Newsletter - St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church

THE NEWS FROM ST. NEKTARIOS
December 21, 2015
Volume 19, Issue 12
T H E N AT I V I T Y
OF
CHRIST
A MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP DEMTRIOS
Peace, offering a divine peace that is much (Isaiah 11:4). Those who struggle without
greater than any comfort or security offered security—the poor, the hungry, the
For unto us a Child is born, and His name in this world. It is a peace that is available oppressed, the refugee, the orphan, the
will be called…Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6) to all humanity, regardless of current
sick—they can find peace in the midst of
their challenges and afflictions. In Christ, we
challenges,
threats,
living
conditions
or
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
have peace through justice and justice
stage of life. It is a peace that cannot be
On this blessed Feast of the Nativity of disturbed by the violence and insecurities of through peace, as He offers salvation to all.
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I greet
this broken world, for its origin is the God of His Incarnation is the seal of that promise.
you in the grace, joy and peace that
Justice and righteousness as a
peace, and it is sustained by His abundant
accompany this unique event. We celebrate grace.
foundation of divine and enduring peace
our Lord’s holy Incarnation as a miraculous
shows a clear distinction between the
revelation of God’s grace, and through
. . . The peace of God that is spiritual peace granted by God and the
faith we see the path to redemption,
temporal peace we often experience. In
restoration, and life without end. Our
revealed by Christ is a peace the world around us, peace is maintained
hearts are filled with joy, for our hope is
that we can have no matter through the use of force or the ability to
renewed in the fulfillment of His divine
the conditions of life, society, use it when necessary. The priority of the
promise to save us and be with us. We
rule of law is affirmed, with an emphasis
also experience the peace of God, which
or level of security. . .
on punishment or consequences for
passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7),
disrupting public order. Peace is also
as our hearts and minds are filled with the
linked to economic stability and thwarting
transforming presence of Christ.
the chaos that could ensue if systems failed.
In our celebration of the Feast of the
He has come to us as the Prince of
All of these concepts of peace are
Nativity, we acknowledge the power of the
Protocol No. 229/15
IN
THIS ISSUE
Christmas Greeting from our
Chancellor
2
Focus on our Community
2
Merry Christmas
2
The Nativity Icon
3
St. Nektarios Feast Day
Celebration & Tonsuring of
Acolytes
Five Lessons of the Magi
4—7
7
Country Fair
8-11
Military Ministry & Veterans Day
12-13
Manna from Heaven Retreat
14-15
Zoe Ministry
16
Garden of the Life-giving Spring
16
Financial Matters
17
Youth Ministries
18-19
Saints of our Faith
20
peace of God in several ways. In our Great
Vespers service we read the prophecies of
Isaiah regarding the Incarnation of Christ,
affirming the biblical revelation that His
peace restores a created order that has
been burdened by sin, violence and death.
The Prophet states that He comes with
wisdom, understanding, and righteousness,
bringing a peace by which the wolf shall
dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall
lie down with the kid, and the calf and the
young lion and the fatling together, and a
little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6).
These images reveal that the presence and
peace of our Lord restores the relationships
of creation to what God intended them to
be. Through the power of the Incarnation,
we are given a glimpse of life to come and
how it will be when the earth is full of the
knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11:9).
As the Prince of Peace our Lord also
brings to us peace through justice. In the
same passage from Isaiah we read with
righteousness He shall judge the poor, and
reprove with equity the meek of the earth
important in our lives, but they are very
limited. The peace of God that is revealed
by Christ is a peace that we can have no
matter the conditions of life, society, or level
of security. It is a peace that comes through
faith as we trust in the promises of God. As
we see in Christ and in the lives of many
Saints, it is a peace that stands in the face
of great adversity, that is not dependent on
any temporal security of life, status or
property, but is strengthened by the hope
we have in the grace of God.
As we celebrate this Feast of the Nativity
in the presence of our Incarnate Lord, and
we reflect on the significance of His birth
and the revelation of God’s grace, may your
hearts and minds be filled with His
peace. Let this peace surround us as we
deepen our faith in Christ, seek
transformation by His grace, and commit all
of our life to Him. In addition, as we proclaim
“Christ is born, Glorify Him,” may we offer a
witness of the peace that comes from
above, revealing the love of God through
our Lord’s Incarnation to all the world.
Christmas Greetings from our
Chancellor of the Metropolis of
Atlanta
If then there is any encouragement in Christ,
any consolation from love, any sharing in the
Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my
joy complete: be of the same mind, having the
same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but
in humility regard others as better than
yourselves. Let each of you look not to your
own interests, but to the interests of others. Let
the same mind be in you that was in Christ
Jesus, Who, though He was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God as something
to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the
form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form, He humbled
Himself and became obedient to the point of
death - even death on a cross. Therefore God
also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name
that is above every name, so that at the name
of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phil. 2:1-11
A
s we prepare to celebrate the
Incarnation of our Lord, God, and
Savior, Jesus Christ, on the Feast of His Holy
Nativity, let us remember in our personal
prayers as well as our efforts to prepare
ourselves leading up to this blessed
celebration:
 that we are blessed to serve as parents,
religious educators, youth workers,
ministry leaders, and instructors;
 that through our One God in Three
Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), we
are God’s One Holy People;
 that we should never be a party to any
division within the Body of Christ. Rather,
our goal is to be perfectly united in mind
and heart with all others who follow our
Incarnate Lord;
 that we should always strive not to
misplace our loyalties with this person or
that one;
 that Christ, of whom we are a part, is not
divided. He is of one mind. So let us and
all His people be together and in
agreement;
 that we should seek to be like-minded,
having the same love, one in spirit and
purpose;
 And through the Name of Jesus Christ,
the source of our unity and salvation, we
can easily accomplish these things and
more for His Glory and not ours.
May the loyalty of the shepherds, the
perseverance of the Wise Men, the joy of the
angels, and the peace of the Christ Child be
God's gift to you this Christmas time and
always. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
+Fr. George Tsahakis
Focus on our community
C elebrations, Milestones, Comfort & Support
In our prayers
Anita Asimos Pat Baker Sylvia Belk Jodie Boyce Sandy Brewer Marie Callahan
Nikki Chomakos Kathy Clewell Dee Cockinos Barbara Cook Cleo Demopoulos Shannon Elliott
Ted Gillis Bill Griggs Paul & Nancy Guthery Catherine Kalivas Nick Kefalas Helen Keramidas
Dan Kiser Dean Kondilis Peter Mannering Catherine Manthos Casey Martinez Iris Medvid
Calliope Milios Christina Nixon Kay Owens Barry Dale Price Jr. Irene Rodriguez Mary Roupas
Teziah Stalling James Tekin Mary Thayer Ernest Tsitouris Steve Tsitouris Joey Woodruff
Marion Zablotsky
And the persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the non-Christian World
AND FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
Helene Carras
Buddy Craft Jordan James Dunn Krassimire Ivanov
Michael Mentavlos Zack Millsaps
Matthew Millsaps
Amanda Moril
Elias Nickolopoulos
Anton Savin
Danielle Zervakos
Congratulations
To Frankie and Olga Hamby on the baptism of Chryssoula, Constantinos, and Panagiotis’s sister, Amalia
To George and Sara Yazbeck on the baptism of their daughter, Nora Elizabeth
To the Roy family on the birth and 40 Day Blessing of their son, Andrew and mom, Alysa
To Raleigh and Anna Davis on the baptism of their son, Raleigh Richard Davis III
To John and Lauren Richardson on the baptism of their son, John Allen Richardson III
Sympathy
To the Copsis family on the passing of Anthoula’s husband, Nick
To the Zakhem family on the passing of Wally’s father, George Simon Issa
To the Besseas family on the passing of Christina’s husband, Theodore
To the Karres family on the passing of Nick’s brother, Xenephon
To the Pappas family on the passing of Lula
To the Kondilis, Vlachos and Szymanski families on the passing of their mother, Chrysoula Kondilis
In Appreciation
The family of the late Nick Copsis would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers,
visits, cards, flowers, and support the community provided during the difficult time
of the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Thanks to Diane Gilbert and Copycat for printing the Church Bulletin and Newsletter.
Please contact the church office with information we may share with the community
or to add someone to the prayer list.
Also please contact the office when someone is in need of a clergy visit.
Merry Christmas
Albanian
Gezur Krislinjden
Greek
Καλα Χριστουγεννα
(Kala Hristougenna)
Romanian
Craciun Fericit
Arabic
Russian
I'D Miilad Said ous
Eritrean
Pozdrevlyayu s
Sana Saida
Rehus-Beal-Ledeat Prazdnikom Rozhdestva i s Novim
Ethiopian
Bulgarian
Godom
Tchestita Koleda; (Amharic) Melkin
Yelidet Beaal
Tchestito
Rojdestvo Hristovo
2
Turkish
Noeliniz Ve Yeni
Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian
Veseloho Vam
Rizdva i Shchastlyvoho Novoho
Roku!
Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
December 25
Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!
3
St. Nektarios’ feast day . . .
T
his year’s feast day celebration
started with a Sunday night
vespers service; we were honored to
have His Eminence Metropolitan
Alexios join us along with clergy from
our neighboring parishes. Vespers
concluded with the traditional
Artoclasia service (blessing of the
loaves).
As is our practice when the
Metropolitan is with us, we take that
opportunity for some of our acolytes to
be tonsured. ~ Clay Balatsias, Will
Griggs, Zachary Kontakis,
Anthony Lepkowski, David
Vashakidze and Andrew
Yateem ~ Congratulations to
our acolytes; Axios.
At the conclusion of
Vespers, all the faithful
reverently venerated the relics
and were then anointed with
the oil from the vigil candle of
the shrine.
The evening activities
ended with a delicious community
dinner graciously hosted by our Parish
Council. Several hundred people were
treated to buffet stations featuring
several types of pasta, turkey, salads
and side dishes. Thank you, Pete
Douglas and crew for a delicious meal.
While we dined we were
entertained by our St. Nektarios
Greek dancers, joined by the Holy
Trinity dancers. They ended their
segment with a dance around the
tables. Thanks to Mia BeleosOuzts for a great job on the
entertainment.
On Monday we celebrated our
feast day with Matins and Liturgy.
Following, everyone enjoyed a
feast day Panegyri/celebration
hosted by our Ladies Philoptochos
Society and prepared again by
Pete Douglas and his faithful
4
kitchen volunteers. The weekend
offered a wonderful opportunity for our
spiritual and physical fulfillment due to
the numerous hours offered by our
dedicated staff and volunteers and our
co-chairs, Mike Diamantis and John
Nichols.
. . . And Tonsuring of Acolytes . . .
5
. . . And feast day Celebration
T
hank you to all of our
volunteers who helped make
our feast day celebration a success
and also to Steve & Elham Flaherty
and their group of ladies who
came all the way from Raleigh to
help with our feast day celebration.
6
ArchAngel Michael Awards
W
e are so blessed to have hundreds
of dedicated volunteers serving in
our Lord’s ministry through St. Nektarios.
Every spring Fr. Steve selects two
individuals, one adult and one youth to
submit to the Metropolis as our Archangel
Michael Honorees.
The Archangel Michael Feast and
Honors has been prayerfully conceived as
the annual double feast of the Metropolis
family. Since 1998, the Metropolis family
comes together in Atlanta on the weekend of,
prior to, or following the November 8th feast
of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel to
honor and celebrate our patron saint and the
lives of one adult and one youth from each
parish who are living examples of the
Orthodox Christian life and the journey to
Theosis. By extension, however, this special
Metropolis feast is also the annual Metropolis
celebration and thanksgiving for all devout
stewards of faith, time, and talent,
“who first give themselves to the Lord by
the will of God”.
2 Corinthians 8:5
The honorees for 2015 from St. Nektarios are
Deacon Harry Lainis and Caleb Clewell. They
were recognized at the feast day celebration
in Atlanta on November 14th. 
Caleb Clewell and Dn. Harry Lainis
St. Nektarios 2015 Honorees
Five Lessons of the Magi
T
he unforgettable story of the journey of the Magi, as recounted in
the Gospel of Matthew, is an artful summary of the principal
dynamics of the spiritual life.
(Watch) Watching the night sky with scrupulous attention for signs of
God’s purpose, the Magi evoke the importance of alertness in the
spiritual order. We must keep our eyes open to see what God is up to.
For far too many people, the spiritual life never gets underway, precisely
because they don’t pay attention.
(Move) Once they saw the star, they moved, despite the length of the
journey and the dangers of the road. Sometimes people know what God
wants them to do, but they don’t act, either out of fear or laziness or the
influence of bad habits. In their confident journeying forth, the Magi teach
us not to miss the propitious moment. They teach us to move.
(Prepare) When they entered into Herod’s territory, the Magi caught the
attention of the king. And when they spoke to him of the birth of a new
King of the Jews, Herod became frantic and tried to use them in order to
destroy the baby. When you walk the path that God has laid out for you,
expect opposition. We live in a sinful, fallen world, and there will always
be forces at cross purposes to God.
When you come to Christ, don’t give him your second best; break open the
very best of yourself and make it a gift for him.
(Chart a New Course) Finally, they were warned in a dream not to go back to
Herod and so “they returned to their home country by another route.” As
Fulton Sheen commented so magnificently “of course they did; ’for no one
comes to Christ and goes back the same way he came!’”
(Cooperate) Refusing to cooperate with Herod’s game, the wise men
came to Bethlehem, found the child, and gave him their precious gifts.
Rev. Fr. Robert Barron
Magnificat, January 2013
7
ST. NETKARIOS COUNTRY FAIR
W
e held our first-ever Country Fair building fundraiser at St. Nektarios on October 25, 2015.
Originally scheduled for October 4th at Elatos Park, the week prior heavy rain resulting in wet
ground conditions forced a new date and venue change. We were given a second chance to make
this event one for the entire community event, as it had been envisioned to be.
We had tried a number of different themed events, over the years, in hopes to attract the entire
community to attend and support this annual fund raising program. The
Country Fair took its place among the Casino Night, Broadway Show,
Comedy Night, A Night at the Museum and others. Over the years
feedback received suggested … Make it less expensive. Make it casual
dress. Make it more of a family event. Include all kinds of music. And,
something for all ages.
That’s why this year’s theme, the Country
Fair, was developed so that everyone in the
community could come and support the
event. Hundreds of people came out for a
BBQ lunch, plus hamburgers & hotdogs,
games, pony rides, inflatable slide, pie-baking
contests, cake walk, square dancing, country
music show, dancing, donut eating contest,
silent auction and, lots of great family fun. We
all now anticipate next
years Fair.
FOOD
DANCING
8
ST. NETKARIOS COUNTRY FAIR
GAMES
HORSEBACK RIDING
9
ST. NETKARIOS COUNTRY FAIR
ENTERTAINMENT
10
COUNTRY FAIR Workers
Thank you to our volunteers
from cooks to servers to
decorators, pie & cake makers,
photographers, entertainers, chairpersons, salespersons, and
everyone else who donated 100’s of hours of their time to help put
the “fun” in our 2015 Building Fundraiser.
John Miller & Katie Caltis– Co-chairs
Kholoud Alyateem—advance ticket sales; Bill & Jean Seymour, Rita Castanas—ticket exchange
Sandi Gallins & Katie Caltis—theme baskets & Silent Auction
Individuals & Catechism families—theme baskets
Pete Douglas. Ron Wheatley, Gus Stamas, and Tim Klund—kitchen crew
Jim Thomas, Ron Drobonick, Gary Anderson, and Tim Shelton—grill
Kellie Karavokiros, Christie Asimos, Ana Sistare—decorating
Tina & Omer Heracklis—food & beverage coordinators; Elaine Miller & GOYA—field games
Tish Merrill—Country Show Director with Bill Leonidas, Ana Levantis, Laurel Bacogeorge,
Dennis Kokenes, Maria Kleto, and Niki Kleto
Heather Korolos and Philoptochos Ladies—Cake Walk; Kim Braswell Clewell—photographer
Peter Reinhart, Pitsa Karres, and Gary Anderson—pie judges
George Bacogeorge, Niki Kleto, Bess Vrettos, Evelyn Klund, and Madalina & John Lowen—tickets
Dino Athanas — donation of beer; Tommy Kleto—logistics;
Gus Stamas, Dimetry Loren, Dee Hatjioannou, Bill & Jean Seymour ~Sunday Hospitality Team and the
office staff for their support and assistance
11
Honoring our veterans
***Stories & letter from His Eminence reprinted from December 2013***
O
n Sunday, November 8th, we paid tribute to served in Germany during WW II. He earned the
our parish members who are veterans. We Purple Heart when wounded in hand-to-hand
said a prayer for them and held the Fellowship
combat with bayonets.
Coffee Hour, in part, in their honor.
Ron Drobonick was drafted into the Army in
1965. He did not want to serve but what pulled
Somehow, it just doesn’t seem to be enough.
him through basic training was thinking about his
Veterans have sacrificed so much for so many.
dad, a PFC serving in the European Theatre
Whether enlisted or drafted, our military
representatives were ready and willing to defend during WW II. His father earned the Bronze Star
our way of life. Transitioning from military life back for capturing a German outpost during the Battle
of the Bulge. He was an inspiration to Ron.
into the civilian world is a challenge. Many
veterans lack the resources they need to make
George Stephenson served in the Air Force
this transition. Veterans have an alarmingly high
working with flight plans. During one briefing
rate of suicide, depression, divorce,
overseas, he met Col. Paul Tibbets who flew the B
homelessness, and substance abuse. Please
-29 plane and dropped the bomb over Hiroshima.
keep all veterans in your daily prayers and let
them know how much their service means to you
Sam Kleto’s
and your family.
dad, Tom,
served in the
We had the opportunity to talk to a few of our
former servicemen and learned some interesting Army’s Tank
Division. Sam
and touching facts about their families, buddies,
has a
and themselves.
photograph of
his dad, Fr.
Mike Neary retired from the U.S. Air Force after
Mamalis
serving 28 years. He held many positions in
(Dennis Kokenes’ uncle), and Bill Anderson (Gary
Security and in doing so provided security for
Surveillance Aircraft and Mission reconnaissance Anderson’s uncle). All three friends served in the
prior to all other personnel advancing to those
areas.
Bill Seymour
was on active duty
during the Korean
War from 19521956, later serving
in the Reserves until
1960. While serving
aboard the aircraft
carrier, USS
Bennington CVA-20
in the Atlantic,
explosions involving
the catapults
resulted in a
massive fire killing
and severely burning hundreds of officers and
enlisted men. The memory of this disaster will
always be a lasting memory for Bill and his
shipmates. Toward the end of Bill’s active duty he
was one of three technical specialists selected to
train Danish and Japanese Navy crews on ships
given to those nations by our government.
While serving in Greece in the 50’s, Steve
Constantelos often thought of Greece’s long
history of civil wars... remembering being taught in
school that the Spartan’s sent their soldiers out to
crush the Athenians, telling the troops,
“If you don’t win, don’t come back.”
John Andromidas served in the Marines during
the Korean War. He remembers another soldier
whose torso looked like a pegboard...he survived
10 - 12 bullet wounds. John’s brother, Harry,
12
European Theatre during WW II and met each
other in Paris where the photo was taken.
Jeff Clewell served in the 3rd Armored Division in
Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the
bonze star for rendering medical aid while taking
fire in a war zone. Jeff also received a
Humanitarian Service Medal for rendering medical
aid to the Iraqi people surviving the heavily
bombed areas in southern Iraq. He remembers
setting up a secure perimeter and looking out
seeing miles of people in lines so long that they
became just dots in the distance. Another memory
is living in continual darkness for three days
because the burning oil wells had blotted out the
light of the sun.
These are but glimpses into the lives of some of
our veterans. To all who served gallantly, our
heartfelt thanks. We can never repay you for the
sacrifices you made on our behalf.
Veterans, thank you for your service and
God Bless You all.
Military ministry ~
honoring our veterans
O
n November 8th we
offered a memorial
service for our departed
veterans and a special coffee
hour to honor the military
veterans in our community.
Freedom is not “free” and we
want to thank each and every
one of you that have served
our country so that we may
sleep peacefully as we enjoy
our freedom.
Our Active Military and Veterans who joined us for a
special reception in their honor
Front Row: Bill Seymour, John Frangoulis, Pete Couchell,
Ron Drobonick, George Stephenson, John Bugg
2nd Row: Tom Clewell, John Crambes, Gus Stamas, Mike Clewell,
3rd Row: Mike Neary, John Andromidas, Constantine Zitsos,
Kyriakos Gionis,George Couchell
4th Row: Kras Ivanov, Henry Dellinger, Bryan Steel, Chris Chopelas,
Jeff Clewell, Pete Candemeres, Joseph Candela
Not Pictured: Other veterans not in attendance or who missed this
photo opportunity, but not forgotten for their service.
Fr. Steve Dalber
13
M a n n a f r o m h e av e n r e t r e at at t h e
d i a ko n i a c e n t e r , s a l e m S C ~ O c t o b e r 1 6 - 1 8 t h
T
he Metropolis of Atlanta Family Life
Ministry put together a special panOrthodox retreat called Manna From Heaven for
single mothers (whether through divorce, widow
ship or unmarried) and their children at the
Diakonia Center in Salem, SC the weekend of
October 16-18th. It was hosted by Paula
Marchman, Nick Kostopoulos, and Fr. Gregory
Georgiou and sponsored by a generous grant
from Leadership 1000. I attended the retreat with
my children this weekend.
Honestly, I was a little hesitant to attend this
retreat, but I thought it would be good for me and
my children. As we embarked on our journey on
Friday afternoon, our car broke down in the
middle of I-485 in rush hour traffic. It was a
terrifying experience because people were
skidding around us when the traffic finally started
to move. A nice gentlemen pulled us off of the
road and jumpstarted the car enough to get us to
safety. We had to tow the car and it was almost
8:30 p.m. before we arrived home.
As any mom knows, being a mom in and of itself
is not an easy task. There are so many things
you must juggle to make sure everything goes
smoothly. Motherhood is a tiring, but joyful
experience. On this Friday night, after the day’s
activities, I had completely lost my desire to go. I
was exhausted, frustrated and wondering if this
was a sign to stay home. I asked my children
what they thought. My eleven year old said she
had lost her joy about it but my youngest (9 yrs.)
said she still wanted to go. My mom suggested
that I rent a car. Renting a car at $64.00/day is
not exactly in my budget but I did it. I have to say
that the car alone was worth the trip (LOL). It was
such a smooth drive and not taxing in the least.
In all seriousness though, I know it was because
of the prayers from the group.
We arrived on Saturday afternoon and were
greeted by Edna King who said to let Paula know
we had arrived. Paula has such a grace and love
about her. She said the group had been praying
for us and anxiously awaiting our arrival. She
said they now felt complete. I could see the
peace and joy of the Lord in her eyes and she
was so gracious. I was immediately at ease.
Ease is not something I have felt in the last two
lack of desire to be with other people when I
would rather crawl into a hole. For a mother
especially, you want to shield your children
from every thing that would make them
uncomfortable or insecure. It took real
determination and perseverance just to “make
the drive down”.
Vespers Service and homily lead by
Fr. Gregory Georgiou
Canoeing on the lake
The girls were excited as we unpacked our
bags and headed down to go canoeing with the
rest of the group. It was their first time
canoeing and they thoroughly enjoyed every
second of it and also making new friends.
After canoeing we changed clothes and
headed to a Vespers service lead by Father
years of my life.
Divorce is never easy
and has taken a toll
on all of us. I don’t
like to speak about it
as it is embarrassing
and I feel vulnerable
and like a failure on
many days. For
those of you who
have been through
this difficult time, I
know you understand
the struggle and my
14
The New Dining Hall overlooking the lake
M a n n a f r o m h e av e n r e t r e at at t h e
d i a ko n i a c e n t e r , s a l e m S C ~ O c t o b e r 1 6 - 1 8 t h
Middle Left—Sunday morning Holy Communion, Middle—Creating a family icon box,
Far Right—Paula playing games with the children
Special presentation by the children
Gregory which was a perfect way to end the
day in peace and reverence.
Following Vespers we headed to the new
dining hall for dinner. As we gathered around
the table we had fun, light-hearted
conversation. The children gave a presentation
and we read scripture. After dinner, we
bundled up and walked down to the lake for
campfire singing and s’mores. What a great
time of fellowship where someone would hum
On Sunday morning we awoke to the beauty of
God’s creation. There was a chill in the air and
fog lightly touching the lake as we walked to
Matins. After Divine Liturgy, we were treated to
a delightful brunch of the best scrambled eggs
I’ve ever tasted and the best cheese grits as
well (I don’t even eat grits)
and skewers of chicken
and fruit. The meal was
just as delicious as the
one the night before.
Since we arrived late and
missed most of Saturday’s
activities Paula and Edna
helped
the girls
with a
special
craft. We all participated in
creating our very own family
icon box. Because we were
short on time we did not get a
chance to hike around the
lake and meet the animals but
we definitely plan on coming
back next year. They have
horses and sheep that graze
around the lake.
Singing, fellowship & eating s’mores around the campfire
a few bars of a song and we
would all guess the song and
then sing it! As we retired to our
rooms, Paula suggested the
children play some games by
passing a ball and answering
questions if you caught it. She
played Uno with the children as
we watched. They laughed and
had so much fellowship.
Although we could have joined
in, it was a blessing just to watch.
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As I said earlier, this is not a trip that I was
looking forward to but God really answered the
group’s prayers for us. The trip down was
relaxing and fun and we were able to stop
along the way and see some sights. The return
trip was equally relaxing and didn’t even feel
like we were in the car for three hours. We
were refreshed and have no regrets.
I had not been to the Diakonia Center since
2005 but it is definitely not the same place as it
was before. They have built a new dining hall
and the grounds have changed as well. What a
blessing to be able to spend time with your
children and enjoy that time instead of worrying
about all of the details. It was such a peaceful
experience that I will never forget and I
encourage every single mom to attend next
year.
Kim Braswell Clewell
Life & family ministry ~ Zoe Memorial SVC
S
t. Nektarios offers the Zoe
Ministry which helps to
provide spiritual support and
resources for families who have
suffered infant loss through
miscarriages, stillbirth and/or neonatal loss (recent or years ago).
Each year near the feast day of St.
Stylianos, and before Christmas, we
have a special memorial service to
remember these babies. An angel
ornament symbolizing the child’s
guardian angel is placed on our Christmas
Tree in their memory. It is a wonderful time
of year to remember these special babies
and honor their patron saint, St. Stylianos. 
Garden of the life giving spring
Project Status Update
First batch of pavers have
arrived.
 Final size for the Mosaic area
confirmed. Icon expected to be
installed by February
 Concrete foundation has
cured.
 Side panels added.
 Waterproofing the inside is
next step.
 Once that has cured, tile will
be installed.

Paver orders are still being accepted for second phase of installation.
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Financial Mat ters
Stewardship
Ministry
Offering of
Treasure
So You Know . . .
Stewardship
$717,000 Budget Goal
$701,207 Pledges Made
January - November
Operating Income
$790,900 — Monthly
Budgeted Expenses
$637,000 — Actual
Stewardship Received
$133,000 — Other Income
Received
$80,000 — Needed to
reach our Budget Goal
It’s not too late to become
a steward for 2015. Just
note “stewardship” on
your offering!
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FOR THE THIRD WONDERFUL YEAR IN A ROW, we celebrated the GOYA Christmas party
at the home of Elias & Constance Gianakopoulos, hosted by their fabulous parents, Gus &
Phyllis!! Many, many thanks for this wonderful hospitality.
We had our usual fun and fellowship: roasting marshmallows on the fire pit Dr. Gus lit for us
to make s’mores; playing some pick-up basketball—boys vs
girls—next to the fire pit, LOL; celebrating four December
birthdays; feasting on massive amounts of food & beverage!!
This year our party coincided with an important Panthers
game—going for 12-0—and we managed to fit some rowdy cheers
into the evening and made sure it was PANTHERS WIN!!
Next up: our TACKIEST ATTIRE CONTEST. There were lots
of creative outfits, with antlers and bells and vintage sweaters.
Based on very rigorous voting criteria, the winners this year were:
Mary Katherine O’Brien, Julianna Francis, and Evan Harakas
(who won for being cool enough to wear his Yiayia’s Christmas
sweater).
Our usual goofy gift swap game got shortened (Panthers game
took precedence) to a crazed gift grab that was fun. And so,
another Merry Christmas to all & to all a GOOD NIGHT!
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ST. NEKTARIOS hosted Opera Carolina
this year for an evening of carols—traditional
English & Greek. As this event replaced our
usual Christmas presentation of THE LORD
HAS COME, which usually offers performance
opportunities to our 4th—12th graders , we
asked the kids if they would like to add a bit to
the evening. We got an enthusiastic YES from
a group who were determined that we would
have CAMELS, no matter what.!!
With help from the Youth Advisory Board—Kabee Kokenes, Gerry Clonaris, Alexis Maloney, and Helen Giles—plus the costume skills of
Irma Azar, we were able to create some magic. In the sanctuary as the Opera sang “We Three Kings,” Wise Man George Holevas and a
procession of Wise Man Peter Farah and two CAMELS (Alex Giles, Christian Cockinos, Dimitri Liapis, John Luke Farah) approached the
solea at the end of the concert, inquiring about a STAR. The procession led the Opera and audience out of the Sanctuary, to be met by
a choir of angels (Argia Papas, Olivia Jurney, Nicole Azar, Joanne Azar) singing “Hark the Herald Angels,” with the Opera once again
joining in. The procession continued along a
luminary lit pathway to a STAR marked door
into the Hall where the Holy Family
awaited—Mary, Joseph & the Child
(Laura Wallace, Christos Karamitros).
With help from crew—Katherine Giles, Michael Azar, and Joshua Cockinos—a moment of darkness fell on the Hall, then
JOY TO THE WORLD rang out as the LIGHT returned to shine upon our living Nativity Icon and we all joined in to sing the glad news,
“Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come!!”
Each Sunday they descend into the Catacombs for something special….
They are the 9th—10th grade class, taught by Gerry Clonaris with assistance from Brianna
Clewell and Niki Kleto. The Catacombs are actually the basement garage of
the old house which was on the property when we bought it back in 1998. Cedar block walls,
a concrete floor and one remaining garage door (with a bit of a gap below it) makes for a rustic and
sometimes chilly class room. The students are stalwart and their teachers are dedicated. Coach
Gerry (he also coaches basketball) offers a two-year course which includes Year 1 on The Beginning
of Our Church, The Early Development of Orthodoxy, Traditions versus Customs, God The Father, The Journey
Through Pascha, and The Life of Blessed Theotokos; and Year 2 on The Creation, The Invisible World of The
Angels, Understanding Our Icons, Satan and The End Times, and Strengthening My Faith.
At the end of their two years in the
Catacombs, these students head to The
Porch for 2 years on taking their faith into
the world.
Well done, good & faithful teachers and
students!!
w
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Daniel the Prophet & Ananias, Azarias, & Misail,
the Three Holy Youths December 17
T
he Prophet Daniel and the Three Children were all
descended from the royal tribe of Judah. In the year 599
before Christ, in the reign of Joachim, who was also called
Jechonias (I Chron. 3:16, and II Chron. 36:8), while yet children,
these righteous ones were led away as captives into Babylon
together with the other Jews by Nabuchodonosor. He singled
them out from among the other captives to serve him, and
renamed them thus: Daniel was named Baltazar; Ananias,
Sedrach: Misail, Misach; and Azarias, Abednago. They were reared in the royal court,
and taught the wisdom of the Chaldeans; and after the passage of three years, they
surpassed all the Chaldean sages (Dan. 1).
Thereafter, Daniel, being still a lad, interpreted that mysterious image seen by
Nabuchodonosor in a dream, an image that was composed of different metals, but
was shattered and ground to dust by a certain stone which had been hewn out of a
mountain without the hand of man. This vision clearly portrayed through the mountain
the height of the Virgin's holiness and the power of the Holy Spirit which
overshadowed her. Through the image of the Stone, Christ was portrayed, Who was
seedlessly born of her, and Who by His coming as the Godman would shatter and
destroy all the kingdoms of the world, which were portrayed through the image; and
He would raise them that believe in Him into His Heavenly Kingdom, which is eternal
and everlasting (ibid. 2:31-45). Thereupon, he signified in prophecy the time of His
appearance in the Jordan, the beginning of His preaching of the Gospel, the time of
His saving Passion, and the cessation of the worship according to the Mosaic Law,
(ibid. 9:14-27). He portrayed most excellently the majestic and dread image of His
second coming, presenting by means of words, as with living colours, the fiery throne
which shall be set, the Eternal Judge Who shall sit thereon, the river of fire that shall
flow forth before Him, the calling to account before the impartial judgment seat, the
opened books of each ones deeds, the thousands upon thousands of them that
minister to Him, and the ten thousands of them that stand in His presence (ibid. 7: 910). Daniel (whose name means "God is judge") was called "man of desires" by the
Angels that appeared (ibid. 9:23), because he courageously disdained every desire of
the body, even the very bread that is necessary for nourishment. Furthermore, he
received this name because, in his longing for the freedom of those of his tribe, and
his desire to know their future condition, he ceased not supplicating God, fasting and
bending the knee three times a day. Because of this prayer he was cast into the den
of lions, after he had been accused by his enemies as a transgressor of the decree
issued through the proclamation of the king, that no one should worship or ask for
anything from God or from men for thirty days, but only from the king. But having
stopped the mouths of the lions by divine might, and appearing among them as
though he were a shepherd of sheep, Daniel showed the impious the might of
godliness (ibid. 6:1-23).
As for the Three Children, Ananias ("Yah is gracious"), Misail ("Who is what God is?),
and Azarias ("Yah is keeper"), since they refused to offer adoration to
Nabuchodonosor's image, they were cast into the furnace of fire. They were
preserved unharmed amidst the flames - even their hair was untouched - by the
descent of the Angel of the Lord, that is, the Son of God. Walking about in the
furnace, as though in the midst of dew, they sang the universal hymn of praise to
God, which is found in the Seventh and Eighth Odes of the Holy Psalter. And coming
forth therefrom, without even the smell of the fire on their clothes (Dan. 3), they
prefigured in themselves the Virgin's incorrupt giving of birth; for she, on receiving the
Fire of the Godhead within her womb, was not burned, but remained virgin, even as
she was before giving birth.
Therefore the Church celebrates the Three Children and Daniel on this day, on
the Sunday of the Forefathers, and on the Sunday before the Nativity of Christ, since
they prefigured and proclaimed His Incarnation. Furthermore, they were of the tribe of
Judah, wherefrom, Christ sprang forth according to the flesh. The holy Three Children
completed their lives full of days; as for the Prophet Daniel, he lived until the reign of
Cyrus, King of Persia, whom he also petitioned that his nation be allowed to return to
Jerusalem and that the Temple be raised up again, and his request was granted. He
reposed in Peace, having lived about eighty-eight years. His prophetical book, which
is divided into twelve chapters, is ranked fourth among the greater Prophets.
DIRECTORY
Church Office: 704-708-4669
Church Fax: 704-846-6094
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stnektarios.org
5108 Kuykendall Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28270
Father Steve Dalber, Protopresbyter
Home: 704-708-4638
Cell Phone: 704-451-6524
Email: [email protected]
Father John Wallace
Home: 704-905-2558
Cell Phone: 704-905-2558
Email: [email protected]
Father Seraphim Dedes
Music Ministry
Phone: 704-719-3074
Email: [email protected]
Father Stephanos Potter, Deacon
Father Paul Tsahakis, Deacon
Parish Council
President: Deidre Lepkowski
Vice President: Sam Kleto
Secretary: Maria Mortis
Treasurer: Theodora Sexstone
Ass’t Treasurer: Peter Keretsis
Ass’t Secretary: Patrick Taylor
Members: Andrew Bahanovich,
Mike Diamantis, Chris Levantis
Leo Maganares, and John Nichols
Parish Administrator
Evelyn Klund
Administration Staff
Madalina Lowen, Kim Clewell
Carol Jelush, Niki Kleto
Dir. Youth Ministries, Elaine Miller
Property Manager, Dena Kondilis
Philoptochos Board
President: Maria Wheatley
Vice President: Bessie Vrettos
Recording Secretary: Heather Korolos
and Renee Tsefrikas,
Coresp. Secretary: Helen Clonaris,
Treasurer: Evelyn Klund,
Ass’t. Treasurer: Dee Drobonick,
Members: Thalia Fergione, Maria Kleto,
Melisa Galasso, Joanne Kiser,
Ana Levantis, Madalina Lowen,
Ritsa Neary, Charlotte Nickolopoulos
SUNDAYS AT
SAINT NEKTARIOS
Worship
Matins & Divine Liturgy: 8:15 a.m.
Youth Catechism:
Following Holy Communion
Catechism will resume January 10th
Fellowship Coffee:
Following the Divine Liturgy
Prosfora
Please contact the church office or Christie
Asimos at 704-756-1512 if you would like
to provide Prosfora.
Coffee Hour
Please contact the church office if you
would like to host or co-host a Coffee Hour
on Sunday. Your Stewardship pays for the
coffee hour refreshments provided by the
Hospitality Ministry Team.
Flowers
You may donate flowers in honor of a
family member’s feast day, in memory
of a loved one or friend, on the occasion
of a holiday, or simply as a gift to the
community of St. Nektarios. To donate
flower arrangements to be placed at the
Iconostasis or in the Narthex for Sunday
Services, please contact the church office
to reserve a Sunday.
Sacramental Wine
& Pure Olive Oil
You may make a financial gift to help
defray the cost of the sacramental wine
that is used for Holy Communion. Please
note on the memo line of your check or on
the envelope “Communion Wine”. You may
also donate a bottle or can of pure olive oil
which is then blessed at the Shrine of St.
Nektarios and is offered in the anointing
kits. Please feel free to bring this with you
to any of our services and give to an usher
on duty.
For additional information contact the
church office.
UPCOMING DEADLINE
Newsletter & Bulletin:
Information Due: January 12, 2016
Published: January 22, 2016
OUR MISSION:
St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church is dedicated to the continuation
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s ministry of salvation
through the proclamation and teaching of the Gospel;
through Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
and through loving service to God and to mankind.
OUR VISION:
The community will provide a loving, caring and welcoming
environment where all belong and grow in the faith through
worship, service, witness, and fellowship.
http//www.goarch.org "Copyright © Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA,
used by permission. All rights reserved."
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