in the A/B Honor
Roll in 12th, 11th, 10th,
and 9th grade years;
membership in BETA National Honor Society; membership in the Round
Rock ISD PTSA; and receiving the Outstanding English Student Award.
“My aspirations after graduation are to become a doctor. I want to become
a doctor so that I can help people live full, healthy, and happy lives. It's one
of the most fullfilling jobs a person could have and I can't wait to begin
pursuing my goal. “
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
--George Bernard Shaw
Samantha DeRossi
Granddaughter of Joseph and Koula DeRossi
Samantha is graduating from Texas State University with a Bachelor in Fine
Arts with an emphasis in Dance and a concentration in Education.
“To my Yiayia and Papou, Thank you for all that you do, my college
education would not have been possible without you. I love you both very
much and I hope to continue to make you proud.
May 2012
7
Christina Randol
Daughter of Mark and Jackey Randol
Christina is graduating from Concordia High School in Austin, TX. She
has been accepted to Helenic College Freshman year 2013—2014 and
plans to major in Elementary Education.
Due to graduating high school at the age of 16, she will take some
classes at Austin Community College and work towards finishing her 3rd
degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Next year, she is also planning on
doing volunteer work at a school and teaching at the Taekwondo
Dojang to keep busy and gain experience.
Her clubs and interests include the following: Girls Basketball Team,
Praise Band, Section Leader in choir, District and State music contest,
Small group bible study leader, GOYA, Children's Choir, helped with
vacation bible school.
Maria Benson
Daughter of Kiki Benson
“My name is Maria Benson and I will be graduating from Lake Travis High
My School in May. I have been wonderfully blessed to have been raised in
this Orthodox community. I have loved every minute of basketball
practice, GOYA retreats, Sunday School Showdowns and Greek dancing.
Every memory is precious to me and I will take them all with me as I move
on to this new chapter in my life.
I will be studying neurobiology at the University of Texas at Austin. In high
school, I dedicated my life to the Speech and Debate team and Track and
Field. I tried to get involved in as many things as I could and have
enjoyed the positions of Vice President of both Debate and the
International Thespians Society as well as Community Service Committee
Chair of the National Honor Society in my senior year. Following the
footsteps of my father, I have continued to pursue my studies in
piano. I cherish my community as a family and cannot thank you
all enough for your steadfast love and support throughout
everything that my family has been through. I love you all and
cannot wait to share stories of my new college adventures.”
Kayle Stevenson
Daughter of Peter and Linda Kangos
Kayle Stevenson is graduating from Westwood High School, she is
in the top 10% of her class, a member of the National Honor
Society, National French Honor Society, Student Council, Mu
Alpha Theta, National Society of High School Scholars, various
clubs, and formerly a member of the dance team and choir. She
will attend either Southern Methodist University or Wake Forest
University in the fall.
Light from Light 8
Brandon Keys
Son of Delores and Drew Keys
Brandon Keys will be graduating from Vandegrift HS, he
will Graduate with Advanced Placement Honors.
He was in the student council and the MU ALPHA Theta
and the Key Club. Brandon received an Athletic and
Honors Academic scholarship to attend The University of
Memphis. He will study Bio Engineering and will be
running Division 1 college cross country and track.
Brandon has always believed "To give anything less than
your best is to sacrifice the gift."
Stefan Tassoulas
Son of Erin and Yannis Tassoulas
Stefan Tassoulas, graduating from Liberal Arts and Science Academy,
LASA. Member of National Honor Society. Varsity soccer team, which
won district. He received his Eagle Scout Award this spring, for which
his project was leading a group of volunteers in identifying and removing
invasive species in Mayfield Park Preserve. He raised money for this
project and was able to donate funds for additional native replanting.
Stefan will attend Georgia Tech in Atlanta this fall, studying BioChemistry. He received several grants and the BEST Scholarship from
the National Science Foundation. To his family and friends he says, “I
love you all and cannot wait to share stories of my new college
adventures.”
Lambros Tassoulas
Son of Erin and Yannis Tassoulas
Lambros will be graduating from LASA, Liberal Arts and Science
Academy. He will be attending Georgia Tech where he will be
studying Biology. He received several grants and also the BEST
Scholarship from the National Science Foundation. While at LASA he
played on the varsity soccer team, which won district this year. He is
also a member of the National Honor Society. Lambros received his
Eagle Scout Award this spring, his project was to build a stone bridge
across a creek in Mayfield Park Preserve. This allows visitors to
access more trails that were difficult to reach because of a lack of
bridge. He lead volunteers to build the bridge using native stone
incorporating his design and engineering.
May 2012 9
Clarisa Draina
Daughter of JoAnn and Joe
Clarissa will be graduating from Bowie High School. She was on the Silver
Stars precision dance drill team for two years at Bowie, and she danced for
the Church community for four years.
Clarissa will be going into the nursing program at Austin Community
College.
From her Mom, Dad, and brother Stephen: “We wish you the brightest of all
successes in the exciting challenges and opportunities that ahead in the
future. God bless you always. We love you.”
Blagoje Zoran Djordjevic
Son of Zoran and Zorica
Blagoje is graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with
degrees in Greek, Latin, Physics, and Mathematics. His honors
include High Honors, College Scholar, Unrestricted Endowed
Presidential Scholarship, Rapoport-King Thesis Scholarship,
McCormack Scholarship in Physics, Masters McCarthy
Scholarship in Greek and Latin. He also played Club Rugby. His
additional activities include Eta Sigma Phi Classics Society,
Society of Physics Students, The American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics, President of the Orthodox
Christian Fellowship.
At UT Austin 2008-2012. he studied Pure Mathematics in
Moscow, Russia, for the Spring of 2010. Worked in Experimental
Solid-State Physics in Würzburg, Germany, in the Summer of
2011. He wrote an Honors Thesis in Greek on the Perception of
Science in Byzantine Theology - Geometry according to Gregory
Palamas. He also wrote an Honors Thesis in Physics on the
Analytical Description of Internal Waves in Fluid Dynamics. In
addition, he went on the mission trip Real Break 2012 to
Guatemala.
Quote: "These past few years for me in Austin have been some
of the most challenging and formative of my life and I will carry
my experiences here wherever I go. I would not have been able
to do what I did without the spiritual support of the Orthodox
Christian communities of Austin. Therefore, I would like to thank
everyone at Transfiguration for their fellowship, encouragement
and faith in me and the Orthodox Christian Fellowship these past
few years, which was so critical to my collegiate experience. I
hope you continue to support and engage Orthodox college
students in the Austin area like you have done for me."
Arianna Gazis
Daughter of Thalia and George
“I am graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Interpersonal
Communication Studies from UT's School of Communications. In
the fall, I plan to work as a student mentor for an undergraduate
course and hopefully continue research in conflict mediation. “
Light from Light 10
IOCC Fundraising Dinner
Sunday, June 3
“Growing in our
Orthodox Faith”:
This event supports Internaonal Orthodox Chrisan
Charies, a group that provides financial assistance,
emergency relief, development programs and volunteering opportunies for the poor throughout the
world. Imad Zaccak is the chair of the IOCC Metropolitan Commi(ee in Ausn, and is seeking our help to
assist with this event. Volunteer opportunies include
assisng with setup/cleanup, the Silent Aucon, publicity, reaching out to the other Orthodox and ethnic
communies, ideas for a guest speaker, and serving
food/beverages to tables. Please email Imad at
iz2000ca@yahoo.ca if you are able to help out!
A New Discussion Series
A new discussion series led by Presbytera Vasiliki
Eckley on the topic “The Cosmic Vision of St.
Maximus the Confessor,” and its relevance for
our lives today. Everyone is invited to a(end. We
will meet every Wednesday in June. We will
begin with Paraklesis at 6:00 p.m. and then begin
our study.
May 2012 11
OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship)
Officers for the 2012-2013 School Year
President: Malina Panovich
Vice-President: George Kimson
General Officers: Andrew Treckmann, Eleni Stamatakis,
Dany Haddad
Women’s Study Group
Presbytera Vasiliki Eckley will lead the next gathering for the
young women of the Young Adult League in an informal
study group on Wednesday, May 9th and May 9.
Presbytera has a professional background in
research and the study of relaonships. She has lectured at
numerous workshops and retreats, and we are excited to
have her meet with the young women of our group who are
interested in addressing issues relave to relaonship and
lifestyle in today's world, from an Orthodox
perspecve. The meeng will be held at her home in
central Ausn. Please contact Maria Miller at
mariamiller26@yahoo.com if you are interested
in a(ending.
YAL: Young Adult League
Bible Study will resume with Father Vasileios on
Tuesday, May 8, and Tuesday, May 22. Please
arrive to grab a snack so the study can begin at
6:30 pm.
Volunteers are needed for several upcoming
events:
♦
Capital of Texas Triathlon—Monday, May 28
(Memorial Day) h(p://www.captextri.com
♦
Specifically, the paratriathlon poron for
handicapped racers (athletes who might be
paraplegic, have amputated limbs, or who
are blind). Many of these triathlon parcipants are professional athletes.
♦
Volunteers would assist them with transioning between the porons of the race
and ensuring they have everything they
need to connue throughout the event.
♦
Please email ausn.oya@gmail.com for
more informaon.
Light from Light 12
On the Wednesday of the
Paralytic, we celebrate the
Feast of Mid-Pentecost
Standing in the midst of the teachers,
Christ the Messiah teacheth at Mid-Feast.
id-Pentecost is the midpoint of
the fiy days between the Feasts
of Pascha and Pentecost. This
year, Mid-Pentacost falls on
Wednesday, May 9 (Orthros at 9:00 a.m.
and Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.). It is also the
Feastday of our beloved Bishop, His
Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah and the
Feastday of St. Christopher. In the Divine
Liturgy Gospel passage, we read that “in the
midst of the feast Jesus went up into the
Temple, and taught” (John 7:14). The feast in
queson is the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles
which
commemorates
the
Israelites
wandering in the desert for forty years,
when they lived under tents and tabernacles.
“Tabernacles” served as the middle link
between the Jewish Passover, which recalls
God’s deliverance of His people from the
Egypan pharaoh, and the Jewish Pentecost,
which remembers Old Israel’s entry into the
“promised land” of Mount Sinai. The risen
Christ is the link for New Israel as it
celebrates the New Passover (Pascha, the
Resurrecon) and the New Pentecost, when
the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples
and apostles. When Jesus had preached in the temple, he had just healed the Paralyc Man—which the
Orthodox Church recalled on the previous Sunday—and was about to give sight to the Blind Man—which
the Orthodox Church will recall in ten days. The apolykion of Mid-Pentecost announces the “waters of true
worship”, which Christ will give us to drink, just as He gave the Samaritan Woman to drink; we
commemorate that event on the coming Sunday. Thus, Mid-Pentecost reveals to the world that Christ will
heal all of its infirmies, both physical and spiritual.
By Thy boundless mercy, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
O Sovereign Master and Creator of all things, O Christ our God, Thou didst cry unto those present at the
Judaic Mid-feast and address forth immortality’s water. Wherefore, we fall down before Thee and faithfully
cry out: Grant Thy compassions unto us, O Lord, for Thou art truly the Well-spring of life for all.
With the streams of Thy Blood do Thou water my soul, which is grown dry and barren because of mine
iniquies and offences, and show it forth to be fruiul in virtues. For Thou didst tell all to draw nigh Thee, O
all-holy Word of God, and to draw forth the water of incorrupon, which is living and which washeth away
the sins of them that praise Thy glorious and divine arising. Unto them that know Thee as God, O good One,
grant from on high the strength of the Spirit, which verily was borne by Thy disciples, for Thou are truly the
Well-spring of life for all.
—Kontakion and Oikos of the Feast
May 2012 13
The Light that Never Sleeps
by Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis
ost of us are familiar with the Tradion of the Vigil Light
that burns on the altar at all mes. It is called “To
Akimiton Fos,” the Light that never sleeps. About a year
ago, someme in Lent 2010, I entered the altar one
morning, and found, to my dismay, that the light had gone out.
No, it wasn’t the first me this happened—it’s happened a
few other mes when I had neglected the Light and forgot to change
the 7 day vove candle that somemes burns slightly less than 7 days.
Last year, on Holy Saturday, I came to church thinking about the Light
on the altar table, and how many mes I had let it go out—either
through carelessness or forge&ulness—and had to relight it. And I
decided that I would use last Easter to start over again with this Light
and see how long I could keep it going. I came into the church, blew
out the light for a moment, and struck a match and lit a new candle.
So, tonight I mark an anniversary of sorts—that Light never went out
one me this year. Now it took some effort to keep that Light going—I
didn’t want to chance that a 7 day candle might only burn for six days,
so I made sure I came in church at least every couple of days to change
the candle. I made sure that when I handled the Light while making
the change, that I was careful not to let the wax put out the fire.
During the couple of weeks I was at summer camp last year, I asked
someone to carefully change the candle every couple of days, to make
sure that no ma)er what, it didn’t go out.
This milestone, while certainly not among the most
significant things I have done in my life, is one that has a symbolic
meaning for every Chrisan life, starng with mine. The Chrisan life
is a lot like the exercise of keeping this Light burning regularly
throughout one’s life. Let’s start with the candle itself—the candle,
when burning, provides light and warmth. Darkness is defined as the
absence of Light, so when even one candle is introduced into a dark
room, the room is no longer dark. Our church at this moment may
seem dark, but it isn’t, not completely, because one candle is burning
on the Holy Altar, one Light is shining in the darkness, and that is all
After celebrating the Queen of Feasts, Pascha, it is
always difficult to keep the light shining brightly in
our hearts. I offer this article from my classmate as
another source of inspiration to help us keep the
light from going out. May the light of Christ always
shine brightly in your lives. Christ is Risen!
— Fr. Vasileios
that is needed to overtake the darkness, one small Light. And the Light
provides warmth. If I put my hands around this candle, I will feel
warmth. Even if the church is cold in winter, standing over the candle
always makes one feel warm. We will hear shortly in the Gospel of
John read at the Paschal Liturgy that Christ is the Light that shines in
the darkness and the darkness cannot overtake the Light. (John 1:5)
One can feel neither dark nor cold if one has the Light.
Living the Chrisan life the way God intended for us to live it
is a lot like this exercise of keeping this candle burning throughout the
year. It takes consistency—it has to be done on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, some of us use Easter like a booster shot—we come
take a shot of Christ and won’t come back to church for many months.
You can’t keep the flame alight in you if you do that, any more than
this flame on the altar will stay lit if it is neglected for more than a few
days. The Light must also be handled carefully. If I move the candle
recklessly while changing it, that light can go out. If we move too
recklessly in our lives, our Light can go out as well. And in order to
keep the Light of Christ alive, it requires community. See there were a
couple of occasions this past year that I had to ask someone else to
help me keep this candle burning, because I couldn’t do it myself. And
likewise in our Chrisan lives, none of us is an island, and none of us
knows everything. We exist in relaonship to one another and we are
supposed to help one another keep our lights alive and burning
brightly. It is difficult, if not impossible to keep the light going on your
own. Everyone needs prayer, everyone needs love, everyone needs
forgiveness, everyone needs compassion, everyone needs hope. And
because we are all in need of these things, we must also be willing to
offer these things freely and joyfully to those around us. We must
offer prayer for others, we must offer love, we must offer forgiveness,
we must offer compassion, we must offer hope.
We have seen through this journey of Holy Week that Christ
offered us all of these things—He offered forgiveness to those who
crucified Him; He offered peace to His disciples before His betrayal; He
offered His prayer for the enre world, that we may be kept in His
name, that we may be one with Him; He offered compassion to Peter
who a/er his denial was restored as the chief of the Apostles; He
offered us the greatest example of love—He told us that there is no
greater love than if a man lays down his life for his friends, because
shortly a/er saying that, He laid down his life for the whole world, for
you and for me. And most importantly, He offers us hope—that the
end of life is not an end, but a new beginning; that death is not an
indignity, but that a Chrisan death, is the ulmate triumph because it
comes with everlasng reward. But this is made possible only when
Light from Light 14
we strive to keep the
Light of Christ burning
within us on a
consistent basis.
Tonight, if your light
has gone out, accept
the light of Christ and
start over again.
Today is a new day,
don’t just make it
business as usual
tomorrow. And if your
Light is going strong, if
you’ve kept it burning
brightly for the past
year, celebrate with
joy, and enter a new
year with a
commitment to keep it
burning. Last year, I
had a goal to keep the flame burning on the altar for one year without
fail. By God’s grace, that small goal was accomplished. The goal now
remains the same—having rejoiced in keeping this going for one year,
I will connue with joy the goal of keeping it going for another.
ourselves to begin anew in the Light of the Resurrected Christ. Do
you believe in the things we have celebrated this week—the
Crucifixion, the Resurrecon, the healing that comes from God
through His sacraments, the salvaon that has been promised to us
by God? Do you believe that you will one day behold God’s glory?
And what are you doing about that today? If you believe in God and
you hope that one day you will behold God’s glory in heaven, then
make today count, and tomorrow, and next month and next year. We
read in the Psalms “This is the day which the Lord has made, let us
rejoice and be glad in it.” For the kingdom is not for everyone—but
for those who have prepared themselves—for those who have kept
the light alive in them on a consistent basis, even when life gets sad,
or tough. It is for those who have sat paently, like the 5 wise
maidens, with their oil of faith burning brightly while waing for the
Lord to come. So, let all things begin anew in the Light of the
Resurrected Christ, and going forward from here with joy, let us
recommit ourselves and encourage one
another to keep that flame alive on a
daily basis, safeguarding it with care,
and leaning on one another for help
when the somemes heavy crosses of
this life threaten our light, our joy, our
hope. Come receive the Light from the
everlasng Light, and glorify Christ who
is risen from the dead.
I began Holy Week last Sunday by posing three quesons—
and I leave you to ponder these as we close Holy Week and ready
May 2012 15
Thank you to all of our Dome iconography campaign donors
Fr. Vasileios & Prsv. Stella
Flegas
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis
Ackerman
Ms. Jane Allen
Mr. & Mrs. Rod Ambrose
Dr. & Mrs. Jacob Angelo
Dr. & Mrs. Lou Apostolakis
Mr. & Mrs. Bart Arnold
Mr. & Mrs. Vaios Athanasiou
Mr. & Mrs. Michalis Bakiris
Mrs. Kiki Benson
Dcn. George & Prsv. Ria
Bithos
Mr. & Mrs. Marko Bjeletich
Miss Andja Bjeletich
Mrs. Lynette Bourgeois
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Burks
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Burns
Mrs. Despina Carter
Mr. William Chriss
Mr. & Mrs. John Chronis
Mr. & Mrs. William Colovas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Courtney
Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Daskalantonakis
Mr. & Mrs. R. Dean
Davenport
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeRossi
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Demetriadis
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Dow
Mr. & Mrs. John
Dracopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Draina
Mrs. Judith Eagle
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ebeling
Mr. Richard Edgell
Mr. & Mrs. John Esper
Mrs. Beatrice Ferris
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Garwood
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Gatlin
Mr. Ilias Georgakopoulos
Mrs. Mary Georgantonis
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony George
Mr. & Mrs. James George
Mr. & Mrs. George
Gianakopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Glaros
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Gouris
Ms. Mary Beth Gradziel
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Harris
Dr. James Hitt
Mr. & Mrs. David Horwedel
Ms. Eleni Hrissikopoulos
Ms. Gwen Elizabeth Jerome
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Justice
Mr. Ted Kalenterides
Ms. Nici Kalogirou
Dr. James Kalpaxis
Dr. & Mrs. Pete Kangos
Mr. & Mrs. George Karides
Ms. Elsie Karvelas
Mr. & Mrs. Tahseen Khan
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Korioth
Mrs. Judith Kountoupis
(in memory of
Dr. James Kountoupis)
Mr. William Leara
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Leatherwood
Mr. Steve Levendakes
Mr. & Mrs. Archie Meador
Ms. Pat Mitchell
Ms. Olena Nakonechna
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Norman
Mr. & Mrs. Shawn O’Brien
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Papadatos
Ms. Gretchen Papazis
Ms. Valli Pappas
Mrs. Sophie Paulos
Mr. & Mrs. John Peet
Mr. & Mrs. Chris
Petropoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Austin Phelps
Mother’s Day is on
Sunday, May 13th!
Transfiguration Philotochos
Mr. & Mrs. Dionissios
Phocas
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Pon
Fr. Drago & Pr. Milena
Popovich
Ms. Jennifer Poulakidas
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Read
Mr. & Mrs. William
Robertson
Dr. David Romine
Mr. & Mrs. Shane Sewell
Ms. Pat Shotwell
Mr. & Mrs. George Simbles
Mr. & Mrs. John Sofyanos
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Stamatis
Mr. & Mrs. Athanases
Stamatopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Strong
Dr. & Mrs. Brandon Suehs
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Suehs
Mr. & Mrs. John Tassoulas
Ms. Ann Marie Veletsos
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Wynn
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Yoder
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Zachos
OUR YOUTH DONORS:
Lauren Apostolakis
Alexis Apostolakis
Helena Bjeletich
Stephania Bjeletich
Nikoletta Flegas
Charlie Horwedel
Anastasios Papadatos
Philotheos Papadatos
David Read
Sophia Read
Eleanna Rodriguez
Athena Skevofilas
Costaki Skevofilax
Irini Skevofilax
Maria Skevofilax
Athanasia Zotis
The 2nd Annual Sunday School
Showdown & Picnic
May 20, 2012 (during Coffee Hour)
Why fight your way through the crowds and wait for a long time for a table?
Come an celebrate this special day with your church family!
We are going to have a delicious Mother’s Day luncheon sponsored by the
men’s group of Transfiguration.
Make plans to be here!
Be there to support your kids as they
compete to take the trophy from the
reigning champions, the High
Schoolers!
This is also the final Sunday School
activity of the school year—have a
wonderful Summer!
Please register online for next
year's classes.
In April, Transfiguration Men’s Fellowship lunch will meet on
May 17 (George the Confessor) at 11:45 at
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Arbor Walk (10515 No.
MOPAC; Phone: 512.349.9000).
The Men’s Bright Week Steak Dinner raised $2500 for the
iconography project. Special thank s to Nick Spiropoulos for
organizing the event, Tom Suehs for cooking our steaks, and
Jerry Kane for his donation of the meat, Brandon Suehs, John
Chronis, George Karides, Stuart Yoder, and all the men who
participated. Thank you!!
Light from Light 16
TGOC Pastor’s Benevolent Fund:
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all
the world. One way we as faithful live out the mission of the Church and
the words of Jesus, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was
thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was
naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you
came to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-36) is to offer assistance to others in times of great
need.
BOOKSTORE NEWS
May brings weddings and graduaons; and
of course, Mother’s Day.
Your bookstore has a beauful selecon of
wedding crowns made in Greece, as well as
beauful leather-bound Bibles for the bride
& groom.
Our selecon of granite and agate icons are
the perfect gi to mark any occasion.
The Transfiguration Pastors Benevolent Fund is a way to help those in need.
There has been much need with the recent devastating events and
And, as always, we have many inspiraonal
books! Stop by and browse.
economic problems.
Please see Fr. Vasileios to make a donation to help replenish
the Benevolent Fund!
Congratulations to our
newly illumined parishioners who were
baptized and/or chrismated on Holy Saturday!
Lynne Bourgeois
Lisa Lozano
Reno Lauro
SAVE THE DATE!
15TH ANNUAL
TRANSFIGURATION
God grant you many years!
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Philoptochos News
CHRISTOS ANESTI!
Please mark your calendars for our May meeting which will be held on
Saturday, May 12th at Tabor Hall beginning at 12:00 noon.
This will be our last gathering until September and I look forward to seeing each of you.
We all know the power of prayer and your prayers over the past year have
made a difference in so many lives. Please continue to pray for those in
need in our community and throughout the world.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
LIVE OAK GOLF COURSE,
LAKEWAY, TEXAS
1:00 SHOTGUN START PRIZES FOR ALL GOLFERS
Happy Birthday to our May Birthday Ladies!
Mary Sarkis: May 9
Effie George: May 10
Irene Omer: May 18
May 2012 17
Congratulations to
Reno & Melissa Lauro
who were married on May 6
Sponsors: AJ Edwards and Molly Smith
God grant you many years!
Save the Date!
Camp Saint Nicholas
Transfiguration’s Vacation Church Camp
August 6—10
9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
For ages 2—12 (entering 6th grade)
(Parents of 2– and 3-years-olds: Please plan to stay at
camp with your children.)
Contact Julie Wynn: txwynn@gmail.com or 246.0342
Transfiguration thanks Reno & Melissa for
becoming the new designers and editors
of our newsletter.
Memory Eternal
Anastasia Gakis, 90, fell asleep in the Lord on April 19. She is survived by her daughter Maria, grandson
John D. Males and her grand daughter-in law, Elena.
Elvira Pelphrey, 94, fell asleep in the Lord on April 14. She was the mother of Fr. Brendan Pelphrey of St.
George Greek Orthodox Church in Shreveport, LA. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dr. Charles
Pelphrey; their son, Fr. Brendan (Brant) Pelphrey and wife Sharon; daughter Barbara Morse and her husband Michael; three grandchildren (Michael Pelphrey and wife Dr. Amy Pelphrey, Dr. Andrew Pelphrey
and wife Dr. Annie Pelphrey, and Marysa Enis and husband, Dr. Jacob Enis) and seven great-grandsons.
One of our long-me parishioners, Virginia Moriars Hobbs, fell asleep in the Lord on April 24th. She was
born on March 2, 1922, and was preceded in repose by her husband, Stanley; a son, Robert Hobbs; and a
daughter, Francine Ivie. She is survived by a son, Gerald McCrary & his wife, Alma; by a daughter, Mary
Lane & her husband, Mark; by her grandchildren, Kara, Jana, John, Jillian, & Christopher; and by her sister,
Mary Lyte.
May their memory be eternal.
Light from Light 18
2012 Stewardship
Fr. Vasileios & Prsv. Stella
Flegas
Mr. & Mrs. Rod Ambrose
Dr. & Mrs. Jacob Angelo
Mr. & Mrs. Vaios Athanasiou
Ms. Tsambika Bakiris
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Benas
Mr. & Mrs. George Betondo
Mr. & Mrs. Marko Bjeletich
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Boudreau
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bowles
Ms, Maria Burke
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Burks
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Burns
Mrs. James Carrozza
Mrs. Despina Carter
Mrs. Cathy Christ
Mr. & Mrs. Nikos
Christodoulides
Mr. & Mrs. John Chronis
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Chronis
Ms. Marianne Clay
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Colovas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Courtney
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Crenshaw
Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Daskalantonakis
Mr. & Mrs. R. Dean Davenport
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Delvizis
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Demetriadis
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeRossi
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Dow
Mr. & Mrs. Thanos Drimilas
Ms. Judith Eagle
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ebeling
Mr. George Economos
Mr. Richard Edgell
Mr. & Mrs. John Esper
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Evgenides
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Garwood
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Gatlin
Mr. & Mrs. Ilias
Georgakopoulos
Ms. Mary Georgantonis
Mrs. Demetra Anna
Georgantonis-Keah
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony George
Mr. & Mrs. James George
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Geranios
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Geuras
Mr. & Mrs. George
Gianakopoulos
Mr. Demetri Giannopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gimenez
Ms. Christina Glarakis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Glaros
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Gouris
Ms. Mary Beth Gradziel
Mr. & Mrs. John Halter
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Harris
Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Heidel
Mrs. Vickie Hicks
Dr. James Hitt
Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Hockens
Mr. & Mrs. David Horwedel
Ms. Eleni Hrissikopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Lucas Jacomides
Mrs. Gwen Elizabeth Jerome
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Justice
Mr. Theodore Kalenterides
Updated as of 04/15/2012
Ms. Nici Kalogirou
Dr. James Kalpaxis
Dr. & Mrs. Peter Kangos
Mr. & Mrs. George Karides
Ms. Elsie Karvelas
Ms. Demetra Keah
Mr. & Mrs. Tahseen Khan
Ms. Patricia Klaras
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Korioth
Mr. Stephen Kounelias
Mr. Reno Lauro
Mr. William Leara
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Leatherwood
Mr. Steve Levendakes
Ms. J. Fotini Margos
Mr. David Maziasz
Mr. & Mrs. Archie Meador
Ms. Maria Miller
Ms. Pat Mitchell
Mrs. Maria Nikas
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Norman
Mr. & Mrs. Shawn O’Brien
Mr. & Mrs. David Omer
Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Ousaklidis
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Papadatos
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Papachristou
Ms. Gretchen Papazis
Ms. Valli Pappas
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Papavasiliou
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Pavlos
Mr. & Mrs. John Peet
Drs. Nicholas & Lisa Peppas
Mr. & Mrs. Austin Phelps
Mr. & Mrs. Dionissios Phocas
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Pon
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Price
GOLF, the Greek Orthodox Ladies’ Fellowship meetings will move
to Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m., beginning May 8.
St. Basil’s Greek Fesval
St. Basil's annual Greek fesval is an excing ethnic event
in Houston, TX, that opens for 2012 on
May 17th through May 20th.
Mr. & Mrs. Jamal Qatato
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Read
Mr. Thomas Rigney
Mr. & Mrs. William Robertson
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Romell
Col. David Romine
Mr. & Mrs. Mihalis Salmatanis
Mr. & Mrs. John Sasaridis
Mr. & Mrs. Shane Sewell
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Shannon
Ms. Pat Shotwell
Mr. & Mrs. George Simbles
Ms. Melissa Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Spanos
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholaos
Spiropoulos
Mr. & Mrs Karl Stahlke
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Stamatis
Ms. Sue Stevens
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Strong
Dr. & Mrs. Brandon Suehs
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Suehs
Ms. Michelle Suehs
Mr. Alexis Takvorian
Mr. & Mrs. Miodrag
Teodorovic
Ms. Debbie Tindle
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Tracey
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Tsihlas
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Wynn
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Yediares
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Yoder
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Zachos
Mr. & Mrs. Stathi Zotis
GOING PAPERLESS
We are trying to reduce our expenses
(and help the environment) a lile by
reducing the number of paper monthly newsleers that
we mail out.
If you receive this newsleer by email and do not need
a paper copy, please let us know so that we can remove
your name from the physical mailing list.
Thank you for helping us be good stewards of God’s
gis!
May 2012 19
Non profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Austin, Texas
Permit No. 2218
LIGHT FROM LIGHT
Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
May Newsletter
Schedule of Services
Sunday Service Times:
Orthros - 8:45 am; Liturgy - 10:00 am
Our NEW Sunday Service Times will
begin on May 27:
Orthros - 8:15 am; Liturgy - 9:30 am
Saturday Great Vespers
will not be held in May
Sacrament of Confession
Feast Days
Saturday of St. John the Theologian Tuesday, May 8
Orthros– 9:00 a.m.; Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.
Feast of Mid-Pentecost Wednesday, May 9
Orthros -8:45a.m.; Divine Liturgy-10:00a.m.
Feast of Sts. Constantine & Helen
Monday, May 21
Orthros - 9:00am; Liturgy - 10:00am
Call to schedule
Memorial Services & 40 day blessings
Please call the church office to schedule all memorial
services and 40 day baby blessings.
The memorial services are normally read at the conclusion
of the Divine Liturgy.
The 40 day blessings are offered either after Orthros and
before the Liturgy or at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
Apodosis of Pascha Wednesday, May 23
Orthros - 9:00am; Liturgy - 10:00am
Vespers - 5:30pm
Holy Ascension Thursday, May 24
Orthros - 9:00am; Liturgy - 10:00am
20