The Voice of Saint George - St. George Greek Orthodox Church

May/June 2010
Volume 8 Issue 3
A publication of the
Greek Orthodox Church
The Voice of Saint George
of Saint George
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the LORD.” (Matt.3:3)
«Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» A Message From Our Pastor
Beloved in the Lord, Christ is Risen!
In This Issue
PTO News
Philoptochos June
Luncheon
2010 Festival News
Stewardship Report
New Roof Donors
Holiday Poems
In Every Issue
• Pastor’s Message
• President’s Message
• Church Calendar
• Sunday School
News
• G.O.Y.A. News
• Philoptochos News
• Voice of St. George
Submission Dates
With solemnity and the ages-old Holy Tradition, we have celebrated the beautiful, uplifting
Services of Holy Week that made us participate spiritually in the Sacred Passion of Christ.
We walked with Him in the valley of Cedron, and prayed with Him in the Garden of
Gethsemane; we stayed with Him in jail, we suffered with Him and we co-crucified our
passions and our sins on His Crucifixion. We also put to death our weaknesses and we
participated in His glorious Resurrection to become like new people. We humbled ourselves
and asked Him to pardon us through the Holy Confession, and we were united with our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ through Holy Communion. We enlightened our soul with the
glorious Light of His Holy Resurrection, and we took part in that Holy Light of the Feast of
Feasts. So now we continue our lives as new, reborn Christians, bringing the Good News to
the world by proclaiming: Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
As the Pastor of this Holy Community, I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who
participated in the solemn Holy Services. Also, I would like to thank the volunteers who
worked with me on the different tasks as well as in the preparation and performance of these
Holy Services: The Parish Council Members, the Choir, the Cantors, the Sexton, the Office
Staff, the Altar Boys, the Parent Teachers Organization, the Myrofores, the boys that took
part in the Feet Washing Ceremony, the ladies who dyed the eggs, our Youth Group who
made the Palm Crosses and helped decorate the church, the ladies who cooked and served on
Holy Wednesday, the parishioners who donated the wreaths, the people who donated
different items for use in the Holy Week Services, the ladies and the gentlemen who
decorated the Epitaphion and the Church with flowers, everyone who helped clean up, and
everyone who sent their Paschal donation. Especially, I would like to thank ShopRite
Supermarkets, the Mavrodes family and anyone that I may have forgotten to mention. God
bless you and thank you! We are proud of you! Keep up the good work and continue the
centuries-old Holy and Sacred Traditions.
Now we are approaching another great Feast Day, the Day of the Pentecost. It is the Day that
the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, descended upon the heads of the Apostles as tongues of fire as
it is described in the second chapter of the book of Acts. Pentecost is the day of the
constitution, the establishment of the Church, the Birthday of the Church that in Greek is
called Ecclesia, meaning the place that calls people to come and get saved, because there is
no salvation outside the Church. The Church went through many difficult times, executions,
bloody martyrdom and extreme persecution. All who persecuted the Church have either
disappeared during the course of history or their names remained synonymous with tyrants.
However, despite all these difficulties, the Church survived and flourished from Jerusalem,
the mother of all Churches, the Holy Zion, to all five continents bringing Christianity to all
people because the Holy Spirit dwells in Her.
Continued on pg. 4
Page 2
May/June 2010
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE
Parish Ministries
The Very Reverend Alexander Kile, Pastor
Parish Council
Church Organizations
Church Committees
Emanuel Manioudakis
Philoptochos Society - “St. Barbara”
Vice President / Administration
Pegi Zajac, President
John Lyssikatos
Mike Dimitrakis
Vice President / Operations
Yiorgos Bilalis, Director
Evangeline Emanuel, Secretary
Sunday School
President
Vassilis Keramidas
George Athanasopoulos
Michael Sirimis, Treasurer
Katerina Leftheris, Comptroller
Members
Lampros Bourodimos
Katherine Catanzaro
James Exarchakis
Nick Manikopoulos
Peter Manikopoulos
George Petrantonakis
Perry Petsanas
George Rodoussakis
Peter Sirimis
Cantors and Choir
Lemonia Malahias Miko,
Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis
Greek School
Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent
Toula Karamarkos, Principal
Sofia Amaxopoulos, Katerina Kourti,
Angeliki Papasavas, Chrisoula Plias,
Iro Mavrianos, Teachers
Parent Teacher Organization
Very Rev. Alexander Kile
Board of Trustees
Arete Bouhlas
Daughters of Penelope
Evie Georgopoulos
Eftihia Karayiannidis
Kay Kehayas
Georgia Peterson
Polly Ploussiou
Eleni Giannakou-Wyatt
Evellyn Tsiadis, Editor
House and Grounds
George Athanasopoulos
Memorial
John Stroumtsos
New Parking Lot
Nicholas Kambitsis
Lampros Bourodimos
Parking/Rutgers
Peter Manis
Athinoulla Bizos, President
Helen Sirimis, Vice President
Kathy Catanzaro, Treasurer
Katerina Leftheris
GOYA
Web-Site
Nicholas Albanese, President
Special Thanks
to the “Voice of St. George”
Volunteers
Festival
Advisors
Eleni Banis, George Hadjiloucas,
Nellie Tsipoura, Jim Exarchakis,
Fotini Mangafas, Costas Makrelis,
Roseanne Rexines, Mike Sirimis,
Annie Sullivan, Evie Georgopoulos
JOY/HOPE
Helen Sirimis
Moms & Tots
Sonia Petinatos
Senior Citizens
Anna Stevens, President
Focus
Nicholas Kambitsis
Stewardship
Jim Exarchakis
Peter Sirimis
To Our St. George Parishioners
The above ministries are the
lifeblood of our parish and
perform many activities to
promote the growth of our
church. Your participation in
these organizations makes our
community more spiritually
complete.
Very Rev. Alexander Kile
St. George Parish Council
The Voice of St. George
Page 3
ECCLESIASTICAL
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
EΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ
ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ
Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:15 a.m.
Weekday Services 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:15 π.μ.
Καθημερινές 9:00 π.μ. - 11:00 π.μ.
MAY
ΜΑΙΟΣ
Sunday 2: The Samaritan Woman
Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16 Gospel: John 4:5-42
Saturday 8: Apostle & Evangelist John
Sunday 9: Sunday of the Blind Man
Epistle: Acts 16:16-34 Gospel: John 9:1-38.
Wednesday 12: Reinstitution of Easter
Thursday 13: The Ascension
Sunday 16: Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council
Epistles: Acts 20:16-18 Gospel John 17:1-13
Thursday 21: Sts. Constantine and Helen
Saturday 22: Saturday of Souls
Sunday 23: Holy Pentecost
Epistle: Acts 2:1-11 Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12
Monday 24: Holy Trinity
Sunday 30: All Saints Day
Epistle: Hebrews. 11:33-40, 12:2
Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30
Κυριακή 2: Της Σαμαρείτιδος
Αποστ. Πραξ. 13:7-16 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 4:5:42
Σάββατο 8: Αγ. Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου
Κυριακή 9: Του Τυφλού
Αποστ. Πραξ. 16:16-34 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 9:1:38
Τετάρτη 12: Απόδοσις του Πάσχα
Πέμπτη 13: Ανάληψις του Χριστού
Κυριακή 16: Των Άγίων Πατέρων
Αποστ. Πραξ. 20:16-18 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 17:1-13
Πέμπτη 21: Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης
Σάββατο 22: Ψυχοσάββατο
Κυριακή 23: Της Πεντηκοστής
Αποστ. Πραξ. 2:1-11 Ευαγ. Ιωάννου 7:37-52, 8:12
Δευτέρα 24: Αγίας Τριάδος
Κυριακή 30: Των Αγίων Πάντων
Αποστ. Εβραίους 11:33-40, 12:2
Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30
JUNE
ΙΟΥΝΙΟΣ
Sunday 6: 2nd Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Romans 2:10-16 Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23
Sunday 13: 3rd Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Romans 5:1-11 Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33
Sunday 20: 4th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Romans 6:18-23 Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13
Thursday 24: St. John the Baptist
Sunday 27: 5th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle: Rom. 10:1-10 Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1
Tuesday 29: Saints Peter and Paul
Wednesday 30: Synaxis of the 12 Apostles
Κυριακή 6: 2α Κυριακή Ματθαίου
Αποστ. Ρωμαίους 2:10-16 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 4:18-23
Κυριακή 13: 3η Κυριακή Ματθαίου
Αποστ. Ρωμαίους 5:1-11 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 6:22-33
Κυριακή 20: 4η Κυριακή Ματθαίου
Αποστ. Ρωμαίους 6:18-23 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 8:5-13
Πέμπτη 24: Του Αγίου Ιωάννου
Κυριακή 27: 5η Κυριακή Ματθαίου
Αποστ. Ρωμ. 10:1-10 Ευαγ. Ματθαίου 8:28-34; 9:1
Τρίτη 29: Αγίων Πέτρου και Παύλου
Τετάρτη 30: Σύναξις των Δώδεκα Αποστόλων
Page 4
May/June 2010
As the Holy Gospel says, “not even the gates of hell will be able to destroy Her.” The Church is the Ark of Salvation just like
Noah’s Ark, where everyone who entered was saved. Let us keep ourselves inside the Ark so we can be saved.
We have to regularly attend Church Services with our family on Sundays, and on the Feast Days. This is one of the main
obligations of Baptized Christian. Showing up only during Holy Week and Christmas is a sin because it means that Christ and
the Salvation of our souls are not our first priority. Let us reorganize our lives so Christ will be the first priority, and let us attend
the Holy Liturgy on Sundays and on Feast Days with our families.
Now that the season is almost over, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their generous support through
stewardship and other donations towards the community. I thank you for your fellowship in the different organizations, and the
beautiful events that you supported with your participation. Special thanks to our Youth Group who always makes us proud
when they take part in many different activities and competitions. Also, I offer my sincere thanks to our Sunday School and
Greek School Teachers who sustain the beautiful educational program of our community, as well as to the many organizations
and individuals for their hard work during the year, especially during the preparation and execution of the yearly Festival. Thank
you, God bless you and have a Wonderful Summer!
We are so grateful to our Lord, and Patron Saint George that we are surrounded by dedicated brothers and sisters like you, who
help Christ’s Mission flourish and continue the success of our Greek Orthodox Community with
genuine Christian Love. Thank you for your love to our beloved and historic community.
As the summer season is starting, I wish everyone a nice summer vacation, and to those who are
traveling to Greece or to other places, a safe trip and a safe return.
With Love in Christ
The Pastor
Very Rev. Alexander Kile
Archimandrite
SAINT GEORGE FESTIVAL
The annual festival will be held on May 14th, 15th and 16th. This year we need the help of all the parishioners of St. George.
Please do not hesitate to contact the chairperson, John Lyssikatos 908.359.2955. Offers of help will never be turned away. We
are always open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with us.
With the current uncertainty in the economy, the Festival Committee will be working to provide our guests the best value for their
money. This year may be our biggest challenge to continue the financial success of our festival. I believe the committee is up to
the challenge.
We will have a calendar, outlining all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. The calendar will be posted on the church
bulletin board and communicated in the weekly announcements. We will also be baking and cooking in May. As always, we
are seeking everyone’s help! The more people who get involved, the easier the activities, and the more fun we will have. We
cannot depend on the same people year in and year out. Please bring a friend and join-in on the weekly preparations for the festival. As a group, we can achieve our goals!
As always, the meetings are open for everyone’s participation.
Festival Meetings
Preparation Schedule
May: 6th 7:00 to 9:00 pm
June: 10th Year End Meeting
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Diples - May 4th 10:00 am
Dolmades - May 13th 10:00 am
(at the Cretan House)
The Voice of St. George
Page 5
Μήνυμα του Ιερατικώς Προϊσταμένου
Αγαπητοί εν Χριστώ Αδελφοί Χριστός Ανέστη!
Με κατανυκτικότητα και με την αρχαία Ιερά Παράδοση της Εκκλησίας, τελέσαμε τις Ιερές Ακολουθίες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος
που μας αναπτέρωσαν πνευματικά και μας έκαναν συμμέτοχους του Ιερού Πάθους του Χριστού. Περπατήσαμε μαζί Του στην
κοιλάδα του Κεδρώνα, συμπροσευχηθήκαμε στον κήπο της Γεθσημανής, μείναμε μαζί Του στην φυλακή, συμμετείχαμε στο Πάθος
Του και συσταυρώσαμε τις αμαρτίες μας στη Σταύρωσή Του. Συνταφιάσαμε τις αδυναμίες μας και ως νέοι άνθρωποι συμμετείχαμε
στην ένδοξη Ανάστασή Του. Ταπεινώσαμε τον εαυτό μας ζητώντας συγγνώμη κατά την Ιεράν Εξομολόγησην και ενωθήκαμε με
τον Κύριον και Σωτήρα μας μέσω της Θείας Κοινωνίας. Λαμπρύναμε την στολή της ψυχής μας με το Ανέσπερο Φως της
Αναστάσεώς Του και λάβαμε μέρος εις Αυτό το Άγιο Φως της εορτής των εορτών. Ανανεωμένοι και αναγεννημένοι Χριστιανοί
συνεχίζουμε τις ζωές μας φέρνοντας τον Ευαγγελισμό στον κόσμο και κηρύττοντας ότι «Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς Ανέστη!»
Ως Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος αυτής της Ιστορικής και Ιεράς Κοινότητος, θα ήθελα να εκφράσω την ευαρέσκειά μου σε όλους εσάς
που συμμετείχατε σ’αυτές τις κατανυκτικές Ακολουθίες. Επίσης θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τους εθελοντές που συνεργάστηκαν για
την σωστή τάξη και εκτέλεση αυτών των Ακολουθιών και Ιερών Παραδόσεων: το Εκκλησιαστικό Συμβούλιο, την Χορωδία, τους
Ιεροψάλτες, τα Ιερόπαιδα, τα μέλη του Συλλόγου Γονέων και Διδασκάλων, τις Μυροφόρες, τα παιδιά που συμμετείχαν στην
Ακολουθία του Νιπτήρα, τις κυρίες που έβαψαν τα αυγά, την νεολαία που έπλεξε τους Σταυρούς από Βάγια και βοήθησε στον
στολισμό του Ναού, τις κυρίες που μαγείρεψαν για τα παιδιά την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, τα άτομα που δώρισαν Στέφανα για τον
Εσταυρωμένο, τα άτομα που δώρισαν διάφορα αντικείμενα για χρήση κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος, τις κυρίες και
κυρίους που βοήθησαν στον στολισμό του Επιταφίου και του Ναού με άνθη και κορδέλες, τα άτομα που βοήθησαν στον καθαρισμό
και όλους τους ενορίτες που έστειλαν δωρεές για το Πάσχα. Ιδιαιτέρως ευχαριστώ τα καταστήματα ShopRite, την οικογένεια
Μαυροδή, και όλους που ίσως να ξέχασα να ευχαριστήσω. Όλα αυτά μας έδειξαν την αφοσίωση, την πίστη και την συνεργασία
σας. Ο Θεός να σας ευλογεί και πάλι σας ευχαριστώ. Η κοινότητα είναι υπερήφανη για σας. Συνεχίσατε, και κρατήσατε τον καλόν
αγώνα των αιωνίων Χριστιστιανικών Παραδόσεων που είναι Ιερός και Άγιος.
Τώρα πλησιάζουμε την Μεγάλη Εορτή της Πεντηκοστής, την ημέρα που ο Παράκλητος, το Άγιον Πνεύμα, εκάθισε ως πύρινη
γλώσσα επάνω στις κεφαλές των Αγίων Αποστόλων που ήταν συγκεντρωμένοι στο υπερώον, όπως μας πληροφορεί το δεύτερο
κεφάλαιο των Πράξεων των Αποστόλων. Η Πεντηκοστή είναι η ημέρα της ιδρύσεως της Εκκλησίας, η γενέθλιος ημέρα της
Εκκλησίας που καλεί τους ανθρώπους να σωθούν, διότι εκτός της Εκκλησίας, σωτηρία δεν υπάρχει.
Από την ημέρα της Ιδρύσεώς Της, η Εκκλησία έζησε πολύ δύσκολες ημέρες με διωγμούς, αιματηρές μαρτυρίες, και εκτελέσεις
Αγίων. Όσοι εδίωξαν και κυνήγησαν την Εκκλησία χάθηκαν εις τον ρουν της ιστορίας, ή χειρότερα, έμειναν στην ιστορία ως
τύραννοι. Η Εκκλησία όμως, παρά τις τόσες καταστροφικές δυσκολίες και διωγμούς, άνθισε από τα Ιεροσόλυμα, την μητέρα Σιών,
την μητέρα των Εκκλησιών, εξαπλώθηκε στις πέντε ηπείρους και πρόσφερε σε όλους τους ανθρώπους τον Χριστιανισμό. Το Άγιο
Πνεύμα από την ημέρα της Πεντηκοστής ζει και ενεργεί μέσα στην Εκκλησία, που ούτε «αι Πύλαι του Άδου» μπορούν να την
γκρεμίσουν, όπως μας λέει το Ιερόν Ευαγγέλιον. Η Εκκλησία είναι η Κιβωτός της Σωτηρίας, ο τόπος όπου ζει το Άγιον Πνεύμα,
που όπως στην Κιβωτό του Νώε, όποιος μπήκε σώθηκε. Ας κρατήσουμε τον εαυτό μας μέσα στην Κιβωτό που λέγεται Εκκλησία.
Παρακολουθούμε τακτικά την Θεία Λειτουργία τις Κυριακές και τις Εορτές με την οικογένειά μας; Μία από τις μεγαλύτερες
υποχρεώσεις του βαπτισμένου Χριστιανού είναι να εκκλησιάζεται τις Κυριακές και τις Εορτές. Το να εμφανιζόμαστε στην
Εκκλησία μόνο τα Χριστούγεννα και τη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα είναι αμαρτία. Γιατί; Διότι η προτεραιότητά μας δεν είναι ο Χριστός
και η σωτηρία μας, αλλά, άλλα πράγματα έχουν πάρει την θέση τους στη ζωή μας. Ας αναδιοργανώσουμε την ζωή μας με τις
σωστές προτεραιότητες, δίνοντας πρώτη θέση στον Χριστό και την Σωτηρία μας και συμμετέχοντας οικογενειακώς στην Θεία
Λειτουργία τις Κυριακές και μεγάλες Εορτές.
Καθώς φτάνουμε στο τέλος του χειμερινού προγράμματος, και οι εκδηλώσεις των διάφορων οργανώσεων τελειώνουν για το
καλοκαίρι, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον καθένα από σας για την υποστήριξή που δείχνετε στην κοινότητα μέσω της λογίας.
Επίσης ευχαριστώ για την υποστήριξη με την παρουσία σας, των διαφόρων προγραμμάτων και εκδηλώσεων. Συγχαίρω τη νεολαία
μας για την συμμετοχή της σε πολλές εκδηλώσεις και τα επιτεύγματά της. Μας κάνουν υπερήφανους.
Page 6
May/June 2010
Προσφέρω θερμές ευχαριστίες στις διδασκάλισσες και τους διδάσκαλους του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου και του Ελληνικού Σχολείου
που συγκροτούν το σύστημα εκπαίδευσης στην κοινότητά μας.
Επίσης, προσφέρω θερμές ευχαριστίες σ’ όλα τα μέλη των οργανώσεων για την εργασία και τις διάφορες προσφορές τους,
προπαντός όσους εργάστηκαν στην προετοιμασία και στην διάρκεια του ετήσιου Φεστιβάλ. Ευχαριστούμε όλους, ο Θεός να σας
έχει καλά και καλό καλοκαίρι.
Ευγνωμονούμε τον Θεό ως Ελληνορθόδοξη κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου, διότι μας έδωσε πολλούς αφοσιωμένους αδελφούς
ώστε με τις προσφορές τους να μπορούμε να εκτελούμε λαμπρώς την Αποστολή του Χριστού και το κοινοτικό έργο στην περιοχή
που μας έστειλε ο Θεός με καθαρή Χριστιανική αγάπη.
Σας εύχομαι Καλό Καλοκαίρι, καλές διακοπές, και σε όσους πάνε στην Ελλάδα ή σε άλλα μέρη, καλό
ταξίδι και εις το επανιδείν.
Με εν Χριστώ Αγάπη,
Ο Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος
Αρχιμ. Αλέξανδρος Κιλέ
Με μεγάλη συγκίνηση και απέραντη αγάπη, ευχαριστούμε από βάθους καρδιάς, τους συγγενείς μας, τους καλούς μας φίλους και
αγαπητούς γνωστούς, όπως και όλη την Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου, για την τόσο μεγάλη κατανόηση, υποστήριξη και
συμμετοχή τους, στο βαρύ πένθος της θυγατέρας μας, αδελφής μας και θείας μας Αγγέλας Ε. Μπουροδήμου.
Ευχαριστούμε
Με αγάπη για όλους
Η Μητέρα:
Ο Πατέρας:
Η Αδελφή:
Ο Αδελφός:
Ελένη Μαντζουράνη Μπουροδήμου
Ευστάθιος Λ. Μπουροδήμος
Σόνια Μπουροδήμου Πετινάτου
Δημήτριος Πετινάτος και παιδιά, Ελευθερία και Ιάσωνας
Λάμπρος Ε. Μπουροδήμος
Ναϊόμη Μπουροδήμου και παιδιά, Διονύσιος, Μαρία και Ιούλιος
With great emotion and boundless love, we thank from the depths of the heart, our relatives, our good friends and dear acquaintances, and also the whole Community of Saint George, for their great understanding, support and participation, in the deep mourning
of our daughter, our sister and our aunt Angela E. Bourodimos.
Thank you
With love to all
Mother:
Father:
Sister:
Brother:
Eleni Mantzouranis Bourodimos
Efstathios L. Bourodimos
Sonia Bourodimos Petinatos
Dimitrios Petinatos and children, Eleftheria and Jason
Lampros E. Bourodimos
Naomi Bourodimos and children, Dionisios, Maria, and Julius
The Voice of St. George
Page 7
President’s Message
Dear Parishioners,
My message in this issue of The Voice of St. George is devoted to thanking one of the many parishioners who has given
unselfishly to our church. I am referring to none other than John Kehayas. Recently, John advised me that after Easter, he will
not be able to handle his duties as the right hand man of Fr. Kile in the altar and that he will retire and fade quietly into the
sunset. That leaves a big void! Who are we going to get to fill John’s shoes? As I mentioned in a previous issue of this
publication, John is a product of this community. His father, Themistocles, owned Tom’s Busy Corner that was located in New
Brunswick, at the present site of the Hyatt Hotel. After his father died, he devoted his entire life to his mother Eleni, and to the
church of St. George. John would always be the first one in church and the last one to leave. After the liturgy, he would clean up
the altar and clean the lipstick from the icons in the narthex. During the week, John would come to church to prepare for any
memorial service by having all of the bags for the koliva stacked and ready to fill once the memorial service was over. He was a
shining light and example to the generations of altar boys who have served our church under John’s tutelage. John even put a
sign up in the altar advising the altar boys after he leaves at exactly what time to have the censer ready and at what time to have
the hot water ready for the preparation of the communion. He would meticulously cut the prosphoron into uniform pieces. John
did everything in the altar that every one of us took for granted. Now, John, what are we going to do without you? On behalf of
the entire community, I would like to thank John for an entire lifetime of devotion to OUR church. Speaking for myself, John is
the closest thing to a saint that I’ll ever see. God Bless you, John.
I would now like to thank the many people who have donated money, their “gift” to St. George, for the installation of the new
roof on the sanctuary. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Even donors whom I haven’t seen in church for many years
have generously responded to our plea. It gave me great satisfaction to know that these people are still out there and that they
still support OUR church when the need arises. This new roof will stand as a monument to all who have donated; for their
lifetime as well as their children’s and grandchildren’s lifetimes. Every time they go by and look up at the tile on the roof, they
can proudly say: “I gave for the glory of St. George.”
Last year, I reported that it costs $856 per member to meet the fixed expenses of OUR church, i.e., to pay the salaries and
medical insurance of our employees, to pay for the heat and electricity, to pay our assessment to the Archdiocese, to supplement
the tuition of the Greek School, etc. I am happy to announce that this year that number has dropped to $797 per member. This is
due to some of the cost cutting measures that we have instituted and the new members we have gained. Again, the most costly
item on the budget is the salaries and medical insurance of our employees. It costs every member $392 to pay for that
expense. The next highest expense is the money that we are assessed by the Archdiocese; $112 per member. Sadly to say, the
average donation that we received from our membership as of 31 January 2010 is $413 per member, a slight increase from one
year ago when the average donation was $396 per member, but it still only represents about 50% of our actual cost. As I said
last year, without the monies derived from the festival and the parking for the Rutgers football games, it would be impossible to
operate just from the financial support that we receive from our members.
One of the basic tenets of every religion is tithing, which stipulates that one tenth of your income should be set aside for the
Lord’s work (Genesis 28:22, Numbers 18:26). I know that no one is going to give OUR church 10% of his income, but try to at
least pay your share of the expenses that are badly needed to operate OUR church. Please help us to perpetuate OUR church, the
church that our forefathers built with their nickels and dimes and their sweat and tears.
For those of you who come to church, you will notice that some of the front doors are missing. These doors are being refinished
by skilled Amish craftsmen in Pennsylvania. I’m now looking for some of our skilled painting contractors of OUR community to
volunteer to paint the windows of OUR church. The next time you come to church, just look up at the window above the front
entrance of the church. I can’t believe that you would let the windows in your house look like that. Isn’t there one painter out
there who will volunteer to paint one or two windows of OUR church?
United We Stand
Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους
By the time you receive this newsletter, the festival will be rapidly approaching. I urge all of you
to support OUR festival. In addition, we sorely need volunteers to help in all of the stands, the
kitchen, the gyro station etc. Come on out and participate, you’ll enjoy it. Be proud to be a member of
the St. George Community. See you there.
Emanuel Manioudakis, President
Page 8
May/June 2010
Μήνυμα του Προέδρου
Αγαπητοί Ενορίτες,
Το μήνυμά μου σε αυτό το τεύχος Η Φωνή του Αγίου Γεωργίου είναι αφιερωμένο σε έναν από τους πολλούς ενορίτες
που ανιδιοτελώς προσέφερε στην εκκλησία μας. Δεν αναφέρομαι σε κανέναν άλλο παρά στον Γιάννη Κεχαγιά.
Πρόσφατα ο Γιάννης με ενημέρωσε ότι μετά το Πάσχα, δεν θα είναι πλέον σε θέση να εκπληρώνει τα καθήκοντά
του ως βοηθός του πατρός Κιλέ και ότι θα αποχωρήσει, σεμνά θα αποσυρθεί στο δειλινό. Αυτό αφήνει ένα μεγάλο
κενό! Ποιον μπορούμε να βρούμε να πάρει την θέση του Γιάννη; Όπως είχα αναφέρει σε μία προηγούμενη έκδοση
αυτού του περιοδικού, ο Γιάννης είναι γέννημα θρέμμα αυτής της κοινότητας. Ο πατέρας του, ο Θεμιστοκλής,
ήταν ιδιοκτήτης του καταστήματος Busy Tom Corner που βρισκόταν στο New Brunswick, εκεί που σήμερα
βρίσκεται το ξενοδοχείο Hyatt. Μετά τον θάνατο του πατέρα του αφιέρωσε ολόκληρη τη ζωή του στη μητέρα του
Ελένη και στην εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Ο Γιάννης είναι πάντα ο πρώτος που ερχόταν στην εκκλησία και ο
τελευταίος που έφευγε. Μετά τη λειτουργία καθάριζε το ιερό και τα κραγιόν από τις εικόνες στο νάρθηκα. Κατά τη
διάρκεια της εβδομάδας, ο Γιάννης ερχόταν στην εκκλησία για να προετοιμάσει τα σακουλάκια και να τα έχει έτοιμα
να γεμιστούν με κόλλυβα μόλις τελείωνε το μνημόσυνο.Ο Γιάννης ήταν ένα λαμπρό παράδειγμα στις γενεές των
ιερόπαιδων που έχουν υπηρετήσει την εκκλησία μας, υπό την διδασκαλία του. Ο Γιάννης φρόντισε να βάλει ένα
σημείωμα μέσα στο ιερό για να ξέρουν τα ιερόπαιδα ακριβώς τι ώρα πρέπει να έχουν έτοιμο το θυμιατήρι και ποια
στιγμή θα χρειαστεί να υπάρχει έτοιμο ζεστό νερό για την προετοιμασία της Θείας κοινωνίας, όταν πια εκείνος θα
έχει αποχωρήσει. Επιδέξια έκοβε το πρόσφορο σε ομοιόμορφα κομμάτια και έκανε τα πάντα στο ιερό, αυτά που ο
καθένας μας θεωρεί δεδομένα. Τώρα Γιάννη, τι θα κάνουμε χωρίς εσένα; Εκ μέρους ολόκληρης της κοινότητας, θα
ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον Γιάννη για την αφοσίωση μιας ολόκληρης ζωής στην Εκκλησία ΜΑΣ. Μιλώντας
προσωπικά, ο Γιάννης είναι το πιο κοντινό πράγμα σε άγιο που έχω δει ποτέ. Ο Θεός να σ’ευλογεί, Γιάννη.
Τώρα θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλα τα άτομα που έχουν προσφέρει το "δώρο" τους στον Άγιο Γεώργιο, για την
εγκατάσταση της νέας στέγης του ναού. Τους ευχαριστώ από τα βάθη της καρδιάς μου. Ακόμα και αυτούς τους
χορηγούς που δεν έχω δει για πολλά χρόνια στην εκκλησία, αλλά ανταποκρίθηκαν γενναιόδωρα στην αίτηση μας.
Μου έδωσε μεγάλη ευχαρίστηση να γνωρίζω ότι υπάρχουν ακόμα οι άνθρωποι αυτοί εκεί και ότι υποστηρίζουν την
εκκλησία ΜΑΣ όταν υπάρξει ανάγκη. Αυτή η νέα στέγη θα σταθεί ως ένα ενθύμιο σε όλους όσους έχουν δωρίσει,
κατά την διάρκεια δικής τους ζωής καθώς και των παιδιών τους και των εγγονιών τους. Κάθε φορά που θα περνούν
και θα βλέπουν τα κεραμίδια πάνω στη στέγη, μπορούν να λένε με περηφάνια: "Έδωσα για τη δόξα του Αγίου
Γεωργίου."
Πέρυσι, ανέφερα ότι θα κοστίζει 856 δολάρια ανά μέλος για την κάλυψη των κυρίων δαπανών της εκκλησίας ΜΑΣ,
δηλαδή, για να πληρωθούν οι μισθοί και η ιατρική ασφάλιση των υπαλλήλων μας, για να πληρωθεί η θέρμανση και
το ηλεκτρικό, για να πληρωθεί η εισφορά μας προς την Αρχιεπισκοπή, για τη συμπλήρωση των διδάκτρων του
Ελληνικού Σχολείου, κλπ. Είμαι ευτυχής να ανακοινώσω ότι φέτος ο αριθμός αυτός μειώθηκε στα 797 δολάρια ανά
μέλος. Αυτό οφείλεται σε ορισμένα από τα μέτρα περικοπής κόστους που έχουμε καθιερώσει και τα νέα μέλη που
έχουμε αποκτήσει. Και πάλι, το πιο δαπανηρό μέρος του προϋπολογισμού είναι οι μισθοί και η ιατρική ασφάλιση
των υπαλλήλων μας. Κοστίζει σε κάθε μέλος 392 δολάρια για να πληρωθεί η εν λόγω δαπάνη. Η αμέσως επόμενη
μεγάλη δαπάνη είναι τα χρήματα που αξιολογούμαστε από την Αρχιεπισκοπή, τα οποία είναι 112 δολάρια ανά
μέλος. Δυστυχώς σας αναφέρω ότι ο μέσος όρος δωρεάς που λάβαμε από τις συνδρομές μέχρι την 31η Ιανουαρίου
του 2010 είναι 413 δολάρια ανά μέλος, αυτή είναι μία μικρή αύξηση από τον περασμένο χρόνο, που ο μέσος όρος
δωρεάς ήταν 396 δολάρια ανά μέλος, αλλά αυτό εξακολουθεί να αντιπροσωπεύει μόνο το 50% του τωρινού
κόστους. Όπως σας είπα και πέρυσι, χωρίς τα χρήματα που προέρχονται από το φεστιβάλ και το πάρκινγκ από τους
αγώνες ποδοσφαίρου του πανεπιστημίου Rutgers, θα ήταν αδύνατο να λειτουργήσει η εκκλησία μόνο από την
οικονομική υποστήριξη που λαμβάνουμε από τα μέλη μας.
The
Voice of 2008
St. George
September
Page 9
Μία από τις βασικές αρχές της κάθε θρησκείας είναι η αφιέρωσις, η οποία ορίζει ότι ένα δέκατο των εισοδημάτων σας,
θα πρέπει να διατεθεί για το έργο του Κυρίου (Γένεση 28:22, Αριθμοί 18:26). Ξέρω ότι κανείς δεν πρόκειται να δώσει
στην εκκλησία ΜΑΣ το 10% του εισοδήματός του, αλλά προσπαθήστε τουλάχιστον να καταβάλετε το μερίδιο σας για
τις δαπάνες που είναι απολύτως απαραίτητο για τη λειτουργία της εκκλησίας ΜΑΣ. Βοηθήστε μας να διαιωνίσουμε την
εκκλησία ΜΑΣ, την εκκλησία που οι πρόγονοί μας χτίσανε με πεντάρες και δεκάρες, με τον ιδρώτα και δάκρυα τους.
Για εσάς που έρχεστε στην εκκλησία, θα παρατηρήσατε ότι μερικές από τις μπροστινές πόρτες λείπουν. Αυτές οι πόρτες
ανακαινίστηκαν από ειδικευμένους Amish τεχνίτες από την Πενσυλβάνια. Τώρα ψάχνω να βρω εθελοντές
ειδικευμένους εργολάβους ελαιοχρωματιστές της κοινότητας ΜΑΣ για να βάψουν τα παράθυρα του ναού ΜΑΣ. Την
επόμενη φορά που θα έρθετε στην εκκλησία, κοιτάξετε μόνο το παράθυρο πάνω από την μπροστινή είσοδο της
εκκλησίας. Δεν μπορώ να πιστέψω ότι θα αφήνατε τα παράθυρα του σπιτιού σας να φαίνονταν έτσι. Δεν υπάρχει ένας
ελαιοχρωματιστής κάπου εκεί που θέλει εθελοντικά να βάψει ένα ή δύο παράθυρα της εκκλησίας ΜΑΣ;
Όταν θα λάβετε αυτό το ενημερωτικό δελτίο, ο καιρός του φεστιβάλ θα έχει πλησιάσει.
Σας καλώ όλους να υποστηρίξετε ένθερμα το φεστιβάλ ΜΑΣ. Επιπλέον, έχουμε μεγάλη
ανάγκη από εθελοντές για να βοηθήσουν σε όλες τις θέσεις όπως στην κουζίνα, στο γύρο
κ.ο.κ. Ελάτε όλοι να συμμετάσχετε, θα το απολαύσετε πολύ. Να είστε υπερήφανοι που
είστε μέλη της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου. Πιστεύω να σας δούμε όλους εκεί.
United We Stand
Αγαπήσωμεν Αλλήλους
Μανώλης Μανιουδάκης , Πρόεδρος
Parent Teacher Organization - PTO
Won’t You Join the Saint George P.T.O. Executive Board?
There are many advantages for joining the PTO Executive Board!
There is no better way to stay connected and know what is happening at St. George Greek and Religious Educational Schools.
PTO functions are also a great way to meet other parents and build rapport with teachers and other parishioners.
We can use your wisdom, skills and talent! Without your help many of the PTO events and
activities could not be possible. Please consider joining the St. George P.T.O. Executive
Board for the 2010-2012 term. For this term, we would like to have two people for every
position; two Presidents, two Vice-Presidents, two Secretaries and two Treasurers. Doing
this, the responsibilities will be distributed between more people during PTO events and more
new fun activities for both children and their families can be organized.
If you think you can make a difference or need more information, please contact anyone
from the PTO Executive Board or send an email to [email protected]
The Saint George P.T.O. Executive Board Officers
Page 10
May/June 2010
Want to make a difference for OUR church?
Join these fellow parishioners by making a contribution to offset the costs of
replacing OUR Church Roof. Make an investment in OUR Church that many
generations of OUR children will benefit from.
George & Barbara Abadiotakis
Margaret Agnostak
Carmine & Sophia Albanese
Evangelia Alexander
Emanuel & Frances Alvarez
Manuel & Ann Alvarez
Miss Savoula Amanatidis
Dimos & Sofia Amaxopoulos
Demetris & Eleni Andronikou
M John & Rose Angelakos
Demetrios & Afrodite Antipas
Emanuel & Angie Aretakis
Stamatis & Pauline Arkoulakis
George & Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos
Nektarios & Eleni Banis
Mrs Vasiliki Bliziotis
Dimitri N & Maria D Bouhlas
George & Mary Boulegeris
Helen Bouzos
Ralph & Maria Caputo
Francis J & Katherine Catanzaro
James & Christine Colitsas
Gregory & Elaine Comsudis
Ariadne Coules
Gerasimos & Kristen Diagelakis
Ioannis & Gerasimoula Diamantis
Mary Diamantis
Michael Dolianitis
Spyridon & Vicki Drecolias
Michael & Evangeline Emanuel
Nicholas & Helen Englezos
Georgia Exarchakis
James G & Sophia Exarchakis
Athanasios & Stavroula Frestis
John & Bertha Garris
Robert & Katina Garthe
Dimitrios Gavalas & Katherine Kourti
Anthony & Helen Gegelys
Lynne Gementgis
Ned K & Elizabeth George
George & Panagiota Georgiou
Maria Georgiou
Christos & Helen Giannios
Evangelos & Mitza Giannos
Evangelos & Mitza Giannos
Dimetrios & Michele Greberis
Christine H Gussis
George & Lefkothea Hadjiloucas
Evangelos & Stamatoula Hionis
Joseph & Kathryn Hirschman
Arkady Honchariv
Pericles & Daphne Ioulianou
George & Alexandra Janow
John & Evelyn Kallas
Anthony & Maria Kamarinopoulos
Athanasia Kambitsis
Demetrius Kambitsis
Dimitra Kambitsis
Leonila Kambitsis
Nicholas Kambitsis
Anastasia Kangos
Markos & Maria Kantilierakis
Stamatis & Anastasia Kantilierakis
Toula Karamarkos
Spiro & Sofia Karas
James & Tasoula Kartatos
Alice Kartikis
Basil S & Katherine B Kasimis
Michael & Priscilla Kasternakis
John Kehayas
Katina Kehayas
Nicholas T Kehayas
Vassilis & Elaine Keramidas
Very Rev Alexander Kile
George & Georgia Kolias
Nickie Kopanakis
George & Athena Kostis
Anthony & Zoe Koulouris
Nicholas & Christine Koumarianos
Simon & Elizabeth Koumis
John & Linda Kourakos
George & Lisa Koutsoubis
Dennis & Vaseleke A Krousos
Dr Katerina Leftheris
Mr Gus Leontarakis
Michael Levas
Nancy Liverakos
Casandra Lorincz
Anthony & Anna Lorino
Constantine Lydakis
Panagiotis & Marianne Lysicatos
Constantinos & Helen Lyssikatos
John & Evanthia Lyssikatos
Thomais Lyssikatos
Venetia Makris
Evangelos & Olga Makropoulos
Emanuel & Anna Manioudakis
James & Niki Marketos
Elpida Marolis
Ioannis & Iro Mavrianos
John & Helen Mellos
Nicholas & Sylvia Menedis
Mary Messner
Minas & Mary Rose Mina
Thomas & Maria Moutafis
Nicholas & Antonia Mpletsakis
Emmanuel & Katina Papamanolis
Chrysso Papanastasiou
Michael & Angelica Papasavas
Christ S Pappas
Helene A Pappas
Helen Patestos
Karl & Dimitra Paulus
Georgia C Peterson
Michael & Deborah Petkovski
George & Maria Petrou
Perry & Leah Petsanas
Socrates & Polly Ploussiou
H James & Rita Polos
Thomas J & MaryAnn Prenderville
Roland & Karen Rodriguez
Iacovos & Florentia Savva
Helen Scalia
Kostas Schadas
Angelo & Margaret A Scopelianos
Steven & Christel Sgourakis
Nicholas & Regina Siliverdis
Chris & Maria Sirimis
Kyriakos & Meropi Sirimis
Michael & Helen Sirimis
Dean V Solomos
James & Elizabeth Solomos
The Voice of St. George
Elena Stavrianidis
Panos & Maggie Stavrianidis
Paul V & Alice J Stevens
Victor P & Teresa Stevens Jr
George & Eleni Stoupas
John D & Linda Stroumtsos
John & Bella Sturges
Manuel & June Sturges
Thomas & Viveca Sulich
Titus & Gertude Tarnovetchi
Georgios & Maria Thanos
Liberty Toto & Richard Krembecki
John & Stella Tsinetakes
Fotios & Eleni Tsivelekidis
George Tsolakis
George & Beatrice Vassil
Christos & Effie Voloudakis
Dr William Wadsworth
Edward & Malvina Wilkens
St George Youth
Peter Zaboglou
John & Pegi Zajac
George & Anastasia Zalokostas
Konstantinos & Maria Zalokostas
Dimitri Zambas
Tasos & Sharon Zambas
Vasilios Zarokostas
Page 11
Total Roof Cost: $82,225.00
Total Donations as of 04/15/2010
$29,545.00
Memorial Day Prayer
Dear God,
On this day we remember the
sacrifices made for us by those who
were willing to give their lives to
ensure that our own would be
spent in freedom.
Let us never forget to pray, not only
for the dead, but also for those still
living and working in the cause of
freedom around the world.
As we celebrate and enjoy this time,
give comfort and grace to those
men and women who have
sacrificed so much for our sake.
Pray for the protection of our
soldiers in their efforts, and bring
them home safely at the end of their
duties wherever that home may be.
Amen
Page 12
May/June 2010
Ladies Philoptochos Society - “St. Barbara”
On Orthodoxy Sunday, March 8,
2009, the annual community Lenten
Luncheon held by the Ladies
Philoptochos Society in the Ahepa
Hall was very well attended. Speaker
for the afternoon was Mr. James
Karamanos, a graduate of Holy Cross
Seminary, who informed the gathering
of the status of Hellenic College and
Holy Cross. We thank Mr.
Karamanos for his most informative
speech. As a result of the generosity
of our parishioners at this luncheon,
the amount of $1,500 will be sent to
National Philoptochos to benefit
Hellenic College/Holy Cross. Additional donations were sent for
the following obligations: Autism, St. Photios Shrine, American
Heart Association and the Orthodox Mission Center. A donation
of $1,500 was given for the festival baklava preparation, $200 was
given to our church for the Independence Day parade and $500
was donated to each of the four Food Banks in our area. A $1,000
donation was made by our Philoptochos at the Metropolis
Philoptochos Luncheon benefiting the children of St. Basil
Academy. At this luncheon, his Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios
and his Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos honored our very own
member Ms. Evellyn Tsiadis, President of the St. Basil Board of
Trustees, for her dedication, hard work and efforts toward St. Basil
Academy. To Evellyn we extend our heartiest congratulations-και εις ανώτερα!
Our Easter Bread Sale which took place on March 27 and on Palm
Sunday was very successful.
On April 10 the annual visitation to St. Michael’s Home in
Yonkers will take place. Representing our Philoptochos at this
visitation will be Eleni Andronikou and Eleni Parlapanides. Plans
are being made for the celebration of our St. George Holiday with
Vespers on April 22 and Divine Liturgy on April 23. On Monday,
May 17, the Metropolis Clergy/Laity dinner will be held in
Garfield, NJ. Representing our Philoptochos and being honored
for her efforts and dedication to the Philoptochos will be Eleni
Andronikou. Our delegate to this meeting will be Eleni
Parlapanides. Our annual June Luncheon will take place on June
13 at the Stoney Brook Grille. The National Biennial Clergy/
Laity meeting will take place in Atlanta, GA on July 4.
To all our members and the entire St.
George Community we extend our best
wishes for a happy and safe summer.
THE LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY SAYS
‘THANK YOU!’
Yes! The Ladies Philoptochos Society says `THANK YOU’
to our parishioners who have heeded our requests and have
complied with our prior newsletter remarks on: 1. United
Way contributions and 2. Gift Matching donations. As we all
know, the needs and obligations of the Philoptochos are many
and varied. It is most gratifying, therefore, when our
parishioners understand how they can assist us and, in turn,
assist the entire St. George community. Their assistance
comes as follows:
1. United Way--When you ask that your United Way
contributions be directed to the St. George Needy Cases Fund,
your donations will be either mailed to the Fund via the U.S.
Postal Service or will be electronically deposited in the Fund.
After that takes place, the Philoptochos has the moneys
available to assist those in need. In the past, we have given
monetary assistance for funerals and memorials; payment of
individuals’ rents and utilities; food for the homeless and
battered women; 4 food banks in our area, and other needs
of our parishioners as they arise. We also assist those in
need when the request comes from our Metropolis
Philoptochos or the Archdiocese.
2. Gift Matching--When you make a donation to the
Philoptochos and work for an organization that will match
your donation, all you have to do is: 1) Obtain a matching gift
form from your personnel office, 2) Complete the employee’s
section of the form and 3) bring it to the Philoptochos and the
Philoptochos will do the rest. If you have any questions
regarding this procedure, please contact any of the
Philoptochos officers and they will give you the necessary
information.
Since 1998 when the United Way contributions and Gift
Matching donations were established in our community by the
Philoptochos, we have received parishioners’ contributions
from organizations such as United Way of Tristate, United
Way of Burlington County, United Way of Greater Mercer
County, United Way of Hunterdon County, Monadnock
United Way, Greater New York City United Way, Bank of
America, Colgate Palmolive Co., Home Depot Foundation,
MobilExxon Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon,
Prudential Foundation, American Express Foundation, Merrill
Lynch & Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, and Pfizer
Foundation. Once again, parishioners of St. George, thank
you for your continued support of the Ladies Philoptochos
Society.
**Remember to direct your UNITED
WAY donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund-United Way Reference Number 032224.**
The Voice of
St. George
March/April
2010
Page
Page 13
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Sunday School News
Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community,
We hope you had a blessed ‘Holy Pascha’ and ‘Christos Anesti’! On behalf of Father Alex, our teachers and staff, we would like
to thank our community for your support of our Religious Education Program that provides an Orthodox Christian foundation of
faith and values to our children.
Our Religious Education program is proceeding for the 2009-2010 ecclesiastical year with vigor and enthusiasm. Each class is
following the curriculum that has been set by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; our students are learning key liturgical hymns and
prayers, and they are participating in the Divine Liturgy.
Upon the directives of His Eminence, our Religious Education Program for Grades 1st through Teen Rap has been modified; our
program now begins following Holy Communion at about 11:30 am and ends at 12:15 pm; thus each class has a 45 minute
uninterrupted lesson. This change was implemented as a result of a harmonization initiative by his Eminence with all communities
of the Metropolis of New Jersey. It is expected that the children attend the Divine Liturgy with their families and then following
Holy Communion, the parents take them to their classrooms. Grades ‘Cradle through Kindergarten’ follow the program that was
already established; i.e., classes begin at 10:30 am.
The 2010 St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival of our Parish was held on Sunday, April 11th following the Divine Liturgy.
Members of our youth (grades 7th through12th) researched, wrote and presented to the community on subjects of our Orthodox
Faith, Church and Heritage. It is the hope that this experience will strengthen our youths’ understanding and appreciation of our
faith and cultivate spiritual growth. The topics were selected by The Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, which sponsors the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. Congratulations to all our participants
and to those who will represent our church at the NJ District Oratorical Festival. The winners are: Junior Division - Zoe
Makropoulos, Senior Division - Elena Georgopoulos. We would also like to thank the P.T.O. for sponsoring the awards, and the
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Committee (Mrs. M. Boyiadjis, Mrs. M. Stavrianidis and Mrs. L. Malahias-Miko) for all their
efforts.
We would like to thank Mrs. N. Liverakos and her team for working tirelessly this year as well as many previous years in
preparing and organizing the Easter eggs that were distributed to all the children and staff of our Religious Education program.
We truly thank you!! We also thank Mrs. G. Peterson for managing the 'Orthodox Christian Mission Center Coin Program’
during the Holy Lenten Period. The OCMC Coin program helps support our ministries and missionaries who dedicate their lives
to spreading Christianity around the world.
The Mobile Book Store is being held monthly in the AHEPA Hall following church services. Please check us out; we have an
excellent selection of religious books (including children’s books), and we would be pleased to take orders on related books we
may not have.
Lastly, when passing by our bulletin board on the 1st floor, please glance at the display of our students’ original works. Each
month we exhibit the works of a different grade on a theme appropriate for that month.
The set curricula and the many projects carried out throughout the year, under the leadership and
spiritual guidance of Father Alex, provide a complete picture of our Religious Education Program.
We are truly proud of our program and of the many committed volunteers for their efforts,
dedication and perseverance.
May God Bless,
St. George Religious Education Staff
Page 14
May/June 2010
Stewardship Report through December 2009 Number of Pledges Amount
Pledged 652 246,765.00 378.47 631 250,780.00 397.43 676 250,344.00 370.33 714 265,970.00 372.51 716 272,125.00 380.06 721 264,684.00 367.11 747 265,446.20 355.35 Average Summary as of: December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008 December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 December 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 Stewardship Report - February 2010
Number
Amount
Amount
Summary as of:
of Pledges
Pledged
Feb 28, 2010
293
114,805
391.83
85,280
Feb 28 2009
296
112,060
378.58
77,512
Feb 28, 2008
301
121,440
403.46
84,167
Average
Collected
As of February 28, 2010, we received 293 pledges totaling $114,805 for an average pledge of
$392. The 293 pledges compare unfavorably to the 296 pledges we had as of February, 2009. Of
the total pledges, $85,280 has been collected. The average pledge of $392 as of February, 2010
compares favorably to the $379 average pledge as of February, 2009.
The Voice of St. George
Page 15
Voting Qualifications
Recently, the Board of Trustees adopted Stewardship qualifications for running and voting for the Board of Trustees. To run for the
Board of Trustees, a parishioner must be in good standing both ecclesiastically and financially.
A member is considered to be in financial good standing if:
Person has been a member of the community less than one year:
Must be paid in full 6 months prior to election (i.e. by May 1st)
Person has been a member of the community for one year or more:
Member must be paid in full through the previous year;
A Stewardship card must be filled out 6 months prior to the election (i.e. by May 1st);
The Stewardship should be paid in full at least one month prior to the election (i.e. by Nov 1st).
Parishioners in good standing can vote if they are paid in full by the day of the election and can pay the day of the election. However, a husband/wife who each wants to vote separately must have notified the Church office at least two weeks prior to the election
that this is their intention.
The minimum Stewardship in order to vote for Board of Trustee elections is:
$350 for a married couple, $350 for a single adult 18 to 64,
$250 for married seniors age 65 and over and $200 for single seniors and college students.
In order for both a husband and wife of a married couple to vote, they each need to contribute the
minimum stewardship of $350 and be paid in full at the time of the election.
In order for both a senior husband and senior wife to vote, they each need to contribute the minimum
of $200 and be paid in full at the time of the election.
What "Mother" Means
"Mother" is such a simple word,
But to me there’s meaning seldom heard.
For everything I am today,
My mother’s love showed me the way.
I’ll love my mother all my days,
For enriching my life in so many ways.
She set me straight and then set me free,
And that’s what the word "mother" means to me.
Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom!
The Perfect Father
I love you because you're my father,
But you're really so much more;
a guide and a companion;
You and I have great rapport.
You pay attention to me;
You listen to what I say.
You pass on words of wisdom,
Helping me along the way.
Whenever I'm in trouble,
You always have a plan.
You are the perfect father,
And I'm your biggest fan!
May/June 2010
Page 16
Greek Orthodox Youth Association - G. O. Y. A.
Χριστος Ανεστη!!!
Our GOYA has been busier than ever! Sights and Sounds paid off after months of practice. Piscataway GOYAns came home with
awards in Sights as well as Sounds. Congratulations to all participants and great job! Overall Piscataway placed 7th.
2010 SIGHTS RESULTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR PARTICIPANTS - GREAT JOB !!!
Pastels
Pencil
Soft Sculpture
Black & White Photography
Decorative Woodworking
Embroidery/Cross Stitch
Colored Pencil
Furniture Woodworking
Jewelry Kit
Jewelry Original Design
Mosaics
Pen & Ink
Sewing
Watercolors
Collage
Functional Woodworking
Molded Ceramics
Opaque Oil Painting
Poetry Junior Div.
1st Place
1st Place
1st Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Katina Kontos
Maria Exarchakis
Annamaria Koutsoras
Markos Kantilierakis
Frederiki Thanos
Andreas Thanos
Vasilis Viazis
Katerina Albanese
Ioanna Kontos
Nicole Hadjiloucas
Andreas Thanos
Katina Kontos
Annamaria Koutsoras
Katina Kontos
Katina Kontos
George Parais
Zoe Makropoulos
Katina Kontos
George Parais
2010 SOUNDS RESULTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR PARTICIPANTS - GREAT JOB !!!
Greek Folk Dancing
Greek Play
Senior Greek Monologue
Senior Singing Solo
Senior Singing Solo
Junior Instrumental Solo
Junior Greek Monologue
3rd Place
3rd Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
5th Place
3rd Place
4th Place
Evangelia Psarakis
Markos Kantilierakis
Evangelia Psarakis
George Exarchakis
Frederiki Thanos
The Voice of St. George
Page 17
On March 12, the GOYA held its Charity Night, at which the teens cooked and delivered food to a local homeless shelter, Elijah’s
Soup Kitchen, in New Brunswick, NJ. Father Alex held a religious discussion for the GOYA on the 26th. On the Saturday of
Lazarus, the GOYA made 3,000 palm crosses that were handed out on Palm Sunday. Palm Cross sale was a success and the money
collected will be donated to our church. We announced our Lamb Raffle winner, Mrs. Sofia Amaxopoulos and Mr. Pericles
Ioulianou. Congratulations and enjoy! The GOYA took an active role during Holy week in the Altar and assisting with the
decorating of the Epitaphio.
For the month of April GOYA is hosting Coffee Hour. Many Youth proudly attended the Annual Independence Day Parade in New
York City on April 18th. Soccer practices and track practices have begun for Junior Olympics. Enjoy the celebration for our great
Feast Day of St. George on April 23rd. The Soccer Tournament is April 24th. Good luck to our soccer team!
May promises to be even more eventful. Nominations will take place on May 2nd. Indoor Olympics are on the 8th, as is GOYA
festival set-up. The GOYA will be working a booth at the festival, as well as helping out wherever needed. Our dance group will be
performing all three days. Junior Olympics will be over Memorial Day weekend at Monmouth University this year. Good luck to
all our athletes.
Respectfully Submitted
Maria Exarchakis
Historian
The Ladies Philoptochos Society
“St. Barbara”
Presents its Annual
Spring Luncheon
Sunday, June 13, 2010
1 p.m.
fàÉÇxç UÜÉÉ~ ZÜ|ÄÄx
;YÉÜÅxÜÄç axã bÜÄxtÇá exáàtâÜtÇà<
1285 Route 28
North Branch NJ 08876
908-725-0011
Mezedakia
Avgolemono Soup
Greek Salad
Choice of :
Skirt Steak
Broiled Salmon
Chicken Asiago
$27.00 per person
Reserve by June 6th by calling:
Effie Bouziotis
908-725-6744
SAINT GEORGE
GREEK ORTHODOX FESTIVAL
1101 RIVER ROAD
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY 08854
PHONE: (732) 463-1642 FAX: (732) 699-9309
2010
37th Annual Greek Festival!
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEET
NAME:_____________________________________________________________________________
HOME PHONE :_____________________________________________________________________
WORK PHONE :_____________________________________________________________________
BEST TIME TO CONTACT ME:_______________________________________________________
DATES & TIMES AVAILABLE
□ FRIDAY, MAY 14TH
□ SATURDAY, MAY 15TH
□ SUNDAY, MAY 16TH
□ 11 A.M. – 2 P.M.
□ 11 A.M. – 2 P.M.
□ 12 P.M. – 2 P.M.
□ 2 P.M. -- 5 P.M.
□ 2 P.M. -- 5 P.M.
□ 2 P.M. -- 5 P.M.
□ 5 P.M. -- 8 P.M.
□ 5 P.M. -- 8 P.M.
□ 5 P.M. -- 8 P.M
□ 8 P.M. -- 11 P.M.
□ 8 P.M. -- 11 P.M.
CHECK THE AREA IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK (ONE PER SIGN-UP SHEET)
□ KITCHEN
STAFF
□ DINING ROOM
□ CALAMARIA
□ GYROS
□ GREEK FRIES
□ LOUKOUMADES
□ BAR/BEVERAGES
□ BAKERY
□ ADMISSIONS
□ CHURCH TOURS
□ TIROPITES/COFFEE
□ RAFFLE (NEED HELP)
□ TREASURER SUPPORT
□ TAKE-OUT
□ SALAD PREPARATION
□ FESTIVAL TEAR DOWN
□ DECORATIONS
□ GIFT SHOP
□ T-SHIRTS
□ YOUTH ACTIVITIES
□ REGISTERS/FOOD
□ YOUTH BUS BOYS/YOUTH BUS GIRLS (CLEANING TABLES)
SENIOR AWARDS LUNCHEON
As we do every year, on Sunday June 6th, AHEPA Monroe
Chapter #75, in collaboration with GOYA and with the cooperation of the Daughters of Penelope, will again sponsor an
Awards Luncheon for all the graduating high school (and
College) seniors of the St George Community.
In addition to the commemorative plaques, the Milton Marikakis
($2,500) and the Stephen G. Achaves ($500) and Georgia
Katsifis ($500) scholarships will be awarded to the winners
selected by the AHEPA Education Committee.
Invitations and scholarship applications will be mailed to all high
school graduating seniors. In years past, the response has been
somewhat disappointing! This is a long standing community
affair (this will be the 43rd annual event) honoring our future, our
youth. And the opportunity to win one of these scholarships
should be attractive at any time, but especially in these troubled
times.
We encourage all graduates to respond positively and participate
in the Awards Luncheon, as we all look forward to honoring
them.
John Abadiotakis
Vice President
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley
100 Franklin Corner Road
P. O. Box 1573
Smith Barney
Princeton, NJ 08542
tel 609 844 7900
direct 609 844 7949
Fax 609 844 7950
toll free 800 590 3001
[email protected]
ADVERTISE WITH
THE VOICE OF ST. GEORGE
PRICE LIST 2010-2011
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OUR NEWSLETTER REACHES OVER 1000 FAMILIES OF OUR ST. GEORGE COMMUNITY
For more information you can call the church office at: 732-463-1642
or send in your signed contract and check to:
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
1101 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Attention: Voice of St. George
Name:__________________________________________________Tel.#_________________________
Address:______________________________________________________________________________
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GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH
New Brunswick, N.J.
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1101 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
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Phone: 732.463.1642
Email: [email protected]
WE’RE ON THE WEB!
STGEORGEPISCATAWAY.ORG
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Future issues of the “Voice of St. George” will be printed on a bi-monthly basis. We are asking all
organizations wishing to place articles in the “Voice” to please submit their articles to
[email protected] by the following deadlines. If you would like to submit an image with your
article, it must be a jpg file. Articles/images will not be accepted after deadline dates. There will be no
exceptions. Thank you.
BI-MONTHLY ISSUE
SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATES
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August 1
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December 1
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April 1
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