April 2014 - St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Transcription
April 2014 - St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
The Desert Messenger “Behold, I send My messenger before Your Face, who shall prepare Your way...” (Matthew 11:10) Volume 12, Issue 4 From Father John St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Las Vegas, NV April 2014 “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) Beloved in Christ: As our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayed these words earnestly to God the Father on the Mount of Olives before His arrest, the Evangelist Luke reports that “an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” Yet still He was in great agony – to the point where “His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.” (Luke 22:43-44) This pericope is one of the most perplexing – and similarly, one of the most revelatory – in the New Testament, as we are offered a full glimpse into Christ, the Theanthropos (God-Man). From one angle we see the deep anguish of Jesus in His prayer, a reflection of His Humanity, asking His Father to remove the impending suffering from Him – and moreover, His agony produces a heavy sweat resembling great drops of blood. From another angle, we witness the full communion of the Divine Son with His Father, submitting His will to the Godhead, voluntarily accepting what lies ahead – and His Father immediately sends an angel to strengthen Him. But, my beloved, let us probe deeper to comprehend the real cause of Christ’s agony. St. Cyril of Alexandria invites us as we read this passage to enter the Lord’s Mind: “Tell Me, what husbandman, when his vineyard is desert and waste, will feel no anguish for it? What shepherd, when his flock is perishing, suffers nothing on its account? These are the causes of My grief.” Our Lord’s agony should not be interpreted merely as anxiety or fear about what is going to happen to Him: His anguish is over our sinfulness, our rebelliousness, our heedlessness and our lack of love toward the One Who created us – and, at this crucial juncture, the rejection and hatred toward to the One Who has come to suffer for us in order to save us. God’s immeasurable love for the world prompted Him to send His Son into the world: After three years of walking, fasting, teaching, healing, casting out demons, performing miracles, thirsting, hungering and weeping, our Lord knelt on the Mount of Olives and His relentless human labors for our sake produced an immense sweat as He prayed. Blessed Theophylact writes: “Those who toil exceedingly ‘sweat blood,’ and those who lament bitterly ‘weep blood.’ . . . The Lord was not merely damp, but perspired all around.” Even in His hour of agony, our Lord’s toil, prayer, sweat and tears were for those whom He loved – those who received Him and followed Him and, yes, at this hour those who were on their way to arrest Him. Christ’s work was and continues to be – now through His Church – for our repentance and, according to His will, our entrance into His Kingdom. During Great and Holy Week, April 13-20, the life-changing events that preceded and shortly followed Jesus’ agony will be commemorated and, in a spiritually powerful way, re-lived: As we join together prayerfully at the divine services, partake of the liturgical actions, and listen intently to the multitude of Scriptural readings, as well as the beautiful and rich hymnography, we will become eyewitnesses to all that our Lord endured voluntarily for our salvation. May our prayers and participation have the depth and impact that produce the fruits of repentance and love, so that we may become – as God truly wills for each of us – genuine partakers of His Resurrection. With love in the Crucified and Resurrected Lord, The Desert Messenger WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays: 8:45 am Orthros ~ 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Church School follows Holy Communion Wednesday, April 2 Holy Wednesday, April 16 6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy 9:00 am Presanctified Liturgy 7:00 pm Sacrament of Holy Unction/ Friday, April 4 7:00 pm The Akathist Hymn Sunday, April 6/5th Sunday of Lent/ St. Mary of Egypt Orthros: Tone Eight (Fourth Plagal) Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): John 20:11-18 Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14 Gospel: Mark 10:32-45 Anointing with Holy Oil Holy Thursday, April 17 9:00 am Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 7:00 pm Holy Passion of our Lord/12 Gospel Readings Holy Friday, April 18 6:00 pm Holy Unction at St. Paul the Apostle 10:00 am Royal Hours 3:00 pm Descent from the Cross/Children’s Procession 7:00 pm Lamentations/Procession of the Epitaphion Monday, April 7 Holy Saturday, April 19 6:30 pm Great Compline Wednesday, April 9 9:00 am Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 11:00 pm Vigil of the Resurrection 6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy Sunday, April 20/GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA Saturday, April 12/Saturday of Lazaros Resurrection Gospel: Mark 16:1-8 Epistle: Acts 1:1-8 Gospel: John 1:1-17 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Hebrews 12:28-29; 13:1-8 Gospel: John 11:1-45 Palm Tying and Lenten Breakfast 6:00 pm Great Vespers of Palm Sunday with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos Sunday, April 13/Palm Sunday 12:00 am Resurrectional Orthros & Divine Liturgy Blessing and Distribution of Red Eggs 12:00 pm Agape Vespers and Picnic Gospel (in various languages): John 20:19-25 Wednesday, April 23/Great Martyr George 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, Celebrant Epistle: Acts 12:1-11 Festal Gospel: Matthew 11:1-11, 15-17 Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9 Gospel: John 12:1-18 Blessing and Distribution of Palms Palm Sunday Luncheon in Panos Hall GREAT AND HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday Evening, April 13 7:00 pm 1st Bridegroom Service with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos Holy Monday, April 14 7:00 pm 2nd Bridegroom Service Holy Tuesday, April 15 7:00 pm 3rd Bridegroom Service/Hymn of Kassiani Gospel: John 1:35-52 Friday, April 25/ Theotokos, the Life Giving Spring/ Apostle and Evangelist Mark 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Acts 3:1-8 Gospel: Luke 10:16-21 Sunday, April 27/1st Sunday of Pascha/ Holy Apostle Thomas Orthros: Festal Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Matthew 28:16-20 Epistle: Acts 5:12-20 Gospel: John 20:19-31 Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! Χριστος Ανεστη! Αληθως Ανεστη! 2 The Desert Messenger SUNDAY SCHEDULE April 6 Ushers: John Fotopoulos, Stacy Mavrantonis, Stephanie Demoleas, Paula Kelesis, Demetrious Asim and Kouli Pouridis Memorial: Andreas Rallis (6 months); Michael Cahill (6 months); Maria Kakavulias (9 months); Michael T. Michelas (1 year), Ann Campbell (4 years), Keith Campbell, Eve Michelas, Theodore Michelas; Edward Gatski; Helen Phinos, Constantine Pouridis and Rebecca Berdos. Fellowship: Forerunners, the Seniors of St. John the Baptist April 13 ~ PALM SUNDAY Ushers: Entire Parish Council PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON April 20 ~ GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA Ushers: Entire Parish Council AGAPE PICNIC April 27 Ushers: Jeremy Bauck, George Bochanis, John Koutsulis, Ramona Tasios, Skip Ruffner, and Adam Bieker Fellowship: Folk Dance Groups Stewardship and Community Outreach Kalo Pascha! What a wonderful and wondrous time of the year as we follow Our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection! And in these final weeks and days of Great Lent, we have the opportunity, indeed the responsibility, to examine the most important Stewardship in our lives: The Stewardship of our Souls. During this most Holy Pascha season, the Church calls upon us to increase our frequency of prayer, to increase our sacrifice through fasting, and to increase our charity through almsgiving. Yet how many of us realize that by following these teachings we are preparing ourselves to embrace the Cross which Our Lord carried to Golgotha? And in walking with Our Lord toward the rebirth that is His Resurrection, we are emboldened with the illumination that our souls may be saved through repentance. I pray that each of us in the St. John the Baptist community may take the opportunity to experience the joy of Holy Pascha, thereby renewing our commitment as Stewards of our Souls and followers of the Greek Orthodox Faith. In doing so we become examples in our homes and in our community, spreading the Good News of Our Lord’s Resurrection. Wishing you all a blessed and spiritually enriching Paschal season. In Peace, Mark Karris, Stewardship and Community Outreach Notes from the Choir Loft As Holy Week and Pascha are quickly approaching, we will continue to prepare ourselves to sing the hymns for these beautiful services. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend these very important rehearsals. (Note that there will be no rehearsal on Friday, April 4.) Friday, April 11 ~ 6:00-6:45 pm Tuesday, April 15 ~ 6:00-6:45 pm Monday, April 14 ~ 6:00-6:45 pm Wednesday, April 16 ~ 6:00-6:45 pm The Choir will sing the Hierarchical Liturgy on Palm Sunday, the Bridegroom Services on Palm Sunday evening, Holy Monday, and Holy Tuesday evening, the Lamentations on Holy Friday evening, and the Resurrectional Orthros and Divine Liturgy for Great and Holy Pascha. Athena Mertes, Director 3 The Desert Messenger Dear Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Καλη Ανασταση! The Parish Council of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church is pleased to announce that an affirmative vote was cast to change financial institutions. We have voted to move all of our accounts to Nevada State Bank. This action has greatly affected the mortgage loan by reducing the interest rate and dissolving a balloon payment that was required at the end of the old mortgage. With God’s intercession, we have not only dissolved this payment and reduced the rate; we will also eliminate costly service charges that were a part of each account. I want to personally commend the Parish Council, our Reverend Fathers and parishioners who worked long and tedious hours to accomplish this task which ultimately will save this Parish thousands of dollars. Presently, a financial committee has been established – Jeremy Bauck, Ramona Tasios, Kouli Pouridis and John Koutsulis – to evaluate and propose a structure to the 2014 budget and bookkeeping system. This change is a true example of the Lord being present and forever watchful of our mission to praise His glory. On Friday, March 14, after the Salutations to the Theotokos service, nearly 40 of our teenagers, plus GOYA Advisors Tammy Chomakos and Kouli Pouridis, and devoted parents, spent the night on our Church grounds. This was one of the best attended spiritual gatherings of this nature. This high level of participation evidenced the spiritual motivation and genuine interest of our youth. Congratulations to the parents for supporting this tradition. Thanks to Father Matthew for spearheading the event with the advisors. We who were at the service heard our youth sing the hymns in Church that evening: Another example of making us all proud of you. Bravo pedia! Please plan to be with us on Palm Sunday, April 13, as the Parish Council and Philoptochos jointly present the yearly luncheon after the Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy. Tickets, $15 per person, are available at the Church office and from Parish Council members. God willing, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos will be present to celebrate this most holy day. Demetrious Asim and Paula Kelesis have elected to chair the luncheon. One week later we have the Agape Picnic, on Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 20, immediately following the Agape Service. Tickets will be available at $20 per person. We want to thank Adam Bieker and John Koutsulis for chairing this event. The Agape Picnic is one of the primary events in which we as a community come together in faith and fellowship. Thanks to all for your ongoing support. We will continue to look out for the best interest of our Church and the special people who make up this strong congregation. May our Lord provide you with a blessed Sarakosti, as we look toward the Resurrection. With Love in Christ, John Fotopoulos, Parish Council President Parish Council Report Lent is the Season of Repentance Father John is available for Holy Confession by appointment only during the weekdays of Lent. Please call (702) 221-8245 to schedule. 4 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5300 S. El Camino Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 Rev. Father John Hondros [email protected] Rev. Father Matthew Swehla [email protected] Karen Rawlinson Administrative Assistant Carolyn Clark Bookkeeper Eric Kornbluh Catering & Events Manager Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Telephone: (702) 221-8245 FAX: (702) 221-9167 www.vegasgreekorthodox.com Parish Council: John Fotopoulos Philoptochos: Bernadette Anthony Stewardship & Outreach: Mark Karris & Justina Szukiewicz Choir: Athena Mertes Chanters & Youth Choir: Presvytera Maria Hondros Church School: Eileen Koutsulis Altar Servers: Alex Szukiewicz GOYA: Tammy Chomakos & Kouli Pouridis Orthodox Family Fellowship: Amy Bauck, Robyn Goldrick & Sharon Katsaros Greek Folk Dance: Tammy Chomakos Greek School: Helene Soursos Orthodox Connection Las Vegas: Adam Bieker Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Father Matthew & Presvytera Annie Swehla Mr. & Mrs.: Amy & Jeremy Bauck East Valley Fellowship: Bill Bruninga Adult Basketball: Panagiote Tsolis Forerunners: Marie & Gary Setian Orthodox Bookstore: Constantine Frangakis Bill Andrews Library: TBD Hellenic Historical Society: Nitsa Filios Kokkos Scholarship Committee: Helen Stock The Desert Messenger Greetings from the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Our monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00 pm in Kokkos Hall. We will have a hands-on project following the brief meeting. In addition, we have much more going on this month. During Holy Week Philoptochos has many projects, and we invite all women (and gentlemen) to participate. Please choose the project and event which interests you and join us as we prepare for Pascha. Palm Sunday Luncheon, April 13 : The ladies will be decorating the tables and serving the lunch. If you would like to share your talents and time with us, please let me or one of the board members know. Dyeing of the Red Eggs, Holy Thursday, April 17: Andrea Takas chairs one of the most important activities. This activity will begin in the wee hours of the morning: We need many hands to dye and shine the eggs, including a couple strong men to help lift the hot pans. Please let Andrea know if you can help. Decorating the Epitaphion, Holy Friday, April 18: Ernestine Kachikis once again leads this activity, which will begin following the morning Royal Hours service. Please dress appropriately and come to place flowers on the Epitaphion. Please note: Envelopes are available in the Narthex for your donation to help offset the flowers expense. Make a donation in memory of a loved one this Holy Season. Agape Picnic, Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 20: Donate an hour of your time, either in the food line with Adam Bieker, or at the pastries booth with Amalia Dominguez and her family. Wine Wagon: Tickets for this annual drawing are on sale from now until Palm Sunday, and then again at the Agape Picnic. The prize is a large red wagon filled with wine! Tickets are only $5! The winner will be announced at the Agape Picnic. See Rebecca Matsis or Estella Nicholas for your lucky winning ticket! The Brave Ones, Past and Present: A Tribute to Those Who Safeguard Our Freedom: The National Philoptochos Society is looking to honor your loved ones who served our great nation. If you would like to share a photo for a montage at the National Convention, please let me know. Community Outreach to the Homebound: Can you spare 30 minutes to bring a little companionship to someone who is homebound or in the hospital? Let Jennia Szukiweicz or Effie Lekar know. They will pair you up with someone close to where you live. An Important Announcement: The Ladies Philoptochos Society, Panagia Chapter, voted to donate a minimum of $3,000 every year to the St. John the Baptist Church Mortgage, to pay down the principle, until the mortgage has been retired. This will be in addition to the obligations and projects that we already fund. We would like to thank the entire Church community for their generous support of all of the projects that we that make this pledge possible. Your Sister in Christ, Bernadette Anthony, Philoptochos President Philoptochos News Orthodox Bookstore Greetings from the Bookstore! This month we are featuring a wonderful, richlyillustrated book titled, Rejoice Panagia. It is the Akathist Hymn with accompanying icons and illustrations. The book was produced by the nuns at the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Lifegiving Spring, in Dunlap, CA. Please come and have a look: I am sure you will be impressed by the design, layout and beauty of this remarkable book for children and Orthodox Christians of all ages. ICXC NIKA, Constantine Frangakis, Bookstore Director Adult Study: “The Gospel of St. Luke” Join us on Wednesday, April 2 & 9 at 8:00 pm & April 30 at 7:00 pm in Kokkos Hall BYOB ~ Bring Your Own Bible (Oxford Annotated RSV is available in the Bookstore) 5 The Desert Messenger The Clark County Orthodox Clergy Association Invites All Adults to Join Us for the Annual Lenten Retreat Does Christian Marriage Have a Future? Saturday, April 5, 2014 St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church V. Rev. John H. Erickson, Speaker Peter N. Gramowich Professor Emeritus and former Dean St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary Program 10:00 am 10:30 am 10:45 am Registration 3rd Hour Session 1: Marriage in Eschatological Perspective: A Challenge to “Traditional” Marriage 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Lenten Lunch Session 2: Marriage as Sign and Sacrament: Biblical Perspectives 2:00 pm 2:15 pm Break Session 3: More Than a Nice Church Wedding: Strengthening Marriage Today 3:30 pm Conclusion $15 per person, includes lunch Please register by Friday, March 28, 2014 ~ Make checks payable to St. Paul Orthodox Church, Memo: Lenten Retreat 6 The Desert Messenger From Father Matthew “Lazar, ta elbar!” These are the very words which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke to His beloved friend Lazarus 2,000 years ago. Shouting in Aramaic, He said, “Lazaros, come forth!” . . . Arise after four days in the tomb! As we come to the end of Great Lent and prepare for Holy Week there is a brief pause, a weekend in which we celebrate two feasts: Palm Sunday, when our Lord triumphantly entered into Jerusalem; and, preceding this, Lazaros Saturday, when we remember the astounding miracle of Lazaros rising from the dead. A week before the Son of God Himself enters into Hades to free the captives therein, He shouts into the Depths and calls out His friend Lazaros. A week before our Savior’s glorious Resurrection, we experience a foretaste of the Anastasi in Lazaros’ own resurrection. This is truly the greatest miracle which Jesus performed in His earthly ministry. In the ancient world, it was believed that a dead person’s spirit lingered near the body for three days. Thus it was inconceivable that a person could be resuscitated by the fourth day. In fact Lazaros had been dead for so long that the people who were mourning at his house were afraid to open the tomb because of the stench. This miracle was also the final straw for the Jewish leaders. After this the Pharisees decided that “one man should die for the people,” (John 11:50), that Jesus of Nazareth should be killed. “From that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.” (John 11:53) Why is the story of Lazaros so important for us? Why does this stand as the final miracle before we enter into Holy Week, into our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection? Because the story of Lazaros is the story of each of us. Just as our Lord mourned the loss of His friend, so He mourns for each of His beloved children. He weeps when we turn away from Him and prefer the transient to the immortal, the corruptible to the incorruptible. Just as He wept at Lazaros’ death, He sheds tears when we willingly bind ourselves to death. Furthermore, as our Lord called Lazaros out of the bowels of Sheol, so does He call each of us out of the pit of our own despair and sinfulness. Our Lord knows the burdens we bear; He knows our weaknesses and our follies. Yet He calls us to leave these behind and join ourselves to Him. Yet even more importantly the story relates to us for this simple fact: Lazaros rose. He did not remain as a lifeless corpse, did not cling to Hades, did not plug his ears to the call of His Savior. We likewise must listen and respond. Our Lord is calling us. He is encouraging us to leave behind that which is perishable and bind ourselves to the immortal Creator. My brothers and sisters, eternal life through union with God is our true humanity. Death is unnatural. Each and every day our Lord calls us to return to Him, to forsake the things which lead to death and unite ourselves to the Giver of Life. “Lazar, ta elbar!” This is our Lord calling each of us. Let us heed His call and join Him in eternal life. In Christ’s unfailing love, Father Matthew Our Community Registry Baptism: Na Mas Zisi! Benjamin (Cody) Moore (Adult Baptism), on February 28, 2014. Godparent: Julie Leros. Marriage: Na Zisete! Cody Blane Moore and Ourania Marie Leros on March 1, 2014. Koumbaros: Periklis Leros. Jonathan Temple and Voula Konstantarakis on March 1, 2014. Koumbaros: Michelle Konstantarakis. Fallen Asleep in the Lord: Eternal Memory Argery Stasinis on January 21, 2014 in Goleta, CA. 7 The Desert Messenger 2014 Stewards and Contributors (as of 3/14/14) Adamy, Marina Agnos, Jim and Angeline Alcala, Georgia KalkasAnastasakis, Mark and Elaine Anastasiou, Andrew and Kathleen Andrews, Catherine Andrews, Vikki Anthony, Stavros and Bernadette Aristides, George and Diana Asim, Demetrious Bacon, Ken and Dianne Balason, Anna Balodimas, James Barbarino, Demetra Bartzos, Sam and Eugenia Bauck, Jeremy and Amy Beeman, Joey and Ivana Berendji, Jim and Vivian Berta, Irene Bicos, Andriana Bieker, Adam and Cassie Bingham, Robert and Melissa Birtas, Ann Birtas, Helen Bochanis, George T. Borzekas, Stephen Bratta, Georgene Brilis, George and Satoko Britten, Ronald and Carol Brown, Faye Bucy, Brent and Elaine Carabas, Stephen and Linda Carahalis, John and Jillian Caras, Louis Caredis, Jon and Marjorie Carrico, William and Alexandra Cero, Dean Chachas, Bessie Chachas, James Chagares, Kiki Chandrinos, Alexia Chirilov, Igor and Tatiana Chomakos, Dean and Tammy Chomakos, George and Nikki Chondrakis, Dimos Christian, Clair and Chloe Christou, Andreas and Toni Clarke, Richard and Jovanna Collins, David Collins, Dean Conger, William and Alexia Conklin, Ted and Demetra Constantinou, Magdeline Costacos, John Costuros, George and Marsha Cosulas, Fr. Basil and Presv. Samantha Cotsilis, Jenny Couluris, Chris and Catherine Crescenti, Stephen and Netherton, Katherine Dalacas, Dimitri and Athanasia Dalacas, Nick and Georgia Dawood, Evon Delalis, Dina DeMangus, Joanne Demoleas, Stephanie Demopoulos, Vasiliki Dominguez, Eric and Amalia Doskas, Athanasios and Anastasia Dounis, Dina Dounis, Georgia Dounis, Kiki Dramitinos, Mary Drewnowski, Carl Eliades, Aristotelis and Caroline Eliades, Artemisa Eliades, Harry and Agapi Eliades, Katerina Eliades, Peter Eliakis, Peter and Glenda Exarhos, Nick and Sharon Eyler, Fr. Paul and Presv. Ilean Eyler, John and Elizabeth Farren, Anthony and Maritsa Filios, George and Nitsa Filios, Spiridon and Eleni Fischer, Bob and Cheryl Flangas, Bill and Marilyn Flangas, Gus and Tamara Foskaris, Thomas Fotopoulos, John and Barbara Frangakis, Constantine Frangakis, John Gain, Jeff and Wessels, Allison George, Pete and Georgia Giouzelis, Anastasia Goddard, Elizabeth Gordon, Victor and Demetria Gott, C. Thomas Gousdovas, Nikos Gousias, Elias and Maria Hadzoglon, Christos and Barbara Hamilton, Paul and Brandi Hardge, Dion and Zoe Harmon, Nicholas and Barbara Harris, Melty and Angeline Hemmers, Oliver and Pantelas, Anne Henneforth, Rula Hetzel, David and Joanne Hoadrea, Jimmy and Monci Hondros, Catherine Hondros, Christina Hondros, Fr. John and Presv. Maria Hoover, Patrick and Pauline Howard, William and Willie Iteen, Robert and Sophia Kachikis, Paul and Ernestine Kakavulias, John Kalkas, John and Rena Kambouris, Nick and Litsa Kane, Larry and Irene Kanellis, Ann Kanoles, Helene Kanoles, Konstantine Kapeles, Bill and Tara Kaptain, Catherine Karalias, Petros and Constance Karas, John and Marcie Karris, Mark and Suzanne Karvounidis, Nick and Alexandra Katsaros, Thomas and Sharon Kelesis, Dina Kelesis, George Kelesis, Paula Kokenes, Katherine Konstantarakis, Michelle Korbos, Theodore Kostopoulos, Georgia Kotonias, George and Patricia Kountanis, Pat Kouris, Anastasios Kourlos, Georgia Koutsulis, John and Eileen Koutsulis, Sam and Effie Kramer, Peter and Lucinda Kratsas, Chris and Marjorie Kypreos, George Kypreos, Peter and Geri Kypreos, Sophia Lakis, Antoinette LaMancusa, Lisa Latelle, Penny Lazarakis, John and Panagiota Lekar, Michael and Effie Leonis, Tishe Leventis, Nicholas and Christina Lewis, Foula Liaos, Jim and Tina Liaos, Steven and Francine Liaos, William and Irene Likouinou, Angie Likourinou, Steve and June Lymberopoulos, Mary Malamatos, Kindina Malpee, Mack and Kalliope Maniatakos, Ted and Maria Manolakos, Catherine Manos, Patricia Manteris, Arthur and Sue Matsis, John and Rebecca Mavrantonis, Stacy and Kiki Mavrantonis, Theofania Mavroidis, Demetrios and Debra Mavros, Michael and Debbie Mavroudis, Frank and Vess, Olga Melnichuk, Andrew and Marcella Melton, Donald and Susan Mertes, Patrick and Athena Minas, Arthur Miner, George and Loreane Mirich, Kyle and Heather Mitchell, Tom Monoyudis, Jim and Julie Mulopulos, George and Jenny Murphy, Terry and Karen Myers, Stella Neocleous, Plato Nicholas, John and Estella Nichols, Marissa Nikitas, Rigas and Aphrodite Nikolopoulos, Nick and Demetra O’Brien, Christoula Orlando, Alleck and Jennifer Osborn, Pearl Ostis, Sotirios Paikos, Thomas 8 Pandelis, Cheryl Panos, William and Jeanne Papas, Peter and Rita Papas, Christian and Nicole Pappas, Antonia Pappas, Constantine and Karina Pappas, Libby Pappas, Rita Payan, Luis and Eleni Pearson, Jeff and Adrienne Pendleton, Patricia Pentogenis, Michael and Katherine Petro, Aleko and Georgia Philippou, Demetrios and Luanne Pierro, Joe and Rhonda Pierro, Joseph and Christine Pistalu, Constantin and Roxana Platis, Anna Plentzas, Spike and Ruth Polimerou, Angeline Politis, Pantelis and Dimitra Poulos, Christine Pouridis, Kouli and Para Prokopis, Chris+ and Ritsa Radosta, Athena Raptis, Fr. Dean and Presv. Evonne Rifakes, John Rigas, Anthony and Mary Rodis, Dimitri Rodis, Sophia Rouvas, John and Keri Rudolph, Brandon and Kordogiannis, Christina Ruffner, Skip and Kathy Salon, Nicholas and Janelle Salvarles, Thomas and Joyce Serpetini, Athanasia Setian, Gary and Marie Simpson, Bryan and Zacharias, Julie Skarlatos, Irene Snow, Clifford and Christina Snowden, Robert and Niki Sparangis, Spyro and Helen Sparkuhl, Alex and Antoinette Speer, Erin Stavropoulos, Terry and Niki Stefanatos, Michael and Tami Stenos, Louis and Litsa Stock, Helen Swehla, Fr. Matthew and Presv. Annie Szukiewicz, Alex Szukiewicz, Joe Szukiewicz, Joseph and Jennia Tafoya, Steven and Irene Takas, Andrea Tasios, Ramona and Pete Taxiarchos, Andrew and Alexandra Teed, Charles Temple, Jonathan and Voula Thomas, Angie Thompson, Maggy The Desert Messenger “The rich man is not one who has much, but gives much . . .” Touroutoglou, Nikolaos Tringas, Chris and Brigette Tselikis, Nicholas and Jennifer Tsiralidis, Kosmas and Katherine Tsolis, Christos and Panagioula Tsolis, Panagiote Tzelalis, Antonia Tzelalis, Steve Varinos, Nick and Kiki Vervilos, James and Anna Walter, Vernon and Alice Walters, Lane and Mary Waterhouse, David and Aleighzja Waters, Gary and Susan Wilcox, Thalia Wilkerson, Chuck and Kristina Wilson, Steven and Cleo Womack, Karl Womack, Kimberly Xerogianes, Nick and Nikki Xikis, Victoria Zaferatos, Ted and Marinella Zaharof, Phyllis Zarkos, Nick and Dina Zarras, Nick and Chery Zimmerman, Paul and Angela Zoumboulis, Tina 2014 Stewardship and Financial Report 2014 Stewardship Status as of March 14, 2014 Pledges Stewardship Gifts Pledged: $276,472 Stewardship Gifts Received: $108,622 Unfulfilled Pledge Balance: $167,850 Stewardship Families Pledged: 287 Financial Status for Month of February 2014 Bank Accounts General Operating Building/Maintenance Community/Education Ctr Construction (Loan Paymts) Food Festival Icon Money Market Library Checking Bookstore Checking Beginning Balance as of 1.31.14 Income $71,139.45 $64,099.18 $1,507.61 $0.00 $83,479.51 $7,753.00 $43,469.30 $0.00 $46,979.88 $0.00 $36,680.24 $200.00 $15,950.67 $0.00 $3,545.40 $0.00 Expenses $77,258.52 $7.00 $5,014.33 $5,268.26 $7.00 $7.00 $0.00 $684.69 Balances as of 2.28.14 $57,980.11 $1,500.61 $86,218.18 $38,201.04 $46,972.88 $36,873.24 $15,950.67 $2,860.71 You and your family are cordially invited to join His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos for the Annual Palm Sunday Fish Luncheon Sunday, April 13, 2014 Following the Divine Liturgy in Panos Hall $15 per person Net proceeds benefit the Parish Operations Tickets are available from Parish Council Members or at the Church Office Advance purchase is encouraged as seating is limited at the door 9 The Desert Messenger 10 The Desert Messenger Youth and Family Ministries Church School We are gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year! With Pascha just around the corner, there are many activities that we are getting ready for. After Liturgy on Lazaros Saturday, April 12, we will have a light Lenten breakfast followed by palm cross tying. Every year we tie about 1,500 palms: Many hands ease the load, so all youth are encouraged to help in this fun hands-on event. The evening of Lazaros Saturday, we will have Vespers with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos at 6:00 pm. Following Vespers we will have a dessert reception; and the kids will have a Q&A session. This is a great opportunity to get to know His Eminence. All youth are encouraged to join us on Holy Friday, April 18 at 3:00 pm, for the annual Children’s Procession of the Epitaphios. This is a beautiful parish tradition, which includes a special chat with Father John at the end of the service. Please also join us for the Agape Picnic on Pascha, Sunday, April 20 for a tasty lamb dinner followed by our annual Egg Hunt. If you would like to donate filled eggs, please drop them off with Karen or to your child's teacher by Holy Thursday, April 17. Kalo Pascha! Eileen Koutsulis, Church School Director (702) 521-6516 or [email protected] Altar Servers All Altar Servers will have a mandatory practice on Sunday, April 6, 12:15 pm, in the Church, in preparation for the upcoming visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Palm Sunday weekend. Led by Alex Szukiewicz, the young men and boys will review the rubrics of Hierarchical services. The Holy Week Altar Server duties will also be distributed at this meeting. Alex Szukiewicz, Altar Captain Myrrh-Bearers We are looking for girls from 6th to 12th grade to assist in the Holy Week services as Myrrh Bearers. The girls must be available for the services on the evenings of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Holy Friday and Holy Saturday. There will be a mandatory meeting for girls who are interested and their parents on Sunday, April 6 in the middle school classroom. We will go over the details and answer any questions that you may have. I encourage the girls to participate in this wonderful ministry: It will make their journey to Pascha even more rewarding. If you have any questions, please call or email me at (702) 521-6516 or [email protected]. Eileen Koutsulis Youth Choir News The Youth Choir has been sounding very beautiful during the Friday evening Salutations Services of Lent. Thank you to all who have come to the practices and participated. The final Akathist Hymn will be on Friday, April 4 – our practice is at 6:15 pm and the service starts at 7:00 pm. Our big day is Holy Saturday, April 19, when the Youth Choir will chant the “Hymn of the Three Youths” and other great hymns of the day. We invite all past members to join us during that morning; it is a wonderful service. We might chant with the Adult Choir on Palm Sunday as well. An email will go out should we need extra practice. Looking a couple of months ahead, we would like to do a Youth Choir outing around May, just like last year. It will be our reward for all the hard work our group has done in the past school year. More information will be forthcoming. Wishing everyone a Kalo Pascha! Presvytera Maria 11 The Desert Messenger Palm Cross Tying Please join us on Saturday of Lazaros, April 12, following the Divine Liturgy, for our annual Palm Cross Tying Party and Lenten Continental Breakfast. We need many hands to make the palm crosses in preparation for Palm Sunday. Looking forward to seeing you there! Orthodox Family Fellowship On Lazaros Saturday, April 12, bring your kids for a day at the Church. We will begin with Liturgy at 9:00 am, followed by palm cross tying and a light breakfast provided by the Church School. In the evening we will celebrate Vespers with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. Following Vespers, the kids and their parents will have a special dessert reception with His Eminence, including an opportunity to ask him questions! In Christ, Sharon Katsaros, Amy Bauck, and Robyn Goldrick, OFF Advisors GOYA We had a very fun Lenten overnight Retreat in March. Thank you to all the adults who helped to make it a success: Dean and Tammy Chomakos, Kouli Pouridis, Steve Tafoya, Trish Pendleton, Joe Szukiewicz, Dr. John Nixon, Eleni Kilgore and Bessie Stavropoulos. For April, GOYAns will remember our Lord’s call to serve the poor: We will serve dinner to the homeless at Las Vegas Rescue Mission on Tuesday, April 1. Please meet at the Church promptly at 4:00 pm (or you can meet at the Rescue Mission dining hall at 4:30 pm, if you know how to get there). We will serve dinner until 6:30 pm and return to the Church at 7:00 pm. Please RSVP so that we can tell the Rescue Mission how many are coming. On Holy Saturday, April 19, please join your fellow GOYAns after the Holy Saturday Liturgy as we set up for the Agape Picnic. Meet by the fountain after Liturgy. On Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 20, please join the entire St. John community for the Agape Picnic. GOYAns have the special opportunity to serve the meal to our community! Please see Adam Bieker to find out how we will help. Last but not least . . . VOLLEYBALL! Starting on Sunday, April 27 we will have volleyball practice on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings through May. Please reserve these days – and especially the weekend of May 31 for the GOYA Volleyball Tournament in Pasadena, California. GOYAns of all skill levels are welcome to join the team! In Christ, Father Matthew, Tammy Chomakos, and Kouli Pouridis Attention, Graduates! We want to share the good news of your commencement in the June issue of The Desert Messenger! If you (or your child) will be graduating soon from High School or University, please email the following to [email protected] by May 15: ▪ School from which you are graduating ▪ The degree you will receive, including honors ▪ What your plans are, and what you will study if pursuing further education ▪ And most importantly, a photo of you in JPG format! 12 The Desert Messenger 13 The Desert Messenger Adult and Young Adult Ministries Orthodox Connection Las Vegas “1 in 5 Americans say religion is not important.” This was a headline in the news this past week. That’s 20% of our society that thinks we are wasting our time going to Church, fasting, confessing and praying. Thank God, this article came out during Lent when we are called to do these acts more frequently. By this we should become better Christians, showing patience, love, and kindness toward all. If one out of five people do not believe, then that is one in five whom we must reach out to this Lenten season, showing them Christian love and praying we can touch their hearts. Please join us for the “Celebration of Celebrations” at the Agape Picnic on the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, Sunday, April 20, following the Agape Vespers at noon. Your participation is needed as a VOLUNTEER and as a participant in the picnic. In Christ, Adam Bieker, [email protected] Mr. & Mrs. ~ Fellowship for Couples This month M&Ms will celebrate Pascha with a massive nacho – and salad – bar! On Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 pm we will have a private room at Nacho Daddy (on Eastern, near 215). Please come with your appetite and your significant other. The cost is $15 per person and includes a cash bar. Kalo Pascha! Father John, Father Matthew and their Presvyteres Orthodox Christian Fellowship ~ For Young Adults It is time for BOWLING! This month OCF will meet at Wildfire Lanes (4451 E. Sunset Road in Henderson) for dinner and bowling on Sunday, April 27 at 7:00 pm. Bring your bowling gear – if you have it – and beware of the gutters! In Christ, Father Matthew and Presvytera Annie Forerunners ~ The Seniors of St. John the Baptist We had a terrific Lenten luncheon with a delicious lentil soup and salad. We now have name tags so that we can place a name to a face and get to know one another. This will come in handy since we now have 68 paid members! Please be advised that we WILL NOT have our monthly meeting at Panos Hall in April: Instead, we will be going to the Valley of Fire on Monday, April 7. A bus will take us from the Church at 10:00 am and return the same day. If you have not signed up to go, please call Marie Setian at (702) 220-8308 so that we can reserve a place for you. We truly want everyone to feel welcome within our group, so we ask our active members to please reach out to our new members or anyone you do not recognize! Forerunners will host fellowship on Sunday, April 6. You know what to do! We continue to feel blessed in our community as we experience the Holy Lenten Season. Yours in Christ, Ruth Plentzas, on behalf of the Forerunners Board Καλη Ανασταση! Blessed Resurrection! “Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57) 14 10:00 am Forerunners Day Trip to Valley of Fire 6:30 pm Great Compline 14 Holy Monday 13 Palm Sunday 15 16 Holy Wednesday Pilgrimage to St. Anthony’s Monastery 4:30 pm All Youth Greek 6:30 pm Adult Basketball 7:00 pm Adult Study 30 29 27 28 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm Adult Study 4:30 pm All Youth Greek Classes 6:30 pm Adult Basketball 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm OCF at Wildfire Bowling Lanes 23 St. George 22 21 12:00 am Resurrection Orthros and Divine Liturgy 12:00 pm Agape Vespers & Picnic Christ is Risen! 20 Holy Pascha Holy Tuesday 6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy 8:00 pm Adult Study: The Gospel of Luke 9 9:00 am Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Choir Practice 7:00 pm Holy Unction 15 4:30 pm All Youth Greek Classes 6:00 pm Parish Council Meeting in Library 6:30 pm Philoptochos 6:30 pm Basketball 6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy 8:00 pm Adult Study: The Gospel of Luke 8 2 LV Rescue Mission (meet at Church) 6:30 pm Adult Basketball 24 9:00 am Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 7:00 pm Holy Passion of Our Lord /12 Gospels 17 Holy Thursday 10 3 Wednesday Thursday 1 4:00 pm GOYA at Tuesday 8:45 am Orthros 6:00 pm Choir Practice 6:00 pm Choir Practice 10:00 am Hierarchical 7:00 pm 2nd Bridegroom 7:00 pm 3rd Bridegroom Liturgy w Met. Gerasimos Service Service Palm Sunday Luncheon 7:00 pm 1st Bridegroom 12:15 pm Altar Server/ Myrrh Bearer Meetings 6:00 pm Holy Unction at St. Paul the Apostle 7 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Monday 6 8:45 am Orthros Sunday Life Giving Spring 7:00 pm Mr. & Mrs. at 8:00 am Orthros Nacho Daddy 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 26 9:00 am Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 11:00 pm Vigil of the Resurrection 25 Theotokos, the 19 Holy Saturday 10:00 am Royal Hours 3:00 pm Descent from the Cross/Children’s Procession 7:00 pm Lamentations 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Palm Tying & Breakfast 6:00 pm Great Vespers w Metropolitan Gerasimos 12 Saturday of Lazaros 5 Saturday 18 Holy Friday 6:00 pm Adult Choir Practice in Loft 11 6:15 pm Youth Choir Practice 7:00 pm The Akathist Hymn 4 Friday APRIL 2014 - IN THE YEAR OF THE LORD The Desert Messenger The Desert Messenger NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAS VEGAS NV PERMIT NO. 98 St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 5300 South El Camino Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89118-1922 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED POSTMASTER : DATED MATERIAL - PLEASE EXPEDITE The Desert Messenger The Way of the Lord “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4-6) Christ is Risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted Life.