News & Events
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH– STEUBENVILLE, OHIO
JUNE, 2016
VOLUME VIII• ISSUE 6
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
 Fr. Nick’s Net
Pg. 2
 Parish News & Events Pg. 3
 From the Inter-NET
Pg. 5
 Around the World
Pg. 6
ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE:
June Calendar
Father’s Day Name Sheet
Saturday of the Souls Name Sheet
THE MISSION OF THE HOLY TRINITY PARISH IS TO SEEK AND ACHIEVE ONENESS WITH GOD IN HIS REVEALED
SON, JESUS CHRIST THROUGH DAILY SACRAMENTAL AND SACRIFICIAL LIVING. WE WILL STRIVE FOR THE
PEACEFUL AND LOVING UNITY WITH OUR NEIGHBORS IN CHRIST WHICH MAKES US HIS DISCIPLES.
WWW.HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG
1 • The Net • July /August 2015
Fr. Nick’s Net
June 2016
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθὼς Ἀνέστη!
The Net is the Monthly Newsletter of
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
PARISH INFORMATION
PARISH PRIEST:
FR. NICHOLAS M. HALKIAS
PHONE: (740) 282-9835 | HOME: (724) 218-1440
EMAIL: [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:
CYNTHIA RICHARDS
EMAIL: [email protected]
PARISH ADDRESS:
300 SOUTH FOURTH STREET
P.O. BOX 788
STEUBENVILLE, OH 43952
PHONE: (740) 282-9835 | FAX: (740) 282-2091
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: WWW.HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG
Holy Trinity Church is a parish of the Greek
Orthodox
Metropolis
of
Pittsburgh
(pittsburgh.goarch.org) and Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America (www.goarch.org)
under the Spiritual Jurisdiction of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
(www.ec-patr.org).
PARISH MINISTRIES
PARISH COUNCIL
Tony Mougianis
Nick Riley
Pete Caleodis
Rikki Kamarados
Don Kronstein
Joanne McCraley
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Asst. Treasurer
Asst. Treasurer
Marianne Balakos
George Berris
John Josai
Steve Pahides
Connie Shea
Tina Van Dijk
Philoptochos .......................... Rikki Kamarados
Religious Education ...........................................
Stewardship ......................................................
GOYA ..................................... Rikki Kamarados
JOY .......................................... Maria Matzorkis
HOPE ....................................... Maria Matzorkis
Choir ........................................... Pete Caleodis
Library / Bookstore ............... Louise Kronstein
Senior Citizens ................ Barbara Lee Maragos
Chian Society ..................... John A. Kamarados
Pan-Icarian Brotherhood ........ Stacey Kotsanis
AHEPA .................................... Tommy Kotsanis
2 • The Net • May 2016
It is finally here! The month that we have all been waiting for!!!
This is the month where we really dig down deep and really get to
show what our parish is all about! What a month for us!
I know many of you think that I am talking about our parish’s festival. In any other year,
that would indeed be the case. For us at Holy Trinity, our festival is so vital to our parish
and to the community of Steubenville in general; and it takes so many of our wonderful
and dedicated people to pull it off. But that is not what I am talking about. I am talking
about the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church that is happening in Crete on
Pentecost this year (June 19).
‘So what? It’s just another meeting of bishops… isn’t it?’ Well not really. It is the first
meeting of its kind in over 1200 years! So the world has not seen a council like this in over
a millennium. That is pretty landmark by itself. If you also consider that the last time we
had an ecumenical council was in 787 AD and that council was presided over by under 10
autocephalous Churches, then this council is indeed unique. There will be 14
autocephalous churches represented at this council. So in many ways, the world has
NEVER seen a council like this!
‘But what does this have to do with me? Why should I care about this council? They won’t
be discussing anything important to me. It is just bishop stuff.’ Those are all thoughts and
comments that I have heard on the buildup of this council. But I would submit to you that
if you consider the work of the Holy Spirit, especially in the previous ecumenical councils,
any council of this magnitude can have a major effect on the church-- both in the parish
and throughout the world!
If you look at page 5 of this edition of The Net, you will see how much effort and work has
been put into the preparation of this Great and Holy Council. Around 55 years of praying
and meeting has led to this council. Documents have been prepared, agendas have been
finalized, attendance has been solidified, and procedures have been agreed upon (Roberts
Rules of order don’t apply here!). Oh yeah, 14 autocephalous churches are bringing
another difficulty to this council… language barriers. The documents that are being
prepared, have to be translated (properly, I might add) into Greek, Russian, French and
eventually English. (English was a later and necessary addition -- and it shows how our
country and our church has grown in America in the last 55 years).
What’s on the agenda that could possibly affect us? Fasting regulations will be discussed.
That’s right. Our bishops will be discussing fasting. That is something that we are
supposed to do twice a week. Who knows in the Spirit what will be decided?
The church in ‘Diaspora’ will be discussed. That’s us. We, among others (like Australia),
are immigrant established churches. No single jurisdiction comprises our land, which is not
correct according our canons. We have parishes under Constantinople, Alexandria,
Antioch, Russia, etc. - sometimes in the same city. We should be under one patriarchate,
not multiple as we are. But which Patriarchate should we be under? Alternatively, we
could have one established unity by ourselves in this country (varied ethnic parishes with
one bishop). That will definitely be discussed. And whether final decisions are made for us
or not, we will see major options considered. That will DEFINITELY have an effect on us.
We must begin our prayer for our bishops and this
Great and Holy Council. That is the only way to ensure
our presence will be carried to this council through the
Holy Spirit. May God bless us and our hierarchs during
this incredibly exciting time for the Orthodox church!
Christ is Risen!!! Truly He is Risen!!!
WWW.HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG
News & Events
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday Worship .......................................................... June
Our Summer schedule for Sunday Worship will begin on
Sunday, June 12. Orthros will begin at 8:30 A.M. and Liturgy
will begin at 9:00 A.M. There will be no Hymnology or Sunday
School during Summer hours.
One- Year Memorial .................................................. June 5
At noon there will be a One - Year Memorial for Helen
Hesske and Mike Vounousakis with kolyva and lunch in the
social hall. May their memory be eternal!
Paraklesis Services ....................................................... June
Paraklesis Services are normally offered every Wednesday
at 6:00 P.M., unless otherwise scheduled.
JUNE
These are the services for the month of June. Please check
your schedules and plan to attend.
Tuesday, June 7
4:00 P.M.
Confession
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
GREEK SCHOOL ................................... Resumes in Fall, 2016
Have a great summer Teacher Pam, Greek School students
and parents. Looking forward to seeing you in the Fall when
Greek School resumes.
BIBLE STUDY ....................................................... June 8, 22
The Bible Study group normally holds it meetings on the
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:00 A.M.
PARISH GROUPS
Saturday, June 18 ............................... Saturday of the Souls
8:30 A.M.
Orthros
9:30 A.M.
Liturgy
CHOIR ...................................................................... TBA
`Our choir will not be singing for the Divine Liturgy during
the month of July; they will return again in August.
Monday, June 20 ......................... Monday of the Holy Spirit
8:30 A.M.
Orthros
9:30 A.M.
Liturgy
PHILOPTOCHOS ....................... Resumes in September, 2016
Enjoy your summer, Ladies of the Philoptochos Society.
Thursday, June 23
11:00 A.M.
PARISH COUNCIL ....................................................... June 7
Parish Council meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the
month at 7:00 pm at the church unless otherwise stated.
Confession
Friday, June 24 ..................... Nativity of St. John the Baptist
8:30 A.M.
Orthros
9:30 A.M.
Liturgy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The following people will be celebrating their birthday in
the month of June:
June 01
Atheena van Dijk
June 01
Sophia Riley
June 02
Pete Caleodis
June 02
Mary Anne Jacobs
June 03
Peter Parikakis
June 05
George Caleodis
June 08
Alijah Demitras
June 09
Alex Kamarados
June 11
Paul Mastros
June 11
Irene Mitchell
June 14
Doris Locascio
June 20
Constantine Caras
June 21
Anastasia Crisante
June 23
Chad Fuller
June 23
Nicholas Zorne
If your name was not listed and you had a birthday during
this month, please contact the office; and we will be happy to
place it on our roster for next year.
WWW.HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG
FESTIVAL NEWS
“KALI EPITIHIA!”
Hey! Have you looked at the date of this month’s Net? It’s
the month for which we have been working so hard. It’s the
month we have anxiously been anticipating for quite some
time. It’s June; and, if it’s June, it is the month of our Thirtieth
Annual Grecian Food Festival! In a couple weeks, the tents
will go up, the tables will be draped with our new coverings,
the banners will fly, and it will be time once again. It well be
time for the wonderful aromas of mouth-watering food and
delectable pastries to fill the air.
Get ready to dance as the Greek Company strikes up the
orchestra; and cue the youthful costumed dancers. Remind
your friends and neighbors, and get ready to join the fun,
food, and frolic of an extraordinary experience. Check your
calendar for the work days you have chosen and plan to join
the Thirtieth Annual Grecian Food Festival. It is with great joy
that we welcome it; and we wish one and all a “good
success,” or as we say in Greek, “kali epitihia!”
APRIL MONTHLY FINANCIALS
April weekly income
April weekly expense
$5,341.08
$5,003.46
3 • The Net • May 2016
News & Events
HAPPY NAMEDAY TO OUR PARISH & HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL
The story is told of a father of five children who came home with a toy. He summoned his children and asked which of them
should be given the present. “Who is the most obedient one here? Who never talks back to Mom and does everything that Mom
says to do?” He inquired. There were a few seconds of silence, and then all of the children said in one accord: “You play with it
Daddy!”
Father’s Day and Pentecost are June 19! We want to wish a happy nameday to our Parish of Holy Trinity, and a very
“Happy Father’s Day” to all fathers. We love and appreciate you!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!!!
4 • The Net • May 2016
DIMITRIOS
ANTHONY
COLLAROS, son of Dean and
Michelle Collaros, graduated
from Steubenville Big Red HS
in the class of 2016. He will be
attending
Otterbein
University, a private four year
liberal
arts
college
in
Westerville, OH. Dmitri will
major in accounting and
auditing while playing football
and
baseball.
NIKO PETRIDES, son of James
and Jen Petrides, graduated
from Steubenville Big Red HS
in the class of 2016. He will
be attending Ohio Dominican
where he will major in
physical therapy and play
football.
STELLINA TSOURIS , daughter
of Nick and Vincetta Tsouris,
graduated from The Ohio
State University with a
Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration with
duel
specialization
in
accounting and information
systems and a minor in
economics. She graduated
with Cum Laude honors. She
has accepted a full-time
position with L Brands as an
auditor in Columbus, OH.
ANTHONY PAUL ZORNE, son
of Paul and Nicole Zorne and
grandson of Nick and Gerri
Maragos.
Anthony
graduated in the class of
2016 from Steubenville Big
Red HS. His future plans are
undecided.
WWW.HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG
From the Inter-NET
UMMARY OF THE FIRST SEVEN ECUMENICAL COUNCILS
OCTOBER 22, 2012 - VINCENT GABRIEL
Whhodox
faith
over-and-against
various
heretical
manifestations and troublemakers, while also creating and
maintaining various rules or “canons” to govern and organize
the now-globalized faith.
bishops (Theodore of Mopsuetia, Theodoret of Cyrrhus, and
Ibas of Edessa). This council, at Justinian’s request, ensured no
oversight remained on this issue, and also condemned the
teachings of the third century presbyter Origen.
The first Council of Nicaea (AD 325) was convened by
Constantine I to primarily deal with the heresy of Arius (a
priest in Alexandria who taught that the Son was inferior to
the Father and created) and the organization of the Church
(establishing the priority of the sees of Rome, Alexandria and
Antioch, with Jerusalem still in subjection to the Metropolitan
of Caesarea and Constantinople not yet officially inaugurated
as the capital city). The Council maintained that Christ was
“one with the Father” (homoousios) and composed a Creed to
preserve the confession of orthodox Christianity.
The Sixth Ecumenical Council, also held in Constantinople (AD
680-681), was convened by emperor Constantine the New
primarily to condemn the Monothelite heresy. This heresy
taught that - despite having two natures (as one person) Christ only had one will. This diminished the humanity of
Christ by teaching that He was a man without a will (and
therefore, unlike us and incapable of redeeming humanity by
the incarnation, death and resurrection of himself, with him
not being “truly” human, just as we are). In addition to the
condemnation of Monothelitism, the council anathematized
as heretics Pope Honorius I of Rome, Sergius I of
Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria, Paul II and Peter of
Constantinople, and Theodore of Pharan for their part in
propagating the heresy of Monothelitism.
The Council of Constantinople (AD 381) expanded the Nicene
Creed by adding a clause on the role of the Holy Spirit as a
Person of the holy Trinity, who “proceeds from the Father”
and “with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and
glorified.” The Council also made the bishop of
Constantinople to be second in honor to that of old Rome
(pushing Alexandria down to third in honor), making
Constantinople “New Rome” (Canon III).
Later, at the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus (AD 431),
Cyril of Alexandria had Nestorius of Constantinople
condemned as a heretic for his insistence on separating the
humanity of Christ from his divinity, while also overemphasizing Christ’s humanity. Unfortunately, the
Alexandrians went too far with their teaching about Christ’s
nature and held a second council in Ephesus (AD 449), led by
Dioscorus (successor to Cyril), where they taught that Christ
had only one nature (physis) after the Incarnation.
This “too far” position became known as the “Monophysite”
heresy, and led to the Fourth Ecumenical Council in the city of
Chalcedon (AD 451), being convened by the emperor Marcian.
This council supported [two] nature(s) of Christ The see of
Jerusalem was also “freed” from the jurisdiction of Caesarea
by this council, instituting the “Pentarchy” of Orthodoxy (the
five sees of the Church, each led by a Patriarch). Incidentally,
the Church of Cyprus was given autonomy and independence
at this council, as well.
The “Definition of Chalcedon” was later clarified and more
deeply understood through the work of the Fifth Ecumenical
Council (AD 553) in Constantinople, using a more Alexandrian
viewpoint to explain how the two natures of Christ unite as a
single Person. This council was also called in order to
condemn the heretical (Nestorian) opinions of three deceased
WWW.HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG
From the seventh century onward, the spread of the new
religion of Islam by the sword let to the captivity of a large
portion of the Christian east, including the Patriarchates of
Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, with Constantinople itself
being close to capture. These incursions spread to the west
and into modern-day Europe, as well. One of the
characteristics of Islam was its anti-Incarnational rejection of
icons (iconoclasm), and the Muslim Caliph Yezid decreed that
all icons in Muslim-controlled lands should be eliminated.
The Roman emperor Leo III promoted iconoclasm in the
empire (no doubt fearing further Muslim incursions) starting
in AD 726, and this heresy prevailed until the empress Irene
convened the Second Council of Nicaea (Seventh Ecumenical)
in AD 787. This council upheld the iconodule position,
allowing the continued veneration of both icons and relics (as
well as their usage in the adornment of Christian buildings,
private homes and monasteries). While iconoclasm would
again be promoted by emperor Leo V the Armenian (AD 815),
in a probable attempt to curry favor from the Franks (and
their armed forces) in the face of both Islamic and Bulgarian
conquest, it would ultimately be defeated by the empress
Theodora at a synod in Constantinople in the year 843
(celebrated as the “Triumph of Orthodoxy”).
-Excertped from https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/onbehalfofall/the-first7-ecumenical-councils-a-brief-summary/
5 • The Net • May 2016
Around the World
ON THE GREAT COUNCIL OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
by Rev. Dn. John Chryssavgis - 2/3/16
Already there is much talk about the Holy and Great Council
of the Orthodox Church. Between now and June 19, 2016,
when the council officially opens on the island of Crete, there
will be many rumors and much spin. Some will be justified;
like other patriarchal institutions, Orthodox Churches are not
normally known for their transparency. However, other
chatter will be less than helpful. What follow are some brief
clarifications on basic questions surrounding the council.
Is the Great Council an Ecumenical Council?
For Orthodox Christians, there hasn’t been an Ecumenical
Council since 787, with the Second Council of Nicaea that
resolved the problem of iconoclasm, namely the debate about
whether icons can or cannot be used for liturgical and
devotional purposes. If you’ve been to an Orthodox Church
recently, you know who won that argument! However, the
Orthodox believe that it is the whole church that must
convene—East and West—in order for a council to be
considered ecumenical. In a
world where Christians are so
tragically
divided,
the
Orthodox are reserved about
boasting of an ecumenical
council. In any case, an
ecumenical council is normally
recognized retrospectively.
It would perhaps be more
appropriate and accurate to
consider the Holy and Great Council as a continuation not
only of the early ecumenical councils of the first Christian
millennium, but also of the later “great” or “greater” councils
of the second Christian millennium. Around a dozen or so
such councils have convened through the centuries following
the “great schism” of 1054 in order to resolve issues of
doctrinal, canonical or administrational character.
However, there is indeed something very unique about this
council—even beyond ecumenical councils and previous great
councils. This is the first time in the history of Christendom
that a council of ancient churches that claim apostolic
succession has included so many individual and independent
(autocephalous, and even national) churches. The early
ecumenical councils of the first millennium assembled five
churches, while the later great councils often convened with
even fewer churches. By contrast, the Great Council that will
convene in Crete this June will assemble fourteen recognized
(or canonical) Orthodox churches from all over the world.
These include the ancient patriarchates of Constantinople
(that calls, convenes and chairs the council), Alexandria,
Antioch and Jerusalem; the modern patriarchates of Russia,
Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Georgia; as well as the
6 • The Net • May 2016
archdiocesan churches of Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Poland,
and the Czech Lands and Slovakia.
Why is the Council being held in Crete?
Even before the Synaxis of Primates was over, Moscow prided
itself on rejecting Constantinople’s proposal of Istanbul as the
venue for the Holy and Great Council at the Church of Haghia
Irene, which was the site of the Second Ecumenical Council,
served as an imperial church since the fourth century, and
(unlike other Christian monuments in Turkey) was never
converted into a mosque.
The sole reason that the Orthodox Primates changed the
venue of the Holy and Great Council was in order to assist
Moscow to attend due to current political tensions between
Russia and Turkey as well as security concerns about recent
terrorist attacks in Istanbul. The change exemplifies the
magnanimous flexibility and benevolent commitment of the
Ecumenical Patriarch—sustained by the Holy Spirit—required
to ensure that the council will
convene in June of this year.
Something is certainly stirring
in the Orthodox Church. And
the sound will be louder and
clearer in the weeks and
months ahead. The Holy and
Great Council is entirely
without precedent in the
history of Christianity. Some are afraid of its consequences for
the purity of Orthodox doctrine; it may shed light on practices
in isolated communities, which have long resisted and reacted
against the modern ways of the West. But others see this as a
unique moment in the life and witness of an ancient church; it
is an opportunity for Orthodox theology to speak a prophetic
voice of hope and light in a time of anxiety and uncertainty.
As Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reminded the Orthodox
primates gathered in Geneva, “this is the moment of
Orthodoxy.” In the words of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania:
“The great council is not a facsimile of an ecumenical council.”
Whether described as an ecumenical council, or more aptly
labeled a great council, the occasion in Crete next June is not
just a new or another council; it is an extraordinary and
exceptional event. It is meant to happen. The Spirit is moving.
The world is waiting. Let’s see what transpires among the
attending bishops.
Rev. Dn. John Chryssavgis is Archdeacon and theological
advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
-Excerpted
from
http://www.firstthings.com/webexclusives/2016/02/on-the-great-council-of-the-orthodox-church
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The NET-Minders
The Parish of Holy Trinity would like to thank the following benefactors for making this Monthly Newsletter possible:
In Loving Memory
Of
Nicholas Mougianis
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7 • The Net • May 2016
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About the Icon on the Cover
THE FIRST SEVEN ECUMENICAL COUNCILS
325 AD - 1st Ecumenical Council of Nicaea condemns Arius and clarifies the dogma of Christ’s
divinity by expanding Creed’s 2nd stanza.
381 AD - 1st Council of Constantinople (2nd overall) expands 3rd stanza of the Creed defining the
divinity of the Holy Spirit and also condemns Apollinarius’ heresy that Jesus lacked a complete
human soul.
431 AD - Council of Ephesus (3rd overall) defines Christ as the incarnate Word of God and
proclaims Mary Theotokos (“God-bearer” or “Mother of God”) after deposing Nestorius, Patriarch
of Constantinople.
451 AD - Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (4th overall) defines Christ as having both a divine and a human nature in one
person.
553 AD - 2nd Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (5th overall) confirms christological & trinitarian doctrine against the
Nestorians.
680 AD - 3rd Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (6th overall) affirms that Jesus had a truly human will as well as a truly
divine will against the Monothelites.
787 AD - 2nd Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (7th overall) vindicates the veneration of images.
-Excerpted from: https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/the-first-seven-ecumenical-councils/