August/September 2013 - St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

36
ORTHODOX LIFE - August/September 2013
GREECE
METRO TOURS
Next to Heaven
There is only...
By
Peter Metropolis, Manager
978-535-4000 ext. 110
800-221-2810 Nationwide
978-535-8830 Fax
[email protected]
Www.metrotours.com
A Publication of
SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960-4496 . Tel: (978) 531-0777 . Fax: (978) 538-9522
Web: www.stvasilios.org . E-mail: [email protected]
August/September, 2013
Tremont Pharmacy
PRESIDENT/CEO: NICK SARANTOPOULOS
BRANCH MANAGER: NIKI CHARALAMBOUS
32 CENTRAL STREET - (978) 968-2222 www.myccu.org
ORQODOJOS ZWH ● ORTHODOX LIFE
Tremont Drug Co.
86 Tremont Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph.
978 531 1853
Monthly Bulletin Advertising
Reaches 1,200 Families
Ads starting at $325.00 per year
Please contact Irene at
978-531-0777
Save the Dates as St. Vasilios Prepares
for its Annual Festival
2013
Greek Festival
Friday, NOVEMBER 8
Saturday, NOVEMBER 9
Sunday, NOVEMBER 10
Greek Foods ● Greek Pastry ● Country Store ●
Boutiques ● Dancing ● Religious Display ●
Ethnic Dances ● Children’s Games ●
Grand Raffle
NIKOLAOS K. KANALOUPITIS
SEE INSIDE FOR FOOD DONATION AND VOLUNTEER DETAILS
Chief Executive Officer
Continental Business Systems
Church Service Announcements
p. 2
Weekday Services /Dates to Remember
p. 3
Winter Hours
p. 3
Fr. Kerry’s Message
p. 4
Parish Council News– President’s Message
p. 5
Trivia Night
p. 5
2013 Stewardship Update
p. 6
Bell Tower Fund Total Pledges & Donations p. 7
Helping to Keep the Children in the Church p. 8, 12
Organizations & Ministries
p. 9
Scholarships & Recipients
p. 10-11
YOCAMA Mission Trip 2013
p.13
2013 Family Picnic
p. 14-15
St. Vasilios Bookstore & Resource Center
p. 16
St. Vasilios Coffee Fellowship Hour
p. 17
For Rent
p. 17
September/October Calendars
p. 18-19
November Festival Information
p. 20-21
Greek School News & Registration
p. 22-25
Church School & Religious Education
p. 26-27
Healthbeat
p. 28
Cooking for the Heaven from hunger
p. 29
St. Val’s Hoops
p. 30
St. Val’s Men’s Club New Year’s Party
p. 31
Donations
p. 33-34
Strategic and Financial Planning and Management
P.O. Box 3216
Tel: 978-922-0133
Beverly, MA 01915
Fax: 978-921-0139
[email protected]
C B S
St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church
CONSULTING
St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church
5 Paleologos Street
Peabody, MA 01960-4496
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 15
Peabody, MA 01960
Return Service Requested
You are invited to the
Leadership Seminar follow-up
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Following the Divine Liturgy
at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A light brunch will be served
Please RSVP by August 14th
(church office) @ 978-531-0777
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2
Baptisms
The child of
John & Sumiko Upton
With Godparent
Zina Varelas
The child of
Demetrios & Dina Kalaitzidis
With Godparent Speros Venios
Weddings
George Angelo Scangas &
Michelle Finnegan
with sponsors
Philip Scangas &
Theophilos Poulopoulos
Funerals
The following members of St. Vasilios have fallen asleep into the
hands of our Lord over the past
months.
Chris Donna (Tsaltas) Smyrnios
Elene (Patsiaris) Petrovitsis
Catherine (Angelakis) Apostolides
Jennie (Goulos) Andrian
Theodore Tsoutsouras
James Zouras
Anthony Koutzoukis
Carol (Georgelas) Katsarakes
George A. Nichole
George H. Skaliotis
May their memory be eternal.
For the most
updated
information,
check out
www.stvasilios.org
40– Day
Christoforos Christoforou
Catherine Apostolides
Theodore Tsoutsouras
Jennie Andrian
Anthony Koutzoukis
3-Month
Nicholas Qirjazi
Christoforos Christoforou
The child of
Fotios & Sophia Stamos
With Godparents
Dimitrios & Katerina Mytaras
The child of
Stanley & Lia Koulalis
With Godparents
Peter & Jamie Antonopoulos
Daniel Arthur Greeke &
Marina Christine Kappa
with sponsor Valerie Kappa
246 Andover Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Tel: (978) 531-7000
Fax: (978) 538-0152
Email: [email protected]
METRO CLEANERS
43 Foster Street,
Peabody, MA
HOUSE OF QUALITY
978-532-6337
1- Year
Mary Provas
Theodore Giftakis
Georgia Miragias
George Terzakis
Anthony Triantafillou
VASILIOS SIMOU
AND FAMILY
32- Year
Pantelis Tilas
We would like to apologize
for the misprints that were in
our June/July bulletin.
Listed below are the
corrections:
Nicholas M. Ambeliotis
Nicholas P. Vontzalides
Athan A. Vontzalides
William F. Delaney
Ankeles,
Vontzalides, Ambeliotis &
Delaney LLP
6-Month
Aspasia Tilas
5- Year
Demi Tzortzis
Dimitrios Zamakis &
Maria E. Martinoli
with sponsor Alexandros Zamakis
Jeffrey Roy Conway &
Pauline Vromovrisiotis
with sponsor
George Vromovrisiotis
Memorials
Trisagia
Penelope Karedis
6 mo. Stella Stathos
6 mo. Barbara Tsapatsaris
3 yr. Athena Lewis
3 yr. Vasilios Ritsos
5 yr. Peter Speros
10 yr. Betty (Despena) Revelotis
11 yr. Charles D. (Konstandinos)
Revelotis
16 yr. Alexandros Kritopoulos
24 yr. Michael Drougas
For the electronic version of
ORTHODOX LIFE visit our
website at:www.stvasilios.org
35
Bulletin Advertising
Space Available
Please contact Irene
at
978-531-0777
Space Available
at
978-531-0777
NEW ENGLAND
MEAT MARKET
Charles Silva
62 Walnut Street,
Peabody, MA 01960
978-531-0846
Space Available
at
978-531-0777
STEPHEN M. ZOLOTAS
Attorney at Law
133 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970
Tel: (978) 744-5333
Fax: (978) 832-1177
[email protected]
FOFO’S
Stefana only $59
Christening Outfits 25% off
Decorated Candles
Religious Items
Plenty of Matia, Matia, Matia
136 Main Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 977 9141
Tue-Fri 11-5 Sat 11-4
Space Available
978-531-0777
Space Available
978-531-0777
MENIATES FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF
JAMES X. & RENA
MENIATES
Space Available
Space Available
at
978-531-0777
at
978-531-0777
ORGETTAS FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF
MICHAEL & RENA
ORGETTAS
34
3
Donations Continued
Weekday Services
In memory of Catherine Apostolides
Drs. Paul & Leslie Donovan Apostolides & family
Mr. Norman Dobson
Dorothy Tsouvalas
Gus & Marie Angelos
Fotini Manolakos
Diane Nikola & Kirsten Nikola
Luz Maria Angelakis
John & Marilyn Venios
Jean Yokas
Elaine, John, Mary Ann & Stavro Apostolides
Dr. Donna J. Hagberg
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Camel
Ms. Tina Lefthes
Margo & George Padios
Jeanne Gallant
Mrs. Mary Franggos
Karen Ann & Norman Kramer
Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists
Mrs. Janice Terzakis
Thomas Hawes
Priscilla & Kevin Goggin
Julie Fleming
Bonnie & Jerry O'Neil
Bates Family & McCarthy Family
Evangeline Leondires
Anna & Jim Chronis
Esther Crowell
Stephen S. Kalivas
Joan Tsapatsaris
William & Anne Tsapatsaris
Maria & John Hatzis
George & Claire Apostolides
Mark Leondires & Greg Zola
Gloria & Ted Kougianos
Pat & Kyriakos Andrinopoulos
Mary Nickitopoulos
Michael & Christine Angelakis
Peter Angelakis
Daughters of Penelope Zelia Chapter 120
Paul & Francine Butler
Tassos & Anna Varinos
Madeline & Scott Simon
June C. Donovan
Howard & Anna Riina
Jana Angelakis
Ruth & Christine Morfis
Katherine Asloglou
Rose-Marie & John Newbury
Patricia Kaplan
Heidi Mason
John & Virginia Tsouvalas
Frank & Tina Varinos
Artemis, Alexis, Nikki Coble
Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Theodore
Dormition
Thursday, August 15th
8:00 a.m. Orthros
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
KAQHMERINES IERES
AKOLOUQIES
Koi/mhsic
Pe/mpth, 15h Augou/stou
8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
St. Phanourios
Tuesday, August 27th
8:00 a.m. Orthros
Agiou Fanouri/ou
Tri/th, 27h Augou/stou
8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
Beheading of John Baptist
Thursday, August 29th
8:00 a.m. Orthros
Apokomh/ Kefalh/c Prodro/mou
Pe/mpth, 29h Augou/stou
8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
Elevation of the Cross
Saturday, September 14th
8:00 a.m. Orthros
H U
/ ywsic tou Timi/ou Staurou/
Sabba/to, 14h Septembri/ou
8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc
9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Vesperal Liturgy for St. Iakovos
Tuesday, October 22nd
St. James 6 p.m.
Esperino/c
Tri/th, 22h Oktwbri/ou
St. James 6 p.m.
Demetrios the Myrrbearer
Saturday, October 26th
8:00 a.m. Orthros
Dhmh/trioc o Megaloma/rtuc
Sabba/to, 26h Oktwbri/ou
8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc
9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a
2013 Dates to Remember
Winter hours begin
Sunday, September 8
Church School Begins
Sunday, September 15
Peabody
International Festival
Sunday, September 8
Orthodox Life Class Begins
Tuesday, September 10
Inquirer’s Class Begins
Tuesday, September 10
Greek School Begins
Wednesday, September 11
St. Makrina Study Group Begins
Wednesday, October 2
Trivia Night
Saturday, October 12
2013 Greek Festival
November 8, 9, 10
St Val’s Men’s Club
Christmas/New Year’s Party
December 31, 2013
In memory of Jennie Andrian-Bell Tower
Ted, Sophia & Stephanie Grevelis
Gayle & Stefanos Loisou
Stratos, Sandy, Peter & Dimitri Kontakos
Nicholas & Joan Vontzalides
Dimitri & Kiki Karakoudis
Calvin Powers
Ann A. Toyias
Dave & Pat Dwyer
Tomas Napoleon
Stanley & Judy Lignos
Sandra & George Pappas
Dolly, John, Anthony & Johnny Zannino
Charles, Pauline & Eleni Halepakis
Anne M. Brown
Denise Martwichuck
John & Jennie Quartarone
Kim Bento-Lignos
Charles & Bessie Silva
Mary Tenedios
John & Virginia Tsouvalas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Martwichuck
George & Elaine Martwichuck & family
Georgiann & James Koutrouba
Yamalis family
Evangeline Leondires
Karen & Dimitri Maistrellis
Charles Papandreou
Winter Hours
XEIMERINES WRES
Please note that winter hours for
Church Services begin on Sunday,
September 8, 2013
Oi xeimerine/c w/rec qa arxi/souv
thn Kuriakh,/ 8h Septembri/ou 2013.
2nd
Orthros - Greek
8:00 a.m.
1st Divine Liturgy - English
9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - Greek & English
10:30 a.m.
‘Orqroc - Ellhnika/
8:00 p.m.
Prw/th Qei/a Leitourgi/a-Agglika/
9:00 p.m.
Deu/terh Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Ellhnika/ kai Agglika/
10:30 p.m.
4
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Donations
THE NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
On Sunday, September
1st, our Church marks the Beginning of the New Ecclesiastical
Year---It’s a time when all the
Fall programs throughout our
parishes start-up again…Sunday
School, Bible Studies, Choir,
Philoptochos, GOYA, the Mirophores Youth Program, our very
popular Youth Basketball Program, etc.
There is an air of excitement throughout our
community as the new school year begins and as families return from their summer vacations….
This also a time when we ALL should
reflect on the past year as we assess the spiritual
growth of our parish community…It’s also a time
when we as clergy together with our parishioners
should assess our ongoing ministries so that we may
better serve the needs of our faithful.
One of the questions that has consistently come-up in my discussions with parishioners
through the years, is “Father, just what IS the Church
anyway?” Such questions are very common among
our people these days since they are constantly bombarded by a pluralistic society which serves-up a never
-ending array of spiritual and secular lifestyles. Both
young and older parishioners are many times confused
by all the rhetoric which surrounds modern-day America, and thus, often do not know who and what to believe.
We as Orthodox Christians need to revisit,
from time to time, the true definition of what the
Church is! St. Paul instructs, in his letters to the
churches of the Eastern Mediterranean what it truly
means to be members of Christ’s Body: to BE the
Church and to be IN the Church…
Nowhere in the New Testament is Paul’s
teaching on the Church more fully disclosed than in
the 4th Chapter of his letter to the Ephesians. He instructs that:
*The Church is ONE, “endeavoring to
keep the unity of The Spirit in the bond of
peace” (Ephesians4:3)
There is ONE Church, ONE God, ONE doctrine, and ONE Baptism.
*The Church is PEOPLE, men and
women who are energized by the Holy Spirit. For “to
teach each one of us grace was given according to the
measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:14,&16).
*The Head of the Church is CHRIST,
“from whom the whole Body is joined and knit together” (Eph.4:25).
* The Church “is the new man” (Eph.
4:24), the new creation, made to be righteous and holy. We are no longer alienated from God (Eph. 4:18),
but we are renewed together (Eph. 4:23), “members of
one another” (Eph. 4:25).
The Church then, my dear brothers and
sisters, is a place established by Christ where we each
may become what we are created to be, maturing and
perfected. The Church, in turn, receives what it needs
from each of us, so that it too, may be perfected.
The Church, as the Body of Christ, carries us
beyond our petty and worldly personal concerns,
stretching our vision to the eternal and the heavenly as
we ascend together to worship the Father, the Son and
the Holy Spirit.
If we carefully look around us, we will
see how blessed we are here at St. Vasilios Church
with so many of our faithful who genuinely strive to
have Christ as the centerpiece of their lives. In addition, our parish is doubly blessed with leaders and
stewards who truly see themselves as brothers and sisters of Christ as they, together with Fr. Chris, constantly strive to make our community a true beacon of
Orthodoxy! It is this dynamic that convinces me of a
bright future for our Church.
As we begin this new Ecclesiastical Year. I
invite all of our faithful to recommit themselves, together with their priest to Christ and His Church! As
long as we all continue to have Christ as the centerpiece of our parish life, we have nothing to fear. The
future is unlimited if HE is our guide and our role
model!
I invite you to COME AND BE PART OF
THE CHURCH—HIS CHURCH—filled with PEOPLE who are energized by THE HOLY SPIRIT!
I wish you all a HAPPY ECCLESIASTICAL
NEW YEAR! -- “Christ is in our mist!” “He is and
always will be!”
+Father Kyriakos V. Saravelas
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Katherine Brown in memory of sister Virginia Pavlis
Family & Friends in memory of Chris Donna Smyrnios
Mr. & Mrs. Demetreos Limberakis in memory of Agnes Georgion
Litsa Athanasopoulos in memory of parents Steven & Roza
Rev. Kyriakos & Presv. Sophia Saravelas in loving memory of parents Venis & Anna Saravelas
Van Leondires in memory of Mary Tsouvalas
France K. Panos in memory of Stella Stathos
Dorothy Raczkowski in memory of beloved daughter Kathy Mayo and sister Connie Troubetaris
Tess Miragias in memoryof parents Elias & Georgia Miragias & grandparents George & Helen Mandragouras
St. Vasilios Philoptohos Athena in memory of all deceased members
Charles Mavroules in memory of father James Mavroules-50 yearsCharles Mavroules in memory of departed loved ones
Mr. Dionisios Moutsoulas in memory of wife & grandson
2012-2013 Church School weekly donations from students to Bell Tower Fund
Family & Friends in memory of Leonidas Tsionis-Bell Tower Fund
In memory of Anthony Koutzoukis
Norman Dobson
Anne Neylon
Joseph & Marie DiFranco
Jean Yokas
Clay & Stella Anastopoulos
C. Renaud
Tina Manolakos
William & Carol Katinoglou
Michael & Cynthia Gargas
Chrystal & Tony Silva
Peter & Jean Sabanty
Stephen Kalivas & Poppy Kalivas
Bill & Stacie Stephanides
Bill & Honey Tsapatsaris
Paul & Ritsa Katinoglou
Statia & Tom McLaughlin
Theodore Booras
Tracy Donovan
Stasia Roberts & Helen Hathaway
Kostas & Niki Spiliakos
Tim, Amy, Tiana, Brielle & T.J. Salvo
Connie & Jose daRosa
Debbie & Alex Tsoukalas
Thomas Moran
Beatrice Skangos & Paula Skangos
Charles Maurais
Nicholas J. & Helen F. Decoulos
Charles Reid Family
Clyde & Mary Hudnall
Dolly, John, Anthony & Johnny Zannino
St. Val's Men's Club
St.Val's Men's Club
Paul & Marianne Gardner
Dorothy Tsouvalas
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In memory of Elene Petrovitsis
Dorothy Tsouvalas
E.H. O'Brien
R. Paul McCormick
Ann & George Goulos
Jim & Sophie Metropolis
Alex & Demetra Tsoukalas
Charles & Mary Baletsa
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chakoutis
John & Marilyn Venios
Mrs. Paula M. Halepakis
Mr. & Mrs. William Tsapatsaris
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Karakoudas
Mr. & Mrs. Strato Kontakos
Mrs. Despina Drougas & Famly
Mr. & Mrs. Costa Apostolopoulas
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Stasinos
Mrs. Mary Franggos
Mary Nickitopoulos
Konstadinos & Evangelos Stavrou
Charles N. Papandreou
In memory of Carol Katsarakes
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Mandragouras
Cynthia Georgelas
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Corriveau
Tess Miragias
John & Elaine Apostolides
Ann Katsarakes
The Pitenis family
Audrey Atkinson,Ann Freitas, Pearl LaJoie, Sophis Vaciliou
Mr. & Mrs. William Stratis
32
5
Parish Council News
to organizing family, parish and youth retreats to this
amazing place. I am also committed to giving every
church school student at least one opportunity to go to
“What I did on my summer vacation,…._
camp. It is our treasure and we MUST take the opporI went to camp.
tunity to let it rejuvenate and renew us. When you
see it advertised soon, please consider attending and
I had the superior privilege again this year to you too can write home about your experiences at
spend some of my “summer vacation” at the Metropol- camp!
itan Boston Camp in New Hampshire. The benefits of
which are almost too numerous for this article, and Yours in Christ,
could probably fill this bulletin. For me it was a
chance to unplug from the world. Yes, I had my smart Pam Karamas Katsiris
phone and my tablet, but they only worked in the re- Parish Council President
treat house great room, and nowhere else in the camp.
I brought plenty of work and summer reading, and set PS I, like my kids, made so many friends at camp that
up a workstation in the great room. I set a schedule for I have been staying in touch with since I left and startmyself and worked with such focus, free of distrac- ed to miss as I was going down the driveway….Nurse
tions and in utter silence and peace. Never have I been Thea, Mike Sintros, Fr Iakovos, and Fr Chris Stamas,
more efficient! But I could not deny the other great I miss you!
works that were going on around me. Our handicapped son Dean was welcomed into the organized
fracas that is camp. He couldn’t wait to get there. He
started hugging people before he even got out of my
car. The counselors and kids all knew his name and
embraced him as one of their own. Mike Sintros, the
director, and the wonderful staff took him under their
wings, guided him through the full days of activities
and smoothed every bump along the way.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Pamela Karamas Katsiris, President
Our twins were also there and I could plainly
see that they were having a blast. I did not participate
or interfere with the organized activities, but rather
saw from afar and overheard the excited chatter and
stories at meals and on the grounds. I saw first hand
the enthusiastic participation at Orthos, Vespers and
Liturgy. There were just as many children standing at
the two chanter stands as were in the seats. The entire
congregation became the choir. We all held Divine
Liturgy Hymnals and sang and responded throughout
every service. Never have church services gone so
quickly, as when we sing and respond through them!
The emotion and reverence was infections and transformative. It is something that everyone in our Metropolis should experience. Standing in that chapel, in
that beautiful setting, seeing nature and the trees
through the big windows and knowing the Christ was
standing in our midst must be shared. I am committed
Save the Date:
Coming October 12, 2013
An adult's fun night of
Trivia at St. Vasilios.
Come alone or with a team to
challenge your memory!
Details coming soon.
6
2013 Saint Vasilios’ Stewardship
Men’s Club
STEWARDSHIP, A RICH MAN: “A rich man is not who has much but one who
gives much. For that remains his forever,” wrote St John Chrysostom. You are
invited to be a “Rich Man,” as defined by Chrysostom and give personally to
Saint Vasilios by your 2013 Stewardship commitment, for the portion you give
“remains yours forever.” May God bless your generosity.
As of April 16, 2013 we have 650 stewards pledged for Saint Vasilios. If you
have not sent in your PLEDGE for 2013, please do so today. Under our true stewardship system, every member is asked to offer a gift to the church in an amount
of his or her own choosing and one that honestly reflects their personal circumstances and ability. Please be mindful that approximately 1000 stewards are
asked to sustain our parish budget of $600,000 annually. Thank you for your anticipated response.
Below is a listing of the parishioners who have pledged
from 5/23/13 through 7/31/13
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Agouridis
Mr. William Andrews
Mr. George Apostolides
Mrs. Tina Bouchard
Mr. & Mrs. George Broufas
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Calas
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen C. Captain
Mr. & Mrs Stefan Celo
Mr. Robert Christy
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Cooper
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Decoulos
Mr Pirro Deftos
Mr. & Mrs. George Exarhos
Mrs. Mary Franggos
Mr. & Mrs. Speros Frangules
Ms. Stephanie Frangules
Mr. & Mrs Leonidas Gianellis
Mrs. Irene Giannis
Mr. Dennis Giannis
Mr. George Giannis
Mrs. Priscilla Giftakis
Mr. Demetrios Goulakos
Mrs Sharon Gould
Mr. Gregory B. Haley
Mr. Robert Haley
Mrs. Vassy Helas
Mrs. Stamatia Joy
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Kachinski
Mr. Gregory Kapoglis
Mr. James Kardaris
Dr. & Mrs. William Kastrinakis
Mr. Daniel Katsarakes
Mr. Argery Katzounos
Mr Theodore Kokoras
Mrs. Sharon Kokoras
Mr. Jonathan Kokoras
Mr. Christopher Kokoras
Ms. Emily Korkaris
Mr. James Koumarianos
Mr. Peter A. Koutzoukis
Mr. & Mrs. George Lembidakis
Mr. Paul Leontakianakos
Mr. Alexandros Litzos
Mr. Nikolaos Loris
Mr.& Mrs. Peter Mandragouras
Mrs. Cathy McDonnell
Mr. Mark Metropolis
Ms. Elizabeth Murphy
Mr. George Naslas
Mr. & Mrs. Efthemios Orfanos
Mr. Vasilios Panousos
Mr. Konstantinos Panousos
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pappas
Mrs. Angelina Pelletier
Mr. & Mrs. George T. Poulopoulos
Mr. George Psyhogios
Mr. Charles Raftell
Stasia Roberts
Ms. Jennifer Sambatakos
Mr. & Mrs. John Sambatakos
Mr. Peter Sambatakos
Ms. Tanya Sambatakos
Rev.&Presv Kyriakos Saravelas
Mr. Christopher Scangas
Dr. & Mrs. George Scangas
Mr. James Scangas
Mr. Philip Scangas
Mrs. Crystal Silva
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Spathanas
Ms. Rosalie Spathanas
Mr. Demetrios Stephanides
Mr. Avraam Stephanides
Mrs. Anastacia Stephanides
Mrs. Mary Tenedios
Mrs. Pauline Tzortzis
Ms. Alice Upton
Ms. Zina Varelas
Mr. Antonios B. Vatousios
Mr. George Velonis
Dr. Charles Vorrias
Mr. George Vromovrisiotis
Mrs. Mary Zolotas
WINNERS OF THE GOLF TOURNAMENT RAFFLES
1. Tony Maistrellis/Wells Fargo Advisors
$1,000.00
2. Scott Speicher
$500.00
3. Dimitri Maistrellis
$250.00
4. James Chongris/JEDA Management
Rd– Of-Golf
5. Spero & Melissa/Matty’s Food & Spirits
Red Sox Tickets
6. All State Fire Equipment
Rd– Of-Golf
7. Mike Ambeliotis
Beverly Gold & Tennis Dinner
8. Mary Rockas
North Shore Music Theater
9. John Drivas (Reds)
Tickets to New England Revolution
10. Joe Votto
2 Tickets to Men’s Club Xmas/NewYear’s Eve Party
31
30
St. Val’s Hoops 2013-2014 Season
Through our parish athletic program we seek to provide a truly competitive sporting environment which
nonetheless reflects Christian values. Since more
than 100 boys and girls participate, we are able to
form competitive leagues for both boys and girls comprised entirely of parish teams. In this league, winning
is important, but it is not everything; all children, regardless of ability, "make" the team and play in each
game. Every child is carefully coached to nurture his/
her self-image and sense of worth. In this supportive
and loving atmosphere, even youngsters with little
natural ability make remarkable progress in their skills
and self-confidence.
The boys' program is divided into 2 groups (Junior:
age 8 through grade 5 and Intermediate: Grade 5 –
Grade 9). The girls group includes all girls age 8
through Grade 9.
[There are also boys and girls high school teams that
compete with other churches within the Metropolis].
This year we will be hosting clinics during the first
weeks of October to get our kids ready for basketball
and to better evaluate the players’ abilities so as to
make fair teams for the upcoming season. Immediately following the second week of Clinics the Coaches
will be placing the players into teams. Players will
perform basketball skills and must come to the Clinics
and Games prepared to play.
We will do our best to place siblings on the same
team, but cannot accommodate requests for friends
and other relatives. We want to promote children
making new and lasting friendships with other members of the St. Vasilios Family.
Team practices will be
scheduled for the last
weeks of October and beginning
of
November. Games will begin in
November. The Turkey
Shoot, a fun competition night, will be November
26th . The season runs through the end of February
with no games scheduled during Christmas and February school vacation weeks. Games are scheduled
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6 and
7 pm. The playoffs will be held the first two weeks of
March, followed by the always fun League Banquet!
We also hasten to remind parents and grandparents
that this program is heavily dependent on adult volunteers. While referees are paid professionals, all others
providing support and coaching services are drawn
from those willing to donate their time and talent. Local businesses also participate in our program by making donations.
St. Val’s Youth Basketball registration will be held in
September after the first Divine Liturgy in the
gym. All children of the parish ages 8 (before Sept
1st) -grade 9 are eligible. The cost is $35 per player
$40 per family max.
We need volunteers for coaching and assistant coaching if interested or have any questions please contact
Steve Stephanides 978-744-8531, Chuck Antoniou [email protected] 617-899-6591 or Tom
Gould 978-531-7010.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS
We are looking for volunteers to help with youth activities and to get them together
for fun and fellowship. If you are College age, young adults or a parent we need you.
We have created a calendar for the year September thru June with one meeting and
one activity per month. We also have great ideas from past leaders and just need your
help to make it happen!
Please contact Bonnie Antoniou @617-335-0869 or email
[email protected] for more information, questions or to say you can help offer your time.
7
Bell Tower Fund Campaign Statistics
Total Pledges and Donations:
Cash on Hand (rounded to nearest $)
Outstanding Pledges To be Paid
Remaining Comm Credit Union Pledge
2013 Endowment Grant
Philoptochos Donation
PTA Donation
Kolyva Committee Donation
$ 291,000
$ 136,000
$ 10,000
$ 32,000
$ 20,000
$ 5,000
$ 10,000
Total
$ 504,000
*Men's Club has committed to donating all the proceeds from its New Year's Eve dinner/dance to the Bell
Tower Fund.
****Please note that the architects are finalizing drawings and specifications, to send to qualified contractors for bids.
If you or someone you know would like to receive the bid package, please leave your contact information and qualifications with the church office as soon as possible.
The architects will evaluate qualifications and provide bidding packages within a few weeks.
I Am Glad My Church Needs Money
Have you ever heard anyone say: “My church is always asking for money. I wish I could belong to a
church that never needed any money.”
Surely they don’t mean that. Any church that is alive needs money. Only dead churches do not call on
their members for support. If anyone should accuse your church of always needing and calling for money, regard it as a compliment. Invite this person to rejoice with you that you both belong to a live, going
concern of Jesus Christ rather than a dead stagnant organization from which the glory of Christ has departed.
One father was complaining to another that his son cost him a great deal of money-for books, clothes,
lunch, allowance, and tuition.
“It’s strange that you feel that,” the other father replied. “My son doesn’t cost me a cent. I haven’t
spent a dime on him in over two years, but I sure wish I could.”
“Why doesn’t he cost you anything?’ asked the first father.
The second father replied, “A little over two years ago he died.”
A church that is alive needs the liberal, sacrificial support of those who love it. Only a dead church demands no sacrifice.
from the Stewardship Committee
8
Helping to Keep the Children in the Church
BY PSA. NICOLE MITESCU
reprinted and brought to you by the Stewardship Committee
I remember when I was newly married and had just
started attending an Orthodox church. People would
complain about how their children were refusing to
come to church any more, and how when they left the
family home, they often left the church entirely.
So
this is far from a new problem, and there must be hundreds if not thousands of articles written not only by
Orthodox authors, but also by writers in many other
religious groups, who are facing the same problem:
children are not following their parents’ footsteps in
faith.
This is clearly a critical issue. No young people means
no future for our churches. So I started doing a little
thinking about it, and I hope this article will start you
thinking about it, too; and perhaps it will start a discussion in your family or in your parish.
There are lots of reasons why children choose to leave
the church as they grow up. Some of them are related
to the church practices – perhaps the services are in a
language the children don’t understand; perhaps even
if they understand the language they still feel bored or
unconnected during the services; perhaps they never
learn why coming to church and participating in the
Sacraments are essential for our spiritual life; perhaps
the priest and other adults don’t listen to their questions, much less answer them.
All of these are serious problems that we need to face
and address honestly. Are we doing all we can to make
the children’s time at church (not only in the services
but also in Church School, in other church groups, in
their interactions with other parishioners) a positive
reason for them to want to stay and keep coming back?
However, I was thinking about other more fundamental reasons that the children might choose to leave the
church as they grow older, and this involves the family. From a very early age, children pick up on the parents’ attitude about going to church. Is it a really
meaningful and important commitment for the parents,
or is it something they do from time to time as it fits
into their busy schedule? Is it important to arrive on
time for the services, or is it okay to come in toward
the end of the services, whenever it’s convenient for
them? Are the services and Sacraments the fundamental reason to come to church or does it simply provide
more of a social time with friends and acquaintances
the family doesn’t see during the rest of the week?
Does the family pray, or read the Scriptures and Lives
of Saints at home? All of these give a basis for the impressions the child might have about church.
But (in my opinion at any rate), perhaps the most important element for the child is how the family “feels”
about going to church. Is it an “obligation” with the
children pushed and scolded to get ready for church,
behave themselves in church, and not bother the adults
otherwise? If this is the “feeling” the parents communicate to the children about church, surely the children will remember it in a rather sad way.
The families I’ve seen over the last thirty years whose
children have remained in our churches and have become the next generation in our parishes, seem to
share some common traits. For one thing, their faith is
an important part of their lives, not only on Sunday but
also during the rest of the week. They pray together,
they try hard to apply the lessons from the sermons
and from their spiritual readings to their lives, and they
share their faith with their children. And even more
than that, they enjoy their faith and are happy and eager to come to church – for them it is a positive experience, and they look forward to it. They encourage their
children and help them to find ways to learn and participate in the services.
We need to be honest about what we are asking of our
children. There are enormous societal pressures on
families these days not to attend church – organized
sports activities, invitations from non-church-going
friends, just the opportunity to stay home and relax after a busy week. And let’s not sugar-coat a basic
issue: many young adults just hit a time when they
need to break away from the parents and “leaving the
church” is a pretty easy way for them to make a statement. And as they get older, the possibility of a
(Continued on page 12)
Cooking for the Haven from Hunger
I am happy and proud that the St Vasilios community has reaffirmed their commitment to helping
others less fortunate than ourselves in our very own neighborhoods, by cooking for the Haven from
Hunger, a shelter that feeds the hungry, on the 4th Thursday of every month.
We will be preparing a church cooked meal on the 4th Wednesday of each month for delivery the
next morning to the Haven.
Church school teacher, Persephone Santos, has generously taken on this task solo for a number of
years. We are now trying to lighten her load and we thank her for all the meals she has prepared.
The following is the schedule of the the months chosen by various organizations, individuals and
ministries of the church:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
meal)
The Fadel Family
PTA
Church school
James Gass
Philoptohos
PTA
Men's Club
Men's Club
Daughters of Penelope
Parish Council
Thanksgiving (City of Peabody prepares the meal)
Church School (unless Christmas falls on 4th Thursday, then City prepares the
I want to personally thank all the groups in advance for their time and effort for this worthwhile
cause.
If any parishioner would like to assist in cooking on any particular month, please contact the head of
the group above to find out what time they will be preparing the meal.
You can call Persephone at 978-531-2121 for more information, or you can also contact Thanasi
Pantazelos, [email protected] from the Parish Council, who is our liaison for this ministry.
Thank you for participating in this worthwhile ministry and to committing to help those less fortunate than us,
My very best,
Pam Katsiris
29
HEALTHBEAT
28
9
Organizations & Ministries
Dear Parishioners,
Last year, the Stewardship Committee distributed an updated copy of our Parish
Ministry book to all our parishioners by mail. Annually in this issue of the Orthodox Life , we again publish an outline of our current ministries available to our
parishioners. Our goal is to constantly provide our faithful with the spiritual and
educational tools needed to successfully serve God. For additional information,
you also may look further on our parish web site at www.stvasilios.org and view
the PARISH MINISTRY book file on our main web page or come to our church
office for an additional written copy. Below is a listing of that is included in the
Parish Ministry Book. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate
parishioners listed below or the Church Office at 978-531-0777.












Our History in Brief
Who is a Parishioner?
Stewardship
Worship Schedule
Priestly Ministry
Hospital Visits
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS






The Orthodox Life Study Group
St. Makrina Women’s Study
Group
On Becoming an Orthodox
Church School
Greek School
St. Vasilios Scholarship Program
YOUTH PROGRAMS

Junior GOYA

Senior GOYA
Altar Boys
Myrofores
Playgroup
St. Val’s Hoops
Metropolis of Boston Athletic
Ministries
Metropolis of Boston Cam
(MBC)
ADULT FELLOWSHIP





Parish Council
Philoptochos Society
PTA (Parent Teachers Association)
St. Val’s Men’s Club
St. Methodios Faith & Heritage
Retreat Center
OUTREACH PROGRAMS






St. Stephen’s Ministry
Parish Nurse
Internet Ministry
Religious Resource Center &
Bookstore
Family Choir
Marriage Preparation Program
PASTORAL GUIDELINES




Fasting
Weddings, Divorces, Baptisms,
Funerals and Memorials
The 12 Major Feast Days of the
Orthodox Church
Church Positions Regarding the
Sanctity of Human Life
Contact Information
Presiding Priest
Rev. Christopher Foustoukos
[email protected]
Parish Council President
Organizations Liaison
Office Manager
Stewardship Chairman
Church School
Greek School Principal
Altar Boys
Myrofores
Mrs. Pam Katsiris
Mrs. Bonnie Antoniou
Mrs. Irene Stephanides
Mr. Stephen S. Kalivas
Mrs. Sophia Hennessey
Mrs. Dina Kalaitzidis
Fr. Christopher Foustoukos
Mrs. Jan Terzakis
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
St. Vals’s Hoops
Mr. Steve Stephanides
978-744-8531
Philoptochos President
PTA President
Mrs. Tracey Franggos
Mrs. Constance Spack
[email protected]
[email protected]
St. Val’s Men’s Club President
Mr. Chris Grevelis
[email protected]
St. Stephen’s Ministry
Deacon Michael Fadel
[email protected]
Parish Nurse
Mrs. Sophia Grevelis
[email protected]
Religious Resource Center
Mrs. Kaye Nicolakis
[email protected]
Family choir
Mr. Tony Vatousios
[email protected]
10
Church School Calendar 2013-2014
Scholarships
A BRIEF HISTORY
Over fifty years ago, a group of St. Vasilios
women shared a common desire: that a scholarship be
awarded to aid the deserving youth of the church in
their pursuit of a college education. They knew that in
order to do the most good, this money would not only
have to help the current generation, but somehow meet
the growing needs of the future. So when the first
scholarship of $100.00 was established in June of
1956, it was with the understanding that their work
was far from over. This marked the birth of the St. Vasilios P.T.A. Scholarship Program.
27
In just ten years, the scholarship grew to an
impressive $500.00 dollars and by 1969 the program
reached an important milestone with the award of the
first annual $1,000.00 scholarship. Under the diligent
guidance of Fr. Andrew Demotses, the selfless dedication of the parish and the tireless determination of the
P.T.A. members, the scholarship program continued to
grow. Today we honor the vision of those women who
first established the St. Vasilios Scholarship by awarding thirty-six $1,000.00 scholarships, one $1,500.00
scholarship and one $2,500.00 scholarship to thirtyeight outstanding members of our church who intend
to pursue a higher education.
September
1
8
15 First day of classes and Blessing of the Church school
teachers
22
29
October
6
13 Columbus Day – no classes/YOCAMA Presentation
20 – Teaching Liturgy
27

PRE-K: Children who will turn 4 years old
by September 1, 2013 will be eligible to attend
the Pre-K Class. Registrations for the PreK students will be mailed out to the parents
with a return date of September 2, 2012. Any
questions regarding Pre-K students, please contact Carol Spyropoulos at 978-535-7090.

K-12 STUDENTS: Last year’s registered students in these grades will receive a letter to report to their assigned classes. Any questions
regarding K-8 please contact Sophia Hennessey at 781-248-1416 or email @ [email protected].
Any questions regarding the High School program please contact Andrew Constantinou at
978-532-3703.
NEW STUDENTS: On Sunday September 9 a
registration table will be set up at the Educational Center foyer to register NEW STUDENTS .
INACTIVE STUDENTS: If you have a child
that has been away for a year or two or more
from our Orthodox Christian Religious Education program, do not hesitate to re-register your
child. We welcome them and want them back!
November
3
10 – Festival – no classes
17
24
December
1– Thanksgiving weekend – no classes
8
15 – Christmas Pageant
22 – Communion Breakfast and Snow day for Pageant
29 – Christmas Vacation – no classes
January
5
12
19
26
February
2
9 – Koylva Sunday
16 – President’s Day – no classes
23
March
2 – Godparent’s Sunday
9 – Sunday of Orthodoxy
16
23
30
St. Vasilios, along with the PTA and Fr. Andrew Demotses and Fr. Christopher Foustoukos, is honored
to present our young members of our church 35 scholarships totaling over $38,500.00 at our annual
Scholarship Banquet on June 14, 2013 at Angelica's Restaurant. The Scholarship Trust Fund has grown
from a single $500.00 scholarship to over $38,500.00 over the past 56 years. The Class of 2013 and our
returning college recipients have given their time and talents to making St. Vasilios a part of their
lives. Congratulations!
Registration information
April
6 – Independence Day Parade
13 – Palm Sunday – no classes
20 – Easter Sunday – no classes
27 – Back to classes
May
4 Field Trip to Hellenic College
11 – Mother’s Day – YES classes
18 – Last day of classes


Classes begin SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013
For your convenience you can also visit the St. Vasilios Website site www.stvasilios.org to download
the 2013 Church School registration form for new
students Pre-K through Grade 12 , and mail it
to:
St. Vasilios Church School, 5 Paleologos
St., Peabody 01960 or bring it to the Church
School Office on September 9.
NOTE: Fr. Chris Foustoukos and our dedicated
Church School teaching staff are looking forward
and ready to welcome our students. The mission
of the Religious Education program of St. Vasilios
Church School is to embrace all our children in the
Orthodox Christian faith and for them to learn the
love of God and the Biblical teachings of the Old
and New Testaments.
We are in need of Church School teachers. We currently have no volunteers for pre-school age. If this
position is still open on September 9th, there will be
no preschool class this year. Please contact Sophia
Hennessey if interested.
26
Church School & Religious Education
CHURCH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Train up a child in the way he should go; even and was instrumental in putting together the
when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs Christmas Pageant each year.
22:6
Congratulations and best wishes to our 2013 St.
St. Vasilios Church School begins on Sunday, Sep- Vasilios High School Graduates: Matt Chigas, Eleni
tember 15, 2013. We are excited about this new Coufos, Pamela Coufos, Joanne Frangias, Anastasia
school year. Remember, it is important to start Kalivas, Xanthi Pantazelos, Alex Pissios, Kristina
your child’s Sunday off by attending the first Divine Santos, Chris Scangas, Eleni Stefanopoulos, Zoe
Liturgy.
Iacovino, Alyssa Kastrinakis, Dmitria Yeannakopoulos and Nichol Brown. We pray that God
We as Orthodox parents, teach our children to live blesses them and keeps them safe as they enter a
their faith. We present them to God when they are new chapter in their lives.
baptized and we give them their first visible symbol of their faith; their cross. We teach them to Sadly, we take a moment to remember those cherlight their first candle, venerate their first icon, and ished members of our Church School family who
take Communion while still in our arms. If we as we lost this past year. Sandra Kessaris was a long
parents and church school teachers don’t commit time Kindergarten teacher. Stella Stathos and
our time and energy to our church and church Catherine Apostolides taught for some 60 plus
school, our children won’t either. If our children years and both were former Church School Direcdon’t, their children won’t. They will have lost a tors. These women will never be forgotten for the
living relationship with their Orthodox faith and kindness they showed so many. May their memowith the St. Vasilios community. By coming togeth- ries be eternal.
er, parents and teachers can build the next generation of strong Orthodox adults. The Church School As always there is a long list of those whom the
is always in need of volunteers. If you are interest- teachers would like to thank. Thank you to Fr.
ed in teaching, co-teaching, or helping out in other Chris, Fr. Andrew and Deacon Michael for always
ways please contact Sophia Hennesssey, the being there to teach us, inspire us, and support us.
Church School Director at 781-334-4686 for more Thank you to Seminarians; Jared, Sampson and Miinformation.
chael for joining our classrooms and teaching our
children. Also we would like to thank the PTA for
At the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, it their support throughout the years.
was decided that the weekly donations from the
students would be donated to the Bell Tower Fund. From September to May our devoted, caring teachA goal of $500.00 was set. Congratulations to our ers encourage spiritual growth in the lives of our
youth for donating $889.45. This year the Church youngest parishioners. In addition to learning
School students will continue to help restore the about our faith, the classes provide an opportunity
bell towers and their beautiful St. Vasilios Church. for the children to socialize and share a sense of
community with others. Faith, fun and friendship
A special thank you to two of our Church School won’t happen unless your child comes to class! We
teachers who ‘retired’ this past year. Carol Spy- pray you’ve had a great summer vacation and look
ropoulos taught for more than 23 years, mostly in forward to seeing you in September.
the Pre-K class. Carol also assisted many teachers
with their curriculum. Although retired, Carol will
still give of her time and talents. Pam Hutchinson
also retired. Pam taught grade 3 for many years
11
2013 St. Vasilios Scholarship RECIPIENTS
Nicole Brown
Alexandra & Constantine Tingus Scholarship
$2,500.00
Gina Casey
Kostas-Coras Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Matthew Chigas
Mary Emeromistis Scholarship
$1,000.00
Pamela Coufos
John & Ourania Apostolides/Varinos Scholarship
$1,000.00
Eleni Coufos
Peter & Helen Georgilakis Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Vlasi Duni
Catherine Ellen Decoulos Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Vasili Frangias
Chris Kalivas Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Joanna Frangias
Michael & Rena Orgettas Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Nicole Elizabeth Goggin
Catherine & Paul Apostolides Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Kara Hutchison
Nicholas William Decoulos Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Steve Karalolos
Stella Mattarocchia Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Cosmo Karalolos
Michael & Theodora Zolotas Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Nicholas Koen
George Chunias Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Alexis Metropoulos
Helen and Mary Nickitopoulos Scholarship
$1,000.00
Andrew Najjar
Leonidas & Eugenia Tsionis Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Alexandra Najjar
Vontzalides/Chigas Family Scholarship
$1,000.00
Yianno Pantazelos
Fr. Andrew & Presvytera Mary Demotses Scholarship
$1,000.00
Maria Pantazelos
Michael & Cynthia Maniatakos Gargas Scholarship
$1,000.00
Athanasios Pantazelos
Congressman Nicholas Mavroules Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Xanthi Pantazelos
St. Vasilios PTA Scholarship
$1,000.00
Nicholas Petromelis
Constantine & Markella Lygomenos Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Alexandros Pissios
Anthony and Maria Lalikos Memorial Scholarship
$2,000.00
Christopher Scangas
St. Vasilios PTA Scholarship
$1,000.00
Reina Lucy Sekiguchi
Stella Kotronis Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Fotakis Sotiri
St. Vasilios Men's Club Community Technical Scholarship
$1,000.00
Eleni Stefanopoulos
John Franggos Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Leonidas Stephanides
Odysseus & Helen Demotses Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Leonidas Stephanides
Demetrios & Stavroula Panagopoulos Family Scholarship
$1,000.00
Victoria Tansey
Kanella, Jennie, Andrew, Chris and James Lalikos Memorial Schoalrship
$2,000.00
Mary Votto
James Kallas Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Demetra Votto
John D. & Sophia Maihos Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Joseph Votto
St. Vasilios Men’s Club Scholarship
$1,000.00
Michael Warren
Stephen Boulakes Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
Dimitria Yeanakopoulos
Peter & Sophia Halekas Scholarship
$1,000.00
Dorothy Zachariadis
Christine Theo Memorial Scholarship
$1,000.00
12
Helping to Keep the Children in the Church
(Continued from page 8)
“mixed marriage” with the other spouse being nonOrthodox is quite high, leading to a pull in other directions.
There are also sad situations in church where members find themselves in bitter disputes with other parishioners. Even if they don’t know the causes, the
children pick up on the tension and unhappiness in
what should be a loving environment; and if there is a
disconnect between what the adults say and how they
actually behave, the children are quick to label the
adults as “hypocrites” and the faith therefore false.
So we need to recognize that what we are asking of
our children is not easy, and if we can’t provide them
with adequate support and try our best to “live what
we preach,” we are letting them down in a big way.
On the other hand, there are families who
come faithfully in spite of problems in their church
and find a way to overcome any negativity, and indeed bring light and love to the rest of the parish.
And there are children whose parents are not really
connected to their church by their faith, but who find
a mentor or friend in an adult, perhaps the priest or a
Church School teacher or a grandparent, and find a
deep faith of their own in that way. God works in
mysterious ways indeed.
So what are some ways we can help our children
grow in our faith and remain in our churches? We can
give them the best instruction possible; we can bring
them to all the services; we can teach them to cook,
sing and dance according to our own traditions. And
all that will (or at least might) help. But just like raising children in general, there is no simple “one way”.
And I am no expert – in our own family, of our three
grown children, only one attends an Orthodox church
regularly at this point.
But my thought is that the bottom line for children
has to be in the positive experience they find at
church, and perhaps most important of all, how the
family as a whole makes their church experience a
happy, meaningful and spiritually enriching part of
their lives. Then we beg God’s forgiveness for our
mistakes and failings, and add a lot of prayers for the
spiritual safety of our children as they grow up!
Inquirers Study Group
Have you ever wished you could attend an
introductory class on the Orthodox Faith? Would
you like to learn more about your faith? Are you interested in perhaps becoming Orthodox? You can
find answers to these questions and more by attending the Inquirer’s Class that will begin meeting on
Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8;00 beginning on September 10th. This group will meet for ten weeks. To
reserve your spot in this informative discussion group
please call the Church Office 978-531-0777.
Bible Study -Orthodox Life
The Orthodox Life Study Group will begin
another fall session on Tuesday,
September 10th. This group
will be gathering to study the
book of Revelation. We will
meet on Tuesday afternoons
from 2:30-4:00 in the Board
Room. Please remember five points necessary for
studying scripture. First is faith: a commitment, resolve and acceptance of Christ into our life. Second
is prayer: to have our life be in communion with God.
This kind of relationship makes our hearts and minds
receptive to God’s written word. Next is study:
which helps us understand the truth in the scriptures.
Fourth is application: the gospel is not a Gospel unless you live it. Finally is witness: sharing the Good
News not only intellectually but spiritually as well.
Please feel free to join us!
St. Makrina Study Group
The St. Makrina women’s study group will
begin meeting on Wednesday October 2nd from 9:30
to – 11:00 a.m. The class will run for 8 weeks and is
open to women of all ages. Please come and join us.
If you would like more information you can speak
with Presv. Claire @ 617-957-0175
25
24
Greek School
Upcoming Performance:
Dance Practice Friday, September 6th 3:30
International Festival Peabody Square Sunday, September 8th Time TBA
We are interested in expanding our Greek School Program by adding an Introductory Class for children 4 years of age to meet once a week and also to offer an Adult Course on either weeknights or weekends. If you are interested please contact Dina Kalaitzidis at [email protected]
End of Year Program & 6th Grade Graduation
YOCAMA MISSION TRIP 2013
Young Orthodox Christian American Mission Adventures Trip to New Mexico
13
14
2013 ST. VASILIOS FAMILY PICNIC
A GREAT SUCCESS
Our Greek Gamily Picnic was once again a fabulous success!! We would like to extend a thank you to all who
volunteered and attended. Heartfelt congratulations and BIG THANK YOU to the Picnic Committee.
KAI TOU XRONOU!!
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest thanks to all our donors and wonderful volunteers for their generosity and assistance in making our 2013 St. Vasilios Greek Family Picnic at Winter Island
a huge success.
Donations ranged from food and supplies, delicious pastries, lifting and toting, cooking and food prep, serving
with a smile and monetary support. Every gift of time, treasure and talent, large or small made the day possible.
You have all helped us show that our community is vibrant, that we can join together to create a festive and
successful event and have fun and fellowship doing it.
We look forward to more successes in the future!
In Christ,
Bessie Silva,
Picnic Committee Chairs
Pam Katsiris
Parish Council President
George Karavedos
James Maravelias
New England Meat Market
George Nikolouzos
Old Neighborhood Foods
Pargas Family
Parish Council
Philoptohos
Prime Roast Beef
Petrillo's
Piazza Produce
John and Helene Rogers
Sandra Ruggeri + family
Pissios Family
23
Greek School
The St. Vasilios Greek School has functioned continuously since the founding of our parish. The Greek
School is the oldest educational program within the church. The school offers the youth of our community
knowledge of the Greek language, a love for the Orthodox Faith, and an appreciation for the culture and history of the Greek people. Our students build strong bonds with their classmates that last a lifetime.
We will have an open registration this year, you can visit the church website www.stvasilios.org to download
the registration form and bring it to the office at your convenience, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00
p.m.
Greek School will begin on Wednesday, September 11th with an Agiasmos Service at 3:30 p.m. in the church.
Classroom assignments will be announced at the end of the service.
Tuition for the 2013-2014 School Year
Tuition for St. Vasilios members in good standing:
Pre-K:
$100 per student
Kindergarten-6th grade:
$300 per student
$500 maximum per family
Tuition for members in good standing at another parish:
Pre-K:
$150 per student
$350 per student
Must provide documentation of good standing to the church office
Again we hope you accept our deepest and heartfelt appreciation.
Andreas Produce
Bonnie and Chuck Antoniou
Michael Bresnahan
Carl Michael Salon/Athene Hennesey
Catherine Ciano
Community Credit Union
D'amatas Pizza
Finishing Touch Nails
Garden City Pub
Glama Furs
Giovanni's Tewksbury
Pauline and Charles Halepakis
In the Cut Barber Shop
Stephanides Families
Super Seven Subs, Lynn
Louisa's Pizza
Brandon Simpson
St. Val's Men's Club
Maria Tsouvalas
Joe Votto
James Yeannakopoulos
Winter Island Park Staff
Salem Mayor's Office
We thank all the organizations, ministries and volunteers.
Please know if we did not mention you by name it was an unintentional oversight and we appreciate all that
helped make this great!
Tuition for non-members of a parish:
Pre-K:
$300 per student
$500 per student
Tuition includes books
If you have any questions regarding the Greek School program you can contact Principal Dina Kalaitzidis at
[email protected].
Greek School consists of 8 grades Pre-K through 6th, open to students in grades Kindergarten through 7th
grade in American School.
Children entering Kindergarten can enroll in the Pre-School class. The Pre-School class will meet every
Wednesday. Kindergarten through 6th grade will meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:30-5:00
Our highly qualified and experienced teaching staff comes together to provide our community’s children with
knowledge of their heritage and Greek language. The staff adjusts the curriculum to the needs and abilities of
our children who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our curriculum consists of conversational skills,
culture, reading, religion, writing and dance. In addition to this students perform dance at a number of church
and city events throughout the school year.
If you have any questions regarding the Greek School program you can contact Principal Dina Kalaitzidis at
[email protected].
We look forward to working with your children this year!
For Greek School news and pictures visit:
http://stvasiliosgreekschool.shutterfly.com
22
Greek School news
Opportunity Knocks
Each September, opportunity knocks for every Greek Orthodox child, the opportunity of learning a second language, Greek history and the rudiments of Orthodox faith.
Our fast-moving world is demanding the knowledge of two and three languages and public education is
even now initiating language courses in the elementary grades.
How fortunate and advanced a youngster is when he has the head start that attendance at Greek School
can give him. No other language offers comparable fundamental training to all tongues as does Greek. Even
more important is the fact that both in high school and college knowledge of Greek will be a decidedly strong
asset in the mastery of English vocabulary, for over 35 percent of the English language has Greek derivatives.
Unfortunately, however, we live in a world of material and superficial values that often lure us into believing that other activities are more important. Music and dancing lessons, baton twirling, TV, athletics,
school clubs, etc., compete with Greek Schools for valuable time. They are all feeble excuses for non-Greek
learning and when stripped of their glamour really offer very little in comparison to the lifelong contribution
given to each child by the Greek School curriculum. No child need to be deprived of music lessons, athletics
or after-school activities because of Greek School; only the degree of participation will be affected.
Children of today must learn to discriminate and choose widely from the multitude of activities available to them and in making such choices for their children, parents must ask themselves the simple question:
“Of all the opportunities available to my children, which ones will contribute the most to their future success
and happiness?” The easiest choice is not necessarily the best choice, for nothing worthwhile comes easy and
easy things are seldom worthwhile.
Moreover, it has become clear over the years that those children who are exposed to Greek School usually migrate to junior choir and to junior GOYA and subsequently into the senior groups of these organizations. Through Greek School, Greek Orthodox youth find friends of similar sympathies and aspirations. Such
associations benefit Orthodoxy obviously, but the enhancing of the language is also their natural product.
No child will ever regret attending Greek School, but those who do not attend may in future years bitterly regret the choice their parents made denying them this privilege. Every Greek Orthodox home with children of Greek School age must make that important decision.
St. Vasilios Greek School
15
ST. VASILIOS BOOKSTORE
AND RESOURCE CENTER
16
21
20
17
HELP NEEDED
FOR OUR NOVEMBER FESTIVAL
We need every parishioner to volunteer some time (even ONE HOUR) to make our Festival another great success!
Below is the list of volunteer opportunities. Please contact the appropriate person to GET INVOLVED!
Set-up / Clean-up
Baking
Kitchen Prep
Kafeneio / Pastry
Shop
Bessie Silva
Ruthie Morfis
Steve Stephanides
978-771-2119
978-531-8655
978-744-8531
FOOD DONATIONS
If you would like to donate food for the festival, please contact Jim Limberakis at 617-694-5022 or 978-535-0351
Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8531 for a complete list of items needed.
BOOTH RENTALS
If you’re interested in showcasing your own items for sale at the Festival, please contact Tina Manolakos at 978741-7547 or Bessie Silva at 978-771-2119 on renting a table.
COUNTRY STORE
The Country Store is seeking donations of baked items and other goods to be sold at the Festival. For more
information, please contact Persephone Santos at 798-531-2121.
SOUVENIR JOURNAL
The Souvenir Journal is a great way to advertise your business or send a greeting in honor or memory of a loved
one. For more information on placing an ad in the journal, please contact Meni Frangias at
[email protected] or 978-532-5782 (Please see following page).
SKEWERING
We will be skewering for the Festival on Wednesday, November 6th at 6.00p in the Educational Center. To volunteer,
please call Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8531.
As most of you know, while
Church School is in session,
parents, grandparents and
friends gather in the Rev Andrew Demotses Community
Center for fellowship and refreshments.
These “coffee
hours” are a place for us to
reconnect with our St. Vasilios family, celebrate joys and be comforted during
loss. The St. Val’s PTA supplies and staffs our time
together with volunteers, but has always welcomed
and encouraged anyone from the community to sponsor a week. These sponsorships help defray the costs
of paper goods and supplies. You can use these days
to remember loved ones on their birthday, anniversary, name day, christening, celebrating a wedding or
mourning at a funeral or memorial service, or just for
the good health of family and friends.
events and improvements that effect student classrooms and experience.
This year we will be offering FULL SPONSORSHIP for $150 with no other sponsors and no donation baskets placed on the tables, or $50 for a PARTIAL SPONSORSHIP. There may be multiple
sponsors on such days, and a free will basket will be
in place. We also welcome any homemade treat, fruit
platter or sweet you would like to provide for the
event. Your sponsorship will be listed in the Sunday
Bulletin that is distributed in church and placed in a
frame on the table of treats.
We ask that you consider sponsoring a coffee hour in
the near future or in the alternative, be generous at the
free will baskets!
Please contact Louisa Simpson
at [email protected] or 978-774-2689 to
Just as the church and families have been feeling the reserve your week.
squeeze of the slow economy, rising costs and limited
incomes, the PTA has also been struggling with the Also we are looking for volunteers to staff the Coffee
continued pressures of financing our weekly fellow- Hour. We will have sign ups the first weeks of
ship. The weekly cost to put forth refreshments is church school or you can contact any of the PTA ofapproximately $250. This accounts for coffee and ficers.
necessary condiments, donuts, muffins, and paper
goods. We operate at a loss each and every week and
it has become increasingly more difficult to subsidize. In addition, we try to focus our hard won fundraising dollars on student centered programming,
FESTIVAL PLANNING MEETINGS
The following meetings are open to all parishioners to help with our November festival,
Tuesday
August 13th 6pm parlor room
Wednesday Sept 11th 6pm parlor room
Wednesday Oct 9th 6pm parlor room
Wednesday Oct 23rd 6pm parlor room
Any questions call Bessie Silva 978-771-2119 or email [email protected]
International Festival
St. Vasilios will be participating in the City of Peabody’s annual International Festival on Sunday,
September 8th. If you are interested in making a donation for this event, please contact Pam Katsiris at 978-740-2449
or Bessie Silva at 978-771-2119.
We will be skewering for the International Festival on Thursday, September 5, at 6 p.m. in the Educational Center. Please contact Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8230 to volunteer. All are welcomed to assist.
FOR RENT:
Location with plenty of parking! Minutes from Peabody Square! Great space for a dancing school,
pre-school, office or whatever you want.
This space has direct off street access to the building. Two floors featuring full kitchen, 2 baths and
plenty of storage.
First floor features three large rooms, currently used as class rooms totaling 1320 square feet, with
access to private grassy courtyard.
Second level, one big room with dividers is 1476 square feet and includes the kitchen. Extra tall ceilings, huge windows and very bright.
Floors can be rented together or separately with private access to each.
Landlord to pay electric and water. Tenant to pay for gas heat. Come see!
Please contact Evelyn Rockas at cell: 617 256-8500
email: [email protected]
website: www.northshorerealestatebyevelyn.com/
18
September 2013
Sun
1
8 am Orthros
9 am Liturgy
8Nativity of
Mon
2
Tue
3
12 pm International
Festival
15
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
First Day of
Church School
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
22
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
29
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
Ministries Sunday
Pie sale
4
Thu
5
October 2013
Fri
6
Sat
Sun
Mon
7
Labor Day
9
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
6 pm Prep for
International
Festival
10
7 pm Bell Tower
Committee
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
7 pm Building
Committee
16
17
11
12
13
First Day of
Greek School
14
Holy Cross
Orthros 8 am
Liturgy 9 am
6 pm Functions
Committee
19
20
21
Inquirer’s 7 pm
23
24
7 pm Bell Tower
Committee
30
7
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
7 pm Bylaws
Committee
6
7 pm Parish Council
18
13
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
26
27
28
Church School
Pie Baking
20
Teaching Liturgy
27
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
2
St. Maktrina
9:30-11:00 am
8
9
Inquirer’s 7 pm
Thu
Fri
Sat
3
4
5
10
11
12
6 pm Trivia Night
6 pm Functions
Committee
7 pm Bell Tower
Committee
7 pm Building
Committee
7 pm Parish
Council
14
15
16
Columbus Day
Office Closed
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
No Greek School
Inquirer’s 7 pm
17
18
19
24
25
26
Vespers Somerville
7pm Bylaws
Committee
21
22
23
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Parish Sign-Up for
Time & Talent
Wed
Inquirer’s 7 pm
Orthodox Life
2:30 pm
YOCAMA Presentation/ No Sunday School
25
Tue
1
Office Closed
Theotokos
Winter Hours
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
Wed
19
Inquirer’s 7 pm
7 pm Bell Tower
Committee
28
St. Demetrios
Orthros 8 am
Liturgy 9 am
6 pm Functions
Committee
7 pm Parish
Council
29
30
31
National Clergy
Retreat Until
November 1st
6 pm Functions
Committee

August/September 2013 - St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

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