ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 5761 E. Colorado St. Long Beach, CA 90814 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LONG BEACH, CA PERMIT NO. 344 THE PANAYIA Assumption Of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Long Beach, CA Worship Services Regular Schedule Orthros 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM NOTE: Sunday Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00AM year-round. See enclosed calendar for dates and times of other services this month. JULY 2014 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 5761 East Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814-1954 Phone (562) 494-8929 - Fax (562) 985-1379 Email – [email protected] Rev. Fr. Christos Kanakis, Proistamenos Voula Michail - Kitsios, Office Administrator PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Chris Dolas - President David Matty - Vice President Jimmy Mentas - Recording Secretary Jimmy Eleopoulos - Corresponding Secretary George Demos - Treasurer Board Members Kathy Bastas, Dino Syrengelas, Olympia Stapakis, George Stavros, Nick Monios, Sam Platis, Tasos Papas, Nick Zamvakellis AHEPA Tasos Papas - President Bulletin Coordinator Voula Michail - Kitsios Bookstore Zoe Falley - Administrator Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director & Organist Karen Fic - President Church School Juliana Augoustatos - Superintendent Daughters of Penelope Catherine Vackrinos Sofie Batshoun Family Night Sam Platis Junior Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director Karen Fic - Assistant Director Greek School Kathryn Condaras - Principal Donna Stavros - P.T.A Hope/Joy Maria Georgakopoulos - Advisor Dusty Hanson - Advisor Junior GOYA Georgi Spirtos Francis - Advisor Tia Kanavos, Vasso Conley Page 2 Jorge Rivera, Sexton PHILOPTOCHOS Bobbie Soupos - President Karen Fic - 1st Vice President Amelia Ladas - 2nd Vice President Marilyne Coats - Correspond. Secretary Lia Kakaris - Recording Secretary Nikki Andrews - Treasurer Mary Lofton - Assistant Treasurer Kathy Bastas - Advisor Board Members Eftihia Missios, Olympia Stapakis, Andria Salsman, Matoula Batshoun, Zoe Falley, Vickie Hennig, Paris Kastanas, Kay Platis GOYA President - Christina Karidakis Vice President - Sina Bacol Treasurer - Margo Papacalos Corres. Secretary - Dena Bussa Rec. Secretary - Tasia Matty Historian - Christa Demos, Lexi Varonos Advisors - Lucia Papacalos, Vickie Demos, Maria Bussa Athletic Director: David Matty Email: [email protected] Greek Cultural Arts and Dance Dina Lioulias - President Maria Georgakopoulos - Vice President Georgia Alvertos - Corresponding Secretary Dusty Hanson - Recording Secretary Elene Dalkos - Treasurer Senior Christians Nick Monios - President Sons of Pericles Christo Beckas - President Stewardship Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair) Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri Trisagio Ministry Max & Mary Lofton, Vickie Hennig, Yiota Beckas Welcome Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair), Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri Baking Schedule/Greek Festival 2014 The Festival season is approaching, which means that we will start baking for another successful weekend. We need as much help and support as possible. The more helping hands, the quicker we’ll finish! We will be baking the following days: Tuesday, July 1 Tuesday, July 8 Friday, July 18 Friday, July 25 Tuesday, July 29 Friday, August 8 Monday, August 11 Tuesday, August 12 Wednesday, Aug. 13 Tuesday, August 19 Tuesday, August 26 Paximadia Kadaifi Galaktoboureko Tsourekia Baklava Vegetarian Dolmades Prepare Spanakopoita/Tiropita Spanakopita/Tiropita Spanakopita/Tiropita Kourabiedes/Karidopita Diples Start Time 8:00 am Lunch will be provided Contacts: Vickie Hennig Yiota Beckas Bobbie Soupos Voula (office) 562-865-7029 562-235-1494 714-220-0730 562-494-8929 Everybody is welcome to come and help. Thank you for everything that you do for our Panagia! Page 15 Festival News The Life of St Irene Chrysovolantou Pastor’s Message Commemorated on July 28 (Biography taken from oca.org/saints/lives/) Saint Irene was the daughter of a wealthy family from Cappadocia, and was born in the ninth century. After the death of her husband Theophilus, the empress Theodora ruled the Byzantine Empire as regent for her young son Michael. St Theodora helped to defeat the iconoclast heresy, and to restore the holy icons. We commemorate this Triumph of Orthodoxy on the first Sunday of Great Lent. When Michael was twelve years of age, St Theodora sent messengers throughout the Empire to find a suitably virtuous and refined girl to be his wife. St Irene was chosen, and she agreed to the marriage. While passing Mt. Olympus in Asia Minor, Irene asked to stop so she could receive the blessing of St Joannicius , who lived on the mountain. The saint, who showed himself only to the most worthy pilgrims, foresaw the arrival of St Irene, and also her future life. The holy ascetic welcomed her and told her to proceed to Constantinople, where the women’s monastery of Chrysovalantou had need of her. Amazed at his clairvoyance, Irene fell to the ground and asked St Joannicius for his blessing. After blessing her and giving her spiritual counsel, he sent her on her way. When the party arrived in Constantinople, Irene’s relatives met her with great ceremony. Michael to married another woman a few days before and far from being disappointed, Irene rejoiced as she eventually became a bride of Christ. Remembering the words of St Joannicius, Irene visited the Monastery of Chrysovalantou. She was so impressed by the nuns and their way of life that she freed her slaves and distributed her wealth to the poor. She exchanged her fine clothing for the simple garb of a nun, and served the sisters with great humility and obedience. The abbess was impressed with the way that Irene performed the most menial and disagreeable tasks without complaint. St Irene often read the Lives of the Saints in her cell, imitating their virtues to the best of her ability. She often stood in prayer all night with her hands raised like Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 17:11-13). St Irene spent the next few years in spiritual struggles. Page 14 Page 3 St Irene observed the Feast of St Basil (January 1) with great devotion, since he also came from Cappadocia. One year, after celebrating the feast, St Irene heard a voice during the night telling her to welcome the sailor who would come to the door the next day. She was told to rejoice and eat the fruit which the sailor would bring her. During Matins, a sailor did come to the door and remained in church until after Liturgy. He told her that he had come from Patmos, where he boarded a ship. As the ship set sail, he noticed an old man on the shore calling for them to stop. In spite of a good wind, the ship came to a sudden halt. Then the old man walked across the water and entered the ship. He gave the sailor three apples which God was sending to the patriarch “from His beloved disciple John.” Then the old man gave the sailor three more apples for the abbess of Chrysovalantou. He told the sailor that if Irene ate the apples, all that her soul desired would be granted, “for this gift comes from John in Paradise.” St Irene fasted for a week, giving thanks to God for this wonderful gift. For forty days, she ate small pieces of the first apple every day. During this time she had nothing else to eat or drink. On Holy Thursday, she told the nuns to receive the Holy Mysteries, then gave each one a piece of the second apple. They noticed an unusual sweetness, and felt as if their very souls were being nourished. An angel informed St Irene that she would be called to the Lord on the day after St Panteleimon’s feast. She took only a little water and small pieces of the third apple sent to her by St John. The whole monastery was filled with a heavenly fragrance, and all discord disappeared. On July 28, St Irene called the nuns together in order to bid them farewell. She also told them to select Sister Mary as her successor, for she would keep them on the narrow way which leads to life (Matthew 7:14). After entreating God to protect her flock from the power of the devil, she smiled when she saw the angels who had been sent to receive her soul. Then she closed her eyes and surrendered her soul to God. St Irene was more than 101 years old when she died, yet her face appeared young and beautiful. A great crowd of people came for her funeral, and many miracles took place at her tomb. On July 28th we will be blessing apples at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy commemorating St. Irene Chrysovalantou. Page 4 Papadopoulos Evangelos & Loraine Papakoulos Angie Papas Tasos & Georgia Pappas Victor & Christina Pappas Mark & Shari Paralapanides Charles & Elenie Pass Gus & Toula Paulos Todd & Cindy Paulos Nicholas Paulos Mary Paxos Joanne Pereslete Melissa Philips Crystal Phoutrides Neilos & Patricia Platis Jim & Kay Platis Sam & laura Pliaconis Alexander & Nicole Polychrones Jerry & Mary Polychrones Speros & Dora Roubanis Savvas & Jody Russos Asimina Russos Emmanuel Salsman Mel & Andria Santamarina Jose & Ronnea Seger Clay & Susan Sehremelis Athena Sharkoff James & Katherine Shill Petr & Ami Shweiri Cathy & George Simitian Richard & Anna Siouris Chris & Panayota Sirigos George & Eliodora Skandalakis Melia Skourtas Tony & Angelique Smyrniotis Alexandra Smyrniotis Chris & Mary Sotiriou Dimitrios Sotiriou Elias Sotiriou Panagiotis & Vasiliki Soultanakis Paul & Trudith Soupos Tom & Bobbie Spiropoulos James & Marina Stapakis Olympia Stathis Robert & Josefa Stavros Andy & Amber Stavros Bill & Maria Stavros George & Donna Stavros Ted & Olga Stavros Tom Stergiou Eleni Stevenson Gus & Leona Sullos James & Vickie Syrengelas Andreas & Evdoxia Syrengelas Dino & Dora Syrengelas George & Athanasia Syrengelas Michael & Elizabeth Syrengelas Soteria Syrengelas Toula Syrengelas Vasilis & Maria Talaganis Ernest Talieres Maria Tavlarides Angelo & Mary Teodosiadis Romilos & Melpomeni Tener Theresa Terzis Constantinos & Suzanna Thermos Jerry & Elli Thibault Irene Toulios Spyros & Helen Toumasis Jerry & koula Trigonis Tula Trikounakis Tony & Irma Tsalikis Maria Tsakoumakis Stan & Debora Tsamous Peter & Helen Tsimerekis Nikos & Anna Vackrinos Catherine Valaskantjis Nikiforos & Georgia Vardakis Alex Varzak Darlene Vasilomanolakis Francine Vasilomanolakis DR. Mike & Niki Vassiliades John Vlachos Dino & Helen Vlahakis Mary Watkins Evangelia Woo-Sam Maria Yakos John & Flora Zambos Angie Zambos John & Stephanie Zamvakellis Nick & Alison Zarifes Angie Zimmerman Roseann Zoolakis Anthony & Kari Zoumberakis Stelio & Stacy Page 13 Panagia’s Stewardship Family June 2014 Ala Eli Ala Falanai & Lisa Ala George Alex Helen Alexiou Archimides Alexiou Demi Alexopoulos Andrew Alexopoulos Christine Alexopoulos Dimitrios & Maria Alexopoulos Elias Alvertos Yianni & Georgia Amarantos Harriet Andrikos Ioanns & Argyro Antoniou Konstantinos & Maria Apostle Helan Armogida Rod & Krista Armstrong Randy & Janet Bacol Pete & Rea Bahos Kanella Bastas Nikolaos & Kathy Batshoun Emil & Matoula Batshoun Sofie Beckas Spiro & Eleni Benetatos Pinio Berovinos Antonios & Bonnie Berovinos Michael & Kimberly Bettios Christos & Lorraine Bisbikis Dimitra Boosalis Aphrodite Bouras Kathy Bouras Peter Boyce Maria Bozigian Linda Bratkic Jure & Demetra Breres Zena Briliakis Gus & Nicki Bussa Tom & Maria Chelekis Louis & Vicki Choullis Manolis & Sotiria Christidis George & Melina Coats Marilyne Colazas Xenophon & Mila Contos Angeliki Cook Jeff & Susan Cornwell Caryle & Demetra Coromelas Acrivi Cozakos Nick Critides Anastasios & Shawnee DaCosta Marvin & Katerina Dalkos John & Stavroula Dalkos Chris & Roula Demopulos Michael & Patricia Demos George & Vickie Demos Eleni Deneff Peter & Diane Deneff Alkisti Deralas Dean Diacoumacos Marya Diamond Helen Dimas Michaeil & Maria Dimitropoulos Thanasi & Eleni Dimou Leonidas Dimou Nick Dogris Alex & Peggy Dolas Chris Dolas Jim & Camille Dolas John & Theodora Dolas Peter Donlou Gordon & Maria Dukelis Evangelia Edwards Nicholas & Pamela Eleopoulos Gus & Robin Eleopoulos Jimmy & Leigh Etchepare Anna Exacoustos Stella Falley Zoe Fattaleh Raja Fattaleh Saba & Diana Fenn Brad & Anna Fiamengo Alexandria Fic Karen Flynn Matthew Foutris Constantine & Christine Frousakis Gus & Vicky Futris William & Mary Gabriel Sam & Kathy Galanis Jerry & Marian Georgakopoulos Mike & Maria Georgedes Ekaterini Georges Louie & Penny Georgiadou Vicki Georgoulis George & Anna Ghilarducci Walt & Laura Gutierrez Ivan & Esther Gurrola Raymond & Mary Hadjimarkos Nicholas & Stemma Hanches Roll Fotini Hanson Richard Hansen Helen Haririan Alka & Ktristopher Kim Greetings Panagia Parishioners! Hennig Vickie Jordanides Timothy & Ria Kades Clio Kades Kelly Kakaris Telis & Lia Kallins George & Bettina Kallins James & Virgina Kanakis Fr. Christos & Pres. Jessica Karapoulios Angelo & Eleni Karidakis Geogre & Diane Karidakis Jim Karidakis Nick Karthas Nicholas Kourassis Nick Kastanas Bill & Paris Katsikakis Maria Konstantinidis Byron & Katie Kontokanis Dimitris & Maria Kostallas Tony & Cathy Koulos Peter & Emily Kourtis Costa & Cecilia Krebenios Anastasia Ladas Amelia Ladas Charlie & Patty Lafkas Peter & Ada Lambros Mary Liarakos George & Dezi Liarakos John & Tesi Lofton Max & Mary Loizdes George & Rodoula Lolis Vasilios Lopez Jeff & Georgia Lovejoy Jeremy & Nectaria Manos Dr. Andrew & Pamela Mantikas Nick & Katherine Marangopoulos Jake & Tammy Markouizos Markella Matty David & Barbara Mavrovitis Michail & Monica Medenas Ted & Foula Mentas Ann Mentas James & Patricia Michel David & Vasiliki Milonas Dina Missios Basil & Eftihia Monios Nick & Linda Montalbano Paul & Maria Morgan Valerie Nakai Keiichi & Saki Nanopoulos Chris & Yiota Nezis Alexander & Alice Papacalos George & Lucia Papadakis Lilian & Andriana Page 12 President’s Message Happy Summer to all! Hope each and all of you get a chance to enjoy and have a relaxing family vacation during these next upcoming summer months! Thank you to our Senior Christians for hosting and providing a delicious luncheon to honor all of our fathers at the Father’s Day Luncheon. Your continuing support to our parish is greatly appreciated! Congratulations to all of our GOYA Volleyball players, coaches, and advisors who participated at the Annual GOYA Volleyball Tournament in Pasadena. Go Assumption! Congratulations to all of our Greek School Students as our Greek School Ministry held their graduation and held a very enjoyable Graduation Party. Special thanks to Kathy Condaras and all of the Greek School Instructors. You all do an excellent job! Greek Festival preparations are in high gear! Dino Syrengelas, Greek Festival Chair this year is doing an excellent job in preparing for our annual Greek Festival. Thank You to all that are preparing and baking the sweets for the Greek Festival! If Dino has not approached you yet in providing your support, expect Dino to contact you soon! But, don’t wait, please contact Dino or the church office and let us know what you would like to volunteer for! ALL is welcomed! Good Luck to Fr. Christos and all of our Parish Ministry Representatives as they will be representing our Panagia Parish at this year’s National Clergy Laity Conference in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania July 6th though July 9th! Have you pledged yet? Please do! Have you sent in your Pledge card yet? As you know, our Panagia depends on your participation to help make our parish grow. Please take the time to fill out your card, so, we can continue to plan and reach our financial obligations. You can contact Voula (562) 494-8929 at the church's office if you have questions. We appreciate your participation. Please look both in our Panagia Bulletin and our weekly Sunday Bulletins for other events! Our Parish Council is here to serve you and our Panagia Parish. Please do not hesitate to call or ask any of your parish council members or me with any questions! We will provide you with the answers we know and get back to you with the answers we don’t know. Have a very relaxing, safe and enjoyable summer! Thank you for your continued support! Chris Dolas, PC President Page 5 Well here we are in the month of July. Better than half way thru the year. Philoptochos June brings “Camp Agape” Arizona as well as Dunlap, CA. Zoe Falley and Mary Lofton will be attending St. Nicholas Camp Agape this year. Our church contributed $14,000 towards this cause. WE are so proud of everyone for giving so generously. Without your support these children wouldn’t have the opportunity of going to camp. We were able to send 40 children to camp this year from the Long Beach community alone. You ALL deserve a big round of applause. Thank you so VERY MUCH! Because of YOU there are a lot of smiles on many little faces and their families. Αγία Ειρήνη η Χρυσοβαλάντου Greek Column by Voula Michail That’s it from Philoptochos for this month. WE are in hopes that you and your friends/family will participate along with us as we help those in need… WE would love to see you at all of our Outreach Projects and/or Annual Christmas Party and Light the Path. Mark your calendars from now. Η Αγία Ειρήνη ήταν ηγουμένη της Μονής Χρυσοβαλάντου. Γεννήθηκε σε μια κωμόπολη της Καπαδοκίας περίπου το 830 μχ. Οι γονείς της ήταν πλούσιοι και ευγενείς. Η Αγία Ειρήνη η Χρυσοβαλάντου ήταν μια από τις υποψήφιες νύφες του Αυτοκράτορα Μιχαήλ, υιού του Θεόφιλου. Το 850 μχ, όταν ο Μιχαήλ ήταν 22 χρονών , η Θεοδώρα έστειλε διάταγμα σε όλες τις επαρχίες να στείλουν τις καλύτερες κοπέλες για να διαλέξει τη μέλλουσα γυναίκα του γιου της. Η Αγία Ειρήνη μαζί με την αδελφή της οδηγήθηκαν στην Κωνσταντινούπολη. Πηγαίνοντας πέρασαν από τον Όλυμπο της Προύσης και συνάντησαν τον ασκητή Ιωαννίκιο. Αφού τις ευλόγησε προφήτευσε ότι η Αγία Ειρήνη θα οδηγήσει στον Κύριο πολλές μοναχές. Όταν έφτασαν στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, ο Βάρδας, ο αδελφός της Θεοδώρας, διάλεξε την αδελφή της Αγίας Ειρήνης για γυναίκα του. Η ίδια πήγε στη Μονή του Χρυσοβαλάντου κι έγινε μοναχή. Εκεί ήταν η υποτακτική της ηγουμένης και βοηθούσε σε όλες τις ανάγκες του μοναστηριού. Όταν αρρώστησε η ηγουμένη, ασχολήθηκε με κάθε δύσκολη εργασία και βοηθούσε πνευματικά τις άλλες μοναχές διηγούμενη βίους αγίων. Όταν η ηγουμένη χειροτέρεψε, κάλεσε όλες τις μοναχές και στη διαθήκη της άφησε την Αγία Ειρήνη ως τη νέα ηγουμένη. Μετά την κοίμηση της ηγουμένης η Αγία Ειρήνη ανέλαβε τη Μονή. Ο Πατριάρχης Μεθόδιος ο Ομολογητής, την χειροτόνησε σε Διάκονο της Μεγάλης Εκκλησίας. Η Αγία Ειρήνη αξιώθηκε από το Θεό να έχει προορατικό χαρισμα. Κατ’ αυτό τον τρόπο γνώριζε τους λογισμούς των αδελφών της, ώστε πριν αμαρτήσουν τους φανέρωνε τις αμαρτίες που σκεφτόντουσαν και τις απέφευγαν. Τα μήλα του Παραδείσου Η αγία Ειρήνη συνδέθηκε και με το περιστατικό των τριών μήλων, όπως το εξιστορεί ο Συναξαριστής: Ένα βράδυ, καθώς προσευχόταν, ήρθε φωνή προς την οσία πού της είπε• υποδέξου το ναύτη πού σου φέρνει σήμερα τα οπωρικά και να τα φας με χαρά, ώστε η ψυχή σου να νιώσει αγαλλίαση. Στη διάρκεια του Όρθρου έστειλε δύο μοναχές στην πύλη της Μονής για να υποδεχτούν έναν ναύτη πού ήταν απέξω. Όταν μετά την Ακολουθία συναντήθηκαν, εκείνος της είπε ότι είναι ναύτης από την Πάτμο. Καθώς ξεκίνησε το καράβι τους για να πλεύσει στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, ένας σεβάσμιος Γέροντας από την ακτή τους φώναξε, παρακαλώντας να γυρίσουν πίσω για να τους δώσει κάτι. Όμως το καράβι έπλεε με ανοιγμένα πανιά. Τότε ο Γέροντας πρόσταξε το πλοίο να σταματήσει, πράγμα πού έγινε, κι εκείνος περπατώντας στην επιφάνεια της θάλασσας ήρθε κοντά μας. Και βγάζοντας από το στήθος του τρία μήλα μου τα έδωσε λέγοντας: Όταν φτάσεις στην Πόλη να τα δώσεις στον Πατριάρχη και να του πεις πώς του τα έστειλε ο Θεός και ο δούλος του Ιωάννης από τον Παράδεισο. Στη συνέχεια έβγαλε άλλα τρία μήλα και μου είπε: Αυτά να τα δωρήσεις στην ηγουμένη της Μονής Χρυσοβαλάντου, την Ειρήνη, και να της πεις• φάγε από εκείνα πού η καλή σου ψυχή επεθύμης• διότι τώρα έρχομαι από τον Παράδεισο και τα έφερα. Λέγοντάς μου αυτά, ο μεν Γέροντας έγινε άφαντος, το δε πλοίο ξεκίνησε. Κατόπιν ο ναύτης έβγαλε τα τρία μήλα από ένα μεταξωτό μαντήλι και τα έδωσε στην αγία Ειρήνη. Τα μήλα ήταν εξαιρετικά όμορφα, ευωδιαστά και μεγάλα. «Καί τοῦτο δέν εἶναι πράγμα ἀπίστευτον, ἐπειδή ἤσαν ἀπό τόν Παράδεισον». Η ηγουμένη νήστεψε επί μία εβδομάδα, ευχαριστώντας τον Κύριο. Έπειτα άρχισε κάθε μέρα και από λίγο να τρώει το ένα μήλο χωρίς επί 40 ημέρες να βάζει στο στόμα της καμιά άλλη τροφή. Τη δε Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, αφού κοινώνησαν όλες οι αδελφές έκοψε το δεύτερο μήλο και έδωσε σε όλες από ένα κομματάκι. Κι αυτές αισθάνονταν την ευωδία και τη γλυκύτητά του και θαύμαζαν. Το τρίτο μήλο το κράτησε η αγία ως πολύτιμο φυλακτήριο «καί καθ’ ἑκάστην τό ὠσφραίνετο εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν τῆς ψυχῆς της καί ἀγαλλίασιν». Bobbie Soupos, President Η Εκκλησία τιμάει τη μνήμη της Αγίας Ειρήνης της Χρυσοβαλάντου στις 28 Ιουλίου. July brings the Clergy Laity. This year it will be held in Philadelphia. The Theme of this year’s convention is titled; “The Brave One’s”. This pays tribute to all who safe guard our freedom. Some of you sent pictures of family members who have served in the Military throughout the years. I have forwarded all pictures I received to National and they will be displayed through a “Pictorial Library” throughout the convention in honor of all their sacrifices. August we celebrate Panagias’ Name day and once again give thanks for all that we are so fortunate to possess. WE are truly blessed to have so much. Just think about it, look around our church grounds, it’s so awesome. Don’t you just love it! Also: Our Annual Back Pack and school supplies drive. It’s time to start looking for Back Packs and school supplies for our back to school project in September. Your donations will be given to: “For the Child”. Flyer attached. November we are hosting “Light the Path” which is a Beautiful event held each year. Long Beach Philoptochos has the pleasure of hosting it again this year. We very much depend on your participation. All proceeds from this event benefits; Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund for Seminarians and Students at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts. It is such a Wonderful Traditional Holiday Event. The date is November 22, 2014. Mark your calendar/s from now. A must attend event. Hope to see you there. And of course, we can’t forget our Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. More information will follow. December brings our Lady Veterans Christmas Party, Trinity Homes Christmas Party and let us not forget; our Annual Philoptochos Christmas Party which I hope you will all attend. As you can see, Philoptochos has something going on all year round. We rely on YOU for support, both in person by participating as well as your financial support. Without your support we couldn’t do what we so enjoy doing for those who are so badly in need. Our baking and fundraisers are also part of our income and we thank you for purchasing our product/s. Our movement is definitely growing with each passing year and will continue growing. WE are over 4,000 women strong! Page 6 Page 11 Announcements Due to the serious family health problems, Voula, our church secretary, will extend her staying in Greece. If you need assistance please contact Father Christo. Philoptochos Cook Book Philoptohos ladies are looking for new recipes to update their current cook book. You will be honored by inclusion of your recipe(s) in the updated version along with your by-line. Please give your recipe(s) to any Philoptochos lady. July Prosforo Prosforo for the month of July is donated by Paris Kastanas. Thank you. If you would like to donate our Sunday prosforo please call the church office. Greek School Greek School is out for the summer. Please look in your Panagia for updates regarding Greek School registration for the school year 2014-2015. Have a wonderful summer. Thank you, Kathryn Condaras, Principal WEDDINGS 6/28/14 Alexandria Fiamengo & Goran Jovicik Best Man: David Michel Congratulations Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela 6/29/14 Stacy Markou & Donald Lee Smulski III Koumbara: Katerina Andrianos Congratulations BAPTISMS 5/4/14 Adonis (Antonios) Eleopoulos Proud Parents: Jimmy & Leigh Eleopoulos Nones: Joanna & Christina Eleopoulos 5/10/14 Dimitris Panagiotis Lafkas Proud Parent:s: Pete & Ada Lafkas Nona: Georgana Artemis Nikias Philoptochos Annual Project Help a child get a great start on the school year! July & August 2014 It is quite simple… Purchase a backpack and/or supplies/books and drop them off on Sunday Or during the week at the church office. 6/7/14 Theo Pliaconis Proud Parents: Alex & Nicole Pliaconis Godfather: Nicholas Pliaconis No time to shop? A donation of $30 will help us purchase a backpack and fill it with supplies Thank you for getting involved! Your donations will be given to For the Child. For The Child provides both comprehensive child abuse treatment and family focused mental health care, counseling, and therapy to strengthen families and provide the tools of healing to children.. www.forthechild.org 6/14/14 Ana Kambouris Proud Parents: Theodore & Elena Kambouris Nonoi: Jerry & Elli Thermos Recommended School Supplies 6/21/14 Ruth Gutierez Proud Parents: Ivan & Esther Gutierez Godparents: Demetres & Nelly Missios Think of the impact … Our church has 300 families and if each family brought in one backpack /supplies == that equals 300 children! Mateo Gutierez Proud Parents: Ivan & Esther Gutierez Godparents: Jure & Demetra Bratkic “Education is the movement from darkness to light” ~Allan Bloom Questions: call the office at 562-494-8929 Congratulations - Na sas zisoun Page 10 Backpack Notebook Paper & Binders Drawing Tablets Spiral Notebooks Pencil Pouches & Erasers Pencils & Sharpeners Crayons & Rulers Portfolio Folders Small Dictionary Colored Chalk & Glue Stick Colored Pencils Page 7 In the year of o the Lord - July 2014 S u n d ay M o n d ay Tu e s d ay We d n e s d ay 1 T h u r s d ay 2 F r i d ay 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 OFFICE CLOSED (Independence Day) Festival Baking 8:00am Kadaifi 6 7 S at u r d ay 8 9 Δ’ Ματθαίου 4th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Archdiocese Clergy-Laity 13 Των Αγ. Πατέρων Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Festival Baking 8:00 am Paximadia 14 15 16 P. C. Meeting 7 pm Sunday of the Holy Fathers Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 20 Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Festival Baking 8:00 am Galaktoboureko 21 22 23 24 25 ΣΤ’ Ματθαίου (Προφ. Ηλιού) Παρασκευής Οσιομ. 6th Sunday of Matthew (Prophet Elias) Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 27 Ζ’ Ματθαίου Παντελεήμονος Μεγαλ. 7th Sunday of Matthew (Great Martyr Panteleimon) Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Page 8 26 Festival Baking 8:00 am Tsourekia 28 29 30 Martyr Paraskevi Orthros 9:15 am Divine Liturgy 10 am 31 Ειρήνης Χρυσοβαλάντου St. Irene Chrysovalantou Orthros 9:15 am Divine Liturgy 10 am “Blessing of the Apples” “Ευλογία των Μήλων” Festival Baking 8:00 am Baklava Events are subject to change; please refer to weekly bulletin for current schedule Page 9