St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church
313 Dividend Drive, Suite 210
Peachtree City, Georgia 30269
Phone: 770-487-1004
Parish Website: www.saintchristopherhoc.org
Metropolis of Atlanta Website: www.atlmetropolis.org
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Website: www.goarch.org
Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis, Pastor
Tammy Soulakos, Parish Council President
February 2009
Stewardship During Fiscal Crisis
A trusted co-worker of mine at the Metropolis of Atlanta has spent many years teaching
parishioners throughout the eight states of our Holy Metropolis of Atlanta and throughout
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America the precepts of stewardship. Dr. Larry Gess, a
convert to Orthodoxy, both understands and lives
the tenet that God gives each of us many blessings
to manage in His behalf. Likewise, God desires that
we return the first fruits of the bounty we earn in
joyful thanksgiving and worship back to Him. I am
grateful to Dr. Gess for the lessons he has shared
with me and so many others and pray our Lord bless
him and his family always.
Recently, Dr. Gess reflected on the role of
stewardship during the present fiscal crisis in our
nation. In my remarks this month, I wish to share
Continued on page 2
Inside This Issue
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes...3
Hellenic Language...4 Special Workshop for Parish Families...6
GOYA Notes...7
Christmas Play / 2009 Parish Council / Cookbook...10 Parish Council / Ministry Leaders Contact Info...12
Learning About the Saints: St. Blaise...4
Philoptochos News / Hands of Love...5, 6
Hellenic Dance...6
St. Christopher Stewardship Program...8,9
Prosfora Baking Schedule / Important Dates...11
Parish Calendar...13
1
Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George:
Stewardship During Fiscal Crisis
Continued from page 1
his deep insights, and in turn, challenge you to search with your family and friends the response
that God is seeking in your personal situation. It is important for us to be aware and always look
for our Lord’s will in our lives. While these are challenging times, it is an ideal opportunity to
consider Dr. Gess’ response to me, and use it as “food for thought” for our future. Join me . . .
While some people do not think this country’s fiscal crisis is the worst since the great depression,
it certainly must be considered serious, because of its dramatic impact on so many families,
particularly those families:
• Whose mortgage has been foreclosed or soon will be
• Whose mortgage payments have increased due to escalating interest, to the point they can
neither afford nor sell their home
• Who have experienced a lay-off and have not found a comparable replacement job
• Who have experienced reduced working hours or alternatively have had their salary reduced
for the same work week
• Whose retirement income has been reduced due to the reduced value of the principal upon
which their retirement is based
Clearly these families cannot afford to donate the same amount of funds weekly towards God’s
work that they may have been doing during the recent past. On the other hand, if their work
hours have been reduced, they probably can provide more time and talent for God’s work. Doing
so probably will relieve them of the stress they might be experiencing due to the change in their
fiscal condition.
For the rest of us whose mortgage situation remains affordable and our income continues
unabated, it is very important that we do not fall into the negative thinking so prevalent during
this time, and use it as a rationale to become less responsive to the call for our stewardship.
On the contrary, it is even more important that we continue our stewardship for at least two
reasons:
• There are fewer families that will be able to continue God’s work at the current level
• During these demanding times, there are more families needing the assistance of the
Church
Let us remember that Christ’s primary teaching was to “love our neighbor” – showing our love for
our neighbor by serving him. Christ was asked in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, “And who is
my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29) His message is that all in need are our neighbors. Today, there are
more in need for our Church to assist than in the recent past.
Continued on page 3
2
Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George:
Stewardship During Fiscal Crisis
Continued from page 2
Christ also reminded us that “Freely you have received,
freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Those of us who are not
currently fiscally distressed truly have been blessed, and
we should freely give of our time, talents, and treasure
during this demanding time for our Church. Let us all
prayerfully consider doing more for our Lord’s work and
mission while we are able to do so.
On behalf of our Parish Council and Stewardship Committee,
I thank each of you for your pledge commitment that you
have made for 2009. For those who have not yet pledged,
we hope you will respond with faith and love. We need all
of us to work together through these difficult times, and with God’s help, our Church, our nation
and its citizens will overcome.
I close with St. Paul’s prayer in 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “We also constantly give thanks to God for
this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a
human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.”
Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Metropolis
of Atlanta and Pastor, St. Christopher
Hellenic Orthodox Church
Introduction to Orthodoxy Classes
First, Third Sundays Each Month
Parishioners, visitors and newcomers who would like an overview
of the Orthodox faith are encouraged to attend this course to
be presented on the first and third Sundays of every month, from
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. Fr. George will be using the text,
Orthodoxy 101: A Bird’s Eye View.
We have had one class; it is not too late to join us in February. This
series is an excellent resource for anyone contemplating joining
the church and also helpful for Orthodox Christians who wish to
increase their understanding of our faith.
3
Learning About the Saints:
St. Blaise, Bishop of Sebastea
St. Blaise, also known as St. Vlassios, was born in the Province of
Cappadocia. Because of his great virtues, he was chosen as Bishop of
the city of Sebastea [in Armenia]. St. Blaise was a great spiritual and
moral beacon in this pagan city. At the time of a grave persecution of
Christians, St. Blaise encouraged his flock and visited the martyrs of
Christ in prison, especially the eminent and glorious Eustratius. When
the city of Sebastea was completely depleted of Christians, he withdrew
to Mt. Argeos and settled there in a cave. Wild beasts recognized the
holy man, gathered around him and he tenderly cared for them. But the
persecutors found St. Blaise and brought him to trial.
Along the way to prison, St. Blaise cured a young boy who had a bone
caught in his throat. To the plea of the poor widow whose pig had been snatched by a wolf, by
the power of his prayer, he commanded the wolf to return it. St. Blaise’s judges tortured him
severely, but by his steadfastness in the Faith of Christ, he converted many pagans to the Faith.
He was finally put to death under Licinius in the year 316. St. Blaise is invoked for the healing
of throat ailments. His feast day is February 11th.
From the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website: www.goarch.org and the Serbian Orthodox Church
Diocese of Western America website: www.westsrbdio.org.
Hellenic Language Classes: 1st and 3rd Sundays
Sunday, February 1st and Sunday, February 15th:
Continue with regular curriculum
For more information, contact George Skouteris,
Hellenic Language Teacher, at (770) 253-2722
or by e-mail at [email protected].
4
Philoptochos
News and Updates
Thank You - Vasilopita Dinner
On behalf of Philoptochos, I would like to thank Dina Kearns for chairing our beautiful Vasilopita
dinner, which was held on January 10th. Specials thanks also go to Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis
for ensuring that we had pitas, along with Eva Sarantis for all her help and offering of food.
Also, a special thanks to Peter Poulos who once again served as our auctioneer! And, finally many
thanks to all who brought pitas to help us raise $3,500 for St. Basil Academy.
Thank You - Hands of Love
One Roof in Coweta County was very appreciative of the diapers, pull-ups and children’s underwear
that was collected in January. Thank you to all who contributed! Our Hellenic dance group was
also very appreciative of your donations that will go towards the purchase of new costumes.
Thank you!
New Altar Boys Robes Are Ordered!
On behalf of Philoptochos, I would like to offer a special thank you to the families who generously
made donations towards the purchase of six new Altar Boy robes. I would like to invite those
who have not contributed to this worthwhile effort to consider making a donation towards the
purchase of additional robes. Thank you!
Tea Fundraiser
Unfortunately our Tea that was scheduled for Saturday February 7th has been canceled. We
look forward to next year when we will again host a tea.
Please See
“Hand of Love” (page 6) for February outreach opportunities
Next Philoptochos General Meeting
Our next General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 15th. Please make plans to attend.
Your sister in Christ,
Julie Skouteris, Philoptochos President
Visit St. Christopher’s online Parish Calendar during
the month at www.saintchristopherhoc.org for
details about events and services!
5
Hands of Love
“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore, I command you to do
this word which says, “You shall surely open your hands to your brother, to
your poor and needy in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11
February 1st Collection: Please support the “Souper Bowl of Caring” by
bringing canned goods to the Church. In addition, we will be collecting monetary
donations on February 1st, rather than wait for our customary third Sunday of the month collection.
Our local Fayette Sumaritans will receive all canned goods and monies donated for our 2009 “Souper
Bowl of Caring.”
Thank you for your continued support of St. Christopher’s Philoptochos chapter.
Third Special Workshop
Hellenic Dance Festival
for Parish Families:
Each year, the Metropolis of Atlanta sponsors a
Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) as a celebration
of the traditions and culture that envelope
Greece. This year’s festival was held January
16 - 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta.
Although our group was not competing, we
watched the other groups, learned new dances,
and shared fellowship with members from other
churches. Approximately 10 to 12 of our youth
attended all or part of the weekend festival.
Parenting
Sunday, February 22nd
All parishioners and youth, aged 12 years
and above, are encouraged to attend Paula
Marchman’s third session, scheduled for
Sunday, February 22nd from 11 am until 1 pm.
The session will focus on parenting.
Dance Practices
As in her two previous sessions dealing with
1) communication within families and 2)
emotions/anger management, Paula will use
interactive discussion and role plays to help
parents and their children understand the
importance and roles of our Orthodox family
life. Please join us!
Sunday, February 8th: 12 pm to 1 pm
Sunday, February 22nd: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
For more information,
call Helen and George Psihountas at
(770) 486-6580 or e-mail them at
[email protected] or
Katie Tsahakis at (404) 434-0877 or e-mail
her at [email protected].
6
Goya notes
Preparing for GOYA Lenten Retreats
The February meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm. I look
forward to seeing everyone as we will be making plans for the upcoming GOYA Lenten Retreats.
Please plan on attending this very informative meeting as well as one of the retreats. I pray God
blesses us with another Lenten Retreat of fellowship at the beautiful Diakonia Center in Salem,
SC. Please remember that all forms, with payment and Fr. George’s signature of approval, must
be turned into me (Jeanie Ellinas) by Sunday, February 15th.
Deadline for GOYA Lenten Retreat Forms / Payment: February 15th
GOYA Lenten Retreat I: February 27th - March 1st
GOYA Lenten Retreat II: March 6th - 8th
Reminder: Great Lent begins on Monday, March 2nd
GOYA Meeting Dates: GOYA meets on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Thank you for your love and support as well as your participation. May God continue to bless us
as we grow in Christ for His glory.
Jeanie Ellinas, GOYA Advisor
Please Help Keep The Room Used for Restless
Children During Divine Liturgy Cleaned Up
Your Assistance Is Requested and Much Appreciated: The room used
by restless children and their parents during the Divine Liturgy (and
at other times) needs to be cleaned up before the start of Religious
Education classes. If you use this room, please help by taking a few
minutes to tidy it up before Religious Education classes begin, so that
class time does not have to be used for cleaning up this room.
Thank you very much, and may God continue to bless us all.
Jeanie Ellinas, Pre-School Religious Education Teacher (Ages 2 to 5)
7
St. Christopher’s Program
of Christian Stewardship
“Let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole life to Christ our God”
December and early January have been an exciting time as we initiated our 2009 Stewardship
campaign. To date, we have received 38 pledges from the St. Christopher community. This is
encouraging, but we invite all parishioners to participate in this important activity. A Stewardship
Committee has been formed to initiate discussions with those parishioners who have not yet
returned their Family Information / Time & Talents Commitment Form and Treasures Commitment
Card. The committee members will meet with the parishioners and be available to answer any
questions. The committee members are Cynthia Cromartie, Georgia Lungaro, Rick Miles, Peter
Poulos, Tammy Soulakos, Fr. George Tsahakis, and George Psihountas.
Listed on page 9 are those St. Christopher Stewards who have submitted their Stewardship
Treasures Commitment Card for 2009 as of January 15th. We thank them for responding to the
needs of the Church. We can only do the work of Christ and spread Orthodoxy by the assistance
and generosity of our Stewards. Your money is translated into “diakonia,” service or ministry.
You are sharing and supporting in making the Kingdom of God accessible to all who enter our
Church’s doors.
We have no other purpose as a Church than to glorify God, learn His ways and become practicing
Orthodox Christians. The primary purpose of the Church is to spread the Word of God and
our Faith to all people, but especially to our children through our Religious Educaton and youth
ministries, JOY / HOPE and GOYA. They are the future of the Church. When each of us faces
God, we will answer for all our acts, including the portion of His gifts we return to His Church.
If you made your commitment by returning your Family Information / Time & Talents Commitment
Form and Treasures Commitment Card, and your name does not appear on this list, it may be due
to a clerical error for which we apologize or we may have received your Stewardship Commitment
card after January 15th. We will continue to update the list in subsequent months.
May our Lord bless you for your generosity and love for His Church.
George Psihountas
Stewardship Chairman
Continued on page 8
8
St. Christopher’s Program
of Christian Stewardship
Continued from page 9
St. Christopher Stewards as of January 15, 2009
Pat Bassett
Stephen & Becky Butler
Michael & Maria Cahill
Stella Christodoulopoulos
Mahany & Cynthia Cromartie
Rick & Stacy Daniel
Johnny & Jeanie Ellinas
Mary Ellinas
Gail Ericsson
Tom & Ellen Farmakis
Voula Farmakis
Faye Georgeo
Emmanuel & Kim Haldopoulos
Helen Hayes
Pete & Susan Kleto
Fred & Marion Lindstrom
Charles & Georgia Lungaro
Alec & Pat MacDougall
Rick & Angela Miles
Evangelos & Emilia Moraitis
Evangelos & Diane Panousis
Peter Poulos
George & Helen Psihountas
Nick Psihountas
Angela Rice
Jim & Elaine Rice
Fotis & Effie Sakkas
Steve & Jackie Sarantis
George & Julie Skouteris
James & Claudia Sliwinski
Costas & Tammy Soulakos
Peter & BJ Spanos
Penelope Spetsios
Robert & Lia Spezzano
Alexandra Tagalos
Fr. George & Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis
Katie Tsahakis
Dan & Ellen Vines
Tom & Maria Ward
James & Jo-Carole Whitlock
George & Cathy Zavlanos
REMINDER:
St. Christopher March
Newsletter Deadline:
February 1, 2009
9
Christmas Play:
Nativity Icon
2009 Parish Council
Takes Oath of Office
On Sunday, January 4th, Fr. George Tsahakis
administered the Oath of Office to the 2009
Parish Council. This year’s Parish Council is as
follows (L to R):
Sunday, December 21 featured a very special
presentation of the St. Christopher Christmas
Play: “Nativity Icon.” Many thanks to our
adult and youth performers and to all those
who assisted behind the scenes, especially
to Becky Butler and Helen Psihountas, who
directed the play.
st
Assistant Treasurer George Psihountas,
Treasurer Stephen Sarantis, Secretary Gail
Ericsson, Vice President BJ Spanos, Fr. George
Tsahakis, President Tammy Soulakos, Evangelo
Moraitis, Tom Farmakis and Steven Butler.
The tableau beautifully illustrated one of
Orthodoxy’s most treasured icons and inspired
our faithful as we began our celebration of
the Feast of Nativity.
George Skouteris is not pictured.
Submit Your Recipes to the
St. Christopher Philoptochos Cookbook
We are still in need of recipes in the following categories: Greek Dishes,
Appetizers, Beverages, Soups, Side Dishes, Salads, Chicken Dishes
Simple recipes with fewer ingredients are very popular! Submit as many as you like!
Please email the recipes directly to Cynthia Cromartie at [email protected] or
print a copy and pass it along to Cynthia, Becky Butler or Pat MacDougall as soon as possible.
All recipes will be considered, but the Cookbook Committee will have the final say as to which
recipes will be included. Please contact Cynthia if you have questions!
Thank you for your participation and support!
10
February Prosfora Baking Schedule
The following families are scheduled to prepare Prosfora in February:
Sunday, February 1:
Costas and Tammy Soulakos and Pat Bassett
Monday, February 2:
Becky Butler and Marinda Tsahakis
Sunday, February 8: Anna Pelky and Katie Tsahakis
Sunday, February 15:
Helen Psihountas and Julie Skouteris
Saturday, February 21:
Georgia Lungaro and Claudia Sliwinski
Sunday, February 22:
BJ Spanos and Susan Kleto
Sunday, February 28:
Evangelos and Emilia Moraitis and Angela Miles
We are always looking to expand our baking group, so any member of St. Christopher Hellenic
Orthodox Church who would like to become a Prosfora, Kolyva or Artoklasia baker, please
contact Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis at (770) 381-1842 or email at [email protected]
to schedule baking lessons.
Important Dates to Remember
See the Parish Calendar on page 12
for more dates and information!
February 1:
February 8:
February 22:
Souper Bowl of Caring, St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
GreekFest 2009 Meeting
Paula Marchman - Third Workshop for Parish Families
March 1:
March 2:
Sunday of Forgiveness
Great Lent Begins
April 19:
Great and Holy Pascha
September 19:
GreekFest 2009
Also, visit St. Christopher’s online Parish Calendar during the month
at www.saintchristopherhoc.org for the most up-to-date
Parish Calendar and details about events and services!
11
St. Christopher Parish Council and Ministry Leaders
Parish Council
Fr. George Tsahakis, (770) 381-1842
Vice President BJ Spanos, (770) 631-4421
Asst. Treas. George Psihountas, (770) 486-6580
Stephen Butler, (770) 461-1800
George Skouteris, (770) 253-2722
President Tammy Soulakos, (770) 487-1004
Treasurer Stephen Sarantis, (770) 719-1133
Secretary Gail Ericsson, (770) 251-3728
Evangelos Moraitis, (678) 423-7951
Tom Farmakis, (770) 254-8349
Ministry Leaders
Altar Boys and Myrrh Bearers - Fr. George Tsahakis, (770) 381-1842
Chantors - George Skouteris, (770) 253-2722
Choir - George Zavlanos, (770) 253-6767
Education, Culture, & Youth Diakonia Committee - George Psihountas, (770) 486-6580
Facility Management Committee - Stephen Butler, (770) 461-1800
Finance Committee - TBD
Greek Orthodox Youth of American (GOYA) - Jeanie Ellinas, (770) 487-5740
GreekFest - Stephen Butler, (770) 461-1800
Hellenic Dance - Helen and George Psihountas, (770) 486-6580; Katie Tsahakis, (404) 434-0877
Hellenic Language - George Skouteris, (770) 253-2722
Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE); Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) - Angela Miles, (770) 4638626 and Alex Vlachakis, (678) 228-6280
Land / Building Finance Committe - Costas Soulakos, (770) 487-1004
Membership / Outreach Committee - Georgia Lungaro, (770) 461-5055
Newsletter - BJ Spanos, (770) 631-4421
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) - Helen Psihountas, (770) 486-6580
Philoptochos - Julie Skouteris, (770) 253-2722
Prosfora / Kolyva / Artoklasia - Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis, (770) 381-1842
Publicity and Real Estate Committee - Cynthia Cromartie, (770) 487-7384
Religious Education Program - Becky Butler, (770) 461-1800
St. Christopher Bookstore - Becky Butler, (770) 461- 1800 and Emilia Moraitis, (678) 423-7951
St. Christopher Library - Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis, (770) 381-1842
Stewardship Committee - George Psihountas, (770) 486-6580
12
Community Calendar February 2009
Sunday
1
Sunday of the
Canaanite Woman
7:45 am Orthros
9:00 am Div. Lit. /
Blessing of Water
10:45 am St. John
Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival
11:30 am Hellenic
Language Class
12:30 pm Intro to
Orthodoxy Class
8
Sunday of the
Publican, Pharisee
(Triodion Begins)
7:45 am Orthros
9:00 am Div. Lit.
10:45 am Relig Ed
11:30 am GreekFest Meeting
12:00 pm Parish
Council Meeting
12:00 pm Hellenic
Dance
15
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
4
5
6
Saturday
7
10
11
14
Feast of the
Presentation of
our Lord
6 pm Orthros
7 pm Div. Liturgy
followed by
community dinner;
please bring food
(non-fasting)
9
Fast Free
16
Fast Free
17
12
Fast Free
18
Fast Free
19
13
Fast Free
20
Fast Free
21
Saturday of
Souls (First)
Sunday of the
Prodigal Son
7:45 am Orthros
9:00 am Div. Lit.
10:45 am Relig Ed
11:30 am Hellenic
Lang. Class
12:30 pm Intro to
Orthodoxy Class
22
7:45 am Orthros
9 am Div. Lit. /
Memorial Svc
10 am - 4 pm
Philoptochos
Appetizers
Preparation
7 pm Religious
Education /
Youth Workers
Meeting
8 pm ECYDC
Meeting
23
24
Meatfare Sunday Sunday of
Judgment
7:45 am Orthros
9:00 am Div. Lit.
11:00 am Parish
Family Workshop
1 pm GOYA Mtg
1:30 pm Hellenic
Dance
Mar 1
Cheesefare Sun.
of Forgiveness
7:45 am Orthros
9:00 am Div. Lit.
10:15 am Vespers
of Forgiveness
10:45 am Relig Ed
11:30 am Hellenic
Language Class
12:30 pm Intro to
Orthodoxy Class
25
26
27
Saturday of
Souls (Second)
6 pm - 8:30 pm
Philoptochos
Recipe
Fellowship
2
3
Great Lent
Begins
Clean Monday
7 pm Great
Compline
Service
4
7:45 am Orthros
9 am Div. Lit. /
Memorial Svc
10 am - 4 pm
Philoptochos
Appetizers
Preparation
5
6 pm 9th Hour
/ Presanctified
Liturgy
7:15 pm
Community
Lenten Dinner &
Family Program
(please bring
food)
13
28
6
7 pm
Salutations
Service
7
Saturday of
Souls (Third)
7:45 am Orthros
9 am Div. Lit. /
Memorial Svc
10 am - 4 pm
Philoptochos
Appetizers
Preparation