March 2013 - Sts Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of

VOLUME Nine --------------------------------------------------------------- NO. 86
YOUR NEW SPIRITUAL HOME
“Where there is NO VISION,
a People shall Perish …”
SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN
Greek Orthodox Church
of Washington, D. C.
Prov.29:18
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington D.C.
701— Suite “A” Norwood Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20905
WWW.SCHGOC.COM
(240) 389-1366
Rev. Protopresbyter Nicholas G. Manousakis
Rev. Jason Houck
SPIRITUAL LEADERS
from 1918
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT
Father Thomas Daniels, Proistamenos
Father Nicholas Menides, Proistamenos
Father Metaxopoulos, Proistamenos
Father Germanos Psallidakis, Assistant
Father Efstratios Spyropoulos, Assistant
Father Basil Kissal, Proistamenos
Father Michael Yachnis
Father Demetrius Dogias
CHURCH MILITANT
Father Demetrios Kalaris, Proistamenos
Father Nicholas Stavrakis, Proistamenos
COUNCIL OFFICERS
Stamatios (Matt) L. Tiches, President
Demetre Koutras, Jr., Vice-President
George A. Mantzouranis, Secretary
Bill Tzamaras, Treasurer
Terri Karadimas, Assistant Secretary
John A. Mantzouranis, Assistant Treasurer
Assistants
Father Nicholas Milas
Father Demetrios Recachinas
Father Stanley Voyiaziakis
Father Nicholas Verdaris
Father Theodore Chelpon
COUNCIL MEMBERS
John D. Binford
James P. Dialektakos
Georgia Ferentinos
Sarantos Georgopoulos
Paul Lappas
George C. Mantzouranis
Louis E. Mavromatis
Sylvia Michael
Sotirios Nasios
Nick Pantazes
Gus Stathes
Alexander L. Tiches
Stelios Tsioros
Demetrios Tsipianitis
PARISH MINISTRIES
Sunday School: Tara Kavadias
Choir: Dr. Theodore Papaloizos
GOYA Advisor: Alexandra Pittas
GOYA President: Eleni Mayes Greek School: Kalliopi Tsikourika Samara Philoptochos: Nicolette Pappas Acolytes: Joe Mayes
Cantors: Dr. Theodore Papaloizos, Stavros Antoniou, Protopsalitis Constantine Rodousakis,
Nicholas Paschalidis, Pantelis Firippis, Peter Damianakos
Office Administrator: Penny Lappas
Nea Zoe Chairmen: Max Ferentinos and Jerry Kavadias
ARCHONS OF THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
CHURCH TRIUMPHANT
CHURCH MILITANT
Peter Calomiris - William G. Calomiris - John Kopsidas
Nicholas Pantazes
Patrick Theros
Peter Paleologos - Louis J. Tiches
Demetrios Tsintolas
Summer Hours
Sunday Services
Orthros
7:30 AM
Divine Liturgy
8:30 AM
Winter Hours
Sunday Services
Orthros
7:30 AM
Divine Liturgy
8:30 AM .
Weekday Services
Monday—Saturday
Orthros
8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
9:30 a.m.
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
10 EAST 79TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10075
HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS
HIS ALL HOLINESS BARTHOLOMEW
ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE, NEW ROME, AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEOS
ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
Remarks on CBS on Sunday morning
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
Normally, I do not like to use this page as a forum to broadcast other’s views; however,
Mr. Stein’s comments are so aligned with my personal views I deemed it appropriate to
deviate from the norm.
You may want to share this with your friends who are still wondering and watching all the TV
shows that are trying to figure out why school massacres could possibly happen here in America.
“
My confession: I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians
like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and
tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being
shoved down my throat...
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm
getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from
and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is
not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't
want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in
school... The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because
their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's
son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said
okay..
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right
from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great
deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to
hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny
how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send
it to many on your address list because you're not sure what
they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people
think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it...
no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the
world is in.
“
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
What do YOU think?
Nobody is born violent. A child becomes violent because of the kind of environment that
has been provided to him/her. Parents, teachers and schools together can create a child with
right attitude but it can only be done by providing right kind of environment and care to the
child.
Parents (the home), schools, teachers and the church all are responsible for a creating the future of the child and it is their duty to teach and shape a child properly so that he/she can
have a bright future. When, however, we order God out of our schools, and communities,
the military and public conversations, you know we really shouldn't be surprised with the
resulting consequences.
Reflect for a moment on the older generations: their school day started with the Pledge Allegiances, often times followed by prayer. Sundays were dedicated to prayer – attending
church as a family unit. The Sunday school class rooms were full. High School graduations
were never, never thought of without invoking God’s name.
Where is God today?
Father Nick
Dear Stewards,
A tremendous amount of energies continue to be
spent on our relocation efforts!
The construction and design aspect of relocation
is on the right track and continues to be in the
capable hands of Max Ferentinos and Jerry
Kavadias, Chairman and Co-chair respectfully of
Nea Zoe. These men continually take time away
from their businesses and family to communicate
just about every day with our civil engineers,
architects, and now our General Contractor Horst
Construction. Horst Construction built Saint
Sophia in Valley Forge, PA where our own
Father Peter Thornberg is the Proistamenos.
The idea of relocation started around eight (8)
years ago. So many thought that relocation was
just a pipe dream without merit and there was
zero chance of it becoming a reality. Well, here’s
reality. Relocation is on course for excavating to
start around May and construction to start around
September. That’s this year, 2013!
Again, I want to respectfully remind our beloved
stewards that the Nea Zoe committee and the
Parish Council has always said and taken the
strong position that we will only build what we
can afford. We will not jeopardize the future of
the Parish with huge debt. “The Vision” is to
build the entire church campus. It always has
been, within reason, meaning if the Parish
pledged and raised enough revenues to build the
entire church campus. The Nea Zoe committee is
striving toward that end. Their focus is to
accomplish the dream!
Now it’s our turn to do all that we can, to step up
to the plate to ensure that “The Vision” becomes
a reality and doesn’t stay just another dream.
Saints Constantine and Helen is one of the most
generous communities. Whenever the call goes
out for additional funding to benefit the church,
you have always resoundingly responded!
The time has arrived
for us to seriously
contemplate as to how
much can WE give
toward Nea Zoe, now,
today, immediately.
Time is of the
essence, and that time
is now! Allow me to
put this in perspective.
If all goes to plan, WE
could be in our new
home in around two years. Hard decisions will be
made as to how much WE can afford to build.
That decision is around the corner like in a couple
months.
For the Nea Zoe to be a full and complete
success, we need your pledge! At this point in
time, about ten (10%) of our community has
pledged over $600,000 dollars! This is fantastic!
My reasoning is this. If ten percent of our
community has pledged over $600,000, just think
what WE can raise if the other NINTY
PERCENT (90%) pledge! What say you? We can
do this! We can and will accomplish the task at
hand and build “The Vision”. That’s where my
mind set is. That’s where your mind set should
be!
The time is critical for ALL of us to pledge. Talk
about relocation to your family members and
friends. Don’t be shy and ask for them for a
pledge! The worse that can be said is no. All that
we can do is keep the faith and keep trying.
If you are product of this community of Saints
Constantine and Helen, you, no WE have a
fiduciary responsibility to ensure that “The
Vision” is completely built so that future
generations of our beloved Parish will have a
church campus that will strengthen our parish and
our Christian Eastern Orthodox faith for
generations to come.
Matt Tiches, Parish Council President
March, 2013
Dear Steward,
NEA ZOE
COMMITTEE
UPDATE
NEA ZOE COMMITTEE
Fr. Nick G. Manousakis
Fr. Jason Houck
Metaxas (Max) Ferentinos
Jerry Kavadias
Matt Tiches
Nicholas Pittas
Demetre Koutras
Paul Lappas
John Mantzouranis
Lou Mavromatis
Sotirios Nasios
Nick Pantazes
A.J. Recachinas
Kosta Stathes
Demetri Tsipianitis
Bill Tzamaras
CAPITAL
FUNDRAISING
CAMPAIGN
The Nea Zoe Committee in conjunction with the Parish Council continues to
diligently work toward bringing forth the dream of starting construction on our
SPECTACULAR new house of worship and other facilities on our property at
Norbeck and Norwood Roads as soon as possible. Slides of our new facility (at full
build out) run every Sunday after church; I hope everyone has had the opportunity
to view this.
These slides can also be viewed on the church website
www.schgoc.com.
We continue to aggressively manage as much of the schedule as we control.
Things that we do not control are the review agencies at Montgomery County who
are reviewing and approving our construction documents and ultimately getting a
building permit issued. Our consultant team continues to indicate that we are on
track to break ground sometime in late spring/early summer of 2013.
As I mentioned last month, the final leg of our journey will take two equally
important and parallel paths; the first will involve the logistics of constructing the
new facility and the other critical part will be the capital fundraising campaign with
broad participation from everyone in the community to truly make ALL of the pieces
of our master plan a reality. At this point, it is ALL hands on deck to successfully
accomplish the tasks before us.
What’s happened since last month’s update……..
•
Sarantos Georgopoulos
Chairman
CONTRACT
ATTORNEY
•
Linowes & Blocher
Bethesda, MD
ZONING
ATTORNEY
Shulman, Rogers
Rockville, MD
ARCHITECT
CJK Design
Christ Kamages
San Francisco, CA
CIVIL ENGINEER
Macris, Hendricks
& Glascock, PA
Gaithersburg, MD
•
Our site plan submissions continue to make their way through the plan
review process. Our civil engineering team at Macris, Hendricks and
Glascock, continues to monitor and push this process forward. We
anticipate receiving comments and feedback on these submissions over the
next several weeks.
We have formally retained Horst Construction for pre-construction services
and ultimately will retain them to construct our new facility as we move
forward with the “team-build/design-build” approach. Horst Construction
was the general contractor who built the new church in Valley Forge, PA for
Fr. Peter’s parish. Their recent hand on experience in constructing a
traditional Byzantine church is an invaluable benefit for us. Horst along with
the design team is extremely busy tweaking the design, value engineering
(a.k.a. looking for potential savings for us), looking at constructability issues,
lining up subcontractors, etc.
We will formally be commissioning CJK and their design team to move to
the next step in the document process, that is, to take the design
development documents and move to the completion of the construction
documents. These are the plans from which a building permit will be issued
and dovetail into the approval of the civil site plans.
The committee’s efforts have been and always will be guided by the best interests
of the Parish. Thank you to everyone involved for their tireless efforts in advancing
this dream forward.
Respectfully Submitted,
Metaxas (Max) Ferentinos
Chairman of the NEA ZOE Committee
A Reflection by Father Jason Houck
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts Q&A
What is Presanctified Liturgy?
The Presanctified Liturgy or the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is made up of a Vespers service combined
with a Liturgy. The Liturgy of the Presanctified gifts, however, is not as celebratory as the Divine Liturgies of
Saint Basil or Saint John Chrysostom. Since it occurs on weekdays during Lent, it has a more penitential nature.
Where did it come from?
The compiling of the Presanctified Liturgy is traditionally attributed to Saint Gregory the Dialogos (540-604),
who was bishop of Rome. The service, however, evolved through the centuries. Liturgists agree that it developed from the practice of self communion. In the early Church, in some local churches, there was a tradition by which people would keep some of the Holy Communion from the Sunday Liturgy and would commune at home. That is, they brought the “presanctified” Body of Christ home, and received Holy Communion on weekdays. In the early Church, frequent communion was commonplace and the faithful would often
receive Holy Communion more than once a week. This practice of bringing Holy Communion was stopped,
however, due to abuses and also in order to emphasize the communal aspect of receiving Holy Communion. Thus “self communion” eventually evolved into the Liturgy of the Presanctified gifts.
What is it like?
Presanctified Liturgy, usually preceded by the hours services, consists of two parts. The first half of it is a
Vespers service. It contains penitential hymns and the appointed hymns for the daily Saint. After the Vespers portion is complete, the second part of the Liturgy is akin to the Liturgies of St. Basil and St. John
Chrysostom. The Presanctificed Liturgy includes a solemn entrance with the Presanctified Gifts (that is, they
were already consecrated as Holy Communion from the previous Saturday or Sunday). Unlike the Great
Entrance during the Liturgies of Saints Basil and John Chrysostom, the congregation kneels during this entrance and is done in silence. The penitential feel of the service is felt throughout and is reflected in how
we sing (or not), kneel, etc. After the faithful have received Holy Communion, the priest says the “prayer
behind the Ambon,” which differs from the one on Sundays. During the prayer behind the Ambon, the
priest prays, “Enable us also, O benevolent One, to fight the good fight, to complete the course of the fast,
to keep the faith inviolate, to crush underfoot the heads of unseen tempters, to emerge victors over sin
and to come, without reproach, to the worship of Your Holy Resurrection.” This prayer reminds us that our
struggles through Lent are getting us ready to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ and we are encouraged
that God helps us through these struggles.
Why should we attend?
We should follow the example of the early Christians. They so earnestly desired to be closer to God that
they couldn’t even go one week without receiving Holy Communion. We should also follow the guidance in
the prayer behind the Ambon, which emphasizes our reliance on God to help us “to fight the good fight, to
keep the faith inviolate...to emerge victors over sin, and to come, without reproach, to the worship of Your
Holy Resurrection.” Attending the Presanctified Liturgy and other services is part of our journey through
the holy season of Lent towards the Holy Resurrection of Christ.
To learn more about the Presanctified Liturgy, see:
http://www.goarch.org/chapel/liturgical_texts/lentenliturgies to which this essay is indebted.
Happy Spring!
O
ur goal at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church’s Sunday School is to
provide a safe, peaceful place to explore, learn , love and belong. We strive to provide a
curriculum that facilitates a growing relationship with God, communication with our
community and opportunities to embrace our Orthodox faith. Our wonderfully dedicated
teachers offer an environment for our children and teens to examine and develop their faith and
find ways to answer the question, “How do I live out my faith in everyday life?” Our children’s
spiritual formation is cooperative in nature. Parents and others in the congregation are strongly
encouraged to volunteer as teachers and assistants. Available roles include Sunday School
teachers and substitutes as well as classroom helpers. Please see me or Father Jason if you are
interested. As Father Nick has stated, “Bring your children to us so they can light their candles,
kiss the icons, make the sign of the cross, listen to the words of Jesus, and worship God as you,
your parents and generations before them have done. Being in church and attending your
children’s weekly classes regularly will provide them with instruction, love and attention that is
so important to their spiritual growth. Help our teachers help your children!” Many thanks to the
parents of the children who stay with their young ones and assist the teachers. We appreciate
your commitment!
The Sunday School department does provide a snack table for the children to have after Holy
Communion. Our supplies are running low this time of the year. We would appreciate any
donation of juice boxes, bottles of juice and snacks (crackers, cookies, etc). Please give them to
Mrs. Thornburg or any Philoptocos member who is setting up for the coffee hour on Sunday
morning, and just let them know the snacks are for Sunday School. Your donation is much
appreciated!
Look for a flyer in the upcoming Harbinger as well as the weekly church bulletin containing
information for girls in grades 3-5 being Myrofores attendants for our Good Friday service. At
this time, details are being finalized for Holy Week services. We welcome all girls whose
families are members of our parish! Please return the flyer to me or your child’s Sunday School
teacher. We look forward to seeing our lovely young ladies on the Good Friday service.
Blessings in Christ,
Tara Kavadias
Sunday School Director
THOUGHT YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW………..
………..IF YOU HAVE EVER WANTED TO KNOW WHEN YOUR NAMEDAY IS;
READ ABOUT THE ORTHODOX CHURCH'S VIEW ON SAINTS; LEARN MORE
ABOUT THE LIFE OF A PARTICULAR SAINT; OR KNOW WHICH SAINTS ARE
COMMEMORATED TODAY, THEN PLEASE ACCESS THE GREEK
ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE WEB PAGE AND GO TO THE TAB:
LIVES OF THE SAINTS
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS – Nikki Pappas, President
March 2013
On Sunday, February 10, 2013, a beautiful Sunday afternoon, several Philoptochos members and
their spouses, and Father Nick and Presvytera Kostoula Manousakis, rode to Hagerstown,
Maryland, to have brunch at LJ’s and the Kat Lounge to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We thank
Aleko Tiches and his staff for a scrumptious meal and for their hospitality and kindness. It was a
wonderful afternoon filled with delightful fellowship and wonderful parea.
Congratulations to Dr. Theodore Papaloizos, our brilliant choir director, on his 90th birthday and
name day which are celebrated on the same day. Xronia Polla!
Special congratulations to Mrs. Mary Schmidt who celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday,
February 18. What a beautiful and amazing lady who exemplifies the mission of Philoptochos-to help those in need through compassion, love, and strength. Xronia Polla and may you have
many more birthdays!
Thank you to Father Nick Manousakis for all his support in our Philoptochos endeavors.
During the month of February, the Ladies Philoptochos contributed to the following national and
local charities:
• Autism Assistance Fund
$100.00
• Saint Photius Shrine
$100.00
• Metropolitan DC OCMC
$150.00
Benefit Banquet
Please donate men’s gently worn coats/jackets for the Saint Silas Prison Ministry, an Orthodox
Prison Ministry located in Crofton, Maryland. The donation box is located in St. Andrew’s Hall.
Donations will be accepted Sunday, February 24, through Sunday, March 31.
WHY JOIN PHILOPTOCHOS?
Have you thought of getting involved in your community, reaching out a helping hand to
someone in need? Want to feel connected to others through good works? If you answered yes,
or even maybe, you have come to the right place. Established in 1931, Philoptochos is
celebrating 80 years of philanthropy. In 2011 alone, $1,479,825 was distributed to organizations,
individuals, and families in need. You can be a part of this legacy. Join 27,500 members
nationwide in changing the world, one person at a time. The time to act is now, the need is great,
and you can make a difference. People are struggling everywhere. The need is greater than ever
before. Help expand our outreach and help us to continue to give donations, hope, and love
immediately when a tragedy happens. Become a member and contribute to existing initiatives,
develop new programs, or identify a need that hasn’t been met. Give hope to the hopeless and
make a difference in people’s lives.
SAVE THE DATES IN 2013
March or April-- Trip to visit Father Peter Thornberg’s Church in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania,
St. Sophia/ Ss Faith, Hope & Agape Greek Orthodox Church of Valley Forge. More details to
come.
Sunday, April 28--Palm Sunday luncheon at 11:30 a.m., the Greek Village Restaurant. More
details to come.
Thank you very much for your support.
Have a Blessed Month. Yours in Christ, Nikki Pappas, President
National Philoptochos Board of the Greek Orthodox
Ladies Philoptochos Society
Holds First Meeting of 2013 in Tampa, Florida
February 1, 2013
Convening for the first time in 2013, the National Philoptochos Board of the Greek
Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society held its winter meeting on January 17 and 18 in
Tampa, Florida. In celebration of the New Year and in commemoration of the Feast of St.
Basil the Great, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Spiritual Advisor of Philoptochos,
after offering the opening prayer cut the Vasilopita and conveyed His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios’ blessings.
National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas welcomed the National Board and
gave a stirring recap of the devastation in the wake of Super Storm Sandy and the tragedy
at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, both of which called upon the
Philoptochos Sisterhood to respond quickly with support and prayer. The Hurricane Sandy
relief effort is ongoing as support is still needed by so many whose lives have been
dramatically altered by the storm. An Adopt-A-Family program has been established by
the National Philoptochos Disaster Relief Committee and is a means by which Chapters
throughout the country can offer direct support.
Mrs. Skeadas hailed 2012 as a banner year announcing that National Philoptochos
dispersed a record breaking $1,623,640 to organizations, families and individuals,
honoring its mission to offer aid, compassion and hope.
President Skeadas stated that fundraising events to aid the people of Greece will be
ongoing and that the Metropolis Presidents will appoint National Board Chairmen from
within their Metropolises so that continuous aid will be offered to our brothers and sisters
in Greece who have been impacted by the economic crisis. Mrs. Skeadas praised the
Philoptochos membership throughout the country for responding to the numerous
charitable ministry commitments and programs with heartfelt generosity and stated “The
Philoptochos Sisterhoods throughout the country have demonstrated that they indeed are
doers of the Word.”
ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΚΑΠΟΔΙΣΤΡΙΑΣ
Ο ΠΡΩΤΟΣ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΤΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ
Καλλιόπη Τσικουρίκα – Σαμαρά
Ένας από τους ανθρώπους που βοήθησαν στον αγώνα για την ανεξαρτησία της Ελλάδας ήταν ο
Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας (1776-1831). Ήταν Έλληνας διπλωμάτης και πολιτικός. Διετέλεσε
πρώτος κυβερνήτης της Ελλάδας κατά τη μεταβατική περίοδο και ενώ τελούσε υπό την
προστασία των Μεγάλων Δυνάμεων και νωρίτερα υπουργός εξωτερικών της Ρωσικής
Αυτοκρατορίας.
Καταγόταν από αριστοκρατική οικογένεια της Κέρκυρας. Σπούδασε ιατρική στην Πάντοβα και
όταν επέστρεψε στην Κέρκυρα άσκησε το ιατρικό επάγγελμα αφιλοκερδώς. Ασχολήθηκε με τα
κοινά της Ιονίου Πολιτείας, όπου διακρίθηκε κυρίως στη διπλωματία. Αυτό είχε ως αποτέλεσμα
να τον καλέσει ο τσάρος της Ρωσίας στην Πετρούπολη.
Στην αρχή τον είχε ως έμπιστο σύμβουλό του και αργότερα τον διόρισε Υπουργό Εξωτερικών
της Ρωσικής Αυτοκρατορίας, θέση σημαντική και αξιοζήλευτη. Ο Καποδίστριας έγινε γνωστός
σε όλη την Ευρώπη και με όλες του τις δυνάμεις υποστήριξε τα δίκαια των εθνών. Από τη θέση
που κατείχε προσπάθησε να βοηθήσει τα δίκαια αιτήματα των Ελλήνων για ανεξαρτησία. Την
περίοδο εκείνη στην Ευρώπη πρωτοστατούσε ο Μέτερνιχ, πρωθυπουργός της Αυστρίας, ο
οποίος ήταν αντίθετος σε κάθε κίνημα ανεξαρτησίας. Ο Καποδίστριας πάλεψε με όλη του την
ψυχή για να δημιουργήσει το κατάλληλο κλίμα για να διεκδικήσουν οι Έλληνες τα δίκαια
αιτήματά τους. Ο τσάρος τον άφησε να ελπίζει πως η χριστιανική Ρωσία θα βοηθούσε έναν
ξεσηκωμό των Ελλήνων εναντίον των Τούρκων. Ωστόσο, ο αναποφάσιστος και ευθυνόφοβος
χαρακτήρας του Αλέξανδρου του Α’, απογοήτευσαν τον Καποδίστρια και τον έκαναν να
συνειδητοποιήσει πως οι Έλληνες δεν έπρεπε να ελπίζουν σε καμία εξωτερική βοήθεια και
έπρεπε να στηριχτούν αποκλειστικά στις δικές τους δυνάμεις.
Ο Καποδίστριας πίστευε πολύ στο ρόλο της παιδείας και με δικά του έξοδα βοηθούσε νέους
Έλληνες να σπουδάσουν σε πανεπιστήμια της Ευρώπης. Αυτοί οι νέοι ήταν που θα έχτιζαν το
νέο Ελληνικό κράτος πάνω σε στέρεα και γερά θεμέλια.
Όταν ξέσπασε η επανάσταση το 1821, ο Καποδίστριας θεώρησε ότι οι Έλληνες βιάστηκαν και
ότι το κλίμα στην Ευρώπη δεν τους ευνοούσε. Ωστόσο, άφησε την περίοπτη θέση του στη
ρωσική αυλή και πήγε στην Ελβετία, όπου ξεκίνησε διεθνή εκστρατεία για την εξασφάλιση και
την επιτυχή έκβαση της επανάστασης. Ζούσε στη Γενεύη σε δύο μικρά δωμάτια και διέθετε όλα
του τα χρήματα για την ελληνική επανάσταση και τη μόρφωση ελληνοπαίδων. Η αγάπη για την
πατρίδα του ήταν τόσο μεγάλη και ανιδιοτελής, που τον έκανε να αφήσει μία λαμπρή
σταδιοδρομία και έναν πλούσιο και πολυτελή τρόπο ζωής μέσα στα μεγαλύτερα βασιλικά
σαλόνια της Ρωσίας και της Ευρώπης.
Όταν η Ελλάδα αποκτά την ανεξαρτησία της, η Γ’ Εθνοσυνέλευση της Τροιζήνας το Μάρτιο του
1927, εκλέγει τον Ιωάννη Καποδίστρια πρώτο κυβερνήτη της Ελλάδας.
Στις 18 Ιανουαρίου 1828 έφτασε ο Καποδίστριας στο Ναύπλιο, όπου και τον υποδέχθηκαν με
τεράστιο ενθουσιασμό. Ο Καποδίστριας βρίσκει την Ελλάδα σε μία κατάσταση χάους και
προσπαθεί με κάθε τρόπο να την οργανώσει σε ένα σωστό και ευνομούμενο κράτος.
Χρησιμοποιεί την πείρα του από τα ευρωπαϊκά κράτη και τις μοναδικές οργανωτικές του
ικανότητες. Αξίζει να αναφερθεί πως ο Καποδίστριας ήταν αυτός που κατάφερε να ενώσει τα
συγκρουόμενα καντόνια της Ελβετίας σε ένα κράτος και να γράψει το σύνταγμά της.
Την περίοδο αυτή ο Καποδίστριας αντιμετωπίζει την εχθρότητα της Αγγλίας και της Γαλλίας, οι
οποίες έβλεπαν να κινδυνεύουν τα συμφέροντά τους στην ανατολική Μεσόγειο, με την ίδρυση
ενός νέου κράτους που θα είχε ναυτική δύναμη. Παράλληλα, μέσα στον ελλαδικό χώρο
συγκρούονται τα συμφέροντα των κοτζαμπάσηδων, των Φαναριωτών και των πλοιοκτητών, οι
οποίοι επεδίωκαν διατήρηση των προνομίων τους και συμμετοχή στη νομή της εξουσίας. Όλες
αυτές οι συγκρούσεις και οι προστριβές θα οδηγήσουν στη φυσική εξόντωση του Καποδίστρια.
Στις 9 Οκτωβρίου 1931, έξω από το ναό του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος στο Ναύπλιο, καθώς πήγαινε ο
Καποδίστριας να παρακολουθήσει την κυριακάτικη θεία λειτουργία, τον πυροβόλησαν και τον
μαχαίρωσαν θανάσιμα οι Κωνσταντίνος και Γεώργιος Μαυρομιχάλης.
Υποστηρίζεται ότι καταλυτικό ρόλο στη δολοφονία του διαδραμάτισαν οι ξένες δυνάμεις. Είναι
δε χαρακτηριστικό, ότι παρά την παρέλευση τόσο μεγάλου χρονικού διαστήματος, ο φάκελος
για τη δολοφονία του Καποδίστρια στα βρετανικά αρχεία παραμένει ακόμη απόρρητος. Στο
σχεδιασμό της συνομωσίας φαίνεται πως πρωτοστάτησε ο Γάλλος στρατηγός Ζεράρντ,
διοικητής τότε του τακτικού στρατού που επιχείρησε να οργανώσει ο ίδιος ο Καποδίστριας.
Ως κυβερνήτης ο Καποδίστριας αρνήθηκε να δεχτεί μισθό, ενώ διέθεσε όλη του την περιουσία
για τους σκοπούς του κράτους.
Ένας σπάνιος ευπατρίδης που αν τον είχαν αφήσει να οργανώσει το νεοσύστατο Ελληνικό
κράτος, όπως το είχε οραματιστεί, ίσως σήμερα να είχαμε μία διαφορετική Ελλάδα.
«Τι θα πρέπει να εννοήσουμε σήμερα όταν μιλάμε για
την Ελλάδα;». Ο Καποδίστριας τότε απάντησε: «Το
Ελληνικόν Έθνος αποτελείται από ανθρώπους, οι οποίοι
από την άλωση της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως δεν έπαυσαν
να ομολογούν την πιστότητά τους στην ορθόδοξη πίστη
τους, δεν σταμάτησαν ποτέ να ομιλούν την γλώσσα των
πατέρων τους, την ελληνική, και παρέμειναν ακλόνητοι
υπό την πνευματική ή κοσμική δικαιοδοσία της
εκκλησίας τους, σε οποιοδήοτε μέρος της
τουρκοκρατουμένης πατρίδας τους και άν
ευρίσκονταν».
Adult Religious Education
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Orthodoxy-Orthopraxy Class “learning our faith and learning to live our faith”
Study of the Gospel of Luke
Class Schedule
Class will meet approximately 10:45-11:30 in the
room to the right of the stage in St. Andrew’s
Church hall on the following Sundays:
Mar 3 Luke 2 the birth of Christ and Christ in the
Temple
Mar 10 Luke 3 John the Baptist and the Lukan
genealogy.
Mar 17 Luke 4: Elijah and Elisha, Christ in Nazareth, and exorcisms.
Above: Icon of St. Luke the Evangelist writing the beginning of the Gospel of Luke from St. Luke’s church in Palos
Hills, IL. Below, image of the Codex Sinaticus (4th century) of Luke 11:2-3.
Mar 24 Luke 5 the calling of the Disciples, the
calling of sinners, and the Old and New Testaments.
Mar 31 No class due to Town Hall Meeting
Schedule subject to change. You do not have to
attend previous classes in order to follow along.
Feel free to drop in at any class.
On Sundays during the later part of coffee
hour 10:45-11:30 in the room to the right
of the stage.
Please contact Fr. Jason or Fr. Manousakis
for more information 240-389-1366
In Saint Andrew’s church hall.
A breakfast will be offered by our Young Adult League for $8.
Join the Parish Council
For the Nea Zoe Update Meeting
Sunday, March 31st
Following the Divine Liturgy
Enjoy a Lenten Breakfast
Provided by YAL
$8.00
Breakfast Includes:
Pancakes, Eggs & Fruit
s
e
c
n
a
r
b
m
e
m
e
R
ipes &
a Zoe
Rec
To
e
N
t
i
f
Bene
A New Cookbook is in the Works!!!
Sts. Constantine & Helen Cookbook Committee
wants YOUR recipes!
Please Submit your Recipes via email to
[email protected] OR [email protected]
OR simply hand to Effie Tiches or Stephanie Stamos
Format should be emailed or typed on an 81/2” by 11” paper
Submit with name and phone number
Deadli
ne is S
Recipe Categories Are:
unday
, Marc
Appetizers
Soups & Salads
Vegetables & Side Dishes
Main Dishes - Meat, Poultry, Seafood
h 31st
Breads
Desserts
Religious Offerings/Lenten Meals
Youth Favorites
For more information call Effie at 301-667-3700 or Stephanie at 301-873-3081
Sts. Constantine & Helen of Washington DC
Nameday Celebration to Benefit Nea Zoe
Dinner Dance
Saturday, May 18th
6:00-11:00 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Ukrainian
Orthodox Cathedral Hall
15100 New Hampshire Ave.
Silver Spring, Maryland
Adults: $90
Under 21: $45
Ticket Price Includes:
Appetizers, Dinner, Dessert, Beer,
Wine, Soft Drinks & Coffee!
Dance the night away or sit back and enjoy the music! Ladies look your
loveliest and gents make your ladies proud!
For Reservations Please call Terri Karadimas: 301-520-0136 or Stephanie Stamos: 301-873-3081 or
Alexandra Pittas: 301-704-0687 or Anastasia Kyritsopoulos: 301-467-8873 or the Church Office: 240-389-1366
IONIAN VILLAGE SCHOLARSHIP
Saints Constantine & Helen
Washington D.C.
Enjoy Summer On The Ionian Sea
Make Life Long Greek Orthodox Friends From All Over the U.S.
Rediscover the Beauty of Your Faith & Culture with Other American Teenagers
Visit www.IonianVillage.org to see all the fun.
$4,000 Scholarship to Attend the 2013 Summer Ionian Village
Sponsored by
Saints Constantine & Helen, Washington D.C.
The Philoptochos
GOYA
The Louis J. Tiches Memorial Ionian Village Scholarship Fund
REQUIREMENTS
Grades Seventh through Twelfth
Family Stewardship in Good Standing
75% Sunday School Attendance
Submits 100-200 word essay on
“WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO ME TO EXPERIENCE THE IONIAN VILLAGE”
Recipient will be chosen by lottery
Submit essays by Friday, March 8th to
[email protected] and [email protected]
For additional information please contact Effie Tiches 301.667.3700
GOYA medial waiver form and permission slip
The undersigned parent/legal guardian hereby gives permission to Sts. Constantine and Helen for my child (insert
child’s name) _____________________________
to take part in the GOYA Lenten Retreat Apr 6-7 2013.
Should my child require immediate or emergency medical
care while engaged in an activity sponsored by the Church,
in my absence, I hereby grant the Church authority to release my child for medical treatment to such medical personnel as the Church determines appropriate under the
circumstances.
In consideration for the privilege of allowing my child to
participate in the above-named activity, I agree to release
and hold harmless the Church, its officers and agents,
from any liability to or responsibility for bodily injury, damage or illness to the above-identified child while participating in any youth athletic or social activity which may be
directly or indirectly sponsored by the Church. Further, I
agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Church, its officers and agents with respect to any claim asserted by or on
behalf of my child as a result of bodily injury, illness, or
damage.
Child’s Allergies:
_________________________________________________
________________________________________ _______
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian and Date
Special instructions or medical conditions:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
The above signed parent or legal guardian has the following form of health/accident insurance covering the child:
Insurance Company :
Member Number :
YAN.
Cost= $60 per GO
vers acRegistration fee co
h and
commodations, lunc
, and
dinner on Saturday
Checks
lunch on Sunday.
t to
should be made ou
e and
“Saints Constantin
ease reHelen GOYA.” Pl
n form
turn the registratio
by March 10 to:
Alexandra Pittas
701-A Norwood Rd
20905
Silver Spring, MD
of St.
The GOYA’ groups
ntine
Sophia, St. Consta
ter and
and Helen, Sts. Pe
ge are all
Paul and St. Geor
be a
invited! It should
learn
great time as we
ith.
more about our Fa
andra
Please contact Alex
estions:
Pittas with any qu
301-704-0687
et
[email protected]
GOYA
3
1
0
2
Lenten
t!!!
a
e
r
t
e
R
9621 Frostown Rd.
Middletown, MD
Arrive:
Saturday 10 AM
April 6.
Depart:
Sunday 2 PM
April 7.
tantine
Hosted by Saints Cons
and Helen.
See www.skycroft.org
school, family obligations,
clubs, appointments,
sports, etc., it’s challenging to find time for “the
one thing needful” (Luke
n MonuTurn Right onto Washingto
ment Road .9 miles
Road .5
Turn Right onto Monument
miles
ad .5
Turn Right onto Michael Ro
miles
10:42). We will learn about
Conference
Turn Right into Skycroft
Center
how to look to the message
ashington,
Approximate time from W
of the Cross to teach us
DC 1 ¼ hours
how to go about our lives.
What should I bring?
Please join us for a week-
towel,
Clothes, toiletries, shower
end full of prayer, fun, and
g or
shower shoes, a sleeping ba
fellowship!
and
sheets, clothes for sports
de.
church, and a great attitu
Please complete the GOYA permission and medial release form on the other side of this sheet.
lives are filled with:
Left
Silver Spring, MD 20905
Exit 49 US-ALT 40 Bear
(West) 8.4 miles
701-A Norwood Rd
our lives. Since our busy
Please enclose $60 for your registration fee. Please make all checks out to”
Saints Constantine and Helen GOYA”
Return your registration form no later than March 10 to
Alexandra Pittas
Bear left onto I-70 West
Emergency contact phone: ________________
meaning of the Cross in
______________________________________________________
I-70 West to Hagerstown
Home phone: __________________________
time for God and on the
______________________________________________________
Name of emergency contact
-270 North to Frederick
Registration form for GOYA Lenten Retreat April 6-7, 2013
cus on how we can take
I 270
Driving directions from
Name of GOYAN attending
Our GOYA retreat will fo-
SATURDAY OF SOULS
SATURDAY OF SOULS
Please commemorate the SOULS of the
Blessed Dead whose names are here written:
Please commemorate the SOULS of the
Blessed Dead whose names are here written:
March 9, 2013
March 16, 2013
(PLEASE PRINT FIRST NAME ONLY)
(PLEASE PRINT FIRST NAME ONLY)
SATURDAY OF SOULS
Please commemorate the SOULS of the
Blessed Dead whose names are here written:
March 23, 2013
(PLEASE PRINT FIRST NAME ONLY)
1 ___________________________
1 ___________________________
1 ___________________________
2 ___________________________
2 ___________________________
2 ___________________________
3 ___________________________
3 ___________________________
3 ___________________________
4 ___________________________
4 ___________________________
4 ___________________________
5 ___________________________
5 ___________________________
5 ___________________________
6 ___________________________
6 ___________________________
6 ___________________________
7 ___________________________
7 ___________________________
7 ___________________________
8 ___________________________
8 ___________________________
8 ___________________________
9 ___________________________
9 ___________________________
9 ___________________________
10___________________________
10___________________________
10___________________________
11___________________________
11___________________________
11___________________________
12___________________________
12___________________________
12___________________________
13___________________________
13___________________________
13___________________________
14___________________________
14___________________________
14___________________________
15 ________________________________
15 ________________________________
PLEASE CUT

Saints, Constantine and Helen—DC 2013
PLEASE CUT 
Saints, Constantine and Helen—DC 2013
15 ________________________________
PLEASE CUT
Saints, Constantine and Helen—DC 2013
March 2013
Sunday
3 - 17th Luke(Prodigal Son)
7:30 Orthros
8:30 Liturgy
Monday
4
4:30 Greek
School
Tuesday
5
10:45-11:30
Orthodoxy/Orthopraxy
(Religious Education)
12
10:45-11:30
Orthodoxy/Orthopraxy
(Religious Education)
10:45-11:30
Orthodoxy/Orthopraxy
(Religious Education)
10:45-11:30
Orthodoxy/Orthopraxy
(Religious Education)
18
Great Lent
Begins
19
4:30 Greek
School
13
4:30 Greek
School
20
Saturday
2
7
8
9
Saturday of
Souls & Holy
40 Martyrs
SERVICES
GOYA
Basketball
tournamentAnnapolis
14
15
16
Saturday of
Souls
SERVICES
21
GOYA
Basketball
tournamentBaltimore
22
23
Salutations to Saturday of
the Theotokos Souls
SERVICES SERVICES
7:00 PM
Presanctified
Liturgy
6:00 PM
4:30 Greek
School
6:00 GOYA
basketball
practice
25
26
Annunciation
SERVICES
8:30 Orthros
followed by
the Divine
Liturgy
1:00 Regional St. John
4:30 Greek
Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at School
St. Sophia
31 Second Sunday of Lent
7:30 Orthros
8:30 Liturgy
10:45-11:30
Orthodoxy/Orthopraxy (Religious
Education)
Friday
1
6:00 GOYA
basketball
practice
HOPE/JOY lesson & activity
10:30-11:15
GOYA Basketball tournamentBaltimore
24
Sunday of Orthodoxy
7:30 Orthros
8:30 Liturgy
6
4:30 Greek
School
Thursday
6:00 GOYA
basketball
practice
10 Judgment Sunday (Meatfare) 11
7:30 Orthros
4:30 Greek
8:30 Liturgy
School
GOYA Basketball tournamentAnnapolis
17 Forgiveness Sunday
(Cheesefare)
7:30 Orthros
8:30 Liturgy
Wednesday
27
Presanctified
Liturgy
8:30 AM
28
29
30
Salutations to
the Theotokos
SERVICES
7:00 PM
NO Greek School
today
TOWN HALL MEETING OF ALL
PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS OF SAINTS
CONSTANTINE AND HELEN of Washington, DC
- SUNDAY, MARCH 31ST following the Divine
Liturgy.
NON PROFIT ORG
U.S. Postage
PAID
PERMIT No. 6482
SUBURBAN - MD
SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH of
Washington, DC
701— Suite “A” Norwood Road
Silver Spring, Maryland 20905
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
DATED MAIL
1953
1918
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICES
Orthros: 7:30: AM…………………………………………...………..Divine Liturgy: 8:30 AM
Sunday School 8:30 AM (seated in Church)
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Orthros: 8:30 AM………………………………………..………...…Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM

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