Canon of Faith May 2014 Κ Α Ν Ο Ν Α Σ Π Ι Σ Τ ΕΩΣ Ι.Ν. ΑΓΙΟΥ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church San Jose, California 1 May 2014 Canon of Faith May 2014 Mission Statement Our Parish, the Parish of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of San Jose, California, is committed to cultivating and nurturing faith in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as taught by the doctrines and Tradition of the Holy Orthodox Church. As a Eucharistic Community, we are called to be “Lights in the World”, demonstrating our faith through stewardship, acts of mercy, and sacramental participation. Through the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, we are called upon to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Finally, we are required by Our Lord in the great commission to invite all people regardless of their ethnic, social, economic or educational background to embrace the Orthodox Faith. A monthly publication prepared by and for the parishioners of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose, California. Rev. Fr. Demosthenes Paraskevaidis Rev. Fr. Ion Coman Rev. Fr. Deacon Demetrios Diakos Church: 1260 Davis Street • San Jose, CA 95126 Office: 986 Chapman Street • San Jose, CA 95126 Web Site: www.saintnicholas.org Telephone (408) 246-2770 - 24 Hour Answering Service Fax (408) 246-0143 Education Center (408) 243-0507 2014 PARISH COUNCIL Achilleas Veziris, President Mary Ann Barrous, Secretary Paul Pries, Vice President George Spilios, Treasurer Mitsi (Efthimia) Andrews John Armeniakos Olga Mavrogenes Dianne Antonopoulos Dionysis Heliotis Nick Pagonis Tom Antonopoulos Michael Kokinos Pete Panos Stelios Argiris John Kouretas Tom Stouras James “Star” Fanakos, Member Emeritus WORSHIP SCHEDULE (See Schedule on Page 4) Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Saturday Sunday Orthros followed by 1st Divine Liturgy 7:15 a.m. 2nd Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Church School 10:00 a.m. Weekdays Eve of feast days Vespers 6:30 p.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 8:30 a.m. Choir Practice Thursdays 6:30 p.m. Hellenic School Classes 5:00 p.m. Tues. - Thurs. 10:00 a.m. Saturday OFFICE HOURS 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Kanella Sarros, Secretary Anthie Karvounis, Bookkeeper Euripides Gavras, Neokoros Peter Pappas, Neokoros Emeritus (Honorary) Bill Christie, Canon of Faith Editor PARISH MINISTRIES Acolytes George Pries, Advisor Athletics Paul Papageorge, Director Choir Dr. Tikey Zes, Director Steve Parsons, Organist Chanter Paul Pronoitis Junior Choir Amanda Fields, Director Youth Council Angie Markolefas Church School Teena Claudatos, Superintendent Hellenic School Roula Demertzis, Director Dance Activity Groups George & Meredith Panayotopoulos, General Directors Dance Group Council Sofia Nicolaou, Angeliki Pries, and Vivian Tavernakis, Chairpersons Golden Years (Seniors) Mina Masters, President Greek Otthodox Youth of America-GOYA Johanna Duterte, Director Junior GOYA Saiyanna Charitou Hellenic Orthodox Primary EducationHOPE Zaren Stouras Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) Lorraine Hilty Mothers and Tots Roula Demertzis, Director Philoptochos Society Laurie Sahines, President Sunday Coffee Hour Theoni Maroudas & Helen Leos, Coordinators Missions Ministry Rosa Deamant Vacation Church School (VCS) Julie Constant Visitation Ministry Pauline Ferrant COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Order of AHEPA Daughters of Penelope Hellenic Heritage Institute Lakonikos Syllogos Panarcadian Federation Pancretan Association 2 Dr. George Zioulas, President Cathy Photopoulos, President Marina Moustakas, President John Varellas, President Elias Psycharis, President Ted Cocoles, President Canon of Faith May 2014 Message from Father Ion The Gift of our Ordination “I could not help shedding tears” – this was one of the answers to my question “how was the ordination this Sunday”? My question was about our special Palm Sunday at our church this year, when we witnessed an ordination of a young man as a sub-deacon and then a deacon. The ordination took place before and during the Divine Liturgy, with the community assembled as the Body of Christ in the Eucharistic celebration. The ordination itself was indeed a powerful and very moving service that brought tears to many of the participants. All who were present participated in prayer and trembled when the ordination took place and the candidate himself was in tears throughout the whole service. The climax of the service was the laying on of hands by the Metropolitan - the specific invocation to the Holy Spirit to come upon the candidate to change him, to transform him, to empower him with divine grace, which heals human weaknesses and makes possible in God what is normally impossible to man. Why were we so moved? What was special about this experience that we lived together? These are simple questions upon which we can reflect and thus allow this beautiful event of the ordination to change us. Here are a few of my humble notes: • The presence of the Holy Spirit was so intense! Not only did the beauty of the service and the potency of the prayers that the Metropolitan read make the presence of God so vivid, but they also prepared us, the participants for the great moment of the ordination. We became aware that our engagement with the gift of the Holy Spirit was in proportion to the preparation of our heart. The more we prepare, the more we can tap from the outpouring of the grace of God. The candidate was deeply moved because he stood before God, after undergoing a period of serious preparation that he himself underwent – fasting, his life-time confession and prayer. Behind him there were years of preparation that grew in intensity as the ordination time drew near. He presented himself with great humility, ready to become a new person, to be reborn as a servant of God, with a new role, a new life. • We were also touched by the public manifestation of the repentance of the candidate, repentance that reflects a change of mind, a turn from whatever path in life to the path of Christ. This means taking up the cross of renouncing personal dreams, ambitions, desires and following the will of God, without hesitation. It involves a voluntary sacrifice for both the ordained man and his wife. • Perhaps most of us feel humbled in this way when we receive a gift much bigger than what we can possibly pay back. The ordination however, does not lead to a debt that must be paid (like in the parable of the one who was forgiven a debt of 10,000 talents – Matthew 18), but rather to using the gift of the talents that God entrusts to the one who is ordained. It is about putting the talents to work, to produce interest. We observed in awe how this divine gift was bestowed. We felt in our hearts God’s love, presence and redemptive work in our midst. Most of us have been ordained too, not to the clerical orders of bishop, priest or deacon, but to the level of laity. As in the ordination we witnessed on Palm Sunday, the lay Orthodox Christian received the Holy Spirit as a gift from God, the greatest gift of all. As he comes out of the baptismal font he immediately receives the “seal of the Holy Spirit” through the anointing in the mystery of Chrismation. We were ordained to serve Christ as lay people, to be active in the Church as the Body of Christ, and we should take this role seriously. Some are ordained to be deacons or priests; they too take their role in the Church seriously. The lay person is called to do the work of Christ, to be active. Since most of us were baptized as infants, let us ask ourselves: what do my baptism and chrismation mean to me? Am I the new person transformed through these mysteries or have I chosen to be the old one? The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to me - am I using it to serve God, and through my service to grow and multiply the talents that He constantly gives to me? Where am I in my journey? Have I lived my life focused on me and my needs and my pleasures? Am I alive in Christ? Let us contemplate upon the meaning of our personal Pentecost (our Chrismation) in the light of the beautiful ordination that we were blessed to host. Let us remember that the great gift of the Holy Spirit that we received at our Chrismation has stayed with us, waiting to produce fruits, subject to our own participation and commitment. How do we activate and allow it to grow in Christ who is the source of life? The lesson from the ordination is poignant: repentance, humility, presence by God’s side in church, a consistent witness of Christ at our home and at work/ school and obedience to God’s calling. What if one feels that the seed that was given to him at Chrismation is dormant and covered by layers of a life-long separation from God? What if one does not know what his or her calling is? Then the first step is needed: of finding and establishing a relationship with a spiritual father. This is not an easy step and it leads to more work, to the work of cleaning up our heart through the tears of Repentance and Confession to allow a healthy and constant connection to God through the Giver of Life, the Holy Spirit. Start and continue the war against sin with this first step of connecting with a spiritual father. Then, with his help, strive for purity, for being like Christ! Impossible goal, you might say. But remember that you too, as in the prayer of the ordination, were given “the divine grace, which always heals weakness and fulfills what is lacking”. Grant This, oh Lord! Father Ion 3 Canon of Faith May 2014 ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΣΟΦΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΠΑΤΕΡΩΝ …συνέχεια από το προηγούμενο τεύχος Χριστός Ανέστη! Μια που βρισκόμαστε ακόμη μέσα στο φώς και τη χαρά της Μεγάλης εορτής του Πάσχα, στο τεύχος αυτό θα δούμε τις Κατηχήσεις του Αγίου Κυρίλλου Ιεροσολύμων με αριθμό 34 και 35 που αναφέρονται στις προφητείες του Προφήτου ῾Ησαΐου για το Μυστήριο της Εκκλησίας. ΛΔ´ . Λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί μου, νά χαιρόσαστε πάντοτε, μέ τή χαρά τοῦ Κυρίου. Θά σᾶς τό ξαναπῶ: Νά χαιρόσαστε (πρβλ. Φιλιπ. 3, 1 καί 4, 4). Γιατί ἔφτασε ἡ ὥρα τῆς ἀπολύτρωσής σας (πρβλ. Λουκ. 21, 28) καί ὁ ἐπουράνιος στρατός τῶν ᾿Αγγέλων ἀναμένει τή σωτηρία σας. ᾿Ακούγεται ἤδη ἡ φωνή πού κράζει δυνατά στήν ἔρημο: «῾Ετοιμάστε τήν ὁδό τοῦ Κυρίου» (῾Ησ. 40, 3. Ματθ. 3, 3). ῾Ο προφήτης ῾Ησαΐας κραυγάζει: «῞Οσοι διψᾶτε πορευθεῖτε πρός τό νερό» (῾Ησ. 55, 1). Κι ἀλλοῦ πάλι· «᾿Ακοῦστε με καί θά ἀπολαύσετε τά ἀγαθά καί θά εὐφρανθεῖ μέσα στά ἀγαθά ἡ ψυχή σας» (῾Ησ. 55, 2). Σέ λίγο θά ἀκούσετε τήν ὡραία ἀνάγνωση ἀπό τό ἐδάφιο πού θά λέει: «Φωτίσου νέα ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, γιατί ἔφτασε κοντά σου τό φῶς» (πρβλ. ῾Ησ. 60, 1). Γι᾿ αὐτή τή νέα ῾Ιερουσαλήμ ὁ προφήτης ῾Ησαΐας εἶχε πεῖ: «Μετά ἀπό αὐτά θά ὀνομαστεῖς πόλη δικαιοσύνης, μητρόπολη πιστή Σιών» (῾Ησ. 1, 26), ἐπειδή ὁ νόμος προῆλθε ἀπό τή Σιών καί ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου ἀπό τήν ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, ὁ ὁποῖος ἀπό ἐδῶ ξεχύθηκε σέ ὅλη τήν οἰκουμένη. Σ᾿ αὐτήν ἀπευθύνθηκε ὁ προφήτης ῾Ησαΐας καί γιά σᾶς τῆς εἶπε: «Σήκωσε ὁλόγυρα τά μάτια σου καί κύτταξε τά παιδιά σου πού εἶναι συναγμένα» (῾Ησ. 49, 18). Κι αὐτή ἀποκρίθηκε καί εἶπε:«Ποιοί ξέρουν νά πετοῦν ψηλά, πάνω ἀπό μένα, σάν τά σύννεφα καί σάν τά περιστέρια μέ τά μικρά τους;» (῾Ησ. 60, 8). Σύννεφα σᾶς ὀνόμασε γιά τήν πνευματική σας ζωή καί περιστέρια γιά τήν ἀκεραιότητά σας. Καί ἀλλοῦ πάλι λέει: «Ποιός ξέρει ἀπ᾿ αὐτά; ῎Η ποιός ἔχει δεῖ παρόμοια; Μήπως καί δοκίμασε, γιά μιά μονάχα ἡμέρα, ἡ γῆ ὠδίνες τοκετοῦ ἤ μήπως γεννήθηκε κάποιο ἔθνος μονομιᾶς; Διότι δοκίμασε ὠδίνες τοκετοῦ καί γέννησε ἡ Σιών τά παιδιά της» (῾Ησ. 66, 8). Καί θά γεμίσουν ὅλα ἀνεκλάλητη χαρά, γιατί ὁ Κύριος εἶπε: «Νά, θά κάνω ἐγώ ν᾿ ἀγαλλιάσει ἡ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ καί νά εὐφρανθεῖ ὁ λαός μου» (῾Ησ. 65, 18). ΛΕ´ . ῎Ας δώσει ὁ Θεός νά εἰπωθεῖ καί γιά σᾶς τώρα: «Γεμίστε εὐφροσύνη οὐρανοί κι ἄς ἀγαλλιάσει ὅλη ἡ γῆ» (῾Ησ. 49, 13) καί στή συνέχεια: «῾Ο Θεός ἐλέησε τό λαό Του καί παρηγόρησε τούς ταπεινούς τοῦ λαοῦ Του» (῾Ησ. 49, 13). Αὐτά ὅλα θά σᾶς χαριστοῦν ἀπό τή φιλανθρωπία τοῦ Θεοῦ πού σᾶς ὑπόσχεται: «᾿Εγώ θά ἐξαφανίσω σάν σύννεφο τίς ἀνομίες σου καί σάν ὀμίχλη τίς ἁμαρτίες σου» (πρβλ. ῾Ησ. 44, 22). Κι ἐσεῖς, ἀφοῦ θά ἀξιωθεῖτε νά πάρετε τό ὄνομα τῶν πιστῶν —γιά τούς ὁποίους εἶναι γραμμένο στήν ἁγία Γραφή˙ σ᾿ αὐτούς πού θά δουλεύσουν σέ μένα θά τούς χαριστεῖ καινούριο ὄνομα, τό ὁποῖο θά εὐλογηθεῖ πάνω στή γῆ (πρβλ. ῾Ησ. 65, 15-16)— θά πεῖτε μέ εὐφροσύνη: «῎Ας εἶναι εὐλογητός ὁ Θεός καί Πατέρας τοῦ Κυρίου μας ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾿Εκεῖνος πού μᾶς χάρισε διά τοῦ Χριστοῦ κάθε πνευματική καί ἐπουράνια εὐλογία» (᾿Εφεσ. 1, 3). «᾿Από τόν ῾Οποῖο δεχτήκαμε τήν ἀπελευθέρωσή μας, μέ τό Αἷμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ καί τήν ἄφεση τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν, μέ τήν πλούσια Χάρη Του, πού σκόρπισε σέ μᾶς περίσσια» (᾿Εφεσ. 1, 7-8) κ.τ.λ. Καί ἀλλοῦ πάλι λέει: «῾Ο Θεός ὅμως, ἐπειδή εἶναι πολυέλεος καί πολυεύσπλαχνος, μᾶς ἀγάπησε μέ ἀπέραντη ἀγάπη. Κι ἐνῶ ἤμαστε πνευματικά νεκροί, ἐξαιτίας τῶν παραπτωμάτων μας, μᾶς ξανάδωσε τή ζωή μαζί μέ τόν Χριστό» (᾿Εφεσ. 2, 4-5) κ.τ.λ. Καί πάλι, ψάλτε παρόμοιο ὕμνο στόν Θεό, λέγοντας: «῞Οταν ὁ Θεός, ὁ Σωτήρας μας, φανέρωσε τήν καλοσύνη καί τήν ἀγάπη Του στούς ἀνθρώπους, μᾶς ἔσωσε, ὄχι γιά τά καλά ἔργα πού τυχόν κάναμε ἐμεῖς, ἀλλά γιατί μᾶς σπλαχνίστηκε. Μᾶς ἔσωσε μέ τό Βάπτισμα τῆς ἀναγέννησης καί τῆς ἀνανέωσης πού χαρίζει τό ῞Αγιο Πνεῦμα, τό ῾Οποῖο σκόρπισε πλούσια πάνω μας διά τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τοῦ Σωτήρα μας γιά νά δικαιωθοῦμε μέ τή δική Του Χάρη καί νά κληρονομήσουμε τήν αἰώνια ζωή πού προσδοκοῦμε» (Τίτ. 3, 4-7). Αὐτός λοιπόν, «ὁ Θεός καί Πατέρας τοῦ Κυρίου μας ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ Πατέρας τῆς δόξας, ἄς σᾶς χαρίσει πνεῦμα σοφίας, πού θά σᾶς ἀποκαλύψει πῶς νά Τόν γνωρίσετε ἀκόμα καλύτερα. Κι ἄς φωτίζει τά πνευματικά μάτια τῆς ψυχῆς σας» (πρβλ. ᾿Εφεσ. 1, 16-17). Καί ἄς σᾶς διαφυλάξει σ᾿ ὅλη σας τή ζωή, χαρίζοντάς σας τή δύναμη καί τό φωτισμό γιά κάθε λόγο, ἔργο καί λογισμό ἀγαθό. Σ᾿ Αὐτόν ἀνήκει, τιμή καί δόξα, διά τοῦ Κυρίου μας ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, μαζί μέ τό ῞Αγιο Πνεῦμα, τώρα καί πάντοτε καί στούς ἀτέλειωτους αἰῶνες τῶν αἰώνων. ᾿Αμήν. Με το τεύχος αυτό ολοκληρώνουμε την σειρά με τις Κατηχήσεις του Αγίου Κυρίλλου Ιεροσολύμων για την κατανόηση του όρου “Εκκλησία.” Όπως είπαμε και στην πρώτο τεύχο με της σειράς αυτής, σκοπός των Κατηχήσεων ήταν αφ' ενός μεν η εισαγωγή των Κατηχουμένων στις θεμελιώδεις διδασκαλίες της πίστεως και του ηθικού βίου των Χριστιανών, αφ' ετέρου δε η φανέρωση των Μυστηρίων της Εκκλησίας στους Νεοβαπτισθέντες. Η αξία των Κατηχήσεων του Αγίου Κυρίλλου είναι ανυπολόγιστη. Κανένα έργο προ αυτού δεν εμφανίζει με τόση παραστατικότητα σχεδόν όλο το τελετουργικό της Ορθοδόξου Εκκλησίας, καθώς και το μυστηριακό και αγιαστικό σύστημα με τόση καταπληκτική ομοιότητα προς τα μέχρι σήμερα τελούμενα στο ναό, ώστε δικαιολογημένα να θεωρούμε ότι οι Κατηχήσεις του Αγίου Κυρίλλου αποτελούν έκτυπη αναπαράσταση και στην πράξη διατήρηση αυτής της ίδιας της Αποστολικής Τελετουργικής Παραδόσεως. Ας έχουμε την ευχή του! Ο ιερέας της ενορίας π. Δημοσθένης Π. 4 Canon of Faith May 2014 EORTOLOGION • MAY - JULY 1, 2014 Thursday, June 12 - Sts. Onouphrios and Peter the Athonite 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Saturday, June 14 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, June 15 - All Saints - Father’s Day 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy Monday, June 16 - Fast of the Apostles Begins Friday, June 20 8:15am Orthros + Liturgy with VCS Saturday, June 21 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, June 22 - 2nd Sunday of Matthew 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy Tuesday, June 24 - Nativity of John the Baptist 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Saturday, June 28 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, June 29 - Holy Apostles Peter and Paul 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy Monday, June 30 - Synaxis of the Holy Apostles 5:00pm Vespers Tuesday, July 1 - Saints Cosmas and Damianos 8:00am Blessing of the Water/Agiasmo 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy Saturday, May 3 4:45pm Blessing of the Water/Agiasmo 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, May 4 - Sunday of the Myrrh Bearers 7:15am Orthros + Liturgy 1 10:00am Liturgy 2 Saturday, May 10 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, May 11 - Sunday of the Paralytic - Mother’s Day 7:15am Orthros + Liturgy 1 10:00am Liturgy 2 Wednesday, May 14 - Mid-Pentecost 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Saturday, May 17 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, May 18 - Sunday of the Samaritan Woman 7:15am Orthros + Liturgy 1 10:00am Liturgy 2 Tuesday, May 20 7:00pm Vespers in Vallejo Wednesday, May 21 - Sts. Constantine & Helen 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Saturday, May 24 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, May 25 - Sunday of the Blind Man 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy Tuesday, May 27 7:00pm Apodosis of Pascha Vigil in Castro Valley Wednesday, May 28 - Apodosis of Pascha 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Thursday, May 29 - Holy Ascension 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Saturday, May 31 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, June 1 - Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council 7:40am Blessing of the Water/Agiasmo 8:00am Orthros & Liturgy Friday, June 6 6:30pm Vespers Saturday, June 7 - Saturday of Souls 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy 11:00am Memorial at Cemeteries 5:00pm Vespers Sunday, June 8 - Holy Pentecost 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy Monday, June 9 - 3 Virgin Martyrs of Chios 8:00am Orthros & Liturgy Save the date! Walk for Missions 2014 Sunday, September 28th Have fun! Help fellow Orthodox children! Let’s spread the Good news Throughout the world! Bring the ticket below and get a free chance to win an IPad.* *Look on www.saintnicholas.org for how to get more chances starting in July. Participation is required++ Special ticket for a free chance to win an IPad. Name_________________________ Phone:______________________________ Email:_______________________________ 5 Canon of Faith May 2014 Church School Third Quarter Attendance Awards No perfect attendance award this quarter for Preschool Kindergarten: Alexander Tcharos. NP Nicoleta Panayiotopoulos Teachers: Angeliki Menig, Alex Colyvas First Grade: Evanthia Paraskevaidis Teacher: Paul Isied Second Grade: Maria Mukhar, Sydney Constant. NP Yodal Gebrehiwet, Nadia Mebrahtu, Eva Stouras Teachers: Terry Pries, George Claudatos Third Grade: Theoni Sarakinis, Yoryia Papadokonstadakis, Ekaterina Kokinos, Jasmine Negash. NP Timothy Papageorge, Agiass Tedros. Teachers: Maria Bakouros, Stephanie Claudatos Fourth Grade: Angeliki Karvounis, Andrew Hilty, Peter Colyvas. NP Nicholas Esquivel Teacher: Diane Antonopoulos Fith Grade: Sevastiani Paraskevaidis, Ermela Negash. NP Samantha Constant Teacher: Julie Long Sixth Grade: Debora Tedros, Panayioti Kokinos, Ricardo Esquivel Teachers: Nick Tziavaras, Stephanie Tziavaras, Olga Cartwright 6 Canon of Faith May 2014 Church School Third Quarter Attendance Awards Seventh Grade: Maria Mavrogenes, Paraskevas Paraskevaidis, Japheth Negash, Saron Worku, Amanda Constant. NP: Alexandra Constant, Joshua Hintsa, Abel Mebrahtu Teachers: Michael Fragadakis, Stephanie Noryko, Ioanna Markolefas No perfect attendance award this quarter for 8th Grade Ninth Grade: Natnael Tsegai. NP Segen Mebrahtu Teacher: Eire Gemellos Tenth Grade: Fesha Abraha. NP Jonathan Hintsa Teachers: Eleni Condos, Jeff Condos, Kristin Kylan Eleventh Grade: Nahom Tzeggai Teachers: Kosta Niktas, Nicholas Tcharos Twelve Grade: Dimitra Taousanis, Kelly Lymberopoulos, Maria Halatsis, Anna Peppas. Teachers: Peter Menig, Tom Bundros St. Nicholas Community Calendar Congratulations to the May 4 Festival Kick-Off Dinner May 10 Daughters of Penelope Barbecue May 11 Mother’s Day May 17 Hellenic School Graduation & Luncheon May 18 Church School Graduation & Luncheon May 30, 31 Jun 1 St. Nicholas Festival Jun 15 Father’s Day 7th Grade Best Overall Attendance for the 3rd Quarter 7 Canon of Faith May 2014 Church School Readers for the Youth Pre Sanctified Liturgy Andrei Coman Hristo Danopoulos Maria Halatzis Yosef Mahdere Vasili Panopoulos Yianni Papadokonstadakis Greg Panopoulos Vasiliki Rousakis Akililu Tsegai Nahom Tzeggai Dimitra Taousanis Yanni Tsigaris Kalkidan Work Salutations Readers Visit with Fr. James and the Russian Cathedrals Aki Aji and Maria Halatsis Nicholas Heliotis and Vasilia Veziris Akathist Readers: Dina Kardaris and Hristo Danopoulos Angeliki Karvounis and John Tsortos Roger Antonopoulos and Angela Kiriakopoulos 8 Canon of Faith May 2014 Sofia Papanicolaou teaches the 5th grade about prosforo. Scenes from Lazurus Saturday. 9 Canon of Faith May 2014 Holy Friday Retreat and Holy Friday Evening Services 10 Canon of Faith May 2014 Holy Friday Night and Anastasi particapants Candle lighters Holy Friday: Analyssa Thomas, Christina Veziris, Eleni Kokinos, Maria Mavrogenes, Zoe Kanakis, Connie Pragastis. Candle lighters - Anastasi: Anna Peppas, Dina Kardaris, Maria Haltsis, Dimitra Taousanis, Sofia Argiris, Kelly Lymberopoulos. Mourners: Anna Peppas, Sophia Argiris, Angela Kiriakopoulos, Dina Kardaris, Kelly Lymberopoulos, Maria Halatsis, Nicole Kyriakopoulos, Saba Asmellash. Pall Bearers: Nick Lendaris, Hristo Danopoulos, Nicholas Heliotis, Sotiri Zefiris, Konstantine Petrakis, Jacob Good, Roger Antonopoulos, Roger Isied. Myrrh Bearers: Amanda Pappas, Ekaterina Kokinos, Theoni Sarakinis, Ermela Negash, Aryam Asmellash, Jasmine Negash, Angeliki Karvounis, Christina Rousakis, Andreanna Argyres, Alexandra Pragastis, Sofia Contos, 11 Canon of Faith May 2014 Το μυστικό που κρατάει τον Παρθενώνα όρθιο επί 2.500 χρόνια Το μυστικό αποκαλύπτεται μετά από μελέτες που δείχνουν ότι, παρά το γεγονός πως ο ναός του Παρθενώνα στην Ακρόπολη δεν έχει καν θεμέλια, έχει τριπλή αντισεισμική θωράκιση. Σύμφωνα με την πολιτικό μηχανικό Νίκη Τιμοθέου, μελέτες της αρχιτεκτονικής και δομικής του φόρμας κατέδειξαν πως οι Αρχαίοι Έλληνες είχαν από τότε ανακαλύψει αυτό που σήμερα ονομάζουμε «σεισμική μόνωση». Ο ναός, σύμφωνα με την κυρία Τιμοθέου, κοντράρει επιτυχώς τη θεωρία της σύγχρονης πολιτικής μηχανικής, διότι χωρίς να έχει καν θεμέλια, είναι τριπλά μονωμένος σεισμικά. Αυτή η τριπλή μόνωση, όπως μας εξήγησε, εντοπίζεται σε διαφορετικά σημεία του οικοδομήματος. Το πρώτο σημείο βρίσκεται στις στρώσεις τεράστιων οριζόντιων και εξαιρετικά λείων μαρμάρων, πάνω στα οποία πατάει ο Παρθενώνας. Το δεύτερο παρατηρείται στους μεταλλικούς ελαστικούς συνδέσμους οι οποίοι συνδέουν τις πλάκες κάθε στρώματος, και που στο κέντρο τους εντοπίζονται μικροί σιδηροπάσσαλοι, γύρω από τους οποίους έχει χυθεί μολύβι (το μολύβι έχει την ιδιότητα να προστατεύει τον σίδηρο από τη σκουριά και να εξασθενεί με την ελαστικότητά του το όποιο κύμα, αφού μέρος της κινητικής του αυτής ενέργειας μετατρέπεται σε θερμική). Και το τρίτο εντοπίζεται στις κολώνες του κτίσματος, οι οποίες δεν τοποθετήθηκαν μονοκόμματες, αφού οι αρχαίοι Έλληνες ήξεραν πως για να αντέξουν στους κραδασμούς της γης, θα έπρεπε να τοποθετηθούν σε φέτες, τέλεια εφαρμοσμένες η μία πάνω στην άλλη. Το αποτέλεσμα αυτής της τριπλής μονωτικής φόρμουλας, όπως σημείωσε η κυρία Τιμοθέου, ήταν τα επιφανειακά σεισμικά κύματα να κινούν το ένα στρώμα των μαρμάρινων πλακών, επάνω στο άλλο, την ίδια ώρα που οι σύνδεσμοι εκτόνωναν την κινητική ενέργεια που ανέπτυσσε ο εγκέλαδος! Οι κολώνες, τέλος, με τον τρόπο που ήταν τοποθετημένες επέτρεπαν στο όλο οικοδόμημα να ταλαντώνεται, αλλά να μην καταρρέει. 12 Canon of Faith STAR (Showing Thankfulness • Appreciation • Respect) K Elias Psycharis K May 2014 Elias Psycharis - The King of San Jose’s Greek Festival at Saint Nicholas Church. Elias was born in Athens and lived there until 1960, when he came to America on a student visa. He attended the University of Michigan for a year and then moved to San Jose where he continued his studies at San Jose State University, graduating with degrees in Political Science and Linguistics. While there, he met his wife, Maureen. They have two daughters, Elianna and Elizabeth and two grandchildren, Melina and Evan. Forty years ago, Elias joined the Saint Nicholas Parish and served on the board of the Greek School and the Parish Council. In 2010, Father John asked him to take over the chairmanship of the Festival, which he accepted. Since then and up to this year, he served the Festival with dedication and hard work. Last year and this year, he has co-chaired the Festival with John Kouretas. Some of the duties of the Chairman include getting permits from the City of San Jose, Health, Police, and Fire Departments; hiring the Red Cross, Shuttle Company and find workers to set up booths and structures; renting booths to merchants and making sure all the groups prepare enough food to accommodate a large number of people. Most important to physically be at the Festival all three days to assist with anything that comes up. You all have seen and man walking around the church grounds with a very distinctive, large hat. with signs, stage for the orchestra is ready, lights, power lines, tables and chairs for dining are in place. To accomplish all these tasks, many volunteers are needed. The more the easier it becomes for everybody. Elias is encouraging anyone to volunteer even for a few hours for the preparation and during the Festival. Elias wants to thank the hundreds of dedicated, hard-working and cooperative parishioners of Saint Nicholas Church for making our Festival a great success and the talk of the town year after year! During the month of May most of the Festival work is done. The food is prepared , the construction of the various booths is set, the equipment necessary for cooking the food during the Festival are in place, booths are ready Don’t miss this year’s Festival scheduled for May 30 -31 and June 1 13 Canon of Faith May 2014 ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS - Love in Action! by Ellie Prokopakis Remember, Lord, those who bring forth fruit and do good works in your holy Churches and are concerned for the poor. Reward them with your rich, heavenly blessings. In place of worldly gifts grant them heavenly ones; in place of transitory goods, eternal blessings instead of the passing, the lasting. ~The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great FYI: A thoughtful donation of flowers was made to us by Mr. Chris Citti for use in decorating the tables for the tribute to the memory of our Beloved Father John Asimacopoulos. Mr. Citti operates Citti’s Florist Shop in Campbell. If you have a need for floral arrangements, please keep his kindness in mind. KICK-OFF TO A FESTIVAL: With prayers for a wondehrful and successful festival, Philoptochos has joined others who have contributed to the Kick-Off by adding $500. Some need to learn that their actions do affect other people around them. So, be careful what you say and do because it’s not always about you. ~ author unknown THE LENTEN RETREAT: Looking back to the Lenten Retreat on April 5, it seems we can call it a pleasing success. Fr. Michael Prevas held his audience’s attention while making his presentation. If you missed the day, you missed a great deal. Our thanks go to Christine Kouvaris, Stephanie Scordelis, and the board members who cooperated in getting things ready surrounding a Trisagion and funeral. We are blessed to have so many wonderful cooks who added their culinary skills to the luncheon. WE HOPE YOU’LL LEND A HAND FOR FOOD PREP: It takes many willing hands to get ready for a festival and we hope your hands are with ours. Think you’re too old? If you’re still moving, Baby, then you can be of use. There are plenty of sit-down jobs and many hands make the work go fast. Join us. Make a new friend. We will all be glad to be a part. Impress upon your child: When choosing a mate, don’t look for someone to “rescue”; you need to find your equal. As a rescuer you risk being “taken down” by the person you are trying to save just as the lifeguard must take care that the swimmer doesn’t end up drowning the both of them. Your job is to do and be your best. Attaching yourself to a mate who has problems may be like trying to swim with an anchor holding you down. ~ a universal truth CALENDAR: May 1 Thurs – Deadline for Scholarship Applications May 7 Wed – Philoptochos Meeting, 7:30 pm, Rm 3 May 10 Fri – Set up for Mothers’ Day Reception May 11 Sun- Mothers’ Day Reception after 2nd Liturgy May 18 Sun- Church School Graduation Scholarship Presentation May 26-30- Set up for Festival XRISTOS ANESTI: This beautiful greeting proclaiming the Pachal joy has been used for centuries, and yet it never grows old or tired. We love it and the hymn sung during this period. Christ is Risen! WE SALUTE OUR MOTHERS: More than a century ago in this country a day set aside to remember and honor mothers was officially established, as if we needed a day to recognize her contribution to our well-being. Still, the thought behind having a special day to reminisce and bring to mind your mother is an excellent idea. We salute the Mothers of our Church Family and thank them for their patience, the wisdom they have given to us, the insistence they have displayed when just going along with the flow would have been much easier, and the example they have set. We know it wasn’t always easy; many times it was back-breaking work seeing to her children. And yet, Mom, Ma, Mama, or whatever endearing name you have for her, we hope you and your mother will enjoy a glorious and lovely day. COLLECTING GOOD, GENTLY USED ITEMS: Philoptochos needs s few desirable things to sell in our boutique booth at the festival. Hand made things, one-of-a-kind items and souvenir things from Greece are especially welcomed. Please bring your donations previous to the start of the festival. If you would like a tax letter, bring an itemized list; include your name and mailing address. We thank you in advance. For he who closes his ears to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard. ~ Proverbs 21:13 PENNIES ‘N’ PRAYERS: The 2014 Campaign is almost half over and there are still many lonely canisters waiting to be checked out to an Orthodox home on Sunday. Don’t stress if your canister is not filled up by June 8th. It doesn’t have to be full to be useful. After all, “fasouli to fasouli, yemizi to sakouli.” (The bag is filled bean by bean.) Any amount is greatly appreciated by the small, poor mission churches in our S.F. Metropolis. 14 Canon of Faith May 2014 THANK YOU, FRIENDS! We are grateful for the support of all who attended our Fashion Show/Luncheon. Our supporters are great people and we love you all! It was a marvelous day, especially because of the work and cooperation of Terry Kylan, Elaine Brackett, Barbara Bernard, Roula Demertzsis, Kiki Peters, Bill Christie, and Sophia Kouretas of John’s Excellent Foods. A special pat on the back is given to those who donated prizes used in the raffle. MOM’S EMPTY CHAIR: A woman’s daughter had asked the priest to come and pray with her mother. When the priest arrived, he found the woman lying in bed with her head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside her bed. The priest assumed that the woman had been informed of his visit. “I guess you were expecting me”, he said. “No, who are you?” said the mother. The clergyman told her his name and then remarked, “I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up.” “Oh yes, the chair,” said the bedridden woman. “Would you mind closing the door?” Puzzled, the priest shut the door. “I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter,” said the woman. “But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head. I abandoned any attempt at prayer,” the old woman continued, “until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, “‘ Prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with God. Here is what I suggest, sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It’s not spooky because He promised, ‘I will be with you always. Then just speak to Him in the same way you’re doing with me right now.’” “So, I tried it and I’ve liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I’m careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she’d either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.” The priest was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her mama had died that afternoon. “Did she die in peace?” he asked. “Yes, when I was ready to leave the house about two o’clock, she called me over to her bedside, told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found her. But there was something strange about her death. Apparently, just before Mom died, she leaned over and rested her head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?” The priest wiped a tear from his eye and said, “I wish we could all go like that.” ~revised from the internet. 15 St. Nicholas Festival . . . . . . Spread the News! The San Jose Greek Festival is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Follow us to help spread the word online about the biggest event of the year at Saint Nicholas. Social Media is critical in helping us promote the Festival. Please help us by liking and sharing our pages with your friends and family. It’s an easy way to get the word out! You can find us by looking up San Jose Greek Festival, or by going to: facebook.com/sjgreekfestival, twitter.com/sjgreekfestival, and instagram.com/sjgreekfestival And remember to use #sjgreekfestival in all your posts, too! Everyone is invited to attend a Luncheon honoring the 2014 High School Graduates following Holy Liturgy on Sunday, May 18 Certificates of Achievement and a Monetary Gift will be awarded to each attending graduate. Sponsored and Hosted by the Order of Ahepa and Daughters of Penelope Goodwill offering appreciated Canon of Faith May 2014 SAINTS PETER AND PAUL MISSIONS MINISTRY How Great a God is our God By Roberta Sardell A young man stabs his wife to death. His Alaskan village is divided, 100 people torn apart by the violence yet all interconnected through marriage and the desire to foster the children left when their father is jailed. Enter an OCMC mission team, a group of five people previously unknown to each other but committed to their Orthodox faith, representing three different jurisdictions. God works with this conglomeration! their bishops. Some of the teams offer health services, some teach, some do child care, some offer friendship and opportunities to worship. People in other countries are amazed that there are Orthodox Christians who care enough to come befriend them. Team members gain immeasurably as they forge friendships both crossjurisdictionally and cross-culturally. Knowledge is shared, new perspectives are gained, and faith is strengthened. Team members return to share their experiences. Some even change life vocations. How much God accomplishes in two weeks! How great a God is our God! I was one of the five. I was fulfilling a childhood dream of being a missionary, having been inspired by the life of Albert Schweitzer. However, he was in equatorial Africa, and I was snowbound in Alaska. What I experienced in fourteen days brought me new friendships and new faith and a desire to share with others, both here and abroad, how God works in our lives. Our team presented lessons throughout a week in Tatitlek; members from both sides of the tragedy attended. At the end of the week when the priest came to retrieve us, all those who attended the meetings went to confession. A potluck dinner was celebrated, such as had not been held for two years as the pain and anger had festered. Reconciliation was initiated. In Romania my team led the first Orthodox women’s retreats, focusing on priests’ wives. Two presvyteras, who had previously never spoken although their husbands served in the same city, shared a room; at the end of two days they clasped hands and hearts. Gaining support from each other, rallying others to help, these two vowed to befriend those lonely priests’ wives in the villages surrounding their city. More retreats have taken place. In remote Kenya our OCMC team taught new Orthodox Christians more about the faith. Young men in the classes then spread further into the desert to share with other villagers who have never heard of Jesus. This is why, in the last two years, hundreds in the Turkana region have received Christ. Not all two-week mission trips have such obvious or dramatic results. However, OCMC is called by local priests for particular projects; these are approved by 16 Paper Icons Wanted Ruth Duterte, who does the art program for our children every summer at St. Nicholas Ranch, will have collection boxes in the Church Hall and in the Church Office. She needs paper icons from Orthodox calendars, Christmas cards, etc. You can also get in touch with her at 1-(408) 483-3009. Canon of Faith May 2014 Πάμε Κρήτη; (Let’s go to Crete!) My beloved Parishioners, Christ, is Risen! I’m writing to inform you about the upcoming Greek Village Immersion Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch, and to invite you to register your children and grandchildren in this wonderful program. I am privileged to be not only a member of the planning committee of this program, but also the “Priest of the Village!” (ο παπάς του Χωριού). I also have the privilege of making the video of this program every year. Those of you who came to FDF might remember the video that was shown at the opening ceremony. If you have not seen the video yet, here is the link: http://vimeo.com/79262435 This is an immersion summer camp under the umbrella of the Youth Office of our Metropolis, which takes place the last week of June at Saint Nicholas Ranch. It is quite a unique program, since it is a combination of an immersion Greek Language and Culture program and a summer camp. The program includes many remarkable lessons and activities such as: Greek Language Classes • Greek History, Geography, Mythology, Astronomy • Greek Cooking Classes Dancing Classes • Music and Theatre • Arts & Crafts • Campfires, swimming • Daily worship. The whole program is designed and led by a team of highly qualified Greek language instructors from throughout the Metropolis. In addition to that, our Saint Nicholas Parish is closely related to this summer camp, since both Presvytera Magdalene and myself are members not only of the planning committee but also of the educational committee, and we always spend the whole week there. As you may know, Presvytera is the instructor of the Greek Cooking class. So, if your children and grandchildren come this year, she will able to teach them some delicious Greek recipes, and they will be able to cook for you when they return back home after the end of the program. This year I suggested the theme: “Πάμε Κρήτη!” (Let’s go to Crete!). I did it not only because I love the Cretan Culture, but also because I want to introduce the participants of the program to one region of Greece every year, through a geographical, cultural, and religious approach, starting from Crete. This is a long term educational vision. My personal goal is to immerse the kids in the Cretan (for this year) Culture and life, as if they had visited Crete, and of course to transmit to the kids the values of our rich Greek heritage and Orthodox Faith, so they can develop their Greek Orthodox Identity. The program is designed to accept children of all language levels from the age of 7 to 15 years. The children Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center – Dunlap, CA who have participated June 21 – 28, 2014 | Ages 7 – 15 in the past cannot wait to do it again, since it has been a unique and unforgettable experience for all of them. As the priest of Saint Enjoy a week-long Greek Language Immersion Camp in the beautiful foothills of Sequoia Nicholas in San Jose, I National Park. Led by a team of highly qualified would like to officially Greek language instructors from throughout the invite each and everyone Metropolis, the Greek Village will provide a unique and memorable experience for your children! of you to encourage ACTIVITIES INCLUDE • Greek History and • Greek Language Classes Bus transportation for campers from the LA area. More details online! your children and Geography • Mythology grandchildren of the ages For more information, please visit: • Greek Cooking • Arts and Crafts and Dancing www.ourgreekvillage.org. of 7-15 to participate in • Campfires Online registration begins Feb 15. • Music and Theatre • Daily Worship the program. I will be with them for the whole week. It is my hope and prayer that our Saint Nicholas parish will have the greatest participation, and that our children will reap the experience of the Cretan Culture and all the benefits of the educational program and fellowship. Here is the website of the program where you can find the registration form and additional information: www. OurGreekVillage.org Also, scholarships are provided if needed. For more information, or if you have any question, please give me a call. Because space is limited, please register as soon as possible. Your priest, Father Demosthenes P. 17 Canon of Faith May 2014 18 Canon of Faith May 2014 MAY 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 7:30pm Thursdays Choir Practice 10:00am Sundays Church School 4 6 11;30am GOLDEN YEARS SENIORS 19 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN 7:15am Orthros + 1st Liturgy 10:00am 2nd Liturgy CS Graduation 25 13 14 6:30pm AHEPA/DOP Small Hall/Rm 3 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Mid-Pentecost 20 7:00pm Vespers in Vallejo 26 SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN 8:30am Orthros + Liturgy 8 MEIMORIAL DAY 9 15 21 10 6:00pm Church School Apprciation Dinner 7:30pm Philoptochos Meeting Rm 3 12 18 4:45pm Blessing of the Water/Agiasmo 5:00pm Great Vespers 7 SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH BEARERS 7:15am Orthros + 1st Liturgy 10:00am 2nd Liturgy SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MOTHER’S DAY 7:15am Orthros + 1st Liturgy 10:00am 2nd Liturgy 3 ARTICLES FOR THE JUNE ISSUE ARE DUE MAY 15TH 5 11 2 5:00pm Great Vespers 16 5:00pm Great Vespers 23 22 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Sta. Constantine and Helen 29 30 28 7:00pm Apodosis of Pascha Vigil in Castro Valley 8:00am 8:00am Orthros + Liturgy Orthros + Liturgy Holy Ascension Apodosis of Pascha Wine and Oil Allowed 19 24 5:00pm Great Vespers 27 Fish Allowed 17 10:00am Hellenic School Graduation 31 5:00pm Great Vespers FESTIVAL Strict Fast SATURDAY Dairy, Eggs, FESTIVAL Fast Free Canon of Faith May 2014 Canon of Faith NON-PROFIT ORIG. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church U.S. POSTAGE PAID 986 Chapman Street San Jose, California 95126 SAN JOSE, CA PERMIT 1236 Return Service Requested Have You Registered? Plan your next event at the SAINT NICHOLAS COMMUNITY CENTER e Scrip The St. Nicholas Community Center is available for: SACRAMENTAL RECEPTIONS Everyday Purchases . . . Extraordinary Results Call the Church Office for a registration form or WEDDING RECEPTIONS Easy Online Registration BAPTISMS www.escrip.com ENGAGEMENTS Benefits ST. NICHOLAS BUILDING FUND FAMILY REUNIONS Our Group ID No. 5318266 WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Your shopping can be adding up for our Church! BIRTHDAY PARTIES PARISH FUND-RAISING EVENTS AWARD BANQUETS Philokalia Bookstore FASHION SHOWS byzantine icons orthodox books ATHLETIC TOURNAMENTS cards & gifts † To reserve the Community Center, please contact the Church Office at 408 246-2770 † † open every sunday after divine liturgy 20