THE GOOD NEWS - St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church

ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΥ
THE GOOD NEWS
Rev. Protopresbyter Anargyros Stavropoulos
51 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652
Tel: 201-368-8881 - Fax: 201-368-9195 - Emergency Tel: 201-925-6994
www.stathanasiosnj.org • email: [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5
Rev. Protopresbyter
Anargyros Stavropoulos
Ieratikos Proestamenos
Parish Council 2015
President: Demetr ios Xanthos
Vice President: Paul Venizelos
2nd V. President: Andy Hios
Treasurer: Tony Emmanouilidis
Secretary: Peter Paizis
Vasilios Fikaris
Jason Fink
Nicholas Gagis
George Glavas
Panagiotis Karounos
Othon Katechis
Emmanuel Kavrakis
John Kiriakakis
Kostas Lahanas
Irini Mentakis
Gus Panagiotopoulos
George Siamboulis
Chuck Tsocanos
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015
Dear Parishioners,
One of the tragedies of many people today is the feeling that they
have outgrown the need for God’s word. The disaster they bring upon
themselves as a result is tragic. But the person who reads the Bible believing that God is actually speaking to him through what he reads this man’s life is transformed. He finds healing, wholeness, power,
peace, forgiveness, love and purpose.
Most of us remember how St. Paul’s life changed completely after he heard the word of God on the road to Damascus. Some of us recall that the conversion of Augustine the great sinner to Augustine the
great saint and bishop happened when he picked up the Bible one day
and read a passage that spoke to his soul.
Why is it that this Book has had such enduring power through the
centuries? The only answer is that it is God’s Book. It speaks, as no
other book can, to the heart and needs of man. It answers questions
basic to life: who am I? Why am I here?” where am I going?” It
speaks with power. The word of God contained in the Bible is not merely an “inspiring thought” or a “good idea”; it is a power which transforms the lives of those who accept it; it is the “power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.”
Moreover, the Bible speaks with ultimate authority. “Thus saith
the Lord.” God has spoken. He has given us goalposts. He has given us
principles that are valid not for a few generations but forever. As someone so well said, “God gave us commandments; He did not give us ammendments.” The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of
God shall stand forever,” says the Old Testament. “Heaven and earth
shall pass away but my words shall not pass away,” said Jesus.
In the Bible we find exactly the strength we need for every problem and sorrow of life. For those overcome with grief over the passing
of a loved one, who can offer better comfort than Jesus who is the resurrection and the life? For those overcome by the cares and burdens of
life, who can offer greater strength than Jesus Who says, “Come unto me
all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” For those
overcome by guilt, who can offer greater forgiveness, greater peace than
Jesus Who said to the adulteress, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and
sin no more.” For those who cannot stand the emptiness of life, who can
fill it with more meaning than Jesus who said, “I am the bread of life, he
who comes to me shall never hunger and he who believes in me shall
never thirst.”
In the Orthodox church, we cherish the highest respect for the Bible. We keep the Gospel book
enthroned on the altar constantly. Just as the Bible is enthroned on the altar of our church so it should
be enthroned in the heart of every Orthodox Christian. By this we don’t mean that it should be kept on
some shelf at home as a magic charm. It should be opened and read daily.
My dear Christians, set aside a regular time for daily reading preferably in the evening at the
supper table when the whole family is together. When the children are young, mom or dad can do the
reading. When the children grow older, they may share in the reading. Reading to the children is one
of life’s greatest joys. Children treasure it.
Don’t read too much or too fast. One chapter a day is sufficient. Let what you read sink in
slowly. If the children are young, read from a Bible story book-one that has pictures which you can
show children. Start with the biographies of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Read with the faith and expectation that God will really and truly speak to you through what you
read. Don’t worry about the passages you do not understand. Concentrate on what you do understand.
The more you read, the more you will understand. One passage explains another.
Each day memorize at least one verse that grips you. Say it out loud as a family three or four
times. Encourage your children to fall asleep with this verse on their lips.
With love in Christ,
Fr. Anargyros
Αγαπητοί μου Χριστιανοί,
Η Εκκλησία μας περιβάλλει με μεγάλη τιμή το σημείο του σταυρού. Γι΄αυτό κάνει
συχνότατη χρήση (του σταυρού) στη Θεία Λατρεία, στις λατρευτικές πράξεις και τελετές,
στη ναοδομία, εικονογραφία, λειτουργικά βιβλία, ἀμφια και σκεύη.
Το ίδιο πρέπει να κάνουμε και εμείς στην καθημερινή μας ζωή πρωϊ, μεσημέρι, βράδυ,
νύχτα. Ν΄αρχίζουμε και να τελειώνουμε με το σταυρό, για να εξασφαλίζουμε τις
απορέουσες από την δύναμη του ευλογίες η χάρη του προέρχεται από τον Θεό.
Τα αποτελέσματα αυτά είναι θετικότερα και εμφανέστερα όταν κάνουμε το σταυρό
μας: με πίστη (όχι ολιγοπιστία), με ταπείνωση (όχι υπερηφάνεια), με καθαρότητα (όχι
αμαρτωλότητα) και αγάπη (όχι σκληροκαρδία ή αμετανοησία).
Επίσης να κάνουμε το σταυρό μας σωστά όχι βιαστικά, όχι ντροπαλά, όχι κινώντας το
χέρι πάνω στο στήθος μόνο, όχι στον αέρα, αλλά ακουμπώντας το χέρι στο σώμα μας.
Όχι με επιδεικτικότητα, με μετάνοιες μπροστά σε άλλους ή πληθωρικά
σταυροκοπήματα, αλλ΄ ούτε με τρόπο που μοιάζει ότι προτιμούμε « την δόξαν των
ανθρώπων μάλλον παρά την δόξαν του Θεού ». Μην ξεχνούμε το λόγο του Κυρίου:
« Αυτόν που θα με ομολογήσει μπρος τους ανθρώπους, θα τον ομολογήσω και εγώ μπρός
στον Πατέρα μου τον ουράνιον και εκείνον που θα με αρνηθεί μπρος στους ανθρώπους
θα τον αρνηθώ και Εγώ....»(Ματ. ι΄32 33).
Αγαπητοί μου , το σημείο του σταυρού κλείνει μέσα του όλα τα σωτηριώδη γεγονότα,
που κληρονόμησε η άπειρη αγάπη του Θεού για τον « πεπτωκότα » άνθρωπο. Γι΄αυτό
είναι σημείο σωτήριο, σημείο ζωοποιό, σημείο αγιαστικό, « νικοποιόν όπλον » (άγιος
Σωφρόνιος Ιεροσαλύμων). Ας το χρησιμοποιούμε λοιπόν πιό συχνά και πιό σωστά, για
να αγιαζόμαστε, καθημερινά.
Πως κάνουμε όμως το Σταυρό μα;
Αρχικά ενώνουμε τα τρία πρώτα δάκτυλα του δεξιού χεριού, ομολογώντας έτσι την
πίστη μας σ΄ένα Θεό, που είναι ταυτόχρονα και τρείς υποστάσεις, τρία πρόσωπα-ο Πατήρ,
ο Υιός και το Ἀγιο Πνεύμα -, ομοούσια, ενωμένα μεταξύ τους « αχωρίστως » και
« αδιαιρέτως », Τα άλλα δύο δάκτυλα, που ακουμπούν την παλάμη, συμβολίζουν τις δύο
φύσεις, δύο θελήσεις και δύο ενέργειες του Κυρίου μας, την θεία και την ανθρώπινη.
Μ’αυτό τον τρόπο κάνουμε μία συμβολική ομολογία της ορθοδόξου πίστεώς μας, που
βάσεις και θεμέλιά της αποτελούν το τριαδολογικό και το χριστολογικό δόγμα.
Μετά φέρνουμε το χέρι στο μέτωπο, τη σωματική περιοχή της διανοητικής λειτουργίας,
φανερώνοντας έτσι ότι αγαπούμε τον Θεό μ’όλη τη διάνοιά μας, και ότι αφιερώνουμε σ’
Αυτόν όλες τις σκέψεις μας.
Το χέρι έρχεται κατόπιν στην κοιλιά. Έτσι δηλώνουμε συβολικά ότι προσφέρουμε στον
Κύριο όλες τις επιθυμίες μας και όλα τα συναισθήματά μας.
Τέλος, φέρνουμε το χέρι στους ώμους, πρώτα στο δεξιό και μετά στον αριστερό,
ομολογώντας έτσι ότι και κάθε σωματική μας δραστηριότητα ανήκει σ ‘Εκείνον.
Με αγάπη Χριστού
Π. Ανάργυρος
We would like to thank everyone who donated flowers and vasiliko for the Feast
of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Panagias) August 15th, and the Elevation of the Holy
Cross, September 14th. A special thank you to Joanne Doulos and all the ladies for decorating our church and community area with all the beautiful flowers.
We would also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Telly and Maria Zervoudis for their very
generous donation towards the new whiteboards for all the classrooms.
Choir practice is held every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in our Church Choir Loft. We invite
all members and anyone interested in joining our Choir to attend practices.
PHILOPTOCHOS
Dear Parishioners,
Welcome back to our community from the long summer break!
As a reminder, our meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30PM.
We are currently over 50 members strong and we are continuing to grow. Please come and share your
ideas and sign up to a committee of your choice. Your attendance and your input at these monthly
meetings are important.
In the previous ecclesiastical year we have helped many families in hardship. The need for our
assistance continues in our society as the economic crisis and other uncontrollable factors carry on.
Your active participation in our Philoptochos will make you an active participant of your faith and
will bring forth the “fruits” that are pleasing to God.
We are currently having our Lord and Taylor Benefit Bash. Please support this fundraiser. We
are also soliciting for our fashion show journal. Please assist by asking a business or a professional
you frequent to place an ad in our journal. Attached is a form for your convenience.
Our annual fashion show will be held on November 12, 2015 at The Venetian. Please plan to
attend and bring your “parea” with you. It will be a fun filled evening. Our fashions for this event will
be provided by “The Fig Leaf”. Our 50/50 raffle this year will go to the building of St. Nicholas
church at ground zero.
Below are the ladies elected to our Executive Board for 2015 – 2017:
Vasiliki Panagopoulos, President
Ann Kamvosoulis , First Vice President
Eleni Dedes, Second Vice President
Aspasia Panagiotopoulos, Recording Secretary
Stephanie Mouzakis Smith, Corresponding Secretary
Anna Gourmos, Treasurer
Patricia Ekonomidis, Assistant Treasurer
Karen Scoullos, Advisor
Congratulations to all for this awesome responsibility. Have a wonderful Ecclesiastical Year.
With Love in Christ,
Karen Scoullos
Advisor
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
Dear Parents,
On behalf of Father Anargyros, Stella Dimatos, the co-director of our Sunday school and, myself, I would like to welcome you to a new ecclesiastical year. We are very excited to begin a new
Church School year and witness the growth of our children every Sunday as they learn about our faith
and Christian values. Our Sunday School classes continue to grow every year. We are still accepting
registrations for this school year, so if you haven’t registered your child yet, please do so – it‘s not too
late. There are many events planned and we welcome and embrace all students to join us.
Our teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic about teaching the Greek Orthodox faith to our children. But we can only do this alongside you, the parents. We urge you to actively live your Greek Orthodox faith at home so that the children will learn to have their faith at the center of their life. If we
live our faith at home, then church will not be another “Sunday activity”, but a way of life. Please remember that religious education begins and ends at home.
Our teachers have distributed the stewardship envelopes to our children and they were taken
home, so that each child has one package for the year. Every Sunday, the children are expected to bring
one in class and hand it to their teacher’s, so that from an early age they can learn and understand the
meaning of giving back. Stewardship, as explained in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
site, is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe
in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm
that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully
offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.
We are pleased to announce the following upcoming Sunday Church School Events:
Fall Plant Sale
Thanksgiving Food Drive – it begins on October 4th
Class Pictures - October 18
The Sunday Church School Staff wishes everyone a blessed and spiritually enriching ecclesiastical
year!
Respectfully,
Eliana Antoniou, Ph.D.
Sunday School Director
G.O.Y.A.
The advisors, board and all the members of the St. Athanasios GOYA hope that
everyone had a restful and safe summer!
As the new school year 2015-2016, kicks off, we wish to thank everyone who helped us
throughout the past 2014-15 year. Many of our crowning achievements would not have been
possible without your support! We also graciously thank the board & advisors of this new
2015-16 year, who are stepping up to help us through another wonderful and exciting year of
GOYA!!
Our very first GOYA meeting on September 17th was successfully attended by many
new and old familiar faces! We encourage everyone to attend the meetings, as GOYA is a
spectacular and spiritual journey that everyone deserves to experience.
On September 21st, we had our annual diving for the Holy Cross Celebration held in
Asbury Park. This year our church was represented by Zoi Larosiliere, Christos Katechis, Alicia Maria Pallikaropoulos and Joseph Jouvanis. Also, the annual Mr. and Mrs. GOYA Pageant will be on October 11th at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. Demos Backos and Eleni Stavris will be representing our Church and GOYA this year! In addition, we will be kicking off
the year with the Bowling Tournament and Dance on October 24th in Fairview.
GOYA offers many unique opportunities for the young people of our community to
learn and grow as Orthodox Christians, while making friends and having fun. This is
achieved through participation in our Religious retreats, Community Service activities, Indoor & Outdoor Olympics, Sights & Sounds, the Bowling Tournament/Dance, and many other activities.
Speaking of dancing, St. Athanasios is very proud of our Greek Dance Group, which
meets weekly. However, if you are more of an athlete, we also offer great sporting activities
through our basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams.
We invite all young people to join us and help make 2015-2016 the best year in GOYA!
Once again, here is your 2015-16 GOYA board!
Presidents – Stefo Hunter & Dina Christopoulos
Vice President – Joe Jouvanis
Treasurer – Eleni Stavris
Recording Secretary – Demos Backos
Corresponding Secretary – George Makris
With Love in Christ,
Stefo Hunter & Dina Christopoulos
GOYA Co-Presidents
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ
Αγαπητοί γονείς
Σας καλωσορίζουμε και πάλι στην νέα σχολική χρονιά του Ελληνικού μας
Σχολείου 2015-2016, και εχόμαστε σε όλους τους μαθητἐς μας καλή αρχή και πολύ
πρόοδο. Ιδιαίτερα χαιρετούμε τις νέες οικογένειες του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου.
Το διδασκαλικό μας προσωπικό δέχτηκε με πολλή αγάπη και στοργή τα παιδιά που
γράφτηκαν φἐτος στο σχολείο μας, ενώ ο Πάτερ Ανάργυρος έκανε την έναρξη των
μαθημάτων με τον καθιερωμένο αγιασμό στις 9 Σεπτεμβρίου, και ευλόγησε μαθητές,
διδασκάλους , και γονείς.
Το Σχολείο μας αρχίζει στις 4:30 μ.μ., και τελειώνει στις 6:30 μ.μ. Πρέπει να
έρχεσθε να παραλαμβάνετε τα παιδιά σας από τις τάξεις, και όχι να τα περιμένετε στο
προαύλιο του Σχολείου.
Γιά την ασφάλεια των μαθητών μας, η πόρτα του σχολείου θα είναι κλειστή από
τις 4:45-6:15 μ.μ.
Σας παρακαλούμε να σημειώσετε τις κάτωθι ημερομηνίες.
21 Οκτωβρίου «Η ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΓΟΝΕΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΔΙΔΑΣΚΑΛΩΝ»
28 Οκτωβρίο «Ο Εορτασμός της 28ης Οκτωβρίου»
Dear parents,
We welcome you again to the new Greek School year, which officially started the 9 th of September, with the Agiasmo service by Father Anargyros.
We look forward to engage your children in our Greek language and culture program. We would
like also to extend our warm welcome, to the new families who recently joined our St. Athanasios
Greek School.
The classes start at 4:30 p.m., and end at 6:30 p.m. Please make sure that you pick up your children from the classrooms, and not having them waiting for you at the parking lot area. In order to ensure our children’s safety, the doors will remain locked from 4:45 - 6:15 p.m. If you need to enter the
building during this time, please ring the bell.
Please mark the dates:
October 21st - “BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT”
October 28th - “28th of October celebration”
Sincerely,
Sophia Stamatiou
Greek School Principal
P.T.O.
Dear Parishioners,
The Greek school program has commenced and our PTO is very excited about the various activities
for this year! Starting October 5th, we are going to launch last years very successful fundraiser, selling
chocolate bars ($1 each). This fundraiser is for our project to have traditional hats and stoles (vests) for our
children to wear during our school celebrations!
Here are some more of our events scheduled for October :
October 7th--PTO meeting @ 5pm
October 11th--PTO hosting coffee hour and bake sale
October 21st -- Back to school night
October 28th-- OXI DAY celebration
We will be continuing to ask for donations for our spanakopita sale. We thank you in advance for all
the help, donations, and support! Orders will be running all through October into early November. Forms
will be distributed to all Greek school students and will be available in the church office.
In addition we have the following events for November:
November 4th-- PTO meeting @ 5pm
November 8th-- PTO hosting coffee hour
November 23rd-- picking up spanakopita orders
November 25th-- Thanksgiving recess
As you can read, our PTO has many new and traditional events coming up and we will need and appreciate any support our families can give in order to make our events awesome and successful! We understand the busy schedules of everyone but would love to see you at our monthly meetings. It's a great way to
get information about our events, share suggestions, give feedback, get to know other Greek school parents,
and participate in our children's school events!!
As always the PTO board is here to answer any and all questions. We will be communicating with
parents via handouts and e-mails and in person. Please do not hesitate to ask us any and all questions or
concerns!!
Lastly, on behalf of the PTO board and Greek school families we would like to deeply thank Mr. &
Mrs. Telly and Maria Zervoudis for their generous donation of the white boards and supplies for our classrooms!
Rhoda Repousis
PTO President
[email protected]
732-794-2834
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Stewardship List as of 9/21/15
Giving to the church is an opportunity to examine our priorities
and values. It is an opportunity to express our thankfulness, to
give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It is an opportunity to
participate in the work of God. We thank the following 302 parishioners who have already made their Stewardship Pledge for
2015. Those who have not yet made their pledge, please do so
today!
ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ “EΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ” :
Υπενθυμίζομε ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθή στα σπίτια σας οι
κάρτες “Eκούσιας Εισφοράς” για το 2015. Έχετε ανανεώσει την
οικονομική σας προσφορά για το 2015; Εάν όχι, κατατάξατε το
όνομά σας στήν κατάσταση των ενοριτών που έχουν
τακτοποιήσει την οικονομική τους υποχρέωση προς την ενορία,
συμπληρώντας την κάρτα καί επιστρέφοντάς την στο γραφείο
μας, μαζί μέ το δώρο της αγάπης σας. Ευχαριστούμε τις 302
οικογένειες πού ήδη εκπλήρωσαν την υπόσχεσή των για το
2015.
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Adams
Mr. Bill Adams
Mrs. Katina Agaliotis
Mr. K. Agathangelou/Ms. T.
Yiangou
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Alectorides
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Alexiades
Mr. & Mrs. George Alexiades
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Anagnostakos
Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Andreou
Mrs. Silvia Andros
Mr. Christopher Androulakis
Mr. Evan Androulakis
Mr. & Mrs. George Androulakis
Ms. Renee Androulakis
Mr. & Mrs. B. Antonopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Sotiris Antonopoulos
Mrs. Ubaldina Antonopoulos
Mr. Michael Arotis
Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Backos
Ms. Bella Baker
Mr. & Mrs. A. Barbagiannis
Mr. & Mrs. George Barkouras
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Berenberg
Mr. Andrew Berenberg
Mr. Jason Berenberg
Mr. & Mrs. John Betts
Mr. & Mrs. Daryn Binder
Mr. Allan Bittar
Mr. Maryo Bittar
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boldrin
Helen & Susan Boyas
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Brandt
Mr. & Mrs. James Burke
Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Caravoulias
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Careri
Mr. Carl Carfello
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cevallos
Dr. & Mrs. George Christolias
Mr. & Mrs. G. Christopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. G. Christopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Nikos Christopoulos
Dr. & Mrs. George Christoudias
Dr. & Mrs. Stavros Christoudias
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Chucalas
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Colantropo
Mr. Marios Comodromos
Dr. & Mrs. Ted Constandelis
Mrs. Dot Constandelis
Ms. Maria Constandelis
Mr. Tom Contos
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Cormas
Mrs. Eve Cravits
Mrs. Elaine Daoutis
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dedes
Mr. & Mrs. Aristidis Delis
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Demetrakis
Mrs. Maria Diacakis
Mrs. Maria Diakos
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Dimatos
Mrs. Christina Dimitrakopoulos
Mr. Michael Dimitrelis
Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Dorizas
Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Doulos
Mr. & Mrs. A. Economou
Mr. & Mrs. John Economou
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Ekonomidis
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Eliopoulos
Ms. Alexandra Maria Eliopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Emmanouilidis
Mr. & Mrs. A. Emmanouilidis
Mr. & Mrs. E. Emmanouilidis
Mr. John H. Emmanouilidis
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Evangelou
Mr. & Mrs. Sofoclis Fasitsas
Mr. & Mrs. Ricardo Ferriera
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Fikaris
Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Fikaris
Mr. Jason Fink
Mrs. Artemis Gagis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gagis
Mr. & Mrs. Emmanouil Galifos
Mr. Elias Gatoulis
Mr. Sergio Gatoulis
Mr. Metaxas Georgatos
Mr. & Mrs. Peter George
Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Georgiadis
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Georgiou
Mrs. Athena Georgotas
Ms. Christina Georgotas
Mr. George Geornaras
Mr. & Mrs. Victor Giamos
Mr. & Mrs. George Glavas
Mr. & Mrs. Athanase Gouliamos
Mr. & Mrs. Efsratios Grammatas
Ms. Mary Gregoras
Mr. & Mrs. A. Hadjistavrinos
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Haramis
Mrs. Helen Hasterlis
Ms. Maria Hasterlis
Ms. Paraskevi Hatziorfanos
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Higgins
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hios
Mr. & Mrs. George Hios
Mr. Panayiotis Hios
Mr. George Hondros
Mr. Paul Hourmouzis
Mr. & Mrs. George Hrissikos
Mrs. Madeline Jameson
Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Joannidis
Mr. & Mrs. A. Jouvanis
Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Kalabakas
Mrs. Sophie Kalivas
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kalogirou
Mr. Alexis Kamvosoulis
Mr. & Mrs. Damon Kamvosoulis
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kamvosoulis
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Kamvosoulis
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kanakaris
Mr. Nick Kantaris
Mr. & Mrs. Spiros Kapsaskis
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Karantonis
Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Kardasakis
Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Karounos
Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Kavrakis
Mrs. Magdalene Keen
Mrs. Kalliope Kesoglou
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kesoglou
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kesoglou
Mr. & Mrs. John Kiriakakis
Mrs. Tonia Kirkham
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Koehler
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kolaros
Mr. & Mrs. Anastasis Kollias
Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Kolovos
Mr. Nick Konstantinakos
Mary & Eva Konstantinidis
Ms. Irene Konstantinidis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholaos Kontogiannis
Mr. & Mrs. James Kourgelis
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Kourgelis
MR. & Mrs. John Kourgelis
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kourgelis
Ms. Pelagia Kourliouros
Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kousis
Mr. & Mrs. George Koutris
Mr. & Mrs. Christos Koutsis
Mr. & Mrs. Petros Kouvatsos
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kovoros
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Krikelis
Mr. & Mrs. Mihail Kritikos
Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Lahanas
Mrs. Toula Langas
Ms. Christie Laoudis
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Laouidis
Mrs. Virginia Laoudis
Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Larosiliere
Mr. Truong Le
Mr. & Mrs. Spero Leakas
Mr. & Mrs. Ted Leakas
Mr. George Leles
Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Leou
Mrs. Froso Levas
Mrs. Mary Lignos
Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Loukas
Mr. Andreas Louros
Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Makris
Mr. & Mrs. James Makris
Mr. & Mrs. James Malamas
Mr. & Mrs. John Malandrucolo
Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Mangafas
Mrs. Helen Mantzouranis
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Marcopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Marcus
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mariano
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Mastrojohn
Mr. & Mrs. Petros Matthews
Mrs. Vasiliki Matthews
Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Mavrianos
Mrs. Stella Megariotis
Drs. Michael & Irini Mentakis
Mr. & Mrs. James Michaels
Mr. & Mrs. George Michalakis
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Micholas
Mr. & Mrs. G. Mihalitsianos
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Miras
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Miras
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mitchell
Mrs. Olympia Molfetas
Mr. & Mrs. Renan Morada
Ms. Maria Moshouris
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moshouris
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Mourikes
Mrs. Stephanie Mouzakis Smith
Mr. Ignatius Mumtzis
Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Nakopoulos
Mrs. Jordana Nicholas
Mr. Demetrios Nicodimou
Mr. Tom Nikolaidis
Mr. & Mrs. James Nissirios
Dr. & Mrs. Themis Nissirios
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nolan
Ms. Christina Notas
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Ntarlagiannis
Mr. & Mrs. John Oberle
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pahountis
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Paissidis
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paizis
Mr. & Mrs. V. Pallikaropoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Panagakos
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Panagiotopoulos
Ms. Ariadne Panagiotou
Mr. & Mrs. George Panagiotou
Mr. & Mrs. A. Panagopoulos
Mrs. Vaso Panagopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Dino Panayiotarakos
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Papademas
Mrs. Konstantina Papademas
Mr. Harry Papademas
Mrs. Androniki Papadopoulos
Ms. Polixeni Papaioannou
Ms. Klarida Papajani
Mr. George Papanester
Mrs. Eleftheria Pashalis
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Paterson
Mr. & Mrs. Tiago Patusco
Mr. & Mrs. Menelaos Pavlou
Mr. Angelo Payne
Mr. George Pepines
Mr. & Mrs. John Peponias
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Perides
Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Petrou
Ms. Helen Pettas
Mr. & Mrs. John Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Ciro Pizzolato
Mrs. Eleni Pollatos
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Portelos
Mr. & Mrs. Laki Pothos
Mrs. Ann Pouletsos
Mr. John Pouletsos
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Poulis
Mr. & Mrs. George Protopappas
Mr. & Mrs. John Psarianos
Mr. & Mrs. John Psarros
Mr. & Mrs. Zannis Raissis
Mr. Anthony Rezitis
Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Rodas
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Rodetis
Mr. & Mrs. George Ropa
Ms. Penelope Roumantzas
Mrs. Eleanor Roumel
Mr. & Mrs. John Roussos
Mrs. Margie Russo
Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Sahlaras
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Salemme
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Samoilis
Drs. Leonidas & Alexandra Samoulidis
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Sarno
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Savvas
Mr. & Mrs. John Scaglione
Mr. & Mrs. William Scoullos
Ms. Stacey Seretudis
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Shafron
Mr. & Dr. Peter Shikar
Mr. & Mrs. Stergios Siabanis
Mr. & Mrs. George Siamboulis
Mr. & Mrs. Georgios Siderias
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Siderias
Ms. Maria Sidirokastritis
Mr. Stephen Sidirokastritis
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Sitounis
Mr. & Mrs. John Skoutakis
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Slattery
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sofos
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Sogotis
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Spirou
Mr. & Mrs. George Stamatiou
Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Stamelos
Mr. & Mrs. Thouki Stavris
Fr. & Presbytera A. Stavropoulos
Mr. & Mrs. N. Stefanopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Stogianoglou
Mr. & Mrs. Cristakis Stylianou
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Tevletidis
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Tomaras
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Toronidis
Mr. & Mrs. George Trahanas
Mr. & Mrs. George Trakas
Mrs. Evelyn Triantos
Mr. & Mrs. George Tsapelis
Mr. & Mrs. Vassilis Tsarouhas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tsentas
Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiklidis
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Tsocanos
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Tsocanos
Mr. & Mrs. John Tsocanos
Mr. & Mrs. Gerasimos Tsongas
Ms. Efthymia Tsoukalas
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Tsoukalas
Mr. & Mrs. Stan Umowski
Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Vanikiotis
Ms. Mariea Vanikiotis
Mrs. Eugenia Varias
Mrs. Catherine Varveris
Dr. E. Vassiliou/Dr. E. Antoniou
Mr. & Mrs. George Vathianakis
Mrs. Ethel Venetos
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Venezia
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Venizelos
Mrs. Irene Veros
Mr. & Mrs. George A. Vlamis
Mr. & Mrs. Petros Vlasidis
Mr. & Mrs. John Wain
Mr. & Mrs. Randall Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Xanthos
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Yannitsadis
Mr. & Mrs. Louie Yannitsadis
Dr. & Mrs. Ignatius Zairis
Mr. & Mrs. Telly Zervoudis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Zigarelli
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Ziotas
Mrs. Irene Zisa
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Zodiatis
BAPTISMS
July 5th - Dionysios (Kyriakos), child of Jenny and Elias Mourikes.
The Godparent was Hristos Zevlikaris.
August 9th - Katerina, daughter of Renique and George Christolias.
The Godparents were Vassiliki Kranidiotis and Steven Anagnos.
August 9th - Izabel (Elizabeth), daughter of Steven Sidirokastritis and Melissa Sampson. The Godfather was Nicholas Alectodiris.
August 16th - Melania, daughter of Athanasia and Michael Zigarelli.
The Gomother was Stamatia Seretoudis.
August 30th - Sophia, daughter of Paras and Alexander Zodiatis.
The Godmother was Agnes Christina Zodiatis.
Lily (Demetra), daughter of Paras and Alexander Zodiatis.
The Godfather was Christos Zodiatis
September 6th - Irene, daughter of Christina & Giannis Christodoulakis.
The Godmother was Mary Vergis.
September 8th - Marcellos, son of Nancy and Nikolaos Stefanopoulos.
The Godmother was Georgia Margariti.
September 12h - John, son of Venessa and alexander Cormas.
The Godmothers were Melpomeni Joanna and Denise Amorgianos.
NA SAS ZISOUN!!
WEDDINGS
July 19th - Sherry Ariaga and Andrew Berenberg. The Koubaro was Jason Berenberg.
August 23rd - Erin Kelly and Panayiotis Hios. The Koubaro was Athanasios Sophias.
August 30th - Marilyn Martillo and Metaxas Georgatos. The Koubaro was Michael Savva.
August 30th - Paras Zaveri and Alecxander Zodiatis. The Koubaro was Christos Zodiatis.
September 13th - Stamatia Seretudis and Harutun Budak. The Koubaro was Michael Zigarelli.
NA ZISETE!
FUNERALS
July 16th - Stavros Gouvanis
August 11th - Anna Parides-Kart
September 2nd - James K. Papas Jr.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES
IN MEMORIAM
It has become an accepted practice that at the death of a family member, the family requests that donations in memory of the departed, be made to St. Athanasios Church. This month, we wish to thank:
IN MEMORY OF
CON BAKALAKIS
St. Irene’s Philoptochos
IN MEMORY OF
BILL MIRAS
Mrs. Stella Megariotis
Represents donations made July 11th-September 21st
IN MEMORY OF
MARIA PANTELEAKIS
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. George Logothetis
ST. ATHANSIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
2015-2016 HELLENIC FOLK DANCE PROGRAM
Beginners: (ages 5-7):
Fridays 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. Cost: $175*
Intermediate (Ages 8-11)
Fridays 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Cost: $175*
GOYA: (7th -12th grades):
Fridays 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Cost: $200
*$175 per child for the first two children,
$125 for each additional child.
ΜΑΙΝΤΕΝΑΝCE COMMITTEE
Dear Parishioners,
The maintenance committee has worked all summer to make improvements and repairs to our
Church and community center. Following are some of the projects we have worked on:

We are in the process of installing energy efficient lighting throughout the buildings, through
a PSE&G program

We replaced the roof at the entrance of the community center

We will be replacing and improving the church roof and dome area before the winter sets in

Repaired all locks to secure the building

Added interior and exterior security cameras throughout the buildings

We will be enhancing our acoustics in the gymnasium/community center

Installed all new whiteboards in all classrooms

Replaced the community center and church air conditioning units

We will be upgrading the re-landscaping of the property
A lot of time and funds have been put into the maintenance and upgrading of our parish buildings. Please respect the facilities as you would your own home.
Sincerely,
Andy Hios
Maintenance Committee Chairman
Love in Action
This year St. Athanasios will continue the Homeless Outreach Program to bring much
needed food and care to men, women, and children in our area who are in need. As many
of you already know, last year we began an effort to collect food for donation in a Food Collection Box at the rear entrance of our church. This effort has already been a big success in
helping to feed low-income families, and this year we would like to give even more. We will
be putting our desire to help into action by partnering with a homeless shelter in Northern
NJ to help prepare and serve warm meals for the needy. We hope to make this a community-wide effort, with every age group involved in some way - whether through food donation, meal preparation, driving, serving, or some other facet. We are still at the early stages
but before we can begin this fruitful work, we are looking for volunteers who are interested
in helping to develop and sustain this new program. If you would like to get involved,
please contact Christina Georgotas at [email protected].
This is a time of great need for many people. For anyone who has ever felt a call to
give back, this is an opportunity to really make a difference in someone's life.
THE 2ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The 2nd Annual General Assembly meeting will be held on Sunday, November
8th immediately after the Divine Liturgy Ser vice. We ur ge all par ishioner s to attend this very important meeting.
It is our obligation and responsibility as parishioners of St. Athanasios Church to
attend and participate in the decisions of our Church and community. All parishioners
will receive an individual mailing regarding the agenda for the General Assembly.
CHRISTMAS FAST
The forty day fast for the feast of the Nativity begins on Sunday, November 15th. According to the Church Canons, fish, wine
and oil are allowed until December 17th,
except for Wednesdays and Fridays. Strict
Fast is observed from December 18th to the
24th.
ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ
Την Κυριακή, 15 Νοεμβρίου αρχίζει η 40
ήμερη Νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων.
Σύμφωνα με τους Ιερούς Κανόνες της
Εκκλησίας μας, επιτρέπονται το ψάρι, το
λάδι και το κρασί έως και τις 17
Δεκεμβρίου,
εκτός
Τετάρτη
και
Παρασκευή. Από τις 18 Δεκεμβρίου ως
και τις 24 Δεκεμβρίου τηρείται αυστηρή
νηστεία.
SANCTIFY THOSE WHO LOVE THE BEAUTY OF THY HOUSE”
“ΑΓΙΑΣΟΝ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΓΑΠΩΝΤΑΣ ΤΗΝ ΕΥΠΡΕΠΕΙΑΝ ΤΟΥ ΟΙΚΟΥ ΣΟΥ”
Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church
Iconography / Phase I and II
2015 Campaign for the Adornment of our Church
We would like to thank the parishioners who have already committed to the Iconography project
of our church. As of September 21, 2015 the following icons are still available:
For additional information and to discuss your family’s donation, please contact Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos.
St. Ignatius
St. Nikitas
St. Paul
SS. Sophia (Faith-Hope-Love)
$4,500
$5,500
$5,500
$13,500
Moses and the Burning Bush
The Sacrifice of Isaac
$20,000
$20,000
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EMAIL: [email protected]
30 West 60th Street, Suite 1Y
tel: 718-626-9400
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
fax: 973-748-3802
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Office hours by appointment
Telephone
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Office hours by
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1200 East Ridgewood Ave
West Wing, 2nd
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
(201) 447-3690
Adult & Pediatric
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Dedicated to a Gold Standard
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913 Allwood Road
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973-365-2575
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973-748-3003
Hours of operation
7 days a week
6:00 a.m. - midnight
Mon.-Thur. 6:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Fri. & Sat. 6:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m.
Sun. 6:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
WWW.THEALLWOODDINER.COM
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WESTWOOD
FAMILY DENTAL
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For Adults & Children
Full Range of Restorative Services
State of the Art Equipment
Cosmetic Bonding/Bleaching
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Phone: 201-664-1454
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Office hours by appointment
WHOLESALE
RESTAURANT
SUPPLY
4 Lewis Street,
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Ted Khalil
973-207-8382
St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church
51 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
THE MINISTRIES OF ST. ATHANASIOS:
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
Eliana Antoniou - Director
GREEK SCHOOL
Sophia Stamatiou - Principal
PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
Vaso Panagopoulos - President
P.T.O.
Roda Repusis - President
CANTOR
Chris Haramis
NEOKOROS
Christophoros Sardelis
ALTAR BOYS
Sotirios Karabetsos
H.O.P.E. (ages 4-7)
Penny Antonopoulos
J.O.Y. (ages 8-11)
Penny Antonopoulos
GOYA (ages 12-18)
Stella Backos / Reina Phillips
ATHLETIC CO-ORDINATORS:
Peter Paizis / Andy Hios
FOS (Outreach Parish Ministry)
Thea Portelos
HELLENIC SENIORS
Helen Manztouranis
BIBLE STUDY & CATECHISM
Fr. Anargyros
GREEK DANCING
Stacey Kovoros (GOYA)
Mia Petrou (HOPE/JOY)
EPISKEPSIS (Visitations)
Fr. Anargyros
DIAKONIA AGAPES
(Help the needy-Food Pantry)
Presbytera Christina, Christina Georgotas
AHEPA
Chris Mavridis - Meets every 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Paramus, NJ
07652
Permit No. 121