GREECE METRO TOURS ORQODOJOS ZWH ● ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only... 31 Maple Street, Danvers Square (978) 750-0100 Your Hosts Ted Kougianos & Kyriakos “Kary” Andrinopoulos Open: Monday-Saturday 6 am - 9 pm Sunday 6 am - 8 pm By SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Peter Metropolis, Manager 978-535-4000 ext. 110 800-221-2810 Nationwide 978-535-8830 Fax 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 March, 2013 Tremont Pharmacy PRESIDENT/CEO: NICK SARANTOPOULOS BRANCH MANAGER: NIKI CHARALAMBOUS 32 CENTRAL STREET - (978) 968-2222 www.myccu.org A Publication of Tremont Drug Co. 86 Tremont Street Peabody, MA 01960 Confession and Great Lent Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos Proistamenos Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 The gift of God's forgiveness Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 is received through private corporate prayer, wor- ship, the disciplines of prayer and fasting, penitential services and above all through the sacrament of Holy Confession. NIKOLAOS K. KANALOUPITIS The value of Holy Confession is Chief Executive Officer twofold. First, through this sacra- Continental Business Systems mental act of the ordained priest and Strategic and Financial Planning and Management the Christian believer we have the P.O. Box 3216 Tel: 978-922-0133 Beverly, MA 01915 Fax: 978-921-0139 [email protected] (Continued on page 7) C B S Inside this issue: CONSULTING St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496 «nameline» «address» «address2» «city» «state» «zip» Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 15 Peabody, MA 01960 Return Service Requested Fr. Chris’s Message Church Service Announcements 2103 Dates to Remember Weekday Services Parish Council News Community Credit Union Donation Notice of Endowment Fund Grant Opportunity Important Announcements 2013 Stewardship Update Soup Sale to benefit the 2013 Mission Trip Fr. Kerry’s Message Clergy Brotherhood Article p. 1,7,8 p. 2 p. 2 p. 2-3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 8 p. 9 p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 Donations for Lent and Holy Week St; Makrina Knitting Group May/June Calendars Healthbeat A Walk for Service to benefit the 2013 Mission Trip Greek School News Community District Retreat St. Vasilios Scholarship Info & Deadline St. Vasilios Show of Talent Sunday Yia Yia’s Attic Treasures St. Val’s Men’s Club Golf Tournament Just for Kids Donations p. 11 p. 11 p. 12-13 p. 14 p. 14 p. 15 p. 15 p. 16 p. 17 p. 17 p. 18-19 p. 20 p. 21-22 Page 2 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Baptisms The child of Panagiotis & Kenia Konstantilakis With Godparents Goerge & Natalie Megaloudis Memorials 40– Day Maria Gianoulis Stella Stathos Sandra Kessaris Michael C. Lignos John A. Salaris Antonio Syrakos 1- Year 2013 Dates to Remember St, Vasilios Scholarship Application Deadline April 5 Boston Greek Independence Day Parade Sunday, April 7 Community District Retreat& Lock-In At the Holy Apostoles Church in Haverhill MA April 19-20 Youth Overnight Retreat Friday, April 26 General Assembly Monday, May 20 7 pm Picnic Liturgy at Winter Island Sunday, June 30 George Katsoulas Michael Vayeos William G. Kajos 8- Year Demetrios Michael 9- Year Rose Charos 10- Year George & Martha Yokas Theodore Koulas 17- Year Lefki Hassapis 40- Year Peter Charos Trisagia 6 month Leonidas Tsionis 1 yr James Pappis 2 yr. Paul E. Lazarides Constantine Nicholas Penny Gikas Charles Vayeos Stella Vayeos Mary Vayeos 25 yr Christos Batsinelas 35 yr Theodoros Stephanides Funerals The following member of St. Vasilios has fallen asleep into the hands of our Lord over the past months. Bessie (Polychronopoulos) Zetes May her memory be eternal. Weekday Services Friday, March 22nd Salutations to the Theotokos 7 p.m. 3rd Saturday of Souls Saturday, March 23rd 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday, March 24th Annunciation Vespers Liturgy will take place at Annunciation Church, Dover NH Presanctified Liturgy 7 p.m. Annunciation Monday, March 25th 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Nicholas M. Ambeliotis Nicholas P. Vontzalides Athan A. Vontzalides William F. Delaney Ankeles, Vontzalides, Ambeliotis & Delaney LLP 246 Andover Street Peabody, MA 01960 Tel: (978) 531-7000 Fax: (978) 538-0152 Email: [email protected] METRO CLEANERS 43 Foster Street, Peabody, MA HOUSE OF QUALITY 978-532-6337 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 th Wednesday, March 27 Presanctified Liturgy 8 a.m. Friday, March 29th Salutations to the Theotokos 7 p.m. Monday, April 1st 7 p.m. Compline Wednesday, April 3rd Presanctified Liturgy 6 p.m. Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Friday, April 5th Salutations to the Theotokos 7 p.m. Monday, April 8th 7 p.m. Compline th Wednesday, April 10 Presanctified Liturgy 8 a.m. Friday, April 12th Salutations to the Theotokos 7 p.m. Monday, April 15 7 p.m. Compline th Bulletin Advertising Space Available Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Bulletin Advertising Space Available Please contact Irene at 978-531-0777 Wednesday, April 17th Presanctified Liturgy 6 p.m. Friday, April 19th Akathist 7 p.m. Monday, April 22nd 7 p.m. Compline Wednesday, April 24th Presanctified Liturgy 8 a.m. MENIATES FAMILY IN MEMORY OF JAMES X. & RENA MENIATES ORGETTAS FAMILY IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL & RENA ORGETTAS Page 22 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Page 3 Donations (Continued) In memory of Michael C. Lignos--Bell Tower Fund 200 Mrs. Kim Lignos 200 Stanley & Judy Lignos 50 Steven & Neva Georgion 50 John & Barbara Horton 50 Despina & Mark Ianuzzi 100 Gia & John Zolotas 100 Dolly, John, Anthony & Johnny Zaninno 100 Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Maistrellis 25 Paul Cranney 200 Mary Zolotas 25 George & Margo Padios 25 Julie Fleming 50 Netta Lomasney 50 John & Carolyn Malski 50 Stefan & Lea Vounessea 100 Lynne Klamm 30 Marilyn C. Norfolk 100 Virginia Norfolk & Jeff May 25 Rita Brochu 10 Stephen & Diane Servello 25 Lorraine Cotton 100 Paul & Elaine Adamopoulos 100 Michelle Miakos Richard & Althea Smith, Jeffrey Smith & Januley, 200 Richard Smith, Eva Davis 100 Lawrence Duval 25 Arthur Pelkey 25 Patrick Cahill 25 Pat & Joe Crowley 25 Ruth Harutunian 25 Dolores Atallo 50 Frank Rossi 25 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Wheadon In loving memory of John Salaris-Bell Tower 500 Mrs. Georgia Salaris 500 Paul & Suzanne Lanzikos 500 Richard & Valerie Gingras 250 Dean & Martha Howard 25 Peggy Triantafillou 50 William & Ann Tsapatsaris & Tony and family 25 Esther Crowell 25 John, Anastasia & Greg Diminture 25 St. Val's Men's Club 50 Georgiann Koutrouba 50 Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Marshall, Mr. & Mrs. Jose Silva 25 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DiFranco 50 Peter & Michelle Korisianos 200 Danvers Motor Co. 50 Joe & Anne Dillon 25 Katherine & Harold Harutunian 50 Donn Mohan, Virginia Bettencourt 100 Thomas O'Neill 25 Robert & Malva Lindgren 15 Michael & Pam Krochmal 25 Dr. & Mrs. Melvin Mizner 100 Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios Korisianos 25 Mrs. Irene Oliver & family 50 Lou & Susan Sabino 50 Raymond Tiezzi 20 Lisa & Emilio Ferrante 100 Mr. & Mrs. William Tsapatsaris 25 William & Marie Story 100 Ron & Cathy Almeida 50 Michael & Ferne Pasternak 25 Denise Martwichuck 50 Linda DePont & Cathy Koehler 200 Friends at the FAA-New York 100 Mark, Kelly, Daniel & Stephanie Lignos 50 Dianne Kardaris 100 Les & Joanne Rosenberg 25 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Silva In memory of Effie Orgettas 50 Sylvia & Richard Warman 25 Charles, Pauline & Eleni Halepakis 50 John & Ruthie Galaris In memory of Betsy Zetes 100 Kathryn & Richard Whelan 25 Mary Zetes 40 Gregory Brown 35 The Essex Villagers 50 Arthur Zetes 25 Marie Griffin 15 The Whalen Family 15 Mrs. Elder Benton 25 Irene May 50 Ann Pezzarossi 20 Dennis & Jo-Anne Rogers 20 Denise Maresco Saturday, April 27th Saturday of Lazarus 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday, April 28th Nymphios 7 p.m. th Monday, April 29 Holy Monday Presanctified Liturgy 8 a.m. Nymphios 7 p.m. th Tuesday, April 30 Holy Tuesday Presanctified Liturgy 8 a.m. Nymphios 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1st Holy Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy 8 a.m. Unction 3:30 p.m. English Unction 7 p.m. Greek nd Thursday, May 2 Holy Thursday St. Basil’s Liturgy 6 am Communion until 8:30 am 12 Gospels 7 p.m. Friday, May 3rd Good Friday, Royal Hours 9 a.m. Apokathelosis 3 p.m. Lamentations 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4th Holy Saturday St. Basils’s Liturgy 7 am Communion until 9 am Panychis 11p.m. Sunday, May 5th Easter Sunday 11 a.m. Agape Vespers Friday, May 10th Life Giving Fountain 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy st Tuesday, May 21 Sts. Constantine & Helen 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy KAQHMERINES IERES AKOLOUQIES A/ Xairetismoi/ Paraskeuh/, 22h Marti/ou 7 m.m. Yuxosa/bbaton Sa/bbaton, 23h Marti/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a Kuriakh/, 24h Marti/ou 7 m.m Liturgy will take place at Annunciation Church, Dover NH Euagge;lismoc thc Qeoto/kou Deute/ra, 25h Marti/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a Teta/rth, 27h Marti/ou 8 p.m. Xairetismoi/ Paraskeuh/, 29h Marti/ou 7 m.m. Apo/deipnon to Me/ga Deute/ra, 1h Aprili/ou 7:00 m.m. Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a Teta/rth, 3h Aprili/ou 6 m.m. Xairetismoi/ Paraskeuh/, 5h Aprili/ou 7 m.m. Apo/deipnon to Me/ga Deute/ra, 8h Aprili/ou 7:00 m.m. Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a Teta/rth, 10h Aprili/ou 8 p.m. Xairetismoi/ Paraskeuh/, 12h Aprili/ou 7 m.m. Nu/mfioc Kuriakh/, 28h Aprili/ou 7 m.m Deute/ra, 29h Aprili/ou Mega/lh Deute/ra Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a 8 p.m. Nu/mfioc 7 m.m. Tri/th, 30h Aprili/ou Mega/lh Tri/th Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a 8 p.m Nu/mfioc 7 m.m Teta/rth, 1h Mai/ou Mega/lh Teta/rth Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a 8 p.m. Iero/n Euxe/laion 3:30 m.m. Iero/n Euxe/laion 7 m.m. Pe/mpth, 2h Mai/ou Mega/lh Pe/mpth 6 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a kai Qei/a koinwni/a me/xri 8:30 p.m. Akolouqi/a twn Paqw/n 7 m.m. Paraskeuh/, 3h Mai/ou Mega/lh Paraskeuh/ Oi Basilike/c Wrec 9 p.m. Apokaqh/lwsic 3 m.m. Epita/fioc Qrh/noc 7 m.m. Sa/bbato, 4h Ma/ou Mega/lo Sa/bbato 7 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a kai Qei/a koinwni/a me/xri 9:00 p.m. H Pannuxi/c 11 m.m. Akolouqei/a thc Anasta/sewc Mesa/nuxta Kuriakh/, 5h Mai/ou ‘Agion Pasxa Akolouqei/a thc Agaphc 11 p.m Apo/deipnon to Me/ga Deute/ra, 15h Aprili/ou 7:00 m.m. Parakeuh/, 10h Mai/ou Thc Zwodo/xou Phgh/c 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a Teta/rth, 17h Aprili/ou 6 m.m. / O Aka/qistoc Umnoc Paraskeuh/, 19h Aprili/ou 7 m.m. Teta/rth, 21h Mai/ou Kwnstanti/noc kai Ele/nh 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a Apo/deipnon to Me/ga Deute/ra, 22h Aprili/ou 7:00 m.m. Prohgiasme/nh Leitourgi/a Teta/rth, 24h Aprili/ou 8 p.m H /Egersic tou Laza/rou Sa/bbaton, 27h Aprili/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a For the electronic version of ORTHODOX LIFE visit our website at:www.stvasilios.org Page 4 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Parish Council News Donations kids to participate with the leaders of all the organizations that minister to the youth. We asked them for thoughtful insight on what was working and what could be improved. We asked them what they liked and what would make it easier for them to attend and to bring along more of their friends. I am happy to report that most of the comments were positive and criticisms were constructive and insightful. The children took the process seriously and spoke from the heart. We could tell they were all already committed to St Vasilios and that energized and pleased us all. The best comment at the end of the event, was from Chrysanthy Tiggas who came all the way from the Metropolis Camp in NH saying that this was the most pro-active event that she has ever seen any parish undertake. The Youth Committee still has a lot of information to digest and process and suggestions to implement, but we want our words to become works and actions. And my sincerest hope is that this event is one of many. That our children realize that we are doing what we do, for them, for their future and ours as well, and it’s not just a saying, it’s an action. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Pamela Karamas Katsiris, President Page 21 “The Youth are our future.” That can’t just be a saying, lip service, it has to be a mantra, a movement: something that drives us always to reach out to the children and young adults of our parish. We can all say that our parents dragged us to things we didn’t, at first, want to attend, be it Greek School, Sunday School, Church early on a Sunday morning when we were home visiting from college, when all we wanted to do was sleep in. But, I am hoping, that most of us, when we got there, felt happier, saw a friend we hadn’t seen in a while, heard a sermon that touched us or just felt better for going. Some of my best friendships in life, are those that I forged at church events; basketball, GOYA, church dances. I hear that from others as well. We want to give those wonderful experiences, shared joys and lifelong commitments to our kids. We had a chance to ask our “youth” about their church life and experience on March 15th at our first Family Spaghetti dinner and Youth General Assembly. The Men’s Club, who has always been a steadfast supporter of our Yours in Christ, youth programs, provided dinner, PTA supplied yummy dessert and wonderful volunteers set up and organized a Pam Karamas Katsiris great event. Members from the committee had a chance to Parish Council President share a casual meal and fellowship, and then we asked our Contact Information 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 Mr. Stephen S. Kalivas [email protected] In memory of Stella Stathos-Bell Tower Mrs. Catherine Apostolides Drs. Paul Jon & Leslie Apostlides Mrs. Kay Asloglou M/M Bob Benoit Briggs family Mrs. Connie Brown M/M Christopher Chigas M/M Jim Chronis Gloria Correia Esther Crowell Julie Fleming Mrs. Mary Franggos M/M Warren Freedman M/M Michael Gargas Mr. Ethel Gerakaris M/M Kevin Goggin M/M Theodore Grevelis Pam Gruntkosky & Jim Karabelas Mr. Steve Kalivas Mrs. Bessie Karahalis M/M Paul Katinoglou Sherry Lavalle Voula Lavalle M/M James Maheras M/M Peter Maravelias Mr. Jim Maravelias Aris & Karen Marianos Mrs. Heidi Mason M/M James Metropolis Maureeen Nelting Kay Nicholoplus Mary Nickitopoulos M/M George Padios M/M William Pargas Rev. & Presv. Patricia Petropoulakos Dorothy Raczkowski M/M John Salaris M/M Petros Sofronas M/M Kosta Spiliakos M/M George Troubetaris M/M Alex Tsoukalas Mrs. Anna Valaskatgis Georgia & Nicholas Vontzalides Mrs. Angie Vontzalides Mrs. Jean Yokas M/M Peter Ziavras John, Irene & Maria Martinoli Employees of PMLP 100 Anna Valaskatgis in memory of husband Arthur Valaskatgis -2 yr. memorial 500 Nicholas & Vivian Karafotias in memory of mother Maria Gianoulis 25 Mrs. Nora Ganey in memory of husband Francis Ganey 50 Assimakopoulos Family in memory of Nicoleta Moutsoulas Harry Vayeos & Peter Vayeos in memory of son & nephew Michael Vayeos, 500 parents Charles & Stella Vayeos and sister Mary Vayeos 25 Maria & Jeanne Tsouvalas in memory of Nicoletta Moutsoulas 500 Helen Pappis in memory of James Pappis-Bell Tower 40 Nikolouzos family in memory of Nicholas Qirjazi Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Papadakis and Zacharias & Carla Papadakis in memory 100 of Nicholas Qirjazi 100 Mrs. Valerie Batsinelas in memory of Nicholas Qirjazi 25 Barbara Lazarides in memory of Nicoleta Moutsoulas 25 Charles, Pauline & Eleni Halepakis in memory of Helen X. Bulgaris 50 Terry & Jeff Malcolm in memory of Panagiota Vrees 50 Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kougianos in memory of Aspasia Tilas 60 Barbara Arvanitides in memory of Eleni Siopis, Lola Latsios, Stella Stathos ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Page 20 “Just for Kids” ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Page 5 COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION MATCHING BELL TOWER CONTRIBUTIONS Stephen S Kalivas (CCU Director), Dr. Nicholas Sarantopoulos (President CCU), and Mrs. Niki Charalambous (mgr Peabody CCU branch), present first $10,000.00 installment of their St Vasilios Bell Tower donation to Sophia N. Pappas (chairperson of fundraising), Mrs. Pam Katsiris (President of St Vasilios), and Rev. Christopher Foustoukos (presiding priest of St Vasilios). Bell tower donation from the community credit union It is with great pleasure that I announce the Community Credit Union’s support of our Bell Tower Project. The Community Credit Union just announced a matching contribution up to $30,000 for every pledge that is made by a parishioner who is a member of the Community Credit Union. If you are a member of the Community Credit Union and you make a pledge to the Bell Tower Fund, the Community Credit Union will match your pledge up to a total maximum of $30,000. To become a member of the Community Credit Union all that is required is to open an account. This is a wonderful opportunity that should not be missed. Please call the Community Credit Union for more details about becoming a member. On behalf of the St. Vasilios community, I would like to thank Nick Sarantopoulos and the entire Board of Trustees of the Community Credit Union for their extraordinary generosity. Sincerely, Sophia Nanis-Pappas Page 6 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Notice of Endowment Fund Grant Opportunity In accordance with the Investment Policy of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, the Investment Committee has met to recommend the grantable amount of the annual proceeds of the Endowment Fund. The total annual grantable amount is to be the total annual aggregate return (net of expenses) in excess of the CPI Index. In other words: Total Grantable Amount = Total Annual Return – Expenses – Inflation – Fund Expenses The principal of the St. Vasilios Endowment Fund will remain inviolate and irrevocable. It is understood that following each calendar year end the investment committee will calculate the allowable granted amount based on the above formula. As such, at each first general assembly of the year, the investment committee will propose and recommend its use of the grant, which must be approved by a majority of the general assembly. No annual grant giving is mandatory. Organizations and individuals of St. Vasilios are encouraged to submit their grant proposals in writing to the Investment Committee, through the Church office, no later than April 22, 2013. The Endowment Fund may be used for any purpose consistent with the mission of the Church. This would include, but not limited to, such projects as the following: 1. Areas of need beyond the local church, such as community services or mission projects. 2. Major improvements to space and facilities/capital improvements. 3. Unbudgeted maintenance of buildings and grounds. 4. Program initiatives for children, youth or adult ministries. 5. Music program for special enhancements or additions. The complete Investment Policy is available for review at the church office MEGALH PARASKEUHS ESPERAS For those who, by tradition, offer names of the living and deceased to be read at the Good Friday Evening Services, please fill out the form below and return it prior to the evening service of Good Friday. /Osoi kata/ para/dosin prosfe/roun ono/mata zw/vtwn kai/ prosfilw/n nekrw/n o/pwc mnhmoveuqou/ n ei/c thn Akolouqi/an tou Epitafi/ou du/navtai va ta gra/youn ei/c to paro/n di/ptuxon kai to epistre/youn pri/n thc Mega/lhc Paraskeuh/c to bra/du. Ono/mata Apoqano/ntwn Names of Deceased Ovo/mata Zw/ntwn Names of Living ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Page 19 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Page 18 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 (Continued from page 1) Page 7 Confession and Great Lent assurance of divine forgiveness, according to the words Holy Spirit is not to condemn ourselves, but to affirm of Christ (Jn 20:23). Secondly, Holy Confession pro- our true selves in Christ who has given us access to vides the opportunity to talk about one's deep concerns, God's mercy and forgiveness and who has taught us to to receive counsel and to be encouraged toward spiri- live for God's glory. tual growth, all of which are universally recognized as Pray and think and your confession over several days. extremely beneficial to personal life. Ask God to help you perceive your sins and to make a Holy Confession is appropriate whenever an Orthodox thorough confession of them. Call the Church office Christian feels the need for it. It is also a part of our and make an appointment with Father Chris to hear total spiritual preparation during the fast periods lead- your confession. ing up to the great feasts of Easter, Christmas, the Fal- PRAYER OF REPENTANCE ling Asleep of the Theotokos and the Feast of Twelve O Lord my God, I confess that I have sinned against Apostles. However, Holy Confession is especially nec- You in thought, word and deed. I have also omitted to essary: 1. when a serious sin has been committed; do what Your holy law requires of me. But now with repentance and contrition I turn again to Your love and 2. when a habitual sin has overwhelmed a Christian, mercy. I entreat You to forgive me all my transgresor sion and to cleanse me from all my sins. Lord, fill my 3. when a Christian has stopped growing spiritually heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my will and needs a reexamination of priorities. by Your grace. Teach me both to desire and to do only We confess our sins to God and the power of forgivewhat pleases You. Amen. ness is God's. However, the gift of God's forgiveness, Now, without justification or self-pity, make a prayeralthough assured, is not magical. It does not automatiful examinations of your conscience regarding all cally spare us from spiritual struggle - the continual things. As a help, reflect on your life in the light of the vigilance against evil and the unceasing warfare the Beatitudes. Take pencil and paper and specify your against sin. Holy Confession will bear fruits in the sins so that, at the time of the sacrament, you will be Spirit only when the believer hates evil, utterly rejects able to make a thorough confession from the list, withsin and patiently cultivates positive habits of the life in out confusion or lapse of memory. Christ. "So you also must consider yourselves dead to THE BEATITUDES sin and alive to Christ Jesus. Do not yield your memBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingbers to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield dom of heaven. yourselves to God as those who have been brought Have I truly recognized my complete dependence on from death to life" (Rm 6:11, 13) God? Have I been proud arrogant and self-righteous in How can one prepare for Holy Confession? Preparation my ways? Have I been selfish, possessive and selffor Holy Confession is a prayerful examination of feelseeking? Have I sought after status, power and wealth? ings, thoughts, words, acts, attitudes, habits, values, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be compriorities, goals, direction and way of life. This prayerforted. ful self-examination includes not only the personal reHave I endured difficulties and afflictions with faith ligious life, but also family relationships, social activiand patience? Have I felt sadness for the sufferings of ties, job conduct, business dealings, political committhe poor, the hungry, and addicted; the sick, the lonely ments and even recreational pursuits, because our enand the sinful of the world? Have I truly been sorrowtire existence should be lived in under the light of the ful for my sins and faults? ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Page 8 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Confession and Great Lent (Continued from page 7 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the critical, pretentious or self-indulgent to sinful passions? earth. Have I tried to serve or rather to dominate others at Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be home, school, work, office, Church and elsewhere? called sons of God. Have I nursed anger against anyone? Have I been re- Do I have God's peace in my heart? Have I been unsentful, bitter, unforgiving or insulting and abusive to fairly angry, aggressive or impatient? Have I worked others? Have I loved my enemies? for peace at home, work, Church and in society? Have Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for right- I been irritable, polemical, or divisive? eousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteous- Have I truly yearned for God's will to be done in all ness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. things? Have I worked for justice in my family, society Have I complained when persecuted for God's sake? and the world in ways with in my reach? Have I tried Have I prayed for my persecutors? Have I failed to deto cultivate a righteous life through prayer, fasting, fend anyone in the truth for fear of humiliation or perworship, receiving Holy Communion and deeds of love secution? Have I had the courage to stand up for what toward others? is right despite criticism, ridicule or persecution? Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute mercy. you on my account; rejoice and be glad, for your Have I shown compassion and help toward the poor, reward is great in heaven hungry, lonely and needy around me? Have I tried to Is the joy of Christ in my heart even in trying mounderstand and forgive others? Have I been indifferent ments? Have I been pessimistic despondent or despairjudgmental or legalistic? ing? Have I truly delighted in the promise of God's Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. treasures in heaven? Have I loved goodness, purity and holiness? Have I succumbed to evil motives and intentions? Have I + Fr. Chris given way to impure thoughts, words or deeds? Have I been guilty of bias and prejudice? Have I been hypo- Important Announcements The First Divine Liturgy on PALM SUNDAY will be held, as is our custom, in the Auditorium of the Educational Center at 9:00 a.m. Orthros will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Church, followed by the Second Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. The faithful of our parish who cannot attend regular morning services to receive Holy Communion during Holy Week because of their work schedules, may receive at two early Divine Liturgies. These liturgies are on Holy Thursday at 6:00 a.m. and on Holy Saturday at 7:00 a.m. In addition to these two Divine Liturgies, we will also celebrate three Presanctified Liturgies, on Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday, with 3 additional opportunities for the faithful to receive Holy Communion. A special envelope is enclosed for your Epitaphion offering. YIA YIA’S “ATTIC TREASURES” DATE: JULY 2013 SAVE YOUR TREASURES: ANY GOOD, CLEAN “TREASURE” SAVE OUR BELLS: LET’S HEAR OUR BEAUTIFUL BELLS RING ONCE AGAIN!! MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON. Note: Please do not send in any items into our church yet. Thank you OPA!!! Page 17 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 St. Vasilios Scholarships The 2013 scholarship applications are now available on line. Applications must be downloaded at www.stvasilios.org. Applications must be submitted with proper documentation by Friday, April 5, 2013. Please note, in order to be considered for a second, third or fourth year scholarship, you must submit an application with the office. The Scholarship Banquet is scheduled for Friday, June 14, 2013 at Angelica’s Restaurant. Page 16 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 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 March 15, 2013 we have 578 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. Page 9 Page 10 ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Η ΕΙΣΟΔΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ ΣΤΑ ΙΕΡΟΣΟΛΥΜΑ «Ωσαννά, ευλογημένος ό ερχόμενος έν ονόματι Κυρίου» Αγαπητοί μου Αδελφοί, Είναι γνωστόν σέ όλους ότι ή μεγαλειώδης είσοδος τού Χριστού στά Ιεροσόλυμα αποτελεί προανάκρουσμα τής θριαμβευτικής νίκης τής Αναστάσεώς Του. Προαναγγελία τού θριάμβου τής ζωής πάνω στό θάνατο. Στήν μεγάλη Εορτή Τών Βαϊων καλούμαστε νά ανακαλύψουμε τό βαθύτερο νόημα τής λυτρωτικής σταυρικής θυσίας τού Χριστού. Τά ευαγγέλια τονίζουν τή μεσσιανική ιδιότητα τού Χριστού. Πρώτη φορά ό Χριστός μπήκε στά Ιεροσόλυμα μ΄αυτό τόν τρόπο. Πρώτη φορά αποδέχθηκε τόν ενθουσιασμό καί τίς επευφημίες τού λαού, τή δημόσια επιδοκιμασία καί αναγνώριση. Καί αυτό γιατί γνώριζε πόσο θολά καί επιφανειακά είναι συνήθως τά αισθήματα τού κόσμου. Πόσο ασταθής καί ευμετάβλητη είναι ή ψυχολογία τής μάζας. Πόσο εύκολα στήν ιστορία τού κόσμου καί τήν προσωπική μας ζωή τό «ωσαννά, ευλογημένος ό ερχόμενος» εξελίσσεται καί μεταβάλλεται σέ «άρον άρον, σταύρωσον αυτόν» (Ιω. 19, 15). Μία χαρακτηριστική καί αντιπροσωπευτική συμπεριφορά τών περισσοτέρων ανθρώπων πού πρέπει νά μάς συνετίζει. Μέσα στή λειτουγική ζωή τής Εκκλησίας κάθε χρόνο θυμόμαστε καί γιορτάζουμε αυτό τό γεγονός. Καθώς ψάλλουμε τό «σήμερον ό Χριστός έισέρχεται είς τήν αγίαν πόλιν», συνδέουμε τό χθές τής ιστορίας πού πέρασε μέ τό σήμερα τής καθημερινότητας πού ζούμε. Επαναλαμβάνουμε τά ίδια τροπάρια καί αναγνώσματα, τίς ίδιες ακαολουθίες καί τελετές. Καί όμως τό περιεχόμενο καί τό πνευματικό τους μήνυμα μάς αγγίζει καί μάς συγκινεί πάντοτε. Έχουμε ανάγκη νά γινόμαστε μάρτυρες τής οδύνης τών παθών τού Χριστού, αλλά καί μέτοχοι τής χαράς τής Αναστάσεώς Του. Εδώ αποκαλύπτεται τό άγιο καί βαθύ μυστήριο τής έν Χριστώ σωτηρίας, πού υπερβαίνει κάθε τόπο καί χρόνο. Έξι ημέρες πρίν από τό Πάσχα ό Χριστός «επείγεται τού παθείν αγαθότητι». Σ΄αυτή τή πορεία μάς δείχνει πιοιά είναι ή βασιλεία Του καί μάς καλεί νά γίνουμε πολίτες της. Ό Χριστός μιλά γιά ενίσχυση καί υπομονή στίς θλίψεις, γιά ειρήνη καί ελπίδα. Μάς λέει γιά τόν αγώνα τής αγιότητας μέ τιμιότητα καί ταπείνωση, μέ κόπο καί θυσία. Απογοητεύει, βέβαια, τούς ανθρώπους τής εποχής Του καί τούς σημερινούς, πού τόν έβλεπαν καί τόν βλέπουν ωφελιμιστικά. Απογυμνώνει κάθε θρησκευτική πίστη πού στοχεύει στήν υπεροχή, τήν κοσμική δύναμη, τήν επιτυχία, τήν εκπλήρωση τών όποιων ονείρων ευτυχίας. Ή βασιλεία τού Θεού δέν έχει καμία σχέση μέ οτιδήποτε γήινο καί εγκόσμιο. Όπως τότε παρεξηγήθηκε, έτσι καί σήμερα διαστρεβλώνεται στήν εσφαλμένη σκέψη καί πρακτική κάποιων Χριστιανών. Ή βασιλεία τού Θεού έχει εγκαθιδρυθεί μυστηριακά στήν Εκκλησία, κρυμμένη στίς καρδιές τών πιστών μελών Της, πού περιμένουν τή φανέρωσή της. «... Όθεν καί ημείς ώς οί παίδες, τά τής νίκης σύμβολα φέροντες, σοί τώ νικητή τού θανάτου βοώμεν – Ωσαννά έν τοίς υψίστοις, ευλογημένος ό ερχόμενος έν ονόματι Κυρίου...». Καθώς ψάλλουμε τό απολυτίκιο τής εορτής, επιβεβαιώνουμε τήν ομολογία τής πίστης μας ότι ενωμένοι μέ τόν Χριστό, έστω καί άν πεθάνουμε, δέν θά χαθούμε, αλλά θά ζήσουμε στό φώς τής Ανάστασής Του. Αναγνωρίζουμε ότι ό Σωτήρας Χριστός είναι ό Κύριος τής ζωής καί τού θανάτου. Αποδεχόμαστε ότι ό θάνατός Του είναι απόδειξη καί φανέρωση τής Κυριότητάς Του. Ό Ιερός Χριστόστομος γράφει «διά τούτο Αυτόν βασιλέα καλώ, επειδή βλέπω Αυτόν σταυρομένον –βασιλέως γάρ εστίν τό υπέρ τών αρχομένων αποθνήσκειν.» Αγαπητοί μου αδελφοί, ζούμε σ΄έναν κόσμο πού γκρεμίζει τά χριστιανικά θεμέλια τού πολιτισμού. Μία εποχή πού προδίδει τίς χριστιανικές ρίζες καί αρχές. Κυβερνήσεις, πολιτικοοικονομικά συστήματα καί μέσα ενημέρωσης στή θρησκευτική τους αδιαφορία καί ουδετερότητα θέλουν τήν αποχριστιανοποίηση τής κοινωνίας. Αγωνίζονται γιά νά διατηρήσουν τήν εξουσία τους. Ανταγωνίζονται γιά νά αυξήσουν τήν επιρροή τους. Συγκρούονται σφοδρά γιά νά προωθήσουν τά συμφέροντά τους. Ή πίστη αμφισβητείται, εμπαίζεται καί παραμερίζεται. Αυτό δέν είναι σημείο τών καιρών μας, πού μπορεί νά μάς φοβίζει καί νά μάς απογοητεύει. Είναι βαθειά κατανόηση τής φύσης τών πραγμάτων τού κόσμου σέ σχέση μέ τόν διαχρονικό αγώνα τής πίστης. Οί πανίσχυρες καί διαπλεκόμενες «βασιλείες τού κόσμου» δέν άφηναν ποτέ καί δέν αφήνουν καί σήμερα τόπο γιά τή βασιλεία τού Θεού. Καί όμως ό Θεός έχει τόν δικό Του παράδοξο καί μυστηριώδη τρόπο νά ενεργεί στίς ψυχές τών ανθρώπων. Ανυποψίαστος ό σημερινός κόσμος δέν μπορεί νά καταλάβει τούς πιστούς πού καί σήμερα διακηρύττουν στίς κάθε είδους βασιλείες τής εποχής μας «ωσαννά, ζεί ή βασιλεία τού Θεού στίς καρδιές μας.» Αμήν. Εύχομαι, έκ βάθους καρδίας, σέ σάς καί όλα τά μέλη τής οικογένείας σας, νά διέλθετε τήν Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα πνευματικά ανυψωμένα καί ΚΑΛΗ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ! Μετ΄αγάπης πολλής έν Κυρίω, + π. Κυριάκος Β. Σαραβέλας ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Page 15 Greek School news For News and Pictures visit http://stvasiliosgreekschool.shutterfly.com/ Community District Retreats The Metropolis of Boston is proud to announce that the District Retreat will have a component for people of all ages!! In each District one parish will host the retreat for all the communities in the local area The retreats will be staffed by young adults from our succesffcul CAMP PROGRAM and also feature speakers from throughout the Metropolis to present to the Adults.. Contact the camp office ([email protected]) with any questions!! Churches in District 7: **GOYA LOCK-IN APRIL 19 - 20** Holy Apostles Church in Haverhill, MA Annunciation Church in Newburyport, MA Assumption Church in Ipswich, MA St Vasilios Church in Peabody, MA ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 HEALTHBEAT Page 14 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 Page 11 The clergy brotherhood is submitting to each parish an article each month to be included in the the Monthly bulletin. This month’s message is from Fr. Cleopas Strongylis Having already entered Great Lent, the Church once again asks us to rededicate ourselves to meet the challenges of this life, striving for the heavenly and incorruptible crown of virtue, which our Lord will grant us. Christ Himself cleared the path towards our deification by taking on human nature though His ineffable mercy, although He Himself was God! This good news serves as the basis of the Gospel, and finds completion in our Lord’s triumphant Resurrection. Amidst this month’s many holy services, there shines a truly special holiday that marks our faith and the history of the Greek people. On March 25th, the Christian world celebrates the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and the Greek nation celebrates its independence from four centuries under the Ottoman yolk. This double holiday affords us the opportunity to consider the meaning and concept of Freedom. The words of the hymnographer “Wherever God wills, the order of nature is defeated…” attempt to illustrate the important role of freedom in our faith. The search for this very freedom has heavily colored Greek history and culture from its inception. The message of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary may have appeared irrational to human ears, but it became and remains “good tidings” for all mankind. This news was crucial and decisive—especially for the ever uneasy Greek people. God Himself accepts to take on the nature of his creation, for the sole sake of his manic love for the human race. This ecstatic love will lead Him to accept the most disgraceful of deaths, in order to ensure freedom (which through Christ was bestowed upon human nature) from the laws of nature and biological order of life, through Hi life-giving Resurrection! With this in mind let us complete the feast of Great Lent all together, so we can reach the joy of the Resurrection. In our common struggle, let us all place the changing of our mode of existence from the individual to the personal as our chief goal! Fr. Cleopas Stongylis Donations for Lent and Holy Week Daffodils for the Veneration of the Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)…………… Decorate the Nymphios icon……..………………………………………... 12 beeswax candles for the cross…………………………………………... 11 candles for the 12 Gospels……………………………………………… Decorate Myrrh Bearing Women icon…………………………………….. 2 cases of Bay Laurel…………………………..…………………………... 4 clergy Paschal Candles…………………………………………………... Incense……………………………………………………………………... Charcoal……………………………………………………………………. Olive oil……………………………………………………………………. $150 each liturgy $100 $10 each $10 each $75 $250 each $50 each $35 each $25 each $15 each Bless all my skills, Oh Lord,and be pleased with theworks of my hands” Deut. 33:11 The Saint Makrina Sisterhood has organized a knitting group that meets on Wednesdays at 11:00 am. We will knit for pleasure, charity and fellowship. You don't know how to knit? We will teach you! Come join us. The knitting group of the Saint Makrina Sisterhood and many wonderful friends have put together their TIME, TALENT and TREASURE and they have knitted lap blankets for our brethren in Nursing Homes. The first eleven blankets will be delivered on Wednesday and there are many more been made. Thank you all for your contributions. We greatly appreciate your donations of any yarns you might have at home or you would like to purchase for our group. See you on Wednesday. ORTHODOX LIFE –March 2013 Page 12 ORTHODOX LIFE - March 2013 May 2013 Sun Mon Tue 5 6 Pascha Agape 11am OFFICE CLOSED 12 7 13 Wed June 2013 Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 Holy Wednesday Pre-Sanctified 8am Unction 3:30pm English Good Friday Royal Hours 9am Apokathelosis 3pm Holy Saturday St. Basil’s Liturgy 7am Communion until 9am Unction 7 pm Holy Thursday St. Basil’s Liturgy 6am Communion until 8:30am 12 Gospels 7 pm 8 9 10 Sun Mon Mother’s Day 15 16 Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Lamentations 7pm 11 2 3 17 4 5 6 7 8 Men’s Club Ladies Night 6pm Life Giving Fountain Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am 14 Page 13 Districts Leaders Seminar 6:30pm 18 9 10 11 12 Monthly Bulletin Deadline 13 14 15 Ascension Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am St Methodios Ortros & Liturgy @ Cathedral Chapel Monthly Bulletin Deadline Scholarship Banquet 19 26 20 21 General Assembly 7 pm Sts. Constantine & Helen Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am 27 28 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 Saturday of Souls Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am Father’s Day 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 No Fasting All Week 30 Please Submit all Calendar Requests to [email protected] PICNIC Liturgy at Winter Island 22 For the most updated information, check out www.stvasilios.org 29 Sts. Peter & Paul Orthros 8 am Liturgy 9 am
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