sunday school - St. George Greek Orthodox Church

March/April
2015
March/April
2015
Page 1
Volume 13, Issue 2
A Publication of the
Greek Orthodox Church
of Saint George
Piscataway, New Jersey
«Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3)
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST
Dear Faithful,
In This Issue
 Greek Parade 2015
 Stewardship
 Annunciation
 Our Faith
 Festival 2015
 Great Lent
 Greek Easter
ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ
In Every Issue
 Priest’s Message
 President’s Message
 Church Calendar
 PTO News
 Sunday School News
 Greek School News
 G.O.Y.A. News
 Philoptochos News
Our transition from the period of the
Great and Holy Fast to the season of
Pascha constitutes a dynamic movement
of the soul along a steady stream of joy
and grace. The month of April our
spiritual journey along the sacred path of
lent culminates in the joyous Feast of the
Resurrection of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. This miraculous event is the
cornerstone of our Christian faith,
through which we have been born anew
to a living hope and to our inheritance,
which is imperishable, undefiled and
unfading (I Peter 1:3-4).
Our struggles to draw closer to Christ
through prayer and fasting are met by our
Lord’s loving embrace. Through His
resurrection the grip of death upon
humanity is utterly vanquished, the gift
of salvation is emptied out freely unto all
humanity, and lasting joy is made known
once and for all unto the whole world.
The joy of the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ is a profound reality, the effects of
which are healing, restorative, and
transforming. This joy is miraculous and
without end. It transcends all levels of
material pleasures and happiness, and it
commemorates great hope for the
establishment
of
loving
and
reconciliatory
relationships
among
human beings throughout the world.
This year, the joy of Paschal Feast
comes at a time marked by war and
human suffering, and we are asked and
called upon to demonstrate Christian
compassion and mercy to our brothers
and sisters who are in agony and in pain.
Faced with this reality, we contemplate in
our humanity the inevitable question
“How do we understand joy in the midst
of suffering?” This question prompts us
to consider the agony of Christ when
crucified, and the universal and
redemptive message of the Cross, which
is realized in the victory of the
resurrection, a victory over every form of
affliction, enslavement, oppression and,
ultimately, death itself. During the
Paschal season, the Church invites us to
contemplate the triumph of the
resurrection over all forms of suffering,
and to realize the eternal beauty and
universal meaning of the symphonic
relationship between the Crucifixion and
the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this
divine mystery lies the irrevocable and
saving truth that Christ died for our sins
once and for all, that He might bring us
to God, being put to death in the flesh,
but made alive in the spirit (I Peter 3-18).
In our modern age, the ultimate
victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death
calms all those throughout the world who
suffer in blamelessness and innocence.
This victory is our inheritance as
Orthodox Christians which we come to
appreciate more fully as we grow in our
love for one another and in our faith. I
pray that our faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ may continue to grow in our hearts
during this glorious Paschal season,
granting you every assurance and hope in
His joyous Resurrection, which heals,
reconciles, and comforts the whole
world. May the blessings of Almighty
God be with you, and may our Lord’s
infinite grace strengthen your faith in His
abiding presence and love.
May God be with you always.
Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos
Page 2
March/April 2015
ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ
Parish Ministries
Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, Priest
Parish Council
President
George Zalokostas
Vice President / Administration
Lampros Ε. Bourodimos
Vice President / Operations
George Athanasopoulos
Secretary
Dimitra Bairaktaris
Treasurer
Mona Sarafoglou
Comptroller
Peter Combates
Members
Demetrios Anastasatos
Constantine Apostolakis
Thomas Kalanekos
Nicholas Koumarianos
John Mellos
John Millas
Jerry Moschonas
Perry Petsanas
Dean Solomos
Church Organizations
Philoptochos Society - “St. Barbara”
Parent Teacher Organization
Effie Bouziotis, President
Georgia Peterson, 1st Vice President
Malvina Wilkens, 2nd Vice President
Virginia Theokas, Rec. Secretary
Anna Stevens, Corresp. Secretary
Evangelia Manolakis, Treasurer
Georgia Kouridakis, Asst. Treasurer
Helen Sirimis, President
Maria Petrou, Co-Vice President
Maria-Regina Caputo - Co-Vice President
Irene Drakopoulos, Treasurer
Maria Kavouras, Secretary
GOYA
Lemonia Malahias Miko,
Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis
Evangelia Makropoulos President
Ioanna Kontos, Vice President
Joanna Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secretary
Alexis Mangafas, Rec. Secretary
Demetri Demos, Treasurer
Hope Sirimis, Historian
Greek School
GOYA Advisors
Cantors and Choir
Dimitrios Fousteris, Director
Sunday School
Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent
Toula Karamarkos, Principal
Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher
Katerina Kourti, Teacher
Angeliki Papasavas, Teacher
Chrisoula Plias, Teacher
Iro Mavrianos, Teacher
Love & Faith
Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor
John DeLaurentis, George Demos,
Aliki Doninger, Sophia Exarchakis,
Evie Georgopoulos, George Kostis,
Rita Polos, Peter Sirimis
JOY/HOPE
Lefki Hadjiloucas
Dimitra Kambitsis
The Voice of St. George
Published bi-monthly by the
St. George Greek Orthodox Church,
1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Tel.: 732-463-1642
Fax: 732-699-9309
E-mail: [email protected]
Editor in Chief: Alexandra Avgitidis
Committee Members: Katina Kehayas,
Katerina Makridaki-Rompos.
Periodical postage paid at Kilmer, NJ
08817, Permit # 379. The Voice of St.
George is produced entirely in-house.
Past issues can be found on the internet
at www.stgeorgepiscataway.org
Subscription is free for the members of
St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to St. George GOC, 1101 River Road,
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Church Committees
GET INVOLVED
We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun!
Call the Church Office 732.463.1642
Annual St. George Dinner Dance
Bookmobile
Capital Improvements
Choir
Elections
Events/Fund Raising
Greek Festival
Greek Independence Day Parade
Greek School
Historic Committee
House & Grounds
Insurance
Library
Memorial Fund
Parking – Rutgers
New Parking Lot
Public Relations
Religious Artifacts
Stewardship
Sunday School
Technology Services
Voice of St. George
To Our St. George Parishioners
The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to
promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes
our community more spiritually complete.
March/April 2015
Page 3
ECCLESIASTICAL
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
Weekday Services 9 a.m.
ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ
ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ
Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ.
Καθημερινές ώρες 9 π.μ.
MARCH
ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
Monday
1
2
4
6
8
9
11
13
15
16
18
20
22
23
25
27
29
30
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Great Compline 7 p.m.
Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m.
2nd Salutations 7 p.m.
2nd Sunday of Lent
Great Compline 7 p.m.
Presanctified Liturgy 7 p.m.
3rd Salutations 7 p.m.
Veneration of the Holy Cross
Great Compline 7 p.m.
Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m.
4th Salutations 7 p.m.
4th Sunday of Lent
Great Compline 7 p.m.
The Annunciation 9 a.m.
The Akathist Hymn 7 p.m.
5th Sunday of Lent
Great Compline 7 p.m.
Κυριακή
Δευτέρα
Τετάρτη
Παρασκευή
Κυριακή
Δευτέρα
Τετάρτη
Παρασκευή
Κυριακή
Δευτέρα
Τετάρτη
Παρασκευή
Κυριακή
Δευτέρα
Τετάρτη
Παρασκευή
Κυριακή
Δευτέρα
1
2
4
6
8
9
11
13
15
16
18
20
22
23
25
27
29
30
APRIL
Wednesday 1
Saturday 4
Sunday 5
Monday 6
Tuesday 7
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Friday
Sunday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
8
9
10
11
12
17
19
22
23
26
Presanctified Liturgy 9 a.m.
Saturday of Lazarus
Communion Breakfast for the youth
Palm Sunday
Bridegroom Service 7 p.m.
Holy Monday
Bridegroom Service 7 p.m.
Holy Tuesday
Bridegroom Service 7 p.m.
Hymn of Kassiani
Holy Wednesday
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Holy Pascha-The Resurrection
Life-giving Fountain 9 a.m.
Sunday of Thomas
St. George Vespers 7 p.m.
St. George
Myrrh Bearers Sunday
Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας
Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ.
Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ.
Β΄ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ.
Β’ Κυριακή Νηστειών
Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ.
Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7 μ.μ.
Γ΄ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ.
Αποκαθήλωση του Τιμίου Σταυρού
Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ.
Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ.
Δ΄ Χαιρετισμοί της Θεοτόκου 7 μ.μ.
Δ’ Κυριακή Νηστειών
Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ.
Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου 9 π.μ.
Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7 μ.μ.
Ε΄ Κυριακή Νηστειών
Μέγα Απόδειπνο 7 μ.μ.
ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ
Τετάρτη 1
Σάββατο 4
Κυριακή 5
Δευτέρα 6
Τρίτη 7
Τετάρτη 8
Πέμπτη 9
Παρασκευή 10
Σάββατο 11
Κυριακή 12
Παρασκευή 17
Κυριακή 19
Τετάρτη 22
Πέμπτη 23
Κυριακή 26
Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9 π.μ.
Σάββατο του Λαζάρου
Πρόγευμα μετά την Θεία Κοινωνία
Κυριακή των Βαΐων
Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7 μ.μ.
Μεγάλη Δευτέρα
Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7 μ.μ.
Μεγάλη Τρίτη
Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7 μ.μ.
Ύμνος της Κασσιανής
Μεγάλη Τετάρτη
Μεγάλη Πέμπτη
Μεγάλη Παρασκευή
Μεγάλο Σάββατο
Άγιον Πάσχα
Ζωοδόχου Πηγής 9 π.μ.
Κυριακή του Θωμά
Εσπερινός Αγίου Γεωργίου 7 μ.μ.
Αγίου Γεωργίου
Κυριακή των Μυροφόρων
The Easter Calendar will also be mailed separately.
Το Ημερολόγιο του Πάσχα θα ταχυδρομηθεί ξεχωριστά.
Page 4
March/April 2015
ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ
Αγαπητοί μου πιστοί,
Η μετάβαση από την περίοδο της Μεγάλης
Τεσσαρακοστής στην περίοδο του Πάσχα είναι ένα
δυναμικό σκίρτημα της ψυχής, συνοδευόμενο από ένα
αδιάκοπο κύμα χαράς και ευλογίας. Τον Απρίλιο, το
πνευματικό μας ταξίδι, μέσω της νηστείας, τερματίζεται με
τον Εορτασμό της Αναστάσεως του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού
Χριστού. Αυτό το θαυμαστό γεγονός είναι η βάση της
Χριστιανικής μας πίστης, το οποίο μας δίνει νέα ζωή και
νέα ελπίδα στην άφθαρτο και ιερή κληρονομιά μας (1
Πέτρου 1:3-4).
Όλες οι προσπάθειές μας να πλησιάσουμε τον Χριστό
μέσω της προσευχής και της νηστείας έχουν βρει
ανταπόκριση στην αγκάλη του Κυρίου. Με την Ανάστασή
Του ο φόβος του θανάτου έχει εξαλειφθεί, και το δώρο της
σωτηρίας προσφέρεται σε όλη την ανθρωπότητα.
Η αγαλλίαση της Αναστάσεώς Του είναι μια
πραγματικότητα, με θαυματουργικές, θεραπευτικές και
μετατρεπτικές ιδιότητες που δεν έχουν τέλος. Ξεπερνά όλα
τα όρια των υλικών απολαύσεων και εμπνέει την ελπίδα για
αγαθές σχέσεις μεταξύ των ανθρώπων της γης.
Αυτόν τον χρόνο, η χαρά της Λαμπρής έρχεται σε μια
περίοδο πολέμου και ανθρώπινου πόνου και ζητείται από
μας να δείξουμε χριστιανική συμπόνια και αλληλεγγύη
στους αδελφούς και στις αδελφές μας που ζουν με την
αγωνία και τον πόνο. Αντιμετωπίζοντας αυτή την
πραγματικότητα, διερωτώμεθα ως άνθρωποι «Πως είναι
δυνατόν να νοιώθουμε αγαλλίαση ανάμεσα σε τόσο πόνο;».
Αυτή η ερώτηση μας ωθεί να αναλογισθούμε την αγωνία
του Χριστού πάνω στο σταυρό και το αιώνιο μήνυμα του
Σταυρού που μας δίνει η νίκη της Αναστάσεως - η
θριαμβευτική νίκη εναντίον κάθε λογής πάθους,
καταπιέσεως και τελικού θανάτου.
Κατά τη διάρκεια της Πασχαλινής περιόδου, η Εκκλησία
μας καλεί να αναλογιστούμε τον θρίαμβο της Αναστάσεως
και να εννοήσουμε την ομορφιά και το νόημα της
συμφωνικής σχέσεως μεταξύ της Σταύρωσης και της
Ανάστασης του Ιησού Χριστού. Σ’ αυτόν τον ιερό
μυστικισμό έγκειται η ανεπανάληπτη αλήθεια που θα μας
φέρει κοντά στον Θεό, του οποίου η σάρκα δέχθηκε τον
θάνατο, για να ζωντανέψει το πνεύμα (1 Πέτρου 3-18).
Στη σύγχρονη αυτή εποχή που ζούμε, ο τελικός
θρίαμβος του Ιησού Χριστού έναντι της αμαρτίας και του
θανάτου, προσφέρει γαλήνη σ’όλους που υποφέρουν μέσα
στην άγνοια. Αυτός ο θρίαμβος είναι η κληρονομιά μας ως
Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, και τον οποίο θρίαμβο κατανοούμε
βαθύτερα ενώ μεγαλώνει η αγάπη μας προς αλλήλους.
Εύχομαι πως η πίστη μας προς τον Ιησού Χριστό θα
εξακολουθήσει να μεγαλώνει μέσα στις καρδιές μας αυτή
την Πασχαλινή περίοδο, χαρίζοντάς σας κάθε βεβαίωση και
ελπίδα στην Ανάστασή Του και δίνοντας παρηγοριά σε όλο
τον κόσμο. Είθε οι ευλογίες του Παντοδύναμου Θεού να
είναι πάντα μαζί σας, και είθε η Χάρις του Κυρίου να
ενδυναμώνει την πίστη σας στην απανταχού παρουσία Του
και στην αμέτρητη αγάπη Του.
Ο Θεός να είναι πάντα μαζί σας.
Πατήρ Νικόλαος Παστρικός
OUR PARISH — OUR PEOPLE
Baptisms
January 18
Roxanne Taylor
Daughter of Nora & Efthimios Hionis
Godparents: Panagis & Eleni Nikolatos
February 15
Damianos Kyriakos
Son of: Kyriakos Damianos & Kerri Lykakis
Godparent: Panagiotis Trikilas
February 7
Jack Andrew
Son of Andrew & Catherine Kelly
Godparents: Thomas Kulikowsky
& Andrew Pastrikos
February 22
Kostandino Panagioti
Son of Elias & Antonia Christodoulakis
Godparents: Gerasimos & Julia Pogois
Funerals
May Their Memory Be Eternal
January 15
February 6
Charles Plaganis
Eleftheria Panagis
March/April 2015
Page 5
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE — ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΡΟΕΔΡΟΥ
Dear Parishioners,
Αγαπητή Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου,
Starting out the new year of 2015, I want to say it is an
honor to be elected President of the Board Of Trustees of the
St. George Greek Orthodox Church and Community. I extend
my gratitude to the Board Of Trustees for making this
opportunity possible.
Με το ξεκίνημα της νέας χρονιάς, θα ήθελα να σας
εκφράσω την τιμή που αισθάνθηκα για την εκλογή μου ως
Προέδρου του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου της Ελληνικής
Ορθοδόξου Κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου, καθώς και την
ευγνωμοσύνη μου στο Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο για την
ευκαιρία αυτή που μου δόθηκε.
Also thank you to our past president, Mr. George
Petrantonakis, for his excellent work, which aided in the
good of St. George. Further, let me express my warm thank
you to Mrs. Eftihia Karayiannidis for her dedication, hard
work and continuous accomplishment as the Administrative
Secretary of St. George for all these years. I wish her much
success, and I hope she will enjoy her retirement. As of
September 2014, St. George has a new Office Manager, who
will be our right hand in all the administrative facets of our
community.
We are approaching the 100th year anniversary of St.
George. All of us at St. George can make the 100th
anniversary a memorable experience and have great success
by helping out whichever way we can, and, more specifically,
by volunteering to join in a committee, as new committees
are forming now. St. George needs all of your help! Any
amount of time and effort is greatly appreciated in all phases.
We have numerous plans for the new year, which,
amongst others, include:
1. Improvements and renovations needed for the
interior of the church and the facilities .
2. Retaining wall project on the front of the Church.
3. New landscaping.
Επίσης θα ήθελα να εκφράσω τις ευχαριστίες μου στον
τέως Πρόεδρο, κο Γεώργιο Πετραντωνάκη, ο οποίος με την
εξαίρετη δουλειά του κατά τη διάρκεια της προεδρίας του,
βοήθησε περαιτέρω την ανάπτυξη του Αγίου Γεωργίου.
Τέλος, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω θερμά την κα Ευτυχία
Καραγιαννίδη, για την αφοσίωσή της, τη σκληρή δουλεία και
τα συνεχή επιτεύγματά της, ως Γραμματέας της Εκκλησίας
του Αγίου Γεωργίου για όλα αυτά τα έτη. Της εύχομαι ό,τι
καλύτερο, και ελπίζω να απολαύσει την συνταξιοδότησή της.
Πλησιάζουμε την 100η επέτειο από την ίδρυση του Αγίου
Γεωργίου. Όλοι εμείς στον Άγιο Γεώργιο μπορούμε να κάνουμε
την 100η επέτειο μία ξεχωριστή εμπειρία και να βοηθήσουμε
για να έχει μεγάλη επιτυχία, με το να προσφέρουμε τις
υπηρεσίες μας με όποιο τρόπο μπορούμε, συμμετέχοντας σε μία
από τις επιτροπές που σχηματίζονται αυτή την περίοδο. Η
εκκλησία μας χρειάζεται την βοήθειά σας! Θα εκτιμηθεί
ιδιαιτέρως οποιαδήποτε συνεισφορά κάνετε με τον χρόνο σας
και τις προσπάθειές σας.
Η νέα χρονιά σηματοδοτεί επίσης την διεξαγωγή πολλών
σχεδίων για την καλυτέρευση της κοινότητάς μας, τα οποία,
μεταξύ άλλων, περιλαμβάνουν:
1. Ανακαίνιση των εσωτερικών χώρων της εκκλησίας
2. Έργο κατασκευής τοίχου αντιστήριξης
3. Έργα εξωραϊσμού
I am looking forward to seeing our St. George
community grow. We can all appreciate positive new
changes, as well as keeping up with the old, good
traditions.
Ανυπομονούμε να δούμε την κοινότητά μας να μεγαλώνει,
και να αναπτύσσεται, με σημαντικές νέες αλλαγές, αλλά και
διατήρηση των παλιών καλών παραδόσεων.
Respectfully,
Με εκτίμηση,
George Zalokostas, President
Γεώργιος Ζαλοκώστας, Πρόεδρος
LENTEN CONFESSION ENCOURAGED
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”
Confession is a very important Sacrament of the Orthodox
Church and has been a part of Christian life since the biblical
times, when our Lord Jesus Christ bestowed the Holy Spirit
upon the Apostles and commanded them to use this Grace for
the forgiveness of sins.
If you have not been to Confession for some time, and you
would like to take advantage of this blessing, during this special
and very important time of our Church this year, please call Fr.
Nick to schedule an appointment. Nobody should go through
Lent without the benefit of Confession.
ΣΑΣ ΠΑΡΟΤΡΥΝΟΥΜΕ ΝΑ ΕΡΘΕΤΕ ΓΙΑ
ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ
«Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, Υιέ Θεού, Ελέησόν με τον αμαρτωλόν»
Για μια ακόμη φορά σας υπενθυμίζουμε ότι κατά την περίοδο
της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας θα πρέπει να συμπεριλάβετε και το
Μυστήριο της Θείας Εξομολόγησης στο πρόγραμμα της
θρησκευτικής σας ζωής. Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης στην πρώτη του
Επιστολή μας λέει «Εάν λέμε ότι δεν έχουμε αμαρτίες,
εξαπατούμε τον εαυτό μας και δε λέμε την αλήθεια. Εάν
εξομολογηθούμε των αμαρτιών μας, τότε και ο Κύριος θα είναι
επιεικής και θα μας συγχωρέσει τις αμαρτίες μας».
Κατά τη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα, ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος θα είναι
διαθέσιμος για εξομολόγηση έπειτα από το τέλος κάθε τελετής.
Σας παρακαλούμε να τον ειδοποιήσετε εγκαίρως.
Page 6
March/April 2015
STEWARDSHIP
ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ
STEWARDSHIP REQUIREMENTS
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ
Any person can give any amount for Stewardship. However, to
be considered a member in good standing, to participate in the
sacraments of Baptism or Wedding, and to have one vote in the
General Assembly, the following minimums must be met:
 $350 for single adult or husband and wife (age 18-64):
one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $350); ($700
total, both can vote)
 $250 for a married senior couple (age 65+): one vote (if
both the husband and wife pay $250); ($400 total, both
can vote)
 $200 for single senior and college student (age 18-24,
must show proof of attending college full time)
 Greater than the required contributions: those who
have been blessed should consider a greater contribution.
Ο καθένας μπορεί να προσφέρει ότι μπορεί. Όμως, για να
θεωρηθείτε κανονικό μέλος, να μπορείτε να πάρετε μέρος στα
Mυστήρια της Βάπτισης και του Γάμου και να έχετε δικαίωμα
ενός ψήφου στην Γενική Συνέλευση, απαιτούνται οι κάτωθι
ελάχιστες εισφορές:
 $350 ανά ανύπαντρο άτομο ή οικογένεια (18-64 ετών): μία
ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $350
έκαστος (σύνολο $700) ψηφίζουν και οι δύο)
 $250 ανά ηλικιωμένο ζευγάρι (άνω των 65 ετών): μία ψήφος
(εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $250 έκαστος
(σύνολο $400), ψηφίζουν και οι δύο)
 $200 για μόνους ηλικιωμένους και φοιτητές (18-24 ετών,
πρέπει να αποδείξουν ότι είναι φοιτητές): μία ψήφος
 Πέραν του καθορισμένου ποσού: όσοι έχουν ευλογηθεί με
οικονομική ευχέρεια θα πρέπει να προσφέρουν περισσότερο
από ότι καθορίζεται πιο πάνω.
ALTAR BOYS
Altar Boys are required to be in the Altar on the Sundays that they are on duty, no later than 10:10 a.m. All Captains are asked
to be in the Altar a little earlier, by 10:00 a.m., to make sure that everything is ready and to get instructions from Father
Nicholas as to what will be happening for that day.
As always, the appropriate dress code for All Altar Boys that are serving, without exception, is recommended; dress shirt, tie,
dress socks and dress shoes. No one will be admitted in the Altar with a polo shirt, jeans or sneakers or boot shoes. All Altar
Boys, if they are not serving in the Altar, are required to be in Catechism School. This rule will be strictly adhered to, because
attendance will be taken every Sunday for ALL Altar Boys. PLEASE COME AND JOIN!!!
GROUP A
GROUP B
GROUP C
GROUP D
Demetri Demos (Captain)
Gerasimos Georgopoulos (Co-Captain)
Elias Kavouras
Chris Henriquez
John Kavouras
Dean Stavrianidis
George DeLaurentis
Michael Chiotis
Jason Stavrianidis (Captain)
Philip Catanzaro (Co-Captain)
Dino Zalokostas
Vasilios Petrou
Kyriakos Sirimis
Seraphim Sirimis
Demetrios Kontos
Yianni Petrakis
George Exarchakis (Captain)
Yianni Apostolakis (Co-Captain)
Konstantine Hantsoulis
George Gianoukakis
Michael Gianoukakis
Apostolos Petsanas
Nicholas Kehayas
Gabriel Sirimis
George Bizos
Konstantine Lyssikatos (Captain)
George Wadsworth (Co-Captain)
Nicholas Koutsoubis
Demetrios Gad
Antonis Kalogridis
Demetrios Kalogridis
Nicholas Koumis
Tasos Chronis
Julius Bourodimos
ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR MARCH - APRIL 2015
Sunday, March 1
Sunday, March 8
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, March 22
Sunday, March 29
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group A
Group B
Sunday, April 5
Sunday, April 12
Sunday, April 19
Sunday, April 26
Group C
Group A
Group B
Group C
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Holy Monday
Holy Tuesday
Holy Wednesday (3pm)
Holy Wednesday (6pm)
Holy Thursday
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Groups A & B
Holy Friday (3pm)
Holy Friday (evening)
Holy Saturday (9am)
Holy Saturday (11pm)
Pascha Sunday, (11am)
All Altar Boys are required to strictly follow this very important schedule.
If there are any changes please let Father Nick know ahead of time.
Group C
Groups D & A
Group B
Groups C & D
Group A
March/April 2015
Page 7
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
SUNDAY MARCH 15, 2015
We ask that everyone attends this very important meeting.
Many important issues will be discussed concerning the progress of our community.
First Call: March 8, 2015
50-50 Cash Raffle
1st Prize………..25%
2nd Prize……….15%
3rd Prize………..10%
Drawing: Sunday, May 17, 2015, 5 p.m.
St. George Church Festival - Proceeds to Benefit St. George Greek Orthodox Church General Fund
Donation: $5:00
Additional Raffle Books available by contacting the Church Office in person or by calling (732) 463-1642
We need your help!
ST. GEORGE ANGELS
All girls between ages 7-12 are invited to come join our team and have fun playing basketball!
For more information, and on how to register, please e-mail Mrs. Naomi Bourodimos at [email protected]
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine
The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine being built at the World Trade Center
will be a house of worship for the Greek Orthodox Community and a place of prayer and solace for all
people. As part of a national initiative to support St. Nicholas, Philoptochos is asking for a $100 donation from each member, or any amount higher or lower that you are able to give, to collectively support our chapter goal of $10,000.00. Philoptochos board members will begin to reach out to members
individually, and we of course welcome and encourage donations from non-members. Please ask a
member of the Philoptochos to learn more.
*****
Η Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου που πρόκειται να αναστυλωθεί στο Παγκόσμιο
Κέντρο Εμπορίου, θα είναι ένας τόπος λατρείας για την Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Κοινότητα και ένας
τόπος προσευχής και περισυλλογής για όλους τους ανθρώπους. Στα πλαίσια μιας εθνικής
προσπάθειας να υποστηρίξουμε τον Άγιο Νικόλαο, η Φιλόπτωχος ζητάει μία δωρεά $100 από κάθε
μέλος της, ή οποιοδήποτε ποσό είτε μεγαλύτερο ή μικρότερο, προκειμένου να φτάσει το στόχο των
$10,000.00. Τα μέλη του Συμβουλίου της Φιλοπτώχου θα επικοινωνήσουν με κάθε μέλος ξεχωριστά,
και φυσικά καλωσορίζουμε και ενθαρρύνουμε οποιεσδήποτε δωρεές από μη μέλη. Παρακαλούμε
ρωτήστε κάποια από τις κυρίες της Φιλοπτώχου για να μάθετε πληροφορίες.
Page 8
March/April 2015
SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
42nd ANNUAL FESTIVAL
1101 RIVER ROAD
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY 08854
PHONE: 732.463.1642 FAX: 732.699.9309
2015
www.stgeorgepiscataway.org
* [email protected]
42ndAnnual Greek Festival
Our 42nd Annual Festival will be held on May 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. This year we are extending the
festival to four days. As always, this is the weekend directly following Mother’s Day. The Festival
Committee will be meeting on Thursdays (schedule below) during the months of March, April and May.
Meetings will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, with the exception of Holy Week. We welcome all parishioners
who are interested in supporting this year’s festival to attend the meetings.
Our goal is to reach out to the local community to solicit advertising of businesses who wish to sell their
services. Examples would be banks, mortgage, insurance, and realtors. As with prior years, we are always in
need of help prior, during, and after the festival. As always, no help will ever be turned away. We are always
open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with the Festival Committee.
We have a calendar outlining all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. We will be baking and
cooking in March, April and May. As always, we again are seeking out everyone’s help. This is our
community’s biggest Fund Raiser. Help is needed! Please call me at 732-433-0661 to volunteer for any
of these Departments: Advertising, Food Preparation, Kitchen, Loukoumades, Coffee Shop, Bakery, Salads,
Gyro, Souvlakia, Take-out, Bar, Gift Shop, Set-up and Clean-up. The more people who get involved, the
easier the activities and the more fun we will have. We cannot depend upon the same people year-in and
year-out.
The Festival is a vital fundraiser for our church. Please show your stewardship by helping at this year’s
Festival. It only takes a few hours a day of everyone’s time in order to make a difference. This is a great
event in which to get involved, gather with your fellow church members and show our Greek hospitality. We
will have Festival sign-ups after church on Sundays in March and April.
We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s
Festival.
George Athanasopoulos, Chairman
Festival Meeting Calendar
March 12 and 26
April 2 and 16
May 7
2015 ANNUAL FESTIVAL
PREPARATION SCHEDULE
Spanakopita
Baklava
Galaktoboureko
Kourambiedes
Koulouria
Melomakarona
Keftedes
Diples
Pastitsio / Mousaka
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31
April 21
April 28
May 5
May 12 & 13
9 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
10 am
11 am
10 am
10 am
9 am
March/April 2015
Page 9
nd
Eat, Drink & Be Merry At Our Outdoor Taverna!
Bigger & Better Than Ever!
42
Annual
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Greek Festival
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ
Phone: 732.463.1642 www.stgeorgepiscataway.org
Directions • I-287 to Route 18 River Road South
or 1 Block West of Rutgers Stadium
4 Big Days - Rain or Shine
May 14, 15, 16 & 17, 2015
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
4:00 pm -11:00 pm
11:00 am - 11:30 pm
11:00 am - 12:30 am
12 noon - 8:00 pm
Live Music & Entertainment
Bouzoukia - Greek Folk Dancing - Singing
Also in our Community Center…
gift & novelty shop * pastry shop * arts & crafts * religious tours
and as always our food take out order booth
(email your order to our Take-Out Department
[email protected])
Free Admission: Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17 only 11 am-4 pm
Page 10
March/April 2015
GREEK INDEPENDENCE
DAY PARADE
5th Avenue, New York City
Sunday, March 29, 2015
The bus will be leaving from the Church parking lot 11:30 a.m. sharp
Please be at the bus by 11:15 a.m.
The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for college students with ID.
All GOYA members, Sunday school & Greek school students are free of charge.
**A complimentary lunch will be provided on the bus**
Church attire is mandatory.
No sneakers or jeans will be allowed if you are marching with the church and representing our
community. Children that have Greek costumes should proudly wear them.
For reservations please contact:
George Zalokostas (732) 416-0948
George Athanasopoulos (732) 433-0661
Seating is limited and will be provided on a first come-first serve basis.
Η Ελληνορθόδοξη Κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου προσκαλεί όλα τα μέλη της στην ετήσια
Παρέλαση για την Ημέρα της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας, 25ης Μαρτίου 1821.
Η Παρέλαση θα γίνει στην 5η Λεωφόρο της Νέας Υόρκης την Κυριακή 29 Μαρτίου 2015.
Θα υπάρχουν λεωφορεία που θα φύγουν από τον χώρο στάθμευσης του Αγίου Γεωργίου το πρωΐ της
ημέρας της παρέλασης, 11:15 π.μ.. Το κόστος των εισιτηρίων είναι $25 για τους ενήλικες (δωρεάν
για τα παιδιά).
Αν ενδιαφέρεστε να παρελάσσετε με το άρμα της κοινότητας, πρέπει να είστε ντυμένοι κατάλληλα.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και λεπτομέρειες αποταθείτε στους υπεύθυνους της παρέλασης:
Γιώργο Ζαλοκώστα (732) 416-0948 ή Γιώργο Αθανασόπουλο (732) 433-0661
March/April 2015
Page 11
CELEBRATION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY
MARCH 25, 1821
The celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 25th
draws inspiration from one of the holiest days for Greek
Orthodox Christians, the Annunciation of the Theotokos. This
is the day that the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that
she would bear a child. Bishop Germanos of Patras seized the
opportunity by raising the banner of revolution, in an act of
defiance against the Turks and marked the beginning of the
War of Independence. Cries of Zito H Ellas and Eleftheria H
Thanatos can still be heard today. These freedom fighters, or
klephts as they were called, sacrificed much for their country.
Kolokotronis, Nikitaras, Karaiskakis, Bouboulina, and
Mpotsaris are some of the heroes of the revolution.
The struggle for independence was supported abroad by
intellectuals of the day. In addition to the Secret Society of
Friends (Filiki Etaeria) and the Sacred Band (Ieros Lohos),
prominent world figures including Lord Byron of England,
Daniel Webster and Dr. Samuel Gridly Howe of the United
States raised the interest level among Europeans and
Americans.
After centuries of unsuccessful uprisings and failure of the
Ottoman Empire to assimilate and convert the Greeks, τhe War
of Independence began in 1821 rising up against 400 years of
occupation and oppression by the Ottoman Turks. The origin
of the Turkish occupancy began in 1453 with the fall of
Constantinople. All true and faithful Hellenes living in their
occupied homeland reacted to the Turkish oppression and
resisted the attempts to deprive the Greeks of their heritage,
their freedom and their religion. During the dark years of the
Ottoman occupation, thousands were killed and tortured for
attending church or teaching their children culture, history and
language. It was the Greek Orthodox Church that helped to
retain their very identity by the institution of Krypha Scholia
(Hidden Schools).
For eight years the fighting ensued, until 1829, when the
Sultan Mahmud II, facing Soviet troops at the gates of
Constantinople, accepted Greek independence with the Treaty
of Andrianople.
Anthony G. Ziagos, Sr., Publisher, The Merrimack Journal
THE GREEK FLAG
The Greek flag is one of the most recognizable of the world's flags. The simple
blue and white design means "Greece" to almost everyone.
Description of the Greek Flag
The Greek flag consists of an equal-armed white cross on a blue ground in the
upper left corner of the flag, with the remaining area filled with nine alternating blueand-white horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes of the flag are always blue.
There are five blue stripes and four white ones on the Greek flag.
History of the Greek Flag
The current flag was only officially adopted by Greece on December 22, 1978. An
earlier version of the Greek flag had a diagonal cross in the corner instead of the
square one now used. This version of the flag dates back to 1822, just after Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman
Empire in 1821.
Meanings and Symbolism of the Greek Flag
The nine stripes are said to represent the number of syllables in the Greek phrase "Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος", usually translated as
"Freedom or Death!", a battle cry during the final revolt against the Ottoman Occupation.
The equal-armed cross represents the Greek Orthodox church, the predominant religion of Greece and the only officiallyrecognized one. The Church played a crucial role in the fight for independence against the Ottomans, and rebellious monks fought
vigorously against the Ottomans.
The color blue represents the sea which is so important to Greece and such a major portion of its economy. The white represents
the waves on the ocean. Blue has also always been a color of protection, seen in the blue eye amulets used to ward off evil, and white
is seen as the color of purity.
As in Greek mythology, there are always other versions and explanations. Some say the nine stripes on the Greek flag represent
the Nine Muses of Greek myth, and that the colors of blue and white represent Aphrodite rising up from the seafoam.
Unusual Facts about the Greek Flag
Unlike most national flags, there is no "official" shade of color required. Any blue may be used for the flag, so you will see them
ranging from a relatively pale "baby" blue to a deep navy blue. Most flags tend to use a dark blue or royal blue but you'll see them in
all shades around Greece. The nickname of the Greek flag is "Galanolefki", or the "blue and white", similar to the way that the
American flag is sometimes just called the "red, white and blue".
Page 12
March/April 2015
LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY “ST. BARBARA”
We started the new year
with a full house at the annual Vasilopita Celebration
sponsored by the Ladies
Philoptochos Society on
January 11, 2015 in the
Ahepa Hall. In the absence
of Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos,
Fr. Gregory Rubis led us
in prayer.
President Effie Bouziotis
welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. She
reminded the gathering that
their donations will be benefiting the children at St. Basil Academy. In attendance
was Mr. Charles Theokas, member of the St. Basil
Board of Trustees. The Philoptochos ladies served a
delicious chicken/potatoes/salad luncheon to all who
attended. We thank Messers Demetrios Anastasatos,
George Athanasopoulos and Stanley Gerondelis who
assisted in the preparation of the luncheon.
Fr. Rubis presided over the cutting and distribution
of the delicious pites provided by the ladies. The lucky
recipient of the Vasilopita coin was The Daughters of
Penelope. That organization was, also, the recipient of
the gold coin donated by Mr. Panos Stavrianidis. We
thank Mr. Stavrianidis for his generous donation and
we wish The Daughters of Penelope a very happy and
prosperous year ahead. Because of the generosity of
our parishioners, Philoptochos has sent $1,000 to St.
Basil Academy. We thank chairladies Anna Kalogridis
and Christina Petrantonakis and all those who worked
so hard to make this activity such a success. And again,
we thank all those who attended and for their generous
donations for St. Basil Academy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are invited to attend the
LENTEN LUNCHEON
Sunday, March 1, 2015
After the Divine Liturgy in the Ahepa Hall
Sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society
`St. Barbara’
Donations Will Benefit
Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary
At our January meeting, the membership voted to
sponsor a Cypriot child.
We voted to send a donation to the American Heart
Association.
On February 8 we welcomed new members at our
annual Membership Brunch. Mr. Christos Katsifis of
the Americana Diner donated the delicious luncheon
which everyone enjoyed. We thank chairladies Georgia
Kouridakis, Pegi Zajac and Angie Alexander and all
those who assisted for providing us a pleasant membership brunch. We encourage more of the ladies of our
community to become members of this most worthy
organization.
On Sunday, March 1 (Orthodoxy Sunday), a memorial service for our deceased member s will be held.
On that same Sunday and following the Divine Liturgy,
our annual Lenten Luncheon for the entire community
will take place with a delicious luncheon prepared and
served by our ladies. Donations given at this luncheon
will benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Theological
School.
On April 2 and 3 the annual Easter egg dyeing and
wrapping takes place.
The annual Easter Bread Sale will take place on
April 4 and 5 (Palm Sunday) -- ORDER YOUR
EASTER BREAD EARLY.
As always, we are involved with many activities and
we need the assistance of all our members and our
community. We invite and encourage all the ladies of
our St. George Community who are not yet members of our Philoptochos organization to join us.
Our next meetings are scheduled for March 28 and
April 25 at 11:00 a.m. in the Memor ial Room.
To all our members and to the entire St. George
Community, we extend our best wishes for a very Happy Easter!
Easter Tsourekia Sale
April 4 - 5, 2015
To order your tsourekia early, call:
E. Manolakis 732-390-8647, or
K. Athanasopoulos 732-469-6298
Remember to direct your United Way donation
to the St. George Needy Cases Fund
United Way Reference Number 032224
March/April 2015
Page 13
G.O.Y.A. — GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION
On Monday, December 29th, our Goya hosted the annual Christmas Dance. Everyone had a good time meeting new people
and spending time with other GOYAns. The gym was completely transformed and looked stunning. Thank you to all the parents
and members of our community who helped host such a beautiful night.
GOYA has been very busy with Sights and Sounds. Our GOYAns have been working hard putting together their
performances. In between practices, we had the Valentines Day Dance on Friday, February 6th. On Saturday, February 28th we
hosted our annual Sights and Sounds show for our community. Thank you to everyone who came. Every performance was filled
with passion and talent. On Saturday, March 7th, our GOYA will be going to Westfield for the Sights and Sounds competition. We
wish our GOYAns best of luck and hope everyone has fun!
Respectably submitted,
Hope Sirimis, GOYA Historian
Picture of the AHEPA Hall decorated for the Christmas Dance
HAPPY EASTER — ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ
Page 14
March/April 2015
P.T.O. — PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
On Easter morning, April 12th, following the "Agapi"
service, the children and their families will enjoy an Easter
Egg Hunt. Send an email to [email protected] if you can
help with the Egg Hunt setup that morning.
It is with your continued support and contributions that we
are able to celebrate our culture and heritage which in turn
gives our children a solid future.
2015 PTO Calendar of Events:
March 21
March 25th Greek School Program
April 4
Easter Communion Breakfast
April 12
Pascha-Easter Egg Hunt
June 13
Greek School Graduation
Dear Parents,
We would like to thank all who assisted in organizing and
coordinating the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters
celebration. The celebration was under the auspices of the
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey and took place on
Sunday January 25th. We would also like to thank the ladies
and gentlemen who helped make this event a success.
The Saint George PTO Board Officers:
Helen Sirimis - President
Maria Petrou - Co-Vice President
Maria-Regina Caputo - Co-Vice President
Irene Drakopoulos - Treasurer
Maria Kavouras - Secretary
On Saturday February 15th, we celebrated our annual
Apokreatiko Glendi. A big thank you to all who donated food
and assisted in the success of the Glendi.
On Sunday March 8th, the P.T.O. will celebrate Godparents
Day. We would like to thank Ms. Aliki Donniger and Mrs
Vicki Gianoukakis for decorating the lambades. We would also
like to thank everyone who assisted in making the corsages.
On Saturday March 21st at 11:00 p.m., our Greek School
students will celebrate Greek Independence Day by reciting
poetry in memory of this very important day in our history.
Please join them and their families in the AHEPA HalI. Coffee
and desserts will be served at the end of the program.
Girls between seven and fourteen years old are needed to
participate in Holy Thursday and Holy Friday services as
Myrofores. Send an e-mail to [email protected]
or call Helen Sirimis at (732) 422-4396 to sign up your
daughter or granddaughter.
On Saturday April 4th, the Day of Lazarus, the PTO
will host the Lenten Communion Breakfast after church
services. Everyone in our community is welcome to join us.
The children will color Easter eggs right after the breakfast
and Myrofores will get their robes.
ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL FUND
All donations to the Memorial Fund are greatly appreciated. As we all know, we have a beautiful Memorial Tree
located in the Memorial Room of the Community Center. Anyone wishing to purchase a leaf ($350), a dove ($2,000),
or a stone ($1,500) in memory of a loved one, “May their memory be eternal,” please contact either John Stroumtsos
or Fr. Nick Pastrikos by calling the church office 732.463.1642.
March/April 2015
Page 15
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ - GREEK SCHOOL
Όπως κάθε χρόνο, έτσι και φέτος, στις 25 Ιανουαρίου
γιορτάσαμε την γιορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών και την Ημέρα
των Γραμμάτων. Ο φετινός εορτασμός ήταν ξεχωριστός γιατί
είχαμε την τιμή να έχουμε μαζί μας τον Μητροπολίτη μας κο
Ευάγγελο, τον Δρ. Καρταλόπουλο, και τον κο Λάκη Βίγκα.
Στην εορτή αυτή συμμετείχαν επίσης και σχολεία της περιοχής
μας με απαγγελίες και τραγούδια μαθητών.
Το ελληνικό μας σχολείο παρουσίασε ένα ωραίο
πρόγραμμα, το οποίο εμπλουτίστηκε από ωραία τραγούδια
που έμαθε στα παιδιά μας ο χοράρχης μας κος Φουστέρης, τον
οποίο θέλουμε να ευχαριστήσουμε πολύ για όλους τους
κόπους, την επιμονή και υπομονή του σχετικά με την
διδασκαλία και τη μάθηση των τραγουδιών στα παιδιά. Θα
θέλαμε επίσης να ευχαριστήσουμε τις κυρίες του PTO που
όπως πάντα βοήθησαν πολύ για την επιτυχία αυτού του
εορτασμού.
Ιδιαιτέρως ευχαριστούμε τον Πατέρα Νικόλαο, ο οποίος
στάθηκε ακούραστος στο πλευρό μας και μας βοήθησε με
αγάπη, ούτως ώστε να παρουσιάσουμε ένα ωραίο πρόγραμμα.
Επίσης, στις 31 Ιανουαρίου έγινε στη Νέα Υόρκη η
καθιερωμένη εορτή των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων, όπου ο
σεβασμιότατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος απένειμε βραβεία
στους μαθητές που αρίστευσαν στις εξετάσεις των Regents
τον Ιούνιο του 2014. Μεταξύ των αριστούχων ήταν και η
μαθήτρια του σχολείου μας Ουρανία Γαργαλίδη, την οποία
συγχαίρουμε και της ευχόμαστε πάντα να προοδεύει.
Εντωμεταξύ, τα μαθήματα συνεχίζουν κανονικά, και οι
μαθητές προετοιμάζονται για τις εξετάσεις, οι οποίες θα
λάβουν μέρος την πρώτη εβδομάδα του Μαρτίου. Επίσης, οι
μαθητές της Τετάρτης, Πέμπτης και Έκτης τάξης θα αρχίσουν
να προετοιμάζονται για την γιορτή της 25ης Μαρτίου, η οποία
θα γίνει το Σάββατο 21 Μαρτίου.
Όπως κάθε χρόνο, έτσι και εφέτος, δασκάλες, γονείς και
παιδιά προσπαθούν και καταβάλλουν όση προσπάθεια
μπορούν ούτως ώστε και αυτός ο χρόνος να τελειώσει με
επιτυχία. Προς το παρόν, ευχόμαστε σε όλους σας να έχετε
ένα όμορφο Πάσχα!
Με εκτίμηση,
Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου
Like every year, this year on January 25th we celebrated
the feast of the Three Hierarchs and the Greek Letters Day.
This year’s celebration was special because we had the honor
to have with us our Metropolitan Mr. Evangelos, Dr.
Kartalopoulos and Mr. Lakis Vigas. Schools from our area
participated as well, with poems and songs by their students.
Our Greek School presented a nice program which was
enriched by great songs by our students who were taught by
the Choir director Mr. Fousteris, whom we want to thank very
much for all the hard work, perseverance and patience he put
forth for teaching the students some beautiful songs. We would
also like to thank the ladies of the PTO, who, as always,
helped a lot for the success of this celebration. Further, we
would like to give many thanks to Father Nicholas, who’s
tireless effort and love helped us present a very successful
program.
Also, on January 31 in New York the customary
celebration of Greek Letters took place, during which, His
Eminence Archbishop Demetrios gave awards to students who
excelled in the examinations of Regents in June 2014.
Amongst them was the student of our school Ourania
Gargalidis, whom we congratulate and wish her continued
progress.
Meanwhile, the school lessons are continuing normally,
and the students are preparing for the second exam that will
take place the first week of March. Also, the students of the
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grades will start preparing for the
March 25th celebration that will take place on Saturday March
21st.
The school year is progressing well, as every other year,
and the teachers, parents and children are trying very hard so
that we all complete another year with great success. For now,
we wish everyone a happy Easter!
ΚΑΛΗ ΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ
ΚΑΛΗ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ
Sincerely,
The Teachers of the Greek School
MESSAGE TO THE PARENTS
Father Nick is asking that the parents bring their
children to as many Lenten Services as possible
during this Great Lenten period of our Faith. We
must show them through our example how
important this period is for us Orthodox Christians,
and how important these Services are to our
spiritual life and for our spiritual welfare. This is a
special time for the Orthodox faithful. Let us teach
our children to celebrate the Holy Days, the
Orthodox way!!!
Ο πατήρ Νικόλαος παρακαλεί τους γονείς να φέρνουν τα
παιδιά τους σε όσες πιο πολλές δύνανται τελετές της
Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής. Μόνο με το δικό μας
παράδειγμα μπορούμε να δείξουμε στα παιδιά μας πόσο
σπουδαία είναι αυτή η περίοδος για μας τους Ορθόδοξους
Χριστιανούς, και πόσο απαραίτητες είναι αυτές οι τελετές
για την πνευματική ζωή και ευημερία μας. Είναι
εξαιρετικά σπουδαία αυτή η περίοδος για την ορθόδοξη
πίστη μας, οπότε ας δείξουμε στα παιδιά μας να
εορτάζουν τις Άγιες Μέρες με τον Ορθόδοξο τρόπο!!!
Page 16
March/April 2015
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community,
We hope you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring
and with the Lenten period upon us, we wish everyone Καλή
Σαρακοστή. On behalf of Father Nicholas, the teachers and
staff, we would like to thank you for the
support and trust in us in providing an
Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and
values to your children. We are very proud of
our religious education program and of the
many committed volunteers.
upcoming Sunday. When passing by their classroom, you will
hear lively discussions and many questions from our students.
The students of these grades read the Epistle and Gospel
passages recited by Father Nicholas during the Divine Liturgy.
We have had a very fruitful ecclesiastical
year thus far; we held our Open House last
October with excellent participation from our
parents, we held our annual Food Drive and
the Christmas Pageant, and staff members
attended the annual Religious Education
Teachers Seminar held by the Greek
Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. We pray
that we continue to have a successful year.
We are very excited about the upcoming
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival that
is to be held on the 22nd of March following
the Divine Liturgy. Students from Grades 7th,
8th, 9th and Teen Rap are currently preparing
for our parish’s St. John Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival. The purpose of this
festival is to give our youth an opportunity to
research, learn, write and speak about their
Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage.
In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we present a
summary of the curricula that is followed by several grades.
Today we will present the curricula of Grades 4, 5 and 6.
Grade 4: ‘Growing with God’ - The fourth grade
program is devoted to helping children learn to use and
appreciate the Bible. They are also introduced to examples of
living the sacramental life: attending services, fasting, praying,
observing feast days, helping others, etc. At the end of this
grade, the children will love the Bible and know how to refer
to it in time of doubt and fear.
Grade 5: ‘God Calls Us’ - This class concentrates on
stories of the heroes of the Faith who have responded to God’s
call. Through these examples of faith, loyalty, self-sacrifice,
obedience, love, justice and social responsibility, students
learn to respond to God in terms of their faith and morality.
The students of this grade also learn to recite the ‘Nicene
Creed’; they will proudly recite this prayer in front of our
congregation on an upcoming Sunday.
Grade 6: ‘The Scr ibe - Searching for Jesus Christ in the
Old Testament’ - The children in this class are presented with
the most important aspects of the Old Testament as they relate
to the New Testament. The children also memorize the Ten
Commandments and discuss their relevance in our times. They
will proudly recite them in front of our congregation on an
Photograph of our 5th Grade class
They also attend the Divine Liturgy once a month, have
hymnology classes at least twice a month, as well as discuss
the lives of the Saints celebrated that week. The overall
curriculum we follow for all grades was developed by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of
Religious Education.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to our
volunteer organization for their efforts, dedication and
perseverance. For your valuable feedback, please contact us at
[email protected].
Respectfully in Christ,
St. George Catechism Staff
HAPPY EASTER
Καλό Πάσχα
March/April 2015
Page 17
OUR FAITH — Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ
THE ANNUNCIATION, March 25
Ο ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ, 25 Μαρτίου
When the most holy Virgin had lived and served in the
Temple at Jerusalem for eleven years, and was by then
fourteen years old - and as she was entering her fifteenth
birthday - the priests of the Temple informed her that,
according to the Law, she could no longer remain in the
Temple, but must be betrothed and marry. But, to the great
surprise of all the priests, the most holy Virgin replied that she
had dedicated herself to God and wished to remain a maiden
until death and enter into wedlock with no one.
Ενώ η Παρθένος υπηρετούσε στο Ναό του Σολομώντος
στα Ιεροσόλυμα για έντεκα χρόνια - και ενώ πλησίαζε το
δέκατο πέμπτο έτος της ηλικίας της - οι ιερείς του Ναού την
πληροφόρησαν ότι, σύμφωνα με το Νόμο, δε μπορούσε να
παραμείνει εις το Ναό, και πως είναι καιρός να νυμφευθεί. Οι
ιερείς εξεπλάγησαν όταν η Παναγία εξέφρασε την απόφασή
της να αφιερωθεί στον Θεό και να παραμείνει ανύμφευτη για
το υπόλοιπο της ζωής της.
Τότε ακριβώς, με την πρόνοια του Θεού, ο Ζαχαρίας,
πατέρας του Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου, και με τη συγκατάθεση
των άλλων ιερέων, εξέλεξε δώδεκα ανύπαντρους άνδρες από
τη φυλή του Δαυίδ, για να αναθέσουν σε έναν απ’ αυτούς την
προστασία της Παρθένου. Στο τέλος, εξέλεξαν τον Ιωσήφ,
έναν ηλικιωμένο άνδρα από τη δική
της φυλή.
Στο σπίτι του Ιωσήφ, η Παρθένος
συνέχισε να ζει την ίδια ενάρετη ζωή
που ζούσε κατά τη διαμονή της στο
Ναό του Σολομώντος, περνώντας
πολλές ώρες με τη μελέτη των αγίων
γραφών, με νηστεία και προσευχή.
Σπάνια εξέρχετο από την οικία της,
ούτε είχε το παραμικρό ενδιαφέρον
για τα εγκόσμια. Ήταν ολιγόλογη,
μιλώντας μόνο όταν ήταν απόλυτη
ανάγκη, με μόνη συντροφιά τις δύο
θυγατέρες του Ιωσήφ.
Αλλά όταν έφτασε η ώρα να
εκπληρωθεί η προφητεία του Δανιήλ,
και η υπόσχεση που είχε δώσει ο Θεός
στον Αδάμ όταν τον έδιωξε από τον
Παράδεισο, έστειλε τον Αρχάγγελο
Γαβριήλ στην οικία που διέμενε η
Παρθένος, τη στιγμή ακριβώς
(σύμφωνα με τα γραφόμενα των
συγγραφέων της Αγίας Γραφής) που η
Παρθένος είχε ανοιχτό στα γόνατά της
το βιβλίο του Προφήτου Ησαΐα,
αναλογιζόμενη την Προφητεία του:
«Μια Παρθένος θα συλλήψει και θα γεννήσει έναν Υιό». Ο
Γαβριήλ εμφανίστηκε μπροστά στην Παρθένο μέσα σ’ένα
αγγελικό φως και της είπε: «Χαίρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ο Κύριος
μετά σου». Ακριβώς όπως μας το έχει διηγηθεί ο
Ευαγγελιστής Λουκάς.
Με τον αγγελικό αυτό χαιρετισμό και τη φανέρωση του
Αγίου Πνεύματος, η σωτηρία του ανθρώπου και η ανανέωση
της δημιουργίας μπήκαν σε τροχιά. Ο Αρχάγγελος άνοιξε την
πρώτη σελίδα της Καινής Διαθήκης με τη λέξη «Χαίρε» για να
υποδείξει την χαρά και την αγαλλίαση που προσφέρει η Καινή
Διαθήκη στον άνθρωπο και όλη την δημιουργία. Γι’αυτό το
λόγο και ο Ευαγγελισμός είναι ένα χαρμόσυνο, όσο και
ελπιδοφόρο γεγονός.
Then, by God’s providence, and under His inspiration,
Zacharias, the high priest and father of the forerunner, in
consultation with the other priests, chose twelve unmarried
men from the tribe of David, so that
they might entrust the Virgin Mary to
one of them to preserve her virginity
and care for her. She was thus
entrusted to Joseph, an old man from
Nazareth and a kinsman of hers.
In his house, the most holy Virgin
continued to live in the same manner
as in the Temple of Solomon, passing
her time in the reading of the sacred
Scriptures, in prayer, in pondering on
the works of God, in fasting and in
handwork. She scarcely ever left the
house, nor took an interest in wordly
matters or events. She generally
conversed very little with anyone, and
never without a particular need. She
was intimate only with the two
daughters of Joseph.
But when the time prophesized by
the Prophet Daniel had come and
when God was pleased to fulfill the
promise made to Adam when He
drove him out of Paradise, and to the
prophets, the mighty archangel
Gabriel appeared in the chamber of
the most Holy Virgin, at the precise
moment (as some priestly writers have related) that she was
holding open on her lap the book of the Prophet Isaiah and
pondering on his great prophesy: “Behold, a virgin shall
conceive and bear a son”, and said to her: “Rejoice, thow act
highly favored, the Lord is with thee”, just as related in the
Gospel of the divine Luke.
With this angelic greeting and the descent of the Holy
Spirit, the salvation of mankind and the renewal of creation
were set in motion. The archangel turned the first page of the
story of the New Testament with the word “Rejoice!” to show
by this the joy that the New Testament signifies for mankind
and for all things created. And therefore, the Annunciation is
looked upon as a joyous, as well as a great, feast.
Page 18
March/April 2015
OUR FAITH — Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ
VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS, March 15
ΣΤΑΥΡΟΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΣΕΩΣ, 15 Μαρτίου
THE CROSS, that great symbol of our Christian faith, is
used in a variety of ways by our society. The cross is often
used for decoration. We see it on doors, windows, on flags
and banners of various organizations, and nations often make
medals in the shape of a cross.
Ο ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣ, το μεγάλο αυτό σύμβολο της
Χριστιανοσύνης, χρησιμοποιείται ποικιλοτρόπως από την
κοινωνία μας. Συχνά τον μεταχειριζόμαστε για στολισμό σε
πόρτες, σε παράθυρα, σε σημαίες, στα πανό διαφόρων
συλλόγων, και τα έθνη, κατά δεκάδες,
κάνουν μετάλλια με το σχήμα του
σταυρού.
Then, there is the common use of
the cross for identification. We place it
atop our churches to identify them as
special buildings. The cross signifies
that the structure is a House of God, a
temple of worship. Christian burial
places are full of monuments in the
shape of a cross, testifying that those
who are there are believers in Jesus
Christ. People wear crosses to identify
themselves as Christians.
Και φυσικά, μεταχειριζόμαστε τον
σταυρό εις ένδειξη του ότι είμαστε
Χριστιανοί. Τον τοποθετούμε πάνω
από τους ιερούς ναούς μας, για να
δείξουμε πως αυτό το κτήριο είναι
τόπος του Θεού, τόπος προσευχής και
λατρείας. Οι τάφοι των νεκρών μας
φέρουν τον σταυρό ως μαρτυρία πως
εδώ κείτονται τα λείψανα Χριστιανών.
But, most important of all, the
cross represents a way of life, a philosophy of living. It is, in fact, the
secret of creative, triumphant living it is, in a sense, a roadmap outlining
for us the way we are to live our days
on this earth.
Το πιο σπουδαίο απ’όλα όμως
είναι ότι ο σταυρός χαράζει έναν
τρόπο ζωής, μία φιλοσοφία για τη ζωή.
Ο σταυρός είναι το μυστικό μιας
θριαμβευτικής ζωής, χαραγμένη από
το Θεό, για να ζούμε εδώ πάνω στη
γη.
And so, on the Third Sunday of the
Great Feast, right in the middle of the
Lent, the Orthodox Church sets before
your eyes this magnificent sign of our
Faith. There we bow down and venerate it. It is there to encourage us, to inspire us in the discipline of the season, to
spur us on in the following of Christ, to bid us to persevere in
the way of life given to us by our Lord.
Η Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία την Τρίτη
Κυριακή της Νηστείας, στο μέσο της
Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, εορτάζει τη
Γιορτή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως. Και
έχει τοποθετηθεί αυτή η τόσο σπουδαία εορτή στο μέσο της
περιόδου, για να μας προωθήσει στο δρόμο του Χριστού, να
μας διατάξει να διαφυλάξουμε τον τρόπο ζωής που ο Χριστός
έχει χαράξει για εμάς.
“We bow before Your Cross, o Master, and we glorify
Your Holy Resurrection”.
«Τον Σταυρό Σου προσκυνούμε, Δέσποτα, και την Αγίαν
Σου Ανάστασιν δοξάζουμε».
ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΣΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ
Εάν η ζωή είναι γεμάτη με ευκαιρίες, πολλές απ’αυτές χάνονται και λίγες είναι εκείνες που επαναλαμβάνονται. Η Μεγάλη
Τεσσαρακοστή είναι η υπέρτατη αυτή ευκαιρία για να αρχίσουμε το έργο χωρίς το οποίο κανείς δε μπορεί να εισέλθει στη
Βασιλεία των ουρανών. Κανείς από εμάς δε γνωρίζει εάν θα μας δοθεί άλλη ευκαιρία. Γι’αυτό, εκμεταλλευτείτε την περίοδο
αυτή:οι επόμενες προϋποθέσεις, τις οποίες εάν μπορείτε να τις ακολουθήσετε (κανονισμοί Μ. Τεσσαρακοστής, η προσευχή του
Εφραίμ και η εξομολόγηση), προσφέρονται προς εσάς για να μπορέσετε να έχετε μια πνευματική Μ. Τεσσαρακοστή, και βεβαίως
ένα ευλογημένο Πάσχα. Είθε ο Θεός να σας βοηθήσει στην προσπάθειά σας αυτή.
ΔΕΚΑ ΟΔΗΓΙΕΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΗ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΣΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Να εκκλησιάζεσθε κάθε Κυριακή.
Να παρευρίσκεσθε στις ειδικές ακολουθίες της Μεγάλης
Τεσσαρακοστής.
Να προσεύχεσθε τακτικά και με ειλικρίνεια.
Να συλλογισθείτε πόσο εξαρτάστε από το Θεό.
Να μελετάτε την Αγία Γραφή.
6.
7.
Να διαβάζετε θρησκευτικά βιβλία και βίους των Αγίων.
Να είστε συντηρητικοί στα φαγητά, ποτά και
διασκεδάσεις.
8. Να προετοιμαστείτε για εξομολόγηση και Θεία Κοινωνία.
9. Να κάνετε φιλανθρωπικές πράξεις.
10. Να αποφεύγετε να κατηγορείτε τους άλλους, και να μην
υπερηφανεύεστε για τα κατορθώματά σας.
March/April 2015
Page 19
OUR FAITH — Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ
FORTY DAY DISCOVERY
Lent for 2015 began on
Monday, February 23rd.
inside. Confession, a necessary part
of our healing, is a liberating
experience! During Lent, the
sacrament of Confession brings us
into a true and deep communion
with the Lord, and with the Lord in
us bringing us great joy.
Lent is a period during which
our Church prescribes for us to
return to God. The Church invites
us to participate in this very
special season of awareness and
change, both spiritually and
physically,
enlightening
and
awakening the total person in Jesus
Christ.
Pascha this year falls on April
12th, and we must prepare from
now in order to be ready to fully
comprehend,
embrace
and
participate in the profound Truth
and Joy of the Resurrection of our
Lord.
The Church also prepares us
for Lent with the Triodion, the four week period prior to Lent.
The Triodion invites us to consider fundamental aspects of
repentance each Sunday, and set up limited fasting so that we
can train and prepare ourselves for the Great Fast.
This season should be a most challenging time for each of
us, because it should be a time where we must strengthen our
efforts to reconcile to our Lord. To do this we must
acknowledge our sinfulness and be willing to change. Through
fasting, confession and prayer we will be able to intensely
examine our values, our standards, our judgments, priorities
and our hearts, and turn towards the Lord (and each other)
with humility and forgiveness as our chief priorities.
Here are a few ways to keep the Lenten spirit alive in you,
to reconcile yourself to God, examine the state of your faith
and to get spiritually fit the Orthodox Way!
FASTING:
Fasting is a tool with which we can come closer to God. It
is not, however, an end in itself, it is not about “having to give
something up”. Abstaining from certain foods and activities
helps us to strengthen our spirit, control our emotions and our
passions. Fasting makes us conscious of our dependence on
God, and at the same time we may begin to realize our overdependence on the world and our own will. The observance of
a physical fast is a positive change of pace for us, as it
undermines our own self– indulgent complacency. Fasting can
lead us to wakefulness, so that we are alert and responsive to
the Holy Spirit.
CONFESSION:
Confession is God’s gift of freedom, cleansing and
forgiveness. It is the most appropriate time and opportunity to
let go of all doubtfulness and sinfulness we keep hidden
Preparing for confession entails
some serious self-examination with
complete honesty courage and
humility. Before you go, spend
some time considering where and
how you feel you have distanced
yourself from Church’s standards
and how you can change that
behavior or those feelings.
The priest acts as God’s witness
and minister, and as a representation
of the Church. Through him we
receive forgiveness from the Lord, and even advice and
counseling to our specific questions and problems.
God acts in confession. Know that you are standing before
God at this time of ultimate truth. You will be reconciled to
Him, your sins will be forgiven and you will be embraced by
Him in all His grace and love.
PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGIES:
Pre-sanctified services are held every Wednesday during
Lent. These services are actually special vespers services
followed by the offering of communion from the consecrated
gifts of the previous Sunday. As with all services at this time,
Pre-Sanctified Liturgies somberly express the themes of
repentance and humility before God. With these services the
Church frequently offers us Holy Communion during Lent, so
that we may be encouraged, comforted, strengthened and
blessed with the grace of the Lord throughout this season.
BIBLE READING:
Bible readings during Lent are taken from the books of
Genesis, Proverbs and Isaiah. Why the Old Testament? The
Old Testament announces the coming of the Messiah and our
new life in Him. These passages explore how Lent is a time of
preparation for the arrival of Christ:
* Genesis: recounts the history of salvation
* Proverbs: the wisdom of God
* Isaiah: Isaiah is the prophet of redemption in the Lord
My dear faithful, let us listen to the inner voice of our
conscience, and if we pay close attention to the services or to
the prayers of this most beautiful and very meaningful and
important season, we will experience a blessed Great fast, and
a remarkable reawakening.
Father Nicholas Pastrikos
Page 20
March/April 2015
OUR FAITH — Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ
ON CHRIST’S FORETELLING OF HIS GLORY
From the book “The Prologue from Orchid”
“Hearafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64)
He who does not see God as the Good Samaritan on earth will see Him as
the Dreadful Judge in heaven. The chief men of the Jews were so blinded that
they were unable to see in Christ the Lord either God or the Messiah or a
prophet, or even a good man. They placed Him lower even than a robber. They
freed Barabbas and condemned Christ! They did not even treat Christ as a
man; they spat on Him, mocked Him, made a masquerade of Him as some
cheap and useless thing. But, just as the time when the Jews were playing with
Christ as with some cheap and useless thing, the silent Lord suddenly opened
His mouth and foretold: “Hearafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the
right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven!!!” What a gap
between what Christ is in truth and what the Jews held Him to be!
The Son of man who sits at the right hand of power, as seen soon after that
by the holy archdeacon Stephen and many others, is the Son of Go d, our Lord
Jesus Christ. The Son of man who rides on the clouds of angels and the
innumerable powers and armies of heaven is again the same Son of God, our
Lord Jesus Christ, as St. John the Theologian and Evangelist saw Him in his
Revelation.
Oh, my brethren, don’t be seduced by the sneering talk of those who say,
“When we see Christ in heaven as God, then we will believe in Him.” We
must, through our faith, see Christ as God in the humiliations and spitting and
murderous blood-lust and mockery in the court of Caiaphas; in at that silent,
condemned Man whom the Jews regarded as seething cheap and useless. This
is the faith that has immortality. This is the faith that is in this day given growth and transplanted to heaven, the faith of all the
army of the holiest souls, the strongest characters, the most enduring heroes and the most illuminated minds.
Ο ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΠΡΟΛΕΓΕΙ ΤΗ ΔΟΞΑ ΤΟΥ
«Πλην σας λέγω, Εις το εξής θέλετε ιδεί τον Υιόν του ανθρώπου καθήμενον εκ δεξιών της δυνάμεως, και ερχόμενον επί των
νεφελών του ουρανού» (Ματθαίου 26:24)
Εκείνος που δε βλέπει το Θεό σαν τον καλό Σαμαρείτη πάνω στη γη, θα τον ιδεί σαν τον φοβερό Κριτή την ημέρα της
κρίσεως! Οι Φαρισσαίοι ήταν τόσο τυφλοί που δεν μπόρεσαν να ιδούν τον Χριστό ούτε σαν Θεό, ούτε σαν Μεσσία, μα ούτε
ακόμη σαν έναν καλόν άνθρωπο. Τον υποβίβασαν κατώτερα και από τον ληστή. Ελευθέρωσαν τον Βαρραββά, ενώ καταδίκασαν
τον Χριστό! Ούτε καν μεταχειρίστηκαν τον Χριστό σαν άνθρωπο. Τον έφτυσαν, τον χλεύασαν και τον περιγελούσαν σαν ένα
άχρηστο αντικείμενο. Αλλά ενώ οι Εβραίοι τον χλεύαζαν, ο σιωπηλός Κύριος ξαφνικά άνοιξε το στόμα Του και προείπε: Έις το
εξής θέλετε ιδεί τον Υιόν του ανθρώπου καθήμενον εκ δεξιών της δυνάμεως, και ερχόμενον επί των νεφελών του ουρανού». Πόσο
μεγάλο, αλήθεια, το χάσμα, μεταξύ της πραγματικής υπόστασης του Χριστού και της γνώμης των Εβραίων για τον Κύριό μας!
Ο Υιός του Ανθρώπου ο οποίος κάθεται στα δεξιά της δυνάμεως, όπως τον έχει δει ο Άγιος Αρχιδιάκων Στέφανος και πολλοί
άλλοι, είναι ο Υιός του Θεού, ο Κύριός μας και Ιησούς Χριστός. Είναι ο Υιός του Ανθρώπου που έρχεται εν μέσω νεφελών και
αγγελών και αναριθμήτων στρατιών του ουρανού, είναι ο ίδιος Υιός του Θεού και ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός, όπως τον είδε ο
Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Θεολόγος και Ευαγγελιστής στην Αποκάλυψή του.
Αδελφοί μου, να μην παρασύρεσθε από τα λόγια μερικών που λένε «Όταν δούμε τον Χριστό στους ουρανούς σαν Θεό, τότε θα
πιστέψουμε σ’Αυτόν!». Τέτοια πίστη και τέτοια οραματικότητα είναι μάταια. Πρέπει με την πίστη μας, να δούμε τον Χριστό σαν
Θεό μέσα από την ταπείνωση και τον χλευασμό στο δικαστήριο του Καϊάφα, μέσα στο σιωπηλό μαρτύριο του Ανθρώπου που οι
Εβραίοι έβλεπαν σαν κάτι φθηνό και άχρηστο και το οποίο μπορούσαν να γελοιοποιήσουν. Αυτή η πίστη έχει αντανάκλαση στους
ουρανούς. Αυτή η πίστη αμοίβεται με την ανάσταση και την αθανασία. Αυτή η πίστη μεταφυτεύεται στον ουρανό, η πίστη της
στρατιάς των οσιοτέρων ψυχών, των δυνατών χαρακτήρων, των καρτερικών ηρώων και φωτισμένων ψυχών.
March/April 2015
Page 21
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
Holy week is one of the most spiritually rewarding experiences in Orthodox Christian Liturgical worship. During this most
sacred time, we re-enter the biblical/historical event and relive those awesome days that changed the world. We enter Palm
Sunday with Jesus. We talk with Him “through the valley of the shadow of death”. We crucify those passions and sinful acts,
deeds and thoughts in Golgotha. We stand at His graveside and remember that without Jesus, there is only darkness, emptiness
and despair. With Him there is light, fullness and hope! At Pascha we herald His Glorious Resurrection because, we too, will be
resurrected; first, to newness of life here and now; second, to eternity.
But the only way this is going to be accomplished is if we take out faith and our Holy Week Services seriously. Our Church
will be packed on Palm Sunday morning, Holy Friday evening and Holy Saturday midnight. But these will bring momentary
feelings of spirituality and newness of life. In order for those feelings and that spirituality to permeate throughout our souls, we
should come to chur ch again on Palm Sunday evening, when the Br idegroom (Nymphios) will be appear ing, as well as on
Holy Monday evening and Holy Tuesday evening, and walk with Jesus on that trek to Golgotha. We must all come as a family on
Holy Wednesday and be anointed with the Holy Unction oil for the healing of the body and soul. On Holy Thursday evening, in
one of the most crucial and very moving services, we must come and relive the scriptural passages that will relate to us once again
why Jesus suffered so much for us All. We must experience His crucifixion from up close, not from afar, where it is safe and
noncommittal. We must mortify that part of our life that keeps us from committing ourselves fully and completely to Him. Then,
and only then, will our Holy Friday and Pascha, and the words “Christos Anesti” have full meaning and help carry us through the
rest of the year.
*****
Η Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα είναι μία από τις πιο συναρπαστικές πνευματικές εμπειρίες στην Ορθόδοξη Χριστιανική πίστη. Κατά
τη διάρκεια αυτής της ιερής περιόδου, ξαναζούμε τα ιστορικά γεγονότα και τις σημαντικές εκείνες ημέρες που άλλαξαν τον
κόσμο. Ζούμε την Κυριακή των Βαΐων με τον Χριστό. Συνομιλούμε μαζί Του στην «κοιλάδα του θανάτου». Σταυρωνόμαστε για
τα πάθη και τις αμαρτωλές πράξεις στον Γολγοθά. Στεκόμαστε δίπλα στον τάφο Του, και θυμόμαστε ότι χωρίς τον Χριστό
υπάρχει μόνο σκοτάδι, απόγνωση και ματαιότητα. Μαζί Του υπάρχει, φως, ολοκλήρωση και ελπίδα! Το Πάσχα ψέλνουμε για την
Ανάστασή Του, γιατί μαζί μ’αυτόν, θα αναστηθούμε κι εμείς. Κατά πρώτον, στην εγκόσμια ζωή, και κατά δεύτερον, στην
αιωνιότητα.
Ο μόνος τρόπος με τον οποίο μπορούμε να κατορθώσουμε αυτή την Ανάσταση είναι εάν λάβουμε σοβαρά την πίστη μας και
τις λειτουργίες κατά τη διάρκεια της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας. Η εκκλησία μας θα είναι γεμάτη την Κυριακή των Βαΐων, το
απόγευμα της Μεγάλης Παρασκευής, και το βράδυ του Μεγάλου Σαββάτου. Αλλά η παρουσία μας σε αυτές τις λειτουργίες θα
φέρει περιστασιακή πνευματικότητα και ανάσταση στις ψυχές μας. Προκειμένου να αισθανθούμε την πραγματική ανάσταση του
Κυρίου και την αγαλλίαση των ψυχών μας, πρέπει να έρθουμε ξανά στην εκκλησία το απόγευμα της Κυριακής των Βαΐων, κατά
τη διάρκεια της ακολουθίας του Νυμφίου, καθώς και το απόγευμα της Μεγάλης Δευτέρας, και της Μεγάλης Τρίτης, και να
περπατήσουμε μαζί με τον Ιησού στο μονοπάτι προς το Γολγοθά. Πρέπει να έρθουμε όλοι ως οικογένεια την Μεγάλη
Τετάρτη για να λάβουμε λάδι για την ίαση του σώματος και της ψυχής μας. Το απόγευμα της Μεγάλης Πέμπτης, που γίνεται μία
από τις πιο σημαντικές και συγκινητικές λειτουργίες, πρέπει να έρθουμε στην εκκλησία και να ακούσουμε τα κείμενα του
Ευαγγελίου που θα μας υπενθυμίσουν για ακόμη μία φορά ότι ο Χριστός υπέφερε για όλους εμάς. Πρέπει να ζήσουμε την
Σταύρωσή Του από κοντά, και όχι από μακρυά, που είναι ασφαλές και δεν μας δεσμεύει. Πρέπει να απαλλαγούμε από όσα μας
κρατούν από το να αφοσιωθούμε πλήρως και ολοκληρωτικά σε Εκείνον. Τότε, και μόνο τότε, η Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, το Άγιο
Πάσχα, και τα λόγια «Χριστός Ανέστη», θα έχουν πλήρες νόημα και θα μας βοηθήσουν να συνεχίσουμε τη ζωή μας τον υπόλοιπο
χρόνο.
Page 22
March/April 2015
Advertisements
March/April 2015
Page 23
TRACK SIDE
LIMO & TAXI
Serving all of Somerset &
Middlesex Counties, NJ
Low Rates - 24 hr Service
Van Service for Large Groups
Special Rates for Airports
We Go Anywhere
GEORGE ATHANASOPOULOS
AND
ANDREAS ATHANASOPOULOS
ILIAS HANTSOULIS
Call:
Sales Associate
Bus: 732-308-0111 Fax: 732-308-0012
Cell: 848-219-2901
Email: [email protected] ~ Website: www.dianeturton.com
The Courtyard
411 State Highway 34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
732-433-0661
732-459-8787
Toll Free 1-877-469-8787
All major Credit Cards Accepted
David Basile
S M I L E
540 Bound Brook Rd
Middlesex, NJ, 08846
Call: (732) 752-4855
3146 Rt 27, Ste 101
Kendall Park, NJ, 08824
Call: (732) 549-3111
Dr. Kosmas Kasimatis
900 Easton Avenue, Suite 31
Somerset, New Jersey 08873
(732) 247-7417
www.smiledesigns101.com
Allstate Insurance Company
Page 24
March/April
2015
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
SAINT GEORGE
GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH
Paid
New Brunswick, N.J.
Permit No. 379
1101 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Phone: 732.463.1642
Email:
[email protected]
WE’RE IN COLOR ON THE WEB!
STGEORGEPISCATAWAY.ORG
If you prefer to receive The Voice of St. George electronically, please fill out the form below and return to the church office. Going
“paperless” will help the Church reduce operating expenses by cutting printing and mailing costs. All information is confidential and
will be used for the sole purpose of email notifications, website updates, church events and publications. Remember to include
[email protected] in your address book.
Mr./Mrs./Mr. & Mrs./Ms. ______________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address: ______________________________________City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip Code: _________
Phone: (H) (_____)________________ (C) (_____)______________E‐mail: _____________________________________________
We keep trying to improve The Voice of St. George and we welcome your comments and suggestions. We cannot do it without your
help. Our email is [email protected]. The Voice is produced entirely by volunteers but, still, we are responsible and apologize
for any omissions, delays, and imperfections associated with this and any other issue. Please help us make the next one better.
Συνεχίζουμε τις προσπάθειες μας για συνεχή βελτίωση του δελτίου μας. Προτάσεις και υποδείξεις, για το πως να κάνουμε αυτό το
δελτίο πιο χρήσιμο είναι πάντα ευπρόσδεκτες. Το δελτίο αυτό είναι μεν αποτέλεσμα εθελοντικής εργασίας, είμαστε όμως υπεύθυνοι και
ζητούμε συγγνώμη για όποιες καθυστερήσεις, παραλείψεις, ή λάθη αναπόφευκτα γίνονται. Ζητούμε την κατανόηση σας και την βοήθεια
σας να κάνουμε το επόμενο τεύχος καλύτερο. Το ηλεκτρονικό μας ταχυδρομείο είναι [email protected].
ADVERTISE WITH US
IMPORTANT NOTICE
[email protected] - Tel. 732-463-1642
The “Voice of St. George” is published on a bi-monthly
basis. We are asking all organizations and individuals to
please submit their articles to [email protected]
or bring them to the office by the following deadlines.
Include your photos in .jpg format.
PRICE LIST 2015
BUSINESS CARD:
6 ISSUES CONTRACT:
12 ISSUES CONTRACT:
1/4 OF A PAGE:
6 ISSUES CONTRACT:
12 ISSUES CONTRACT:
1/2 OF A PAGE:
6 ISSUES CONTRACT:
12 ISSUES CONTRACT:
FULL PAGE:
6 ISSUES CONTRACT:
12 ISSUES CONTRACT:
$30.00
$150.00
$300.00
$60.00
$300.00
$600.00
$100.00
$500.00
$900.00
$150.00
$650.00
$1,350.00
Articles/images will not be accepted after deadline dates.
There will be no exceptions. Thank you.
BI-MONTHLY ISSUE SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATES
September/October
November/December
January/February
March/April
May/June
July/August (with Calendar)
August 1
October 1
December 1
February 1
April 1
June 1