nepsis - St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church

NEPSIS
Sai nt
Spiritual watchfulness and alertness. “Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is
coming” (Matthew 24:42)
So ph ia‘s Gr ee k Ort hod o x Chu rc h
3 2 5 War in g Ro a d
Syr ac us e , New Yor k 1 32 2 4
Ph on e
Fa x
(3 1 5) 44 6 -5 2 2 2
(3 15 ) 25 1 -1 6 5 4
FEMALE PRIESTS
During an ―Ask Father‖ session recently, a young girl asked me why girls cannot be
priests. Why did she ask this question? It didn‘t originate with her, although our culture tries to
force her to believe that it did: that she noticed, with no outside influence, that men are priests
and altar servers are boys, and that this realization made her feel bad in some way. Demeaned,
undervalued, and overlooked. Our culture forced her to believe that these bad feelings hurt, and
from her pain the question arises, ―why can‘t girls become priests?‖
I want to say right off the bat that this is not something I would normally include in our
newsletter, where we like to keep things … ―lite.‖ But when this girl asked her question, two
things came to my mind. First, she would not ask this question without outside influence. And
second, almost every time we have an ―Ask Father‖ session, this question comes up. So, I‘ll address the question.
Everyone who has attended school in the United States has been infected with a political
movement called feminism. Like many political movements, feminism is partly right. Women
must be treated equally to men. In the workplace, in the marketplace, in receiving medical care
and public services, our culture had much correcting to do in the last few decades in terms of its
attitude toward women. The vote. Access to education, and so on.
And like all political movements, there are parts of feminism that are wrong. Killing
unborn children is wrong, and will never be right. It is a part of feminism. Forcing girls into
jobs that they are not suited for in the name of equality is wrong. Having our children raised –
even as babies – by strangers in Day Care centers is a by-product of feminism.
Feminism has influenced many Christian denominations who now have female clergy.
Is there anything wrong with that? No, not for them. Those churches never intended to be
churches in the way the Orthodox Christian Church does. Their mission has always been to reflect the American culture and to participate in the American political system, and so it makes
sense that a widespread political movement like feminism would change their way of doing
things.
But the Orthodox Church is not a political, not a worldly, institution. We‘ve learned our
lesson in other times and places, and we‗ve learned to avoid becoming an expression of a culture
or an arm of a political system (at least I hope we have – some clergy and hierarchs haven‘t gotten the message). For us to even explore the possibility of a female priesthood would be the
death of the church – and not because women can‘t run things. They can. It would be the death
of the church because it would mark our capitulation to changes our culture/government forces
us to accept.
We could focus on our salvation much better if people would stop badgering our girls
into thinking they‘re hurt by the traditions of our church. We could focus on our salvation much
better if people would stop badgering our girls into thinking they‘re hurt by the traditions of our
church! Yes, the question of female clergy comes up at every ―Ask Father‖ session, but it has
nothing to do with the Church, and it has nothing to do with the girls asking. It has to do with
outside influences breeding spiritual turmoil in our youth.
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, here‘s a better plan: let‘s think about what St.
Paul said to us: ―work out your own salvation with fear and trembling‖ (Philippians 2:12). The
Church must be the ark of salvation! This is what our children need, and it should be our task at
all times to give it to them as much as it is in our power!
Your affectionate servant,
Father David
FEBRUARY 2015
NEPSIS
VISIT THE
PARISH
WEBSITE
stsophias.org
2015
Parish
Council
Chris Meskos
President
Dean Assimon
Vice President
Peter Lemoniades
Secretary
Katherine Bristol
Treasurer
Thomas Anthis, Jr.
James Condon Sr.
Michael Copanas
Dafni Kiritsis
James Kozanitis
Michael Labatos
John Lemondes
Christos Tzetzis
NEPSIS
Page 2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I am honored and humbled to be the President of the Parish Council and am looking forward to
continuing the positive direction the church has been moving. Being the first child baptized in this St.
Sophia‘s Church (According to the late Very Reverend Father Michael C. Harmand), I feel it is my duty
to maintain the integrity of this Parish Council and those who have served prior to me. The Parish Council officers for 2015 are Dean Assimon—Vice President, Katherine Bristol—Treasurer and Peter Lemoniades—Secretary. Special thanks to the three retiring Parish Council members—Andrew Boucounis,
Constantine Kosmas and John Potamianos—their decades of experience and dedication to our parish will
be missed on many levels. I welcome our new Parish Council members—James Condon, Sr., Michael
Copanas, Dafni Kiritsis and John Lemondes. I am looking forward to their participation and contributions.
2015 Parish Council
Chris Meskos, President
Dean Assimon, Vice President
Peter Lemoniades, Secretary
Katherine Bristol, Treasurer
Thomas Anthis Jr. ~ James Condon Sr.
Michael Copanas ~ Dafni Kiritsis
James Kozanitis ~ Michael Labatos
John Lemondes ~ Christos Tzetzis
I encourage all parishioners to have one of their New Year resolutions be to participate more in the
life of our Church and find a way to donate your time and energy. We will soon be approaching the Centennial for the charter of our Church, a great time for reflection and showing gratitude to our forbearers
for their love of our faith and their many sacrifices and efforts to build our beloved Church. We have a
duty to continue this legacy and ensure that our Church lives on for many generations to come. Invest
yourself in our Church! Take the time to reevaluate your efforts and level of commitment. We need all
of you!
If you have been attending the general assembly meetings you know that we have a great deal of
―projects‖ that need to be addressed to keep our Church in beautiful working order. From the fall meeting, we did gain the approval to resurface the gym roof, which will commence this spring. We also have
recently replaced the rooftop HVAC unit for the chapel and will continue to replace the other aging units
on an as needed basis. Keep in mind the church is now 41 years old and other improvements are needed,
which we are budgeting carefully for over the next few years. A few of those items include resurfacing
the parking lot, fixing the cement sidewalks and steps around the church and remodeling the bathrooms
downstairs.
Moving forward, plans are underway for us to return to City Hall to raise the Greek Flag for Greek
Independence Day. This celebration will happen in downtown Syracuse as well as at the Church. More
details are on the way, please stay tuned. Special thanks to Michael Labatos for chairing this event.
Please also take note to the Church calendar for more upcoming events. Important dates on the
church calendar for February are Godparents Sunday 2/1, Presentation of Our Lord 2/2, Saturday of
Souls on 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, Meatfare Sunday 2/15, Cheesefare Sunday 2/22, and Lent begins on 2/25.
Yours in Christ,
Chris J. Meskos
Parish Council President
NEPSIS
Page 3
ALTAR
SERVERS
February 2015 Schedule
February 1—Group 1
February 8—Group 2
February 15—Group 1
February 22—Group 2
FEBRUARY
Let’s help the Food Pantry……..
Please bring in cans of soup and other
food items during this cold season.
Items should be placed on rack in social hall. A sincere Thank You from
the Philoptochos!
VISIT THE
PARISH
WEBSITE
stsophias.org
The following are the registered Altar Servers:
Team One
Georgiadis, Kosta
Dentes, Evan
Robinson, Damon
Kousmanidis, Anthony
Kousmanidis, Christos
Kousmanidis, Georgios
Potamianos, Maki
Team Two
Tzetzis, Ari
Vigliotti, Stavros
Vigliotti, Clemente
Meskos, Michael
Cappers, Evan
Kiritsis, Sam
Every Week
Boucounis, Alex
Koulouris, Nick
AHEPA
~ ~ ~ Thank You ~ ~ ~
Mark your calendars! The AHEPA will be
having their next meeting on Tuesday, February
17 at 6:00 PM in the lower level social hall. We
encourage all members to attend this meeting. As
always, we welcome new members to our organization. Consider joining the AHEPA!
Let‘s all get together and have some fun at
St. Sophia‘s CAFENION every Saturday. Join us
to have a good time, meet with your friends, old
and new, and any age is welcome! ALL IS FREE!
We will have all the ―Greek Pastimes‖ every Saturday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM! Coffee, Tea,
Mezethes (Snacks), Greek & American Television
(a 50 Inch Screen), Tavli (Backgammon), Cards,
and Much More! We extend an open invitation to
the entire Parish Community. Also, the ladies are
invited to join us, especially those that knit and
crochet. Come and share your talents, learn and
teach with others, bring your yarns, needles and
threads! We hope to see you at the St. Sophia
CAFENION! Sponsored by AHEPA Chapter 37.
A sincere thank you to everyone that donated cookies to the Annual Community Christmas Cookie Drive. The cookies were given to
those in need at the Soup Kitchen of St. Paul‘s Cathedral and the Salvation Army Women‘s and
Children‘s Center and were greatly appreciated.
George Sakellariou, President of AHEPA
Men‘s Study Group
The Men‘s Study Group is scheduled for
Tuesday, February 10th and Tuesday, February
17th at 4:30 PM at the Church. All men of the
parish, young and old, are invited and encouraged
to attend.
Adult Education
Tuesday 10:00 AM Bible Study
Thursday 7:00 PM Bible Study
Page 4
NEPSIS
FEBRUARY 2015
Program Schedule For Cable Television
All Programs Air on Time Warner Cable Chanel 98 in Onondaga County
Sunday Programs at 7:00 PM
Monday Programs at 7:00 PM
February 1
Your Prayer Rope
February 2
The Orthodox Liturgical Year
February 8
This Is Not Our Home
February 9
Iconography
February 15
Death and Resurrection:
An Orthodox Perspective
February 16
Church Architecture,
Vestments and Religious Articles
February 22
Fly Fishing and the Spiritual Life
February 23
Music in the Orthodox Church
Family Classic TV ~ Sponsored by St. Sophia‘s
Sundays at 6:00 PM ~ William Tell with Conrad Philips
Sundays at 6:30 PM ~ The Adventures of Robin Hood with Richard Greene
Thursdays at 8:30 PM ~ Sherlock Holmes with Ronald Coleman
And NEW on Verizon FIOS Cable TV Chanel 29 in Onondaga & Cayuga Counties…
Sunday Programs at 6:30 PM & 7:00 PM (with a repeat on Thursday at 8:30 PM & 9:00 PM)
Sunday Programs at 6:30 PM
(with a repeat on Thursday at 8:30 PM)
Sunday Programs at 7:00 PM
(with a repeat on Thursday at 9:00 PM)
February 1 and 5 ~
St. Sophia’s Sunday School: Lesson on Icons
February 1 and 5 ~
Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee
February 8 and 12 ~
Forgiveness
February 8 and 12 ~
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
February 15 and 19 ~
Remembrance of Death
February 15 and 19 ~
Sunday of the Last Judgment
February 22 and 26 ~
Having to Wait
February 22 and 26 ~
Forgiveness Sunday
SWEET THOUGHTS OF
OUR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Last month, the Philoptochos Scholarship Committee helped you seniors make
a resolution for 2015. Remember? It is your promise to plan ahead, pick up
your application forms from the office for our annual Philoptochos and St.
Sophia scholarships and present yourself as a solid candidate. We would like to
have as many worthy seniors apply as possible this year- well ahead of our May
1st deadline. But, admittedly, we are quite fussy about our choices. Why not
come and see for yourself? Step in the church office, pick up an application,
read our criteria and judge for yourself if you‘re the ―right fit‖.
Page 5
NEPSIS
February 2015
Memorials
PARISH REGISTRY
Eternal Be Their Memory
Baptism
 Marietta—Daughter of George & Angela Scopelianos
Sponsor—Samuel Scopelianos
February 1, 2015

Memorial Service
for Magdaline Morena (1 Year)

Trisagion Prayers
for Demosthenes Stathis (6 Months)
February 15, 2015

Memorial Service
for Patricia Reney (3 Years)

Trisagion Prayers
for Linda D‘Jimas (4 Years)

Trisagion Prayers
for Ethel Faratzis (19 Years)

Trisagion Prayers
for George Faratzis (30 Years)
February 2015
Coffee Hours
February 1, 2015
In Memory of Magdaline Morena
given by her family
February 15, 2015
In Memory of Patricia Reney
given by her family
September 2014
Wedding
 Patrick McCabe & Megan Whitton
Sponsor—William McCabe
October 2014
Baptisms
 Evangelia—Daughter of Steven & Heppi Vastakis
Sponsor—Mary Vastakis
Weddings
 Guiseppe Zavaglia & Evangelia Elovaris
Sponsor—Savvas Mavrikidis

Gregory Toscano & Christina Nojaim
Sponsor—Angeliki Klein
Funerals
 George Samios
November 2014
Baptism
 Demetrios—Son of Matthew & Megan Bonaventura
Sponsor—Mary Nicholas
Funerals
 Apostolos Merakis
 Gus Constas
January 2015
Funerals
 George Thomas
 James Kazacos
GODPARENTS SUNDAY & GODPARENTS SUNDAY BREAKFAST
FEBRUARY 1, 2015
All Godparents and Godchildren should prepare to
come to Church and receive Holy Communion together.
Plan to attend the breakfast that follows.
Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children, ages 12 and under.
Menu: Eggs, Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, Fruit, Orange Juice, Milk, Coffee
If your Godparent or Godchild lives out of town, send a card or call.
Encourage your Godparent or Godchild to go to Church
and receive Holy Communion on Godparents Sunday.
When you come to Church, light a special candle for your Godparent or Godchild.
Page 6
NEPSIS
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
We had a wonderful meeting last month and welcome all members, old or new, to attend this
months meeting on Sunday—February 15th after church services.
Thank you to all parish members who participated in the Vasilopita Sunday event. Your donations were sent to St Basil‘s. Congratulations to all those who found a coin in their piece of Vasilopita.
The membership table set up during January has been busy with new members signing up and current members paying their yearly dues. A special thanks to Lula Kiser who chairs the membership
table and all those who helped man the table last month.
This month Philoptochos is asking the parish members to remember the less fortunate and
bring canned goods to church to be delivered to the Food Pantry. The pantry could also use one
pound cans of coffee.
The festival baking has started and a BIG THANK YOU to all the helpers who came to church on
Saturday—January 24 . We were able to make and freeze all the Pasta Flora needed for this years
festival because so many of you gave your time and talent.
Great Lent is fast approaching and we have several activities planned including a Cheese Fare
Luncheon. We hope everyone will attend and support the philanthropic work of Philoptochos.
Maria Allis
Recording Secretary of Philoptochos
February 2015—Ladies Volunteering To Serve Coffee Hour
A special thank you to the following ladies of our community
who have volunteered to donate their time to serve coffee:
February 1, 2015
Nikki Stamoulacatos, Dorothea Theodore, Eleanor Theodore, Vana Tzivanis
February 8, 2015
Jeanette Vigliotti, Coula Voros, Artemis Voudouris, Elpis Voutsinas
February 15, 2015
Effie Weismore, Maria Allis, Stavroula Anastasiou, Niki Anthis
February 22, 2015
Geri Archambeault, Mary Assimon, Toula Assimon, Ann Arvan
~Also, for the first two weeks of March 2015~
March 1, 2015
Katina Baikos, Katherine Bristol, Corinne Cannellos, Helen Copanas
March 8, 2015
Katherine Dusckas, Alexandria Felahi, Pam Ganotis, Roslyn Georgakopoulos
Page 7
NEPSIS
YOUTH GROUP NEWS
Youth Greek Dancers Practice
Dancers in Training- Sunday, February 8 & 22
at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy at the lower social hall
Children Dancers – Sunday, February 8 & 22
at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, at the upper level
Junior Youth Dancers – Tuesday 7:00pm – 7:30pm February 3, 10, 24
at the upper level
Senior Youth Dancers – Tuesday 7:30pm- 8:00pm February 3, 10, 24
at the upper level
Practices are important as we have many new kids this year
and all Youth dance groups will perform March 22
during Greek Independence Day Celebration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greek School
Saturday February 7 & 28 10am – 12pm
We will rehearse for Greek Independence Day,
to be celebrated on Sunday March 22
at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
Greek Independence Parade
in New York City
If you are interested in going by charter bus to New York City for the Greek
Independence Day parade/celebration, reservations are being taken now. The
bus cost is $55.00 per person and the last day to reserve a seat is February 15.
Tentative day for the parade is March 29. For information and registration stop
by the table at the entrance to the gym on Sundays at the end of the Divine Liturgy or contact Mike Labatos at (315) 427-7628.
Page 8
NEPSIS
Sunday School News
February Schedule
Schedule: Feb. 1st, Feb. 8th (Group Sunday School-Carnivale!!!), and Feb. 22nd.
On February 15th there is no Sunday School due to the area Winter School Break.
Class Meetings with Father David
 Father David as of January 4th has been meeting with each class in the Church after the Divine Liturgy.
For February:
 February 1st: 4-5th grade
 February 22nd- 6-7th Grade
 March 1st: 8-9th grade
 March 15th: 10th-12th
Oratorical Festival
 Co-chairs: Liz Steinberg and Jeannie Dimkopoulos
 To date we have 14 students from the 7th-12th grade that have signed up to do a speech or essay
 We are working with the students in the development of their speeches or essays
 The Parish Level event is scheduled for March 8th
 We will be hosting the District Level event on April 19th
 Reminder: at the Parish Level – the 1st Place –Senior Division – is eligible for a Hellenic College
Scholarship for tuition worth approx. $68,000.00
 There are other scholarship opportunities for those in the speaker category who advanced to
the National Level.
Study Bibles
 Update, we did begin the role out of the Bibles to the 6-12 grade classes. We have to date
passed out approx. 26 to date.
 These Bibles are to be used in class for Bible Study exercises. Students will be able to take them
home once they have graduated from the 12th grade.
Thank you for your support! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you have or feedback.
In Christ,
Liz Steinberg, Sunday School Director
(315) 447-4445
Philoptochos Benefit Luncheon
February 22, 2015 ~ Cheesefare Sunday
The entire parish is welcome to enjoy a delicious homemade Lenten meal
in the Upstairs Social Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy
Menu: Bean Plaki, Mac & Cheese, Spinach or Cheese Pita, Salad, Dessert, Beverages
Adults $10.00 ~ $5.00 Children 6 to12, Under 5 are Free
For Reservations: Telephone Niki Anthis (315) 445-5994 or
Stop by the Philoptochos table following Sunday Church Services
Page 9
NEPSIS
Please Join Us!
PAN-ORTHODOX
LENTEN VESPERS
Schedule of Services
6:00 PM on Sundays followed by a Fasting Meal
March 1, 2015
Sunday of Orthodoxy
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church
Fr Nicolai Meyers is Preaching
March 8, 2015
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church
Jesse Brandow is Preaching
March 15, 2015
Sunday of the Holy Cross
Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church
Bishop MICHAEL is Preaching
March 22, 2015
Sunday of St. John Climacus
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church
Bishop JOSEPH is Preaching
March 29, 2015
Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church—Auburn, NY
Deacon Nicholas is Preaching
Page 10
NEPSIS
Discretionary Fund
Please look into your hearts and contribute to the Discretionary Fund. The Discretionary Fund
has always been in existence to assist those among us that are in dire need and reach out to the Church
for help. In these hard economic times there are many among us who have great struggles and need
help along the way. Please be the ―Good Samaritan‖ and donate to this very worthy fund. Donations
are payable by check to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, attention Discretionary Fund. Thank you
for your consideration and generosity. Special thank to those that have already given!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
FOLLOWING CHURCH IN THE GYMNASIUM
STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
A certain saint advises, ―Remember God in times of peace, so He can remember you in times
of sorrow.‖ We must always remember God; not only when we experience sorrow, or when we
are in need and in danger, but also when we enjoy good days with peace, health, and prosperity.
In this way, God will remember us in our time of difficulty. We should constantly keep almsgiving in mind: both material and spiritual alms. We should always repeat, ―Thine own of thine
own.‖ Nothing is ours. Everything belongs to God. Has God blessed me? I have something.
God did not send His blessing? I have nothing.
2015 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT CARD
St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church ~ 325 Waring Road Syracuse, NY 13224 ~ (315) 446-5222
In gratitude for God’s blessing I/we pledge to contribute, for Christ’s work
at St. Sophia’s Church, for 2015 a total amount of $___________
If you are interested in paying by Credit Card please contact the Church office
Name
Address
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THE COMPLETION OF THIS CARD IS A REQUIREMENT TO BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING