October - Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church
Transcription
October - Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church
“The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ , The Son of God.” Mark 1:1 n ❈ Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church • October 2012 Making Time for God FATHER MARK A. LEONDIS “Prayer refreshes and enlivens the soul, as outer air refreshes the body. When we pray, we feel stronger and fresher.” Saint John of Kronstadt Have you ever awakened and felt that there was just too much to do that day? Have you ever felt that with so many appointments, responsibilities and meetings, there is just not enough time in the day to complete the tasks at hand? Many times, we get so caught up in our hectic day-to-day schedules, that we don’t find time for ourselves, and more importantly, for God. We don’t find time to read the Bible, develop a prayer discipline or find time to be “alone with God.” A famous theologian once said, “I have so much to do today, I must spend two to three hours this morning with God in order to get all accomplished.” Finding time for ourselves and God is often quite difficult, but most necessary. It is only when we learn to discipline our own lives with prayer that we can begin to truly look within. In the book, The Way of the Heart, by Henri Nouwen, he writes: “There is always one more phone call, one more letter, one more visit and one more party. Together, these form an insurmountable pile of activities.” If we look at the life of Jesus, we see that before he began his public ministry, he spent forty days and nights in the desert, praying and fasting continuously. He realized the great task that was to begin, and faced it appropriately. If we begin each day in prayer and solitude, then our lives will proceed Christ-like and Christ-centered. Let us look to Christ as our example in life, facing each new day on our knees in prayer, looking deeper into our minds, hearts and souls, for our spiritual food. We sing at the Artoklasia (Blessing of the Loaves) service, “Rich men have turned poor and gone hungry. But those who seek the Lord, shall not be deprived of any good thing.” Only in Christ do we find true peace. And only in Christ do we truly experience the Love of God. Everything in this world will pass away – except the love of God. Here are some basic tips to find the time necessary to connect with God each day: set up a schedule; take some time to be “alone with God”, read the Bible; listen to God. It is my prayer that each of us schedules time necessary to grow with Christ each and every day. Let our prayer refresh and bring new life to us all. Parish Information and Schedule For the Month of October Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church 2100 NW 51st Street Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tel: 561.994.4822 Fax: 561.998.7875 Email: [email protected] www.saintmarkboca.net Clergy: Rev. Fr. Mark A. Leondis, Pastor Rev. Fr. Alexander G. Leondis, Protopresbyter Rev. Dn. John Christakis, MD Office Staff: Patti Ali, Bookkeeper Maintenance: Valentino Nisip Office Volunteers: Pat Anthony, Niki Core, Joann Haros, Petitesa Macaulay Parish Council: John Koutsoupis Philoptochos: Pam Parent Choir: Sophia Christakis Chanters: Art Poly, George Demopoulos, Ramona Bean, Susan Peart Ushers: Tom Hantzarides, Tim Sharp Acolytes: Brian Giusti Church School: Helen Lang Youth Choir: Virginia Barnes GOYA Ministry: PJ Diamantis, Andrew Gonedes JOY Ministry: Angela and Girard Mitchell & Jim and Claudia Dovas Super Seniors: Athena Sperantsas Syrtaki: Mark Christakis & Jenny Saiger Greek School: Mike Gonedes Orthodox Bookstore: Yvette Koutsoupis, Barbara Tasiounes, Stella Pores Welcome Committee: Elaine Zographus Readers: Vivian Jenetopulos Email Blast Coordinator: Evangelitsa Profylianos The Message Editor: Pat Sourlis 2 WORSHIP SCHEDULE Every Sunday 8:45 am Orthros (Matins) 9:45 am (Divine Liturgy) Tuesday, October 2 6:30pm Vespers Sunday, October 7 3rd Sunday of Luke Tuesday, October 9 6:30pm Vespers Sunday, October 14 4th Sunday of Luke Tuesday, October 16 6:30pm Vespers Sunday, October 21 6th Sunday of Luke Tuesday, October 23 6:30pm Vespers Friday, October 26 9:00am Divine Liturgy Saint Demetrios Sunday, October 28 7th Sunday of Luke Tuesday, October 30 6:30pm Vespers SUNDAY SCHEDULE October 7 Ushers Team B: Captains Girard Mitchell and Peter Zivanovich, Peter Averkiou, George Chapekis, Dora Daskalopoulos, Mike Gonedes, John Koutsoupis, Maria Mitsinicos, Valentino Nisip Greeters: Gus Constantinou, Thelma Constantinou, Marina Nicolaides, Diane Paterakis Epistle Readers: Greek: Anastasia Theodore, English: Val Petroff Fellowship Hour: Philoptochos October 14 Ushers Team C: Captain: Tom Hantzarides, Pat Anthony, Bert Chapekis, Ted Chapekis, Mary Cocores, Penny Coyle, Tom Fread, Amerisa Kornblum, Connie Pilallis, Chris Theodore Greeters: Jeremy Christakis, Penny Coyle, Ted Drakos, Maria Mitsinicos Epistle Readers: Greek: Mark Habib, English: Tom Hantzarides Fellowship Hour: Philoptochos October 21 Ushers Team A: Captain Tim Sharp, Steve Alman, George Georges, James Ginopoulos, Bill Johnson, Suzette Johnson, Kim Koehler, Jenny Saiger Greeters: Ted Drakos, Joann Haros, Bill Johnson, Suzette Johnson Epistle Readers: Greek: Felis Sakellaris, English: Nick Chinappi Fellowship Hour: Philoptochos October 28 Ushers Team D: Captain, Mike Gonedes, Members of the Parish Council Greeters: Ted Drakos, Kay Poly, Cosmina Siegel, Anna Stathis Epistle Readers: Greek: John Periharos, English: Theodora Periharos Fellowship Hour: Greek School – OXI Day Brunch Saints Demetrios and Nestor Celebrated on October 26th and 27th, respectively. The names of Demetrios and Nestor are deeply connected to each other in the history of Christianity. It was their combined boldness of the early fourth-century tyranny, which brought them to martyrdom. While Demetrios was the better known of the two, it was the quiet courage of his friend, Nestor, added to the complete faithfulness of Demetrios, that assured their immortality. Demetrios was a native of the city of Thessaloniki. Demetrios sharpened his keen oratorical power in the public forum, where the debates of the great minds of the day drew the spirited Christians as much as the gladiatorial games attracted the pagans. Thessaloniki had a reputation for providing the brightest intellectuals on the public platform and the most fearsome gladiators in the arena, in both of which Demetrios excelled. Demetrios was in the military service as well as a devout Christian, which was tolerated in Thessaloniki. But when it came to the attention of the Emperor Maximinus, the dual life met with royal displeasure. For his part in the Christian cause, Demetrios was stripped of his military rank and cast into prison to await a certain fate. It was at this point that the friendship of Nestor came to light. At great personal risk, Nestor visited his friend in prison regularly and sought to intercede on his behalf, a move which availed him little but aroused suspicions of those who surrounded the emperor. This provided the setting for one of the finest displays of the power of God through the friendship of two gallant Christians. It seems that one of the favorites of the arena, admired particularly by the emperor, was a giant man named Lyaios who always was victorious. It was during one of the visits that Nestor heard from Demetrios that the power of the Lord could be transmitted through him to any man and make him unbeatable against any rival in the arena. The youthful Nestor, with the spirit of a true believer, agreed to hurl a challenge against Lyaios with a declaration that God would help him prevail. Saint Demetrios prayed and made the Sign of the Cross over him. Nestor ran into the arena, proclaiming the name of the Lord. The pagan crowd, thinking this was some practical joke, roared with laughter, but when Nestor wrestled the fierce giant, threw him down and slewed him, the crowd was brought to their feet in disbelief. Maximian, who became beside himself with rage upon learning that Nestor was a Christian and that Saint Demetrios had blessed him, ordered the soldiers to have them both put to death. Many who left the arena that day became followers of Christ. It is written that when Saint Demetrios saw the soldiers thrusting their spears at him, he raised high his arm and they pierced him in the side, so that he might be deemed worthy to receive the piercing which Christ received in His side. Nestor was beheaded the next day. Archangel Michael Award Honorees Congratulations Gus Constantinou and Will Anastasiou! These two gentlemen are designated as this year’s Saint Mark honorees from our parish. They will be honored, together with other faithful from parishes throughout our Metropolis, at a special banquet on Saturday, November 10, at the Cathedral Center in Atlanta, GA. Both will receive medals of recognition from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios. The Archangel Michael Award is given annually to one adult member and one young person from each Parish in the Metropolis for outstanding leadership and service to their Community. Our warmest congratulations are extended to Gus and Will. 3 Parish Council Update We Will Continue to Grow n JOHN KOUTSOUPIS, PRESIDENT My Fellow Stewards, We will continue to grow! On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who worked in creating our parish’s new publication, The Message. The new format, articles and coloring are exceptional. As we begin our new ecclesiastical year, all of our ministries have met; we are pleased with the enthusiasm and excitement that is being created by all our organizations. We have been asked by His Eminence Metro- politan Alexios to host the Metropolis Clergy-Laity and Philoptochos Conference. The committee has begun meeting and preparing for the Conference, which will take place from 26-30 June 2013. The Parish Council approved the installation of perimeter security cameras. This is a proactive approach so that our children will be safer and our grounds more secure. We are also in the process of upgrading the livestreaming video system, which will allow our parishioners to watch our Liturgies and Bible Study online. Festival News The Festival Committee has been meeting (see below for more information). We are going to have an extremely busy and exciting year. The fact that we are discussing and beginning to talk about the completion of our Sanctuary has been a long time in coming - and is quickly becoming a reality! Last, but not least, our mortgage loans will be paid off in less than 24 months (we owe less than $225,000). Thank you all for your confidence and willingness to be part of our Saint Mark family. Together, we will continue to grow. Mark your Calendars! January 24-27, 2013 Our Festival Committee has been meeting and making big changes for our 2013 Festival. There are numerous changes regarding vendors, bar area, drink-distribution points, and Syrtaki dancing to name a few. As always, we request everyone in our parish to volunteer for the weekend (before, during and after). Young or old, we need all available hands! Please inform Committee members if you can help us as we prepare for the Festival: Stewardship Pat Anthony, Steve Giakouminakis, Riad Boulos, Mark Rados, Suzette Johnson or John Koutsoupis. As we get closer to the Festival, we will be announcing in The Message more opportunities for everyone to participate. Time, Talents and Treasure n PENELOPE DOUGLAS MOLONEY, CHAIR Greetings from the Stewardship Committee! We’re busy putting the finishing touches on the new envelope plan for the 2013 Stewardship Campaign. All members of Saint Mark will receive a beautiful series of envelopes beginning in December. These envelopes can be used to pay your Stewardship pledge on a weekly basis. Or if you prefer to pay 4 your Stewardship pledge in one or two payments, you can use the envelopes to get credit for the weekly cash that you put into the collection plates. But, in order to receive the envelopes, you must be a member of the Saint Mark Family. If you haven’t yet pledged for 2012, please contact the Church office and fill out a Stewardship pledge card. The kickoff for the Stewardship 2013 campaign ✙ SAINT MARK WISH LIST ✙ is Stewardship Sunday, November 18, 2012, where our faithful will come together and offer our offerings to our Lord. The theme for the campaign is “Giving Thanks to the Lord.” The heart of Christian Stewardship is gratitude in response to God’s blessings.” We here at Saint Mark are so richly blessed by the Lord...Stewardship is one way to show our gratitude. From time to time, we will list an item that our church needs. If you can donate or contribute toward this item, it would be greatly appreciated: HD Camera and new system for live streaming of church services. Our system is 12 years old and is in need of updating. The cost is $4,100. This will enable all computers, PC and Macintosh, ipads, tablets and smartphones, to view our services online. Mission and Outreach Mission Trip to Guatemala monetary donation from our St. Mark n parishioners. We came bearing our Guatemala is a country of contrasts. It personal gifts of the Spirit…we came is beautiful and fertile, known as the knowing little of how the Lord would land of the ‘Eternal Spring’…and yet, use those gifts. Our arrival was in the it abounds with crime, poverty and early afternoon. We were transported squalor. Due to this its children are through the city to the Hogar, unloaded the van, and were often abandoned, shown to our meaabused and/or orger but adequate phaned. But, in accommodations. the heart of GuaTwo of the older temala City, in viogirls gave us a tour lent Zona One, lies of the grounds, a refuge like an and we met with oasis in the middle Mother Ivonne for of a desert. This is From Left to Right: Stephan Christakis, an overview of the Hogar Rafael Ayau, Maria Demopoulos, Yvette Koutsoupis, rules, our tasks, Mark Leondis, Barbara Tasiounis, a one-square-city- Father Marlene Buettner, Emmy Christakis, and and schedule. We block “orphanage” Juan Valderes proceeded to Vessurrounded by a pers and dinner 20’ high wall to where both we and protect those withthe “kids” got to in. It is home to personally greet, about forty young meet and play. It children, female was the beginning teens and young of our relationship adults. Male teenwith them. agers and young BY MARLENE BUETTNER adults are housed elsewhere. The ‘Hogar’ is administered by three Orthodox Christian nuns, Abbess Ines, Mother Ivonne, and Mother Maria. The “man” of the Hogar is Jorge, Mother Inez’s brother. Since 2007 the Guatemalan government stopped adoptions and the Hogar ceased its baby and toddler unit. On Wednesday, August 22nd seven of us, “Missionaries” from Boca Raton, Florida and our Priest Fr. Mark came to the Hogar, trudging suitcases and boxes filled with clothing and goods for the Home, and with a generous Our six days at the Hogar were filled with so many events and blessings as we interacted with the “kids.” We began each day with worship at Matins, then proceeded to breakfast. We learned to like or maybe tolerate the simple but nutritious meals. Some of us didn’t even mind beans and rice three times a day! We grew fond of the sugar cookies made at the Hogar’s bakery. After breakfast the students had school on two of those days; so we Missionaries worked around the property cleaning, weeding, mowing, edging, and sweeping; we went into classrooms to assist with the children and provided art projects as well. On one of those days we took a trip outside the Hogar to the Holy Trinity Monastery Lavra Mambre, the Hermitage of the nuns, and site of the new San Miguel Home currently under construction and to be occupied by early next year. This donated Monastery property has fantastic mountain views of Lake Atitlan. WOW! We did briefly visit Antigua. It was during our work-times, our brief evening hours, and on our road trip that we Missionaries really got to ‘bond.” We melded so well as a team. Our talents and gifts were complementary. Four of our group are fluent Spanish speakers. This was a tremendous blessing. The kids observed and felt our brotherly and sisterly Christian love and respect for each other, and for Father Marko. Our interactions with the kids in their daily lives gave us a good “feel” for them personally; their talents, their hopes and their dreams. We worked together with the kids during their Saturday chore-time, we played together, we cooked with them, we learned together in classes and activities, and best of all we prayed together twice each day and before and after all meals. We Missionaries served each other at our meals, and took care of each other, just as the Hogar children do one for the other. We brought our gifts, our talents, and our love; all that the Lord commands….and we left with more than that which we brought. Our hearts are filled with compassion, more love, and understanding for the Madres and the children of the Hogar. We now have our memories. Blessings do beget Blessings indeed! It was a Gracious, God-given experience. We are grateful. 5 Stewardship 2012 Pacesetter Stewards ($1,500 and above) 6 Rev. Fr. Mark & Anastasia Leondis Rev. Fr. Alexander & Mary Leondis Rev. Dn. John & Stephanie Christakis Anonymous Elias and Irene Alexandrou Steven and Denise Alman Anthony & Charlene Alvanos Constantine and PatAnthony Andrew and Sophia Arbes Gus and Julia Armenakis Nicholas and Sofia Athan Peter and Eileen Averkiou Dean Bacalos Jim and Helen Ballerano Theodore and Nena Barabutes Timothy and Virginia Barnes Thomas and Peggy Bartzokis George and Georgia Bavelis Thomas and Ramona Bean Riad and Sara Boulos Marlene Buettner John and Sylvia Cardone Andrew Cassas George and Vicki Catsimpiris Nick Chinappi & Sara Guasto Paul and Sophia Christakis Stephen & Elaine Christopher Mary Cocores Bill and Diane Cocose Keith and Pamela Collins Elaine Constantine Tom and Georgia Copulos Nick and Monica Csakany Chris and Maria Danias Helen Danis George & Maria Demopoulos Harry and Tula Diamandis Charles and Diane Diamantis Peter and Diana Dion Dean Douglas John Douglas James and Claudia Dovas George & Harriet Eliopoulos Keith and Judy Ely Thelma Fail Thomas and Debbie Fread Glen Ged & Ronda Ellis-Ged George and Elly Georges Nick and Katina Glaros Michael & Haroula Gonedes Nick and Carrie Gouzoulis Evon and Barbara Greanias George and Michelle Grous Bryan and Corinne Giusti Steve and Helen Hadgigeorge Tom Hantzarides Matthew & Vivian Jenetopulos Mary Kalikow Dessa Kallos Basil Kaloyanides Kim and Elaine Koehler George and Keri Kolettis Eric and Erin Kontos John and Mary Koukos Chrysanthe Koumas John and Yvette Koutsoupis George & Theodora Leondis Emanuel & Helen Logothetis Alan and Petitesa Macaulay Angelos & Natasha Manganiotis Emmanuel Manos Mary Manos Barbara Marino Constantine & Antonia Markakis Paul and Maria Matthews Zachary and Patricia Menegakis Girard and Angela Mitchell John and Joan Mitsinikos Dennis & Penelope Moloney Constantine & Mary Mukasa Harriet Nichols Louis and Helen Nicozisis Michael & Frances Papamichael Diane Paterakis Steve and Athena Pelekanos Argy and Christa Petros Fred and Maria Pokrajac Art and Kay Poly Theodora Preston Constantine and Carol Pyshos Theodore and Vickie Raptis George and Anna Regas James and Dawn Riger Chris and Carole Rodis Pete and Jenny Saiger Genevieve Scaltsas Gerald and Joanne Scheller Tim and Katherine Sharp Lou and Ann Sinopulos Bill & Katherine Skoundridakis James and Thelma Sorrentino Randall and Katina Soy Tom and Angela Spyredes Amelia Stevens Anna Terezi Costas and Joanne Trataros James and Betty Veras Charles & Christine Zacharias John and Louise Zervas Elaine Zographus Stewards Ellen Acosta Theodoros & Kathryn Agelopoulos Jeff and Vivi Ahrenstein Spyros & Agnes Alamanis Georgia Alexiou Frances Amanatides Helen Amditis Betty Andreadis Zeffie Andreadis Kalle Andromidas Theodore and Anne Anthony Estelle Apostol Louis Apostol Thomas Araps John Argianas Theodora Argyropoulos William and Hilary Ashmen Frank and Vickie Athanason George & Georgia Athanasopoulos Artie and Kika Averkiou Fay Averkiou Theodore and Kelsey Axiotis Emanuel & Alice Ayvas Ann Babic George and Olga Bacalos Alexander & Courtney Bafer Christine Baleotis Arthur and Loula Barakos George and Efrosini Barris Charles Bekiaris Tina Bekiaris Barbara Bell Ernst and Christine Beyerle Helen Bisignano Ted and Marysia Boinis Philippe and Julie Boulos Alexander & Meliza Bouzakis Rich and Nicole Brochu Constantine & Kathryn Callas Ronald and Lillian Campayno Gerald and Georgia Carignan Heonia Cassimatis Bill and Bobby Chaltas Ann Chambertides George & Katherine Chapekis Ted and Bert Chapekis Walter and Joann Chapman George Charos Solon and Marsha Chris George Christakis Mark & Anastasia Christakis Nick and Vasiliki Christakis Stephan Christakis Louis & Voula Christopoulos Milton & Susan Christopoulos Peggy Clarke Stephen & Tamra Constantine Gus & Thelma Constantinou Sotirios and Carmen Contos Aristides Copulos Nicholine Core Ernest Coshonis Penny Coyle John and Maria Cucuras Bertha Dangles John Daskalakis Gus and Eva Daskalakis Taso & Dora Daskalopoulos Peter Davekos Effie Davis Louis and Christina DeLuca Joseph and Patricia Denaro Tom and Marilyn Denney Catherine Deros Ann Douglas George and Rosie Douglas Angelo and Pauline Dovas Theodore and Barb Drakos Mary Ducas Jim and Edwina Duros Paul and Sandra Duros Pete and Angie Duros Michael and Bess Economos Curtis and Carmen Elrod William and Linda Esposito Anna Fanning Elizabeth Ferguson Marianne Ferguson Tasia Foundoukis John and Mary Ann Frazer Michael and Val Gandolfo Eugene and Maria Garda Helen Gatsonis Bess George Stavros & Alexia Georgakopoulos Christos Georghiou Constantinos Georgiou Steve & Irina Giakouminakis Nikolas & Barbara Gianopoulos Sean and Sandra Gibson Becky Gidas George and Maria Gines Ida Ginopoulos James & Donna Ginopoulos Michael and Lisa Glamoclija Grace Glaros Mimi Glass Irene Gonedes Steve Gonedes George & Dimitra Gounakis Michael & Yvonne Grammen Joel and Maria Gross Claire Grossomanides Costas and Lucy Grous John & Despina Hantzaridis William and Joann Haros Helen Harris Joyce Haseotes Anastasia Hatsis Peter and Helen Hoffman John and Barbara Horey David and Selena Huck John and Gina Iconomou Jonathan and Noelle Ilchert Anna Innis George and Doreen Jakovich William and Suzette Johnson Gus and Melody Jones Maria Jula Mario and Vivian Kafetzis Evangelos and Anna Kaisar Peter & Mary Kaklamanakis Nick and Mary Kaleel Eliot and Louise Kaleshi George and Mary Kalomiris James and Sally Kaloyanides Katherine Kaltenbach Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Kanarios Phil and Theodora Karahalis Dimitrios & Maria Karaloukas Ann Karambelas Christina Karas Peter and Lynn Karantonis Maria Karras-Feigman Nicholas and Dotty Karras Pete and Lula Karras Nicolas & Angie Katsiyianis Christ Kazalas Assimo Kitsos Theodora Klarides Theodore & Mary Klarides Eracles and Mary Klotsas Paul and Estelle Knowles Chris and Stella Kokinakos Helen Konopiots Mr and Mrs George Kontzias Alexandra Kopatsis Tom and Phyllis Kopatsis George & Christine Korakis Jeffrey & Amerisa Kornblum Elene Paraskeve Kostas Karen Kotanides Angelo and Anna Koukoulis Pat Koutrakos Alisa-Nicole Kovacs Richard and Irene Kovacs Marie Kyriacou Evelyn Lagoumis Helen Economou Lang Angelos Langadas Ronald and Connie La Sota Antigoni Lauta Peter and Vivian Lazaridis William and Liz Lazarou Eve Lefes Constantine & Irene Lekatsos Leo and Sophia Lemonis Kyros and Varcia Leondis Athena Letsou Vasileios & Eleni Levantakos Theodora Leventouri/Faulkner Stella Linardopoulos Alexandra Lindholm Alexis Lindholm Craig and Joanne Lindholm Edith Lindholm Pantelis Lolos Cynthia Makris Hope Makris Olga Malides Irene Magafan Rena Mamolou Vasila Manolakis Arthur Manos Aristotle & Thula Maragoudakis George & Sophia Maragoudakis Nicholas Marangakis Ed and Susan Marciniak Vincent and Stella Marino Emmanuel & Nancy Markakis Joanne Markopoulos James & Suzanne Massialas Sara Massialas Theodora Maxakoulis Claire Melissas George and Connie Mellides Madeline Metrenas Katheren Michaelson Harry & Constantina Mirabile Maria Mitsinicos Paul and Elizabeth Modesto Norys Molinares Emanuel and Tina Moraitis Nick Morf James and Stacey Morris John Morris Stephen and Donice Muccio Kent and Maria Nagel Elliot and Alexa Nanos Rose Nestora Anthony & Marina Nicolaides Nick and Dorothea Nicolas Simona Niculescu George Nikolopoulos Nicholas & Kristina Nikolopoulos Valentino Nisip Anastasios & Agatha Orfanos Bianca Orfanos Christina Orfanos Carlos and Evelyn Pagan Ioannis Palanis & Theopoula Vogiatzis Nick and Stella Palma Dimitrios & Georgia Panagopoulos Paul Panagos Alex Panagoulias Demetrios & Anna Panayotopoulos Isabela Pando Ernest & Cindy Papadoyianis Calliope Papantoniou Nicholas & Dorothy Papayani Agatha Pappas Despina Pappas Harry Pappas Kathryn Pappelis Charles & Katherine Papuchis Angelo Parandes Pam Parent Stanley and Sophia Parzyck Gari Paticopoulos William and Despo Paul Florence Pavel Bisa Pavlou Angela Pelletier Urania Perakos John and Theodora Periharos Bess Peterson Vasilike Petroff Iosif Petrou Connie Pilallis George and Phyllis Pistolis Jim and Elizabeh Platis Victoria Polentas Athan and Donna Prakas Anna Prikes Ioannis & Evangelia Profylienos Peter and Effie Protos Kyriakos & Joanna Pylarinos Mark and Dana Rados Angene George Rafferty Catherine Mary Rafferty Cynthia Raftis Achilles & Fay Raptis-Rakkos Patrick &Chrysoula Ramsden Eleftherios and Alicia Rasis George & Arhontia Repantis Betty Rickerby George and Litsa Rokanas Anthony Safos John and Felis Sakellaris Jon and Anastasia Schauer Maria Selvaggio Vito and Vasiliki Selvaggio Elaine Shure Marika Siavelis Michael and Cosmina Siegel George and Stephanie Sigalos Stephan and Debbie Silva Photine Skandalis John and Chrissa Skeadas Eleni Skiba and Zoi Cicalo Lioudmila Sokolova Saul and Judy Solomon Pat Sourlis Thalia Sourlis Costas Sperantsas Evangelos & Athena Sperantsas Tom and Maria Spiliopoulos Gus and Martha Spyridon Lisa Stabile John and Yvonne Stamatellos Trudy Stamos Anna Stathis Georgios & Thalia Stathopoulos James and Frosine Stolis Peter Stoumbelis Efstratios Stratelos Sophia Stratis Iryna Strembitska Robert and Agathe Stuart Andrew and Anna Sytlianos Nicos and Andria Stylianou George and Alina Tavoularis James and Kasey Terpos Neil and Emily Tevault Anastassia Theodore Presbytera Athena Theodore Chris Theodore Chris and Margaret Theodore Themis & Eugenia Theodosopoulos John & Maritza Theodossakos Leah Theofanis Mary Thomaris Sue Townsend Helen Tryforos John and Mary Tsakiris Costa and Dorothy Tseklenis Christos & Anastasia Tsoumbas Nick and Michelle Tsitsoulas Andreas & Maria Tzanakakis Juan Pablo & Sophia Valladares Matt and Neda Vanden Bosch Athanasios & Maria Vasilakis Pantelis & Ethel Vasilopoulos Savvoula Velentzas Katherine Vellis Esther Vigliar George & Ekaterin Vogiatzis Mihai and Ana Voicu Daniel and Helen Wachtl Lester and Maria Weaver Matthew & Nadia Weaver Mary Widmark Marcia Williams Danica Wuchenich Kallie Xenakis Constantine & Helen Xintas Pan and Pauline Yatrakis George & Joy Zachariades Peter and Aliki Zachary Thomas Zafiris Nick Zaharias Pantelitsa Zaharias Simeon & Maro Zaparegos Desanka-Lela Zebic Peter Zivanovich Ana Zivkovic Elizabeth Zographus Saint Mark Book Store Learning About Our Faith n YVETTE KOUTSOUPIS, DIRECTOR Shipments of new books for the Orthodox reader have arrived in our bookstore! Stop in and let Yvette, Barbara and Stella assist you. Here are just a few: 2012-2013 Planner: Ecclesiastical Calendar The Planner includes devotional readings, saints for each day, the fasting calendar and more. Each edition begins on September 1, the first day of the ecclesiastical calendar year. Christ In His Saints In this long-awaited sequel to Christ in the Psalms, popular pastor, author, and scholar, Patrick Henry Reardon, once again applies his keen intellect to a topic he loves most dearly. He examines the lives of almost one hundred and fifty saints and heroes from the Scriptures - everyone from Abigail to Zephaniah, Adam to St. John the Theologian. This wellresearched work is a veritable cornucopia of Bible personalities: Old Testament Saints, New Testament Saints, “Repentant Saints,” “Zealous Saints,” “Saints under pressure.” They’re all here, and their stories are both fascinating and uplifting. But Christ in His Saints is far more than just a biblical who’s who. These men and women represent that ancient family into which, by baptism, all believers have been incorporated. Together they compose that great “cloud of witnesses” cheering us on and inspiring us through word and deed. Children’s Bible Reader This is the most complete Orthodox Children’s Bible story book ever written. Through over 200 excellent iconographic illustrations in color, it brings to life 74 central stories of the Old Testament and 89 of the New Testament. Recently translated from the Greek Bible Society’s acclaimed work, the text is attractively written and easy to understand. Archbishop Demetrios considers it “a very valuable resource for families, parents, children and schools.” Ages 7-11. 7 Saint Mark Parish Life Ministries PHILOPTOCHOS n PAM PARENT, PRESIDENT Memorials and Koliva In John 12:24, Jesus says: “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, koliva is prepared and shared with the congregation when a memorial is held. The symbolism of the koliva reaches far back into history. The boiled wheat is used in the Orthodox Church as a symbol of our hope in the Resurrection. From the grain that died comes the fruit of eternal life. Why, then, do we call the wheat ‘koliva’? This name comes from a term commonly used during the fourth century, particularly where the following miracle occurred. The Emperor Julian the Apostate tried to have the fruits and vegetables, for use by Christians who were fasting during Great Lent, contaminated! In SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL MINISTRY n BY HELEN LANG, DIRECTOR Our Church School year is off to a wonderful beginning, with our students and teachers meeting on September 16th, with the Blessing of the Classrooms. The October Church School schedule is October 7th, 14th, and 21st. 8 This month in The Message, I would like to introduce you to our Pre-K 3 & 4 year old Class teacher, Mrs. Angela Mitchell. Angela and her husband, Girard, have three sons: Dimitri, Stefanos and Constantinos, and have a dream, Saint Theodore the Tyron appeared to Patriarch Evdoxios and told him to instruct the faithful to consume only boiled wheat (‘koliva’). The faithful responded accordingly and were able to continue the fast! This miracle is commemorated annually on the third Saturday of Souls. A variety of other ingredients are used, depending upon the locale. Most commonly, walnuts, almonds, sesame, raisins, parsley, and spices are used. The koliva is then shaped in a mound, representing the grave, and covered with powdered sugar. The initials of the deceased are placed on top, and the koliva is then taken to church for the memorial (mnimosino) service. Saint Mark Philoptochos has taken on the ministry of providing koliva for been parishioners at Saint Mark for over 12 years. Angela has served as the Pre-K 3 & 4 year old Teacher for the past 8 years. Angela’s devotion to the children is evident by all bereaved families for a donation of $100.00. Your donation offsets the cost of the ingredients. But more importantly, the balance of the donation helps to support our many ministries. We are charged with being the philanthropic branch of our church. Monies we take in are used locally to feed families in need, help with housing, clothing, and more. We provide funds for many charities from the Caring Kitchen in Delray Beach to IOCC. The women of Philoptochos are pleased to provide comfort and support to those in need, and appreciate the financial donations given by our community in the form of fees for koliva, and gifts to our other services such as coffee hour. Coffeehour sponsorships are also available for memorials, name-day celebrations, graduations and other special events. When you give once, you help twice! who visit her classroom. Her lesson planning includes introducing the young children to praying to an icon, practicing the sign of the cross, and assisting the children in completing a craft consistent with the Church calendar. This year, assisting Angela will be a Saint Mark Church School Alumnus, Ms. Alexa Cocores. The commitment of Angela to the Church School Ministry, through her many years of volunteer teaching, and weekly class preparation, is a gift to the community of Saint Mark! We thank you, Angela, for your service to the children through the Church School Ministry! JOY MINISTRY n BY JIM & CLAUDIA DOVAS & GIRARD AND ANGELA MITCHELL, ADVISORS On October 6th, JOY will begin their annual church campus project. This year, the Cocose family has generously donated a tower vegetable garden. The FROM THE CHOIR LOFT n BY SOPHIA CHRISTAKIS, CHOIR DIRECTOR Greetings from the choir loft! Each year, on the first Sunday in October, parishes across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America celebrate National Church Music Sunday. It is a day set aside to honor the contributions of local choir members, chanters, and music educators who serve their churches through the hymnology of our Orthodox Church. It is celebrated in October because this is the month that we celebrate St. Romanos the Melodist. Saint Romanos was born in a Syrian town and served as a verger in Con- YOUTH CHOIR UPDATES n BY VIRGINIA BARNES, YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTOR For the month of September, the focus has been the Trisagion Hymn. The book, The Heavenly Banquet; Understanding the Divine Liturgy by Father Emmanuel Hatzidakis, is the wonderful source that we are basing our lessons on. The following is a quote from the book about the Trisagion Hymn: “It is a magnificent hymn in its simplicity, because it is addressed to the Holy Trinity, the One God in three Persons. The triple repetition of the word “Holy” and the triple repetition of the hymn indicate the trinity of Persons worshiped, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, the three are addressed as one, because the verb have mercy (in Greek eleison), is in the second person singular, to indicate the unity of the three Persons into one Divine Being. “God is called holy, but what does JOY children will assemble the tower, plant the seedlings, insert the seedlings into the tower when they are ready, and watch the vegetables grow. Following the campus project portion of the meeting, the children will enjoy some refreshments, fun, and games. On October 27th, the JOY group will participate in our second Family Night/Vespers. Remember, this is something that the entire family can enjoy. For more information, contact Angela Mitchell at 561.963.9835 or [email protected]. “holy” mean? The word holy, both in Greek (hagios) and Hebrew (qadosh), mean “set apart.” So a person or an object devoted, consecrated to God is deemed holy, set apart for the service of the Lord. How holy then is He for Whom something or someone is set apart! God is the One Who is totally apart from anything else. He is unlike anything we know. What we know of Him is that He is unlike anything that we know and will ever know. He is the One Who is absolutely different from anything else that exists. He is truly one of a kind. Therefore to say that God is Holy is to acknowledge Him as the unique Being. In a moral sense God is apart as totally pure, completely separate from evil, perfect in every respect. ginning or end, without change, always the same. Everything else has a beginning. The angels and our souls have no end, but only by God’s grace. Holiness, might and immortality are predicated upon God in an absolute sense. stantinople at the cathedral there. (For those of you who don’t know, a verger is a person who acts as caretaker and attendant taking care of the interior of the church as well as the vestments and church furnishings.) He was illiterate and had no musical training. He was looked down upon and despised by some of the educated clergy. He prayed weeping to the Theotokos. She appeared to him in a dream and handed him a piece of paper. The Theotokos told Saint Romanos to swallow the paper. The following day was Christmas Day and “Besides being Holy, God is also Almighty, another of His attributes. Nothing lies outside His power. He is the Pantocrator, the Ruler of the universe. Another attribute of God is immortality, meaning He is without be- Saint Romanos went up to the altar and in an angelic voice sang the beautiful kontakion “I Parthenos Simeron” which translated is “Today the Virgin.” After receiving this gift of song from the Theotokos he went on to compose more than 1,000 kontakia (hymns of the Church). When he died on October 1, 530, he was a deacon of the Great Church in Constantinople. We are very blessed to have the hymns of Saint Romanos and we should all feel encouraged that no matter what our education or training, if we pray to the Theotokos with a pure heart, she will intercede for us and help us to sing beautiful praises to our Lord. “Here the congregation does not offer its own thoughts or poetry but is taken out of itself and given the privilege of sharing in the cosmic song of praise of the cherubim and seraphim. Let us then sing this hymn with fear of God, great piety and contrition of heart, praising and glorifying the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, worshipping Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23) resembling the holy angels in heaven.” (Hatzidakis, 132-134) Of course, this was presented in a more simplified manner, depending on the age group. The more our children know about what they are singing during the Liturgy, the more strong ties they will have to the Church as they become young adults and go out into the world. 9 Saint Mark Parish Life Ministries (Continued) BYZANTEEN NEWS n BY VIRGINIA BARNES, YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTOR The ByzanTeens will sing during Holy Communion each Family Worship Day this year. ByzanTeens meet each Sunday after Church School from 12:00 to 12:15, and all young people in sixth grade and older are encouraged to join. This year, we would like to feature each month a different member of the ByzanTeens. Alexia Pores is a found- GOYA MINISTRY n P.J. DIAMANTIS & ANDREW GONEDES, CO-PRESIDENTS GOYA GOYA GOYA, What is it? When I tell my friends that I am in GOYA, they think it is a Spanish brand of foods. Well, as you know, the GOYA we are referring to is not a brand of foods, but a ministry of our church where young people meet, mingle and exchange ideas with their Orthodox peers. Our GOYA has kids from 7th grade through high school. We started our year off with a bowling GREEK SCHOOL n ANNA KAISER, TEACHER Greek School started with an Agiasmo (Blessing of the Waters) Service with Father Mark on Tuesday, September 11. It was great to see our returning students as well as new faces that will be attending Greek School this year. 10 Save the date, Sunday, October 28, ing member of the group, and this is what she has to say: “I am twelve years old and I attend the 7th grade at Saint Andrews School. My school offers a ballet dance program that I truly enjoy. lead role in the play “In The Heights.” night where we saw old friends and also welcomed our new GOYAns. The Saint Mark Goya really offers a great mix of spiritual programs as well as great fun stuff. Saturday, September 15, we attended Vespers at Saint Mark and were part of the community family night. The next evening, we went by bus to Miami for dinner and to Saint Sophia Cathedral for Great Vespers for their Feast Day. lins baseball game. In December, we will attend a District Retreat in Lake Placid, Florida, with rock climbing, canoeing, bonfires, staying in cabins, and spiritual workshops with clergy. In February, we will be off to the mountains in North Carolina for a ski weekend retreat. And we always look forward to the GOYA District Olympics. We have great advisors, and of course, Fr. Mark. We always welcome parents to join us at each event. My musical activities outside of school are attending Showtime Children’s Theatre where I have performed in several plays in addition to voice lessons and advanced acting classes. Currently, I have a There is more fun coming, too many events to write about, but here are just a few highlights: On September 30, we will be going to a Miami Mar- our school will be hosting the OXI Day Luncheon after Liturgy. It is not too late to sign up for Greek School. We have a class for everyone. Students are as young as four years of age--and we also offer a class for adults. For more information, call the church office at 561.994.4822 or Mike Gonedes, Greek School Director at 561.756.1313. What I enjoy about being part of the ByzanTeens is being part of a close spiritual community. I have made several friends, both my age and adults that share their musical gifts as well. The experience of sharing my voice in my church makes me feel even closer to God and the idea that I am sharing my gift and contributing back to my Parish.” I know we are all so busy with school, sports, dance and everything else under the sun. If you haven’t registered for GOYA yet – do so today! Believe us, it will be a memorable experience. EPISTLE READERS n VIVIAN JENETOPULOS, CHAIRLADY We are very happy with the turnout of volunteers to read the Epistles on Sunday, both in Greek WELCOME COMMITTEE n ELAINE ZOGRAPHUS, CHAIRLADY As one enters the Outer Narthex of Saint Mark on a Sunday morning, you are greeted by a dedicated member of the Welcome-Committee ministry who hands you the worship guide for the day. In addition, guests are guided to the visitors table in front of the meaningful icon of the Hospitality of Abraham, to the right as you enter.This icon serves as a reminder to parishioners to welcome strangers into their church, just as Abraham and Sarah invited three strangers into their home, unaware originally that they were angels (Gen. 18:1-15). The Orthodox Church recognizes these angels as the Holy Trinity. How fitting it is, then to welcome visitors to our parish as we stand before the icon. First-time visitors to Saint Mark are asked to sign in, whether they are just passing through the Boca area or whether they plan to relocate in the area and are interested in more information about Saint AHEPA n TOM HANTZARIDES, PRESIDENT The first meeting of the year for AHEPA Chapter 487 was held on Thursday, September 6 with discussions on AHEPA’s plans for the and English. cember--won’t you come forward! Please contact Vivian Jenetopulos at either 561.447.4550 or at [email protected], or Maria Pokrajac at 561.641.9809. Mark. All visitors are given a yellow cross to wear and are officially welcomed by Father Mark at the end of the Liturgy. Those who are in the process of relocating to our area are mailed a welcome packet which details the ministries and ac- visitors and make them feel welcomed at St. Mark. tivities at Saint Mark. But it doesn’t end there. At coffee hour, we connect guests with parishioners who have similar backgrounds. Those of you who are not members of this committee are asked to also spot hour, has been quite positive. If you would like to become a greeter, please call Elaine Zographus at 561.495.2812 or email her at [email protected]. Get involved with the Liturgy. Volunteer to read the Epistle on a Sunday. You will find it very rewarding. We are now setting up readers for November and De- upcoming year. The “Master Plan,” which was developed to provide events and programs to draw more interest and members, was unanimously approved. The chapter reaffirmed its commitment to the charter of AHEPA which is, among other things, education, heritage and service. Look for upcoming monthly events hosted by AHEPA Chapter 487 where everyone in the community will be invited to attend. The response by guests to the welcome they receive at Saint Mark, whether it is by one of the twentytwo members of the committee or by a parishioner at the coffee On Friday, October 19, AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope will host a cocktail reception at Crane’s Beach House in Delray Beach. Admission is free and there will be a cash bar and free hors d’oeuvres will be served. Everyone at Saint Mark is welcome to attend. For more information, you can use the new AHEPA Chapter 487 email address, [email protected]. 11 Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church 2100 NW 51st Street Boca R aton, Florida 33431 Metropolis of Atlanta Non Profit Org U S postage PAID BOCA RATON, FL Permit NO 277 Or Current Occupant Postmaster: Dated Material Please Expedite Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church