Spring 2013 - Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

THE
ST. DEMETRIOS
Greek Orthodox Metropolis
of New Jersey
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
908-964-7957 UNION, NJ www.stdgocunion.org
My Beloved Spiritual Children,
Spring 2013
In just a few weeks, our beloved Community will join Greek
Orthodox Christians all over the world as we celebrate the most glorious and
dual Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos and Greek Independence
Day. March 25th is truly a special day in which our minds and hearts are
drawn to these two significant events of Divine Providence that have ushered
TABLE OF
in hope and salvation for us in both a spiritual and physical manner.
CONTENTS
It is with tremendous joy that the Virgin Mary hears the divinely
Father’s Letter
1
spoken words of the Archangel Gabriel announcing to her the profound
message from on high, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and
President’s Letter
3
bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will
Stewards
4
be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the
throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there
Our Faith
5
will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33) These glad tidings of joy and highest honor are received with the utmost
purity and humility by Mary, who by being the chosen vessel of God, thus establishes herself as our new
Philoptochos
6
common Mother, taking the place of the ancient Eve. For unlike Eve, she yielded to the divine will, thereby
Greek School
7
exchanging the ancient disobedience of Eve with her divinely inspired response, “Behold the maidservant of
the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).
Sunday School
10
It was indeed right that she was chosen, perfectly suited to the great task, having been raised in the
Joy/Hope
11
very precincts of holiness, fed by the Holy Angels of God, immersed in His commandments from her early
youth. Now, standing before the Archangel of God as a pure and undefiled Virgin; for in giving birth she was
GOYA
12
a Virgin, and after birth, she remained a pure and undefiled Virgin, as the prophetic words of the ancient
PTO
14
prophet declared: “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the
LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut.” (Ezk. 44:2) Therefore, as was declared to
Father’s Letter (Gr) 15
her, we also lift up our voices and say Rejoice! Rejoice exceedingly, Lady full of grace, for the God before all
Photos
16
ages, only begotten Son of the Father, took up His abode in your flesh, that you might bring forth the Prince
of Peace (Isa. 9:6), a fitting vessel and throne for Him, having yourself descended from a royal line; bearing
Ads
18
in the flesh He who would set at liberty (Rom. 8:20-21; Gal. 5:1,13) those held in bondage to sin and death.
It was on this great festal occasion of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in 1821, a feast where the
freedom from oppression of death and the hope of new life is brightly hymned, that the ever-memorable
events of the struggles for the independence of the Hellenic peoples against the 400 years-long Turkish domination commenced. In the
luminous glow of this great feast Metropolitan Germanos of Patras blessed the new flag of the nascent Greek Nation, prayers and
supplications were offered to the Living God, and the protection of the Panagia was invoked for this great work of freedom. Let us recall
their struggle, let us honor their sacrifice, let us offer heartfelt thanks to our gracious Lord for these acts of Divine Providence, and hymns
to His Most Holy Mother, the ever-blessed Theotokos, the constant and fervent intercessor of every Orthodox Christian from age to age.
My beloved, as we continue our spiritual warfare and arduous Journey during this Holy and Great Lent, let each one of us look
towards her, whom we call the hope of the Christian race. For in her example we see the model of holiness, with the perfection of every
virtue, lived in long-suffering, with a heart completely dedicated to Almighty God. In her Annunciation we see hope realized and the pain
and suffering of the world alleviated – may her assent to the Divine Will also be found within each one of us as we strive towards the Feast
of Feasts, the celebration of new life, our Lord’s Pascha, where the liberty celebrated today has its fulfillment.
Praying that His loving kindness cascade over our very being and that He will strengthen us on our Lenten Journey, I remain,
With Love in Christ,
† Archimandrite George Nikas
Pastor
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 1
Upcoming Events
Baptisms
March 23rd
Michael & Theoniki Cocca
April 21st
Ryan Shannon & Stefanie Papazoglou
St. Demetrios Parish Committees
Parish Representatives - Nikos Zavolas, Luke Loukopoulos, Bob Zaphiros
Herald Newsleter –
K. Drivas, S. Petses , I. Melachrinos
Office –
Stewardship –
April 7th
Greek Parade NYC
Bobby Zaphiros (Chairman)
L.Loukopoulos, M. Santos, B. Zois, Fotini Mazis
Web Site –
Luke Loukopoulos (Chairman)
B. Zaphiros, Father George, Fotini Mazis
Facebook –
Betty Spiropoulos (Chairlady)
M. Drivas, N.Zavolas
Of Interest
March 17th
Greek School Program
Luke Loukopoulos (Chairman)
D. Papadopoulos, M. Santos, N. Zavolas,B. Zaphiros
Memorials
March 10th
Aggeliki Vayas 6 months
Fr Alexander Kile 9 months
Fr Prokopios Nikas 9 months
Aikaterini Stravelakis 1 yr
Konstantinos Stravelakis 10 yr
Antonios Drivas (Chairman) Editor
Rentals –
J. Papadopoulos/Bob Zaphiros (Co-Chairmen)
Fund Raising Events - Demetrios Papadopoulos (Chairman)
M.Santos, B. Zaphiros,B. Spiropoulos, S. Petses
Building Maintenance–Demetrios Papadopoulos (Chairman)
M. Kontos, M. Santos, B.Zaphiros, John Protopapas,
T.Kastis
Board of Trustees
Pastor
V. Rev. George Nikas
President:
Nikos Zavolas
Vice President:
Ted Kastis
Lucas Loucopoulos
Secretary:
Irene Melachrinos
Assistant Secretary:
Stephen Petses
Treasurer:
Bob Zaphiros
Assistant Treasurer:
Michael Santos
Board Members
John Agriantonis, Demetrios Papadopoulos,
Tasia Lappas, Michael Drivas, Antonios Drivas,
George Mastorou, Kostas Vasilopoulos, Betty
Spiropoulos, Gary Niec, Barbara Zois,
Kryriakos Galiatsatos
Honorary Members
Steve Zourzoukis, Vasilios Koukoutsis
Church Secretary: Fanny Kontzialis Mazis
Cantor:
George Papasavvas
Sexton:
Petros Voci
Kitchen -
Ted Kastis (Chairman)
B. Zaphiros,J. Protopapas, Leonidas Stathakopoulos,
K. Galiatsatos, D.Stamatiadis
Event Coordinating – Nikos Zavolas (Chairman)
B. Spiropoulos, T. Lappas, D. Papadopoulos, M.Drivas,
G.Nice, B. Zois, G.Scalla, M. Agriantonis, S. Malouhos,
M. Sarris, S. Maladrenias, V.Georgiou, M.Pelardis,
V.Zavolas
Welcoming -
Garry Niec (Chairman)
T. Lappas, S. Zourzoukis, M. Drivas, B. Spiropoulos,
B. Zois, D. Vassilopoulos,
Dear Readers: As this is first issue of the New Year and a new Parish Council, please
note that the committees have been listed above and the members of those committees
have been posted. May God grace them by His loving kindness and may this year be a
year of faith and of witness. May we accomplish great things for our beloved Church!
Thank you for stepping up and for volunteering your time and energy serving others!
This is the gospel of Christ and the law of Christ and we must never forget we are all
members of His Body, the Church. Thereby we should come together as an ekklessia
(which translates to: a gathering of believers) and worship frequently and partake of the
holy sacraments given unto us for our salvation. The Herald wishes those volunteers
above and the rest of our beloved community a blessed Lent and joyful Pascha! - AD
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 2
President’s Letter
Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω το συμβούλιο μου, τους οργανισμούς, τα μέλη και
τους φίλους της κοινότητας, για την χρονιά που πέρασε. Καταφέραμε κάτω από
δύσκολες συνθήκες, όχι απλά να ξεπεράσουμε εμπόδια και προβλήματα, αλλά να
κτίσουμε πάνω σε αυτά και να δημιουργήσουμε στέρεες βάσεις για το μέλλον.
Όλες μας οι εκδηλώσεις πέτυχαν , όχι μόνο από οικονομικής πλευράς, αλλά και
από οργάνωση και από ψυχαγωγία !
Από πού ν’ αρχίσουμε; Από την ελληνική παρέλαση; από το ελληνικό γλέντι με την ορχήστρα Φαντασία;
από την παρουσίαση του βιβλίου Bon Voyage; από το Φεστιβάλ; από την εορτή του Αγίου Δημητρίου; ή από το
πρωτοχρονιάτικο ρεβεγιόν, που κατά γενική ομολογία, ήταν ένα από τα καλύτερα που έγιναν στη κοινότητά μας;
Επίσης θέλω να ευχαριστήσω το συμβούλιο για μια ακόμη φορά, για την επανεκλογή μου παμψηφεί, ως
πρόεδρος και για το 2013 !
Το Church Renovation Project που αρχίσαμε ( Λουκουματζίδικο και αποθήκη, καινούργιοι υγιεινοί
χώροι, νέο σύστημα ακουστικής ) θα συνεχιστεί με έργα που χρειάζεται η κοινότητα.
Το είπα και το ξαναλέω και θα το λέω πάντα : Όλοι μας είμαστε υπεύθυνοι για την κοινότητα μας και πρέπει όχι
μόνο να το λέμε, αλλά να το δείχνουμε με την συμμετοχή μας.
Διότι η αγάπη μας για αυτή τη κοινότητα, είναι μεγαλύτερη από τα προβλήματα μας.
ΑΣ ΤΟ ΑΞΙΟΠΟΙΗΣΟΥΜΕ ΑΥΤΟ ΑΚΟΜΗ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΟ!
Νίκος Ζαβόλας
Πρόεδρος Εκκλησιαστικού Συμβουλίου του Αγίου Δημητρίου
First of all I would like to thank the Parish Council Board Members, the organizations, the members and
friends of St Demetrios for all their help and dedication during 2012. We were able under very difficult
conditions not only to overcome problems but to build solid foundations for the future of our community.
During 2012 all our events were successful, not only financially, but they were also very well organized,
and people had a good time with their friends. We took part in the Greek Parade on Fifth Ave in NY City, we
held the Greek Glenti with Hristo Zavola and his orchestra Fantasia in March, we held the presentation of the
book Bon Voyage, we had our annual Greek Festival in September, we had the St Demetrios Feast Day in
October, and we held the New Year’s Eve Party which was one of the best we ever had!
We have also beautified our Church with our Church Renovation Projects: we finished the new
Loukoumades House which will be also used for storage, we remodeled our bathrooms, and we have a brand new
working sound system!
I would also like to thank the Parish Council for voting me as the Parish Council President for the year
2013. I have said this once before and I will always say it: We are all responsible for our community. We should
not only say it, but we should also show it with our participation, because the love we have for our community is
greater than the problems we are facing. NOW LET’S DEVELOP THIS MORE!
Nikos Zavolas
President of the St. Demetrios Parish Council
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 3
2012 Stewards
Agriantonis, Andrew & Mata Mr & Mrs
Agriantonis, John & Fotini Mr & Mrs
Alexiou, Triantafyllos Mr
Andrianopoulos, Andrian Ms
Angelis, Jennie Mrs
Antipatis, Christos & Mina Mr & Mrs
Apostolatos, Christina
Arvanites, Demetrios Mr. & Mrs.
Barber, Nikitas and Maria
Barnet, Peter Mr.& Mrs.
Bays, Demostenis
Bougelekas, E. Mr. & Mrs.
Boutsikaris, George & Efrosine
Boutsikaris, Harry Mr. & Mrs.
Boyle, Thomas Mr & Mrs
Bukuvalas, John
Caplanis, John & Nancy Mr & Mrs
Chatzopoulos, Theano Mrs
Coniaris, Betty, Ms.
Demas, Anastasia
Demertzis, Antonios
Demetrakis, Demetrios Mr & Mrs
Demoleas, Demetria
Diakogiannakis, Anastasios & Irene
Dimitrakakis, George Mr & Mrs
Dimitrakakis, Hristos Mr
Dimitroulakis, Arhondoula
Drakos, Maria Mrs
Drimitsios, Georgios
Drivas, Antonios & Kathy Mr & Mrs
Drivas, Mike Mr & Mrs
Economidis, Minas & Gianna Mr & Mrs
Efstathiou, Bess Mrs
Efstratiou, Seraphim
Efthimiou, Angela
Egglezos, Stefanos & Nitsa Mr & Mrs
Emmanouilidis, Mike & Popi Mr & Mrs
Erotokritou, Stavros
Filippatos, Ekaterini
Frangos, George & Maria
Galiatsatos, Kyriakos Mr. & Mrs.
Gatoulis, Fotini Mr & Mrs
Georgalis, Andrew & Maria Mr & Mrs
Georgalis, George Mr & Mrs
Georgas, Voula
Georgiadis, John & Cynthia
Georgiou, Andreas and Sophia
Georgiou, George Mr & Mrs
Lambroussis, George Mr & Mrs
Riginos, Stavrianthi
Georgiou, Marina Mr & Mrs
Langlais, Joseph
Rigos, Georgia
Gerakaris, Niki
Lappas, Konstantinos Tasia Mr & Mrs
Rigos, Irene
Getoneas, Angeliki
Lignos, Antonia Mrs.
Sakoutis Cordeiro, Despina
Givas, Zaferoua & Vasiliki
Lima, Michael Mr. & Mrs.
Santos, Mike Mr & Mrs
Greberis, Azouletta Mrs
Loucopoulos, Argyro Mrs
Savvis, Despina Mr & Mrs
Greberis, John
Loucopoulos, Lucas Mr. & Mrs.
Scala, Georgia Ms
Gyftopulos, John & Popi Mr & Mrs
Malandrenios, George & Sophia Mr & Mrs Sideris, Hariklia Mrs
Halkias, Fotini
Malouhos, George & Stella Mr & Mrs
Sipsis, Spiros
Handrinos, George & Maria Mr & Mrs
Marmaras, Basil Mr. & Mrs.
Smith, Nicolas
Hartford, Patrice
Mastorou, George Mr & Mrs
Sofianakos, Kostas Mr
Hatzimanolis, Antonios & Kokona Mr
Mazis, Nikos & Fotini Kontzialis Mazis Mr &Soro,
Mrs Georgia Mrs.
Hondros, Angie
Melachrinos, Anestis & Irene
Sotiriou, John Mr & Mrs
Hristos Dimitrakis
Melachrinos, Dean Mr. & Mrs.
Spiropoulos, Demetrios & Betty Mr &
Hrysoullakis, Eugenia Ms
Merra, Martha
Stavrakis, Georgia Mrs
Ioannidis, Socrates & Giselle Mr & Mrs
Micheludis, Christopher Mr & Mrs
Stavrakis, Tommy Mr & Mrs
Ioannou, Yianna A.
Milonas, Asimina
Stergiou, Soultana
Juvelis, Stelios Mr. & Mrs.
Mimides, Stephen
Stillitano, Francesco
Kantonidis, Nicholas
Moulinos, D. Mr. & Mrs.
Taverniaris, Emmanuel Mr & Mrs
Karaminas, Sofia Mrs.
Murphy, Daniel Mr & Mrs
Theocharopoulos , George & Natalie
Karant, Nicholas
Niec, Gary Mr & Mrs
Thomakos, George & Jennifer & Nich
Kastis, Theodore Mr & Mrs
Niotis, Fouli
Thomakos, Tasia
Katsikis, Gus
Niotis, Manny Mr & Mrs
Tsakiridis, Vasilios Mr. & Mrs.
Kefali, Maria Mrs
Nuzzo, David & Katie Mr & Mrs
Tsemberlis, Tom
Ketikidis, Harry Mr
Orfanidis, Sophia/Koukoutsis, Ilias
Tsoukas, Minas Mr
Kiaourtzis, Tsambika
Orfanidis, Virginia
Valassis, Ted Mr. & Mrs.
Kizoulis, George Mr & Mrs
Pallantios, Peter Mr
Vasiliadis, M Mr & Mrs
Kizoulis, Minas & Antonia
Panos, Louis & Bessie Mr & Mrs
Vasilopoulos, Dinos Mr. & Mrs.
Kizoulis, Nicholas Mr & Mrs
Papadopoulos, Demetrios
Vasilopoulos, Frank Mr. & Mrs.
Kokonis, John & Stavroula Kartsonas Mr & Mrs
Papadopoulos, Nicholas Mr. & Mrs.
Vayas, Demetrios Mr & Mrs
Konstas, Tasos & Maria
Papaioannou, Eleni Mr & Mrs
Vayas, Evangelia
Kontos, Christos Mr. & Mrs.
Papakostas, Thomas & Irene Mr& Mrs
Vlahos, Athanasios Mr
Kontos, Menelaos Mr & Mrs
Papasavvas, Christofi Mr.
Vouloumanos, G. Mr. & Mrs.
Kontos, Nicholas Mr & Mrs
Papasavvas, George Mr & Mrs
Vouloumanos, Stella
Korkovelos, Demetrios Mr. & Mrs.
Papatsambasis, Triantafylos & Argyro Mr &Vozos,
Mrs Frixos & Fannie Mr & Mrs
Kostas, Maria Mr & Mrs
Papazoglou, Evangelos Mr.
Vrohidis, Angelo
Kostas, Nikos & Maria Mr & Mrs
Pappas, Harry Mr
Vrohidis, Athanasios Mr
Kostis, Athanasios Mr. & Mrs.
Pavlakis, Stilianos Mr. & Mrs.
Vrohidis, Maria Mrs.
Kostis, John & Mary Mr & Mrs
Pelardis, Despina
William, Peter H.
Kostis, Zoe Mrs
Pelardis, Steve Mr & Mrs
Wolz, Smaro Ms
Koufomihalis, Christos
Pelardis, Tsambikos & Maria Mr & Mrs
Xarhoulakos, Demetrios Mr & Mrs
Koufomihalis, Xanthi
Perdikologos, Mr & Mrs
Zaphiros, Harry Mr & Mrs
Koukoutsis, V. Mr. & Mrs.
Petses, Stephan & Julia Mr & Mrs
Zavolas, Nick & Flora Mr & Mrs
Koutroumbis, Stamatis Mr. & Mrs.
Piplos, George & Anneta Mr & Mrs
Zavolas, Nikos & Angie Mr & Mrs
Koutsis, Konstantinos Mr. & Mrs.
Plagianakos, Tina
Zavolas, Vasilios Mr. & Mrs.
Koutzoulis, Sophia Mr & Mrs
Plaitakis, Nikolaos & Gina Mr & Mrs
Zois, Barbara Ms.
Kyriakou, Jason & Zoe
Pothetos, M. Mr. & Mrs.
Zourzoukis, Demetris Mr
Lambrakopoulos, Kostas & Anna Mr & Mrs Pozo, Wilson Mr & Mrs
Zourzoukis, George Mr
Zourzoukis, Steve Mr. & Mrs.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 4
Our Orthodox Faith
Confession – The “forgotten” Sacrament
My Beloved Spiritual Children,
I pray that my message finds all of you spiritually rejuvenated and physically robust as we prepare to
travel together on our Lenten Journey commencing on March 17th, Clean Monday, and culminating with the
triumphant and Life-giving Feast of Pascha, on May 5th. Indeed, what a special time of year Holy and Great
Lent is, a time when we look inward in retrospection and upward in humility and longing. It is a period
when we must take an honest inventory of ourselves, our actions, our thoughts – our whole being. The
Church stands ready to assist us in our mission to forgive others, our desire to cleanse ourselves and lifelong
goal to reach theosis.
As the Feast of Feasts, the Resurrection of our Lord, approaches, it is imperative that we use this time
to prepare ourselves, through repentance and confession, so that we might “come and receive the Light from
the unwaning Light” with a pure conscience and a soul undefiled. Repentance is an act of reconciliation, of
reintegration into the Body of Christ, which has been torn asunder by sin. It is a new beginning, an invitation
to new life, an opening up of new horizons, the gaining of a new vision – indeed, an act in which the entire
Church Community participates, where both prodigal and saint are “repenting sinners.”
The Greek term for repentance, metanoia, denotes a change of mind, a reorientation, a fundamental
transformation of outlook, of man’s vision of the world and of himself, and a new way of loving others and
God. For in repentance, it is man’s total limitation and insufficiency that is placed before God, not simply
particular wrongdoings or transgressions. Through the act of repentance and the subsequent sacrament of
confession, we experience a Pascha from death to life – for we bury our sinful state in the abyss of our
weakness and resurrect one in the presence of God’s abundant mercy and love. For St. John Chrysostom
exhorts us to “enter into the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do
not be ashamed again to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent.”
Confession is thus a necessary sacrament in which our genuine repentance bears fruit and we are
reconciled to the love of God. “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you
may be healed.” (James 5:16) In the Orthodox Church, it is customary that we make our confession before
God to a Priest, who is seen as a witness of repentance, not a recipient of secrets or a detective of specific
misdeeds. The senses of the Priest are dissolved in the sacramental mystery as the loving tenderness and
infinite justice and mercy of our Lord take over. Through the forgiveness of sins in confession, the past is no
longer an intolerable burden but rather an encouragement for what lies ahead. Life acquires an attitude of
expectation, not of despondency; and confession becomes the way out of the impasse caused by sin. God
Himself is revealed before us and walks in front of us.
Praying that His loving kindness cascade over our very being and that He will strengthen us on our
Lenten Journey, I remain,
With Love in Christ,
† Archimandrite George Nikas
Pastor
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 5
Philoptochos Adelphotis “St Irene”
of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Dear members and friends of St Demetrios,Union,NJ,
On behalf of the Board and Members of our Philoptochos Adelphotis “St. Irene” of St. Demetrios in Union, I would like
to wish all our Parishoners a blessed and healthy Lent.
We like to thank all of you who came, supported, and participated in our first activity of the year, our Vasilopita Dinner.
Now we are getting ready to hold our Valentine Auction on Friday, Feb 8th at 5pm, anticipating it to be a success.
Thank you to all who have given and donated items for this auction. We hope that you will be there with us and we are
promising you an afternoon full of fun and prizes.
On Sunday, March 24th, we will be celebrating the Sunday of Orthodoxy and will have our annual Memorial Service for
all the deceased members of our Philoptochos Society followed by a Dinner with Program.
Thank you for all your help and support and please contact me or any other member of the Philoptochos Board if you or
someone else that you know needs help or assistance in any way. It is because of your help and support that our
Philoptochos continues it’s mission with success!!
God Bless you and your families.
Respectfully,
Maria Kostas, President
[email protected]
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 6
Τα Νέα του Σχολείου μας
Η Γιορτή των Γραμμάτων
Η
Γιορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών εορτάζεται για πάρα
πολλά χρόνια από τα Ελληνικά σχολεία διότι οι Τρεις
Ιεράρχες υπήρξαν οι μεγάλοι διδάσκαλοι του
Χριστιανισμού που ταυτόχρονα προώθησαν την
Ελληνική μόρφωση. Εδώ στην Αμερική, η γιορτή των Τριών
Ιεραρχών έχει ευρύτερη σημασία
διότι αυτή την ημέρα γιορτάζουμε
επίσης και τιμούμε τα Ελληνικἀ
Γράμματα, δηλαδή τα επιτεύματα
του Ελληνικού πνεύματος, και
ιδιαίτερα την Ελληνική γλώσσα.
Προς τιμή των Ελληνικών
Γραμμάτων κάθε χρόνο, τα παιδιά
του σχολείου μας παρουσιάζουν
ένα σύντομο πρόγραμμα που
συμπεριλαμβάνει, τραγουδάκια,
ποιήματα και σκέτς.
Φέτος το πρόγραμμα αυτό έγινε την Κυριακή, 3
Φεβρουαρίου, στην κοινοτική μας αίθουσα ύστερα από ένα
πρόγευμα που προσεφέρθη δωρεάν σε όλους από τις
διδασκάλισσές μας, τα μέλη της σχολικής επιτροπής,το PΤΟ
και πολλούς άλλους φίλους και υποστηρικτές του σχολείου μας.
Το πρόγραμμα των μαθητών, εντυπωσίασε όπως πάντα, όλους
τους παρευρισκομένους που εθαύμασαν όχι μόνο την ευχέρεια
με την οποίαν τα παιδιά μας χρησιμοποιούν την Ελληνική
γλώσσα, αλλά και το μεγάλο θεατρικό τους ταλέντο.
Συγχαρητήρια στα παιδιά μας και τις διδασκάλισσες που τα
προετοίμασαν.!
Η Πρώτη Τάξη
Σε κάθε έκδοση προβάλλουμε και διαφορετική τάξη
Σ
την πρώτη τάξη τα παιδιά, αφού επαναλάβουν την
Ελληνική αλφάβητο και τον ήχο του κάθε γράμματος,
μαθαίνουν πως να διαβάζουν και να γράφουν. Επίσης
μαθαίνουν πολλές καινούργιες λέξεις και φράσεις και
διδάσκονται
για
πρώτη
φορά
ορθογραφία. Μεγάλη έμφαση δίδεται,
όπως και σε όλες τις τάξεις μας, η
ομιλία στα Ελληνικά μέσα στην τάξη.
Τα παιδιά της δευτέρας μαθαίνουν
επίσης για τις μεγάλες εθνικές μας
εορτές, όπως την 28η Οκτωβρίου, την
25η Mαρτίου, πως γιορτάζουμε τα
Χριστούγεννα, το Πάσχα, ποιός είναι ο Αγ. Δημήτριος, κλπ.
Διδάσκονται ακόμα και λίγη γεωγραφία όταν μαθαίνουν να
αναγνωρίζουν τον χάρτη της Ελλάδας.
Κατά την διάρκεια της χρονιάς, τα παιδιά της δευτέρας έχουν
την ευκαιρία να μάθουν διάφορα ποιήματα και τραγούδια, τα
οποία εμπλουτίζουν ακόμα περισσότερο το λεξιλόγιό τους στα
Ελληνικά και τα βοηθούν στην ομιλία τους.
Η φετεινή τάξη έχει δέκα παιδάκια. Διδασκάλισσα είναι η
κυρία Αθανασία Καπλάνη.
Καλοκαιρινή Ψυχαγωγία στα
Ελληνικά
Σ
το ημερολόγιο της φετεινής σχολικής χρονιάς, η
εβδομάδα από 24 μέχρι 28 Ιουνίου είχε καθορισtεί ως
«Ελληνική Κατασκήνωση.” Tο πρωτοποριακό αυτό
πρόγραμμα θα λειτουργούσε για πέντε συνεχή πρωινἀ.
Δυστυχώς όμως, όπως ανακαλύψαμε αργότερα,
τα περισσότερα δημόσια σχολεία της περιοχής,
οπου φοιτούν τα παιδιά μας, θα παραμείνουν
ανοιχτά έως και τις 27 Ιουνίου και επομένως
δεν θα μπορούσαμε να έχουμε την
κατασκήνωση όπως την είχαμε αρχικά σχεδιάσει. Τον Ιούλιο η
τον Αύγουστο θα ήταν δύσκολο να προσφέρουμε το ίδιο
πρόγραμμα, διότι πολλά παιδιά και αρκετές δασκάλες θα
λείπουν σε διακοπές.
Έτσι το σχολείο μας απεφάσισε να προσφέρει στα παιδιά μας
(από προνήπιο μέχρι 6η τάξη) ένα μικρότερο πρόγραμμα σε τρία
συνεχή απογεύματα, 17, 18 και 19 Ιουνίου, από τις 4:30 έως τις
6:30 μμ. Σκοπός αυτού του προγράμματος είναι να δώσει την
ευκαιρία σε όλα τα παιδιά να εξασκήσουν τα Ελληνικά τους
παίζοντας διάφορα παιχνίδια και λαμβάνοντας μέρος σε
ευχάριστες δραστηριὀτητες. Όχι μαθήματα, μόνο ψυχαγωγία!
Η μικρή αυτή “κατασκήνωση” θα προσφερθεί δωρεάν σε όλα
τα παιδιά του σχολείου μας.
Την Άνοιξη θα λάβετε περισσότερες πληροφορίες για τις
δραστηριότητες των τριών αυτών ημερών, καθώς και πως θα
εγγράψετε τα παιδιά σας.
Μη Ξεχάσετε…
Κυριακή, 17 Μαρτίου
Γιορτή της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας
Μετά την Θ. Λειτουργία
Κυριακή, 7 Απριλίου
Παρέλαση στη Νέα Υόρκη
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 7
Greek School News
Greek Letters Day
he “Greek Letters
Day”
is
the
celebration of the
Three Hierarchs of the
Orthodox Church: St. Basil the
Great,
St.
Gregory
the
Theologian, and St. John
Chrysostom, who have been
credited
with
working
diligently
to
see
the
development
of
Greek
literature
and
education.
Here in America, Greek Letter Day is also a celebration
of the Greek language and culture.
T
To celebrate Greek Letters Day, every year our school
presents a program, which allows our students to
showcase their Greek speaking ability, by reciting
poems, singing songs, and playing various roles in skits.
When preparing for this program, our youngsters also get
an opportunity to expand and enrich their language skills
because they are learning new words and phrases, which
may not otherwise encounter in their regular lessons.
The Greek Letters Day celebration took place this year
on Sunday, February 3, after a complimentary to all
breakfast, which was donated by our teachers, the
members of the BOE, the PTO, and various friends and
supporters of our school. As in the past, we were all
impressed by our children’s Greek speaking skill as well
as their superb acting ability. Congratulations to our
talented students and their dedicated teachers who had
prepared them!
Our First Grade
Please note that in every issue we feature a different class
They also learn a bit of geography by recognizing the map of
Greece. As it is our school’s practice, great emphasis is given to
Greek speaking during class. Throughout the year, the children
learn to sing songs and recite poems in Greek, which enhances
their vocabulary and language skills.
Our first grade class this year has ten students. Their teacher
is Mrs. Athanasia Caplanis.
Greek Summer Fun
W
hen we created our school calendar for this year,
we included a week of “Greek Summer Camp,”
which was going to take place mornings from
June 24 to June 28. Unfortunately, as we found
out later, most public schools,
which our children attend, will
still be in session until June 27,
and therefore many of our
students would not have been able
to attend our camp. Rescheduling
the camp in July or August, would
have been almost impossible, as
many of our teachers and children
will be away on vacation.
As an alternative, our school is now offering a shorter
program, which will take place on three consecutive afternoons,
June 17, 18, and 19. The hours will be from 4:30 pm to 6:30
pm each day. This smaller “camp” will offer children of all
grades (pre-K to 6) three days of fun-filled activities, which will
aim to entertain them while helping them το practice speaking
Greek! No lessons, just fun!
This program will be free to all our students. More
information on the camp activities and how to register your
child will be made available to you in the spring.
Upcoming Events & Reminders
n our first grade, the students review the Greek alphabet, the
names and sounds of each letter, and learn how to read and
write. They also learn
the correct spelling of new words. In the first grade the
students are given homework and spelling tests.
I
The second graders also learn about
major events of our Greek history,
such
as
OXI
Day,
Greek
Independence Day, and other major
holidays such as Christmas, Easter
and St. Demetrios Day.
Sunday, March 17
Greek Independence Day
Program after church
Sunday, April 7
Greek Parade-NYC
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 8
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 9
SUNDAY SCHOOL
To all Parishioners and Parents,
As this is the first bulletin of the New Year, we have completed a half year of classes with your children. Our Sunday
school keeps growing with over 50 students and our dedicated wonderful volunteer teachers enjoy teaching our church
lessons to your children. We meet with Father George to discuss our curriculum with his spiritual support. We now have
three classrooms for our children & students: Grades: Pre-K to 3rd, 4th- 6th, and 7-th-12th.
Our curriculum for every Sunday is: discussing the Sunday's lesson, learning about upcoming saint days, the meaning of
the church holidays throughout the year, reading the Children's Bible Stories and
Bible readings (for the older students).
The children are practicing to learn by heart the Lord's Prayer in English and
Greek. Our older students are now reading aloud the Creed/ To Pistevo during
the Sunday Liturgy.
In November, with the direction of Mrs. Katerina Drivas, we had a successful
goodwill project to help the needy. The Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas
Child shoe box gifts were enjoyable for the children to complete knowing it was
to help those less fortunate.
We appreciate your faithfulness in bringing your children every Sunday. There
is a lesson to learn every Sunday. “Sunday School makes a difference”.
Your Sunday school teachers are: Irene Melachrinos, Sammie Wolz, Maria
Palivou, Katerina Moulinou, Katerina Drivas, Demetria Demoleas, Julia Petses,
Stefano Petses, Anthony Drivas, Joanna Stravelakis and Nicholas Papadopoulos
May God continue to bless our community and enlighten us in our efforts to guide our children in the right path.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Papadopoulos
Sunday School Director
[email protected]
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 10
&
The JOY/HOPE program occurs every third Friday of the month and activities are planned to bring the
children together to have fun and build lasting friendships.
In November, we had a pizza party and decorated a
Thanksgiving autumn wreath. The children wrote what
they were thankful for on each leaf of the wreath. In
December, to celebrate the holidays together, we baked
butter cookies, made a keepsake Christmas ornament
with each child’s picture on it, and had a gift exchange. In
January it was Movie Night! The kids had popcorn and
watched the movie Sharktales.
Upcoming events include, learning about Lent and making
a “Kira Sarakosti”, Game Night and many more fun-filled
activities throughout the year!
We will also hold a special event on Saturday, April 13th. The children of JOY/HOPE will make their Easter
Lambatha Candles. We will also be making lambathes that will be sold on Sundays during Lent at coffee hour,
as a fundraising event.
If you would like more information about the JOY/HOPE program or would like to
be added to our distribution list please speak to Julia Petses or Maria Frangos, or
send an email to [email protected]
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 11
of St. Demetrios
Goya is an association of Greek Orthodox teenagers between the ages of 12 to 17 years of age. It is an organization for our
youth to learn and grow as Orthodox Christians in today’s society as well as opportunity to socialize and embrace the
Greek culture. Members of the GOYA participate in many exciting activities throughout the year:
The Elevation of the Holy Cross and Blessing of the Waters happens every year in September at Asbury Park.
Goyans that participated were Spiros Lappas, Kostantinos Zavolas and Voula Zaphiros.
Mr. and Miss
GOYA took place in
September at the Pines
Manor in Edison NJ.
Our Miss GOYA
representative was Mary
Ellen Santana and her
escort Achilleas
Vasilarakis. Both did an
exceptional job. Thanks
to all the parents who
participated in the event.
We started the
year by holding our first
Bake Sale and later with
a Gyro Sale. Thank you
to all the parents and Goyans who participated. All funds raised will go to different activities throughout the year. Our
first event is the bowling tournament to be held at Fairview on March 16, 2013. Our youth are excited to see their fellow
Goyans.
In February, we are taking part in the bridges program held at Holy Trinity in Westfield. We will contribute in
making sandwiches and packed toiletry to distribute to the homeless people in Newark. Our Goyans are proud to be able
to help the less fortunate.
We are working very hard to represent our church for Sights and Sounds which is held on March 2nd at Holy
Trinity in Westfield. Other upcoming events include a soccer tournament and Olympics.
I would like to thank Father George Nikas, board members, the parents and parishioners for all their guidance and
support throughout the year. Thank you to Keria Mata, Keria Despina and Angela Zavolas for their dedication and
support towards our goyans. A special thank you to Sofia Malandrenias for her unconditional support. We are blessed to
have her part of our team…
2013 Goya Board Members
Goya Advisors
President:
Vice President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Asst. Secretary:
Maria Sarris
Sofia Malandrenias
Angie Zavolas
Popi Emmanouilidis
Kostas Lappas
Nikos Zavolas
Voula Zaphiros
Mary Ellen Santana
Andreas Fanos
Irene Sarris
Stephanos Lappas
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 12
We always welcome new members to our
Goya family. Please feel free to email
[email protected] for more
information about events and membership
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 13
Greek School
P.T.O.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are looking forward to our upcoming events and
volunteers to make these events a success for our children.
Our Bake Sale, will take place, Sunday, March 3rd. We are
looking for donations and especially Greek pastries. They
are our best sellers. Our next fundraiser, will be our
Rummage Sale, which will take place, Saturday, May 18th
from 11am-3pm in the church parking lot. Each individual
that wants to be a part of the Rummage Sale, will have their
own table and sell their own belongings and 20% of all their
profit will be donated to the PTO. Please let me know who is
interested. Our school field trip will take place on Saturday,
June 8th and our PTO picnic along with the Greek School
graduation will be held on Thursday, June 13th. For more
info, email: [email protected]
PTO BOARD
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Stella Malouhos
Voula Kartsonas
Maria Pelardis
Fotini Mazis
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 14
Αγαπητοί μου
Σε μερικές μέρες η κοινότητά μας, μαζί με όλους τους Ορθόδοξους
Ελληνες Χριστιανούς σε όλο το κόσμο, θα γιορτάσει την διπλή γιορτή, του
Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου και της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας. Η 25 Μαρτίου
έχει ξεχωριστή θέση στη καρδιά μας, γιατί γιορτάζουμε αυτά τα πολύ σημαντικά
για μας γεγονότα, της Θεϊκής Πρόνιας που μας έδωσε ελπίδα όχι μόνο για την
σωτηρία της ψυχής μας αλλά και του σώματός μας.
Με μεγάλη χαρά η Παρθένος Μαρία ακούει τα λόγια του Αρχάγγελου
Γαβριήλ που της ανακοινώνει το Θεϊκό μήνυμα: “καὶ ἰδοὺ συλλήμψῃ ἐν γαστρὶ
καὶ τέξῃ υἱόν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν. οὗτος ἔσται μέγας καὶ υἱὸς ὑψίστου κληθήσεται καὶ
δώσει αὐτῷ κύριος ὁ θεὸς τὸν θρόνον Δαυὶδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ βασιλεύσει ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ἰακὼβ εἰς
τοὺς αἰῶνας καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. ”(Λουκάν 1:31-33) Τα χαρμόσυνα νέα και τη
μεγάλη τιμή δέχετε με μεγάλη ταπεινοσύνη η Μαρία όπου ο Κύριος διάλεξε εκείνη να είναι η κιβωτός του
Θεού. Η Μαρία γίνετε η νέα μας μητέρα, και παίρνει τη θέση της Εύας. Η Μαρία όμως είναι διαφορετική απο
την Εύα· η Εύα δεν ακολούθησε το λόγο του Θεού, αλλά Μαρία τον ακολουθεί με την απάντησή της: “ἰδοὺ ἡ
δούλη Κυρίου· γένοιτό μοι κατὰ τὸ ρῆμά σου.” (Λουκάν 1:8)
Και ήταν πράγματι ορθό που διάλεξε εκείνη ο Θεός, σωστά διαλεγμένη για το μέγα ρόλο της,
μεγαλωμένη μέσα στην εκκλησία και στα άγια, ανάμεσα από τους αγγέλους του Θεού, μυημένη στις εντολές
Του απο μιρκή ηλικία. Τώρα, στέκεται μπροστά στον Αρχάγγελο του Θεού ως καθαρή και αμόλυντη παρθενα.
Ηταν εξαρχής αγνή παρθένα, και παράμεινε μετά την γεννήση του Κυρίου καθαρή και αμόλυντη παρθένα
όπως τα προφητικά λόγια του αρχαίου προφήτη δήλωσαν: “καὶ εἶπε Κύριος πρός με· ἡ πύλη αὕτη
κεκλεισμένη ἔσται, οὐκ ἀνοιχθήσεται, καὶ οὐδεὶς μὴ διέλθῃ δι' αὐτῆς, ὅτι Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς
Ἰσραὴλ εἰσελεύσεται δι' αὐτῆς, καὶ ἔσται κεκλεισμένη” (Ιεζεκιήλ 44:2) Ο άγγελος είπε στην
Παναγία: Χαίρε, κυρία γεμάτη χάρη, ο Θεός προ πάντων των αιώνων, ο μονογενής Υιός του Πατρός, θα είναι
στη σάρκα σου”. Ο πρίγκιπας της ειρήνης, Αυτός που θα ελευθερώσει τον κόσμο από την αμαρτία.
Κατά τη διάρκεια της μεγάλης αυτής γιορτής του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου, το 1821, μια γιορτή
που έντονα υμνούμε την ελευθερία από τον θάνατο και την ελπίδα της παντοτινής ζωής, άρχισε ο αγώνας για
την ανεξαρτησία των Ελλήνων ενάντια στα 400 χρόνια Τουρκοκρατίας. Ο Παλαιών Πατρών Γερμανός
ευλόγησε τη νέα σημαία του Ελληνικού Έθνους, και με προσευχές και δεήσεις προς τον Θεό, και ζητώντας
την προστασία της Παναγίας ξεκίνησε το μεγάλο έργο της ελευθερίας. Ας θυμηθούμε τον αγώνα τους, ας
τιμήσουμε τη θυσία τους, ας ευχαριστήσουμε εγκάρδια τον Κύριο μας για την Θεία Πρόνοιά του, ας
υμνήσουμε την Υπεραγία Μητέρα Του, τη Θεοτόκο, η οποία μεσολαβεί για κάθε Ορθόδοξο Χριστιανό.
Αγαπημένοι μου, κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της Αγίας και Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, ας έχουμε στη
σκέψη ο καθένας από εμάς την Θεοτόκο, η οποία είναι η ελπίδα του χριστιανικού αγώνα. Σε αυτήν βλέπουμε
την αγιότητα, την τελειότητα της κάθε αρετής, την ελπίδα. Η συγκατάθεσή της στη Θεία Θέληση ας
καθοδηγεί και εμάς καθώς ετοιμαζόμαστε για την Εορτή των Εορτών, η γιορτή της νέας ζωής, το Πάσχα του
Κυρίου μας!
Προσεύχοντας ότι η αγάπη και η καλοσύνη Του Κυρίου θα μας ενισχύει καθόλη τη διάρκεια της
Τεσσαρακοστής, Διατελώ
Με αγάπη εν Χριστώ,
† Αρχιμανδρίτης Γεώργιος Νίκας
Προϊστάμενος
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 15
The Life of Our Church
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 16
cv
A Glimpse
of Our
Beloved
Community
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 17
Galloping Hill Caterers
Your Host: George Thomas
325 Chestnut Street, Five Points, Union, NJ 07083
Tel: (908) 686-2683 • Fax: (908) 688-2376
Website: www.gallopinghillcaterers.com
Email: [email protected]
Tom Stavrakis
President
67 Newark Way
Tel: 973.763.4036
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Fax: 973.763.6128
[email protected]
1.800.622.MENU
908-647-2193
973-763-4036
BMW of Morristown
Angelo Filippatos
GRILL
New Vehicle Client Advisor
111 Ridgedale Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960-4267
Phone 973-796-3053
Fax 973-352-6663
[email protected]
973-796-3053
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
201-401-5559
Union, NJ
Page 18
908-233-0052
917- 833-9120
908-233-0052
908-688-8060
917- 833-9120
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Please support our sponsors who have
graciously donated to make The Herald
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sponsor, please email us at:
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Future sponsorships will allow us to expand
and improve upon this publication. Again,
Thank You!
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YOUR AD HERE!
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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 19
=================================================================================================================
th
April 7 - NYC
Greek Independence Day Parade!!!
Bus leaving from Church: $25 Adults/ Children free
Come join us for dinner at Limani Seafood Grill afterwards!
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH
721 Rahway Avenue
UNION, NJ 07083
Non Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Union, NJ
Permit No. 229
Dated Material
Or Current Resident
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 20