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2016 June Monthly Newsletter - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis (636) 527-7843 (314) 974-4613cell ST. NICHOLAS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas (314)909-6999 ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495 Office (314)361-6924 (314)395-8704 Fax (314)361-3539 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sngoc.org ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER 12550 SOUTH 40 DRIVE ST. LOUIS, MO 63141 June 2016 Volume 20 - Number 6 Ahh! … Summertime! Pentecost Sunday, June 19th The Church celebrates the major Feast of Pentecost during a season when most people are trying to take break. In June we celebrate the Sunday of All Saints. The Feast of all Saints is not a left over Sunday for people named ‘Bubba” or “Wolfgang” to celebrate their name day. The Church celebrates the entire family of God, the family of holy men and women dedicated to God. The Feast of all Saints celebrates the Family to whom you and I belong. We should be thankful and take advantage of the major Feasts being celebrated in the summer. It is good thing for us to slow down our schedules this summer, especially when it relates to the Church. Father Calivas would remind us at Seminary, “Be careful when serving the Church. Do not create just a bunch of programs. Serve the Church and offer the Church to the people.” We will celebrate the Feasts of Pentecost and Saints Peter and Paul in the month of June. We can slow down our schedules and realize especially this month the spiritual gifts we have received from God. Many of us have been rushing for one meeting to the next and trying to climb one ladder of success after another. I have experienced myself the mistake of placing my ladder on the wrong building. The Feasts of June remind us of our true purpose in life, to share in the life of Christ. Bishop Gerasimos of blessed memory shared these words which he lived, “The Orthodox religion is a living experience of the presence of God.” The summer can be a wonderful time for us to remember and rejoice in the gift we receive at Pentecost. We celebrate the gift of the Church. Pentecost celebrates that we do not have to be separated from God or from one another. Embrace the Feasts of our Lord this summer. Spend time with your family and friends. Invite them to your home and share your love and enthusiasm for God. Miracles can happen in the summer. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania wrote, “When confronted by a convert of the faith, I also am a convert. Each and every day I am converted to a deeper understanding and relationship with my Lord and God.” Have a great summer! -Father Jordan Brown 1 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 St. Nicholas Servants 2016 PARISH COUNCIL Dr. Andrew Galakatos, President Mary Ann Mastorakos, Vice-President Robert Meyer, Secretary Joseph Palazzola, Treasurer Christine Anastas, Assistant Treasurer Nicky Antoniou Elizabeth Glynias Stefan Glynias Yemane Habtu Jonathan Hartley Marilynn Jemas Fifi Scarato Peter Takes Demetrios Tsikalas Thomas Whaley 314-922-4457 636-458-8577 314-494-5794 314-313-5986 314-647-4636 314-878-7720 314-550-7903 314-406-5899 636-532-4665 618-520-9569 636-532-3484 314-471-7781 314-862-2866 314-481-6879 314-575-7438 Roxana Couternais Peter Lemakis Joe Palazzola Janet Papageorge Mark Vleisides 314-752-0252 314-965-6137 314-313-5986 314-878-3513 314-576-2898 Fr. Douglas Papulis Fr. Michael Arbanas Stefan Glynias, Chairman Teddy Hart Michael Ferretti John Koch Mary Ann Mastorakos Steve Ott Michael Pappas Michael Tsichlis Demetrios Tsikalas Chris Varvares 314-361-6924 314-425-9641 314-644-1875 314-997-4826 636-458-8577 636-922-7732 636-532-3222 636-230-8066 636-207-7789 314-849-2309 314-481-6879 314-374-3674 William Karides, Chairman Pat Johnson Irene Schildroth 636-281-0727 314-832-0061 314-845-2434 Michael Angelides Roxana Couteranis Helen Leara Dean Millonas Tina Paradowski 314-726-4019 314-752-0252 314-849-3707 314-440-6724 314-781-0781 James Anno, Chairman Elaine Coulson Zachary Kostopoulos 405-762-0528 314-991-5033 617-501-2678 Nick Tharenos, Chairman Mike Kamburis Nick Koskolos Robert Meyer Sam Mezines 314-576-7011 636-227-3649 636-300-0211 314-645-2174 314-878-8144 John Koch, Chairman George J. Bude Voula Francis Sakis Salas Dan Tarlas Peter Vaccaro 636-922-7732 314-579-9151 314-822-1176 636-379-2109 314-968-5010 314-781-7700 Barbara Corrigan Yemane Habtu Denise Karras Peter Takes 314-576-1576 636-532-4665 314-368-4205 314-862-2866 Georgia Ferretti, President 636-458-8577 AUDIT COMMITTEE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE CEMENTARY COMMITTEE ELECTION COMMITTEE LIBRARY COMMITTEE PHYSICAL FACILITIES -CHURCH Dino Pappas, Chairman 314-701-8118 Bill Coulson 314-991-5033 Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 Mike Stamatakis Tom Thavorides 314-965-7127 PHYSICAL FACILITIES –FAMILY LIFE PLANNED GIVING SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE PHILOPTOCHOS St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute Michael G. Tsichlis, PhD 314-361-6924 x330 CHURCH SCHOOL Co-Directors Bess Fitzmaurice Despina Hartley HANDMAIDENS 636-343-3849 618-447-6548 Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359 Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 DANCE TROUPE Announcements “With us everything should be secondary compared to our concern with children, and their upbringing in the instruction and teaching of the Lord.” -St. John Chrysostom Hunger June is a busy month; end of most schools, graduation, weddings, etc. one day seems to go by as just another day! This month, we have “Father’s Day” June 19, 2016, which also happens to be Holy Pentecost, Holy Ascension Saint Peter & Paul, all Saints and Holy Apostles plus the nativity of John the Baptist. Father’s Day – how many times do we use the word ‘Father’ in our daily prayers, our priests are called ‘Father’ and God who is the universal of all, sent his only Son to us for love, happiness, and humility, and the saying “just wait till your father comes home!” Well, I know father’s always have their “favors” – their little daughters, wishing that they never grow-up. But think of all the memories you have; growing up with “Father Knows Best!” Therefore think of all fathers this year, happiness, sorrow and never forgetting that this was part of you. God and your parents who worried since the day you were born. Happy Father’s Day to All Fathers, Grandfathers, Godfathers! .Roxana Couternais GOYA Debbie Palazzola 636-458-2133 Presvytera Caroline Arbanas Stavra Ketchmark 314-909-6999 314-792-8402 JR. GOYA HOPE Rebecca Christophi Georgina Grant The St. Nicholas Book Group will meet Monday, June 13 to discuss the novel Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead. In this modern novel of manners, the members of a family gather on a New England island for a wedding, and the events surrounding the wedding highlight themes like love, social status and mid-life crisis. Shipstead has been called a modern-day Edith Wharton. We will meet at 7pm at the Family Life Center. EVERYONE is welcome. PLEASE JOIN US!!! Please submit all articles by the 10th of month Email: [email protected] JOY OUR LITTLE ANGELS/CHERUBS 2 . St. Nicholas Book Group Thank You Jennifer English, Editor St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 PRESIDENT’S NOTES Andrew E Galakatos MD PHONE: 314.922.4457 [email protected] CHRISTOS ANESTI ΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ Τουρνουά Γκολφ 6ης Μαΐου Ήθελα να συγχαρώ και να ευχαριστήσω PETER VACCARO, ROBERT MUCKLER, CAROL KAMBURIS και όλη την ομάδα τους για μια εξαιρετική Εκκλησία Τουρνουά Γκολφ της Παρασκευής 6ης Μάη @ Forest Park. Παρακαλούμε σχέδιο για συμμετεχόντων επόμενο έτος για το ίδιο χρονικό διάστημα του έτους. CHURCH GOLF TOURNAMENT 6 MAY Wish to compliment and thank PETER VACCARO, ROBERT MUCKLER, CAROL KAMBURIS and their entire team for an outstanding Church Golf Tournament Friday 6 May at Forest Park. Please plan on participating next year about this same time of the year. PARTICIPATION IN THE ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL Please begin to view the FLYERS & the NEWSLETTER on how you can help participate in this magnificent event Friday thru Monday (2 thru 5 September). ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΠΤΩΣΗ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ Παρακαλούμε να αρχίσουν να δείτε τα φυλλάδια και το ενημερωτικό δελτίο a / b πώς μπορείτε να βοηθήσετε να συμμετέχουν σε αυτό το υπέροχο εκδήλωση της Παρασκευής μέσα από τη Δευτέρα (Σεπτέμβριος 2 έως 5). NEW 2016 PARISH ADDRESS BOOK Please contact the CHURCH OFFICE at 314.361.6924 or [email protected] OR MARILYNN JEMAS @ 636.541.1517 or [email protected] to UPDATE your MAILING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER and E-MAIL ADDRESS for the forthcoming non-photo 2016 PARISH ADDRESS BOOK. ΝΕΟ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΕΩΝ 2016 ΕΝΟΡΙΑ Παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας @ 314.361.6924 ή [email protected] ... ή ... Marilynn Jemas @ 636.541.1517 ή [email protected] να ενημερώσετε την ταχυδρομική διεύθυνση, αριθμό τηλεφώνου και e-mail σας για την επικείμενη μη-φωτογραφία 2016 ΕΝΟΡΙΑ ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΕΩΝ. MONTHLY NEWSLETTER DELIVERY BY E-MAIL / INTERNET Starting with this June edition, the NEWSLETTER will be sent by E-MAIL / INTERNET. Those 100 + who informed the Church office will continue to receive the NEWSLETTER by REGULAR MAIL The Newsletter is routinely posted … along with archives (past editions) … on our Church WEBSITE @ www.sngoc.org under CURRENT BULLETIN. If you know of senior friends or relatives who have not notified the Office, please do so for them by calling 314.361.6924. ΜΗΝΙΑΙΑ ΠΑΡΑΔΟΣΗ NEWSLETTER ΜΕ E-MAIL / INTERNET Ξεκινώντας με αυτό το τεύχος του Ιουνίου, το ενημερωτικό δελτίο θα αποστέλλεται μέσω e-mail / INTERNET. Εκείνοι 100 + ο οποίος ενημέρωσε το γραφείο Εκκλησία θα συνεχίσει να λαμβάνετε το newsletter με κανονικό ταχυδρομείο Το Ενημερωτικό Δελτίο είναι συνήθως δημοσιεύτηκε ... μαζί με τα αρχεία (προηγούμενες εκδόσεις) ... στην Εκκλησία μας ΙΣΤΟΣΕΛΙΔΑ @ www.sngoc.org Σύμφωνα με την ισχύουσα ΔΕΛΤΙΟ. Εάν γνωρίζετε ανώτερων φίλους ή συγγενείς που δεν έχουν κοινοποιηθεί στο Γραφείο, παρακαλώ να το κάνετε για αυτούς με την κλήση 314.361.6924. Holy Communion The Sacrament of Holy Communion-the Eucharist which literally means “Thanksgiving,” is the Mystery whereby the bread and wine of offering are changed, actually, not symbolically, into the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is at the very center of the Church’s life, and from it flows the prayer of believers in a sacrifice of entreaty for the peace of the world, for all those who ask for help, and for all men and women. Jesus? We pray. We should have love in our hearts for all people. We should ask forgiveness from God and from our parents, brothers, and sisters, and from anyone we may have hurt. When we come before the priest for Communion, we make the sign of the cross, we tell the priest our baptismal name, hold the Communion cloth under our chin, and we open our mouth wide. After receiving, we wipe our lips with the communion cloth, we make the sign of the cross, and hand the Communion cloth to the person next to us. Once we received Communion, we must remember that we have become one with Christ and with all those who received Communion with us. Christ now lives in all of us. We are all living icons of Jesus. It is by loving one another that we love Jesus. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. God lives in us. Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His hands, to help those in need. When we receive communion, we become members of Christ’s Body, the Church. This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet but our feet to His Work in the world today. What kind, thoughtful act will you do for Jesus today? “The Eucharist unites us in the most intimate fashion with the Lord; it nourishes our soul and body, and aids our strengthening, increase, and growth in spiritual life. According to the promise of the Gospel, “he that eats this bread will live forever.” -The Gospel of John 6:58 The cup which holds the wine that becomes the blood of Christ is the chalice, THE CUP OF SALVATION. When we kneel during the liturgy, we pray with the priest that God the Holy Spirit may change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus. This means that when we receive Holy Communion, Jesus comes to live in us. How do we prepare to receive the Body and Blood of 3 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Philoptochos Corner June 2016 Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Palm Sunday Brunch – April 24th – Greek Festival - Prep Schedule Our 2016 Annual Labor Day Greek Festival festivities are underway and you know our motto...."many hands make light work". Please join us for assembly of our delicious Grecian specialties - even if you just have an hour to spare, it makes a difference. All prep is at St. Nicholas and lunch will be provided. Check the Festival Baking Schedule for specific dates. And don’t forget to volunteer for the Greek Festival – we need you! A very special thank you to Chris Anastas and the entire committee who contributed their time and talents to make our annual Palm Sunday Brunch a huge success. There were 350 parishioners in attendance who enjoyed a wonderful brunch. The auditorium was decorated in a beautiful spring setting with pops of color. The committee spent endless hours in the kitchen preparing the meal, shopping, setting up, taking reservations, making centerpieces, and baking/selling our Grecian Kitchen specialties. Many thanks to our kitchen chefs, omelet chefs, and others who served the meal. The children enjoyed face painting, balloons art, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. We are grateful to our cleanup crew and to the many parishioners who helped on this very special day. Calendar of Events: Membership Mimosa Brunch – August (TBD) Mouse Races – October 15th Thank you to all our members who continue to work tirelessly for our Chapter and for our beloved St. Nicholas community! AGAPE Reception – May 1st – Thank you to Stephanie Glioumas for continuing to do such a wonderful job hosting the AGAPE reception. The children always have a great time and the adults have fun making memories with their families while celebrating the Resurrection. The Philoptochos Corner will take a “break” for the summer and resume in September. Grecian Kitchen Orders Remember our Grecian Kitchen is open all year round! We continue to offer baklava, spanakopita, tiropita, galaktoboureko, pastitsio, OPA salad dressing, and our fabulous Hellenic Cuisine cookbook. These items make great gifts and can be kept in the freezer and used for last minute dinner parties. To order, please contact Dianne Zotos at 636.541.0708 Father’s Day Sunday, June 19th The Importance of Fathers Excerpted from an article by Dr. Stephen F. Duncan Being a Great Dad Being a dad today is more complicated than it used to be. Dads were once expected to “bring home the bacon” while Moms raised the children. Nowadays, the message is different. Dads should still be a major breadwinner. But more is expected, regardless of whether or not Mom works outside the home. He should be willing to change diapers, dress children, cook meals, clean house, volunteer at school and help do all those things that his wife used to be expected to do alone. There is a clear message out there: Dad, you ought to be a more involved father, and Mom, you need to let Dad get involved. Final Tips Nurture your marriage first, prioritize fatherhood, get involved with your child from the beginning, learn the fatherhood craft, have regular one-on-one time with each child, show affection often, take kids to work, stay connected when you have to be away, and teach them. Connect with your child at all levels. Fathering is essential for our children’s spiritual, intellectual and psychological growth and development. 4 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Curing the Poison of Gossip DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE June 2016 The Poison Evil speech is worse than all poisons. All other wounds may be healed, but the wound of the tongue has no cure. The tongue of the dragon is less evil than that of the whisperer, which in turn comes from a most evil demon: for it provokes quarrelling and bitter strife between brethren, sows evil and discord among the peaceful, scatters many communities. If you permit the whisperer to approach you, he will strip you of every merit you possess. Whosoever becomes involved with him has already become a confederate in his bloodshed, in his murders, and in his slaying! For a whisperer and a murderer spawn the same whelp: if they do not slay you with the sword, they will bring the same disaster on you with the tongue. Because of these things I charge you severely, that you separate yourself from a whisperer as speedily as you can. Let him be a monk, let him be a champion of virtue or but a novice, whoever he is as long as he is a whisperer, fly from him. Though he should be your own father, or your brother, if he is a whisperer keep far away from him. For it is better to dwell with a lion or with a lioness than with one who is a whisperer. And do not be ashamed to fly from him; so that he shall not infect you with the poison of his sin. So then, my children have no part in murmuring. Do your work earnestly and in silence; for he who is devoted to silence is close to God and His angels and dwells in heaven. For the Lord tells us that: He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that opened wide his lips shall have destruction. (Prov 13:3). Sun # Sun * + Sun ++ The Cure Set, O Lord, a watch before my mouth, and a door of enclosure round about my lips. The greatest necessity of all is to control and curb our tongue. The mover of the tongue is the heart: what fills the heart is poured out through the tongue. And conversely, when feeling is poured out of the heart by the tongue, it becomes strengthened and firmly rooted in the heart. Therefore the tongue is one of the chief factors in building up our inner disposition. When you have to speak, before expressing what has entered your heart and letting it pass to your tongue, examine it carefully; and you will find many things that are better not let past your lips. Know moreover that many things, which it seems to you good to express, are much better left buried in the tomb of silence. Sometimes you will yourself realize this, immediately the conversation is over. Silence is a great power in our unseen warfare and a sure hope of gaining victory. Silence is much beloved of him, who does not rely on himself but trusts in God alone. It is the guardian of holy prayer and a miraculous helper in the practice of virtues; it is also a sign of spiritual wisdom. I shall indicate to you the most direct and simple method to acquire the habit of silence; undertake this practice, and the practice itself will teach you how to do it, and help you. To keep up your zeal in this work, reflect as often as you can on the pernicious results of indiscriminate babbling and on the salutary results of wise silence. When you come to taste the good fruit of silence, you will no longer need lessons about it. Sun W Acts 13 13-24 Jn 6:5-14 2 T Acts 14:20-27 Jn 9:39-10:9 3 F Acts 15:5-34 Jn 10:17-28 4 S Acts 15:35-41 Jn 27:38 Acts 16:16-34 Jn 9:1-38 5 6 M Acts 17:1-15 Jn 11:47-57 7 T Acts 17:19-28 Jn 12:19-36 8 W Acts 18:22-28 Jn 12:36-47 9 T Acts 1:1-12 Lk 24:36-53 10 F Acts 18:22-28 Jn 14:1-11 11 S Acts 20:7-12 Jn 14:10-21 Acts 20:16-18,28-36 Jn 17:1-13 12 13 M Acts 21:8-14 Jn 14:27-15:7 14 T Acts 21:26-32 Jn 16:2-13 15 W Acts 23:1-11 Jn 16:15-23 16 T Acts 25:13-19 Jn 16:23-33 17 F Acts 27:1-44,28:1 Jn 18-26 18 S 1 Thes 4:13-17 Jn 21:15-25 Acts 2:1-11 Jn 7:37-52;8:12 19 20 M Eph 5:9-19 Mt 18:10-20 21 T Rom 1:1-7,13-17 Mt 4:25-5:13 22 W Rom 1:18-27 Mt 5:20-26 23 T Rom 1:28-2:9 Mt 5:27-32 24 F Rom 13:11-14:4 Lk 1:1-25,57-68,76,80 25 S Rom1:7-12 Mt 5:42-48 Heb 11:33-12:2 Mt 10:32-33,37-38,19:27 -30 26 27 M Rom 2:28-3:18 Mt 6:31-34;7:9-11 28 T Rom 4:4-12 Mt 7:15-21 29 W 2 Cor 11:21-12:9 Mt16:13-19 30 T 1 Cor 4:9-16 Mt 8:23-27 # Ascension * Saturday of the Souls + Pentecost ++ Holy Spirit 5 . 1 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 MEMORIAL DONATIONS April 10th thru May 10th CHURCH FUND In Memory of Margaret Hatzes Maria Zouglas CAPITAL CAMPAIGN In Memory of Victoria R. Peppes Gina & John Russon In Memory of Voula Stratos Maria Zouglas In Memory of Michael G. Fandos George & Kim Tarlas Katherine S. Rutter Gina & John Russon In Memory of Gus J. Tassos Maria Zouglas In Memory of Cleopatra Georges Christina Anastas George & Kim Tarlas Katherine S. Rutter Lyndia & Barry Finer In Memory of Victoria R. Peppes Maria Zouglas Nicholas & Kathy Ginos In Memory of Kathryn S. Nisiankas Nicholas & Kathy Ginos In Memory of Jack Wilcox George & Anne Souris In Memory of Michael G. Fandos Clark & Katie Afendoulis Brett & Lisa Campbell RENOVATION OF ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH In Memory of Kathryn S. Nisiankas Maria A. Tanurchis In Memory of Cleopatra Georges Niki Pappadakis Mary Volas Leo & Despina Pashos In Memory of Nikolaos D. Platipodis Alexandra Kamakas In Memory Cleopatra Georges Leonora Taratsas Connie Sexton Moore Alexandra Kamakas ST. NICHOLAS DANCERS FUND In Memory of Cleopatra Georges Dan & Andrea Tarlas Parish Life FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of Michael G. Fandos Paul & Helen Leara MEMORIAL June 26th In Memory of Cleopatra Georges Katherine Ellis Thank you A letter was received with a special Thank You from Archbishop Demetrios of America to the Ladies Auxiliary of Alexander the Great for their donation to the St. Nicholas Shrine of New York. 6 . 10 Year 15 Year Arthur Takes Mary Takes St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner: "The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches of the need to evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally." Life in Kenya: Teaching, More Teaching, and Some Writing too! by Dr. William Black (4/11/2016) OCMC Missionary Dr. William Black teaches at the Makarios III Orthodox Seminary and St. Paul's University in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to helping to train future Church leaders and clergy, Dr. Black has recently written a book on Stewardship - an increasingly relevant topic for the Church in the mission field. “Today is Thursday, so I was up early to make the drive to St. Paul’s University near Limuru before the morning traffic totally clogged Naivasha Road, the main road out of our part of town. Normally I teach two Master's -level courses at St. Paul's on Thursday mornings – a course on the Atonement and another on Theology and Public Life. But I arrived today to discover that both of my students had illnesses in their families, which meant they couldn’t make it to class. Before I got too excited about having a FULL MORNING open up before my eyes, I got an e-mail from a former colleague at Africa International University all but begging me to serve as the external examiner for two Master's theses. I am about to agree to help out, even though I know what this entails, and so even though the day is still young, I am already questioning my sanity. So I’m beginning to see how my "free" morning is about to go. Yesterday (Wednesday) at the Orthodox Seminary, I taught the third-year students a two-hour class on the global Christian missionary movement. But rather than overwhelm them with dates and names which will not get remembered, I tried instead to help them understand the motives for missions. Among other things, this involved doing a Bible study of Romans 12:5-15, during which I got the strong impression that my students had never done a Bible study before. This made me realize how fortunate I have been to have such a strong grounding in the Scriptures. My Orthodox students are constantly reading the Scriptures, but mostly in liturgical contexts. In fact, we Orthodox hear far more Scripture in any given service than any Protestant church I was ever a part of. But in terms of understanding the Scriptures and being able to make use of the Scriptures, I am realizing that we Kenyan Orthodox have some things to learn. I taught the concept of inductive Bible Study for more than three decades and led more than thirty Bible studies during my time as a Protestant leader and pastor. But this sort of intentional study of the Scriptures is an entirely new concept here. I do not yet know what to do with this. But I wouldn’t be surprised if, with His Eminence’s blessing, we might start a weekly Bible study here. If this were all, it would certainly be enough. But I also presented a paper in mid-March at an academic conference on the problem of dependency in Kenyan churches. I was asked to give a presentation on Orthodox Spirituality at a St. Paul’s faculty fellowship and another presentation on Women in Ministry at a staff fellowship at the Orthodox Seminary. And then a week or so ago I was asked to preach at St. Paul’s chapel on the day the Orthodox students were given responsibility for the chapel service. And I’ve written a book on stewardship and the churches in Kenya. I go over how Jesus, the apostles, and the early Church through the time of St. John Chrysostom dealt with money, offerings, and giving. I cover the contemporary issues of dependency and the prosperity heresy, as well as misguided efforts to impose "tithing" as a solution for a church’s financial needs. I offer stewardship as the New Testament and early Church model of handling money and possessions, and I give examples of Kenyan churches who are doing money well and others that are missing the mark. Please pray with me that God might use this material to help His people here. Every church I am aware of, Orthodox or otherwise, struggles with money. And nobody for more than 20 years has addressed this in a systematic, useful way. I have submitted my manuscript to a Roman Catholic publisher, Pauline, and am waiting to hear from them. If they aren’t interested, I will try with one of the Protestant presses. I want this to be published here in Kenya so that the price will be lower and therefore the book will be more accessible to priests, pastors, and leaders across the country. So I’ve been busy. Some days I feel like it’s too much and that I’m not doing anything particularly well. But I’m trying to be a good steward of the opportunity the Lord has given me and that you, through your prayers and your financial provision, are making possible.” To learn more about, or support the work of, Dr. William Black please visit: http://www.ocmc.org/DrWilliamBlack. As always, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618239-9359, if you have any questions, would like to be part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our missionaries. 7 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Sunday School Despina and I and our entire Sunday school staff thank you and your beautiful children for a great year. We thank you for bringing your kids. If you didn’t get to attend as often as you would have liked this year, make a commitment to come more in 2016/2017. Your child will always be welcome no matter how often or infrequent he or she attends. Although it is our hope and desire that all eligible Sunday School students attend regularly, we want to make sure you know we have an open door policy. Please take some time to register your child/children for Sunday School with the attached registration form. Don’t wait until the last minute. It makes for a lot of last minute work for our staff. Also, we’ll have our Young Years Summer Sunday School program starting on June 25th and will continue for 5 consecutive weeks. It takes place in the downstairs Sunday School classrooms and is offered to students up to 3rd grade. We ask for a $10 donation per child with a maximum of $20 per family. Please email Bess at [email protected] to register or to volunteer. Also, don’t forget about VBS at Family Life Center from July 11th-15th and Hellenic Culture Camp from July 18th-22nd. Have a great summer and we’ll see you soon. Bess Fitzmaurice Despina Hartley Co-Sunday School Directors Festival Baking Schedule Volunteer Lunches Dear St. Nicholas Family & Friends: Friday, August 26th – Meli Finikia Monday, August 29th – Pastry Boxes – Fr. Michael & Pres. Caroline Arbanas Tuesday, August 30th – Workers Wednesday, August 31st – Workers – Philoptochos Our 2016 Annual Labor Day Greek Festival festivities are underway! We kicked-off our baking on Monday, May 9th with Spanakopita – our #1 seller. Our Festival Baking Teams are in place and the baking calendar set! In order to make their day easier, we are asking you to partner up with family members and friends in providing lunch for our ladies and gentlemen on one of the following days. September – Thursday, September 1st – Chickens/Workers Lunch is served around noon buffet style. The count is approximately 20 – 30. We will provide the plates, flatware, napkins, soda, water and other cooking utensils. Lunches can be simple: salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, casseroles, etc. Please choose one of the above dates and notify Christina Anastas 314.647.4636 – [email protected] or Helen Leara 314.849.3707 – [email protected]. Thanks to those who have already signed up! June – Saturday, June 11th – Lamb Shanks – Debbie & Joe Palazzola Monday, June 20th – Salad Dressing Cups Wednesday, June 22th – Salad Dressing Bottles – Christina Anastas Monday, June 27th – Tiropita – Gina Nakis July – Monday, July 11th – Koulouria Just knowing a delicious lunch is coming means so much! We hope to hear from you. August – Monday, August 8th – Koulouria – Stephanie McPherron Monday, August 15th – Kourabiedes – Michael & Georgia Ferretti Monday, August 22th – Finikia – Mary Angelides & Sarah Angelides Thanks, Chris Anastas 8 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2016-2017 Parents: Telephone: Email (mandatory): Address: City: Zip: Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2016, to enter the 3 year old class. Church school follows the age limits of St. Louis School Districts. Use the back of the form for more than 4 children. Child: Baptismal Name: Grade - Fall 2016: DOB: Allergies: Child: Baptismal Name: Grade - Fall 2016: DOB: Allergies: Child: Baptismal Name: Grade - Fall 2016: DOB: Allergies: Parents! We need your continued support to make Church school and all of its extra-curricular activities run smoothly. In order for this to happen, we expect you to volunteer for at least one of the events below. This is a great way for parents to make a contribution to Church School and take the burden off of our hardworking and dedicated teachers. It really means a lot, to both students and teachers, when parents step in and offer their support. Please circle below: Substitute/Assistant Teacher September: Ice Cream Social, Teacher Appreciation Gifts November: Meal a month food drive, Teacher’s Meeting Refreshments and set up December: St. Nicholas Day Gift Bags – Christmas Pageant, Teacher Appreciation Gifts January: Souper Bowl February: Oratorical Festival Volunteers, Teacher’s Meeting Refreshments and set up May: Teacher’s Appreciation Luncheon and End of Year Picnic Registration is from April 27th – May 22nd. Registration fees are $10/child until May 22nd. After May 22nd, late registrations will be $20/child. We gladly accept any donations to cover the costs of the Sunday School program. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Church and drop them by the Church School Office or send them in to: St. Nicholas Church 4967 Forest Park Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 9 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Many thanks to you, the wonderful parishioners of Saint Nicholas, for your great generosity, as well as your dedication and hard work. Your donation of time, talent, and treasure has once again adorned our church for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Celebration. Many heartfelt thanks to: To all the organizations that hosted the Lenten Meals after the Wednesday night Pre-sanctified Liturgies: Parish Council, Philoptochos, Greek Dancers, and the Men’s Wednesday Morning Fellowship Group Georgia Ferretti, Philoptochos President, and the entire Philoptochos Board for the wonderful Palm Sunday Brunch, chaired by Chris Anastas, and meal prepared by Nicky Antoniou and her kitchen crew Chef, Pete Papadopoulos, and the entire Committee chaired by Liz Glynias for the March 25 th Celebration The children who read at the Holy Unction Service on Holy Wednesday: Paige Hartman, Kiley Sorbello, Alex Tarlas, Olivia Silvey and Kara Tsikalas The Myrrhbearing girls, Handmaidens, and HOPE children who were candle bearers on Good Friday Evening – and the Handmaiden advisor Rosie Hartley and HOPE advisor Maria Tovrea Sakis Salas who carried the Holy Cross in the Good Friday Procession The Philoptochos for the Agape reception chaired by Stephanie Glioumas Martha Sewall, Dominica Redman, and Presvytera Caroline Arbanas for the Easter Egg/Candy Hunt after Agape Service at the church on Easter Sunday Mary Ann Koch and her Committee for the Easter Egg Hunt at the Family Life Center during the Lamb Roast on Easter Sunday afternoon Bob Meyer and Ben Murphy co-chairs of the Easter Sunday lamb roast, as well as the chef, Mary Argyros, and kitchen supervisor, Larry Belk, and the following lamb roasters: George Zotos, Mike Kamburis, Demos Argyros, Nick Cassimatis, John Davis, Joe Palazzola, and George Patakas Our Choir Directory Diana Ott and the Saint Nicholas Choir and Youth Choir, our chanters and readers Dean Kalomas, Lee Hartley, Demetrios Tsikalas, Valare Karras Barbara Harris, and Michael Doran, All our Altar boys, especially the following Altar Boys who helped during many of the Services of Lent and Holy Week – Jonathan Hartley, Drew Sewall, George and William Arbanas, Leo Fitzmaurice, John Galakatos, Pete Panopoulos, John Angelides, George Tsichlis, Graham Ketchmark, Maximos Souris, Nicholas Salas, Blake Sorbello, Dan Kazanas, Alex Pantazopoulos, Phillip Tovrea, Amanuel Debass, Niko Yannakakis, and George and John Francis; Nicky Antoniou, Andy Keleta, Christina Anastas, Marianthe Meyer, Colette Brennan, Christian Brennan, Pamela Brennan, Dan Kazanas, Rosie Hartley, Graham Ketchmark, William Arbanas, Ava Pappas, Cynthia Pappas, Vanessa Antoniou, Kay Zotos, and Lee Hartley who set up the Hall for the Good Friday and Easter Services Demetrios Tsikalas, Steven Ketchmark, Zachary Kostopoulos, Lee Hartley, Drew Sewall, George Francis, John Francis, George Tsichilis, and Graham Ketchmark who helped move and set up the Kouvouklion (Epi taphion) late Holy Thursday night after the Service Chrysoula Tomaras and her Committee, together with Helen Carey, Dr. Tinna King, Despina Hartley, William Arbanas, Liwam Debass , Linda Katsiyiannis, Graham Ketchmark, Stephan Glynias, Patricia Lekich, Presvytera Christina Papulis, and Georgios Kastanias, who prepared the delicious meal (Feast!) for the Faithful to share on Easter night/early morning – our church Family appreciates their love, hard work, and enthusiasm: the Handmaidens who helped serve the Anastasi Brunch – Liwan Debass, Athena King, Snit Ogbe, Julia Arbanas, Christina Hartley and Despina Hartley Nicky Antoniou, Bess Fitzmaurice, Pamela Brennan, and Hariklia Souris who prepared the bay leaves for Holy Saturday Katherine Ellis and her committee that made the Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday (The English Family, Pantelis Johnson, Barbara Corrigan, Peggy Pierroutsakos, Barbara Mavromatis, Beveryly Doias, Maureen Mezines, Marianthe Meyer, Linda Meyer, Mary Varvares, Mary Jane Thomas , Cynthia Milonas, Georgia James, Harry Pliakos, Katherine Forsting, Helen Scholl, Theresa Galakatos, Maria Cutsoukos, and Leonora Taratsas, and Stacey English who made the Donkey Palms as Andy Cassimatis of blessed memory had taught her) Christian Argyros, John Pappas, Bob Meyer, Alex Davis, and Michael and Matthew McCord who held up the kouvouklion Good Friday night for all the faithful to walk underneath after the procession outside Becky Tharenos and the ladies who made the prosfora and Presvytera Christina who made the prosfora used for Holy Communion in tonight’s Liturgy Egg Dyeing committee - Maria and Michael Kamburis, Michael and Georgia Ferretti, Ed Ferretti, John and Mary Anne Koch, Georgia James, Kim Tarlas, Christina Ginos, Dianne Zotos, and Helen Leara, who dyed and wrapped the hundreds of Easter eggs received Easter Sunday night and morning, as well as at our annual Easter Lamb Roast Jeanne Tompras, Kathleen Ginos, Dianne Zotos, Liz Glynias, Helen Demmas, Linda Katsiyiannis, Liwam Debass, and Teddy Hart who so beautifully decorated the Epitaphio and the candles used by the clergy, altar boys, and handmaidens Kathleen Ginos and Jeanne Tompras who made the large beautiful floral arrangement that covered the basketball net and backboard in the gym Many thanks to Dr. Andrew Galakatos and his family including his grandchildren, who each year move everything back upstairs after Holy Saturday evening’s Service for the Easter Sunday Agape Service Stephanie Glioumas for all the icons decorated with flowers Tom and Daphne Whaley who decorated the Cross in our Church hall for the Resurrection Service Jonathan Hartley who set up the sound system in the hall Andy Keleta, Steve Ott, Michael Ferretti, Adonis Chakidis, and George Zotos who assisted with passing the offering trays on Holy Friday and Saturday Kathy Ellis our Church secretary Chris Paradowski our custodian and assistant George Menos We thank you all for another great Holy Week, Lent and Pascha/Easter! 10 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 2016 Easter Thanks A very special Thank you to: The ladies who helped Kathy and myself with the flowers and decorating the Epitaphion and all the responsibilities we had on our to do list Epitaphion Committee Handmaidens Jeanne Tompras Liwam Debass Kathy Ginos Linda Katsiyiannis Christine Anastas Marianthe Meyers Helen Demmas Snit Ogbe Teddy hart Leonora Taratsas Ann Zotos Dianne Zotos Chris Paradowski for all his help in storing our supplies so perfectly that we are able to find them every year with ease. He helps Nicky and me with inventory of the garden display items, vases, etc… Tom Whaley, a special thank you to him, who helps Kathy and myself with the Anastase Banner Kathy Ellis and Diane Winkler are so helpful and always in a cheerful and kind way which is so appreciated during this hectic time Jeanne Tompras 11 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Scrapbooking & Project Day Saturday, July 16, 2016 10am-10pm $15 Proceeds benefit St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at St. Nicholas Family Life Center Philoptochos Room 12550 South Outer 40 Dr. 63141 Bring your friends and family – all projects welcome! Online scrapbooking, sewing, card making, quilting, jewelry making, knitting, needlepointing etc. Wi-Fi and power sources available. 12 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 13 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 14 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 Any questions? Contact Barbara Corrigan: [email protected] Julie Dwyer: 636.391.1227 ext. 101or [email protected] 15 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 16 . St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2016 17 . 18 . 5 26 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Leo & Dessie Pashos Fanari Camp Happy Father’s Day 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Mary Volas Holy Pentecost 19 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Nick & Liz Perkins 12 8:00am-Orthos 9:30am-Divine Liturgy Greeter: Mark & Renee Vleisides SUNDAY 6 13 27 20 7pm St. Nicholas Book Group @ FLC MONDAY 10am Women’s Faith Group 10am Women’s Faith Group TUESDAY 28 21 14 7 8 7am Men’s Fellowship Family Life Center 29 7am Men’s Fellowship Family Life Center 22 7am Men’s Fellowship Family Life Center 15 7am Men’s Fellowship Family Life Center 7am Men’s Fellowship Family Life Center 1 WEDNESDAY JUNE 2016 2 9 6pm Grief Support 30 Καφενείοv 9am-12pm @ Family Life 23 10am Divine Liturgy @ Ahepa Apts. Καφενείοv 9am-12pm @ Family Life 16 10am Divine Liturgy @ Family Life Center Followed by lunch for Seniors Holy Ascension 6:30 Graduation Celebration at FLC Καφενείοv 9am-12pm @ Family Life THURSDAY 11am-2pm Festival Friday Luncheon @ Church 11am-2pm Festival Friday Luncheon @ Church 11am-2pm Festival Friday Luncheon @ Church 11am-2pm Festival Friday Luncheon @ Church FRIDAY 24 17 10 3 9:30 Divine Liturgy @ Church Saturday of Souls 4 25 18 11 SATURDAY St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 4967 Forest Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 1029 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Please visit us at www.sngoc.org Philoptochos Philanthropy PHILANTHROPY REPORT June 2016 FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY June Spaghetti with Meatballs Peas Applesauce Powdered Milk Toothpaste / Toothbrush (optional) July Chicken Chow Mein Brown Rice Turnip Green Chunky Fruit Mix Baby Wipes Gentle Washing Machine Detergent (optional) Mary Mezines, Food Bag Chairperson As we follow the beautiful & spiritual road to Pascha, we thank the St. Nicholas Community for their generosity and thoughtfulness of those less fortunate. We hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. These are difficult times for many people and your kind response for clothing and furniture has been appreciated. We are in need of a gently used washer & dryer. Please contact us if you know of anyone who has either or both to donate. We will make arrangements to have them picked up. If you are donating furniture, please contact Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667, or Johanna Spanos (314) 966-5176 ~ or Kim Tarlas (314) 740-0955. We are grateful for you support! We will walk you thru the process. We are not accepting clothing donations until after the Festival (we have limited space to store). We thank you for thinking of us. We are grateful for the clothing and items you have donated in the past and we will post items that we need in the future. We wish to thank those parishioners who have continually donated Food Bags for the Hungry. Our Food Banks, and our outreach charities are grateful for your generosity. Please note the menu to the left of this report for the next two months. May God Bless you and your families with good health, spiritual growth and peace. 20 .
