2016 June Monthly Newsletter - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis
(636) 527-7843
(314) 974-4613cell
ST. NICHOLAS
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas
(314)909-6999
ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE
ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495
Office (314)361-6924
(314)395-8704
Fax (314)361-3539
Email: stnicholas@swbell.net
Website: www.sngoc.org
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER
12550 SOUTH 40 DRIVE
ST. LOUIS, MO 63141
June 2016
Volume 20 - Number 6
Ahh! … Summertime!
Pentecost
Sunday, June 19th
The Church celebrates the major Feast of Pentecost during a season when most people are
trying to take break. In June we celebrate the Sunday of All Saints. The Feast of all Saints is not
a left over Sunday for people named ‘Bubba” or “Wolfgang” to celebrate their name day. The
Church celebrates the entire family of God, the family of holy men and women dedicated to God.
The Feast of all Saints celebrates the Family to whom you and I belong.
We should be thankful and take advantage of the major Feasts being celebrated in the summer.
It is good thing for us to slow down our schedules this summer, especially when it relates to the
Church. Father Calivas would remind us at Seminary, “Be careful when serving the Church. Do
not create just a bunch of programs. Serve the Church and offer the Church to the people.”
We will celebrate the Feasts of Pentecost and Saints Peter and Paul in the month of June. We
can slow down our schedules and realize especially this month the spiritual gifts we have
received from God. Many of us have been rushing for one meeting to the next and trying to climb
one ladder of success after another. I have experienced myself the mistake of placing my ladder
on the wrong building. The Feasts of June remind us of our true purpose in life, to share in the
life of Christ. Bishop Gerasimos of blessed memory shared these words which he lived, “The
Orthodox religion is a living experience of the presence of God.”
The summer can be a wonderful time for us to remember and rejoice in the gift we receive at
Pentecost. We celebrate the gift of the Church. Pentecost celebrates that we do not have to be
separated from God or from one another. Embrace the Feasts of our Lord this summer. Spend
time with your family and friends. Invite them to your home and share your love and enthusiasm
for God. Miracles can happen in the summer. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania wrote, “When
confronted by a convert of the faith, I also am a convert. Each and every day I am converted to a
deeper understanding and relationship with my Lord and God.” Have a great summer!
-Father Jordan Brown
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
St. Nicholas Servants
2016 PARISH COUNCIL
Dr. Andrew Galakatos, President
Mary Ann Mastorakos, Vice-President
Robert Meyer, Secretary
Joseph Palazzola, Treasurer
Christine Anastas, Assistant Treasurer
Nicky Antoniou
Elizabeth Glynias
Stefan Glynias
Yemane Habtu
Jonathan Hartley
Marilynn Jemas
Fifi Scarato
Peter Takes
Demetrios Tsikalas
Thomas Whaley
314-922-4457
636-458-8577
314-494-5794
314-313-5986
314-647-4636
314-878-7720
314-550-7903
314-406-5899
636-532-4665
618-520-9569
636-532-3484
314-471-7781
314-862-2866
314-481-6879
314-575-7438
Roxana Couternais
Peter Lemakis
Joe Palazzola
Janet Papageorge
Mark Vleisides
314-752-0252
314-965-6137
314-313-5986
314-878-3513
314-576-2898
Fr. Douglas Papulis
Fr. Michael Arbanas
Stefan Glynias, Chairman
Teddy Hart
Michael Ferretti
John Koch
Mary Ann Mastorakos
Steve Ott
Michael Pappas
Michael Tsichlis
Demetrios Tsikalas
Chris Varvares
314-361-6924
314-425-9641
314-644-1875
314-997-4826
636-458-8577
636-922-7732
636-532-3222
636-230-8066
636-207-7789
314-849-2309
314-481-6879
314-374-3674
William Karides, Chairman
Pat Johnson
Irene Schildroth
636-281-0727
314-832-0061
314-845-2434
Michael Angelides
Roxana Couteranis
Helen Leara
Dean Millonas
Tina Paradowski
314-726-4019
314-752-0252
314-849-3707
314-440-6724
314-781-0781
James Anno, Chairman
Elaine Coulson
Zachary Kostopoulos
405-762-0528
314-991-5033
617-501-2678
Nick Tharenos, Chairman
Mike Kamburis
Nick Koskolos
Robert Meyer
Sam Mezines
314-576-7011
636-227-3649
636-300-0211
314-645-2174
314-878-8144
John Koch, Chairman
George J. Bude
Voula Francis
Sakis Salas
Dan Tarlas
Peter Vaccaro
636-922-7732
314-579-9151
314-822-1176
636-379-2109
314-968-5010
314-781-7700
Barbara Corrigan
Yemane Habtu
Denise Karras
Peter Takes
314-576-1576
636-532-4665
314-368-4205
314-862-2866
Georgia Ferretti, President
636-458-8577
AUDIT COMMITTEE
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
CEMENTARY COMMITTEE
ELECTION COMMITTEE
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
PHYSICAL FACILITIES -CHURCH
Dino Pappas, Chairman
314-701-8118
Bill Coulson
314-991-5033
Pat Johnson
314-832-0061
Mike Stamatakis
Tom Thavorides
314-965-7127
PHYSICAL FACILITIES –FAMILY LIFE
PLANNED GIVING
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
PHILOPTOCHOS
St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute
Michael G. Tsichlis, PhD
314-361-6924 x330
CHURCH SCHOOL Co-Directors
Bess Fitzmaurice
Despina Hartley
HANDMAIDENS
636-343-3849
618-447-6548
Rosie Hartley
618-239-9359
Georgia Johnson
314-832-0061
DANCE TROUPE
Announcements
“With us everything should be secondary compared to our
concern with children, and their upbringing in the
instruction and teaching of the Lord.”
-St. John Chrysostom
Hunger
June is a busy month; end of most
schools, graduation, weddings, etc. one day seems to go by as just
another day! This month, we have
“Father’s Day” June 19, 2016, which
also happens to be Holy Pentecost,
Holy Ascension Saint Peter & Paul,
all Saints and Holy Apostles plus the
nativity of John the Baptist.
Father’s Day – how many times
do we use the word ‘Father’ in our
daily prayers, our priests are called
‘Father’ and God who is the universal
of all, sent his only Son to us for love,
happiness, and humility, and the
saying “just wait till your father comes
home!”
Well, I know father’s always have
their “favors” – their little daughters,
wishing that they never grow-up. But
think of all the memories you have;
growing up with “Father Knows Best!”
Therefore think of all fathers this
year, happiness, sorrow and never
forgetting that this was part of you.
God and your parents who worried
since the day you were born.
Happy Father’s Day to All
Fathers, Grandfathers,
Godfathers!
.Roxana Couternais
GOYA
Debbie Palazzola
636-458-2133
Presvytera Caroline Arbanas
Stavra Ketchmark
314-909-6999
314-792-8402
JR. GOYA
HOPE
Rebecca Christophi
Georgina Grant
The St. Nicholas Book
Group will meet Monday,
June 13 to discuss the novel
Seating Arrangements by
Maggie Shipstead. In this
modern novel of manners,
the members of a family
gather on a New England
island for a wedding, and
the events surrounding the
wedding highlight themes
like love, social status and
mid-life crisis. Shipstead has
been called a modern-day
Edith Wharton. We will meet
at 7pm at the Family Life
Center.
EVERYONE is welcome.
PLEASE JOIN US!!!
Please submit all articles by the 10th of month
Email: jennifer.engish5674@gmail.com
JOY
OUR LITTLE ANGELS/CHERUBS
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St. Nicholas
Book Group
Thank You
Jennifer English, Editor
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
PRESIDENT’S NOTES
Andrew E Galakatos MD
PHONE: 314.922.4457
Galakatos@wudosis.wustl.edu
CHRISTOS ANESTI
ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ
ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ Τουρνουά Γκολφ 6ης Μαΐου
Ήθελα να συγχαρώ και να ευχαριστήσω PETER VACCARO,
ROBERT MUCKLER, CAROL KAMBURIS και όλη την ομάδα
τους για μια εξαιρετική Εκκλησία Τουρνουά Γκολφ της
Παρασκευής 6ης Μάη @ Forest Park. Παρακαλούμε σχέδιο
για συμμετεχόντων επόμενο έτος για το ίδιο χρονικό διάστημα
του έτους.
CHURCH GOLF TOURNAMENT 6 MAY
Wish to compliment and thank PETER VACCARO,
ROBERT MUCKLER, CAROL KAMBURIS and their
entire team for an outstanding Church Golf Tournament
Friday 6 May at Forest Park. Please plan on
participating next year about this same time of the year.
PARTICIPATION IN THE ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Please begin to view the FLYERS & the NEWSLETTER
on how you can help participate in this magnificent
event Friday thru Monday (2 thru 5 September).
ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΠΤΩΣΗ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ
Παρακαλούμε να αρχίσουν να δείτε τα φυλλάδια και το
ενημερωτικό δελτίο a / b πώς μπορείτε να βοηθήσετε να
συμμετέχουν σε αυτό το υπέροχο εκδήλωση της Παρασκευής
μέσα από τη Δευτέρα (Σεπτέμβριος 2 έως 5).
NEW 2016 PARISH ADDRESS BOOK
Please contact the CHURCH OFFICE at 314.361.6924
or stnicholas@swbell.net OR MARILYNN JEMAS @
636.541.1517 or marilynnjemas@gmail.com to
UPDATE your MAILING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER
and E-MAIL ADDRESS for the forthcoming non-photo
2016 PARISH ADDRESS BOOK.
ΝΕΟ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΕΩΝ 2016 ΕΝΟΡΙΑ
Παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας
@ 314.361.6924 ή stnicholas@swbell.net ... ή ... Marilynn
Jemas @ 636.541.1517 ή marilynnjemas@gmail.com να
ενημερώσετε την ταχυδρομική διεύθυνση, αριθμό τηλεφώνου
και e-mail σας για την επικείμενη μη-φωτογραφία 2016
ΕΝΟΡΙΑ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΕΩΝ.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER DELIVERY BY E-MAIL /
INTERNET
Starting with this June edition, the NEWSLETTER will
be sent by E-MAIL / INTERNET. Those 100 + who
informed the Church office will continue to receive the
NEWSLETTER by REGULAR MAIL The Newsletter is
routinely posted … along with archives (past editions)
… on our Church WEBSITE @ www.sngoc.org under
CURRENT BULLETIN. If you know of senior friends or
relatives who have not notified the Office, please do so
for them by calling 314.361.6924.
ΜΗΝΙΑΙΑ ΠΑΡΑΔΟΣΗ NEWSLETTER ΜΕ E-MAIL /
INTERNET
Ξεκινώντας με αυτό το τεύχος του Ιουνίου, το ενημερωτικό
δελτίο θα αποστέλλεται μέσω e-mail / INTERNET. Εκείνοι 100
+ ο οποίος ενημέρωσε το γραφείο Εκκλησία θα συνεχίσει να
λαμβάνετε το newsletter με κανονικό ταχυδρομείο Το
Ενημερωτικό Δελτίο είναι συνήθως δημοσιεύτηκε ... μαζί με τα
αρχεία (προηγούμενες εκδόσεις) ... στην Εκκλησία μας
ΙΣΤΟΣΕΛΙΔΑ @ www.sngoc.org Σύμφωνα με την ισχύουσα
ΔΕΛΤΙΟ. Εάν γνωρίζετε ανώτερων φίλους ή συγγενείς που
δεν έχουν κοινοποιηθεί στο Γραφείο, παρακαλώ να το κάνετε
για αυτούς με την κλήση 314.361.6924.
Holy Communion
The Sacrament of Holy Communion-the Eucharist which
literally means “Thanksgiving,” is the Mystery whereby the
bread and wine of offering are changed, actually, not
symbolically, into the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The
Eucharist is at the very center of the Church’s life, and from it
flows the prayer of believers in a sacrifice of entreaty for the
peace of the world, for all those who ask for help, and for all
men and women.
Jesus? We pray. We should have love in our hearts for all
people. We should ask forgiveness from God and from our
parents, brothers, and sisters, and from anyone we may have
hurt.
When we come before the priest for Communion, we make
the sign of the cross, we tell the priest our baptismal name, hold
the Communion cloth under our chin, and we open our mouth
wide. After receiving, we wipe our lips with the communion
cloth, we make the sign of the cross, and hand the Communion
cloth to the person next to us.
Once we received Communion, we must remember that we
have become one with Christ and with all those who received
Communion with us. Christ now lives in all of us. We are all
living icons of Jesus. It is by loving one another that we love
Jesus. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy
chalices. God lives in us.
Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His
hands, to help those in need. When we receive communion, we
become members of Christ’s Body, the Church. This means
that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet but our feet to His
Work in the world today. What kind, thoughtful act will you do
for Jesus today?
“The Eucharist unites us in the most intimate fashion with
the Lord; it nourishes our soul and body, and aids our
strengthening, increase, and growth in spiritual life. According
to the promise of the Gospel, “he that eats this bread will live
forever.”
-The Gospel of John 6:58
The cup which holds the wine that becomes the blood of
Christ is the chalice, THE CUP OF SALVATION. When we
kneel during the liturgy, we pray with the priest that God the
Holy Spirit may change the bread and wine into the Body and
Blood of Jesus. This means that when we receive Holy
Communion, Jesus comes to live in us.
How do we prepare to receive the Body and Blood of
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Philoptochos Corner
June 2016
Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen!
Palm Sunday Brunch
– April 24th –
Greek Festival - Prep Schedule
Our 2016 Annual Labor Day Greek Festival festivities are
underway and you know our motto...."many hands make light
work". Please join us for assembly of our delicious Grecian
specialties - even if you just have an hour to spare, it makes a
difference. All prep is at St. Nicholas and lunch will be provided.
Check the Festival Baking Schedule for specific dates. And
don’t forget to volunteer for the Greek Festival – we need you!
A very special thank you to Chris Anastas and the entire
committee who contributed their time and talents to make our
annual Palm Sunday Brunch a huge success. There were 350
parishioners in attendance who enjoyed a wonderful brunch.
The auditorium was decorated in a beautiful spring setting with
pops of color. The committee spent endless hours in the kitchen
preparing the meal, shopping, setting up, taking reservations,
making centerpieces, and baking/selling our Grecian Kitchen
specialties. Many thanks to our kitchen chefs, omelet chefs, and
others who served the meal. The children enjoyed face painting,
balloons art, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. We are grateful
to our cleanup crew and to the many parishioners who helped
on this very special day.
Calendar of Events:
Membership Mimosa Brunch – August (TBD)
Mouse Races – October 15th
Thank you to all our members who continue
to work tirelessly for our Chapter and for our
beloved St. Nicholas community!
AGAPE Reception
– May 1st –
Thank you to Stephanie Glioumas for continuing to do such a
wonderful job hosting the AGAPE reception. The children
always have a great time and the adults have fun making
memories with their families while celebrating the Resurrection.
The Philoptochos Corner will take a “break” for the
summer and resume in September.
Grecian Kitchen Orders
Remember our Grecian Kitchen is open all year round! We
continue to offer baklava, spanakopita, tiropita, galaktoboureko,
pastitsio, OPA salad dressing, and our fabulous Hellenic Cuisine
cookbook. These items make great gifts and can be kept in the
freezer and used for last minute dinner parties. To order, please
contact Dianne Zotos at 636.541.0708
Father’s Day
Sunday, June 19th
The Importance of Fathers
Excerpted from an article by Dr. Stephen F. Duncan
Being a Great Dad
Being a dad today is more complicated than it used to be. Dads were once expected to “bring home the bacon” while
Moms raised the children. Nowadays, the message is different. Dads should still be a major breadwinner. But more is
expected, regardless of whether or not Mom works outside the home. He should be willing to change diapers, dress
children, cook meals, clean house, volunteer at school and help do all those things that his wife used to be expected to
do alone. There is a clear message out there: Dad, you ought to be a more involved father, and Mom, you need to let
Dad get involved.
Final Tips
Nurture your marriage first, prioritize fatherhood, get involved with your child from the beginning, learn the fatherhood
craft, have regular one-on-one time with each child, show affection often, take kids to work, stay connected when you
have to be away, and teach them. Connect with your child at all levels. Fathering is essential for our children’s spiritual,
intellectual and psychological growth and development.
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Curing the Poison of Gossip
DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE
June 2016
The Poison
Evil speech is worse than all poisons. All other wounds
may be healed, but the wound of the tongue has no cure.
The tongue of the dragon is less evil than that of the
whisperer, which in turn comes from a most evil demon: for
it provokes quarrelling and bitter strife between brethren,
sows evil and discord among the peaceful, scatters many
communities. If you permit the whisperer to approach you,
he will strip you of every merit you possess. Whosoever
becomes involved with him has already become a
confederate in his bloodshed, in his murders, and in his
slaying! For a whisperer and a murderer spawn the same
whelp: if they do not slay you with the sword, they will bring
the same disaster on you with the tongue.
Because of these things I charge you severely, that you
separate yourself from a whisperer as speedily as you can.
Let him be a monk, let him be a champion of virtue or but a
novice, whoever he is as long as he is a whisperer, fly from
him. Though he should be your own father, or your brother,
if he is a whisperer keep far away from him. For it is better to
dwell with a lion or with a lioness than with one who is a
whisperer. And do not be ashamed to fly from him; so that
he shall not infect you with the poison of his sin.
So then, my children have no part in murmuring. Do
your work earnestly and in silence; for he who is devoted to
silence is close to God and His angels and dwells in heaven.
For the Lord tells us that: He that keepeth his mouth
keepeth his life: but he that opened wide his lips shall have
destruction. (Prov 13:3).
Sun
#
Sun
*
+
Sun
++
The Cure
Set, O Lord, a watch before my mouth, and a door of
enclosure round about my lips. The greatest necessity of all
is to control and curb our tongue. The mover of the tongue is
the heart: what fills the heart is poured out through the
tongue. And conversely, when feeling is poured out of the
heart by the tongue, it becomes strengthened and firmly
rooted in the heart. Therefore the tongue is one of the chief
factors in building up our inner disposition.
When you have to speak, before expressing what has
entered your heart and letting it pass to your tongue,
examine it carefully; and you will find many things that are
better not let past your lips. Know moreover that many
things, which it seems to you good to express, are much
better left buried in the tomb of silence. Sometimes you will
yourself realize this, immediately the conversation is over.
Silence is a great power in our unseen warfare and a
sure hope of gaining victory. Silence is much beloved of
him, who does not rely on himself but trusts in God alone. It
is the guardian of holy prayer and a miraculous helper in the
practice of virtues; it is also a sign of spiritual wisdom.
I shall indicate to you the most direct and simple method
to acquire the habit of silence; undertake this practice, and
the practice itself will teach you how to do it, and help you.
To keep up your zeal in this work, reflect as often as you
can on the pernicious results of indiscriminate babbling and
on the salutary results of wise silence. When you come to
taste the good fruit of silence, you will no longer need
lessons about it.
Sun
W
Acts 13 13-24
Jn 6:5-14
2
T
Acts 14:20-27
Jn 9:39-10:9
3
F
Acts 15:5-34
Jn 10:17-28
4
S
Acts 15:35-41
Jn 27:38
Acts 16:16-34
Jn 9:1-38
5
6
M
Acts 17:1-15
Jn 11:47-57
7
T
Acts 17:19-28
Jn 12:19-36
8
W
Acts 18:22-28
Jn 12:36-47
9
T
Acts 1:1-12
Lk 24:36-53
10
F
Acts 18:22-28
Jn 14:1-11
11
S
Acts 20:7-12
Jn 14:10-21
Acts 20:16-18,28-36
Jn 17:1-13
12
13
M
Acts 21:8-14
Jn 14:27-15:7
14
T
Acts 21:26-32
Jn 16:2-13
15
W
Acts 23:1-11
Jn 16:15-23
16
T
Acts 25:13-19
Jn 16:23-33
17
F
Acts 27:1-44,28:1
Jn 18-26
18
S
1 Thes 4:13-17
Jn 21:15-25
Acts 2:1-11
Jn 7:37-52;8:12
19
20
M
Eph 5:9-19
Mt 18:10-20
21
T
Rom 1:1-7,13-17
Mt 4:25-5:13
22
W
Rom 1:18-27
Mt 5:20-26
23
T
Rom 1:28-2:9
Mt 5:27-32
24
F
Rom 13:11-14:4
Lk 1:1-25,57-68,76,80
25
S
Rom1:7-12
Mt 5:42-48
Heb 11:33-12:2
Mt 10:32-33,37-38,19:27
-30
26
27
M
Rom 2:28-3:18
Mt 6:31-34;7:9-11
28
T
Rom 4:4-12
Mt 7:15-21
29
W
2 Cor 11:21-12:9
Mt16:13-19
30
T
1 Cor 4:9-16
Mt 8:23-27
# Ascension
* Saturday of the Souls
+ Pentecost
++ Holy Spirit
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
April 10th thru May 10th
CHURCH FUND
In Memory of Margaret Hatzes
Maria Zouglas
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
In Memory of Victoria R. Peppes
Gina & John Russon
In Memory of Voula Stratos
Maria Zouglas
In Memory of Michael G. Fandos
George & Kim Tarlas
Katherine S. Rutter
Gina & John Russon
In Memory of Gus J. Tassos
Maria Zouglas
In Memory of Cleopatra Georges
Christina Anastas
George & Kim Tarlas
Katherine S. Rutter
Lyndia & Barry Finer
In Memory of Victoria R. Peppes
Maria Zouglas
Nicholas & Kathy Ginos
In Memory of Kathryn S. Nisiankas
Nicholas & Kathy Ginos
In Memory of Jack Wilcox
George & Anne Souris
In Memory of Michael G. Fandos
Clark & Katie Afendoulis
Brett & Lisa Campbell
RENOVATION OF
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH
In Memory of Kathryn S. Nisiankas
Maria A. Tanurchis
In Memory of Cleopatra Georges
Niki Pappadakis
Mary Volas
Leo & Despina Pashos
In Memory of
Nikolaos D. Platipodis
Alexandra Kamakas
In Memory Cleopatra Georges
Leonora Taratsas
Connie Sexton Moore
Alexandra Kamakas
ST. NICHOLAS DANCERS FUND
In Memory of Cleopatra Georges
Dan & Andrea Tarlas
Parish Life
FAMILY LIFE CENTER
In Memory of Michael G. Fandos
Paul & Helen Leara
MEMORIAL
June 26th
In Memory of Cleopatra Georges
Katherine Ellis
Thank you
A letter was received with a
special Thank You from
Archbishop Demetrios of
America to the Ladies
Auxiliary of Alexander the
Great for their donation to
the St. Nicholas Shrine of
New York.
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10 Year
15 Year
Arthur Takes
Mary Takes
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner:
"The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches
of the need to evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally."
Life in Kenya: Teaching, More Teaching, and Some Writing too!
by Dr. William Black (4/11/2016)
OCMC Missionary Dr. William Black teaches at the
Makarios III Orthodox Seminary and St. Paul's University
in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to helping to train future
Church leaders and clergy, Dr. Black has recently written
a book on Stewardship - an increasingly relevant topic for
the Church in the mission field.
“Today is Thursday, so I was up early to make the
drive to St. Paul’s University near Limuru before the
morning traffic totally clogged Naivasha Road, the main
road out of our part of town. Normally I teach two Master's
-level courses at St. Paul's on Thursday mornings – a
course on the Atonement and another on Theology and
Public Life. But I arrived today to discover that both of my
students had illnesses in their families, which meant they
couldn’t make it to class. Before I got too excited about
having a FULL MORNING open up before my eyes, I got
an e-mail from a former colleague at Africa International
University all but begging me to serve as the external
examiner for two Master's theses. I am about to agree to
help out, even though I know what this entails, and so
even though the day is still young, I am already
questioning my sanity. So I’m beginning to see how my
"free" morning is about to go.
Yesterday (Wednesday) at the Orthodox Seminary, I
taught the third-year students a two-hour class on the
global Christian missionary movement. But rather than
overwhelm them with dates and names which will not get
remembered, I tried instead to help them understand the
motives for missions. Among other things, this involved
doing a Bible study of Romans 12:5-15, during which I got
the strong impression that my students had never done a
Bible study before. This made me realize how fortunate I
have been to have such a strong grounding in the
Scriptures. My Orthodox students are constantly reading
the Scriptures, but mostly in liturgical contexts. In fact, we
Orthodox hear far more Scripture in any given service
than any Protestant church I was ever a part of. But in
terms of understanding the Scriptures and being able to
make use of the Scriptures, I am realizing that we Kenyan
Orthodox have some things to learn. I taught the concept
of inductive Bible Study for more than three decades and
led more than thirty Bible studies during my time as a
Protestant leader and pastor. But this sort of intentional
study of the Scriptures is an entirely new concept here. I
do not yet know what to do with this. But I wouldn’t be
surprised if, with His Eminence’s blessing, we might start
a weekly Bible study here.
If this were all, it would certainly be enough. But I also
presented a paper in mid-March at an academic
conference on the problem of dependency in Kenyan
churches. I was asked to give a presentation on Orthodox
Spirituality at a St. Paul’s faculty fellowship and another
presentation on Women in Ministry at a staff fellowship at
the Orthodox Seminary. And then a week or so ago I was
asked to preach at St. Paul’s chapel on the day the
Orthodox students were given responsibility for the chapel
service.
And I’ve written a book on stewardship and the
churches in Kenya. I go over how Jesus, the apostles, and
the early Church through the time of St. John Chrysostom
dealt with money, offerings, and giving. I cover the
contemporary issues of dependency and the prosperity
heresy, as well as misguided efforts to impose "tithing" as
a solution for a church’s financial needs. I offer
stewardship as the New Testament and early Church
model of handling money and possessions, and I give
examples of Kenyan churches who are doing money well
and others that are missing the mark. Please pray with me
that God might use this material to help His people here.
Every church I am aware of, Orthodox or otherwise,
struggles with money. And nobody for more than 20 years
has addressed this in a systematic, useful way. I have
submitted my manuscript to a Roman Catholic publisher,
Pauline, and am waiting to hear from them. If they aren’t
interested, I will try with one of the Protestant presses. I
want this to be published here in Kenya so that the price
will be lower and therefore the book will be more
accessible to priests, pastors, and leaders across the
country.
So I’ve been busy. Some days I feel like it’s too much
and that I’m not doing anything particularly well. But I’m
trying to be a good steward of the opportunity the Lord
has given me and that you, through your prayers and your
financial provision, are making possible.”
To learn more about, or support the work of, Dr. William
Black please visit: http://www.ocmc.org/DrWilliamBlack.
As always, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618239-9359, if you have any questions, would like to be part
of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help
our missionaries.
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Sunday School
Despina and I and our entire Sunday school staff thank you and your beautiful children for a great
year. We thank you for bringing your kids. If you didn’t get to attend as often as you would have
liked this year, make a commitment to come more in 2016/2017. Your child will always be
welcome no matter how often or infrequent he or she attends. Although it is our hope and desire
that all eligible Sunday School students attend regularly, we want to make sure you know we
have an open door policy.
Please take some time to register your child/children for Sunday School with the attached
registration form. Don’t wait until the last minute. It makes for a lot of last minute work for our
staff.
Also, we’ll have our Young Years Summer Sunday School program starting on June 25th and will
continue for 5 consecutive weeks. It takes place in the downstairs Sunday School classrooms
and is offered to students up to 3rd grade. We ask for a $10 donation per child with a maximum
of $20 per family. Please email Bess at besscatering@charter.net to register or to volunteer.
Also, don’t forget about VBS at Family Life Center from July 11th-15th and Hellenic Culture Camp
from July 18th-22nd.
Have a great summer and we’ll see you soon.
Bess Fitzmaurice
Despina Hartley
Co-Sunday School Directors
Festival Baking Schedule
Volunteer Lunches
Dear St. Nicholas Family & Friends:
Friday, August 26th – Meli Finikia
Monday, August 29th – Pastry Boxes – Fr. Michael & Pres. Caroline
Arbanas
Tuesday, August 30th – Workers
Wednesday, August 31st – Workers – Philoptochos
Our 2016 Annual Labor Day Greek Festival festivities are
underway! We kicked-off our baking on Monday, May 9th
with Spanakopita – our #1 seller. Our Festival Baking
Teams are in place and the baking calendar set! In order
to make their day easier, we are asking you to partner up
with family members and friends in providing lunch for our
ladies and gentlemen on one of the following days.
September –
Thursday, September 1st – Chickens/Workers
Lunch is served around noon buffet style. The count is
approximately 20 – 30. We will provide the plates,
flatware, napkins, soda, water and other cooking utensils.
Lunches can be simple: salads, soups, sandwiches,
pasta, casseroles, etc. Please choose one of the above
dates and notify Christina Anastas 314.647.4636 –
haca1001@aol.com or Helen Leara 314.849.3707 –
HelenLeara@gmail.com.
Thanks to those who have already signed up!
June –
Saturday, June 11th – Lamb Shanks – Debbie & Joe Palazzola
Monday, June 20th – Salad Dressing Cups
Wednesday, June 22th – Salad Dressing Bottles – Christina Anastas
Monday, June 27th – Tiropita – Gina Nakis
July –
Monday, July 11th – Koulouria
Just knowing a delicious lunch is coming means so much!
We hope to hear from you.
August –
Monday, August 8th – Koulouria – Stephanie McPherron
Monday, August 15th – Kourabiedes – Michael & Georgia Ferretti
Monday, August 22th – Finikia – Mary Angelides & Sarah Angelides
Thanks, Chris Anastas
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2016-2017
Parents:
Telephone:
Email (mandatory):
Address:
City:
Zip:
Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2016, to enter the 3 year old class.
Church school follows the age limits of St. Louis School Districts. Use the back of the form for more
than 4 children.
Child:
Baptismal Name:
Grade - Fall 2016:
DOB:
Allergies:
Child:
Baptismal Name:
Grade - Fall 2016:
DOB:
Allergies:
Child:
Baptismal Name:
Grade - Fall 2016:
DOB:
Allergies:
Parents! We need your continued support to make Church school and all of its extra-curricular
activities run smoothly. In order for this to happen, we expect you to volunteer for at least one of the
events below. This is a great way for parents to make a contribution to Church School and take the
burden off of our hardworking and dedicated teachers. It really means a lot, to both students and
teachers, when parents step in and offer their support.
Please circle below:
Substitute/Assistant Teacher
September: Ice Cream Social, Teacher Appreciation Gifts
November: Meal a month food drive, Teacher’s Meeting Refreshments and set up
December: St. Nicholas Day Gift Bags – Christmas Pageant, Teacher Appreciation Gifts
January:
Souper Bowl
February:
Oratorical Festival Volunteers, Teacher’s Meeting Refreshments and set up
May:
Teacher’s Appreciation Luncheon and End of Year Picnic
Registration is from April 27th – May 22nd. Registration fees are $10/child until May 22nd. After
May 22nd, late registrations will be $20/child. We gladly accept any donations to cover the costs
of the Sunday School program.
Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Church and drop them by the Church School Office or send
them in to:
St. Nicholas Church 4967 Forest Park Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Many thanks to you, the wonderful parishioners of Saint Nicholas, for your great generosity, as well as your dedication
and hard work. Your donation of time, talent, and treasure has once again adorned our church for Lent, Holy Week,
and Easter Celebration.
Many heartfelt thanks to:
 To all the organizations that hosted the Lenten Meals after the Wednesday night Pre-sanctified Liturgies: Parish
Council, Philoptochos, Greek Dancers, and the Men’s Wednesday Morning Fellowship Group
 Georgia Ferretti, Philoptochos President, and the entire Philoptochos Board for the wonderful Palm Sunday Brunch,
chaired by Chris Anastas, and meal prepared by Nicky Antoniou and her kitchen crew
 Chef, Pete Papadopoulos, and the entire Committee chaired by Liz Glynias for the March 25 th Celebration
 The children who read at the Holy Unction Service on Holy Wednesday: Paige Hartman, Kiley Sorbello, Alex Tarlas,
Olivia Silvey and Kara Tsikalas
 The Myrrhbearing girls, Handmaidens, and HOPE children who were candle bearers on Good Friday Evening – and
the Handmaiden advisor Rosie Hartley and HOPE advisor Maria Tovrea
 Sakis Salas who carried the Holy Cross in the Good Friday Procession
 The Philoptochos for the Agape reception chaired by Stephanie Glioumas
 Martha Sewall, Dominica Redman, and Presvytera Caroline Arbanas for the Easter Egg/Candy Hunt after Agape
Service at the church on Easter Sunday
 Mary Ann Koch and her Committee for the Easter Egg Hunt at the Family Life Center during the Lamb Roast on
Easter Sunday afternoon
 Bob Meyer and Ben Murphy co-chairs of the Easter Sunday lamb roast, as well as the chef, Mary Argyros, and
kitchen supervisor, Larry Belk, and the following lamb roasters: George Zotos, Mike Kamburis, Demos Argyros, Nick
Cassimatis, John Davis, Joe Palazzola, and George Patakas
 Our Choir Directory Diana Ott and the Saint Nicholas Choir and Youth Choir, our chanters and readers Dean
Kalomas, Lee Hartley, Demetrios Tsikalas, Valare Karras Barbara Harris, and Michael Doran,
 All our Altar boys, especially the following Altar Boys who helped during many of the Services of Lent and Holy Week
– Jonathan Hartley, Drew Sewall, George and William Arbanas, Leo Fitzmaurice, John Galakatos, Pete Panopoulos,
John Angelides, George Tsichlis, Graham Ketchmark, Maximos Souris, Nicholas Salas, Blake Sorbello, Dan
Kazanas, Alex Pantazopoulos, Phillip Tovrea, Amanuel Debass, Niko Yannakakis, and George and John Francis;
 Nicky Antoniou, Andy Keleta, Christina Anastas, Marianthe Meyer, Colette Brennan, Christian Brennan, Pamela
Brennan, Dan Kazanas, Rosie Hartley, Graham Ketchmark, William Arbanas, Ava Pappas, Cynthia Pappas,
Vanessa Antoniou, Kay Zotos, and Lee Hartley who set up the Hall for the Good Friday and Easter Services
 Demetrios Tsikalas, Steven Ketchmark, Zachary Kostopoulos, Lee Hartley, Drew Sewall, George Francis, John
Francis, George Tsichilis, and Graham Ketchmark who helped move and set up the Kouvouklion (Epi taphion) late
Holy Thursday night after the Service
 Chrysoula Tomaras and her Committee, together with Helen Carey, Dr. Tinna King, Despina Hartley, William
Arbanas, Liwam Debass , Linda Katsiyiannis, Graham Ketchmark, Stephan Glynias, Patricia Lekich, Presvytera
Christina Papulis, and Georgios Kastanias, who prepared the delicious meal (Feast!) for the Faithful to share on
Easter night/early morning – our church Family appreciates their love, hard work, and enthusiasm: the Handmaidens
who helped serve the Anastasi Brunch – Liwan Debass, Athena King, Snit Ogbe, Julia Arbanas, Christina Hartley
and Despina Hartley
 Nicky Antoniou, Bess Fitzmaurice, Pamela Brennan, and Hariklia Souris who prepared the bay leaves for Holy
Saturday
 Katherine Ellis and her committee that made the Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday (The English Family, Pantelis
Johnson, Barbara Corrigan, Peggy Pierroutsakos, Barbara Mavromatis, Beveryly Doias, Maureen Mezines,
Marianthe Meyer, Linda Meyer, Mary Varvares, Mary Jane Thomas , Cynthia Milonas, Georgia James, Harry
Pliakos, Katherine Forsting, Helen Scholl, Theresa Galakatos, Maria Cutsoukos, and Leonora Taratsas, and Stacey
English who made the Donkey Palms as Andy Cassimatis of blessed memory had taught her)
 Christian Argyros, John Pappas, Bob Meyer, Alex Davis, and Michael and Matthew McCord who held up the
kouvouklion Good Friday night for all the faithful to walk underneath after the procession outside
 Becky Tharenos and the ladies who made the prosfora and Presvytera Christina who made the prosfora used for
Holy Communion in tonight’s Liturgy
 Egg Dyeing committee - Maria and Michael Kamburis, Michael and Georgia Ferretti, Ed Ferretti, John and Mary
Anne Koch, Georgia James, Kim Tarlas, Christina Ginos, Dianne Zotos, and Helen Leara, who dyed and wrapped
the hundreds of Easter eggs received Easter Sunday night and morning, as well as at our annual Easter Lamb Roast
 Jeanne Tompras, Kathleen Ginos, Dianne Zotos, Liz Glynias, Helen Demmas, Linda Katsiyiannis, Liwam Debass,
and Teddy Hart who so beautifully decorated the Epitaphio and the candles used by the clergy, altar boys, and
handmaidens
 Kathleen Ginos and Jeanne Tompras who made the large beautiful floral arrangement that covered the basketball
net and backboard in the gym
 Many thanks to Dr. Andrew Galakatos and his family including his grandchildren, who each year move everything
back upstairs after Holy Saturday evening’s Service for the Easter Sunday Agape Service
 Stephanie Glioumas for all the icons decorated with flowers
 Tom and Daphne Whaley who decorated the Cross in our Church hall for the Resurrection Service
 Jonathan Hartley who set up the sound system in the hall
 Andy Keleta, Steve Ott, Michael Ferretti, Adonis Chakidis, and George Zotos who assisted with passing the offering
trays on Holy Friday and Saturday
 Kathy Ellis our Church secretary
 Chris Paradowski our custodian and assistant George Menos
We thank you all for another great Holy Week, Lent and Pascha/Easter!
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
2016 Easter Thanks
A very special Thank you to:
 The ladies who helped Kathy and myself with the flowers



and decorating the Epitaphion and all the responsibilities
we had on our to do list
Epitaphion Committee
Handmaidens
Jeanne Tompras
Liwam Debass
Kathy Ginos
Linda Katsiyiannis
Christine Anastas
Marianthe Meyers
Helen Demmas
Snit Ogbe
Teddy hart
Leonora Taratsas
Ann Zotos
Dianne Zotos
Chris Paradowski for all his help in storing our supplies
so perfectly that we are able to find them every year
with ease. He helps Nicky and me with inventory of the
garden display items, vases, etc…
Tom Whaley, a special thank you to him, who helps
Kathy and myself with the Anastase Banner
Kathy Ellis and Diane Winkler are so helpful and
always in a cheerful and kind way which is so
appreciated during this hectic time
Jeanne Tompras
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Scrapbooking
& Project Day
Saturday, July 16, 2016
10am-10pm
$15
Proceeds benefit St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
at St. Nicholas Family Life Center
Philoptochos Room
12550 South Outer 40 Dr. 63141
Bring your friends and family – all
projects welcome!
Online scrapbooking, sewing, card making, quilting, jewelry
making, knitting, needlepointing etc.
Wi-Fi and power sources available.
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
Any questions? Contact
Barbara Corrigan: btcstl@yahoo.com
Julie Dwyer: 636.391.1227 ext. 101or
jdwyer@vettasports.com
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin
June 2016
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5
26
8:00am-Orthos
9:30am-Divine Liturgy
Greeter: Leo & Dessie
Pashos
Fanari Camp
Happy Father’s Day
8:00am-Orthos
9:30am-Divine Liturgy
Greeter: Mary Volas
Holy Pentecost 19
8:00am-Orthos
9:30am-Divine Liturgy
Greeter: Nick & Liz
Perkins
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8:00am-Orthos
9:30am-Divine Liturgy
Greeter: Mark & Renee
Vleisides
SUNDAY
6
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7pm St. Nicholas Book
Group @ FLC
MONDAY
10am Women’s Faith
Group
10am Women’s Faith
Group
TUESDAY
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7
8
7am Men’s Fellowship
Family Life Center
29
7am Men’s Fellowship
Family Life Center
22
7am Men’s Fellowship
Family Life Center
15
7am Men’s Fellowship
Family Life Center
7am Men’s Fellowship
Family Life Center
1
WEDNESDAY
JUNE 2016
2
9
6pm Grief Support
30
Καφενείοv
9am-12pm @ Family Life
23
10am Divine Liturgy @
Ahepa Apts.
Καφενείοv
9am-12pm @ Family Life
16
10am Divine Liturgy @
Family Life Center
Followed by lunch for
Seniors
Holy Ascension
6:30 Graduation
Celebration at FLC
Καφενείοv
9am-12pm @ Family Life
THURSDAY
11am-2pm Festival
Friday Luncheon @
Church
11am-2pm Festival
Friday Luncheon @
Church
11am-2pm Festival
Friday Luncheon @
Church
11am-2pm Festival
Friday Luncheon @
Church
FRIDAY
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17
10
3
9:30 Divine Liturgy @
Church
Saturday of Souls
4
25
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SATURDAY
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
4967 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ST. LOUIS, MO
PERMIT NO. 1029
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Please visit us at www.sngoc.org
Philoptochos Philanthropy
PHILANTHROPY REPORT June 2016
FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY
June
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Peas
Applesauce
Powdered Milk
Toothpaste / Toothbrush (optional)
July
Chicken Chow Mein
Brown Rice
Turnip Green
Chunky Fruit Mix
Baby Wipes
Gentle Washing Machine
Detergent (optional)
Mary Mezines,
Food Bag Chairperson
As we follow the beautiful & spiritual road to Pascha, we thank the St. Nicholas
Community for their generosity and thoughtfulness of those less fortunate. We
hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. These are difficult times for
many people and your kind response for clothing and furniture has been appreciated.
We are in need of a gently used washer & dryer. Please contact us if you know
of anyone who has either or both to donate. We will make arrangements to have
them picked up.
If you are donating furniture, please contact Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667, or
Johanna Spanos (314) 966-5176 ~ or Kim Tarlas (314) 740-0955. We are grateful for
you support! We will walk you thru the process.
We are not accepting clothing donations until after the Festival (we have limited
space to store). We thank you for thinking of us. We are grateful for the clothing
and items you have donated in the past and we will post items that we need in the
future.
We wish to thank those parishioners who have continually donated Food Bags
for the Hungry. Our Food Banks, and our outreach charities are grateful for your
generosity. Please note the menu to the left of this report for the next two months.
May God Bless you and your families with good health, spiritual growth and
peace.
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