THE ORATOR
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
May 2017
Christ is Risen! Truly He is risen!
Presiding Priest:
Dear Faithful Stewards of St. Demetrios,
Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis
I pray the joy and the peace of the resurrection of Lord and Savior be with you and
that you may experience it in everything you do.
Cell: 617.530.0885
Parish Assistant:
Samia Shiber
It is easy to lose the joy and peace of the resurrection shortly after the Great and
Holy Feast of Psacha. Afterall, our schedules go back to “normal.” Often times,
our fasting, our church attendance, and charitiable giving all goes back to prelenten conditions. We let our guard down and are listing to the radio, news, TV
programing again among other vices.
It is easy to get despondant about the state of world and wonder “what’s the
point?” We can look around, read the news, hear tragedy after tragedy, get angry or
overwhelmed. Our joy is quickly robbed from us and replaced with worry or fear.
But remember the Resurrection that we celebrated! Rejoice in the Paschal hymn,
something I encourage you all sing every day, to find relief and comfort knowing
the truth of these words: “Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by
death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.”
Office: 817.626.5578
Fax: 817.626.5073
Parish Council Members
Paul Adamopoulos,
President
Chris Kime, V. President
Ash Azer, Treasurer
Stephan Papadopoulos,
Christ is Risen from the dead is the truth that all is not lost, but still in God’s
hands. Christ trampled death by death is the truth that we should not fear death,
but rejoice in the truth that death is no longer our master.Christ granted life to
those in the tombs is the truth, that though we may die, those who believe in Him
shall live. (John 11:25).
Jesus Christ is the source of our joy and peace.We are called as believers and
followers of Christ to share with those who live without and not fall victim to their
spiritual darkness. We are called to reflect the light of Christ, that they may
experience the resurrection and new life in Jesus.
It is not difficult to keep the reality of Christ’s resurrection present in our minds
and hearts. Simple steps include keeping the Paschal Hymn in our daily prayers.
Remember the Paschal Greeting “Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!” as we
encounter and leave each other, in word and in writing (text and e-mail etc).
Continue some of the good habits of lent of serving others through Daily Bread or
Peace Beyond Understanding Ministries and keeping faithful attendance of Sunday
Liturgy and other special services especially as we enter summer time. Be a joyful
giver in your stewardship and other charitable giving.
There are many other ways to experience the peace and joy of the resurrection in
our daily activities. How will you preserve the peace and joy? I want to hear from
you, e-mail me what you do at frnicholas@stdemerios.
Secretary
Jenna Copeland
Gus Galanis
Phil Hieger
Christine Panagopoulos
George Vardakis
TigistYemenu
Office email:
[email protected]
Orator:
[email protected]
Web: www.stdemetrios.net
Parish Office Hours:
Tuesday.Wednesday. Friday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
]
SERVICE TO OUR CHURCH
Date
Parish Council Ushers
Orthros
Readers
May 07
Stephan Papadopoulos
Chanter-Open
Greek-Stathis Michaelides
George Vardakis
Reader-Open
English-Ariadne Alexandrides
Jenna Copeland
Chanter-Open
Greek- Tony Xenios
Tigest Yemenu
Reader-Open
English-Ali Winters
Ash Azer
Chanter-Open
Greek-Cathy Xydas
Phil Hieger
Reader-Open
English-Dina Alexandrides
Chris Kime
Chanter-Open
Greek- Morfoula Mouzakis
Christine Panagopoulos
Reader-Open
English- Sophia Vardakis
May 14
May 21
May 28
If you would like to be a St. Demetrios Usher, please speak to a Parish Council Member. If
you would like to be a Reader (Youth and Adult), please see Stathis Michaelides or Ali
Winters.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO BE AN ORTHROS READER OR CHANTER - see Father Nicholas
FELLOWSHIP HOUR
Date
May 7
May 14
May 21
May 28
Hosts
Daily Bread Ministry
Marina Beasley & Janice Vardakis - In Honor of
Grace's & Lexis' High School Graduation
Philoptochos Family Day Picnic
Hadzellis - Father's 40th
Fellowship Hour - What Can I Do?
It's as simple as 1-2-3!!
1) Join a Team!
• Joining a team helps everyone share the cost and work of providing a meal on a Sunday.
• Teams are ideally comprised of 3 members or families, with one person designated as a "Team Lead". This
Team Lead acts as a primary point of contact.
• If we have a lot of teams, then the schedule becomes nicely spread out. Join TODAY!
2) Bring Food!
• The real 'meat' of the ministry (see what I did there?). This is pretty straightforward, just work with your team
as to what you want to bring, but here's a couple of things to keep in mind:
1. It doesn't have to be a four course meal, but shouldn't be chips and crackers either. The idea is that as a
team, no one feels overwhelmed with what, or how much, they should bring.
2. Portions! Instead of cutting a bagel in half, cut in quarters! Simple things like this can be applied across the
board.
3. Ask around for ideas. Our teams have been quite resourceful. Or hey, search the internet for ideas too.
3) Clean Up!
• It's everyone's favorite part--cleaning! Seriously though, this isn't overly complicated. The team should stick
around and clean up the eating are. Here's the highlights:
1. Wipe down tables with cleaner and paper towels.
2. Ditto for the food tables in hall and kitchen.
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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•
3. Empty coffee pot and grinds.
4. Sweep up any necessary areas.
5. Take out trash and put new bags in.
That's it! Believe me, it doesn't take very long and remember, it's a team effort!
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
The Prosfora Ministry consists of
parishioners who desire to take turns
baking prosphora and bring them to
church. Instructions and demonstrations
for making prosphora are provided to
interested parishioners. Contact Marina
Beasley for more information:
817.475.9005
May 07
Marina Beasley
May 14
Hadzellis Family
May 21
Open
May 28
Dimitra Bakintas
The Building and Maintenance Team assists the Church in
matters related to maintaining Church property. Its work
includes such areas as lawn and garden care, parking lot
maintenance, and general exterior upkeep and beautification.
This team also researches and recommends grounds-related
expenditures to the Parish Council. For those called to serve,
please see George Vardakis. [email protected]
Thank you to those who signuped with Hanan
to help clean the community center! Your
service saves the Church $6000 a year!!!
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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The purpose of the Cleaning Ministry is to come to church once a week and pick up after services and
keep our church well-maintained so visitors have a pleasant experience. Colossians 3:17 says, "And
whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father
by him." Even in something as "unglamorous" as cleaning the church we bring God glory if we are doing it in
his name! Thank you to Anna Panagopoulos for setting the example, and to all of you who have agreed to serve.
There are always opportunities with "The Clean Team" and we are always looking to grow...would you like
to join us? Please see Anna Panagopoulos to volunteer.
DAILY BREAD MINISTRY
Mission: To Spread Our Faith Through Good
Works and Fighting Hunger in Our Local
Community
The Daily Bread Ministry will be hosting Church Coffee Hour
on Sunday May 7th where we will be making a presentation on the Smaritan House and the many
good things that go into that ministry. We will be accepting donations toward the Samaritan House.
We welcome you to join us.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday May 3th
Wednesday May 24th
Sunday May 28th
5:20PM-6:30PM
5:20PM-6:30PM
4:00PM-6:00PM
Presbyterian Night Shelter*
Presbyterian Night Shelter*
Samaritan House**
*The Presbyterian Night Shelter is a homeless shelter located at 2320 Poplar St. Fort Worth, TX
76113; 817-632-7408 (website:http://www.journeyhome.org/). We will meet at the Shelter at 5:10PM
(gated parking is available on N. Kentucky Ave-one street over). Please contact John Sempeles
(682-215-3151, [email protected]) if interested.
** Meals for the Samaritan House will be prepared in the Church kitchen after Liturgy on the
indicated Sunday and delivered later in the day to the Samaritan House, 929 Hemphill St,, Fort
Worth, TX 76104. A minimum of 2 to 3 volunteers will be needed for serving. Please contact Megan
Hieger (817-556-1964, [email protected]) if interested.
ORTHODOX TRADITION
The Ascension of Our Lord
The story of the Ascension of our Lord, celebrated as one of
the Twelve Great Feasts of the Church, is found in the book of the
Acts of the Apostles 1:3-11. It is also mentioned in the Gospels of
Mark (16:19) and Luke (24:50-53). The moment of the Ascension is
told in one sentence: "He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud
which took Him from their sight" (Acts 1:9).
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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Christ made His last appearance on earth, forty days after His Resurrection from the dead. The Acts of the Apostles
states that the disciples were in Jerusalem. Jesus appeared before them and commanded them not to depart from
Jerusalem, but to wait for the "Promise of the Father". He stated, "You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not
many days from now" (Acts 1:5).
After Jesus gave these instructions, He led the disciples to the Mount of Olives. Here, He commissioned them to be
His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It is also at this
time that the disciples were directed by Christ to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus also told them that He would be with them
always, "even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).
As the disciples watched, Jesus lifted up His hands, blessed them, and then was taken up out of their sight (Luke
24:51; Acts 1:9). Two angels appeared to them and asked them why they were gazing into heaven. Then one of the
angels said, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have
seen Him going into heaven" (Acts 1:11). (www.goarch.org)
ALPHA OMEGA
Please come join us at Double Dave's on Tuesday, May 9th at 11:30 a.m.
800 S. Main St. #248 Keller 76248
817-745-DAVE (3283)
See you there!!!! Mary Galanis
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
May 21st:
-SCS Recognition Program
-2017 Bible Bowl
Join us in celebrating another fabulous year of
Sunday Church School and to crown our new
Bible Bowl winners!
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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STEWARDSHIP REPORT
The base from which we serve as the Voice of Christ in a Changing World is the parish. A strong parish provides
opportunities for sharing the Good News of Christ, for welcoming those that are searching for a spiritual home, and a base
from which we are sent out into the world. The parish also provides a place for worship, community and education in the
faith. To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish. This requires the vision and inspiration to see the
parish, not as it is, but as it could be. We are called to offer ourselves and our treasure to make our local church all that is can
be. To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish. This requires the vision and inspiration to see the
parish, not as it is, but as it could be. We are called to offer ourselves and our treasure to make our local church all that is can
be.
To date we have 83 families pledging
Pledged
$183,514.00
Goal
$188,000
Short
$4,486.00
Collected
$57,939.00
Balance
$125,575.00
Thank you to the following people who have completed their 2017 Stewardship Pledge Cards:
Paul & Melissa Adamopoulos
John & Andrea Alexandrides
Jo Antonio
Ashraff & Hanan Azer
Savas & Dimitra Bakintas
Cliff & Marina Beasley
James & Mary Kay Bishop
Costa Caglage
Jim & Irene Cline
Michael & Jenna Copeland
James & Dimitra Cudd
Brittani Davidson
Homer & Sandra Dear
Tedros Debas & Helen Yosief
Theodor & Magdalini Diakis
Peter & Joanie Doas
Chris & Cari Douvry
George & Liana Drymiotes
Angeliki Everage
Magda Fleming
Gus Galanis
Mary Galanis
Kenneth & Margaret George
Jodi K. Glaros
James & Despina Goudey
Ken & Dorothy Greene
Randi Michele Grimes
Michael Hadjikiriakos & Persa Lagoutari
Fr. Nicholas & Pres Shyla
George & Katherine Haratsis
Paul & Jayne Haratsis
Sannie Haratsis
Jimmy Hatzes
Phil & Leeann Hieger
George & Biji Johnnidis
Derek & Maria Johnson
George & Sonya Kallinikos
Costa & Marina Katzianis
Lisa Kelly
Christopher & Marrlen Kime
Mark & Shelia Kime
Mary Kime
Ronald & Helen Kirk
Georgia Klioris
Nick & Cindy Kypreos
Barbara Malakowsky
Mary & Harry Mayo
Stathios & Laura Michaelides
William & Artemisia Moon
Mary Nation
Constance Nixon
Konstantinos Pagoulatos
Gerasimos Pagoulatos
Nikolas Pagoulatos
Anastasios Panagopoulos
Tommy & Anna Maria Panagopoulos
Tom & Anna Panagopoulos, Sr.
Dean & Christine Panagopoulos
Jason & Nina Papadopoulos
Stephan & Chelsey Papadopoulos
Gus & Jeanne Payblas
James & Deborah Pendleton
Tommy & Dolly Peters
Joel & Kathryn Pool
Charles & Elaine Reidl
Peter & Barbara Rokkas
John & Kaity Sempeles
Lemonia & David Shaw
Elias & Samia Shiber
Bessie Sparto
Dino & Georgia Sparto
Angelo Spelios
Timothy & Jamie Strong
Dianne Thodos
Yvonne Travis
Ernie & Mary Valamides
George & Janice Vardakis
Gloria Vardakis
Maria Wherley
Ali Winters
Antony Xenios
Christos & Catherine Xydas
Tigist Yemenu & Fekadu Waktola
ARE YOU A PLEDGING STEWARD?
In accordance to the Uniform Parish Regulation (UPR) and our By-laws, you must complete a
stewardship pledge card, contribute toward that pledge and be a sacramental member of St. Demetrios in order
to:
•
Be a “Member in Good Standing”
•
Sponsor a Baptism or Wedding
•
Vote in General and Special Assemblies
•
Be eligible for Parish Council
Please complete your pledge today! You may find a Stewardship Pledge Form outside the main office or
register online at www.stdemetrios.net
ARE YOU GOING AWAY THIS SUMMER? Don’t forget you may keep current with your stewardship
contributions by visiting us online or adding St. Demetrios to your online banking.
PHILOPTOCHOS
Dear Ladies of Philoptochos and Perspective Members,
For 75 years, OUR St. Barbara Chapter of Philoptochos has been part of The National
Philoptochos which is only 85 years old. That is a lifetime of servant leadership and community
service. Hundreds of ladies like you have pulled together to serve the Church and fulfill Christ’s
mission.
We hope to continue this legacy and make it stronger now more than ever.
It is the time of year that our local St. Barbara’s chapter Philoptochos will host elections
on Saturday May 20th at 10:00am.
Based on last year’s memberships, we will be electing a Board made up of FIVE members:President
- Vice President
- Recording Secretary
- Treasurer
- Corresponding Secretary
Each position is a two-year term.
An Elections Committee has been appointed: Presv. Shyla Hadzellis, Biji Johnnidis and Jo Antonio. At this
time we are looking for five eligible ladies who are in good-standing as members of the parish and the
chapter. At the time of elections, the five elected will then decide the officer positions. Our bylaws
provide: http://www.philoptochos.org/assets/files/elections/Elections%20Guidelines%202017.pdf
Currently, the following ladies have been nominated for the Board: Georgia Sparto, Irene Cline and Marina
Katzanis
If you would like to be a part of next years board or nominate someone, please email Presv. Shyla
at [email protected] You may also find any of the Screening Committee Members in the hall and
place your name in the running.
What is Philoptochos in the voice of its members https://youtu.be/M6u0kI-rC04
What does it do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoXIwI3l_RE
To learn more: www.philoptochos.org
We sincerely hope that you will join this worthy cause and help us move our chapter forward.
AHEPA
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
]
2017/2018 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by
AHEPA FORT WORTH CHAPTER #19
CALLING ALL GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS and RETURNING
COLLEGE STUDENTS!
AHEPA Fort Worth Chapter #19
is pleased to
announce we are continuing our tradition of offering
scholarship
funding to St. Demetrios college bound students. One
thousand
dollars ($1000) are available to this year’s applicants.
Graduating high school seniors who will be attending
college in
the 2017/2018 calendar year and returning
undergraduate college students are encouraged to
apply.
Applications from students are requested by 31 May
2017
for
award in early June.
Please contact Chris Xydas
([email protected]), George Vardakis ([email protected]) or any AHEPA member for scholarship
application information.
Congratulations to AHEPA Palm Sunday Lamb and Ham Raffle winners Tony Xenios and Costa
Katzianis!
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS
1. Who can interpret the Bible perfectly and without
mistakes in interpretation?
a. The Church
b. The priest
c. The bishop
d. No one
3. Which of the following was a real person and not
a person from a parable of Christ?
a. Samaritan woman at the well
b. Prodigal Son
c. Publican and Pharisee
d. The Good Samaritan
2. Which of the following is not one of St. Paul's
letters in the New Testament?
a. Romans
b. Thessalonians
c. Niceans
d. Hebrews
4. Which book of the Bible immediately follows
the Gospels and tells of the first 30 years of the
history of the Church?
a. New Testament
b. Romans
c. Apocalypse
d. Acts of the Apostles
5. TRUE OR FALSE. The New Testament is seen
as the fulfillment of the Old Testament of the Jews.
7. The Bible is
a. The history of the Jewish people
b. The life of Christ
c. An early Christian writing composed primarily
by Saints Peter and Paul
d. The Word of God
6. Which one of the following individuals did not
write one of the Gospels:
a. St. Luke the Physician
b. St. John the Theologian
c. St. Paul the Apostle
d. St. Matthew the Tax-collector
8. Which of the following is not a scriptural
definition of the Church?
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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a.
b.
c.
d.
The Body of Christ
The Bride of Christ
The pillar and bulwark of Truth
The building where Christians gather
9. The Royal Priesthood is
a. The deacons, priests, and bishops
b. The Council of Bishops
c. The emperors and tsars who were later made
saints
Answers: 1.a 2.c 3.a 4.d 5.True 6.c 7.d 8.d 9.d 10.b
d. None of the above
10. Who said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute
me?"
a. King David
b. Jesus Christ
c. Ananias
d. Peter
The Ten Commandments(Exudus 20:2-17)
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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MAY BIRTHDAYS
Stephan
Papadopoulos
Maria
Wherley
Maria
Kallinikos
Carnation
Sparto
Graham
Papadopoulos
Marshal
Papadopoulos
Mache
Fannin
Sandra
Dear
Ellen
Palmer
Christina
Garefos
Ann
Tsumpis
Andrea
Alexandrides
Cypress
Yost
Katherine
Haratsis
Jeffery
Ragland
Angelo
Spelios
Faris
Wakileh
Luis
Hernandez
Brenda
Stearns
Andrew
Fleming
Fr. Nicholas Hadzellis
3
4
5
6
7
7
8
10
10
13
16
18
22
23
23
23
25
26
27
28
28
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
Khara
Lexi
Derek
Michael
Payblas
28
Vardakis
28
Johnson
29
Stearns
29
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
Connie
Nixon
1
Katherine
Hadzellis
3
Sonya
Kallinikos
3
Paul
Adamopoulos
5
Leeann
Hieger
5
Joseph
Wakileh
5
Mariam
Wakileh
5
Angelo
Bleriot
8
Despina
Goudey
10
Gregory
Payblas
10
Anna Kallya Kallinikos
14
Myria
Drymiotes
22
Clifton
Beasley
23
Ali
Winters
23
Jorja
Doas
28
Pres. Shyla
Hadzellis
29
May
May
May
May
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
]
OUR COMMUNITY IN PICTURES
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Palm Sunday
Good Friday
Myrrh Bearing Girls
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
]
Resurrection Service
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
]
May 2017
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
4:30pm Greek
School
2
6:30pm
Parish
Council
3
5:20pm Presbyterian
Night Shelter
7 Sunday of the Paralytic
7:45am Orthros
9am Divine Liturgy
8
4:30pm Greek
School
9
10
14 Sunday of the Samaritan
Woman
Mother's Day
7:45am Orthros
9am Divine Liturgy
21 Sunday of the Blind Man
7:45am Orthros
9am Divine Liturgy
Graduate, SCS, & Greek School
Recognition
Philoptochos Family Day Picnic
28 Fathers of the First Ecumenical
Council
7:45am Orthros
9am Divine Liturgy
4pm-6pm Samaritan House
15
4:30pm Greek
School
16
22
23
29
Memorial Day
30
17
24
5:20pm Presbyterian
Night Shelter
31
Thursday
4
Friday
5
11
6:30pm Ladies
Parea
18
12
19
25
26
Strict Fast
Fish allowed
Dairy, Eggs,
& Fish allowed
Saturday
6
9:30am-2:30pm
St. Demetrios Big Fat
Greek Vendor &
Craft Fair
13
20
27
10am-noon
Safety Team Meeting
& Training
10
Wine and Oil
allowed
Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow
Lord, I know not what to ask of you. You alone know what my true needs are.
You love me more than I myself know how to love.
Help me to see my real needs which may be hidden from me.
I dare not ask for either a cross or a consolation. I can only wait upon You; my heart is open to You.
Visit and help me in Your steadfast love. Strike me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up.
I worship in silence Your holy will. I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice.
I put all my trust in You. I have no other desire than to fulfill Your will.
Teach me to pray. Pray Yourself to me. Amen
ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
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Sunday Readings for May 2017
May 28
Fathers of the First
Ecumenical Council
Saint Demetrios
May 21
Greek Orthodox Church
Sunday of the Samaritan
Woman
Sunday of the Blind Man
Acts 9:32-42
John 5:1-15
Acts 11:19-30
John 4:5-42
Acts 26:1, 12-20
John 9:1-38
Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
John 17:1-13
2020 NW 21st. St
May 14
Epistle:
Gospel:
Epistle:
Gospel:
Epistle:
Gospel:
Epistle:
Gospel:
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
Sunday of the Paralytic
www.stdemetrios.net
May 07