KΗΠΟΣ KΥΡΙΟΥ
GARDEN OF THE LORD
A Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Asheville, NC.
November 2016
Χαίρεται! Greetings to all!
This is just a little note to greet you all in the Name of Jesus Christ! I hope that your lives are going
well, and that you are enjoying this beautiful change of seasons in the glorious mountains of Western
North Carolina.
This month, on the 15th of November, we embark upon a period of preparation to behold a most
marvelous miracle in the universe; the Creator identifying Himself with the created! God becomes
man! The 15th begins for us a countdown of 40 days. In this 40-day period, we prepare ourselves to
behold the incarnate God in the Person of Jesus Christ.
The world, with its secular and commercial spirit, begins preparing for Christmas in September! The
world encourages us to eat, drink, be merry and buy, taking our minds and hearts away from the true
meaning of this holy day, and when this day comes, everything is immediately placed onto back
shelves in the markets and reduced to 50% off, or even 75%. Christmas becomes for many a selfcentered season, even though the guise of selflessness clings to our conscience.
The Great Church of Christ would have us prepare in a different manner. We begin not in September,
but precisely 40 days before the birth of Christ. We prepare ourselves by increased prayer and spiritual
reading, selfless acts of charity, and of course fasting. We learn the benefits of fasting even in nature.
In Autumn, the leaves of trees are “let go,” allowing the tree to keep its moisture inside, conserve energy, and avoid damage from snow and ice. The leaves also provide necessary nutrients to the surrounding soil. Much in the same way, we “let go” of certain things that we like and need, allowing ourselves to turn to God and one-another in a selfless manner, exercising self-control in a spirit of humility. The world tells us to fill our bellies, but the Church tells us to abstain for a while, and to fill the bellies of the poor and needy. The world tells us to enjoy ourselves now. The Church tells us to pray and
fast now, so that we may rejoice when we behold the new-born Christ with pure hearts and renewed
spiritual vision. The world tells us to give gifts to our friends and loved ones and to receive gifts in return. The Church tells us to give ourselves to Christ, that we in turn can receive Him into our own
hearts, which is the greatest gift of all.
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Continued on page 2
Holy Trinity
Greek Orthodox Church
227 Cumberland Avenue • Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Phone: (828) 253-3754
• Facsimile (828) 253-1277
Tony and Helen Morris Hellenic Cultural Center: (828) 254-7424
www.holytrinityasheville.com ◊ Church Email: [email protected]
Fr. Michael Diavatis - Parish Priest
(828) 785-6589 (Cellular Phone) ◊ [email protected]
2016 Parish Council
Richard Bass
Pete Stathopoulos
Julie Delich
Bess Crider
Tommy I. Arakas
Dean Nakos
Jimmy Koutsioumbis 2015/16
Emily Rantzos
2016/17
(2016/17)
(2015/16)
(2016/17)
2016/17)
(2016/17)
(2015/16)
President
Vice President
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Jason Ledford
2015/16
Steve Wallingford
2015/16
If you are not on our mailing-list and would like to be please contact the Church Office.
Any submission for the Garden of the Lord should be presented to the office by the 15th of each month.
Orthodox Observer
If you do not currently receive the Archdiocesan Newspaper, The Orthodox Observer, and would
like to, please contact the Church Office. There is no cost for this service.
Continued from page 1
I know that the Christmas fast is a challenging one. We have been conditioned by the world to
desire and expect certain things. Christianity, and in particular Orthodox Christianity, is often
difficult. I pray that during this Advent season, God may strengthen us and grant us the firm resolve to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to Him, and not according to our own whims
and impulses.
Wishing you every blessing;
Yours truly in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Michael Diavatis
2
Prosforon
Prosforon
November 6 – Linda Apostolopoulos
December 4 – Popie Zourzoukis
November 13 – Golfo Katsigianis
November 20 – Varvara Moutos
December 11 – Theodora Poulos
December 18 – Eleni Sakkas
November 27 - Katina Zoumbos
December 25 - Eleni Kaltsunis
Parish Council Pangari Duty
December 4 – Bess Crider &
Pete Stathopoulos
November 6 – Tommy Arakas &
Dean Nakos
November 13 – Pete Stathopoulos &
Jimmy Koutsioumbis
December 11 – Richard Bass &
Dean Nakos
December 18 – Jimmy Koutsioumbis & Pete Stathopoulos
December 25 - Pete Stathopoulos
& Jimmy Koutsioumbis
November 20 – Bess Crider &
Julie Delich
November 27 - Jimmy Koutsioumbis &
Dean Nakos
December 4 –
December 11 – Youth Ministry Program
Coffee Hour and Luncheons
November 6 – Parish Assembly
November 13 – Diavatis Family
November 20 –
December 18 –
December 25 -
November 27 Eliada Home Christmas Charity
Last year the Holy Trinity community fulfilled 20 children's Christmas lists and made
Christmas a little brighter for these orphaned children at the Eliada Home. This year we
would like to complete more than 20 Christmas lists for needy children. If you are interested in completing a list on your own or getting together with other parishioners and
completing a list together, let us know. Please call or email your name and phone number to:
Perry Stamatiades
Pete Stathopoulos
Jimmy Koutsioumbis [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
(828) 273-0868
(805) 455-4216
(407) 920-8003
and let us know how many lists you would like to sponsor this year. Also, please let us
know if you are joining efforts with others so we can keep you together on the same list. We will ask Eliada for as many list that are requested. Once we acquire the lists we will review the rules on completing the lists. All gifts bought for the children must be turned in by Wednesday, November 30th at the
church office. Thank you in advanced for supporting this wonderful charity for the upcoming Christmas Holidays.
3
November
Schedule
Sunday, November 6.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Tuesday, November 8.
Archangels Michael and Gabriel
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Sunday, November 13.
St. John Chrysostom
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
᾽Ημερολόγιον
Νοεμβρίου
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 6 Νοεμβρίου.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Τρίτη, 8 Νοεμβρίου.
Ἁγίων Ἀρχαγγέλων Μιχαήλ καὶ Γαβριήλ
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 13 Νοεμβρίου.
Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου Τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Tuesday, November 15
The Christmas Fast Begins
Sunday, November 20.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Monday, November 21.
Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Friday, November 25.
St. Katherine the Great-martyr
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Sunday, November 27.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Wednesday, November 30.
St. Andrew.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Τρίτη, 15 Νοεμβρίου.
Ἄρχεται ἠ Νηστεία Χριστουγέννων.
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 20 Νοεμβρίου.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Δευτέρα, 21 Νοεμβρίου.
Ἐν τῷ Ναῷ Εἴσοδος τῆς Θεοτόκου
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Παρασκευή, 25 Νοεμβρίου.
Ἁγίας Αἰκατερίνης Μεγαλομάρτυρος.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 27 Νοεμβρίου.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Τετάρτη, 30 Νοεμβρίου.
Ἁγίου Ἀνδρέου.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
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December
Schedule
Sunday, December 4.
St. Barbara & St. John of Damascus
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
᾽Ημερολόγιον
Δεκεμβρίου
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 4 Δεκεμβρίου.
Ἁγ. Βαρβάρας καὶ Ἁγ. Ἰωάννου
Δαμασκινοῦ.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Tuesday, December 6.
St. Nicholas
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Τρίτη, 6 Δεκεμβρίου.
Ἁγίου Νικολάου..
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Sunday, December 11.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 11 Δεκεμβρίου.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Monday, December 12.
St. Spyridon
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Δευτέρα, 12 Δεκεμβρίου.
Ἁγίου Σπυρίδωνος
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Sunday, December 18.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
8:45 AM
10:00 AM
Κυριακή, 18 Δεκεμβρίου.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
Πέμπτη, 22 Δεκεμβρίου.
Ἁγίας Ἀναστασίας.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Thursday, December 22.
St. Anastasia
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Friday, December 23.
The Great Hours for Christmas
10 AM
Saturday, December 24
The Eve of the Birth of Christ.
The Birth of Christ.
Orthros.
Divine Liturgy.
Παρασκευή, 23 Δεκεμβρίου
Αἱ Μεγάλαι Ὥραι.
Σάββατον, 24 Δεκεμβρίου.
Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων
Ἡ Γέννησις τοῦ Χριστοῦ.
Ὄρθρος.
Θεία Λειτουργία.
Sponsor an Edition of the Garden of the Lord Newsletter!
December is open!
Call the Church office.
5
HTGOC Youth Ministry News
November 2016
Youth Ministry Lower Level Classroom
Remodel
G.O.Y.A.
Greek Orthodox Youth of America is a youth ministry
group for all students ages 13 (or 7th Grade) - 18 yrs. (or
12th Grade). It’s time for fellowship, fun and team
building. The following events are scheduled for all
G.O.Y.A. students. More information will follow on the
Shutterfly Share Site, so stay tuned! All questions should
be directed to Maria Katsigianis.
November 20th:
Tentatively: Line of Fire Paintfields, following a G.O.Y.A.
Meeting with election of officers & lunch.
December 10th:
Rehearsal for Christmas Program followed
by off-site Christmas Celebration
January 14th -16th:
HDF (Hellenic Dance Festival) in Winston-Salem
Thank you to the following families who have donated to the
project and were not listed in last month’s newsletter. Our
apologies for not listing you in the September Newsletter:
Chris & Andrea Zourzoukis
Konstantine Zourzoukis
!
Trip to Eliada Corn Maze
Our youth visited Eliada Corn Maze on Sunday, October 16th.
Thank you Kiki Koufaliotis for organizing this opportunity.
!
Stewardship
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has revamped it’s
curriculum, created a team of volunteers to lead ministries and
updated all classrooms. Our enhanced curriculum and youth
programs are available to all members in good standing.
Please be mindful about your stewardship: time, treasure &
talent.
Youth Ministry Communication
!
!
Shutterfly Share Site is our main communication hub.
Stay Informed and give attention to e-mails. All
information will be sent to you through this site.
Christmas Caroling/ Kalanda
!
Save the date! Youth Ministry Christmas Caroling is tentatively
scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd. Please contact
Georgia Barlas (828)505-1338 or Maria Katsigianis (828)
231-2357 if you would like the youth to visit your home.
Youth Ministry Christmas Program & Luncheon
!
Save the Date: Sunday, December 11th
All are invited to a bi-lingual presentation by all students in Greek Language Classes & Sunday School.
!
!
Rehearsal: Saturday, December 10th (Time to be announced on the Share Site)
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Third Annual
Holy Trinity
Greek Orthodox Church
Christmas Card
The Holy Trinity Community Christmas Card is where the Faithful make a donation
and have their names listed on one beautiful card that is then mailed out to all of
the Parishioners & Friends of the Parish. The funds raised from the card go to help
the Community ministries and pastoral needs.
A minimum donation of $20 is requested to have your family name(s) placed on
the card. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation greater than the
minimum donation for the benefit of our Holy Church.
Please have your Community Christmas Card form completed and returned to the
Church office by Monday, December 5, 2016 to be included. Thank you for your
generous response.
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 2017 CHRISTMAS CARD
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO HOLY TRINITY GOC. DEADLINE IS MONDAY 12/5/16
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________
(Please print your name as you want it to appear in the card)
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________
CITY:____________________________________ STATE: _______________ ZIP: __________
PHONE: (
MY DONATION:
)
—
______ $20
EMAIL: ______________________________
______$30
______$40
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______$50
$______ OTHER
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Our Youth is
Asking:!
O RT H O D OX
W O N D E R WA L L
!!
November 2016
The Wonder Wall is a new activity for our youth. We
have just begun phasing it in and will be presenting
the questions to Father Michael every month for the
most accurate answers. Stay Tuned!
2.
Why are there chanters? The chanters (and the
choir) represent the people of God. They sing
spiritual songs that help us to open our hearts and
minds to God’s love. 3.
Why are there only guys allowed in the back?
Really no one is supposed to go into the Sanctuary
except the clergy (bishops, priests and deacons).
But to help with the holy services, some people
get special blessings to go back and help. In
monasteries that are for women (a convent), nuns
go back into the sanctuary to help. Typically
though, because the clergy are men, it is only men
that go back, but always with a blessing.
4.
If God can do anything, can he make a rock he
cannot lift? God cannot be limited, so no. There is
only one thing that can limit God; us. God cannot
make us love Him, because love is given freely. So
you might be able to say that we could be like a
stone (hard and stubborn), and God cannot lift us
if we don’t let Him.
5.
Why are we here on earth? We are here on earth
because God created us. Our main purpose is to
become just like Him, except that He is uncreated,
and we are created. We do this by growing in love
for Him and for others.
6.
Why does the priest wear a hat? I don’t know!
Remind me another time and we shall try to find
the answer. For now suffice it to say it is tradition!
7.
Why are there candles in the church? There are
candles in the Church for practical and symbolic
reasons. On the practical level, they were for
people to see. We didn’t always have electricity.
Symbolically, there are many reasons. They
represent our faith, the light of God, our prayers,
even our lives. They are like the light of Christ
shining in a dark world.
!
1. Why does the priest close the doors? The opening
!
!
and closing of the Beautiful Gates (the doors before
the altar) is a very ancient tradition. To understand this
tradition a little more, it is helpful to understand a little
concerning the Veil in the Jewish Temple and the
Iconostasion in the Orthodox Church.
The Veil separated the Holy of Holies (like our altar)
from the Holy (our Nave). These two parts of the
Temple were separated because man was separated
from God because of sin. When Jesus died on the
Cross, the Veil in the Temple was torn in two by a great
miracle, showing that the division between God and
man was overcome. !
!
So now, we do not have a “Veil” in the same sense as
the Jewish Temple did, which showed the division
between God and man, but we have an Iconostasion,
which shows the unity between God and man. Now we
have doors that open and close, the bishop and priest
go in and out, and Holy Communion is brought out for
the people to receive. !
!
Even though Jesus overcame the division between
God and man, people still sin, which is like closing the
doors of our heart to God. We are reminded about this
when we see the doors close. Then, when God’s grace
is about to be revealed and given to us, the doors
open and Holy Communion is brought out!
!
!
!
!
There is also another meaning. In every Divine Liturgy
we see the life of Jesus. Before His Resurrection
people did not understand that He was God. His true
identity was veiled to the people. But at His
Resurrection, and especially Pentecost, the true
identity of Jesus was revealed, like a veil being lifted
from the eyes of humanity.
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8.
!
!
!
!
9.
Why do some people not take communion? We
are supposed to prepare ourselves to take Holy
Communion by prayer, fasting and the sacrament of
Confession. Not everyone does this, and even those
who do might not do it every week. So if they are
not prepared, they don’t receive.
11.
Why do some churches take grape juice and
crackers? Some do this because they are not united
to the true Church of Christ, so they don’t know
better.
12.
14.
!
Why do we sometimes have coffee hour and
sometimes we don’t? Some times our hall is rented,
and some times no one prepares a snack or a drink.
It is a good thing for us to be together outside of
Church services too, so hopefully all of us can get
better about it. 10.
13.
!
What was the most important things Jesus did? He
gave us life and love, and joined us to Himself. This
He did, is doing, and will continue to do. Jesus
didn’t do anything without a purpose, so all of His
acts that we read about in the Bible, and others that
the Bible doesn’t talk about, are important, because
these help us to say “yes” to God’s invitation to be
with Him.
!
!
Why does he give us wine at Holy Communion?
Wine and bread were used by Jesus, and because
Jesus told us to keep doing the same thing we use
them too. Part of the reason these were chosen is
because they are particular to humanity. That is to
say, we make it, kind of like a bee makes honey.
God gave us grapes and wheat. We crush the
grapes and make wine, and we grind the wheat and
bake bread. We changed them. Then we offer them
to God, and He changes them again, and makes it
to be His Body and Blood, and then He gives them
back to us!
Why do we have coffee hour? We have coffee hour
because we are all brothers and sisters, and it is
good for us to be together to talk and play too.
!
What is confession? Confession is a holy Mystery
(Sacrament). When we confess our sins to God in
front of our priest, and he reads the prayer of
forgiveness over our head, God forgives our sins.
Jesus breathed on His holy disciples and said
“receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of
any, they are forgiven them.; if you retain the sins of
any, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23) God
actually does all of the sacraments, but He does
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them through His
bishops and priests.
15.
What is penance?
Some use the word
penance for
confession. It can also
mean repentance,
which in Greek means
“change of mind.”
When we repent we
“change our minds”
from sin and selfishness and we turn toward God
and selflessness.
16.
Why does the priest have a back room? I am
assuming the “back room” means the sanctuary
(altar). This is the Holy Place where bishops, priests
and deacons are made, and where Holy
Communion is made. It is the place where the
sacred Altar is. It is like the empty tomb of Jesus
where Life sprang up, and it is like heaven with the
throne of God, where angels innumerable gather
about and worship God.
17.
What is the last supper? The “Last Supper” is not
the correct words to describe this. We call it the
“Mystical Supper” (Μυστικός Δείπνος). This is the
event in the life of Jesus that happened right before
He was betrayed and crucified, which is why some
call it His last supper, but this was not the point of
the event. This was also the first time Jesus gave
Holy Communion to the world. Remember, Holy
Communion is a Sacrament, which can be called a
“Mystery” (Μυστήριον). Thus we call it the Mystical
Supper. In another sense you could even call it the
First Supper!
18.
Why do we sit down and stand up? Really we aren’t
supposed to sit down at all. It is only recently that
chairs were put into the churches. In Greece and
other Orthodox countries they don’t even have
pews. When we worship God we are supposed to
be kneeling or standing, not seated like an
audience watching a play. However, in this country,
since the non-orthodox churched has pews we
copied them, and now the people sit and stand, but
the proper way is to stand. The choir and the
chanters represent the people. We don’t see them
sitting when they pray. We are supposed to do the
same thing. We are not here to watch them pray, we
are supposed to pray with them.
Message from Parish Council
President -Richard Bass
Well friends now that the “other” election is just
about over, the “real” election for us is right
around the corner—December 4th.
Our Parish Council needs you.
For us older folks, it sounds like
an old “Uncle Sam” needs you
quote of years past. Seriously, we
are hurting in that we have not
had a full 11 member Council in a
number of years.
Being a small congregation is
nice and then it also offers -or
maybe the better word is: it demands more from
us. Same people working, working, working.
Let’s take the Parish Council, most in this
community have served once or multiple times. I
served 10 years, others more. This is my second
pass as President. I was President a number of
years ago. Others served in this role for many
years. But we cannot continue to carry it all on our
shoulders alone. Sure we can be concerned, but it
is not our problem all alone. We need you. As I
said a while back, this era of the Parish Council is
so different from those turbulent years of the past.
This group of people I serve with are just great!
Our meetings are structured and we move it along
and there has never been anything but positive
results from our Parish Council meetings.
Parish Council Requisites
Parish Council is a ministry and all
those who serve are called to represent
Christ and the Orthodox Faith in all
whom they meet in all aspects of life. In
order to run for elected office:
•Parishioners must be 21 years of age or
older;
•Have been baptized or Chrismated in
the Orthodox Church & attend Divine
Liturgy regularly as well as partake of
the sacraments regularly;
•Be living according to the faith and
Holy Canons of the Orthodox Church;
•Must be a parishioner in good standing
of the Parish for at least one (1) year
immediately preceding the date of
election. You must be current with your
stewardship.
_____________________________
Our Parish Council consists of eleven
(11) lay people selected by the Parish
stewards. Election is on a ‘staggered
system:
Six (6) council members are elected for
even-numbered years;
Five (5) council members are elected in
odd-numbered years.
Elected terms— 2 years.
May serve for six consecutive years.
_____________________________
Please reach deep in your hearts and consider
helping us by being a candidate for the Parish
Council. If you start to say to yourself, “they are
doing a good job…. they don’t need me” - STOP !
and take time to reflect what our Lord might be
telling you – “SEEK TO PLEASE ME above all
else, each day presents you with choice after
choice”. Please make that choice to become a
member of this important part of your spiritual
life. - Richard Bass
10
Parish Council Application Forms are
available in the Office, thru Fr. Michael,
and also printed in this Newsletter.
General Assembly Day is Sunday
November 6, 2016.
Nominations from the floor will be
heard. Deadline for signed applications
is November 18, 2016
Election is Sunday December 4, 2016,
immediately following Divine Liturgy
that day-until 3:00 pm .
November Announcements
At Holy Trinity
THANK YOU
The Pappas Family wishes to thank all who helped
set up the hall and cooked, served and cleaned for
Angelo Pappas’ One Year Memorial held on Sunday
October 23. Many thanks also to those who brought
foods as well.
We love and appreciate all those that not only came
but helped in honoring our father, husband and
Papou.
The Parish General Assembly
The Pappas Family
Meeting is Sunday November
6th.
Daughters of Penelope
Collection to Benefit
Helpmate
Reminder: Stewards must be
current with their stewardship in
order to participate at the
meeting. Please check with the
Office to make sure you are
eligible to vote.
The Daughters of Penelope are collecting
the following items for women and children
who are served by Helpmate. Please give the
items to Mia Gilman by Sunday, December 4,
2016.
There will be coffee hour only —
sponsored by the Philoptochos
Ladies, who are asked to bring
goodies for the occasion.
Philoptochos has also arranged
for a special recognition of our
Greek and American Veterans of
Military Service on this day as
• Toiletries: toothpaste & brushes, soaps,
deodorants, shampoo etc.
• Non-perishable food items: canned goods,
coffee, dried beans, etc.
• Gently used coats.
• Household cleaning supplies: dish detergent,
spray cleaner, sponges, paper towels, etc.
• Purchased women’s underclothing.
• Baby diapers.
11
IN 2007 THE NATIONAL
PHILOPTOCHOS
EMERGENCY FUND WAS
ESTABLISHED TO HELP
THOSE IN THE U..S. AND
THROUGHOUT THE
WORLD AFFECTED BY
NATURAL DISASTERS
November Dates:
SINCE 2007-$298K IN
M O N E T A R Y
ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN
C O M M I T T E D ,
INCLUDING:
2015 - $20K TO
NAPALI DISASTER
RELIEF;
2016 - $25K TO
FLOOD VICTIMS IN
W. VIRGINIA THRU
IOCC;
2016 - $35K FUND
DRIVE TO HELP
LOUISIANA FLOOD
VICTIMS
Nov. 1: MANNA Food
Collection begins
Nov. 6: St. Cosmas &
Damianos Artoklasia
Service (Patriarchate
Tray) & Veteran’s
Recognition (Bring for
the Coffee Hr.)
Nov. 13: General
Membership Meeting—
New Members Welcome
IN AUGUST, NATIONAL
PHILOPTOCHOS
PRESENTED $50,000 TO
UNICEF USA FOR WORK TO END CHILD
TRAFFICKING.
NOVEMBER 2016
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Philoptochos
Society
Salutes Our
Veterans!
Throughout history, good and noble citizens
have taken up arms to protect their country.
Listed in this bulletin are family members of
Holy Trinity Parishioners who have served
with distinction to protect us and to preserve
our freedoms.They have led with strength and
courage--whether in Greece during their wars
or in the United States when conflicts: World
Wars I and II, the Korean War, The Vietnam
War and Desert Storm.
On November 6, Philoptochos will have a
display of photos of our servicemen and will
also sponsor the desserts for coffee hour in
honor of our veterans. Please join us and
show your gratitude & support of our military
members. Every effort has been made to
include all veterans; if any have inadvertently
been omitted, please accept our apology.
Sue Arakas & Mary Chakales organized and
arranged for this display over a period of
months and we are grateful for their efforts.
The next page contains a listing of all those
names that were submitted.
MANNA Food Drive Begins
November 1st.
We are asking for assistance from our parishioners in this annual
Food Drive to feed the hungry during the holidays. Containers
will be placed in the Church Narthex for the collection point of
your donations of non-perishable foods. Some suggestions of
most needed items are listed below.
Athena Poulos or Sue Arakas will accept money donations for
the purchase of turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving. The deadline
for all donations is NOVEMBER 20, 2016.
These nonperishable foods and turkeys & hams will be delivered to MANNA
FOOD BANK the next day. Thanks! ~ Athena Poulos, President
MANNA FOODBANK
MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
Hearty Soups (pop-top cans
preferred)
Canned Meats
Canned Vegetables (green
( beef, chicken or tuna)
beans, carrots, greens)
Peanut Butter (plastic jars
Cereals & Grains (rice, pasta,
only, please.)
cereal in box or bag)
Dried / Canned Beans (pork
Fruit / Vegetable Juices
& beans, pinto, kidney, black)
(100% juice preferred)
Meals in a Box or Can (beef
Dry Milk (instant non-fat)
stew, chili, mac & cheese, hash)
Canned Fruits (fruit cocktail,
raisins, apple sauce)
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NOTE: They also accept nonfood items such as paper
products, cleaning supplies,
and health & beauty aids.
2016 VETERAN RECOGNITION
HOLY TRINITY FAMILY MEMBERS WHO PROUDLY SERVED IN
EITHER GREECE OR THE U.S. MILITARY. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL.
Last Name
First Name Branch of Service
Last Name First Name Branch of Service
Adams
Addington
Roy
Willis
Marines
Merchant Marines/US Navy
Krenke
Greg
Air Force, Bronze Star
Kuykendall
Bobby
Air Force, Bronze Star
Aliferis
Austin
Marines
Lamprinakos
James
Greek Army
Anagnostopoulos
Apostolopoulos
George
Kostantinos
Greek Army
Greek Army
Lamprinakos
Lamprinakos
George
Peter
Army
Army
Arakas
Isadoros
Greek Army
Ledford
Buddy
Navy
Arakas
Tommy
Navy
Ledford
George
Marines
Brown
Barlas
Fred
Gus
Army Air Corp
Greek Police
Ledford
Lenakos
James
George
Air Force
Army
Boussios
Stellios
Greek Army
Moutos
Jimmy
Greek Army
Chakales
Jimmy
Army
Nickolopoulos
Elias
Marines
Chakales
Chombakos
Socrates
Socrates
Army
Army Reserve
Nickolopoulos
Pappas
George
Gust
Army
Greek Army
Cogburn
George
Army
Parthemos
Cleo
Navy
Colagerakis
Jimmy
U.S. Marines
Parthemos
Harry
Army
Colagerakis
Collins
Steven
Nicholas
U.S. Marines
Army Air Corp
Parthemos
Peterson
Peter
George
Navy
Air Force
Cologerakis
James
Marines
Peterson
Jimmy
Navy
Counts
Crider
Donald Lee
Steven
Army
Navy
Peterson
Johnny
Air Force
Dean
Ray
Marines
Peterson
Psoinos
Gregory
Danny
Air Force
Army
Delich
John
Army
Rantzos
Kosta
Greek Air Force
Dermas
Evangelatos
John
Angelo
Navy
Greek Police
Roland
Nikolla
Albanian Army
Fallis
Vasilli
Greek Army
Sakis
Siatis
Ted
Gus
Navy
Greek Army
Georgoulias
Christos
Greek Army
Sideris
Gus
Greek Army
Gilman
Haglios
Albert
Chris
Army
Navy
Soufleris
James
Army
Hanzas
Aggie
Army
Stamatiades
Stavrakas
John
Kenneth
Navy
Army PFC
Hanzas
James
Army
Tsiros
Nick
Army
Hanzas
Harbalas
Louis
Stavros
Army
Greek Army
Tzavellis
Jimmy
Greek Army
Karambelas
Jimmy
Air Force
Vlahos
Vourlas
Vasilios
Efstathios
Greek Army
Greek Army
Katsigiannis
Karambelas
Andy
George
Greek Army
Army
Wooten
Jimmy
U.S. Navy
Zografos
Dimitrios
Air Force
Keeler
Bob
Army
Koutaliagas
Nicholas
Greek Army
Zogzas
Zoumbos
Charlie
Vasilios
Greek Army
Greek Army
Koutaliagas
Koutaliagas
Yiorgos
Nicholas
Greek Army
Navy
Zourzoukis
Demosthenes
Army
Zourzoukis
George
Greek Army
Koutris
Georgios
Greek Army
Zourzoukis
Gus
Greek Army
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2017 STEWARDSHIP DRIVE
A C all to Joyful Giving & Shar ing
few good men and women to organize, preserve & put
that stuff in order. This is for historian types who enjoy
reminiscing and/or learning about our local history.
Holy Trinity Ministries
There are so many ways you already share your time
with our church—-
Golden Greeks — Senior Fellowship Group. Share
your stories, visit a museum, develop a breakfast group
—ride share and experience your new older friends on a
different level.
…you may be part of the Makaria Ministry of preparing
meals for memorials and funerals;
…you may belong to Philoptochos or AHEPA and spend
hours baking and cooking for fundraising luncheons;
Agape Visitations — Join with others in this ministry
to visit our elderly and home bound parishioners. They
are missing interaction with US, let’s not forget THEM.
…you may be a Youth Volunteer, teaching and
mentoring our younger members;
…or, you may volunteer in the altar, or make prosforo or
koliva for our services.
Sunday Greeter & Guest Service — We get lots of
visitors to the mountains, and this is our opportunity to
help make them feel welcome at Holy Trinity. Are you
outgoing, enjoy meeting people, making connections
and introductions? Let’s show some mountain
hospitality! Maybe this could be your new ministry.
This month, we are asking you to broaden your thinking
about Stewardship and to consider some new ways you
can be involved in your Church community. Here are
some new and hopefully interesting ways you can share
your talents within our community:
You can find in your Stewardship materials, the larger
list of ways to be involved in the community. If you come
up with other ways to help your Church, let a ministry
leader or Fr. Michael know—there’s always room to
grow!
Computer & Technical Support — This is a way for
you to share your mastery of social media or help with
web design.
Your time & talents are valuable—and every effort given
to our Church shows:
…you may spend hours (or days) preparing and working
the Greek Festival;
• love and care for your Church & Community
Adult Study — Each Wednesday. Vespers @ 5 pm
followed by a 45 minute discussion led by Fr. Michael.
A good mid-week boost for your spiritual life.
• gratitude for God’s blessings - an offering back to God
Intro to Orthodoxy — Do you know someone who
would like to know more about the oldest, original
Christian religion? Or would you like a refresher course
to renew your religious zeal?
• Christian stewardship is a life-style and serves as a
model for your family & friends
• encouragement to others in their stewardship paths
Every ministry leader is looking forward to working with
you and growing our faith and our community!
Monthly Newsletter — It’s all about better
communication. Volunteer to communicate & report for
a ministry you’re already involved with to better inform
our community about what goes on. Or have an interest
in computer design? Help format and design the
monthly newsletter.
Archival Ministry — Ever wonder what’s become of
Holy Trinity’s memorabilia and photos? Looking for a
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True Stewardship
The word for “Steward” in Greek is Οἰκονόμος (Oikonomos). The roots of this Greek word are
οἰκος (oikos) meaning “house,” and νόμος (nomos) meaning law. Essentially it means how the
“house is governed.” As proper Christian understanding sets forth (and even common sense
mandates), we will not take anything with us when we die, so in essence, we do not truly own
anything material. If we are not the true owners, who is? Certainly it is the Triune God, Who
created all things visible and invisible, Who not only sustains all creation, but indeed all
things belong to God. So who are we? We are not only His creation, but because of His great
love for mankind, we are His children by grace, and since we are His children we are also His
heirs.
Everything good comes from God, who is the “Treasury of good things” (Θησαυρὸς τῶν
ἀγαθῶν) and “the Father of Lights” (Πατρὸς τῶν φώτων) as the priest proclaims toward the
end of the Divine Liturgy. It is God Who bestows upon us every blessing and good thing. But
why? So we can be rich toward ourselves? Certainly not. We are the recipients and guardians
of “good things” in order to take care of our own needs, to provide for others who are in need,
and also to perpetuate His work in this world, which is the preaching of His holy Gospel and
salvific work of His holy Church. This is indeed our calling and responsibility, and a manifestation and indication of our love for God and our love for each other, which is the whole point
of Christianity (Luke 10:27).
So how does a proper understanding of Christian Stewardship help us to be better Christians?
When we understand that we belong to God and we truly give ourselves to Him, for there is
no salvation without this, we give Him what we are able to give, that which truly belongs to
us. We give our love, which cannot be bought or coerced, but must be given freely. Our love
must not be empty words or sentimental feelings, but real and genuine, as He gave Himself for
the life of the world. We give of our time, as an indication of our desire to be with Him and to
serve Him. We give of our talents, because He is the One Who blessed us with our abilities.
And we give of our treasure, because there are people who are in serious need, and the
Church of Christ also needs money to function and to properly do the Lord’s work. Think
about what we could do for the world around us, for our children and for ourselves if we were
responsible with our Christian lives and giving!
I pray that our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Treasury of good things, the Father of lights and the Giver of all good things, will bless each and every one of us for the salvation of our souls.
In Christ Jesus our Lord,
Fr. Michael Diavatis
15
Yotty Dermas
Harry Diavatis
Fr. Michael & Pres. Nikol Diavatis
Angelo & Irene Dotsikas
Spyros Doumakis
Andrea Dray
Catherine Dreessen
Angie & Randy Edwards
Irene Evangelatos
John & Catherine Faherty
Bruce & Traci Flemming
Irene Gailey
Peter Gilman
Tim & Natasa Grammatikos
Mackey Griffis
Bob & Anastasia Haines
John & Katina Hansen
Antonios & Stavroula Iliou
George Iliou
Crisler & Ginny Johnson
Mary Johnson
Starry & Alan Jones
Andrew & June Kallianos
Marika Kalogerakis
Arnold & Eva Kalogerakis
Stelios Kalogerakis
George & Eleni Kaltsunis
Jimmy & Irene Katsadouros
Steve & Dora Katsadouros
Andrew & Golfo Katsigianis
Jimmy & Maria Katsigianis
Scott & Katina Kenyon
Maria Keranis
Kiki Koufaliotis
Margaret Koutris
Jimmy & Jenny Koutsioumbis
George & Ida Kroi
Gust & Vassiliki Kyres
George Lamprinakos
Mike & Emily Lawrence
Jason &Despina Ledford
Patrick & Rita Lewis
Christos & Vivian Loukas
Dennis & Elenie Loux
Michelle Malsbury
Lamar & Kathleen Marshall
James & Karen McGovern
Chris & Varvara Moutos
Jim & Angeliki Moutos
Daniel & Michele Mulloy
Stewards of Holy Trinity
Greek Orthodox Church for 2016 Last updated 10/22/2016
Darryl & Mary Addington
Assef & Hiyam Alnasraween
Philip & Elizabeth Anagnostopoulos
Andrew Apostolopoulos
Linda Apostolopoulos
Pete & Paula Apostolopoulos
Catherine Arakas
Sideris & Sue Arakas
Eula Balomenos
Gus & Ismini Barlas
Dean & Toni Barlas
John & Vasso Barlas
Peter & Georgia Barlas
Alexander & Ashleigh Baxevanis
Nick & Laura Baxevanis
Richard & Mickie Bass
Bernard & Milagro Blanco
Stelios & Stavroula Boussios
Maria Kalis Buchanan
Mary Chakales
Pete & Patty Chakales
Isabelle Cledaras
Nick & Maria Collias
Steve, Eleni & Bill Constantinou
Steven & Bess Crider
John & Gerri Critikos
John & Julie Delich
Kathryn Demos
Gus Dermas
Continued next page
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2016 Stewards, continued
FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY
Perry & Fay Stamatiades
Peter Stathopoulos
Demitri & Maria Stephenson
Maria Treskas
Athanasios & Vassiliki Tsakalos
Jimmy & Sophia Tziavelis
George & Tammy Tsiros
Nick & Anastasia Tsiros
Tommy & Michelle Tsiros
Benton Urquhart
Kevin & Donna Ayesh
Dean Nakos
Mike & Rita Georgoulias
Bessie Nickolopoulos
Dr. & Mrs. S.G. Koutroulias Vasil & Etlena Nune
Irene McCartin
Maria Panagiotopoulos
Tom & Virginia Moutos
Chris & Vicky Papakonstantinou
Archie & Roula Rousos
Helen Papanastasiou
Ted & Drucie Papafil
Arthur & Laurie Pappas
Fr. George & Pres. Betsy Vlahos Evan Pappas
Mary Pappas
Sara Pappas
Total Pledged Stewards
140
Gunther & Trixanna Penner
Chris & Mari Peterson
Total Amount Pledged:
$121,569
Johnny Peterson
Average Pledge Amount:
$
868
Nick & Sue Peterson
Gus Poulos
Received to Date:
$101,953
John & Susan Poulos
Milton & Athena Poulos
Theodora Poulos
2017 STEWARDSHIP
Mary Poulos
Val & Andrew Prytyskach
DRIVE IS UNDERWAY
George Rallis
Kostas & Emily Rantzos
A traditional American proverb says
Paul & Steffie Rantzos
that, “God makes this request of his
Angelo & Eleni Sakkas
Kosta & Virginia Sakkas
children: Do the best you can, where
Constantinos & Evelyn Siatis
you are, with what you have, now.” The
Stamatia Sigman
story of Jesus Christ feeding the 5,000
Jim & Virginia Soufleris
illustrates this through the boy’s
Gus & Melissa Stamatiades
offering of all that he had -- five loaves and two fish. This
John & Effie Stamatiades
boy did his best with what he had, and Jesus used it to
perform an incredible miracle. Just like the boy who offered
the loaves and the fish, if we offer what we have -- however
great or small our gift -- God will receive our gifts and
multiply them to feed His people.
What
could
we
do
as
a
Church
100% stewardship participation?
Family
with
If each person
did their part to volunteer time, talent and
treasure? Are you willing to find out?
Please Remember Your Church in Your Will
17
November 21
The Entry into the Temple of the
Most-holy Theotokos
the hand, he led her not only into the Temple, but into the ``Holy of Holies,'' the holiest of holy places, into which no one but
the high priest ever entered, and only once
each year, at that. St. Theophylact of Ohrid
says that Zacharias ``was outside himself
and possessed by God'' when he led the
Virgin into the holiest place in the Temple,
beyond the second curtain-otherwise, his
action could not be explained. Mary's parents then offered sacrifice to God according
to the Law, received the priest's blessing
and returned home. The Most-holy Virgin
remained in the Temple and dwelt there for
nine full years. While her parents were
alive, they visited her often, especially
Righteous Anna. When God called her
parents from this world, the Most-holy
Virgin was left an orphan and did not wish
to leave the Temple until death or to enter
into marriage. As that would have been
against the Law and custom of Israel, she
was given to St. Joseph, her kinsman in
Nazareth, after reaching the age of twelve.
Under the acceptable role of one betrothed,
she could live in virginity and thus fulfill
her desire and formally satisfy the Law, for
it was then unknown in Israel for maidens
to vow virginity to the end of their lives.
The Most-holy Virgin Mary was the first of
such life-vowed virgins, of the thousands
and thousands of virgin men and women
who would follow her in the Church of
Christ.
When the Most-holy Virgin Mary reached
the age of three, her holy parents Joachim
and Anna took her from Nazareth to Jerusalem to dedicate her to the service of God
according to their earlier promise. It was a
three-day journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem but, traveling to do a God-pleasing
work, this journey was not difficult for
them. Many kinsmen of Joachim and Anna
gathered in Jerusalem to take part in this
event, at which the invisible angels of God
were also present. Leading the procession
into the Temple were virgins with lighted
tapers in their hands, then the Most-holy
Virgin, led on one side by her father and on
the other side by her mother. The virgin
was clad in vesture of royal magnificence
and adornments as was befitting the
``King's daughter, the Bride of God''
(Psalm 45:13-15). Following them were
many kinsmen and friends, all with lighted
tapers. Fifteen steps led up to the Temple.
Joachim and Anna lifted the Virgin onto
the first step, then she ran quickly to the
top herself, where she was met by the High
Priest Zacharias, who was to be the father
of St. John the Forerunner. Taking her by
November 25
The Holy Great-martyr Catherine
Catherine was the daughter of King Constus. After the death of her father, she lived
with her mother in Alexandria. Her mother
was secretly a Christian who, through her
spiritual father, brought Catherine to the
Christian Faith. In a vision, St. Catherine
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John pointed to the Lord Jesus, saying, Behold the Lamb of God! (John 1:36), Andrew left his first teacher and followed
Christ. Then, Andrew brought his brother
Peter to the Lord. Following the descent of
the Holy Spirit, it fell by lot to the first
apostle of Christ, St. Andrew, to preach the
Gospel in Byzantium and Thrace, then in
the lands along the Danube and in Russia
around the Black Sea, and finally in Epirus,
Greece and the Peloponnese, where he suffered. In Byzantium, he appointed St.
Stachys as its first bishop; in Kiev, he
planted a Cross on a high place and
prophesied a bright Christian future for the
Russian people; throughout Thrace, Epirus,
Greece and the Peloponnese, he converted
multitudes of people to the Faith and ordained bishops and priests for them. In the
city of Patras, he performed many miracles
in the name of Christ, and won many over
to the Lord. Among the new faithful were
the brother and wife of the Proconsul Aegeates. Angered at this, Aegeates subjected
St. Andrew to torture and then crucified
him. While the apostle of Christ was still
alive on the cross, he gave beneficial instructions to the Christians who had gathered around. The people wanted to take
him down from the cross but he refused to
let them. Then the apostle prayed to God
and an extraordinary light encompassed
him. This brilliant illumination lasted for
half an hour, and when it disappeared, the
apostle gave up his holy soul to God. Thus,
the First-called Apostle, the first of the
Twelve Great Apostles to know the Lord
and follow Him, finished his earthly course.
St. Andrew suffered for his Lord in the year
62. His relics were taken to Constantinople;
his head was later taken to Rome, and one
hand was taken to Moscow.
received a ring from the Lord Jesus Himself
as a sign of her betrothal to Him. This ring
remains on her finger even today. Catherine was greatly gifted by God and was well
educated in Greek philosophy, medicine,
rhetoric and logic. In addition to that, she
was of unusual physical beauty. When the
iniquitous Emperor Maxentius offered sacrifices to the idols and ordered others to do
the same, Catherine boldly confronted the
emperor and denounced his idolatrous errors. The emperor, seeing that she was
greater than he in wisdom and knowledge,
summoned fifty of his wisest men to debate
with her on matters of faith and to put her
to shame. Catherine outwitted and shamed
them. In a rage, the emperor ordered all
fifty of those men burned. By St. Catherine's prayers, all fifty confessed the name of
Christ and declared themselves Christians
before their execution. After Catherine had
been put in prison, she converted the emperor's commander, Porphyrius, and two
hundred soldiers to the true Faith, as well
as Empress Augusta-Vasilissa herself. They
all suffered for Christ. During the torture of
St. Catherine, an angel of God came to her
and destroyed the wheel on which the holy
virgin was being tortured. Afterward, the
Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared to her
and comforted her. After many tortures,
Catherine was beheaded at the age of eighteen, on November 24, 310. Milk, instead of
blood, flowed from her body. Her miracleworking relics repose on Mount Sinai.
November 30
The Holy Apostle Andrew
the First-called
Andrew, the son of Jonah and brother of
Peter, was born in Bethsaida and was a
fisherman by trade. At first he was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, but when St.
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
227 Cumberland Avenue
PO Box 8369
Asheville, NC 28814
Return Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage Paid
Asheville, NC #135
The November Edition of the Garden of the Lord
is Sponsored by
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Ladies Philoptochos
in honor of our veterans
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