28 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 GREECE METRO TOURS Next to Heaven There is only... By Peter Metropolis, Manager 978-535-4000 ext. 110 800-221-2810 Nationwide 978-535-8830 Fax A Publication of SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960-4496 . Tel: (978) 531-0777 . Fax: (978) 538-9522 Web: www.stvasilios.org . E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Www.metrotours.com June/July, 2013 Tremont Pharmacy PRESIDENT/CEO: NICK SARANTOPOULOS BRANCH MANAGER: NIKI CHARALAMBOUS 32 CENTRAL STREET - (978) 968-2222 www.myccu.org ORQODOJOS ZWH ● ORTHODOX LIFE Tremont Drug Co. 86 Tremont Street Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 The Feast of Pentecost Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos On Sunday, June 23rd we Proistamenos will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. We often hear that Pentecost signals the founding of the Great Church of Christ. As we look around us we see so many “churches,” and we wonder what the term church really means. The term Church to Orthodox Christians means the vehicle through which Christ is present and active in the world today. The Church was founded by Christ through the apostles and has maintained a living, historical connection with the apostles through the ordination of its clergy. The fact that the bishop who ordains an Orthodox priest today can trace his ordination historically all the way back to the apostles and through them to Christ is a guarantee that the Orthodox (Continued on page 7) NIKOLAOS K. KANALOUPITIS Inside this issue: Chief Executive Officer Continental Business Systems Strategic and Financial Planning and Management P.O. Box 3216 Tel: 978-922-0133 Beverly, MA 01915 Fax: 978-921-0139 [email protected] C B S CONSULTING St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 15 Peabody, MA 01960 «AddressBlock» Return Service Requested Fr. Chris’s Message Church Service Announcements Contact Information Summer Hours Weekday Services Parish Council News Parishioner of The Year Sunday, June 30 Liturgy at Winter Island Fr. Kerry’s Message Saturday of the Souls Help Needed for Annual Picnic 2013 Stewardship Update Koimisis of The Theotokos Yia Yia’s Attic Treasures Greek School News & Registration July/August Calendars Healthbeat Pictures of Easter Services Cooking for the Heaven from hunger St. Vasilios Show of Talent Sunday St. Val’s Men’s Club Golf Tournament Donations p. 1,7 p. 2 p. 2 p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12-13 p. 14-15 p. 16 p. 17-22 p. 23 p. 24 p. 25 p. 26 2 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Baptisms Nicholas M. Ambeliotis Nicholas P. Vontzalides Athan A. Vontzalides William F. Delaney Ankeles, Vontzalides, Ambeliotis & Delaney LLP The child of Germano & Elena Moreira With Godparent Andreas Athanasopoulos 246 Andover Street Peabody, MA 01960 Tel: (978) 531-7000 Fax: (978) 538-0152 Email: [email protected] The child of Keith & Sadie Doucette With Godparent Paul Stratis METRO CLEANERS The child of Fotios & Sophia Stamos With Godparents Peter & Jamie Antonopoulos HOUSE OF QUALITY 978-532-6337 Funerals The following members of St. Vasilios have fallen asleep into the hands of our Lord over the past months. Summer Hours Please note that we are celebrating only one service on Sundays Orthros - 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy - 9:00 a.m. Altin Doko Luise (Eliopoulos) Kessaris Theodore Pappas Agnes Georgion May their memory be eternal. Office Hours 9 am - 4 pm Memorials Qerine/c w/rec Fe/romev eic gvw/siv umw/v o/ti thn Kuriakh/ qa telei/tai mo/no mi/a Qei/a Leitourgi/a 40– Day Theo Apostolos Joy Anna Skouras 1- Year John A. kazes ‘Orqroc - 8:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a - 9:00 p.m. 4- Year Weddings Eleni Chamatsos /Wrec grafei/ou 9 p.m. - 4 m.m. Trisagia John Gikas Michael Vayeos Christophoros Christopher 5 yr Anthony Adoniou For the most updated information, check out www.stvasilios.org The child of Stanley & Lia Koulalis With Godparents Dimitrios & Katerina Mytaras Alexander William Pannos & Darrielle Lynn Young with sponsor James Morfis-Gas Presiding Priest Rev. Christopher Foustoukos [email protected] Pastor Emeritus Rev. Andrew J. Demotses [email protected] Parish Council President Mrs. Pam Katsiris [email protected] Organizations Liaison Mrs. Bonnie Antoniou [email protected] Office Manager Mrs. Irene Stephanides [email protected] Secretary and Bulletin Editor Mrs. Chrissa Pissios [email protected] Stewardship Chairman [email protected] Mr. Stephen S. Kalivas 43 Foster Street, Peabody, MA VASILIOS SIMOU AND FAMILY Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 NEW ENGLAND MEAT MARKET Charles Silva 62 Walnut Street, Peabody, MA 01960 978-531-0846 Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 STEPHEN M. ZOLOTAS Attorney at Law 133 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970 Tel: (978) 744-5333 Fax: (978) 832-1177 [email protected] FOFO’S Stefana only $59 Christening Outfits 25% off Decorated Candles Religious Items Plenty of Matia, Matia, Matia 136 Main Street Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 977 9141 Tue-Fri 11-5 Sat 11-4 Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Daniel Arthur Greeke & Maria Christine Kappa with sponsor Valerie Kappa Contact Information 27 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Bulletin Advertising Space Available Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 MENIATES FAMILY IN MEMORY OF JAMES X. & RENA MENIATES Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 ORGETTAS FAMILY IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL & RENA ORGETTAS 26 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 3 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Donations Weekday Services 40 Marie Heaphy in memory of Anna Skouras 50 Vasilios & Niki Roumeliotis and Sophia & Nick Aronis in memory of Stavros & Athena Filiopoulos 50 Dianne Kardaris & Family in memory of Ernest Adamopoulos 50 Georgia Metropolis & Family in memory of Ernest Adamopoulos 50 Socrates Adamopoulos & family in memory of brother Ernest Adamopoulos 25 Mr. & Mrs. William Tsapatsaris in memory of Angelo Karambelas 100 Markella Lygomenos & Margaret Rodgers in memory of parents Stephen C. & Josephine Lygomenos 200 George & Pauline Troubetaris in memory of Charles A. Adamopoulos 20 Constance Brown in memory of Louise Kessaris 25 Tina Lefthes in memory of Callie Taloumis 100 Helen Delegianis in memory of husband George Delegianis & mother Theodocia Kangos 50 Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Antoniou in memory of Nicholas Qirjazi 25 St. Val's Men's Club in memory of Ernie Adamopoulos 200 Peter & Virginia Adamopoulos in memory of Charles Adamopoulos 100 Mrs. Anastasia Stefanides, Dimitrios, Avraam & family in memory of Christoforos Christopher 50 George Venetos in memory of Penelope Karedis 50 Mr. & Mrs. Peter Christopher in memory of Stella Stathos 100 Rose Kokoras & sons in memory of William Kokoras That Was Then This Is Now Education Income Average Tray Contribution % of Church Budget Paid by Non-Parishioner X Factor Philanthropy Philanthropy * $1 in 1922 = $13.70 in 2012 due to inflation $1 in 1960 = $7.52 in 2012 due to inflation Then (Yiayia and Papou) Limited / Informal Now (Us) 2nd Highest in U.S. Immigrants (laborers/merchants) 3rd Highest in U.S. $1 $1* 0% 27% 1st in U.S. Judaism 2nd from last in U.S. Greek Orthodox --Stewardship Committee KAQHMERINES IERES AKOLOUQIES Holy Ascension Thursday, June 13th Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9am Ana/lhyh Pe/mpth, 13h Iouni./ou 8 pm /Orqroc 9 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Saturday of the Souls Saturday, June 22nd Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9am Yuxosa/bbaton Sa/bbato, 22h Iouni/ou 8 pm /Orqroc 9 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Sts. Peter & Paul Saturday, June 29th Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9am Pe/trou kai Pau/lou Sa/bbato, 29h Iouni/ou 8 pm /Orqroc 9 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Prophet Elias Thursday, July 20th Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9am Paraklesis Friday, August 2nd 7 pm Profh/th Hli/a Pe/mpth 20h Iouli/ou 8 pm /Orqroc 9 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Paa/klhsic Paraskeuh/, 2h Augou/stou 7 mm Vespers in Lowell Monday, August 5th Esperino/c sto Lowell Deute/ra, 5h Augou/stou Holy Transfiguration Blessing of Grapes Tuesday, August 6th 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy H Metamo/rfwsic tou Kuri/ou Hmw/n Ihsou/ Xristou/ Tri/th, 6h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Paraklesis Wednesday, August 7th 7 pm Para/klhsic Teta/rth, 8h Augou/stou 7 mm Paraklesis Friday, August 10th 7 pm Para/klhsic Paraskeuh/, 10h Augou/stou 7 mm Paraklesis Monday, August 12th 7 pm Para/klhsic Deute/ra 12h Augou/stou 7 mm Vespers in Somerville Wednesday, August 14th 7 pm Para/klhsic sto Somerville Deute/ra, 14h Augou/stou 7 mm Dormition Thursday, August 15th 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy St. Phanourios Tuesday, August 27th 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Koi/mhsic Pe/mpth, 15h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a / Agiou Fanouri/ou Tri/th, 27h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a Beheading of John Baptist Thursday, August 29th 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Apokomh/ Kefalh/c Prodro/mou Pe/mpth, 29h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a 2013 Dates to Remember Parish Leadership Seminar Tuesday, June 4 Giggles Fundraiser For Mission Trip Thursday , June 6 St Val’s Men’s Club Ladies Night Saturday, June 8 27th Annual Metropolis of boston Ministry Awards Banquet Sunday, June 9 Scholarship Banquet Friday, June 14 St Vasilios Show of Talent Sunday, June 23 @ 3 pm Philoptochos Luncheon Saturday, June 22 Picnic Sunday, June 30 Liturgy at Winter Island @ 10AM St Val’s Men’s Club Golf Tournament Monday, July 22 “Yiayia’s Attic Treasures Sale” Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, july 20 @9 am-3 pm & Sunday, july 21 @ 9-12 noon Sunday, June 30 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 4 Parish Council News PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Pamela Karamas Katsiris, President General Assembly Summary We are also committed to addressing challenges in our buildings This was my first General Assembly as President of the Parish to the handicapped and elderly and want to work with organizaCouncil and I am supremely proud and honored to contribute with tions and ministries to remove those impediments. All the while, my best efforts, to the stewardship of this great community. remembering that we must maintain our historic edifice and must always consider that major repairs and improvements will be onI thank you in advance, for your patience as I learn the ropes, going and necessary, and that a capital campaign inevitability! your willingness to help with the volunteer pleas, and understanding with my foibles and shortcomings. Already, this year has Additionally, the tireless effort of our committees has yielded shown how committed our stewards are to our Parish, how vi- many successes, which were highlighted at the General Assembrant and involved are our ministries, and how energized and bly. Some examples are the dedication of our Parish Elders Comeffective are our committees and council. mittee, the improvements to the Greek School Program, the enthusiastic response and participation at our first ever Youth GenWe have begun in earnest a massive fundraising campaign only eral Assembly, the stunning progress made by the Policy/Bylaws six short months ago and have already reached more than half of Committee and the efforts to streamline the Scholarship Commitour goal, increased at the general assembly with a grant from the tee oversight. I thank you for the opportunity and sincerely hope Endowment Fund income, generous gifts from the Philoptochos that you will join us as we steward our church forward. and other ministries and organizations. We have committed to remaining fiscally stable, and returning our savings account to the Yours in Christ, previous milestone of $100,000. We have increased our revenue stream with a rental program in our gym, and managed our costs effectively so as to make a contribution to savings, while still Pamela Karamas Katsiris improving the facilities and performing necessary repairs and Parish President maintenance. Ratification Of New Investment Committee Members Per the guidelines set forth in the Investment Policy of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, the Investment Committee met and recommended the following members in good standing to the Parish Council: Speros Venios – 3 Year Term Peter Franggos – 3 Year Term Costa Partelides – 1 Year Term Jason Panos – 1 Year Term These members were approved by the Parish Council and unanimously approved by the General Assembly. GRANT RECOMMENDATION The Parish Council, upon the recommendation of the Investment Committee, submitted for approval the following allocation of the Endowment Grant: $32,132 to be granted to the Bell Tower Fund and the remaining $5,000 be granted towards the purchase and installation of a new electronic Church bell system. The General Assembly unanimously approved these allocations. ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Page 23 25 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Page 24 22 5 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Parishioner of the Year Sophia Nanis-Pappas Sophia Nanis-Pappas has been a member of Saint Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody her entire life. Sophia’s mother, Gianoula Karademos, immigrated to the United States with her parents, Eleni and Vasilios Karademos, and her two brothers, Tom and John Karademos, in 1955 and later married Michael Nanis in the early sixties. Since their arrival from Greece, Sophia’s parents were members of Saint Vasilios. Sophia and her sisters, Helen Nanis Papadopoulos and Maria Nanis Nionakis, were baptized at St. Vasilios where they also attended Greek School, Sunday School, Church Choir, and Goya. Her family instilled Sophia’s love of the church in her. Sophia remembers the teachings of her grandmother, Eleni, regarding our role in the church. She remembers her saying, “The church is your home. Just like you take care of your home, you must also take care of your church”. Sophia never forgot those words and the living examples of both her grandmother and mother. Having an education in finance, Sophia spent much of her career crafting/developing financial plans & proformas, providing decision support for critical path items, and leading and mobilizing organizations to achieve longterm goals. As Sophia progressed in her career, she never forgot the words of her grandmother and the living examples of her mother. She often thought it would be ideal if she could find a way to utilize her passion, gifts and talents and give back to her community at St. Vasilios. While contemplating how to put these thoughts into actions, she was approached in church by a member of the Parish Council and asked if she would be interested in serving on the Parish Council. Sophia received this as a clear sign that it was time to act on her intentions. In the year 2001, Sophia joined the Parish Council and the following year she was nominated and became Treasurer of St. Vasilios. Sophia held the position of Treasurer for six years and then followed on to become President of the Parish Council in the year 2010. During her tenure on the Parish Council, she was able to help the community carry out many critical objectives related to parish finances, establish a formal investment policy for the church Endowment Fund, initiate capital improvement plans, lead fundraising efforts, create long-term objectives for the community, and other projects. Recently, Sophia has married and she is looking forward to continuing her journey and involvement in the church with her husband Michael Pappas. ANNOUNCEMENT PLEASE NOTE THAT ON SUNDAY, JUNE 30TH LITURGY WILL BE CELEBRATED AT WINTER ISLAND AT 10 AM Anakoi/nwsh Shmeiw/ste o/ti qa thn Kuriakh/ 30h, Iouni/ou h Qei/a Leitourgi/a telestei/ sto WI NTER ISLAND stic 10 p.m. 6 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 ΤΟ ΑΓΙΟ ΠΝΕΥΜΑ ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΠΕΝΤΗΚΟΣΤΗΣ Αγαπητοί μου Αδελφοί, ‘Η Παλαιά Διαθήκη μάς πληροφορεί ότι από τόν αρχαίο παράδεισο τής Εδέμ πήγαζαν ποταμοί πού τόν πότιζαν καί εξαπλώνονταν πάνω στή γή (Γέν.2,10-14). Στήν Καινή Διαθήκη ό Κύριος καί Θεός μας ήλθε γιά νά μάς αναδημιουργήσει – καί φύτευσε τή Βσασιλεία του όχι πάνω σέ κάποιον τόπο τής γής, ώστε νά τήν παρατηρεί κάποιος μέ γυμνούς τούς οφθαλμούς (Λουκ.17, 20-21), αλλά μέσα στίς καρδιές τών ανθρώπων πού πιστεύουν στόν Κύριο Ιησού – δηλαδή πού πιστεύουν όπως διδάσκει ή ‘Αγία Γραφή – καί διψούν γιά τήν αλήθεια καί τήν αιώνια ζωή. ‘Η Βασιλεία τού Θεού, όπως σημειώνει ό Άγιος Μάξιμος ό ‘Ομολογητής ερμηνεύοντας τή φράση τής Κυριακής Προσευχής «ελθέτω ή Βασιλεία σου», είναι τό Άγιο Πνεύμα. Όποιος λοιπόν πιστεύει ορθά στόν Ιησού Χριστό καί βαπτίζεται στό όνομά Του, δέχεται μέσα στήν καρδιά του τό Άγιο Πνεύμα – τή Βασιλεία τού Θεού, πού γίνεται γι΄αυτόν πηγή από τήν οποία ρέουν αναεξάντλητοι ποταμοί χαρισμάτων τού Θεού. Τήν αλήθεια αυτή δήλωσε ό Κύριος, όταν τήν εβδόμη καί τελευταία ημέρα τής εορτής τής σκηνοπηγίας δίδασκε τά πλήθη τών Εβραίων, λέγοντας «Εάν κάποιος διψά, άς έρχεται σέ μένα καί άς πίνει. Όποιος πιστεύει σέ μένα έτσι όπως διδάσκει ή Γραφή, από τήν κοιλία του θά ρεύσουν ποταμοί ζωντανού ύδατος.» Αυτό τό ύδωρ από τό οποίο πηγάζουν ποτάμια θείας χάριτος, μάς εξηγεί ό Ευαγγελιστής Ιωάννης, είναι τό Άγιο Πνεύμα. ΄Ως «κοιλία» συχνά εννοείται στή Γραφή ή καρδιά τού ανθρώπου. Γι’αυτό ό Προφήτης Δαυίδ έλεγε σέ έναν ψαλμό – «Θεέ μου, θέλησα νά κάνω τό θέλημά Σου καί νά τηρήσω τό νόμο Σου «έν μέσω τής κοιλίας μου» (Ψαλμ.39,9), δηλαδή «μέ όλη τήν καρδιά μου». Επίσης, ό Προφήτης Ιερεμίας βλέποντας τά κακά πού έμελλαν νά έρθουν γιά τήν αμετανοησία τών ανθρώπων τού λαού έλεγε – «τήν κοιλίαν μου αλγώ» (Ιερ.4,19), εκφράζοντας τό φοβερό πόνο πού αισθανόταν στήν καρδιά τού λόγω τής θλήψεώς του. Ό Ευαγγελιστής Ιωάννης παρατηρεί ότι όταν έλεγε αυτά τά λόγια ό Ιησούς, δέν είχε δοθεί ακόμη τό Άγιο Πνεύμα, επειδή ό Ιησούς δέν είχε ακόμη δοξασθεί. ΄Ως δόξα τού Ιησού νοείται ό Σταυρός του, επειδή μέ τό Σταυρό του ό Κύριος κατέβαλε τόν τύραννο διάβολο καί βασίλευσε σέ όλη τή οικουμένη. Άφού ό Κύριος γεύθηκε τό σταυρικό θάνατο, αναστήθηκε καί αναλήφθηκε στούς ουρανούς, έστειλε πρώτα στούς μαθητές του τό Άγιο Πνεύμα τήν ημέρα τής Πεντηκοστής, σύμφωνα μέ τήν υπόσχεσή του, καί κατόπιν σέ όλους όσοι πιστεύουν σέ αυτόν καί βαπτίζονται στό όνομα τού Πατρός καί τού Υιού καί τού Αγίου Πνεύματος, σύμφωνα μέ τήν πρόρρησή του καί τήν εντολή του (Ιωάν.7,37-39 καί Ματθ.28.19). Στό σημείο αυτό πρέπει νά τονιστεί ότι τό Άγιο Πνέυμα είναι πρόσωπο – είναι τό τρίτο πρόσωπο τής Αγίας Τριάδος. Είναι «Εκείνος» πού εκπορεύεται προαιωνίως από τόν Πατέρα καί δίνει τή μαρτυρία του γιά τό σαρκωθέντα Υιό τού Θεού (Ιω. 15,26) – ομιλεί διά τών προφητών (Πραξ.1,16 καί 21,11), δίνει εντολές (Πραξ.8,29 καί 10,19-20), αποστέλλει ανθρώπους γιά νά κηρύξουν (Πραξ.13,2-4) καί διαμοιράζει τά θεία χαρίσματα στόν κάθε άνθρωπο «καθώς βούλεται» (Α’Κορ.12,11). Σεχτικά μέ τή χρήγηση τού Άγίου Πνεύματος στό άγιο βάπτισμα, ό Αββάς Μάρκος ό Ασκητής στό έργο του «Περί τού Θείου Βαπτίσματος» (pg 65, 989 κ.έ), κάνει μεταξύ άλλων τίς ακόλουθες παρατηρήσεις. Στό Άγιο Βάπτισμα μέ μυστικό τρόπο συνθαπτόμαστε μαζί μέ τόν Χριστόν καί συνεγειρόμαστε καί ανεβαίνουμε στούς ουρανούς καί καθόμαστε μαζί Του στά δεξιά τού Θεού Πατρός (Ρωμ.6,4 καί Εφες.2,6). Επίσης, λαμβάνουμε πλήρη καί τέλεια τή χάρη τού Άγίου Πναέυματος καί ελεθυθερωνόμαστε από τήν τυραννία τήα αμαρτίας καί τού θανάτου. Γι’αυτό ήδη από τό βάπτισμα λαμβάνουμε εντελώς δωρεάν τή δικαίωση καί τή σωτηρία μας. ‘Ωστόσο όμως, δέν μπορούμε νά μείνουμε μέσα στά όρια τής ελευθερίας καί τής Βασιλείας τού Θεού, άν δέν τηρούμε τίς εντολές. Μέ τήν τήρηση τών εντολών ό βαπτισμένος πιστός παραμένει μέσα στήν απολυτρωτική χάρη πού έλαβε. Δέν τηρούμε λοιπόν τίς εντολές γιά νά σωθούμε, αλλά γιά νά διατηρήσουμε τή σωτηρία πού λάβαμε δωρεάν μέ τό μυστήριο τού βαπτίσματος. Μέ άλλα λόγια, αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί, όσο ηθικός καί νά είναι κάποιος, δέν μπορεί νά βρεί τή σωτηρία του, δίχως τήν ορθή πίστη καί τό βάπτισμα τής Εκκλησίας. Ή σωτηρία καί ό αγιασμός δέν είναι αποτέλεσμα ανθρωπίνης προσπάθειας. Δέν εξαγοράζεται μέ καλά έργα καί ηθηκή ζωή. Παρέχεται δωρεάν διά τού Αγίου Πνεύματος στό βάπτισμα καί τή διατηρεί ό πιστός, όταν συμμορφώνει τή ζωή του μέ τό φρόνημα τού Κυρίου Ιησού Χριστού. Επομένως, όλος ό αγώνας καί ό ιδρώτας μας βαπιτσμένοι καί διακιωμένοι Χριστιανοί πού είμαστε, είναι νά διαφυλάξουμε ακέραιη μέσα μας τή χάρη πού λάβαμε στό βάπτισμα, έως ότου εξέλθουμε από τόν παρόντα φθαρτό καί αμετάβλητο βίο. Τότε ή θεία χάρη θά καταστεί αναφαίρετη κληρονομιά μας είς τούς αιώνες τών αιώνων. Αμήν. Μετ΄αγάπης πολλής έν Κυρίω, + π. Κυριάκος Β. Σαραβέλας ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Cooking for the Haven from Hunger I am happy and proud that the St Vasilios community has reaffirmed their commitment to helping others less fortunate than ourselves in our very own neighborhoods, by cooking for the Haven from Hunger, a shelter that feeds the hungry, on the 4th Thursday of every month. We will be preparing a church cooked meal on the 4th Wednesday of each month for delivery the next morning to the Haven. Church school teacher, Persephone Santos, has generously taken on this task solo for a number of years. We are now trying to lighten her load and we thank her for all the meals she has prepared. The following is the schedule of the the months chosen by various organizations, individuals and ministries of the church: January February March April May June July August September October November December meal) (still available) PTA Church school James Gass Philoptohos PTA Men's Club Men's Club Daughters of Penelope Parish Council Thanksgiving (City of Peabody prepares the meal) Church School (unless Christmas falls on 4th Thursday, then City prepares the I want to personally thank all the groups in advance for their time and effort for this worthwhile cause. If any parishioner would like to assist in cooking on any particular month, please contact the head of the group above to find out what time they will be preparing the meal. You can call Persephone at 978-531-2121 for more information, or you can also contact Thanasi Pantazelos, [email protected] from the Parish Council, who is our liaison for this ministry. Thank you for participating in this worthwhile ministry and to committing to help those less fortunate than us, My very best, Pam Katsiris Parish Council President 23 22 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 HOLY SATURDAY MORNING RESURRECTION SERVICE AND DIVINE LITURGY 7 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 (Continued from page 1) The Feast of Pentecost Continued Church was not founded by some person. For example Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormons), or Charles Taze Russel (Jehovah Witnesses) , or Martin Luther, or John Calvin, etc., but for the Eastern Orthodox Church Christ Himself is its founder. We call this Apostolic Succession. It means that our Church is the authentic and genuine Church or Body of Christ in the world. It continues to teach not one person’s interpretation of the faith but the complete deposit of faith as it was handed down to the Apostles by Jesus Christ. A church is the true Church of Christ if it can show historically that it was founded by Christ and has maintained a living connection over the centuries with that early Church. We depend on this historical connection in order to be assured that the deposit of the faith has not been tampered with but has been handed down to us in its entirety. Father Stylianopoulos writes: “…the Orthodox Church is the true Church of God on earth and maintains the fullness of Christ’s truth in continuity with the Church of the Apostles. This awesome claim does not necessarily mean that the Orthodox Christians have achieved perfection: for we have many personal shortcomings. Nor does it necessarily mean that the other Christian Churches do not serve God’s purpose positively: for it is not up to us to judge others but to live and proclaim the fullness of the truth. But it does mean that if a person carefully examines the history of Christianity he or she will soon discover that the Orthodox Church alone is in complete sacramental, doctrinal and canonical continuity with the ancient undivided Church as it authoritatively expressed itself through the seven great Ecumenical Councils.” One of the distinguishing features of the Orthodox Church is her changelessness. The Orthodox Church baptizes by three-fold immersion as was done in the early Church. It still confirms infants at baptism bestowing upon them the “seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” It still brings babies and small children to receive Holy Communion. In the Divine Liturgy the call is still heard: “The Doors, the Doors.” Recalling earlier days when none but the baptized members of the Christian Family could participate in the work of the liturgy. The Nicene Constinopolitan Creed is still recited without later additions. The Orthodox Church has two distinctive features: 1) her changelessness 2)her sense of living continuity with the church of the early apostles. In light of these truths let’s make every attempt to be in church on Pentecost, Sunday June 23rd, to celebrate the establishment of God’s Holy Church. Let us also not cease for striving to live our Orthodox Faith not just on Sunday, or Christmas and Pascha but every day of the year to the best of our abilities. May the Holy Spirit enlighten us to live our Orthodox Faith in a more committed way. With much love in Christ, Yuxosa/bbatov On Saturday, June 22, the final Saturday of the Souls of the Church year will take place. Our Kolyva Committee will prepare kolyva on behalf of everyone, and those who wish may make a free will offering. Please submit to the church office the FIRST names of those you wish to commemorate by using either the form below. Mrs. Irene Giannias has sponsored the tray. Fe/romen eic gnw/sin umw/n o/ti to teleutai/o Yuxosa/bbato tou xro/vou qa la/bei me/ roc thn 11h Iouni/ou. Qa akolouqh/sh mnhmo/suno upe/r twv proanapausme/evwn oikei;wn hmw/n. H /Epitroph/ Kollu/bwn qa stoli/sh ko/lluba ek me/rouc o/lwn, kai dia ta opoi/a o/poioc filotimhqh/, mporei/ va ka/nei mi/a prosfora/ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 8 Page 20 Page 21 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 HOLY FRIDAY EVENING 20 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 HOLY FRIDAY MORNING 9 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 2013 Saint Vasilios’ Stewardship STEWARDSHIP, A RICH MAN: “A rich man is not who has much but one who gives much. For that remains his forever,” wrote St John Chrysostom. You are invited to be a “Rich Man,” as defined by Chrysostom and give personally to Saint Vasilios by your 2013 Stewardship commitment, for the portion you give “remains yours forever.” May God bless your generosity. As of April 16, 2013 we have 650 stewards pledged for Saint Vasilios. If you have not sent in your PLEDGE for 2013, please do so today. Under our true stewardship system, every member is asked to offer a gift to the church in an amount of his or her own choosing and one that honestly reflects their personal circumstances and ability. Please be mindful that approximately 1000 stewards are asked to sustain our parish budget of $600,000 annually. Thank you for your anticipated response. Below is a listing of the parishioners who have pledged from 4/16/13 through 5/22/13 HOLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON Mrs.Sofia Amvrosiades Mr. James A. Argeros Mrs. Julie Bianco Mrs. Valerie Hart Boyns Mr. James Steven Calas Mr. & Mrs. Charles Dagas Mrs. Maria Dicenso Mr.&Mrs.Angelo Efstathopoulos Mrs. Jennifer Entwistle Mrs. Gail Everson Mr. & Mrs. Gregory V. Fanikos Mrs. Argiro Felismino Mr. & Mrs. Spiros P. Flomp Mrs. Connie Frisch Mrs. Joan George Mrs. Stella George Mr. Peter N. George Mrs. Katherine Hart Ms. Amanda Hart Mrs. Z. Joyce Kachinski Dr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kalaitzidis Mrs. Valerie Koen Dr. Demosthenes Kotronis Mr.& Mrs.Nicholas Kurkuvelos Mr. & Mrs. Manolis Lantzakis Mr. John J. Maihos Mrs. Katherine Mallios Mr. George T. Mandragouras Mrs. Alexis Meader Mr. James Morfis-Gas Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Nicolakis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Orfanos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Paganis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Pantazelos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Pappagianopoulos Mr. Peter C. Pappagianopoulos Ms. Kym Pappathanasi Dr. & Mrs. John Parianos Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Psyhogios Mr. Alexander Ruggeri Mr. & Mrs. Roy Santos Mr. George Scangas Mr. & Mrs. T. Soteropoulos Mr. Christopher W. Stamos Mr. & Mrs. Fotios Stamos Ms. Dianna N. Theodore Mr. Peter Valles Mrs. Kathryn Von Oesen Mr. Vassilis Vourloumis Parable of the Dead Church A man once called a pastor to say that he wanted to join the church. But, he went on to explain that he didn’t want to worship every week , study the Bible, visit the sick, witness to non-Christians, or serve as a leader or teacher. The pastor commended him for his desire to join, but told him the church he sought was located in another section of town. The man took directions and hung up. When he arrived at the church, the man came face-to-face with the logical result of his own apathetic attitude. There stood an abandoned church building, boarded up and ready for demolition. -Stewardship Committee 10 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Koimisis of the Theotokos 19 Page 18 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 HOLY WEDNESDAY On August 15th we commemorate the Koimisis, Dormition, or the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary. Much of the Church’s Holy Tradition is given in the book called the Horologion. In this book we read about the falling asleep of the Theotokos. As time drew near for the Lord to call His earthly Mother, He sent an angel to announce this to her three days beforehand. The Virgin Mary then went to the Mount of Olives to pray. This was a prayer of rejoicing, the joy of return to the Savior. Ever since the Resurrection, death had a new meaning and attitude. Death no longer meant the end and despair; now it was a new beginning, a hope, a new life. Death was now, in Christian terms sleep, which Christ would wake us up from and live forever with Him in heaven. The event of the Dormition is very important in our Church life and it is preceded by a two week fast period. During this time we conduct the service of the Paraklesis, the Supplication to the Theotokos. During this service we ask the Virgin Mary to pray for us to her Son, to help us, to overcome our illnesses, and to assist us in times of trouble or need. We do this because the Church feels that since she is so close to God that she will assist us in our prayers to Him. Paraklesis Service Para/klhsic Akolouqi/ec All services will take place at 7p.m. /Olec oi akolouq/i/ec qa la/boun me/roc sti/c 7:m.m. Friday , August 2, 2013 Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Friday, August 9, 2013 Monday, August 12, 2013 Paraskeuh/, 2h, Augou/stou, 2013 Teta/rth, 7h, Augou/stou, 2013 Paraskeuh/, 9h, Augou/stou, 2013 Deute/ra, 12h, Augou/stou, 2013 Please write the baptismal names of those people you wish remembered and return this list in the envelope provided along with your offering for this feast. ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ HOLY THURSDAY Page 18 19 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 HOLY MONDAY Other items that will be accepted:  Holiday Décor  Jewelry  Sports equipment--in Good Condition  Linens, blankets, drapes  Dishes, pans, vases, glasses , cups/mugs, coffee makers, blenders, mixers bowls. 11 12 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Greek School news The Greek School Year has come to an end. On Saturday, June 1st our graduating class attended Greek School Graduation at the Maliotis Center in Brookline. The theme of the event was Greek Islands and we represented the island of Ikaria. Students performed the Ikariotiko and Sophia Kapoglis and Andreas Lantzakis presented information and history of Ikaria. Students were given diplomas and crosses by Archbishop Methodios. 17 Page 18 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 EASTER SERVICES SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY Our graduation took place on Sunday, June 2nd at St. Vasilios. The following students completed our Greek School Program this year: Οι Απόφοιτοι Τάξη Graduating Class Δημήτριος Γιανναράκης Dimitrios Giannarakis Εξαιρετική Επιμέλεια Πρώην Διευθύντρια Κυρία Αμαλία Κορκάρη Former Principal Ms. Amalia Korkaris Award Exceptional Effort Ειρήνη Γιαννιά Irene Giannias Βραβείο Διευθύντριων Κυρία Ντίνα Καλαϊτζίδου Principal’s Award Σοφία Καπόγλη Sophia Kapoglis Βραβείο Πρώην Αποφοίτων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου Greek School Alumni Award Βραβείο Τακτικής Φοίτησις Perfect Attendance Award Ανδρέας Λαντζάκης Andreas Lantzakis Αριστείον για Εξαιρατική Μάθησης Πρώην Διευθύντρια Δεσποινίς Hμερομίστη Former Principal Despinis Emeromistis Highest Honors Awards Βραβείο Πατήρ Χρήστου Φουστούκου Father Chris Foustoukos Award Βραβείο Πρώην Αποφοίτων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου Greek School Alumni Award Βραβείο Τακτικής Φοίτησι Perfect Attendance Award Αντωνία Μάρτινς Antonia Martins Κυριακή ΝτιΦρούσια Katie DiFruscia Βραβείο της Φιλοπτώχου Αθηνά Philoptochos Athena Award Βραβείο Τακτικής Φοίτησις Perfect Attendance Award Λεωνίδας Πάλμας Leo Palma Παναγιώτα Πουλοπούλου Pamela Poulopoulos Σοφία Ρούβαλη Sophia Rouvalis Συγχαρητήρια και εις ανώτερα! Congratulations! PALM SUNDAY EVENING Page 16 19 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 13 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 All students received a Greek School Tshirt and yearbook compliments of the Greek School, an English to Greek/ Greek to English Dictionary compliments of the PTA, and a Centennial Album compliments of the Greek School Alumni. Following graduation there was a breakfast compliments of the PTA for the graduates and their families in the Andrew J. Demotses Educational Center. A special thanks to Speros Venios and Joanne Venios for preparing the breakfast and the 5th grade parents that served. HEALTHBEAT Our End of the Year Program for grades PreK-5th took place on Wednesday, June 5. The theme of our program was summer. Students performed songs and poems. Each student received a Greek School Tshirt, in addition to prizes for perfect attendance, effort and top student. Students will be performing on June 29th at 5pm at the Church Picnic on Winter Island. Σας ευχόμαστε καλό καλοκαίρι! We wish you all a wonderful summer! For pictures and news check us out at: http://stvasiliosgreekschool.shutterfly.com/ SIGN UP EARLY! GREEK SCHOOL REGISTRATION 2013-2014 This year we are we are opening our Greek school to students of other communities as well as to those of the greater community. The St. Vasilios Greek School has functioned continuously since the founding of our parish. The Greek School is the oldest educational program within the church. The school offers the youth of our community knowledge of the Greek language, a love for the Orthodox Faith, and an appreciation for the culture and history of the Greek people. Our students build strong bonds with their classmates that last a lifetime. We will have an open registration this year, you can visit the church website www.stvasilios.org to download the registration form and bring it to the office at your convenience. If you register by July 1st you will receive a $25 discount per child. Tuition must be paid in full to receive discount. We are also offering a split payment plan, and accept cash, check or credit card. Greek School consists of 8 grades Pre-K through 6th, open to students in grades Kindergarten through 7th grade in American School. Children entering Kindergarten can enroll in the Pre-School class. The Pre-School class will meet every Wednesday. Kindergarten through 6th grade will meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:30-5:00 Our highly qualified and experienced teaching staff comes together to provide our community’s children with knowledge of their heritage and Greek language. The staff adjusts the curriculum to the needs and abilities of our children who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our curriculum consists of conversational skills, culture, reading, religion, writing and dance. In addition to this students perform dance at a number of church and city events throughout the school year. Saint Stephen’s Ministry If you have a family member, a friend or an acquaintance who need or would like to have our clergy and/or our volunteers to pay them a visit, please notify the Church office, 978 531 0777. God Bless you. The first day of Greek School for the 2013-2014 school year will be Wednesday, September 11th. Tuition for the 2013-2014 School Year Tuition for St. Vasilios members in good standing: Pre-K: $100 per student th Kindergarten-6 grade: $300 per student $500 maximum per family Tuition for members in good standing at another parish: Pre-K $150 per student Kindergarten-6th grade: $350 per student $550 maximum per family Must provide documentation of good standing to the church office Tuition for non-members of a parish: Pre-K $300 per student Kindergarten-6th grade: $500 per student $850 maximum per family Tuition includes books If you have any questions regarding the Greek School program you can contact Principal Dina Kalaitzidis at [email protected]. 14 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 July 2013 Sun Mon 1 Tue 2 Wed 3 August 2013 Thu 4 15 ORTHODOX LIFE - June/July 2013 Fri 5 Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 6 Thu 1 Fri 2 Sat 3 Office Closed Paraklesis 7pm 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 Vespers Lowell 6 7 8 Paraklesis 7pm 14 21 15 22 16 23 17 24 Sts 18 19 20 Yiayia’s Attic Treasures 9am—3 pm Yiayia’s Attic Treasures 9am—3 pm Yiayia’s Attic Treasures 9am—3 pm 25 26 27 11 12 9 10 Holy Transfiguration Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am 13 Paraklesis 7pm 14 15 Vespers Somerville Dormition Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am Paraklesis 7pm 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Yiayia’s Attic Treasures 9am—12 noon 28 29 30 31 St. Phanourios Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am Beheading of John the Baptist Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am Don't forget Liturgy will be at Winter Island the day of the picnic, Sunday, June 30th at 10 am.