October 2011 Koinonia

Koinonia
G R E E K O RT H O D OX
CATHEDRAL
+FR. PAUL COSTOPOULOS,
DEAN
SPECIAL
POINTS OF
INTEREST:
A.S.K. (Adults Seeking
Knowledge)
Cosmas Media Room
(See page 14 for
schedule)
Beginning Nov. 6 —
Dec. 18, Najwa Bateh
will teach a study of the
Gospel of John
Thank You To All Adult
Sunday School Teachers
and Volunteers. We are
off to a great start!
Alexis Pappas
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Editorial
V O L U M E
3 1
I S S U E
1 0
O C T O B E R
2 0 1 1
Description of Luke The
Evangelist
ByBy
+Father
Paul
Costopoulos
+Father
Paul
Costopoulos
This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by
trade, and a disciple and
companion of Paul. He
wrote his Gospel in Greek
after Matthew and Mark,
after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles,
and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who,
according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He
lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia,
perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His
emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast
mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol
of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint
Irenaeus says.
2
Reading copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved.
Cathedral News
3
Philoptochos
10
Outreach & Evang 11
Announcements
Youth
13
16
Calendar
22
Adult Sunday School Classes (Adults Seeking Knowledge)
Beginning in September, we added two Adult Sunday School Classes:
One was entitled Orthodoxy 101 and the other was Step by Step with Christ taught by
Najwa Bateh.
We have decided to stagger the start date of Najwa’s class and not offer the two
simultaneously. For October, see the Orthodoxy 101 Schedule (see page 14).
Beginning November 6th—December 18th - Najwa Bateh will teach a study of the Gospel
of John.
Thank you to all our Adult Sunday School Teachers and Volunteers. We are off to a great
start. Alexis Pappas
PAGE
THE GLORY OF GOD’S PRESENCE...
2
By-+Father Paul Costopoulos
One of the purposes of the Divine Liturgy is to praise and glorify God. Doxological prayers that are interspersed throughout the service assist us. One such prayer
is that which precedes the Small Entrance.
“For you O God are a good God who loves
mankind,” the priest prayerfully intones on
behalf of the people, “and to you do we
ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit always now and
forever and to the ages of ages.”
Why praise God for his glory as we
do in the Liturgy? The reason is a simple
one. It is because the glory of God sweeps
into our souls on the wings of every waking
moment. His glory is like the dawning of a
new day. So wondrous is it that the Fathers
of the Church tell us that it has the power to
calm our soul, enlighten our minds, and fill
our existences with ineffable joy.
The glory of God does not come to
one by accident or chance. Instead as
Fr. Stylianopoulos’ once suggested to us
years ago in one of our New Testament
courses at Holy Cross, it comes to one
through the will. What this means is that if
one truly wishes to experience communion
and union with God, referred to by the
Orthodox Church as theosis, he must “will”
it. If one doesn’t really will it and come out
for it and discard anything and everything in
life that could possibly retard him from
experiencing it, then He will never really
know God and His glory.
How does one come to know God?
Allow me to suggest three ways:
One, there is prayer. Every person
as St. John Chrysostom and Dimitri Rostov
suggest must have a rule of prayer. A “rule
of prayer” simply requires that everyone set
aside a definite times during the day for
KOINONIA
prayer and Christian meditation in order to
praise God,
and to check up on one’s
internal and external conduct.
Two, there is the Eucharist, the
Sacrament of Holy Communion. Communion is
that which allows one to abide in God and know
Him. Jesus in John 6:56 says, “He who eats my
flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in
Him.”
And three, there is attentiveness to one’s
soul. Attentiveness necessitates that we be
methodical in our approach toward God. Too
often times Orthodox Christians fail to realize
that the business of spiritual growth to which all
of us are called, calls for order, method and
intelligent organization. Just as there can be no
success in any business or professional
enterprise or other important activity without
whole-hearted devotion and self-consecration,
so also there can be no success in one’s pursuit
of God. Deuteronomy 4:9 puts it this way, “If …
you shall seek the Lord your God (i.e. in an
organized manner), you shall find Him, if you
shall seek Him with all your heart and soul.”
Our God who is a good God who loves
mankind can be found.
To discover and
experience Him one must extol Him on a day to
day basis. How? By praising Him as we do in
the Liturgy which we must regularly attend? To
be sure!
But also and especially by living for
Him and encountering Him through prayer,
Eucharist and a methodical spiritual search.
The unequivocal promise of Scriptures and
God’s Holy Church, of course, is that those who
extol God thusly are those who will be blessed
by Him both in this life and in the life to come.
Cathedral News Notes
Greek Festival a Wonderful Success
Thank you Jimmy Cosmas and Community for a successful Greek Festival! The response from the Birmingham Community was
tremendous. Everyone worked very hard and
is to be congratulated. God is to be glorified
for the gifts he has bestowed upon our Community. More information about the Food Festival will be presented at our Parish Assembly
Meeting on October 30.
Parish Assembly Meeting Announcement
Our fall Parish Assembly Meeting will be
held on Sunday, October 30th. A preliminary
budget for 2012 will be presented, and a proposal will be made to revise our by-laws to permit our Community to hold Parish Council elections on the first or second Sunday of December. Both an agenda and other details relative
to the Meeting will be forwarded by mail shortly. Lunch will be served. All of our parishioners in good standing are encouraged to attend.
Archangel Michael Honorees to be Honored
Jimmy Dikis (Adult Honoree) and Alex
Yearout (Youth-Young Adult Honoree) were
unanimously selected by Fr. Paul, the Parish
Council, Philoptochos, and the Youth Commission as this year’s “honorees” for the annual
Archangel Michael Award. The Awards Ceremony will take place at a special banquet at
the Annunciation Cathedral on Saturday evening, November 12, 7:00 p.m. Persons interested in attending the banquet may call the
church office (205/716-3080) after October 20
for reservations and ticket information
The Archangel Michael Award is annually given by Metropolitan Alexios at an
Awards Banquet at the Cathedral in Atlanta to
honor one adult and one youth member from
each parish in the Metropolis for “outstanding”
service to the Church.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study
Group Studying the Epistle to Romans
The class meets every Tuesday
morning at 10:30 a.m.
All women are
encouraged to attend. Fr. Paul is teaching.
PAGE
Class ends at 11:45.
Family Night
Good family fellowship, programs and
the “breaking” of bread takes will be taking
place on Wednesday Nights until November
22. Following a holiday “hiatus”, Family Night
will reconvene in January and will meet until
the beginning of Great Lent. Opportunities to
grow in the faith and in fellowship with one
another are availed through the following activities:
Dinner from 5:15 till 6:00 p.m.
Youth Programs for youth of all ages,
6:00 p.m.
Adult Bible Study and Catechism Class
(Theme: “Man’s Desire for Spiritual Living),
6:00 p.m.
Greek School.
Infant and toddler nursery care is
available.
Thanks, Cameron Grammas and John
Valekis!
Both were honored by our Parish on
Sunday, September 18 at the Divine Liturgy
with a presentation and plaque of gratitude for
their many years of service to our Church.
Cameron served as our choir director for over
30 years. And John faithfully taught our first
graders in Sunday School for over 34 years.
May God grant them many years.
Parish Telephone/Photo Directory
Our Parish is putting together a new
Parish Telephone/Photo Directory. The projected date of completion is March, 2012.
Photo taking of families and individuals who
wish to participate will take place in January.
Four hundred copies of the album will be printed. Individuals/families who are photographed
will receive a free album. All others will cost
$5.00.
Georgia Cosmas has graciously consented to chair the Directory Committee. She
and her committee members are working diligently to gather accurate information ((names,
addresses, e-mail addresses, cell and home
3
Cathedral News Notes (Continued):
phone numbers) for inclusion in the
Directory. Parishioners are respectfully
requested to support them in their initiatives.
Stewardship Appeal
This year’s Stewardship Campaign for
2012 will begin at the end of October. We
thank all in advance for your on-going
support. Stewardship Sunday is Sunday,
November 13.
Metropolitan Alexios to Visit our
Community
Circle your calendar! Bishop Alexios
has accepted an invitation from Father Paul
and the Parish Council to visit our
Community on the weekend of December 1718. During his visit he will meet with various
church groups and organizations, celebrate
Vespers on Saturday evening and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and attend
a Community luncheon following Sunday’s
Liturgy.
Inquirers’ Class Being Formed
Interested in learning more about the
teachings, practices and history of the Orthodox Church? Then consider joining the Inquirers’ Class that will be meeting on 8 different Sundays (dates TBA) beginning on October 16, 12:15 p.m. till 1:15 p.m. Fr. Paul, Micah, and Alexis Pappas will teach. The class
is for both the non-Orthodox who know little
about their faith, and for Orthodox Christians
who wish to learn more. Persons wishing to
join the Church through Baptism and/or
Chrismation must take the class. For more
information,
call
the
church
office
(205/716-3080).
How Often Should We Receive
Holy Communion To receive Communion the usual two or three times a
year is good and helpful, but to receive Communion more frequently is far better. Remember, the nearer a person comes to
the light, the more light he gets. The closer he draws to the
fire, the warmer he is. The nearer he approaches sanctity, the
more saintly he becomes.
In the same way, the more often one draws near to God
in Communion, the more one receives light and warmth and
holiness. My friend, if you are worthy to make your Communion
two or three times a year, you are worthy of making it more often, as St. John Chrysostom tells us, by maintaining your own earlier preparation and
worthiness. But what does stop us from taking Communion? The answer is our carelessness and laziness, and we give way to these faults so much that we are not sufficiently
prepared to be able to receive Communion.
There is another way of looking at this problem, too. People like this do not, in
fact, obey God's commandment as they imagine they do. Where did God, or any one of
the saints for that matter, bid us communicate two or three times a year? Nowhere is
this found. Therefore we must be very sure that, when we obey a command, it is our duty
to see that we are obeying it exactly as it says. That is, we must pay attention to the place,
the time, the purpose, the method and all the conditions in which it should take place.
Thus the good action that we wanted to perform will be perfect in every detail and well
pleasing to God.
You can see that the same thing applies to the case of Holy Communion. It is both
necessary and very beneficial to the soul for a person to receive Communion frequently. It
is also in obedience to the commandment of God. It is a good deed well done and wellpleasing to God. On the other hand to communicate only three times a year is neither in
obedience to a command nor a perfect good deed. Because it is not good in itself, its results are not good.
Therefore, like all the rest of God's commandments, every one requires the right
time, as it says in the Book of Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season." This is true
also with regard to the command about Holy Communion. We must receive the proper
time; and that means the proper time is the moment when the priest exclaims, "In the fear
of God and with faith and love draw near."
Is this heard only three times a year? Oh, no. Yet, although everyone must eat two
or even three times a day in order that the material body may live, must the unfortunate
soul only eat three times a year - or perhaps even once-the food that gives it life in order
to live the spiritual life? And isn't this completely absurd? Even if this is not the case, I am
very much afraid that we may be deriving no benefit from complying with the commandments, because we water them down and spoil them. So we are not keepers of the law,
but breakers of the law.
PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION
"I believe, Lord and I confess that You are truly the Christ, Son of the living God,
who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest. Moreover, I believe
that this is in truth Your sacred Body and that this is in truth Your precious Blood. Therefore, I beseech You, have mercy on me and forgive me my offenses, both voluntary and
involuntary, whether in word or deed, willing or unwilling; and render me worthy to partake
of Your sacred mysteries without condemnation, for remission of sins and everlasting life.
Amen.
"Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper; for I will not
speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You the kiss of Judas. But like the
thief I will confess You. Remember me, Lord, in Your kingdom."
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
"We thank You, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that again today You have
counted us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Set us a straight path; make
us all firm in reverence of You; keep watch over our lives; safeguard our movements;
through the prayers and intercession of the glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin, Mary and
of all Your saints. Amen."
Macarius Notaras
Internet Ministries Department of Archdiocese
Launches Android app for Daily Bible Readings and
Lives of Saints
BOSTON – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries is
pleased to announce the launch of the Daily Readings application for Android mobile
platforms. The Daily Readings App was developed to be an easy way to access the day's
Bible readings (as prescribed by the Lectionary of the Greek Orthodox Church) from your
mobile device, read the lives of the saints, and look up fasting guidelines for each day.
With the Daily Readings app on your Android mobile phone or tablet, there is no
better way to carry the Church's prescribed Scripture and devotional readings with you at
all times.
This new release for Android-enabled devices, joins the previously launched
versions for the iPhone, iPad, and Nokia mobile platforms. Since its release in July 2010,
the iPhone Daily Readings app has had over 15,000 downloads. To find out how to
download these mobile apps to your device, go to http://mobileapps.goarch.org.
The Daily Readings for Android app will run on any Android-powered mobile phone
or tablet running Android OS 1.6 or higher with an Internet connection.
The Department of Internet Ministries is dedicated to helping Greek Orthodox
parishes in the United States use technology for the proclamation of the Good News of the
Gospel and for the advancement of Orthodox Christian ministry. The Department of
Internet Ministries offers a variety of programs and services that enables parishes and
Orthodox Christian Organizations to use technology as a ministry tool.
More information about the programs and services offered by the Department is
available at http://www.internet.goarch.org.
Contact: Jamil Samara, Department of Internet Ministries, Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445 Tel.: 617-850-1350
dailyreadingsapp@goarch.org http://mobileapps.goarch.org
PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATE
Congratulations to all our officers for this Ecclesiastical Year: President-Sonthe
Burge, Vice-President-Stephanie Dikis, Recording Secretary-Rhonda Yearout, Corresponding
Secretary-Nikki Derzis, Treasurer-Chum Atkins, Assistant Treasurer-Lani Graphos.
Our first meeting for the new year is on October 11th at 6:30, Banquet Hall. We are
looking forward to seeing you all there, old members, new members, potential members-------Y'ALL COME!!! Remember, we want to have the most members EVER!
Philoptochos was very active in the preparation of pastichio, koulourakia,
melomacarona, baklava and kourambeides. Big job? Yes! Labor intense? Yes! Tiring? Yes!
Fulfilling? Yes! An experience that encompassed all our senses: Hearing---the laughter of
the workers; Seeing---the product made, a sense of acccomplishment; Tasting---absolutely
delicious; Smelling---the baking, ummmm! Wonderful!; Touching (feeling)---a sense of
family, comraderie, love.
On Sunday, 9/11 Fr. Paul led us in a prayer service remembering all who perished/
suffered on that "Day of infamy", 9/11/01. It was a most emotional, moving service that
affected all in attendance, young and old. A feeling of family united in sadness, a sense of
compassion and HOPE permeated throughout the church- few, if any, dry eyes.
We were also blessed with the attendance of Fr. Confessor Gregory who served with
Fr. Paul in the celebration of the liturgy on 9/11. Fr. Gregory spoke with our young people, a
message for all of us. The theme: We all at some point during our life's journey will/do have
crosses to bear. We may be young, we may be old, but we will bear a cross or crosses.
Our Lord carried a heavy cross on His walk to Calvary. He fell, He rose. He fell, He
rose. He was in great pain. He fell and an impatient Roman soldier pointed to a young,
muscular stranger in the crowd to come forward to help Jesus carry His cross. This was
Simon of Cyrene who is mentioned in three of the Gospels.
In our community who is our Simon when we are carrying our cross? Most certainly, it
is our church and our church family. What is the motivating characteristic of a Simon?
LOVE!!
As the commentary in the Orthodox Study Bible states (Mark 15:21), "The spiritual
message is that we, like Simon (whose name means "obedience"), are not only called to carry
the cross Christ sets on us, but seeing Christ in others, we are called to bear each other's
burdens as well (Gal. 6:2)."
Philoptochos, too, as an organization, as individuals strives in our own humble way to
be a Simon.
As Mother Teresa said, "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every
hand".
God Bless,
Helen Bekrakis
Philoptochos Fall General Meeting
Tuesday, October 11
6PM
We will discuss what our Birmingham Chapter has
in store for 2012, what we did in 2011 & what we
learned at the Metropolis meeting over the summer
in New Orleans.
Please come and participate in the fellowship that is
near and dear to us all. If you have not attended a
meeting before now is the time to start!
We will be looking for you all.
Food & Drinks provided by Philoptochos!
PAGE
9
STEWARDSHIP
STEWARDS AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2011:
Alexiou, Mike & Ellen
Alsobrook, Zachery -Zach
Andros, George & Maria
Annos, Christine (Gulas)
Arden, Christy (Leontis)
Argyropoulos, Yiannis & Virginia (Sisiopiku)
Atkins, Robert & Tina (Likis)-Tina ''Chum''
Bagley, Vanette
Baker, Kenny & Elene (Kontos)
Baklanoff, Eric & Joy D.
Balabanos, John N & Linda (Cox)
Balabanos, Marica (Kontos
Bateh-Wehby, Najwa (Salam
Bekrakis, Helen (Christu)
Beleos, Irene
Betros, Jr, Cecil G.-Buddy
Black, Robert A
Boardman, Mark S & Cathryn (Dunkin)
Bogdan, Nathan & Nadya
Bonduris, Magdalene (Der
Bonduris, Peter Thomas
Bonduris, Sam J.
Bonduris Jr, John D & Fannie (Papayanis
Bouloukos, Bill & Rhonda
Bouloukos, Patsy (Dikis)
Boyd, Joseph H.
Brodie, III, William S. & Julia (Valekis)
Burge, Paul
Burge, S. Greg & Sonthe (Bokas)
Burge, Sophia -Sophia El
Calamas, Mary (Scoolis
Callahan, Michael & Teresa (Lorant)
Caridakis, Fulla
Carlisle, Terry & Dorothy (Tsimpedis)
Carnes, Elizabeth (Dikis
Carr, Colleen (Klonaris)
Carter, Angie
Cassimus, Nickie (Sgavri
Casten, Paul
Chagares, Angelo & Stella (Apostolos)
Chaknis, Manuel J
Chiotakis, George & Irene
Chiotakis, Stacy
Choraitis, Penny
Christ, Chris S. & Lula (Koutroulakis)
Christian, Murrel (& Mary Ann
Christopoulos, Dimitrios & Christina (Kanellis)
Cockrell, Shirley (Coker
Cocoris, John G. & Helen (Koikos)
Collins, Anderson & Stacy
Condakes, Mrs. George P.
Constantine, Bess (Costa
Constantine, Elizabeth
Constantine, Frances (So
Constantine, Rita (Cama
Constantine, III, Tom L. & Stephanie (Bouloukos)
Cosmas, Despina (Velotas
Cosmas, Georgia P.
Cosmas, James G.
Costas, Nick A. & Cleo (Tsimpides)
Costellos, Bonnie (Clift
Costellos, Vanessa
Costopoulos, Paul & Penny (Clemson)
Covellis, Anna (Anastasi)
Craig, Hugh & Stacey (Cocoris)
Creuzer, Lee & Nicole (Fotos)
Deason, Harold & Claudia (Kakoliris)
Deason, Keith & Embree
Deep, Larry G. & Rima (Harb)
Denton, Margaret Ann
Denton, Jr, Walter Neely & Lynn (Grammas)
Derzis, Michael C. & Maria (Paulson)
Derzis, Sam G. & Nikki (Sudano)
Despinakis, Gregory
Diamantakos, John
Dikis, George W. & Maria (Hontzas)
Dikis, Georgia (Louzis)
Dikis, James J. & Stephanie (Crandell)
Drakos, Nancy (Karagiann
Eady, Matthew) & Christina
Eastman, Jacqueline
Ellard, Phyllis (Diamant
Erben, Fredrick A.
Erben, Nicholas Betros
Eugenias, Emanuel & Velda
Eugenias, Lambros & Georgia (Malfas)
Faulk, Howard & Sophia
Fawal, David & Mona (Jubram)
Fawal, Hala
Fawal, Joseph A. & Susie (Harb)
Feagin, Wyatt & Diane (Koulourides)
Fifles, Gus (Deno) & Tasia (Grammas)
Flach, Peter & Mary (Stevens)
Flesser, Georgia
Fogel, Glenn & Tina (Psihogios)
Ford, Michael
Fowler, Stacy (Harduvel)
Fulford, Toula (Hagestra
Garikes, Arthur G. & Betty (Tansor)
Garikes, Kathryn
Garman, Paula
STEWARDS AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
Garrigan, Loretta Mitch
Gaylard, Derek & Melissa (Poole)
Gerontakis, Nick & Catherine (Aris)
Gerontakis, Peter G. & Louise (Stanton)
Glenos, Nicholas Christian & Amy (Quick))
Glenos, Nick L.) & Kay (Ayers)
Grammas, Alex P. & Tula (Triantos)
Grammas, Alexis P
Grammas, Cameron & Demetra
Grammas, Cameron P. & Pat (Klaras)
Grammas, George & Demetra
Grammas, George C. & Cynthia (Triantos)
Grammas, Maria V
Grammas, Peter A
Grammas, Tasia M.
Graphos, Bella (Velotas)
Graphos, Peter T. & Josie (Hays)
Graphos, Sammy T. & Sue Diane
Graphos, Ted C. & Lori
Graphos, Jr., Peter T. & Staci (Ranelli)
Greene, Dwight I.
Griffin, Blake & Denise (Marinos)
Gulas, Ike & Fanoula
Gulas, William P.
Hatzigeorgis, George & Katherine (Economopoulos)
Hontzas, Arther P. & Robin (Simpson)
Hontzas, Betty (Fotinos)
Hontzas, Pete C.
Hontzas, Ted C. & Jackie (Smith)
Hontzas, Thomas G. & Keri Lane
Issos, Florence (Rogers)
Jacovides, Dino C. & Julie
Jebeles, Artie
Jebeles, Christo P.
Jebeles, Lynne (Evans)
Johnson, Katie (Goulielm
Johnson, Linda (Russell)
Johnson, Maria C.
Jovaras, C.W. (Deno) & Nicki (Kustos)
Kakoliris, Lula (Mitchel
Kalariotes, Catherine
Kamburis, George
Kampakis, Harry N. & Kari (Kubiszyn)
Kampakis, Helen
Kampakis, Nestor & Becky (Beleos)
Kampakis, Sergie A. & Susan (Swan)
Kanakis, Connie & JoAnn
Kanellis, Gus N. & Maria (Res)
Kanellopoulos, Sheree
Kantargis, Maria (Variam
Kantargis, Toula
Karagas, John & Leigh Ann (Washington)-Leigh
Karagas, Mark
Karpova, Elizaveta A. & Valeri
Katapodis, Nick H
Katsaros, Elias N
Kay, Jo (Lembesis)
Kentros, Jon & Donna (Ward)
Klezaras, Eugenia
Knight, Bryan & Sandra
Knisley, Kristopher & Stephanie
Koikos, Nicholas W
Kolettis, Peter & Michelle
PAGE
Kontos, Alex S. & Marti (Wientrob)
Kontoulanos, George
Koulourides, Elizabeth
Koutroulakis, Constantine George (Gus) & Katherine
(Melton) Koutroulakis, Constantine George (Gus) &
Katherine (Melton)
Kovakas, David & Dorothea
Kovakas, George J. & Melodie (Huss)
Kovakas, James G. & Penny (Odishoo)
Lackeos, Siestini
Lafakis, Peter T.(#743) & Irene (Vodantis)
Lane, Chris M & Leslie (Dice)
Lane, Christopher Ryan
Lane, Mallory
Leara, Stephen P. & Mary (Grammas)
Lee, Michael
Lefkovits, Kenneth & Elizabeth (Jinks)-Betsy
Leontis, Steve M.
Leos, Diamond & Vivian Hontzas
Leos, Pat (Ginis)
Likis, James A.
Limberis, Tina
Limperis, James & Mary
Long, Katherine
Lyberopoulos, Damianos (Adam) & Allison (Harbin)
Lyda, Larry & Elaine (Constantine)
Lynn, Don & Vickie (Kavroulaki)
Manakides, Nick & Dawn (Upton)
Marks, Tony & Fatima (Mitchell)
Mastoras, Janice (Toney)
Matsos, Annette C.
Matsos, Michael & June (Ruffin)
McCallum, Scott & Nina (Costopoulos)
McDaniel, Dorothy (Sarri
McEwen, Frank L. & Helen (Cosmas)
McMinn, Paul Shane & Renee' (Kampakis)
Melof, Donald & Mary (Harb
Mercer, Mark L. & Xeni
Michaels, David & Elaine (Bonduris)
Mills, Catherine P. (Jeb
Mimikakis, Vasilios & Ann (Manakides)
Morris, Stephen
Morros, Constantine D. & Vina (Haffner)
Morros, Demetrius K.-Jimmy & Adriana (Wahl)
Nakos, Cathy
Newman, Larry & Athanasia (Kantargis)-Sia
Nickolson, Steve & Sonya
Nordan, Clayton M. & Antoinette
Oelschlager, Denise (Kak
Orfanon, Emanuel V. & Maria (Collins)
Orfanon, William A.-Bil
Orphanos, George & Dalen (O'Manion)
Osborn, Steve K. & Desa (Lorant)
Owen, Larry & Debbie (Sarris)
Pantaze, Charles
Papajohn, John P. & Diane (Gray)
Papajohn, Plato & Antoinette
Pappas, Blanche (Pappas)
Pappas, Carol
Pappas, Catherine
Pappas, Ernestine L.
Pappas, Jimmy B. & Angela (Landry)
10
PAGE
11
STEWARDS AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
Pappas, Peter G. & Alexis (Andros)
Pappas (Shamblin), Vick
Pasisis, Harry C. & Tasia (Isariotis)
Paulson, Kia
Petelos, Angelos N. & Catherine (Kantargis)
Petelos, Billy Nick & Babs (Crooks
Petelos, John & Evelyn (Queen)
Petelos, Nicholas A & Yvonne
Pharo, Adelle (Valekis)
Pihakis, Agatha
Pihakis, Dino & Jennifer
Pihakis, James M. & Helen Joyce (Nakos)
Pihakis, Jim & Joanna (Burton)
Piliouras, Jimmie P.
Piliouras, Nina (Triant
Polizos, Pete
Pournaras, Nickolaos G. & Delisa
Psarras, Christos
Psarras, Georgios & Aikaterini
Ray, Kevin L
Reid, Mike & Diane (Szachewicz))
Roberts (Costellos), Bri
Ronderos, Joseph V & Kathy
Saad, John G
Saddekni, Souheil & Mary
Saltzman, Dennis& Zoee L.
Sardelis, Peter & Robin
Sarris, Angel
Sarris, George M. & Genny
Sarris, James P. & Pitsa (Jebeles)
Sarris, Louie
Sarris, Loula (Hontzas)
Sarris, Phillip J. & Demetra (Drakos)
Sarris, Ted P. & Litsa (Kesari)
Sarris, Tena Marie
Savage, Lauren & Christy (Jebeles)
Saxon, Thomas J. & Mary Ellen (Hill)
Schrieber, Zachary
Sepsas, Niki
Stevens, Eli T. & Pat (Miller)
Stritikus, Adam & Malissa (Gary)
Summers, Kirk & Tatiana (Tsakiropoulou)
Sutton, Jay T. & Katie
Taylor, Steve & Brenda
Thomas, George E.
Thomas, Mary (Malfas)
Thomason, Larry & Rose Maria (Derzis
Touloupis, Anastasios Tasos & Beba (Mangos)
Tracy, Irene (Catechis)
Triantafillu, Nickolas & Vasiliki (Nicholson)
Triantos, Despina (Cost
Triantos, Elsie (Kampak
Triantos, Phillip A. & Donna (Jovaras)
Tsimpides, George D.
Tsimpides, George L.
Tsimpides, Leon & Debbie
Tsimpides, Michael A. & Sherry (Manning)
Vakakes, Denise (Triant
Vakakes II, E.J. & Helena (Koutrakos)
Vakakes, Tim & Alexis
Valekis, Charles V.( & Hala (Liddy)
Valekis, Joey & Melanie
Valekis, John V.
Valekis, Vasil (Billy)
Vasilakis, Garnette
Vasilakis, Nicholas
Velezis, Michael & Christine (McGrath)
Velotas, Cathy
Velotas, James M.
Velotas, Nickey W.
Velotas, Virginia
Vizzina, Margo
Vlahakis, Bertha (Haram
Wade, Arthur
Wade, Chris
Watkins, Dan A. & Kathy (Triantos)
Watkins, Denise
Sessions, Sam & Angela
Sfakianos, Bessie (Mave
Sfakianos, Cindy (Deaso
Sfakianos, Constantine P. (Dino) & Sharon (Wilkerson)
Sfakianos, Constantine (Tykie) & Johnnie
Shipp, Doug & Eleni
Shunnarah, Zakaria
Skarantavos, Gregory
Smith (Yearout), Jennif
Spanos, Smaragdi (Hagefstration)
Stathakes, George & Evangeline (Grammas)
Staursky, Andrew & Katherine (Sissa)
Weaver, Glenn & Annette (Cosmas)
White, Jack & Alycia
White, Terry J. & Maria (Ellard)
Wilson, Harry S. & Marilyn
Wood, Rhett & Nicole
Wood, William S. & Christy
Woodall, Niki
Yearout, Alex
Yearout, Thomas & Rhonda (Jones)
Zaharias, Steve & Carol
Zaharis, George M & Nerrin
Thank You
For Your Support
10/10/2011
PAGE
12
Please complete the form below to help us plan your next Cathedral Ministry Event:
Baptisms
Evangelia Sophia, daughter of Angela & Samuel Sessions was baptized on
September 24, 2011
Cole Reed and Alexis Layne, son and daughter of
Christopher Stewart were baptized on October 15, 2011.
Leigh Anne and
Chrismation
Congratulations to Sharon Sfakianos who received her Certificate of
Chrismation on Sunday, September 25, 2011.
Funerals:
September 13
Steve Leontis
September 22
Andrew Tsimpides
THANK YOU
A most gracious Thank You to +Fr. Paul and everyone who is thinking and praying for
me. I am doing better and hopefully I will be at church in a few weeks.
As ever,
Nina Piliouras
***
Thank you so much for your love and kindness during my recent illness.
Your telephone calls of cheer, letters of concern, cards that expressed how much you
care and especially your prayers has been a source of strength to me at a time when I needed
it most. I’m feeling better each day, keep those prayers coming my way!
I love you all,
—Georgia Dikis
PAGE
14
Adults Seeking Knowledge
Cosmas Media Room
October Schedule
October 16th – Living Liturgically – Melissa Gaylard
October 23rd – It’s Greek to Me: Understanding Orthodox Hymnology –
Peter Pappas
October 30th – Vocation: Answering God’s Call - Tikhon Cobb
PAGE
15
From: Atlanta Metropolis Youth [mailto:youth@ATLMETROPOLIS.ORG]
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 3:44 PM
To: ATLANTAMETROPOLISYOUTH@LISTSERV.GOARCH.ORG
Subject: [ATLANTAMETROPOLISYOUTH] WINTER YOUTH RALLY 2011 IS HERE!
***THIS JUST IN***
NEWS FROM THE YOUTH OFFICE
Winter Youth Rally 2011 is almost here!
It's time to make our preparations for Winter Youth Rally! We are excited for this year's Rally and hope you are too!
Our theme for this year is "Is the Yoke on Me?" from Matthew 11:28-30, which reads, "Come to Me, all you who labor
and are heavey laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The Bible Bowl topics this year will be The Gospel of Mark and the book of Exodus.
Please see the attached flyer for information.
Lead Advisors, please read the attached letter to see this year's changes.
May our Lord grant us a safe, fun Winter Youth Rally! We can't wait to see you there!
In Christ's Service,
Presbytera Marilisse I. Mars
Youth Coordinator
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of America
Metropolis of Atlanta
youth@atlmetropolis.org
Phone: 404.634.9345 ext. 19
Fax: 404.634.2471
www.atlmetropolis.org
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training Course Offered
Please contact Alexis Pappas by October 9th
Many of you have noticed the transformation of the old nursery to the new Children’s Atrium. The
Children’s Atrium 1 is open to children in grades 4k-1st grades. It is a hands-on didactic approach to discovering Christ, the Good Shepherd through scripture, tradition and liturgy. It is the goal at our Cathedral to
continue to grow this ministry and eventually open Atrium 2 (2nd – 4th grades) and Atrium 3 (5th & 6th
grades). In order to grow, we need to continue to train catechists (those who work in the Atrium).
If you are interested in attending a Atrium Level 1 course, one is being offered beginning October
14 at St. Mary’s on the Highlands. We have a special rate with St. Mary’s and there will be no cost to you.
Please read below more information about the course:
th
Course objectives




To explore the methodology and guiding principals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd To explore the religious nature and the most vital religious needs of the 3–6 year old To meditate on the Biblical and Liturgical themes presented in Level I To experience the lessons of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for one’s own spiritual formation To offer guidance and assistance in preparing an atrium Dates & Location
The Level One course will be offered over 5 weekends. It is a semi-intensive format.
October 21, 22, and 23, 2011
February 10, 11, and 12, 2012
April 20, 21, and 22, 2012
August 24, 25, and 26, 2012
October 19, 20, and 21, 2012
Fridays: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sundays: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands
1910 12th Avenue South
Birmingham, Al 35205
October Youth Announcements
Saturday,October15‐16th–GOYATriptoMobile,registerbyOctober9thwithMicahHirschy–
mixias@goocbham.com
Sunday,October23rd–GOYALunchinGOYARoom
Saturday,October29th–JrGOYA–ZipLinetoRubyFalls
O C T O B E R
9 T H ,
2 0 1 1
Hope Joy
Fall Festival at the Steven’s Farm
What is Hope Joy?
Join us for a beautiful fall
afternoon at the Steven’s Farm
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
We will cook our own hot dogs, roast s’mores, and have Harvest
Olympics. Of course, Micah and Fr. Paul will be there. We need
parent volunteers please email mixias@hotmail.com to help.
Bring your fishing poles! Directions to Steven’s farm are as
follows: South on 280 past Chelsea. Right on Ctny Rd. 51, Right
on Ctny Rd. 55, Left on Ctny Rd. 109, Left on Ctny Rd. 40/61,
Veer Right on County Rd. 443 (go around white house), Take
Left onto Cnty Rd. 56. 2nd House on Right
Additional Hope & Joy events:
Youth Sunday
October 9th
Sit in the front four
rows on the pulpit
side to hear the
youth sermon. Be
there at 9:50 a.m.
Youth Day,
Saturday, Nov.
Nov. 12
Advent Adventure
at the Cathedral
11- 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec.10th
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Family Dinner &
Gingerbread House
Hope Joy is a youth ministry of the Holy
Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
Cathedral available to ages 5k through
5 th grade. The mission of
Hope Joy is to develop a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ through
the sacramental life of the Holy
Orthodox Church. We accomplish this
by meeting on Wednesday nights from
6:00-7:00 to discuss and learn about our
faith, by participating in outreach events
such as making cards and ornaments for
shut ins, participating in the MS Walk,
canned food drives for Greater
Birmingham Ministries. Finally, by
scheduling events for hope joy youth
and their families that emphasize
friendship building and fellowship. We
hope you will join us as we grow closer
to the Holy Orthodox Faith.If you have
any questions, please call Micah or one
of the Hope Joy Advisors:
Micah Hirschy – 716-3080 x 314
Staci Graphos - 879-5070
Melissa Gaylard - 967-6536
Renee Adam – 821-1300
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOLY TRINITY-HOLY CROSS GOC
CALENDAR & SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Cathedral Website: www.holytrinity-holycross.org
October 2011
Volunteers for Month of October 2011
Sunday
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Parish Council
M. Boardman, D. Greene, T. Yearout
G. Dikis, N. Manakides, E.J. Vakakes
P.Lafakis, N. Erben, J. Valekis
G. Burge, J. Fawal, A. Yearout
J. Cosmas, S. Nickolson, N. Petelos
Early Duty
October 2
October 9
Mark Boardman
George Dikis
October 16
Nick Erben
October 23
Greg Burge
October 30
Jimmy Cosmas
November 6
Dwight Greene
November 13
Nick Manakides
November 20
Pete Lafakis
November 27
Joe Fawal
OUTREACH & EVANGELISM GREETERS
10/2
Joanne Pihakis & Barbara Bolen
10/9
Nadya & Nathan Bogdan
10/16
Ann & Bill Mimikakis—Boula Constantine
10/23
Maria Orfanon—Margo Vizzina
10/30
Angela & Jimmy Pappas—Nancy Drakos
October 2
October 9
October 16
October 23
October 30
October 2
October 9
October 16
October 23
October 30
Readers
Tom Constantine
Youth Sunday
Mark Boardman
Dwight Greene
Antoinette Papajohn
Nursery
Nina McCallum
Lindsey Alsobrook
Helena Vakakes
Lindsey Alsobrook
Lindsey Alsobrook
Coffee Fellowship
October 2
Claudia Deason*, Lula Kakoliris, Denise
Oelschlager, Pat Bullard, Embree Deason
October 9
Stacey Craig, Joanna Hufham, Connie
Chew, Helen Cocoris*, Stella Agras
October 16
Tina Sarris, Chum Atkins, Sue Graphos,
Lori Graphos*
October 23
Maria White*, Mary Diamantakos,
Phyllis Ellard, Marti Kartos
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OCTOBER 30th
PAGE
22
OCTOBER 2011
Sun
Mon Tue
Greek Language Classes:
4:15 p.m. Children
6:00 p.m. Adult—Level 1
7:00 p.m. Adult—Level 2
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
9Youth Sunday 10
7&8th Grade
12:30p.m. Hellenic Dance
Fest. Luncheon
Memorial:
Angelo
Fortunis (3 yr)
3:00 p.m. HOPE
& JOY
Stevens Farm
16
Memorial:
Steve Leontis
(40-D)
Flu Clinic
following
Divine Liturgy
17
11
12
7:15 Men’s Bible Study
10:30 Women’s Bible Study
6:30 p.m. Philoptochos
Fall Kickoff Mtg
4:15 p.m. Children’s
Greek Language
5:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Wed. Night
Programs
18
19
4:15 p.m. Children’s
Greek Language
5:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Wed. Night
Programs
6
13
20
7
8
Dance
6:30 p.m. Jr.
GOYA Movie
& Dinner —
Alex Gulas
Dance
14
15
GOYA Trip
To Mobile
4:00 p.m.
Stewart
Baptisms
GOYA to
Mobile
21
22
28
29
OXIDAY
Jr. GOYA
Zip Line
to
Ruby
Falls
6:30 pm
YAL
Dinner
& Discussion
10:30 Women’s Bible Study
24
25
7:15 Men’s Bible Study
6:00 p.m. Parish
Council Mtg.
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Sunday School
Teacher Mtg.,
Media Room
General
Assembly
1:30 p.m. Baptism
Nicholas D.
Giattina
4:15 p.m. Children’s
Greek
5:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Wed. Night
Programs
8:30/9:30 a.m.
Orthros/Divine
Liturgy, “Luke the
Evangelist”
GOYA Lunch in
GOYA Rm
30
5
7:15 Men’s Bible Study
8:15 a.m. Staff
10:30 Women’s Bible Study
7:15 Men’s Bible Study
GOYA to Mobile
23
4
10:30 Women’s Bible Study
31
26
8:30/9:30 a.m. Orthros/
Divine Liturgy,
“Demetrios”
4:15 p.m. Children’s
Greek Language
5:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Wed. Night
Programs
Day Care Harvest Party
27
PAGE
INFORMATION UPDATE: PARISH MEMBERSHIP AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM
HOLY TRINITY – HOLY CROSS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
PARISH MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONNAIRE
(Please complete clearly in print)
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
LAST NAME:
FIRST NAME:
MI:
__
TITLE: (DR., MR., MRS., MS.) (CIRCLE ONE))
ORTHODOX BY: __BAPTISM OR __CHRISMATION __NON-ORTHODOX
( Check One)
ADDRESS:
STREET:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP CODE:
E-mail Address:
TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):
HOME: ( ) __________ BUSINESS: ( ) __________ CELLULAR: (
FAX NUMBER: HOME: ( ) __________ BUSINESS: ( ) __________
) __________
SPOUSE:
LAST NAME:
FIRST NAME:
MI:
MAIDEN NAME:
TITLE: (DR., MR., MRS., MS.) (CIRCLE ONE))
ORTHODOX BY: __BAPTISM OR __CHRISMATION __NON-ORTHODOX
(Check One)
E-mail Address:
NAMES OF CHILDREN LIVING AT HOME:
1)
3)
2)
4)
Please include preferred telephone number(s) to be published in the directory. Please email to:
dmcadory@holytrinity-holycross.org. Please be sure to include Parish Membership on your email Subject line.
Mail To:
Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
307 19th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Attn: Dorothy
Thanks for your cooperation.


__
23
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
307 19th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-716-3080
Fax: 205-716-3085
We’re on the Web and Facebook!
www.bhamgreekfestival.com
General Assembly
October 30, 2011
Following
Divine Liturgy