Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
& The Shrine of Saint Nectarios
Clifton, NJ
Fall Issue: September 2014— November 2014
Wishing everyone a Blessed
Ecclesiastical New Year
Fr. Peter’s Message:
New Church Year;
Become A Force For Good
----------------------------------------------Save The Dates: Details Inside
 Ministry Sunday
September 7
 Pancake Breakfast
September 28
 Beefsteak Dinner
October 4
 Indoor Greek Festival
November 1 & 2
 Tricky Tray
November 14
 Celebration for Married Couples
married 50 years +
November 16
Dear friends and parishioners of
St. George,
By the time you read this writing
the new ecclesiastical year will be in full
swing. Between the schools, the various
organizational activities, the Divine
Services, the church will be buzzing and
we all will find ourselves trying to keep all the balls up in the
air. There lies the danger, deceived by the “busy-ness”,
immersed in doing good works, thoroughly convinced that
we are doing it all for the glory of God, sometimes we may
find that we are involved in just enough things that we
crowd God out of our lives. It is not a conscious decision
that we make to leave Him out; rather it is our indecision
about keeping him in.
You know how the story goes, we walk out of
meetings with lists of action items, and more items are
generated in the next meeting before we are done with the
first ones. The family and the home life have their own lists
and next thing you know there is no time to pray. Day after
day we go without praying. Without making the time to
strengthen the special relationship that God wants to have
with us. Thinking of it in a different way, we lose the
spiritual battle. The Lord warned us about this. He said it is
a characteristic of pagans, to worry about everything and
leave God out. God knows what is needed in our life and
He delights in giving it to us, but He wants to see us looking
to do His will first. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore
do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each
day has enough trouble of itself”. (Matthew 6:33-34).
Continued on Page 3
Please note new Sunday Liturgy
hours posted on page 2
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Some Highlights In This Issue:
Fr. Peter’s Message………….Page 1 & 3
Fr. John’s Message…………..Page 6
President’s Message…………Page 4
Stewardship Update………....Page 11 - 13
Treasurer’s Corner…………..Page 5
Recipe…………………….....Page 21
Church Sacraments…………Page 28
Support our Sponsors………Pages 34 - 43
Ministry Updates throughout
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Church Ministries & Church Information
The Orthodox Light
The Official Publication of
St. George Greek Orthodox Church 818 Valley Road Clifton, NJ 07013
Phone: 973-779-2626 Fax: 973-777-6946
Emails:
Elaine / Office: S t G e o r g e A d m n @ g m a i l . c o m
Fr. Peter: S t G e o r g e R e v @ g m a i l . c o m
Treasurer: S t G e o r g e Tr s r @ g m a i l . c o m
Website: http://www.stgeorgeclifton.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stgeorgeclifton.org
Shutterfly Picture Sharing Site: http://stgeorgeclifton.shutterfly.com
REVEREND PETER G. SOURITZIDIS, PROISTAMENOS
REVEREND JOHN P. ORFANAKOS, PASTOR EMERITUS
PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS
President
Nicholas Marcopulos
1st Vice President
John Foukas
2nd Vice President
Spyro Demetropoulos
Secretary
Nickitas Alexiades
Assistant Secretary
Efrosine Sullivan
Treasurer
Angela Delaney
Assistant Treasurer
Christothea Pavlou-Pandazis
PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS
Alec Alexiades
Sean Mish
Anthoula Bozios
William G. Nicholas
Dr. Panos Diamandopoulos
Nicholas Poulis
Steve Drimones
Dr. George Scordilis
Peter Koukounas
Kostas Tsanakos
Dr. John Malindretos
Emmanuel Tzavlakis
Steven Manis
George Zachos
We extend to you a warm and
heartfelt Christian welcome! Our
parish is dedicated to imitating
the love and faithfulness of Jesus
Christ by sharing the Gospel
with our words and living it with
our lives. We seek to strengthen
and encourage one another in the
faith so that we may be equipped
to welcome many more into our
family as fellow disciples of
Jesus Christ.
2
Church Office Hours
Daily 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Church Liturgical Schedule
Sunday Divine Liturgy Schedule
Orthros 8:30am
Divine Liturgy 9:30am
Weekday Divine Liturgy Schedule
Orthros & Divine Liturgy: 8:30am
PARISH MINISTRIES
Fr. Peter Souritzidis & Dr. Peter Salierno
Helga Diamandopoulos
Yannis Magiros & Angelo Duvlaris
Barbara Pepe, Alicia Pepe & Presvytera
Margaret
Greek School Chairman
Anastasios Koularmanis
Greek School Director
Joyce Logothetis
GOYA Advisors
Sophie Logothetis, Popi Pelidis,
Phyllis Lambridis, Angela Delaney
GOYA Coaches
Michael Halkias, Kalliope Vergis,
Spyro Katechis & Nick Mariolis
GOYA President
Kalliopi Logothetis
Hope/Joy Advisors
Elaine Manoliadis & Angela Delaney
Hellenic Music Society
Yannis Magiros
Orthodox Life Institute
Dr. Peter Salierno
Kali Parea
Tina Stames
Chanters
Moschos Scoullis, Ross Halkias & Anastasia
Pagonis
Daughters of Penelope
Athens Zambelis
Church Secretary
Elaine Catsicas
Orthodox Light
Anthoula Bozios
Orthodox Light Sponsor Ads Christothea Pavlou-Pandazis
Religious Book Store
Gordon Condos, Irene Houlis
Bible Study
Philoptochos President
Choir Directors
Church School Directors
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Fr. Peter’s Message continued from page 1
The work of the church first and foremost is to
save our soul, to distribute to us God’s Holiness and
sanctification. To pave the way for us to walk on, to go
to heaven. Unless the church provides this for us she is
falling short on her mission. She needs to be our greatest
supporter in our struggle against evil. When functioning
correctly and doing her work, the church needs to be
there for her people, from day one to the very end when
we triumphantly enter the kingdom of God. She needs to
lead the way in our effort to defeat Satan and his evil. In
an effort to do this, on behalf of the church I ask you my
dear friends in Christ to take part in a 4R, four-part
campaign. The four parts are:
Refocus-Reveal-Resist and Realize.
Refocus your way of life to seek and serve the Lord.
Reveal the parts of your life that Satan has you thinking
are so bad and unique to you and you can not/should
not reveal them to anyone. Deceived by him we lose out
on the love and support that the prayer of a righteous
friend would provide for us. Allow at least one other
person to pray for you, to support you.
Resist the devil and his temptations.
Realize that you are fragile, vulnerable and you need the
power of God’s Holy Spirit to help you carry this
campaign for spiritual victory in your life.
We will discuss the first part in this issue, and the
other three in future church publications.
Refocus: There is always a way out. When it feels like
temptation is too much to bear, God will never leave us
alone to drown in it. He will provide protection. He has
given us the guidelines. Here is a verse that explains what
“Refocus” means. “Run from anything that gives you the evil
thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that
makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the
companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts. (II
Timothy 2:22).. When we are being tested or tempted,
struggling to chose between right and wrong, the best
thing to do is to walk away from the wrong, the evil thing
that does not agree with God’s ways. Another way to
think of it is like this. When Satan calls and gives you his
tempting but ungodly option, do not sit there and have a
conversation with him, hang up the phone. If you stay on
the phone long enough, he will convince you, he will
outsmart you. You see, he has been at this for thousands
of years; he has every excuse and every lie in his bag of
tricks. Just hang up and walk away.
3
“But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life
aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly
the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible.
You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong
that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will
do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s
power so that you can bear up patiently against it” (1 Corinthians
10:13 Living Bible, TLB). In other words, God promised that he
would not test us in a way greater than we can handle.
So my beloved friends, as we begin this new
church year, let us make it our top priority to engage in
the spiritual struggle. The Church is here to help with the
power of God and the holy Sacraments, come and
partake, and do not let evil conquer you, but conquer evil
by doing good.
Have a blessed new church year,
With Love in Christ the Lord,
+Fr. Peter
Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and
sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is
true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely,
and admirable. Think about things that are excellent
and worthy of praise.
II Timothy 2:8 - Always remember that Jesus
Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised
from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.
Hebrews 2:16 - We also know that the Son did not
come to help angels; he came to help the
descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was
necessary for him to be made in every respect like
us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our
merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then
he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the
sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone
through suffering and testing, he is able to help us
when we are being tested.
Hebrews 3:1-2 - And so, dear brothers and sisters
who belong to God and are partners with those
called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus
whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High
Priest. 2 For he was faithful to God, who appointed
him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was
entrusted with God’s entire house.
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Parish President’s Message by Nick Marcopulos
Dear Parishioners of St. George:
I pray that all is well with you and your families and that you had an enjoyable summer.
As we approach the end of the season, I look forward to the new Church year beginning in
September and continuing to grow our parish.
As president, I can state that our community is strong and thriving. During my short
term so far this year, I’ve had the pleasure to greet and meet the various ministry heads in order
to gain a better understanding of the needs of our parish and ministries. Our parish is blessed
to have so many talented and dedicated individuals. I encourage that you all attend the displays
on Ministry Sunday (to be held this September) and actively enroll and volunteer. The Parish
Council will also roll-out several committees this day which will help us function efficiently. This will also afford
our parishioners the opportunity to take a leadership role in our Church outside of the Parish Council.
The Parish Council has worked diligently during the summer months to deliver the following:
 Fundraising
 Plans are underway for a Beefsteak to be held in October with profits to help meet operational
expenses.
 Plans are also underway for a Fall Greek Food Festival – further details to be announced.
 Finances
 The 2015 budget along with a 5-year financial plan are being developed and finalized. This will
serve as a blue-print for our parish to meet our operational expenses moving forward and will be
presented during the General Assembly meeting in November.
 In June, the Saint George Endowment fund was approved by the parish with a starting amount of
$400,000 and the Aspasia Smith Capital Improvement Matching Grant Fund in the amount of
$76,000. The by-laws are being drafted and an Endowment Committee is being established for
approval by the parish in September.
 The Parish Council is continuing to look at ways to eliminate waste and reduce costs.
 Capital Improvements
 A plan (i.e. outdoor lighting, gym floor, kitchen renovations) is being developed and will also be
presented to the General Assembly in November.
As you can see, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but also have much to be thankful for. I look forward
to seeing you all soon and working together as a Community of Faith.
God bless you,
Nicholas Marcopulos
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St. George Greek Orthodox Church of
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THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Treasurer’s Corner by Angela Delaney (Parish Treasurer)
ST. GEORGE'S 2014 FIRST & SECOND QUARTER
INCOME AND EXPENSE REPORT
Jan - Mar 14
Income
less income due to snow plowing costs
collection of income varies throughout year
Priest, Secretary, Caretaker, Chanter, Choir Director
Increase due to snow plowing costs
Thanks to the Polar Vortex
Purchases vary throughout the year
Mortgage Paid in Full
Fr. John
Total Expense
$262
$48,459
$500
$1,050
$2,350
$15,380
$6,580
$6,488
$6,715
$135,658
$7,675
$659
$19,289
$850
$2,900
$91,556
$1,894
$18,640
$550
$1,590
$292
$1,505
$370,842
$567
$45,555
$550
$750
$3,750
$15,760
$2,960
$1,550
$9,820
$140,018
$4,800
$1,347
$19,911
$4,745
$4,700
$66,644
$270
$3,430
$950
$4,105
$0
$2,357
$334,539
-$305
$2,904
-$50
$300
-$1,400
-$380
$15
$4,938
-$3,105
-$4,360
$2,875
-$688
-$622
-$3,895
-$1,800
$24,912
$1,624
$15,210
-$400
-$2,515
$292
-$852
$36,303
Archdioceses Fair Share
Metropolis Miscallaneous
Salaries
Payroll Taxes
Health Insurance
Flowers
Liability Insurance
Workerk's Comp Insurance
Building Repairs 818 Valley Rd.
Maintenance 810 Valley Rd.
Maintenance 818 Valley Rd
Utilities 810 Valley Rd
Utilities 818 Valley Rd
Property Taxes 810 Valley Rd
Candle Purchases
Office Supplies
Professional Fees
Printing Expense
Miscellaneous Expense
Greek School Salaries
Greek School Miscellaneous
Church School Exp
Bookstore Exp
Summer Camp Exp.
Scholarship Awards
Special/Miscellaneous
Festival Exp
Annual Raffle
Hall Rental Exp
Soup Sales Exp
Seasonal/Social Events
Mortgage 810 Valley Rd
Visiting Clergy
$38,500
$6,420
$91,590
$7,975
$13,809
$4,726
$6,872
$1,214
$0
$0
$20,375
$252
$32,751
$11,093
$10,165
$5,528
$330
$1,579
$8,038
$18,125
$224
$1,088
$311
$529
$2,272
$6,082
$40,645
$9,465
$600
$103
$3,500
$0
$7,700
$351,861
$39,130
$2,645
$90,990
$7,440
$12,528
$3,059
$7,631
$2,402
$116
$380
$15,359
$249
$22,142
$10,924
$6,345
$3,791
$1,214
$1,131
$905
$18,025
$2,376
$1,593
$1,261
$1,087
$2,000
$528
$34,577
$1,540
$750
$1,162
$3,930
$14,947
$11,150
$323,307
-$630
$3,775
$600
$535
$1,281
$1,667
-$759
-$1,188
-$116
-$380
$5,016
$3
$10,609
$169
$3,820
$1,737
-$884
$448
$7,133
$100
-$2,152
-$505
-$950
-$558
$272
$5,554
$6,068
$7,925
-$150
-$1,059
-$430
-$14,947
-$3,450
$28,554
2014 1st & 2nd Quarter +/-
5
$ Change
Bookstore
Candles
Flower Donations
Greek School
Hall Rental
House Rental (810 Valley Rd.)
In Memory
Miscellaneous
Seasonal/Holy Day
Stewardship
Summer Camp
Church School
Tray Collections
Ad Journal
Orthodox Light Ads
Festival
Festival Donation
Grand Raffle
Festival Vendor
Social Events
Scholarship Donations
Soup Sales
Total Income
Expense
Jan - Mar 13
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
18,981 NET INCOME
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Σύμβολον Αγάπης Και Λυτρώσεως υπó Πατρóς Ιωáννου
Κάθε τι μεγάλο στη ζωή
στηρίζεται στη θυσία. Καί το
γεγονός της σωτηρίας τού
ανθρωπίνου γένους στηρίχθηκε στη
σταυρική θυσία τού Θεανθρώπου
Ιησού. Αυτό το γεγονός της
σωτηρίας μας προβάλεται με την
ύψωσι του Τιμίου Σταυρού πού
εορτάζει η Εκκλησία μας την
δεκάτην τετάρτην Σεπτεμβρίου.
Ο Σταυρός του Χριστού είναι το ορατό όργανο
της σωτηρίας μας. Απόδειξις της αγάπης τού Θεού γιά τον
άνθρωπο δεν ήτο δυνατόν να υπάρξη μεγαλύτερη. «Μείζον
ταύτης αγάπην ουδείς έχει, ίνα τις την ψυχήν αυτού θή υπέρ
των φίλων αυτού.» Ο μαρτυρικός θάνατος τού Σταυρού
μας το βεβαιώνει αυτό.
Πως να μπορέση ο άνθρωπος να μετρήση αυτό το
πέλαγος της θείας αγάπης; Ολη η ζωή τού Κυρίου, από
την θείαν του ενσάρκωσι μέχρις της Αναστάσεως καί της
Αναλήψεώς του, είναι μιά κίνησις αγάπης. Ενα ανείπωτο
έργο θυσίας. Θυσίας πού σώζει. Θυσίας πού προσφέρει τη
ζωή τού Θεανθρώπου υπέρ της τού κόσμου σωτηρίας.
Γι’αυτό καί ο Σταυρός δεν είναι μόνο σύμβολον
αγάπης, αλλά είναι καί σύμβολο σωτηρίας καί λυτρώσεως.
6
Εκείνος πού στρέφεται προς τον Σταυρό δεν
πεθαίνει από το κεντρί της αμαρτίας. Διότι επί τού
Σταυρού έχυσε το Πανάγαιον Αίμα Του ο Κύριος ημών
Ιησού Χριστός, έσχισε το χειρόγραφο των πταισμάτων
μας, καί μας συμφιλίωσε με τον πατέρα μας το Θεόν.
Εξέλειψε η έχθρα τού προπατορικού αμαρτήματος.
Ο Σταυρός τού Χριστού είναι το αιώνιο σύμβολο
της Θείας αγάπης καί της σωτηρίας μας. Είναι απόδειξις
μοναδικής αγάπης καί σύμβολο της λυτρώσεως μας.
Επάνω σε δύο γεγονότα στηρίζεται η χριστιανική
πίστις. Στο Σταυρό τού Χριστού πρώτα καί στην ένδοξο
Ανάστασι Tου ύστερα.
Οπλο κατά τού διαβόλου χαρακτηρίζει τον τίμιο
Σταυρό ο υμνογράφος της Εκκλησίας μας. «Εν τούτω
έθνη βαρβάρα ήττηνται.» Καί οί πιστοί, πού τον
προσκυνούν με πόθο καί ψυχική λαχτάρα λαμβάνουν τα
ιάματα της ψυχής των καί τού σώματος των. Από το ένα
μέρος λοιπόν, το «ζωηφόρον φυτόν» τού Σταυρού έχει
δύναμι προστατευτική, μας προστατεύει, καί από το άλλο
έχει δύναμι αγιαστική, μας αγιάζει καί μας σώζει.
«Σταυρός ο φύλαξ πάσης της οικουμένης.
Σταυρός, η ωραιότης της Εκκλησίας.
Σταυρός, βασιλέων το κραταίωμα.
Σταυρός, πιστών το στήριγμα.
Σταυρός, αγγέλων η δόξα καί των δαιμόνων
το τραύμα.»
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Orthodox Life Institute by Dr. Peter Salierno
The Orthodox Life Institute of St. George Greek Orthodox Church will be offering
a two semester course entitled:
“The Roots of Faith; The Law, The Prophets and the Gospels”
beginning Sept. 16, 2014 and ending May 19, 2015.
The course will include a biblical approach in scriptural studies both in prophecy and application. All who attend
should prepare to open their hearts and minds in applying the Scriptures to the creeds, ritual expressions and
faith of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Come lift up your minds and hearts to the Lord and walk before Him in the path of the Patriarchs and Prophets.
The course is given at NO TUITION and all you need to bring is your notebook, your Bible and your faith!
Please come join us every Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM in the lower hall.
As St. Paul urges us to study the scriptures and work out our salvation before the Lord, so it is counted unto us
as righteousness when we study the Word of God. Come and be blessed, have your life enriched, and find a
community of like-minded people who are zealous for the Word of God and the Orthodox Faith.
We hope to see you there on Sept. 16!
FALL SEMESTER
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
C
H
R
I
S
T
T
H
E
T
E
A
C
H
E
R
7
16, 23
7, 14, 21, 28
4, 11, 18
2, 9, 16
SPRING SEMESTER
Jan.
20, 27
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24
Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
HOLY WEEK - NO CLASS
Apr. 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19
Knitting & Crocheting
for Charity
Free lessons! Beginners welcome!
Tuesdays at St. George
4:00-6:00 pm
Calling all knitters and crocheters! We need
you! Help us help others by sharing your God
-given talents to make knitted and crocheted
items for various charities. Stop by our table
on Registration Sunday to see what we
do. For more information, please call
Diane Peppes at 201-704-8524.
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Our Greek School by Joyce Logothetis
Our St. George Greek School completed another
successful year providing a learning environment
enriched by dedicated teachers instilling the love of the
Greek language, history, culture, and faith to our youth.
Following this year’s events – OXI Day Celebration,
Thanksgiving celebration, Harvest Party, Christmas
Brunch, Three Hierarchs/Cultural Exhibit- our dedicated
teachers and students collaboratively worked diligently
for a wonderful Greek Independence Day program in
March. All of the student performances were filled with
great ethnic pride as they demonstrated their talents with
songs, poems, narrations, and skits paying tribute to the
heroes of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
The Greek School hosted the annual Easter Egg
Hunt for all the children in our community following the
AGAPE Easter Sunday Service. Thereafter in May, our
little Greek School stars in Grades Pre K, 1st, and 2nd
shared their loving wishes to all of our Mothers and
Grandmothers in our parish with heartfelt Mother’s Day
poems.
To mark the end of our Greek School year, a
pizza party for all of the students sponsored by the Lekas
Family took place. Following, the Greek School hosted
an ice cream truck for our Greek School families to
enjoy. Soon after, the Greek School honored all of its
students at our annual 6th Grade Graduation and
Promotions Ceremony in the Fellowship Hall. Each
grade level from Pre K to 5th performed a brief end of
the year poem/song; received their Archdiocese
Promotion Certificates; and were awarded academic
Achievement medals. Our evening started with our
talented 6th Grade students’ humorous performance as
they reminisced on their years of Greek School. An
outstanding job was done by all of the students that day.
Congratulations to our St. George Greek School
Graduating Class of 2014: Alexa Alexiades, Megan
Fitzpatrick, Efthymia Koleros, Alexandra Lekas, Harry
Mastrogiannis, Athina Pramagioulis, and Yianni
Soumilas. Ms. Stacy Mentzelopoulou touched the
audience and her 6th grade students with her moving
thoughts and inspirational words. Along with Ms.
Mentzolopoulou, Mr. Nick Marcopoulos, Parish Council
President, and Mr. Anastasios Koularmanis, School
Board Chairman, assisted in distributing the graduates’
diplomas, plaques, and Greek School gifts sponsored by
our Greek School.
This year, special recognition is extended to
Efthymia Koleros, 6th Grade Valedictorian of the Class
of 2014 and recipient of The Holy Three Hierarchs
Award of Excellence by the Archdiocese. Additionally,
special recognition is extended to Harry Mastrogiannis,
recipient of the St. George Award 2014. This year, the
graduating class and their families had a celebratory
dinner at Stamna following the graduation ceremony.
Lastly, extra special appreciation and acknowledgement
goes to our dedicated teaching staff again this year for
their patience and commitment to our language program:
Ms. Georgia Kantsoulis, Mrs. Bessie Batalas-Long,
Mrs. Rita Evangelou, Mrs. Marietta Frangou, Mrs. Zoe
Batemits, Mrs. Maria Amanezis, Mrs. Helen Foukas, and
Ms. Anastasia Mentzelopoulou.
On behalf of our entire Greek School Board and
Teaching Staff, we applaud all of our Greek School
graduates and students on another year of learning our
valuable Hellenic language, culture, and faith. United
together, we can all maintain the legacy of our ancestors
and continue to keep our Greek language and culture
alive today - and for many generations to come.
Greek School registration for
the 2014-2015 school year is in
progress. Registration
forms can be found
in the church office for
everyone’s convenience.
The first day of Greek School
will be on
September 9, 2014, and we look
forward to
seeing all of our returning and
any new families.
8
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Our Greek School by Joyce Logothetis
Our Greek
School
2013—2014
School Year
&
Graduation
Ceremony
9
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
10
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Stewardship 2014 by Angela Delaney
The Stewardship Committee would like to offer a
very special THANK YOU to all of you who have
submitted a stewardship pledge for 2014! We are making
good progress! Our updated Stewardship totals as of
7/11/14 are 293 stewards with pledges totaling $166,645.
$133,438 has been collected and $33,207 remains
outstanding. Our goal is to reach 400 Stewards and to
attain our budgeted amount of $220,000 for 2014. We
ask that those who have not yet submitted a pledge card
or made an offering for this year, to please give prayerful
consideration to make a commitment at this time.
Please complete a 2014 Stewardship card (printed below)
and mail it back to the Church office at your earliest
convenience. If you are making your best efforts in
supporting the church, thank you. If you feel you can do
better, we thank you for your present stewardship and
hope you will consider extending your commitment and
support for our church for the remainder of the year.
The Parish Council Treasurers would like to
update you and let you know how we have progressed
financially in the second quarter of 2014. Remember that
during the 1st quarter of 2014, St. George had incurred
expenses that were exceeding our budgeted monthly
expenses. Nevertheless, we had a fruitful Holy Week
and a successful Spring Greek Festival which
allowed us to “catch up” to our expenses. We are
cautiously optimistic about the 3rd quarter of the year.
During the summer months the revenue we receive
decreases, however, our expenses also lessen for a short
time. The 4th quarter is where we will all, once again,
have to work together to meet the final Operating
Expenses of our Parish for the remainder of the year.
11
Our community will be hosting 2 major
fundraisers in the Fall. Our Beefsteak will be held on
October 4th and our Fall Festival will take place on
November 1st & 2nd. If we put our best efforts into
making them a success by volunteering our time and
talents, and arranging to bring family and friends to these
events, we surely can surpass our budgeted income goals.
May St. George the Great Martyr and
St. Nectarios the Wonderworker
be with you and your
loved ones always.
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Stewardship List 2014
Mr. & Mrs. Alec & Frances Alexiades
Mr. & Mrs. Nickitas & Maria Alexiades
Ms. Sophia Alexiades
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios & Rallou Amolochitis
Mr. & Mrs. William & Patricia Anagnostos
Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Helen Anastasia
Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Matina Anastos
Mrs. Carole Andreou
Mr. & Mrs. Efstathios & Linda Andriopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Brennian & Stephanie Antell
Mrs. Vivian Antonakis
Mr. Bobby Antoniades
Mr. & Mrs. Adam & Andrea Antoniou
Mr. & Mrs. Antonis & Angeliki Antoniou
Mr. & Mrs. Leo E. & Alexandra P. Argiris
Mr. Peter Argitis
Ms. Nikki Astipalitis
Mr. & Mrs. George & Konstantina Avramidis
Mr. & Mrs. Manos & Marianne Avramidis
Ms. Felicetta Babieri
Mrs. Suzanne Bauer
Ms. Anca Irina Bejan
Ms. Georgia Bellias
Ms. Maria Elena Botei
Ms. Anthoula Bozios
Mr. & Mrs. Christos & Lia Bozios
Mr. Evangelos Bozios
Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Jennifer Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry & Debbie Cammarata
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin & Andrea Cartwright
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Linda Chelius
Ms. Theodora Chichi
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Chilimintirs
Mr.& Mrs. Angelo & Eva Chrisafinis
Mr. & Mrs. Constantine & Dorothy Christakos
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Christakos
Mr. Peter J. Christakos
Ms. Kalliopi Chryssos
Ms. Cleo Coloritis
Mr. Gordon J Condos
Ms. Sophia Constandinou
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Eleni Corbosiero
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald & Evanthia Corrado
Ms. Maria D'Accampo
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Mary Dakos
12
Mr. & Mrs. George & Eleni Dakos
Mr. & Mrs. Forrest & Jamie De Visser
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Angela Delaney
Mr. & Mrs. Spyros & Athena Demetropoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Nick & Maria Dessipris
Mr. & Mrs. Panos & Helga Diamandopoulos
Ms. Vasiliki Diamond
Mr. & Mrs. Franco & Irina DiMaio
Mr. Dimitrios S Doris
Mr. & Mrs. Antonios & Christina Drakas
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios & Angela Drakas
Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Olga Drimones
Mr. & Mrs. Maios & Alice Eliades
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Esther Exarchos
Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos & Maria Fasilis
Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Irene Ferrolho
Mr. & Mrs. James & Katherine Fitzpatrick
Mr. & Mrs. Kiriakos & Theodora Floris
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan & Alexia Folsom
Dr. & Mrs. Dimitrios & Kassandra Fotiadis
Mr. & Mrs. John & Helen Foukas
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Christina Foukas
Mr. & Mrs. John & Alexia Gaffney
Mr. & Mrs. Nikos & Nikoletta Galiatsis
Mr. & Mrs. James & Kelly Gardner
Mr. & Mrs. James & Kathy Genakos
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Mary Georgaros
Mr. & Mrs. Perry & Camille Georgison
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Hope Gergatsoulis
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald & Rita Gerhold
Ms. Angeliki Giannoglou
Ms. Potoula Gieger
Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Paraskevi Golematis
Mr. Harry A Golematis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Irene Gregoriou
Mr. & Mrs. Petros & Carrie Gregory
Mr. & Mrs. David J. & Katerina M. Grimes
Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Angela Gyftopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Demetris & Margarita Hailos
Mr. & Mrs. Stylianos & Katerina Hailos
Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Jeanette Halkias
Mr. & Mrs. Ross & Antionette Halkias
Ms. Fotini Haniotis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Vaia Haralam
Mr. Gus Haritos
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
Ms. Helen Haritos
Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios & Nadia Hatzinas
Ms. Maria Hatzipetros
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Anna Hios
Mr. & Mrs. John & Kathleen Hiras
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Konstantina Holevas
Ms. Irene Houlis
Ms. Cecelia J. Iberer
Mr. & Mrs. John & Maria Ikonomidis
Mr. & Mrs. John & Susan Ioannou
Ms. Fotini Joannidis
Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas & Judith Joannidis
Ms. Mary Kalazan
Ms. Lucinda Kallimanis
Mr. & Mrs. George & Ellen Kaloroumakis
Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Christine Kamakaris
Ms. Stella Kamakaris
Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Effie Kambourakis
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Christine Kanellos
Mr. & Mrs. Dino & Alexandra Kaousias
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Maria Karagiorgis
Mr. George Karkanias
Mr. & Mrs. George & Maria Karoullas
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas P. & Cathy Ann Kartanos
Ms. Chrisanti Kasimos
Mr. & Mrs. Mike & Elizabeth Kastrunis
Mr. Emmanuel Kavalos
Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis & Stella Kavalos
Mr. & Mrs. Martin & Shirley Kemp
Mr. & Mrs. Eric & Artemis Kinzer
Ms. Anna Kitsos
Mrs. Alexandra Kleiner
Ms. Christina Kliener
Mr. & Mrs. Spiro & Helen Klimentos
Ms. Eugenia Kofitsas
Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos & Nora Kokozos
Ms. Kallie Kolyvas
Ms. Stella Konstantinou
Mr. & Mrs. Kostas & Eleni Koufidis
Ms. Eleni Koukoularis-Mainkar
Ms. Maria Koukoularis
Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis & Vasiliki Koukounas
Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios & Mary Koularmanis
Mr. & Mrs. Donald & Helen Kraft
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Kyriacou
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Stewardship List 2014
Mr. & Mrs. George & Tina Lambridis
Ms. Afrodite Lewnes
Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Christina Kyriazis Loeser
Mr. & Mrs. George & Mary Logothetis PhD
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Antoinette Logothetis
Mr. & Mrs. Phillip & Clarissa Logothetis
Mr. & Mrs. Pothetos & Sophhie Logothetis
Mr. & Mrs. James & Barbara Loizides
Mr. & Mrs. Shannon & Zoe Luke
Mr. & Mrs. Yannis & Phyllis Magiros
Mr. & Mrs. John & Matina Malindretos
Mr. Manuel Mamonas
Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Patricia Manis
Mr. & Mrs. Nick & Lisa Marcopulos
Mrs. Ljijana R. Markanovic
Mr. & Mrs. Hercoules & Katina Marmaras
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Liz Marzulli
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Maria Mastrogiannis
Ms. Darla Matsakis
Dr. & Mrs. Chris & Sophie Mattheou
Ms. Vasiliki Menegakis
Ms. Anastasia Mentzelopoulou
Dr. John Merianos
Ms. Zoi-Heleni Michalopoulou
Mr. & Mrs. Sean F. & Panagiota Mish
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Rica Missbrenner
Mr. & Mrs. Elio & Angela Fae
Ms. Katherine Mitas
Mr. & Mrs. Gerard & Christina Mosiello
Mr. & Mrs. Teddy & Jeaneen Moustakis
Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Paraskevi Muller
Ms. Pope Nicholaides
Mr. & Mrs. Nicky & Sophie Nicholaides
Ms. Irene G. Nicholas
Mr. & Mrs. William & Irene Angelides Nicholas
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitris & Maria Nissirios
Mr.& Mrs. Themistoklis & Maria Nissirios
Fr. John & Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos
Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos & Anastasia Pagonis
Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos & Zoe Pagonis
Mr. & Mrs. George & Elefteria Pagoulatos
Mr. Harry Pagoulatos
Mr. & Mrs. Spyro & Harriet Panagakis
Ms. Stella Panagakis
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Christothea Pandazis
Mr. & Mrs. Arpad & Alina Pap
Mr. & Mrs. Alkis & Kalliope Papadakos
Ms. Konstandina Papadakos
Mr. & Mrs. Cleovoulos & Lu Papadatos
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Helen Papadatos
Mr. Charles E. Papadelis
Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Carla Papasavas
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios & Katherine Papastavrinouidis
Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis & Ekaterine Papatherapontos
Mrs. Olga Parks
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Eleni Paslis
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Athena Patrikios
Ms. Alicia Pepe
Mr. & Mrs. Dominick & Barbara Pepe
Ms. Melissa Pepe
Ms. Dionnysia Peppes
Ms. Antonia Periclou
Ms. Catherine Perrdick
Mrs. Militsa Phillips
Ms. Stella Phillips
13
Mrs. Diana E. Pitsikoulis
Ms. Mary Pologeorgis
Ms. Anca Popa
Mr. & Mrs. Ivan & Alexandra Popov
Mr. & Mrs. Jose & Joanna Portela
Mr. & Mrs. George & Efrosini Potamoussis
Mr. & Mrs. Nick & Helen Poulis
Mr. & Mrs. Christos & Gina Pramagioulis
Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Sandy Prassakos
Mr. & Mrs. Anna P. Protopapas
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Maria Protopapas
Mr. & Mrs. John & Kalliroy Protopsaltis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Jasmine Psomas
Mr. & Mrs. Marc & Karen ReCasino
Mr. John Reier
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Dorothea Rentzis
Ms. Katerina Richardson
Ms. Frosini Rigas
Mr. & Mrs. William & Eleanore Rigoppoulos
Mr. & Mrs Kostika & Entela Rixha
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Katherine Romanoff
Ms. Gurgina Romanos
Mr. & Mrs. Andreas & Xenia Ropas
Mr. & Mrs. Eli & Alexia Sakellakis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Anna Sakellakis
Mr. & Mrs. George & Sophia Sakellaris
Mr. & Mrs. Ardian & Olga Sako
Dr. Peter Salierno
Mr. Zachary Savvides
Dr. & Mrs. George & Joanne Scordilis
Dr. & Mrs. Peter & Kristin Scordilis
Mr. & Mrs. John & Mary Sergentanis
Ms. Dina Shavelli
Ms. Constantina Simotas
Mr. & Mrs. Konstandinos & Catherine Siskas
Mr. Manny Skounakis
Mrs. Morfia Sokolic
Mr. James Soteriou
Ms. Mary Sotiro
Fr. Peter & Presvytera Gigi Souritzidis
Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos & Odalis Spiratos
Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios & Anna Stamos
Mrs. Effie Standler
Mr. & Mrs. George & Rosemary Stathis
Mr.& Mrs. Peter& Marisa Stavrinou
Mr. & Mrs. Spiro & Panagiota Stillianesis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Zinovia Stone
Ms. Julia Stoumbos
Mr. & Mrs. John & Evangelia Stoupakis
Mrs. Katherine Stratos
Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Efrosine Sullivan
Mrs. Helen V. Therianos
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Marilyn Triantafilos
Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Dimitra Tsakonas
Mr. & Mrs. John & Julie Tsanakos
Mr. & Mrs. Kostas & Athena Tsanakos
Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios & Maria Elena Tsatsaros
Mr. & Mrs. George & Catina Tsiamtsouris
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Tsimpedes
Ms. Joanna Tsimpedes
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore & Maria Tsimpedes
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Antigone Tsipas
Mr. & Mrs John & Diana Tsividakis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Sophia A. Tzavaras
Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel & Alyssa Tzavlakis
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
Mr. & Mrs. John & Maria Tzortzinis
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore & Frances Vagias
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Georgia Vangelas
Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Roxanne Vasilopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Dimetrio & Irene Vasilopoulos
Ms. Joanna Vasilopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Carmela Vazopolos
Mr. George Verdis
Mr. & Mrs Michael & Jamie Verdis
Mr. & Mrs. Miquel & Carrie Vieira
Ms. Angie Visvardi
Mr. & Mrs. Ted & Valerie Vittas
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Vlachakis
Mr. & Mrs. George & Panagioula Vlachos
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Monica Vlantes
Mrs. Voula P. Vogt
Mr. & Mrs. Darren & Angelique White
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur & Barbara Woolis
Mr. & Mrs. George & Elaine Xanthos
Ms. Kathy Xanthos
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas & Frageska Xanthos
Mr. & Mr. Stratis & Maria Xanthos
Ms. Cathy M. Youlios
Mr. & Mrs. John & Catherine Zacharias
Mr.& Mrs. George & Irene Zachos
Mr. & Mrs. John & Athens Zambalis
Mr. Evan Zaros
Mr. & Mrs. John & Alexandra Zazanis
Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Labia Zoulia
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
Το Γενέθλιο της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου (8 Σεπτεμβρίου)
Δεν προλάβαμε να σταματήσουμε τις δοξολογίες για
την Υπεραγία Θεοτόκο του μηνός Αυγούστου – μήνας
που καταγαύζεται, όπως όλοι γνωρίζουμε, από την Κοίμησή
της, αλλά και την κατάθεση της τιμίας ζώνης της – και ξεκινάμε
νέους πανηγυρισμούς, επί τη εορτή των Γενεθλίων της. Αλλά η
Εκκλησία μας δεν παύει ποτέ να εορτάζει την Μητέρα του
Κυρίου, σε καθημερινή μάλιστα βάση, αφού όλοι οι ύμνοι της
επιστεγάζονται από τα τροπάρια γι’ αυτήν, τα γνωστά
«Θεοτοκία», όπως και όλες οι μεγάλες εορτές των αγίων μας
έχουν ως σημαιοφόρο τους κανόνες γι’ αυτήν. Και ευλόγως: η
Παναγία αποτελεί τύπο της Εκκλησίας, διότι όπως Εκείνη
γέννησε τον Υιό του Θεού ως άνθρωπο, έτσι και η Εκκλησία
γεννά τον Χριστό στις καρδιές των ανθρώπων. Όχι μόνο λοιπόν
στις Θεομητορικές εορτές, αλλά σε όλες τις εορτές και πάντα, η
Παναγία έχει την πρώτη θέση. Τι συγκεκριμένα προβάλλει όμως
η σημερινή εορτή, ώστε να διαφοροποιείται αυτή από τις άλλες
της Παναγίας;
1. Καταρχάς, θα πρέπει να εξηγήσουμε κάτι που
φαίνεται ως αντίφαση και που έχει τονιστεί βεβαίως πολλές
φορές: η χριστιανική ορθόδοξη πίστη δεν προβάλλει τα γενέθλια
ενός ανθρώπου ως ημέρα εορτής, αλλά την ημέρα που εορτάζει
ο άγιός του. Πώς λοιπόν εδώ έχουμε εορτή Γενεθλίων, όπως το
ίδιο συμβαίνει και με τον άγιο Ιωάννη τον Πρόδρομο; Η
εξήγηση δεν είναι δύσκολη. Τα γενέθλια ενός ανθρώπου, η
ημέρα του ερχομού του στον κόσμο λειτουργεί στο επίπεδο μίας
οριζόντιας πορείας απλώς του ανθρώπου, η οποία στην
πραγματικότητα τροφοδοτεί τον θάνατο. Ο άνθρωπος έρχεται
στον κόσμο μέσα σε πλαίσια φθοράς και γνωρίζει ότι το τέλος
του είναι ο θάνατος. Τι να γιορτάσει λοιπόν; Η ημέρα όμως που
εορτάζει ο άγιος ενός ανθρώπου, αυτός του οποίου φέρει το
όνομα, ή έστω η ημέρα της βαπτίσεώς του, ως ημέρα εντάξεώς
του στο ζωντανό σώμα του Χριστού, την Εκκλησία, ως μέλος
αυτού, αυτό συνιστά την ανάμνηση της χάρης εκ Θεού που
δέχτηκε, συνεπώς την απαρχή της σωτηρίας του. Αν κάτι
εορτάζεται στην Εκκλησία είναι γιατί έχει πάντοτε
σωτηριολογικό χαρακτήρα. Από την άποψη αυτή, είναι ηλίου
φαεινότερο γιατί η Εκκλησία μας εορτάζει τα Γενέθλια της
Παναγίας ή του αγίου Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου: τότε έρχονται
στον κόσμο εκείνοι που κατεξοχήν συνεργούν στον ερχομό του
Χριστού και συνεπώς στη σωτηρία του κόσμου. «Η Γέννησίς
σου, Θεοτόκε, χαράν εμήνυσε πάση τη οικουμένη. Εκ σου γαρ
ανέτειλεν ο ήλιος της δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών».
2. Κι ακριβώς το γεγονός αυτό, δηλαδή η σύνδεση της
Γεννήσεως της Παναγίας με τον Ιησού Χριστό, είναι εκείνο που
κατεξοχήν εξαγγέλλει η εορτή. Δεν προβάλλεται η Παναγία μας
καθεαυτήν ως άνθρωπος. Ποτέ κανείς άνθρωπος από μόνος του,
όσο σπουδαίος κι αν είναι, δεν μπορεί να βοηθήσει ουσιαστικά
τους ανθρώπους: όλοι ενεργούν και υπάρχουν μέσα στα πλαίσια
της φθοράς, όπως είπαμε, και του θανάτου. Η Παναγία έρχεται
στον κόσμο μέσα στο θείο σχέδιο σωτηρίας του κόσμου από την
αμαρτία και τον θάνατο: είναι η προορισθείσα εκ πασών των
γενεών να γίνει Μητέρα του Θεού, παραμένοντας Παρθένος
κόρη, όπως διαλαλούν οι ύμνοι της εορτής της. Είναι εκείνη που
ο ερχομός της, ως προαναγγελία του Σωτήρα του κόσμου
στάμνος και μάννα είτε ως ράβδος του Ααρών είτε πολύ
14
περισσότερο ως «η κεκλεισμένη πύλη, η κατά ανατολάς
βλέπουσα», την οποία έδειξε στον προφήτη Ιεζεκιήλ ο Θεός,
αποκαλύπτοντάς του ότι δεν θα την διέλθει άλλος, παρά μόνον ο
Ίδιος, και γι’ αυτό θα την κρατήσει έπειτα και πάλι κεκλεισμένη.
Η Γέννηση της Παναγίας λοιπόν τονίζεται και υμνολογείται
τόσο εξαίσια, διότι ακριβώς παραπέμπει στον Ιησού Χριστό. Ο
Χριστός είναι Εκείνος που δίνει την αξία στη Μητέρα Του,
χωρίς την οποία όμως δεν θα ήταν Αυτός που είναι: εκτός από
τέλειος Θεός και τέλειος άνθρωπος. Γι’ αυτό και η
μοναδικότητα του Ιησού Χριστού αποκαλύπτει και τη
μοναδικότητα της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου. Κανείς ποτέ δεν
υπήρξε ούτε πρόκειται να υπάρξει παρόμοιος με την Παναγία.
Το ύψος της αγιότητάς της είναι υπέρμετρο και πάντοτε θα
παραμένει, κατά την πατερική ποιητική υπερβολή ίσως, «Θεός
μετά Θεόν». Κατά συνέπεια κατανοείται και το γιατί υπάρχει
τόσο μεγάλη χαρά στη σύμπασα οικουμένη. Διότι με τη
Γέννηση της Παναγίας ξεκινά η διαδικασία Γεννήσεως και της
Χαράς του κόσμου, του Χριστού. Στον κόσμο πια θα υπάρχει η
δυνατότητα υπέρβασης της αμαρτίας, κατάργησης του διαβόλου,
καταπάτησης του θανάτου. Στον κόσμο θα υπάρχει η αληθινή
Ζωή. Είναι δυνατόν να μη χαίρει ο κόσμος γι’ αυτό; «Σήμερον
της παγκοσμίου χαράς τα προοίμια∙ σήμερον έπνευσαν αύραι,
σωτηρίας προάγγελοι».
3. Ένα σημείο, στο οποίο πρέπει κανείς να σταθεί, από
εκείνα που μαρτυρεί για την εορτή η Εκκλησία, είναι η συχνή
επίκληση του προορισμού της για το ρόλο της στη θεία
οικονομία. Η Παναγία προορίστηκε να γίνει Μητέρα του Θεού
ως ανθρώπου. Το θέμα του προορισμού έχει προκαλέσει πολλές
συζητήσεις, και μάλιστα στο παρελθόν. Είναι δε από εκείνα που
οριοθετούν την αλήθεια από την πλάνη της αίρεσης. Υπάρχει
προορισμός του ανθρώπου; Κι αν ναι, τότε πού βρίσκεται η
ελευθερία του ανθρώπου, η οποία καταγράφεται στην Αγία
Γραφή ως το βασικότερο στοιχείο του εικονισμού του Θεού
στον άνθρωπο; Δεν θα μακρηγορήσουμε σ’ αυτό. Παρ’ όλη τη
σοβαρότητα και τη δυσκολία ίσως που έχει η διαπραγμάτευσή
του – μη ξεχνάμε ότι ο ιερός Αυγουστίνος, ο μεγαλύτερος
θεολόγος του Δυτικού χριστιανισμού, αλλά και άγιος της δικής
μας Εκκλησίας, δίδαξε τον λεγόμενο «απόλυτο προορισμό»,
δηλαδή τον εξαρχής χωρισμό των ανθρώπων από πλευράς του
Θεού, των σωσμένων και των χαμένων, γεγονός που επηρέασε
πάρα πολύ έπειτα και τους Προτεστάντες – μπορούμε να
κάνουμε μερικές απλές επισημάνσεις: ο Θεός βεβαίως
δημιουργεί ελεύθερο τον άνθρωπο, αλλά δεν καταργείται με
αυτό η δική Του παγγνωσία και προόραση. Για τον Θεό τα
πάντα είναι «γυμνά και τετραχηλισμένα» ενώπιόν Του, συνεπώς
γνωρίζει εκ των προτέρων οτιδήποτε κι αν συμβεί, οτιδήποτε κι
αν σκεφτεί ως λογισμό ο άνθρωπος. Άλλωστε στον Θεό χρόνος
δεν υπάρχει, τα πάντα δηλαδή γι’ Αυτόν είναι παρόντα. Το
γεγονός λοιπόν ότι ο Θεός προγνωρίζει τα πάντα δεν σημαίνει
ότι καθορίζει και τα πάντα, σαν να είναι Αυτός ο απολύτως
υπεύθυνος. Ο άνθρωπος κινείται και σκέφτεται ελεύθερα, αλλά ο
Θεός μπορεί απλώς να επέμβει για να τροποποιήσει αυτό που η
ελευθερία του ανθρώπου αποφάσισε και ενήργησε. Την
πραγματικότητα αυτήν τη βλέπουμε και στα αρνητικά, αλλά και
στα θετικά. Και στα θετικά είναι η Γέννηση και της Παναγίας: ο
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Το Γενέθλιο της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου (8 Σεπτεμβρίου)
προγνωρίζοντας τη θετική κλίση της ψυχής της στο πανάγιο
θέλημά Του, την προετοιμάζει να γίνει ό,τι και έγινε. Η
Παναγία θέλησε να είναι με τον Θεό. Ο Θεός προετοίμασε
να γίνει η Μητέρα Του, προβλέποντας τη στροφή της
θελήσεώς της σ’ Εκείνον. Με τον τρόπο αυτό, όσο είναι
δυνατόν να εκφραστεί απλά, κατανοούμε και τον
προορισμό της Παναγίας, ίσως ένα είδος σχετικού
προορισμού, για το οποίο μιλούν οι ύμνοι της Εκκλησίας
μας.
4. Και βεβαίως η Εκκλησία μας δεν παύει,
προβάλλοντας με ποιητικότατο και θεολογικότατο τρόπο
την εορτή, να καλεί και εμάς τους πιστούς όλων των αιώνων
στην πρακτική διάσταση αυτής: δηλαδή αφενός να
κινηθούμε σε δοξολογία του Θεού μας για την ευεργεσία
Του να αναδείξει την Παναγία κατοικητήριό Του, αφετέρου
να κατανοήσουμε ότι «ταις πρεσβείαις της Θεοτόκου» ο
Κύριος θα μας σώζει, και τρίτον, να διδαχθούμε από την
Παναγία στον τρόπο της ζωής της, ακολουθώντας αυτό
που την ανέδειξε σε τόσο μεγάλη αγιότητα: το «ιδού η
δούλη Κυρίου, γένοιτό μοι κατά το ρήμά Σου». Η
Εκκλησία αδιάκοπα μας υπενθυμίζει ότι είμαστε κλημένοι
για τη θέωση, δηλαδή να γινόμαστε κι εμείς Παναγίες,
σαρκώνοντας τον Χριστό μέσα μας. Κι ο λόγος για την
προοπτική αυτή που ξεπερνά οποιαδήποτε φαντασία είναι η
ένταξή μας στο σώμα του Χριστού διά του αγίου
βαπτίσματός μας. Είμαστε μέλη Χριστού, είμαστε
ενδεδυμένοι Εκείνον, συνεπώς μπορούμε να ζούμε σαν την
Παναγία. Αρκεί βεβαίως να το θέλουμε και να το
επιτηζούμε.
παπα Γιώργης Δορμπαράκης
http://pgdorbas.blogspot.gr
9 Great Ways to Be Extremely Strange
Love:
Joy:
Peace:
Patience:
Kindness:
Goodness:
Loving others even when others may seem unlovable.
Being joyful, in spite of the circumstances around you.
Providing a calming peace to those around you.
Demonstrating patience even in chaos
Being kind to one another, even when others aren’t so kind.
Not advocating perfection, but genuinely striving to be a better person and serving as a witness
to that endeavor for others.
Faithfulness: Standing firm with loyalty and commitment to Christ, even when others are rejecting what’s
true
Gentleness: Not wimpy, but carefully balancing strength and truth with grace and love.
Self-Control: Disciplining self to live out a strange kind of life, often sacrificing what’s temporary for what is
eternal.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
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Incense
BRINGING INCENSE TO THE CHURCH IS A
DELIGHTFUL PRACTICE, PLEASING TO THE
LORD
῾Προσέφεραν εις Αυτόν δώρα,
χρυσόν, λιβάνι και σμὐρναν᾽
Theotokos, who received in her the Divine Body of the
Lord, which is an “all consuming fire”, without suffering
corruption or change.
With the incense we offer at the hour of prayer,
we aid the uplifting of the soul towards spiritual heights,
"let us lift up our hearts”. Offering incense in the Old
To θυμίαμα κατ’ αρχήν συμβολίζει την προσευχή, Testament was God's requirement. Incense was to be
που ανεβαίνει προς τον Θεό. Είναι η ορμή της ψυχής προς offered at the beginning of the day in the morning and in
τα άνω. Και ταυτόχρονα συμβολίζει και τη ζέουσα επιθυμία the evening at the time of lighting lamps. “Aaron must
burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning
μας να γίνει η προσευχή μας δεκτή «εις όσμήν ευωδίας
when he tends the lamps. 8 He must burn incense
πνευματικής». Συμβολίζει ακόμη τις γλώσσες πυρός της
again when he lights the lamps at twilight so
Αγίας Πεντηκοστής, όταν ο Κύριος εξαπέστειλε στους
‘incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the
Μαθητές Του το Πανάγιό Του Πνεύμα «εν είδει πυρίνων
γλωσσών». Το ευώδες θυμίαμα συμβολίζει εξ άλλου και τον generations to come”. (Exodus 30: 7-8).
This good practice was transferred to the
αίνο, που απευθύνεται προς τον Θεό. Η καύση του
θυμιάματος σημαίνει τη λατρεία και τον εξιλασμό. Το δε
Christian worship. This devotional instrument creates an
θυμιατήριο, όπου καίγονται τα κάρβουνα και τοποθετείται environment of devout prayer and attracts the sanctifying
το θυμίαμα, συμβολίζει την κοιλία της Υπεραγίας
grace of God.
Θεοτόκου, η οποία δέχθηκε στα σπλάχνα της σωματικώς
την Θεότητα, που είναι «πύρ καταναλίσκον», χωρίς να
If you wish to bring an offering of incense to
υποστεί φθορά ή αλλοίωση. Με το θυμίαμα που
be used during the Services, please see
προσφέρουμε την ώρα της προσευχής υποβοηθείται η
Fr. Peter for specific information on what
ανάταση της ψυχής προς τα υψηλά «άνω σχώμεν τάς
type is preferable.
καρδίας». Η προσφορά θυμιάματος στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη
αποτελούσε εντολή του Θεού. Έπρεπε να προσφερθεί
θυμίαμα στην αρχή της ημέρας το πρωί και το βράδυ με το
άναμμα των λύχνων καὶ θυμιάσει ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ ᾿Ααρὼν
θυμίαμα σύνθετον λεπτόν· τὸ πρωΐ πρωΐ, ὅταν
ἐπισκευάζῃ τοὺς λύχνους, θυμιάσει ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῦ, 8 καὶ
ὅταν ἐξάπτῃ ᾿Ααρὼν τοὺς λύχνους ὀψέ, θυμιάσει ἐπ᾿
αὐτοῦ· θυμίαμα ἐνδελεχισμοῦ διὰ παντὸς ἔναντι Κυρίου
εἰς γενεὰς αὐτῶν. (Έξοδ. 30: 7-8).Αυτή η καλή συνήθεια
μεταφέρθηκε και στη χριστιανική λατρεία. Το λατρευτικό
αυτό μέσο δημιουργεί κατανυκτικό κλίμα προσευχής και
ελκύει την αγιαστική χάρη του Θεού.
TRANSLATION
In principle, incense symbolizes the prayer, which
ascends to God. It is the momentum of the soul upward.
And at the same time it symbolizes our fervent desire for
our prayer to become accepted by the Lord as a "spiritual
aromatic offering”. Also, it symbolizes the tongues of fire
of the Holy Pentecost, when the Lord sent to his
disciples the Holy Spirit “in the form of tongues of fire”.
Moreover the fragrant incense symbolizes a praise that is
directed towards God. The burning of incense means
worship and Atonement.
And the “thymiatirio” (sensor), where the coals
burn and the incense is placed, symbolizes the most Holy
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New Jersey Metropolis Clergy Laity Assembly
2014 CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY & PHILOPTOCHOS CONVENTION
On May 12th members of the Orthodox community gathered together at the Venetian in Garfield to attend the
annual awards banquet of the Clergy-Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Convention of the Greek Orthodox
Metropolis of New Jersey. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey presented awards to
parishioners from our Church and other Churches in our Holy Metropolis.
Awards were presented to the following parishioners in the following categories:
Most Senior Steward Honoree Diane Peppes
Philoptochos Honoree Shirley Kemp
Community Honoree Yannis Magiros
Goya Honoree Christina Panagakis
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Parish Council Honoree Dominick Pepe
Honoree Presbytera Georgia Souritzidis
Church Caretaker Honoree Efthimia Triantafylou
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Our Sunday School by Alicia Pepe
So much has happened in our Sunday School
over the past few months! We said some goodbyes but
also welcomed some new changes into our program.
Our graduates ended their Sunday School
journey on June 14 this year. We had six graduates:
Heleena Anastos, Melissa Haag, James Kinzer, Maria
Matsakis, Alexandros Pandazis, and Fotis Tsambounieris.
We are so proud of all our graduates and know that they
will continue to serve and make a difference in our
church. In fact, many of our graduates will be joining the
staff of our Sunday School to help shape the minds of
the future generation of Orthodox Christians!
JUNIOR STEWARDSHIP
Along with graduation also comes the beginning
of a new year for Sunday School. Last year, we began a
new Junior Stewardship program, which encourages our
Sunday School students to donate their time, talent, and
treasure to the church. Children were given the
opportunity to assist in the altar, sing in the choir, and
help out with various church activities such as the
festival. In addition, a new Stewardship bank was
purchased to collect donations from the children every
Sunday. The program was started in January and by the
end of Sunday School, we had collected just over $250
from our children. This is an incredible amount and we
are so proud of our children for understanding the
importance of giving back to our church and to God.
Since the program will be running for a full school year
this year we have increased our pledge amount to $500.
We have no doubt that with the dedication and support
of our wonderful children we will reach this goal. We
hope that the parents and other parishioners in our
community take note of these children’s dedication and
fill out their own pledge to the church as well.
JUNIOR CHOIR
Another program that we changed this year is our
Junior Choir. We have devised a schedule that allows
each class to participate in a Junior Choir lesson twice a
month. The children are divided into two groups – K-4
and 5-8 – and each group attends Junior Choir for the
last twenty minutes of their regular Sunday School lesson
during their scheduled Sunday. We are so lucky to have
Diana Pitsikoulis as our Junior Choir instructor and are
so grateful for all that she has done with the program.
We are looking forward to this program continuing this
September.
NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR
Speaking of September, Sunday School
registration will be held during St. George’s annual
Registration Sunday which will be held Sunday,
September 7.
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Children as young as three years old, by October 1, can
register for Sunday School with the Little Angels. Little
Angels, Pre-School, and Kindergarten classes meet from
10:00 to 12:00 and all other classes meet right after
Communion around 10:30. Children are encouraged to
sit in the reserved front pews during the Liturgy and then
proceed to their Sunday School classes after Holy
Communion. A simple snack will be provided in our
lower Church hall and parents are encouraged to sign up
to assist us in providing this snack. The first day of
Sunday School this year is September 28, where we will
have a short Parent Orientation in the church upon
completion of the Divine Liturgy. Class pictures for
Sunday School will be October 26.
As the holiday season approaches, our Sunday
School will organize a Thanksgiving Food Collection, to
be held from November 2-16. And as always, we will
have our Angel Tree gift collection during the Christmas
season, from November 30 through December 14. Our
annual Christmas Pageant, a touching reenactment of our
Savior’s birth, will be on December 21 this year.
As another summer ends and a new school year
begins we must remember that endings are just another
way for God to open up another path for us. It is
important to follow that path to a new beginning, one
filled with love, charity, and faith. Sunday School is an
important way to teach your children how to follow that
path. We know that everyone’s lives get so busy during
the school year but it is so important to make Sunday
School a priority. We have seen an increase in attendance
over the last year and are hoping that this trend will
continue. Don’t forget – we offer awards and certificates
for students who earn Excellent Attendance (absent 3-5
times) and Perfect Attendance (absent 0-2 times). While
these awards are certainly incentives to attend church and
Sunday School, remember that the biggest incentive is
the reward you will earn with God.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
SOWING SEEDS FOR CHRIST
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Our Philoptochos by Denise Cecchini
Greetings and welcome back from your summer
vacations both near and far. Hope you had a relaxing time
and are revitalized to continue the mission of our
Philoptochos. As we prepare for the beginning of a new
Ecclesiastical year we will attempt to initiate new and
creative ways to fundraise and give to those who are in
most need. It is our mission:
 To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged,
the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the
imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the
victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of
impoverished persons and to offer assistance to
anyone who may need the help of the Church through
fundraising efforts;
 To promote the charitable, benevolent, and
philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, through instructional
programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other
educational resources;
 To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian
concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and
through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith
and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines,
canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and
customs;
 To promote participation in the activities of the Greek
Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the
Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
The charitable work of the Society is to perform with
discretion, courtesy and kindness.
CLERGY-LAITY
Several of us were fortunate to attend the 42nd Biennial
Clergy-Laity Congress & the National Philoptochos
Convention in Philadelphia, PA this past July along with
450 ladies from as far as Hawaii. All 9 metropolises from
across the United States were represented and although
the days were packed from early morning to late into the
evenings with discussions, presentations and voting we
listened with pride as our National President Aphrodite
Skeadas presented donations to organizations of good
causes.
From a moving video tribute to veterans created
from the personal archives of Philoptochos stewards, to a
panel discussion on mental health issues in the Greek
Orthodox community, to an interactive discourse on the
traditional Greek diet, "family" was front and center in the
program, bolstered by the Orthodox faith.
Under the leadership of National Philoptochos
President Aphrodite Skeadas and Convention Tri-Chairs
Anastasia Michals, Martha Stefanidakis and Evellyn
Tsiadis, the program included guest speakers,
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professional training, and award presentations, in a
framework of spiritual growth.
Key speakers included Michael Emanuel, Chief
Congressional Correspondent for FOX News who
delivered presentations on “The Ecumenical Patriarchate
and Religious Freedom” and a personal reflection titled,
“Serving on the Front Line,” presented in conjunction
with a tribute to veterans. A representative from the
archdiocese traced the timeline and fundraising plan to
rebuild the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and
National Shrine at Ground Zero. President Skeadas read
the personal appeal of Archbishop Demetrios asking the
delegates for unified Philoptochos support to which there
was a resounding, “Yes!”
There were times when we laughed and there were
moments when we cried as we listened to the presentation
made by representatives of SNAP, a Special Needs
Athletic Program in the Metropolis of New Jersey, to a 13
year old young girl who attends St. Basil’s Academy.
Speaking on human trafficking was Rachel Lloyd, Founder
of Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS), who
escaped exploitation as a teenager with the help of a
missionary group. The humanitarian work borne of her
struggles brought tears to the eyes of the audience. Bishop
Sevastianos of Zela, Spiritual Advisor to Philoptochos,
added that Archbishop Demetrios was appointed to a
White House advisory council that seeks to end human
trafficking.
Several weeks prior to the convention chapter
presidents were asked to bring a donation for
Philabundance, an organization that feeds the homeless
and less fortunate in the Philadelphia area. At the back of
the auditorium was a mailbox designated for the
donations. Every day you would see the ladies slipping
their envelopes into the box. On the last day of the
convention President Skeadas presented Philabundance
a check for $11,500.
By the end of the convention we, the Ladies of
Philoptochos, had donated $212,000 to various
charities throughout the United States of America. In
2013, we the ladies of Philoptochos, donated over
$2,382,000.00. What astounding numbers!
And….we, the ladies of St. Paraskevi Philoptochos, are a
part of this wonderful ministry who are making a
difference. Philoptochos is the largest Christian women’s
organization in the United States and we should all be
proud of the hard work that we do.
So as you can see, the Philoptochos is about
making a difference in our local community. as well as the
community at large.
Please join us in September, become a
member and make a difference!!
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Recipe
Seared Halibut With Greens & Chickpeas
(serves 4)
4 fillets of fresh halibut (6oz. each)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 bunches of scallions, thinly sliced
4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 bunches of greens (kale, swiss chard or amaranth)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cups hot water
3 cups of cooked (or canned) chickpeas
salt and pepper to taste
extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. dried Greek oregano
Rinse your fish fillets and
pat-dry. Drizzle olive oil on
them and run all over the
Prayer Before Meals
fish. Sprinkle both sides
with salt and pepper and
Christ our God, bless us Your servants, place in the fridge. Trim/
our home, the food and drink before
remove the thick stalks of
us for You are the Source of all
your greens and rinse well
blessings, now and forever and ever.
or soak in a basin of water
Amen. Lord Jesus Christ our God, You (repeat 2-3 times if
blessed the five loaves in the wilderness necessary to remove dirt).
and fed the multitudes of men, women Reserve.
and children. Bless also these Your
In the meantime, place a large pot on your stovetop over medium heat
gifts and increase them for the hungry and add the olive oil, onions and garlic and sweat for 5-6 minutes or until
people in the world. You are the One
translucent. Add the tomato paste and stir for 2 minutes (to cook).
who blesses and sanctifies all things
Now roughly chop the greens and add into the pot with some sea salt
and to You we give glory forever.
and cover. Allow the steam to wilt the greens for about 6-7 minutes and
Amen.
then add the wine vinegar, chickpeas and hot water and bring up to a
boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook with the lid ajar for another 15-20
Prayer After Meals
minutes.
Remove the lid and simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has
Glory to You, Lord and King! You
evaporated. Season with salt, pepper and add the dried Greek oregano.
have gladdened our hearts through
Keep warm.
Your earthly gifts. Fill us also with the Take your fish out of the fridge and allow about 5 minutes to return to
gift of Your Holy Spirit, that we may
room temperature. Place a large skillet on your stovetop over mediumabound in every good work to the
high heat. Once the pan is hot, add a good drizzle of olive oil and place
glory of Your name. Amen
the fillets skin side down and sauté for 4 minutes then flip and sauté for
another 2-3 minutes or until the fillets are just opaque.
We thank You Lord, Giver of all good Turn the heat off and remove from pan from the heat source. Allow to
things, for these Your gifts and all
rest. Divide and plate the chickpeas and greens as your base then place a
Your mercies, and we bless Your holy fillet on top. Pour some of the liquid from the greens over the fish,
name forever. Amen.
garnish with some scallion greens (or chives) and Greek oregano.
http://www.kalofagas.ca
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Our GOYA by Alex Argiris
As the autumn
months rapidly approach
and our St. George Clifton
GOYA year commences,
below is an update of the
GOYA’s recent activities
and accomplishments and
events that the GOYAns
are looking forward to in
the fall.
Our GOYA
participated in the Indoor
Soccer tournament in Wall Township, NJ on May 3.
Both the girls and boys teams played three games and
enjoyed a spirited competition filled with fun and
fellowship. The next event was the Indoor Olympics at
St. Demetrios in Perth Amboy on May 11. This event
was a prelude to the Outdoor Olympics and it gave our
GOYAns an opportunity to partake in various indoor
activities. Alex Argiris received 1st place in junior boys
ping pong, Panayoti Logothetis was awarded 2nd place
for junior boys ping pong, Maria Pandazis won 1st place
ping pong for junior girls, Antonia Zanakis received 3rd
place for senior girls ping pong, Fotis Tsambouneris
obtained 2nd place for FIFA Soccer, and Alexandros
Pandazis received 2nd place for backgammon and 3rd
place for checkers.
On May 24-25, the GOYA attended the Outdoor
Olympics at Monmouth University. Our GOYAns
competed in track and field events and volleyball.
Congratulations to Panayioti Logothetis for winning 1st
place in the junior boys 400 meter run and 3rd place in
the junior boys 100 meter run and to Andriana Andreou
for receiving 2nd place in the senior girls’ softball throw.
We would like to extend a very special thank you to Mr.
Michael Halkias for all his invaluable help and
commitment to coaching the volleyball team for the
Olympics.
At our last meeting on June 3, elections were held
for the 2014-2015 Executive Board. Congratulations to
Kalliopi Logothetis-President, Sophia Logothetis-VicePresident, Alex Argiris-Recording Secretary, Eva
Pelidis-Corresponding Secretary, and Sofia PramagioulisTreasurer. In addition, we would like to congratulate all
of our seniors who graduated this year. We wish them
much success and happiness in all their future endeavors.
Also, we would like to thank all the parents for their help
and support of our St. George GOYA throughout the
year.
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Our St. George GOYA has several exciting
events and activities planned in the fall. The Diving for
the Cross is in Asbury Park on September 21. This is a
memorable day which begins with Divine Liturgy at the
Paramount Theater followed by the Diving for the Cross
Ceremony. Matthew Delaney, Stella Spyropoulos, Sofia
Pramagioulis, and Fotis Tsambounieris will be
representing our GOYA as divers. GOYAns and their
families are welcomed to attend the Divine Liturgy and
support our divers afterwards.
The Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant is at the Pines
Manor in Edison, NJ on Sunday, October 12 at 4:00pm.
We are very proud to have Alexandros Pandazis and
Kalliopi Logothetis representing our Clifton GOYA as
Mr. and Miss contestants.
As another GOYA year is about to begin, we are
looking forward to another gratifying and rewarding year
with many unforgettable experiences and everlasting
memories.
Join GOYA!!…..in addition to so
many fun-filled events, you will
build lifetime friendships as
well as learn valuable religious
and social lessons that will
guide you into your adulthood
years!
Worship, Fellowship, Witness,
and Service!
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Our GOYA
Are you entering 7th Grade? Then you’re invited!
Our St. George GOYA registration for the 2014-2015
will begin Sunday, September 7 with an October 31, 2014 deadline.
Registration fee is $40.00.
GOYA is a youth organization for children between the ages of 12 and 18 years old.
Our calendar is full of activities including religious, charitable, athletic and social
events that are either on the local or state level.
SAVE THE DATE!
St. George GOYA will be holding a Tricky Tray Auction, on Friday, November 14th at 6:00pm. The
proceeds from this event will benefit our youth ministry group.
Please help us make this event a success.
We ask you kindly to donate gifts of merchandise, gift certificates, or make monetary contributions that
can be used to purchase prizes.
Please bring your donations to the church office.
Your thoughtful contributions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration.
For any questions please contact The GOYA Advisors:
Sophie Logothetis, Popi Pelidis, Phyllis Lambridis, Angela Delaney
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Our Hope and Joy by Elaine Manoliadis
Once again we had our summer camp with
tremendous success. We had about 80 campers and over
30 counselors and advisors. Our children spent their days
learning the importance of our religion and different
parts of our church. In the mornings, they created
various crafts, such as painting with marbles, creating
their own kites and bandanas, using sea shells to create a
cross and much more. Each day the children had a lesson
from our teachers, Mrs. Christothea Pandazis and Mrs.
Kathy Fitzpatrick, and we truly appreciate all their hard
work they gave the kids. We also introduced for the first
time “Greek Dancing.” The children received lessons
from the dance instructor Angelo Gergatsoulis and by
the end of the week they all performed various Greek
dances at the talent show. We hope the children continue
with their Greek dancing throughout the fall and winter
with Angelo. Please look for him on Registration Sunday.
Every day we had our Yiayias and Papous help
with lunch. Without them, the food & snacks that was
generously donated by many families and restaurants
wouldn’t have been prepared. We are truly blessed to
have such support from all our families.
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The afternoons were filled with tie dyed shirt
making, and they all turned out amazing!! We also had
“Water Day” where children played outside on dunk
tanks and large water slides. Father Peter taught the
children the importance of Holy Water and why and
when we use it. We also had our annual “St. George Got
Talent Show.” Performances included singing, hip-pop
dancing, magic, gymnastics, hula hooping, joke telling,
tap dancing, violin and guitar playing. We give all the
children who participated in the talent show, much credit
and applaud them for their efforts. On our last day of
camp, we had a 80’s theme Hip Hop party where the
children wore neon colors and had hair as high as
possible…
Once again, we thank everyone who made this
week a success. We also want to thank Father Peter for
his guidance throughout the week.
See you next year!!
Elaine Manoliadis & Angela Delaney
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Our Church Sacraments
09/01/13 Nicholas Kwan-Shen Dukas
Sponsors: Eleni and Vasili Kaltsis
09/08/13 Michael Augustine Stone
Sponsor: Kaliopi Hatzipetros
10/26/13 Alexander James Gregory
Sponsor: John Nicholas Gregory
10/27/13 KennethEmmanuel Tzavlakis
Sponsor: Christina Haag
11/10/13 Elias Vasiliou Chrisafinis
Sponsor: Anastasia Anagnostopoulos
11/16/13 Ren Alexia Jenkins
Sponsor: Steve Michael Gemma
11/16/13 Panayiotis Anthony Sifonios
Sponsors: Peter and Maria Venetes
11/16/13 Themistoklis Anthony Sifonios
Sponsors: Themistoklis and Maria
Nissirios
12/01/13 SophiaAlexis Duchinsky
Sponsor: Christina Stathis
12/08/13 Nicholas Peter Bakas
Sponsor: Janet Tasigianis
12/15/13 Vasilia Maria Nicholaides
Sponsors: Eleni Chryssos and Fotini
Irene Hiras
12/28/13 Alexander Konstantinos Mahles
Sponsor: Sylvia Kapsis
Baptisms 2013 / 2014 Ecclesiastical Year
01/05/14 George Anastasios Tzavaras
Sponsors: Jennifer Tzavaras and Sima Sciopu
01/05/14 Gianna Angelina Papamarkos
Sponsor: Anna Kitsos
02/22/14 Liliana Vincenza Logothetis
Sponsor: Nicholas John Papageorge and
Jennifer Furnari
02/23/14 Marianna Koufidis
Sponsors: Nicholas Xagorarakis and
Zoe Nangle
03/01/14 Lucas Dominico DiMaio
Sponsor: Evangelia Demeter
03/02/14 William Elias Gerhold
Sponsor: Louis G. Koroneos
03/16/14 James Angelo Kamakaris
Sponsor: Stella Kamakaris
03/29/14 Elias Paslis
Sponsor: Stamatis Zapantiotis
04/06/14 Alexander Kyriacou
Sponsor: Nicholas Kalas
04/06/14 Amela Christina Murray
Sponsor: Irene Baloubis
04/06/14 Manolis Dimitris Fostinis
Sponsors: Konstantinos and Maria Fasilis
Weddings 2013 / 2014 Ecclesiastical Year
09/01/13 Michael Chilimintris and Elvia Munoz
09/22/13 Adam Ronald Duchinsky and Zena Paraskevi Stathis
11/10/13 Alejandro J. Dominguez and Miranda L. Kakoullis
11/17/13 Vagelis John Sophias and Olympia M. Potaris
01/04/14 Daniel Lleonart and Maria Hadginikitas
01/26/14 Kyriakos Mangafas and Elefteria Georgallis
02/16/14 George Diakos and Kelly Fillipidis
03/01/14 Nicholas L. Vlantes and Monica B. Palao
05/17/14 John Tsividakis and Diana Maria Arteaga
05/18/14 Aristotelis Leontopoulos and Fatima Cristina Matos
05/26/14 Philip Rentzis and Cara Greco
06/21/14 Carmine Santarella and Kallie Kolyvas
07/20/14 Emmanuel Skounakis and Leisys Mercedes Huhn
07/26/14 Shannon Luke and Zoe Scoullos
The Sacraments of The Church
Baptism; Chrismation; The Eucharist; Penance;
Marriage; The Annointing of The Sick (Euchelaion);
And The Priesthood
04/27/14 Haralambos Stone
Sponsor: Maria Hatzipetros
Angelina Portela
Sponsors: Chris and Eleni Christofides
06/01/14 Christos Francis Antipatis
Sponsor: Stergios Zembilis
06/14/14 George Panagiotis Pilarinos
Sponsor: Sofia Lignos
Ellie Julia Avramidis
Sponsor: Theodora Avramidis
06/15/14 Liam Theodore O'Dell Karagas
Sponsor: Presyvtera Gigi Souritzidis
06/22/14 Anthony Demetrios Mish
Sponsors: Dean and Adriana Kyriacou
Andrea Patrikios
Sponsor: Aphrodite Vickie Rokkos
06/29/14 Steven Thoamas Papadatos
Sponsors: Gerard and Christina Mosiello
Julia Neko Papadatos
Sponsors: Anthony and Faye Gemmellaro
07/13/14 Alexis Reagan Verdis
Sponsor: George Verdis
Deaths 2013 / 2014 Ecclesiastical Year
09/13/13 Helen Davatelis
09/18/13 GeorgiosK. Sevdalis
09/20/13 Pavlos Giannoglou
10/02/13 Mary Hariton
10/22/13 Elizabeth Kastrunis
10/28/13 Mary Routsis
01/24/14 Helen Zacharias
02/03/14 Mary Sifonios
02/02/14 Dimitrios Anastasopoulos
02/06/14 Mary G. Kanellos
02/08/14 Lorianne Eleni Anna Stamatiou
02/13/14 Angelos T. Panagos
02/20/14 Christakis A. Mikellidis
03/16/14 Vangelica Romanos (Zogas)
03/27/14 George Croneos
04/05/14 Dimitrios G. Georgeles
04/30/14 Sophia H. Petritsis
05/23/14 Joanna E. Zanetakos
05/27/14 Michael Demetroules
06/29/14 Petar Hristov Stanev
07/18/14 Konstantinos Ingilis
07/21/14 Constantine J. Christakos
http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7105
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Endowment Fund / Aspasia Tassos-Smith Estate Gift
At the June 2014 Parish Council meeting, it was decided that we should proceed with finalizing the Bylaws for
the Endowment Fund using preliminary bylaws that were developed a while ago. It was decided that an
Endowment Fund Committee would be setup. This committee will include the 3 Parish Council Members (Nick
Marcopulos - President, Spyros Demetropoulos - 2nd Vice President, and Christothea Pandazis - 2nd Treasurer),
and 4 Parish Members. 7 members from the Parish were nominated and they accepted the nomination. The 7
members are (Chris Bozios, Harry Prassakos, Marios Eliades, Ross Halkias, Artemis Kinzer, Olga Drimones, and
Joanne Scordilis). The committee will also include legal advisor James Fitzpatrick. The goal of this committee will
be to present at a Special General Assembly meeting the final Bylaws to be voted on by the Parish. The
Endowment Committee has been meeting to review and update the final Bylaws.
Since we have 7 members nominated for 4 open positions, elections will be held to determine the 4 people who
will be on the committee. A Special General meeting will be held and proper notice will be sent out according to
the UPR (Uniform Parish Regulations). In order to have some continuity, the committee has decided that the 2
members who receive the greatest votes will serve for 3 years and the other 2 members will serve for 2 years.
If you have any questions or would like to send any feedback for the Endowment Fund Committee, please contact
Spyros Demetropoulos, 2nd Vice President, at [email protected].
Please think of our church as you make
your long-term plans.
The voting for the Distribution of Funds from the Aspasia Tassos - Smith Estate gift was completed on June 1st
and June 8th. The results were as follows:
 Option 1: 6 votes
 $476k in endowment
 Option 2: 24 votes
 $100k capital improvements
 $100k emergency fund
 $276 endowment
 Option 3: 56 votes
 $76K capital improvements
 $400k endowment
Based on the outcome, the church will have 2 accounts; One for the Aspasia Smith Capital Improvement
Matching Grant Fund and one for the Endowment Fund. Committees will be formed to manage the funds.
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Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life -Giving Cross
The Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the
Precious and Life-Giving Cross is celebrated each year
on September 14. The Feast commemorates the finding
of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine.
In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the
Emperor Constantine sent his mother Saint Helen to
Jerusalem to venerate the holy places and to find the
site of the Holy Sepulcher and of the Cross. Relying
upon the oral tradition of the faithful, Saint Helen
found the precious Cross together with the crosses of
the two thieves crucified with our Lord. However,
Helen had no way of determining which was the Cross
of Christ.
With the healing of a dying woman who
touched one of the crosses, Patriarch Macarius of
Jerusalem identified the True Cross of Christ. Saint
Helen and her court venerated the Precious and LifeGiving Cross along with many others who came to see
this great instrument of Redemption.
The Patriarch mounted the ambo (pulpit) and
lifted the Cross with both hands so that all of the
people gathered could see it. The crowed responded
with "Lord have mercy".
This became the occasion of the institution in
all of the Churches of the Exaltation of the Precious
Cross, not only in memory of the event of the finding
of the Cross, but also to celebrate how an instrument of
shame was used to overcome death and bring salvation
and eternal life.
The Feast is an opportunity outside of the
observances of Holy Week to celebrate the full
significance of the victory of the Cross over the powers
of the world, and the triumph of the wisdom of God
through the Cross over the wisdom of this world. This
Feast also gives the Church an opportunity to relish the
full glory of the Cross as a source of light, hope and
victory for Christ's people. It is also a time to celebrate
the universality of the work of redemption
accomplished through the Cross: the entire universe is
seen through the light of the Cross, the new Tree of
Life which provides nourishment for those who have
been redeemed in Christ.
This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the
Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is
conducted on the day of the feast and preceded by the
Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the
evening before the day of the feast.
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On the day of the Feast at the conclusion of the
Matins or of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is
held. The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by
branches of basil and is taken in solemn procession
through the church to the chanting of the Hymn of the
Feast. The tray is placed on a table, and the priest takes
the Cross and offers petitions from each side of the
table, the four directions of the compass. This
represents the universal nature of the offering of Christ
upon the Cross. As the people respond by chanting
"Lord have mercy", the priest raises and lowers the
cross, a commemoration of its finding and exaltation.
At the conclusion of the service, the people come and
venerate the cross and receive the basil from the priest.
The basil is used and offered, as it was the fragrant
flower growing where the Cross was found.
Scripture readings for the Feast of the Cross are the
following: At Vespers:Exodus 15:22-16:1; Proverbs
3:11-18; Isaiah 60:11-16. At the Orthros (Matins): John
12:28-36. At the Divine Liturgy: I Corinthians 1:1824; John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35.
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A New Ecclesiastical Year - Growing in Christ
Growing in Christ
Easy ways to grow in faith this new ecclesiastical
year
 Pray! – We all pray. But do we have regular prayer
New Year’s resolutions are so hard to keep! We
set goals with the best of intentions… truly wanting to
make positive changes and grow. But, there is too much
pressure to achieve our sometimes impossibly high
goals. Some people do achieve their lofty New Year’s
Resolutions. However, success can be found where
people have made simple goals, helping build confidence and encourage further growth.
The same thing can happen when making goals
for our spiritual lives. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed, thinking of all the ways we could improve
our spiritual lives. Ultimately, we get frustrated and pass
off growth and change until the next year.
On September 1st, we celebrated the beginning
of a new ecclesiastical year. By the month of
September, we find ourselves back in our normal
routine…work, school, activities, and parish ministries.
This year, let’s avoid the stress of making overwhelming
goals. Instead, let’s make a few simple goals for growing
in Christ that we can easily achieve. Below you will find
a few examples of small, achievable goals. Pick one
spiritual discipline to focus on. You could also choose
to work on more than one. The main goal is to GROW
IN CHRIST!

Sunday, September 7 is Ministry Sunday
BE THERE!!
The parish council would like to invite everyone
to come to Ministry Sunday scheduled for
September 7th to talk to all the new committees
that have been formed. To the right is a list of
all the new committees and the Parish Council
Chairperson presiding over that committee..
Please review the list to see where you would
like to help.
Based on your conversations with the various
chairpersons, determine where your talents
could be used and join a committee in order to
help the church.
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


discipline? If you already pray in the mornings and
at night, make sure to pray at dinnertime or make
your prayer time a little longer.
Serve! - If you already participate in service projects
or philanthropic activities, consider organizing a
project or offering more of your time and talent to
these efforts.
Worship! - If you already attend Divine Liturgy and
other services pretty frequently, make a more
focused attempt to be on time or make it even
earlier for the Orthros (Matins) service. In addition,
make it a point to participate regularly in the
Sacramental life of the Church. Prepare to receive
Holy Communion (Eucharist) and Confession more
regularly.
Read/Learn! – You might be bogged down with
school and work. But take an hour out of your
video game or Facebook time to read something
that is relevant to your Orthodox Christian faith.
Love! – Love is not just a noun, it is also a verb…
an action! Make an effort to love your neighbor by
respecting rather than judging. Make an effort to
love your family by learning how to be patient and
understanding, even when they get on your nerves!
Make an effort to love those who might be different
than you because they, too, were created in God’s
image.
www.goarch.org
Committees
Beautification
By Laws
Capital Improvement
Communication
Endowment
Facility Rental
Finance
Fund Raiser
Maintenance
Safety
Scholarship
Social and Cultural Events
Stewardship
Technology
Welcome / Outreach
THE ORTHODOX LIGHT
Parish Council Chairperson
Christothea Pandazis
Dr. John Malindretos
Steve Manis
Anthoula Bozios
Nick Marcopulos
Nick Poulis
Angela Delaney
Dr. George Scordilis
John Foukas
Dr. Panos Diamandopoulos
Nickitas Alexiades
Efrosine Sullivan
Angela Delaney
Spyros Demetropoulos
Steve Drimones
WWW.STGEORGECLIFTON.ORG
May 2014 Greek Festival
We thank everyone who volunteered their time and efforts to make our
annual Greek Festival a success!!
Thank you to all who donated goods and / or made donations! We appreciate it!!
We thank everyone who came out and supported our parish!!
God Bless Everyone!
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May 2014 Greek Festival
For more delicious Greek food;
Mark your calendars!
November 1st & November 2nd
Fall Greek Food Festival!!!
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Please Support Our Sponsors
Consider Renting our Community Hall or our
Downstairs Hall for your next
Family Celebration!
For Information and Prices contact
Nick Poulis at 201-407-4906 or Church Office:
Phone: 973-779-2626 Fax: 973-777-6946
Or Email:
[email protected]
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Please Support Our Sponsors
www.thegraycliff.com
Phone: 201-939-9233
Fax: 201-939-6118
Email:
[email protected]
122 Moonachie Ave, Moonachie,NJ 07074
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Please Support Our Sponsors
811 Clifton Ave.., Ste. 2
Clifton, NJ 07013
Phone: 973-778-1900
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Please Support Our Sponsors
Avenue Pediatrics
Sophia Gigos—Costeas, MD, FAAP
526 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 102
Caldwell, NJ 07006
(973) 228-6302
Fax: (973) 228-6305
For Advertising in the
Orthodox Light
Please contact Christothea Pandazis
at 973-202-7745 or Email at
[email protected]
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For Advertising in the
Orthodox Light
Please contact Christothea Pandazis
at 973-202-7745 or Email at
[email protected]
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Greek Orthodox Church of
Saint George and
The Shrine of Saint Nectarios
818 Valley Road
Clifton, NJ 07013
VIEW THIS NEWSLETTER IN
COLOR ON THE WEB
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Non-Profit Org
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PAID
Paterson, NJ
Permit #509
TO
Visit our St. George Book Store in the
downstairs hall!
Bibles, Books on prayer life, our
Orthodox Faith, Lives of Saints, fasting, and
many more topics. Many Icons available as
well. Religious books and items for children!
44
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How To Contact Us

thunder bay bulletin - the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community of