the epistle - Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

THE EPISTLE
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
November
22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio
Pastoral Thoughts by Fr. Jim Doukas
Dear Parishioners,
I’d like to share with you the following
Thanksgiving Day prayer:
Gracious God, Creator of the Universe, Giver of Life, Alpha
and Omega of existence, we pause at this time to contemplate
your multiple blessings.
We thank you for our spiritual blessings, for our JudaeoChristian heritage replete with wisdom and grace…
2013
Also, on this day of national Thanksgiving, Lord, we
remember all those who suffer:
The sick, the poor, the hungry
The victims of natural disasters
The captives in all prisons, everywhere
The persecuted, the hopeless
Those who live in terrible conditions out which there is no
escape
The aged and lonely, the mentally ill
from Abraham, the father of many nations
The forgotten people hidden from our eyes
to Moses the Law giver
Bless us, Lord God, that in our prosperity and good estate,
we may find ways to be useful and helpful to someone.
to the prophets
to your own dear son and our Savior Jesus Christ
to your Holy Church, established to bless the people of all
ages, everywhere
To your Holy Spirit who guides and sanctifies, strengthens
and encourages us with divine presence.
We thank you for the Bible, Your Holy Word, which is a lamp
unto our feet and a path unto our way (Psalm 119:105.) Grant
that we keep its teachings buried in our hearts and burned on
our consciences.
We thank You, too, for our material blessings…
For this nation, flowing with milk and honey
For jobs which enable us to live adequately
For medical people, who keep our bodies healthy
For educators who open our minds to new awareness
For all who serve us
For families and loved ones who add comfort, joy, and
fulfillment to our lives
For comfortable homes
For abundance, which when properly used, can satisfy
the needs of all.
Grant, Lord, that we may obtain wisdom enough to realize that
it is Your command and our duty to seek first Your Kingdom
and Your righteousness, that our spiritual heritage is given to
us to make our material heritage a blessing instead of a curse,
that all we now possess is but temporary, to be used not to
control us, but to share with others so that life may be
hospitable for all.
We give thanks, we praise and magnify You, and we bow
down before You, Our God and Creator, in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Epistle is the official publication of the
Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS’ CONTACTS
Aesthetics….…………………Ageleke Zapis… 440-617-0266
Phone: (440) 331-2246
AHEPA…………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079
Fax: (440) 331-8407
Bible Study:……...………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003
www.saintdemetriosrr.org
Editor : Eleni Papouras-Jenks
Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
Publication Deadlines:
Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday
Monthly Epistle – The 15th of the preceding month
Fr. James Doukas, Priest………………(Home) 440-899-3257
Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Mgr
[email protected]
Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected]
Dale Stalnaker, Webmaster …………[email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL
Steve Steffas, President…….………………...….440-899-7652
Nikolaos Petousis, Vice President………....…….440-808-9005
Steve Alex, Treasurer……………………………440-835-2348
Ageleke Zapis, Secretary …….………………….440-617-0266
Byron T. Spooner, Financial Secretary………….440-333-5013
Cindy Bountogianis……….……………………..440-808-0227
Eugenia Burpulis………………………………...440-356-1746
Angelo Coutris……………………………..……440-333-3674
James Diamond……………………………….…440-653-9695
Ted Loizos…...…………………………………..440-799-4846
Bette Nutt……………………….……….………440-930-2652
Anthony Trakas……...…………………………..440-799-4409
Greg Kolocouris, Legal Advisor
ST. DEMETRIOS’ TRUST BOARD OF MANAGERS
John Stamatis, Chairman……..…………………440-937-6258
Constantine Corpas……………………………..440-740-1158
Harry Giallourakis……………………………...440-871-2681
Manuel Steffas………………………………….440-871-6362
Crystal Thomas…………………………………440-356-1032
Donna Vassos…………………………...……...440-331-5547
Bookstore…...……...…….Pres. Goldie Doukas…440-899-3257
Choir Director/Cantor…..…....Bill Matzorkis…..216-496-4230
Youth Choir…….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068
Daughters of Penelope …..………Elisa Demis…440-655-1348
Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131
Board of Education…..Maria Mougianis…440-835-2888
PTO Co-Presidents:……..…Marianna Hadgis….440-937-0330
Kiki Poulopoulos…440-915-1402
GOYA Advisors Ellen Chrisman………………...440-835-8430
Dan Packis……………………..440-937-9531
Helene Santarelli………………440-779-8312
Student President Nick Stamatis
Hellenic Dance Groups:
Kyklonas ….Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131
Kymata….…….…..Mary Szekely…440-835-5712
Aeraki ………….Eleni Giavroutas…440-835-5267
JOY (Jr. Orthodox Youth)…...Stacy Loizos….440-799-4846
Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray)…….Ann Carpadis..…440-871-8625
Maria Statheros…216-226-1680
Library Committee:…………..… Andie Titas...440-779-8581
Philoptochos……………………[email protected]
President ………Stephanie Zavatchen….440-243-6221
Sunshine Committee….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959
Sunday School….…………... [email protected]
Principal Maggie Steffas…….440-871-6362
Assistant Principal Cindy Genin……440-610-7686
Spiritual Life Committee….Angie Giallourakis…440-871-2681
Yassou Club…...…………....Mary Pappadakes…440-799-4821
Other Orthodox Missions
I.O.C.C.….Pascalis Papouras …………………410-243-9820
[email protected] ~ www.iocc.org
O.C.F.........Mira Damljanovic, College Program Coordinator
for: BW, CWRU, CSU, JCU, Tri-C
440-888-6213 or [email protected]
Did you know that the church phone system has a Prayer Line?
O.C.M.C. Orthodox Christian Mission Center www.ocmc.org
Anytime, day or night, that you may need a spiritual lift, call
440-331-2246 ext.7 to hear a seasonal prayer.
For Pan-Orthodox events in the greater Cleveland area go to
www.orthodoxcleveland.us
Speaking of Stewardship…
3
2013 PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The members of the Election Committee (Aggie Arabian,
Catherine Hillman, Angelo Karouzos, Betty Poulos, and Angie
Vianos,) have unanimously decided that election for the
members of Parish Council be held on Sun., Dec. 8, 2013,
immediately following Divine Liturgy until 3 p.m. in the hall.
Election will be held to fill the following vacancies: Cindy
Bountogianis, Angelo Coutris, Ted Loizos, Steve Steffas,
Anthony Trakas, and Ageleke Zapis. (According to the Bylaws, these individuals must be re-nominated and elected in
order to continue serving).
The Parish Council members who have one year to complete Last month, several of our past Parish Council presidents met
and shall remain on the Parish Council in 2014 are: Steve with the current board to share their experiences and ideas, as
Alex, Jeanne Burpulis, James Diamond, Bette Nutt, Nikolaos we look to sustain and grow our parish in the future. (above, LPetousis, and Byron T. Spooner.
R) standing: Dan Packis, Steve Alex, Gary Thomas, Lee Zapis,
Nick Pyros, Manuel P. Glynias, Steve Steffas; seated: Pete
CANDIDACY REQUIREMENTS:
A person desiring to qualify, as a candidate for the Parish Stamatis, Fr. Jim, Fr. Dean Dimon. Not pictured: Gus Corpas.
Council must be a baptized or chrismated Orthodox Christian Photo courtesy of Gary Thomas
who is in spiritual good standing with his/her church (i.e. if
married, is married in the Orthodox Church, if divorced, has CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
secured the ecclesiastical divorce, and participates in the We recently installed a new
sacraments of the church) and also have paid his/her financial heating/AC unit for the hall.
obligation thru December 31, 2013.
(pictured, right) to replace a
CANDIDACY PETITIONS:
broken unit. It took two large
Petitions have been mailed and also available in the Narthex, cranes and several hours to
can be placed in a sealed petition box that will be available in finish the project. The next phase
the church office must be received by 12:00 noon, Sun., Nov. will be a unit to handle the east
24, 2013. Petitions mailed to the church office must be rooms currently without heat.
postmarked by Friday, November 22, 2013 to be valid.
ALTAR UPGRADES Recently some of our ecclesiastic items
VOTING REQUIREMENTS;
began to show their age. A big and sincere thanks to …
1. A member in good standing for this election is one who has
paid his/her pledge up thru December 31, 2013. A member Anonymous and David & Dena Grubb for their donations of
two censors, one to be used weekly and the other at Lent.
delinquent in his/her financial obligation desiring to vote may
pay the Financial Secretary any time prior to balloting. Any Anonymous, Tim & Gloria Knotek and Andrew & Sheena
questions relating to the parishioners’ financial status will be
Suvak, and Steve & Megan Papandreas for their donations to
directed to the Financial Secretary and the priest to be resolved
purchase a new altar chandelier.
before a parishioner may vote.
2. The right to vote is strictly personal. It cannot be
Family Ministry Meeting
transferred to any person or to husband or wife.
Monday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m.
3. New members of the Parish may vote if he/she has
Our
own
Angie
Giallourakis, representing the Metropolis of
been enrolled at least 3 months prior.
Pittsburgh, attended the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Family
Ministry Conference in Minneapolis, MN in
September.
Archbishop Demetrios directed all Greek Orthodox Parishes to
examine their ministries’ programs and determine how they can
Sunday, November 24, 2013
help our families grow in Christ.
12:00 p.m.
Metropolitan Savas, in turn, asked Angie to develop a “Family
Ministry Model Program” for the Metropolis of Pittsburgh and
In the Cultural Hall
St. Demetrios Church has been designated as the Model!
A Quorum of at least 25 members in Good Standing are
Fr. Jim Doukas requests that ALL our organizations send a
required for this meeting.
representative to attend this brief summary (20 minutes) of
the Conference and then discuss how each of our ministries
can help our St. Demetrios Community grow in Christ! Your
AGENDA:
~Approval of the Election Committee
input is critical to the success of this program.
~Presentation of the 2014 Budget
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
4
Parish News
Our Newest Little
Angels
Millan Vlasis, son of Mayuk and Christina
Babu, grandson of Floyd & Diane Trillis,
was born on June 11, 2013.
Alexander Patrick, son of Chris & Dora
Duane, was born on Sept. 3, 2013
Michael, son of Steve & Janine Steffan, was
born on Sept. 12, 2013.
Loukas, son of Jonathon & Christina
McClellan, was born on Oct. 4, 2013.
Those who have put on
Christ
Nicolette Eleni Souris, daughter of
Constantine & Lemonitsa, was baptized on
Sept. 29, 2013. Her ‘nono’ is Dino Asimou.
Sunday, November 10
Joseph Artiste, fiance of Francine
Demetriou, was Chrismated into the
Orthodox faith on Sept. 29, 2013. His
sponsor is George Demetriou of Youngtown.
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy in St. Demetrios Cultural Hall
Kyriakos “Charleston” James Diamond,
son of Michael & Susan, was baptized on
Oct. 5, 2013. His ‘nona’ is Alexis Spooner.
For tickets, contact Diane Matzorkis (440) 463-3068 or any choir member
Leah Hartline, fiancee of George
Antonaklas, was Chrismated into the
Orthodox faith on Oct. 25, 2013. Her sponsor
is Freda Vassilakis of Annunciation Church,
Cleveland.
Joined with
Stefana
Jacquelyn Vagotis & Richard Novotny
were married on Oct. 26, 2013. Their
koumbara is Astacia Vagotis Sanchez of
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of
Phoenix, Arizona.
Chris Nakis & Samantha Gathers were
married on Oct. 26, 2013. Their koumbaro is
Stamatios Tripodis of St. Paul Church.
Asleep in the
Lord
Despina Horiatis (nee Panteladis), mother
of Nicholas (Gena), Jack (Kara) and Vicki
Horiatis (Chris Fietkiewicz) and YiaYia of
John, Elizabeth, Grace, Hannah, Olivia,
Sophia, and Lilianna, passed away Oct. 2,
2013. Her 40 day memorial will be Nov. 10.
We also extend our condolences to Jerry
Yurch on the loss of his mother, and to
Anthony Santarelli on this loss of his mother.
Adults: $12.00 ~ Children 12 & under: $7.00
Tsoureki will also be sold during the lunch at $9 per loaf
ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ to our St. Demetrios Church!
5
This year, we celebrated our church’s feastday during the entire last weekend of October. On Sunday, Oct. 27, we were honored
with a pastoral visit from His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh. Following the service, Philoptochos and Chairperson
Dora Selos, hosted a lovely brunch in the hall, catered by Coyne Catering, and attended by more than 200 people.
His Eminence celebrated Hierarchal Divine Liturgy and tonsured 11 acolytes as “Readers,” the level just before “Sub-Deacon” in
the church hierarchy. It was a joyous day for the clergy, the boys and their parents (L-R) Fr. Demetri, Ted & Thea Pappas,
Michael Vangelos, Vlasi Pappas, Chris Vangelos, Pete, Nick & Alex Stamatis, Athena & Paolo Diamantis, Fr. Jim, Metropolitan
Savas, Panayoti, Constandino & Maria Samarellis, Matthew & Mary Szekely, Christian, Christina, John & Nick Petousis.
Photos: Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Mary Szekely
All three dance groups performed in honor of His
Eminence and St. Demetrios’ feastday. Both the
Aeraki & Kyklonas dancers featured dances of
Macedonia, home of our patron saint. The older group
also performed a dance from Kalymnos, which is the
Metropolitan’s family heritage. Thanks to Les
Szekely for videotaping the performances.
6
Celebrate Youth!
Sunday School
We were so fortunate to have Polly
Hillier, Director of St. Photios Shrine in
Florida (see sidebar) visit St. Demetrios
last month and speak to our Sunday
School students about the mission of the
Shrine in keeping alive our heritage.
Photo: Pres Goldie Doukas
Sun., Nov. 3 – Teachers’ meeting
Sun., Nov. 10 – Parents & Teachers meeting
Sun., Dec 1 – No Classes due to the Thanksgiving weekend break.
Youth Choir
Sat., Nov. 9 - Youth Choir rehearsal, 10 a.mn-noon in the chapel. All
Sunday School & Greek School students who are interested in expanding
their knowledge of hymns are welcome!
Greek School
Thanks to our PTO for hosting the ‘Oxi Day’ pizza party. We hope that all
Greek School parents join PTO. The first class with 100% membership will
get a pizza party.
During Mrs. Trichonas’ maternity leave, Level 1 will be taught by Mrs.
Maryann Poulos through 1st semester. Mrs. Poulos has previously taught and
substituted at our Greek School and we are happy to have her back. Thanks
also to Mrs. Vicky Papouras who also assisted during this transition.
We are also excited to announce that our Greek Letters Day speaker has
been confirmed as Dr. Paul Iversen of the Classics Department of Case
Western Reserve University. His presentation will be about the first known
computer in the world- The Antikythera Mechanism, which was found in
an ancient shipwreck in the Aegean Sea. Look for more details about the
Greek Letters Day luncheon in our next issue.
Tue., Nov. 12- Teachers meeting
Thu., Nov. 28- No classes- Happy Thanksgiving!
COMING UP…
Thu., Dec. 19 –Annual Christmas program in the hall
Hellenic Dancers
Thanks to all the dancers from our three groups that performed at our
church’s Feastday celebration. We also thank Philoptochos for their donation
to the dance program. See previous page for photos.
There are no more practices through the end of the year. All groups will be
on hiatus until spring 2014.
Please keep the Kyklonas Dancers in your prayers as we travel to the Folk
Dance Festival in Erie, Penn., on Nov. 2-3 to represent our parish.
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National
Shrine 8th Annual Essay Contest
Eligibility: Open to all St. Demetrios high school
students
Entry Fee: Free
Type: 1,000 word Essay
Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2013
Essay Theme:
Most Americans appreciate an immigrant story perhaps that is because the United States is
known as `a melting pot` of many cultures. The
immigrant`s story is held as a precious thread of
the family legacy. It is unique to each family`s
history in America with recurring themes of why
the immigrant left, what was met in the new land
and how their life manifested itself through its
course.
In your essay, compare and contrast the
immigrant story of one of the Greek colonists
who came to America in 1768 and a person you
know - either a family member or parishioner, a
friend of the family. How are the stories similar,
what was unique to the individual - how were
you touched - what have you learned from
writing this essay?
Please note that all essays will be independently
judged and ranked. Certificates of participation
will be sent to all participants and the top three
ranked essayists will receive APPLE products:
1st Prize IPAD2
2nd Prize IPOD
3rd Prize IPOD Nano
We ask that the essays are submitted by email to
[email protected] with a cover page which
includes: author`s name, name of his or her
home parish, address, phone number and email
address. Essays may also be sent via postal
service to: 41 St George Street., St. Augustine,
FL 32084
Recommended but not mandatory, please send a
one paragraph autobiographical statement
and photo that may be used for possible
publication. Deadline is October 31, 2013.
The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
is one of the five institutions of the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese in America. It is a living
memorial to the 500 Greeks who came to
America in 1768. Its mission is to witness the
Orthodox Christian faith and share the Hellenic
culture.
G.O.Y.A.
O.C.F.
7
Orthodox college students have several opportunities
for fellowship during both Christmas and Spring
breaks.
College Conference Each year during Christmas
Break OCF College Conferences host hundreds of
college students from across North America for 4
days of fellowship, prayer, and some of the best
Orthodox Speakers around! 2013 College Conference
East will be held at the Antiochian Village in Boliver,
Pennsylvania, from Dec. 28-31. $250/person.
Real Break provides students the opportunity
GOYA October events included helping out at the JOY party
(above) Mina Diamantis, Cassie Packis, Anastasia Soulas, Lee
Santarelli; Elizabeth Rechin, Sophia Loizos & Alex Diamantis.
GOYA also held their own fall party. Thanks to the Packis family
for hosting! (below) Cassie Packis with a very Greek Vlasi Pappas;
Timmy Chrisman. Photos: Stacie Diamantis; Cassie Packis
to understand the true meaning of seeing Christ in the
other – traveling to all parts of the world deepening
their faith, serving those in need, and cultivating
relationships with like-minded peers, during their
spring break. The 2014 trips are:
Honduras: March 1-8; $1,500; Group Size - 10
Students
Detroit: March 1-7; $850; Group Size - 12 Students
Constantinople: March 7-14; $2,500; Group Size 10
Students
Alaska: March 8-15; $1,500; Group Size - 10
Students
Guatemala: March 8-15; $1,500; Group Size - 9
Students
Toronto: March 15-22; $700; Group Size - 7 Students
New Orleans: March 16-22; $800; Group Size - 12
Students
Romania: March 22-29; $2000; Group Size - 10
Students
LA Skid Row: March 24-28; $700; Group Size 10
Students
Sun., Nov. 3 –Team 2 staffing the pangari
Nov. 4 / 5 - Basketball begins the first week of November! See p. 8
for scheduling details.
Sun., Nov. 10 – Meeting
Fri., Nov. 22 –”Lock-In” Overnight retreat
Metropolis GOYA Fall Retreat
November 22 - 24, 2013 -- Camp Nazareth, Mercer, PA
Have you ever been to a GOYA Retreat? Now is your opportunity to
grow in the Faith, while meeting GOYAns from all over the
Metropolis and having fun at the same time. We are looking forward
to welcoming as our keynote speaker, Fr. Barnabas Powell from
Atlanta, GA. Fr. Barnabas has a ministry called "Orthodox on
Purpose" and spends time each Summer at the Metropolis of Atlanta
Summer Camp.
Go to, to register: https://pittsburgh.goarch.org/register
For more details and registration information
for either program go to www.ocf.net
PAN-HELLENIC SCHOLARSHIP
FOUNDATION
Multiple Scholarships available for undergrad
students of Hellenic descent. Twenty $10,000 awards
to students with high scholastic achievement and
financial need, and twenty $2,500 awards for
academic achievement.
Download application at
www.panhellenicscholarships.org
and submit by Jan. 31, 2014.
Awards will be distributed at a banquet
on June 14, 2014 in Chicago.
8
Zapis Activity Center
The Book Blotter
REVIEW: The Clover House Holds Family Secrets
Nick Hillman, Activities Director
[email protected]
Kids’ Open
Play
Sundays
After church
In
session
Open Walk
M-F
9:30 a.m.Noon
Year
Round
Men’s
Basketball
M/ W / F
9:00 p.m.
Year
Round
GOYA Boys’
Basketball
M/W
7-9p.m.
Begins
Nov. 4
GOYA Girls’
Basketball
Tue/ Thu
7-9 p.m.
Begins
Nov. 5
Exercise
w/Sophia
Tue/ Thu
8:30 a.m.
Year
Round
Soccer Skills
Fridays
6:00 p.m.
Begins
Nov. 1
The annual JOY Fall Festival was held on Oct. 18 in the Zapis
Activity Center, where fun was had by kids and parents!
(above, L-R) Stefanos Fresty & Eleni Loizos; Lia Fresty, Stacie
Diamantis and Stacy Loizos. Photos: Stacie Diamantis
Health Fair
Sunday, November 17, after church until 2:00 p.m.
in the Cultural Hall
Sponsored by St. John Medical Center
Free screenings for Blood Pressure, Glucose, Total
Cholesterol, Balance, and Lung Function
Demonstration on use of the AED and a 911 simulator
Information will available on Concussions, Breast Health, and
Lung Health, including Smoking Cessation.
There is no charge, and no fasting is required.
For information, contact Elaine Campbell at (440) 779-0640.
By Eleni Papouras-Jenks
The debut novel of Greek-American author Henriette
Lazaridis Power is a story about very old family secrets that
have kept a mother and daughter from having a close
relationship.
Much like the author herself, the main character Callie
Notaris Brown is a Greek-American who grew up in Boston
amidst the tense marriage of her American GI father and
Greek mother, who was reluctantly brought to the U.S. Her
parents’ unhappy relationship has resulted in her being
unable to be in a good relationship herself, even though her
current live-in boyfriend, Jonah, loves her and has proposed.
When she finds out that her beloved uncle Nestor in Greece
has passed away, Callie immediately jumps on a plane, just
as much to read his will, as to avoid committing to Jonah.
However, it is February, and Patra, which hosts one of the
world’s largest Carnivale celebrations, is not really
conducive to doing business for the week.
Callie’s strained relationship with her mother, Clio, is
further tested when she decides to stay with her cousin’s
family. Clio is offended at being passed over in the will but,
also set on “helping” Callie go through the possessions that
Nestor hoarded for 60 years. It becomes obvious to Callie
that her mother is searching for something specific. As she
tries to connect the childhood stories she’s heard from Clio
and her siblings with items found in Nestor’s house, Callie
realizes that there are many discrepancies in what she has
been told.
The chapters alternate between the mother’s life in the
1940s, struggling under German occupation, and the
daughter’s life in 2000, navigating the pitfalls of modern
relationships in the backdrop of Patras’ Carnivale. It’s like
getting two novels in one. Both women are named for
Muses. Ironically, Clio is the Muse of History, despite her
reluctance (or perhaps because of her “creative license”
with) telling the truth. Her daughter Calliope, named for the
leader of the Muses, accordingly tries to bring together the
pieces of her mother’s life as well mend as her relationship
with the extended family. The struggles of heritage versus
assimilation are ones that many of us as Greek-Americans
are familiar with. It is easy to sympathize with both sides.
In a post script, the author admits that the story is very
autobiographical. Patra is her heritage; “Clio” is her distant
mother; the Greek aunts are her Muses. Powers taught at
Harvard for 10 years and founded a literary magazine before
writing this novel, which was published earlier this year.
The 397-page book is available at the Cuyahoga Public
Library system and also for sale at area book stores.
The Catacomb Bookstore
Get in your Early Bird Shopping. Thinking about
buying a special icon for Christmas? Don't delay-let
the Catacomb Bookstore place your order now so you
can have it time for Christmas!
Focus on Philoptochos
14th Annual National Philoptochos Medical
Fund Luncheon Benefits Hospitals in
Metropolis of Pittsburgh
Last month, the Metropolis of Pittsburgh hosted the
Children’s Medical Fund, an annual event that rotates
around the country. The fundraiser has allowed Philoptochos
to donate more than $2.5 Million to medical programs and
facilities that offer care, treatment, innovative research and
cures.
Archbishop Demetrios oversaw this special event which will
benefit the following Grant recipients in 2013:
•The Angel's Closet, Stroudsburg, PA
•Aultman Hospital, Canton, OH
•The Childhood League Center, Columbus, OH
•Children's Home of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
•Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, Pittsburgh,
PA
•Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH
•Genre's Kids with Cancer Fund, Irwin, PA
•New Horizons Youth & Family Center, Lancaster, OH
•Pinnacle Health Children's Resource Center, Harrisburg,
PA
•University Hospital Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital,
Cleveland, OH
•Variety the Children's Charity, Pittsburgh, PA
•Weirton Christian Center, Weirton, WV
•West Virginia Univ. Children's Hospital, Morgantown, WV
Dr. Georgette Constantinou, Ph.D., Children's Hospital
Medical Center of Akron Department of Pediatrics, was
Keynote Speaker, and Mike Emanuel, Chief Congressional
Correspondent FOX News, served as Master of Ceremonies.
The Arista Award Honoree was presented to Clevelander
Helen Collis.
A bus was chartered for members of St. Demetrios and St.
Paul Philoptochos from the Cleveland area to attend.
Community Christmas Card
It’s time to sign up for the St. Demetrios Community Christmas
card, sponsored by The Ladies Philoptochos Society. Please fill
out this form and mail to Joanne Harootunian, 34956 Shawn Dr.,
North Ridgeville, OH 44039 or e-mail [email protected]
Submit Names/donation by Sunday, December 15th
Thank you and have a blessed Christmas season!
Name (s): (as you’d like it to appear on the card)
__________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Phone:____________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________
St Demetrios Ladies Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale
Homemade Greek Pastries from our Kitchens to yours.
Teacher Gifts - Business Gifts - Holiday Guests
Help us Help those in Need by ordering your Holiday Baked
Goods from Us! All Proceeds benefit our Charitable Causes.
Orders start November 1st
Pick-ups December 8th or December 17th
[email protected]
Save the Date for
St. Demetrios
Philoptochos’
Christmas Auction
Monday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
in the Cultural Hall
We’re bringing back a holiday favorite!
Bring a new (unwrapped) holiday gift
item or baked goods that will be auctioned off.
Proceeds to benefit Philoptochos charities.
(above) Some of the St. Demetrios attendees included
(seated) Gary, Joy & Stefanie Thomas, Manuel J. Glynias;
(standing) Polly Hillier of Florida, Pres. Goldie & Fr. Jim
Doukas, Fr. Peter Metallinos, Linda Glynias.
9
More details to follow
in the weekly bulletins.
“God Particle” Inspires Orthodox Composers
by Vicki Pappas
BLOOMINGTON, IND- Last month, six prominent Orthodox
composers gathered at Indiana University to collaborate on a
unique musical setting of Psalm 103, the Vesperal Psalm:
“Lord, how manifold are Thy works.” The gathering, known as
the Psalm 103 Project, was spearheaded by the recently-formed
St. John of Damascus Society (see sidebar.)
Once the piece has been composed, it will be published and
recorded by a professional-quality ensemble. The plan is to
create a video montage of a performance interspersed with
images from all of creation, from the microcosmic to the
macrocosmic levels.
The meeting in Bloomington, Ind. , was the first phase of the
project. Part of the event was a public presentation called
“Echoes of Networks” discussing the work in progress. This
phase of the project has been made possible through funding
secured via a Kickstarter campaign this past summer. In
addition, the Society received funding from the IU’s Themester
program
[http://themester.indiana.edu/events/echoes.shtml],
several departments at the University, and the Indiana
Humanities Council.
Vicki Pappas is an officer of MEFGOX and member of the St.
John of Damascus Society.
Interestingly, the fundamental idea behind the project came
from the recent discovery, and this year’s Nobel Prize for
Physics, of the Higgs boson (popularly known as the “God
particle”). The St. John of Damascus Society’s board president,
Hal Sabbagh, is an electrical engineer and mathematician who
is very interested in bridging gaps between science and faith.
The confirmation of the existence of the Higgs boson got him
wondering what in the Orthodox liturgical/musical tradition
celebrates creation at these kinds of levels. This generated a lot
of ideas among other Board members --- Psalm 103 came to
mind and the project was born!
The composers decided how to break up the psalm’s text, and
each one will compose a section in his own musical idiom.
While each section will be in a separate style, they also worked
together to create pleasing transitions between sections. The
end result may be something like an oratorio.
This nonprofit (501©3) sacred arts organization was
founded in 2011. They seek to promote excellence in the
liturgical music of the Orthodox Christian Church,
regardless of ethnic/national heritage of style, as well as
support related outreach, educational, and academic efforts.
Since their founding, they have developed and written a
segment on Orthodox Christmas music for the NPR early
music show Harmonia, given a number of invited lectures
and workshops throughout the U.S., and are currently
producing the first issue of a journal entiteld Paraklitiki.
What in the world is the Higgs boson…? The existence of the Higgs particle was first hypothesized in the
1960s by physicist Peter Higgs as a way of explaining why some particles have mass and others (such as photons) do not. The
Higgs particle is theoretically responsible for mass, without which there would be no gravity and no universe. It was not until
super-powerful particle smashers such as the Large Hadron Collider could produce high enough energy that physicists could
knock a Higgs boson into existence by colliding protons. It was tentatively confirmed to exist on March 14, 2013.
… in a way we can understand?
Physicist David Miller gave one of the best known analogies: “Imagine looking
down from a balcony in a ballroom, watching a cocktail party below. When just plain folks try to go from one end of the room to
the other, they can walk through easily, with no resistance from the party crowd. But when a celebrity like Justin Bieber shows up,
other partygoers press around him so tightly that he can hardly move ... and once he moves, the crowd moves with him in such a
way that the whole group is harder to stop. The partygoers are like Higgs bosons, the just plain folks are like massless particles,
and Bieber is like a massive Z boson.”
Why is it known as the “God particle”? The nickname came from 1993 book by Nobel Physics prizewinner
Leon Lederman who tried to explain the complicated theory in layman’s terms.
(source: www.nbcnews.com)
Introducing the Composers
Dr. Matthew Arndt, assistant professor
of Music Theory at The University of
Iowa School of Music. He holds a
Ph.D. in Music Theory from the
University of Wisconsin–Madison, an
M.M. in Composition from the
University of Colorado at Boulder, and
a B.A. in Composition with honors
from Lewis & Clark College.
John Michael Boyer was appointed
Protopsaltis of the Metropolis of San
Francisco in 2006. At age 7, he was the
then-youngest ever member of the
Portland Opera Association. He began
studies of Byzantine Chant at 14 in
various churches in the U.S. and
Greece, and now lectures at workshops.
He coached the vocal ensemble
Chanticleer in their Grammy--‐winning
recording of John Tavener’s Byzantine-‐influenced Lamentations and Praises.
He also received critical acclaim for his solo chant
performances with Cappella Romana.
Dr.
Alexander
Khalil
is
an
ethnomusicologist, a performer, and
composer. He holds a Master of Fine
Arts degree in Music Composition
from California Institute of the Arts,
and a doctoral degree in music from
University of California, San Diego.
His doctoral dissertation, “Echoes of
Constantinople: Oral and Written
Tradition of the Psaltes of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of
Constantinople,” explores the aural aspects of the chant
tradition of those who remain at the church of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Dr. Kurt Sander is an associate professor
and Department chair at Northern
Kentucky University. His music has
been heard at various concerts and
festivals in the U.S. and Europe, and
played by many orchestral groups. His
Orthodox choral works are featured in a
CD “As Far from the East is from the
West” which was released in 2011.
Dr. Richard Toensing has written
numerous and diverse works for chorus
and chamber music, and won numerous
awards for composition. A convert to
Orthodoxy, Toensing wrote “The
Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ” for
Cappella Romana in 2007.
Dr. Tikey Zes completed his doctoral
studies at USC. He has served as choir
director to Greek Orthodox churches in
the Metropolis of San Francisco, as well
guest conductor throughout the U.S. He
has composed in both Greek and English
for the Orthodox liturgy, based on the
modes and melodies of Byzantine chant.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate awarded
him
the
offikion
of
“Archon
Lampadarios,” a title customarily
bestowed on the director of the left choir
in the patriarchal chapel. He was also
awarded the Medallion of St. Romanos
the Melodist for his exemplary service to Orthodox sacred music.
Dr. Zes’ vocal works also include a song cycle on poems of
Cavafy and arrangements of 18th century Greek folk songs.
During two days of meeting (pictured right,) the composers
set the groundwork for their work – deciding which sections
of the Psalm each would compose, identifying a way to
unify the sections, establishing keys, and reviewing the
translation they will use. The expectation is that their
sections will be complete by April. It was an amazing
process to watch, as even they had concerns about the
feasibility of the project at first!
Once they reflected on the rubrics for the Psalm during
Vespers, that became the unifying force and they proceeded
easily to make their needed decisions from there. Though
each has an individual style, it was clear that their common
liturgical concepts and understandings became the driving
and unifying force. As the work is intended to be a concert
piece, there will be some chant and some polyphonic
sections. The refrain “Glory to You, O God, Allilouia” will
be repeated between sections as the unifying element.
During the weekend, the composers gave a concert for the
university and community, sharing examples of each of their
works. It was performed by the chanters and a professional choir
of IU School of Music students.
12
Around Town
Daughters of Penelope District Meeting
The Icarus (Rocky River,) Lefkothea (Cleveland,) and
Erinys (North Royalton) lodges of Daughters of
Penelope will have a joint meeting on Sat., Nov. 2 at
noon. The joint event will be at La Campagna, 27337
Detroit Rd., Westlake. Contact Elisa Demis (440-6651348) for menu choices.
Coping with Stress During the Holidays
Art of the Greek “Sikeliotes” Visits Cleveland
The holiday season often brings more than merriness.
Join The Gathering Place West, 800 Sharon Dr.,
Westlake, on Thu., Nov. 7 from 6:30-8 p.m. to destress and learn relaxation tools to get you through the
season. Call 216-595-9546 to register.
By Eleni Papouras-Jenks
Chios Society Honors Sarris Memory
Sat., Nov. 9 , the Chios Society will hold their annual
banquet at the Mediterranean Party Center, 25021
Rockside Road, Bedford Hts. This year they will
honor “The Memory of Elias Sarris.” $45/adult;
$15/child includes appetizers, dinner, dessert and
Door Prizes. $20 for Dance Only. 6 p.m. Cocktails,
7:30 p.m. Dinner, 9 p.m. Dance with music by MEGA
Band featuring Prometheus, Karizma & Special Guest
Singer. For tickets please call Despina Matheos at
440.309.6752.
Case Keeps Greek Drama Alive
Case Western Reserve University’s 10th annual City
Dionysia will take place on Saturday, November
23rd, 10:30 a.m.– Noon at CWRU’s Strosacker
Auditorium. The City Dionysia is an opportunity for
regional and state high schools to compete for cash
prizes via a 15-minute performance of a classical
play. The competition is free and open to all. This
year will feature Euripides’ Hecuba.
In addition, the CWRU Classics Department will
sponsor a lecture on Hecuba by Angeliki Tzanetou on
the evening of Friday, November 22nd.
St. Panteleimon Cookie Walk
The 4th Annual Cookie Walk, sponsored by St.
Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach, will be
held on Sat., Dec. 7, from 11am-4pm at Holy Trinity
Orthodox Church, 6306 Broadview Rd., Parma. As
usual, a wide variety of homemade baked goods from
multiple ethnic backgrounds, will be featured.
Stock up on bakery for all your holiday seasonal
needs, whether for entertaining or for giving as gifts,
and support a Cleveland-area Christian charity at the
same time. Buy early and take advantage of GREAT
SAVINGS on all items.
Pre-Sale page :
http://www.stpanteleimon.com/cookiewalk13/
Clevelanders have the opportunity this fall to admire the works of
fellow diaspora Greeks– albeit ones that lived thousands of years ago.
The current exhibition “Sicily: Art and Invention Between Greece and
Rome” runs through January 5, 2014, at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
The 2013 Collis Lecture on Ancient Greek and Byzantine Art, on
September 29, focused on this exhibit. Keynote speaker was Dr. Claire
L. Lyons, acting Senior Curator of Antiquities at the J. Paul Getty
Museum, spoke on the history of the Greek colonists in Sicily
(“Sikeliotes”) and their dramatic contributions to art.
The presence of the exhibition in Cleveland is a dramatic story unto
itself. After a four-year effort to arrange the exhibit, the event was
booked last year. But then, the museum in Sicily from which the items
are borrowed, cancelled the shipment earlier in 2013, out of concern for
the delicate nature of the items. It was only a last minute change of heart
that brought the artifacts here as originally planned. 150 artifacts have
been brought to Cleveland, co-organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum
and the Cleveland Museum of Art, in association with the Assessorato
dei Beni Culturali e dell’Identita Siciliana.
The history of the artifacts began when Greek colonists from the island
of Evia set foot on Sicily around 734 BC, establishing a town on the east
coast named Naxos, after the Aegean island. At the time, western Sicily
was occupied by Carthiginians from North Africa. In a 480 BC battle,
the victory of the Greeks over the Carthiginians, established Greek
dominance of Sicily. This continued for two centuries until the Battle of
Syracuse in 212 BC, where the Greeks were conquered by the Romans.
Due to Sicily’s position as a sea-faring crossroads and its rich natural
resources, the Greeks who settled there prospered. Greek “Sikeliotes”
were able to travel to and win many contests in the Delphic and
Olympic Games of the era. The easy wealth also allowed for the
encouragement of experimentation and innovation. For example,
Archimides (inventor of the water screw, the iron claw weapon, etc.)
worked in Sicily. Dr. Lyons speculated that its easy to imagine that the
luxurious Morgantia Baths in Sicily may be the site of Archimides’
famous “eureka” moment on discovering the measurement of volume.
Dr. Lyons pointed out, in a slide show, that the Temple of Zeus in
Syracuse (another Greek Sicilian town) was two times larger than the
Parthenon in Athens, and the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse pre-dates
Acro-Corinth and the Acropolis.
Greek Sicilians were also first to write in the genre of gastronomic
poetry. The Sikelioti Archestrates is famous for his funny travel/cuisine
log. Further illustrating this gourmet culture, archaeologists found gold
and silver dishes (one shown in this display) buried in the basement of a
house for safekeeping from Roman attacks. (Continued on next page)
(Continued )
Visitors may note that many of the Sicilian
artifacts are made of terra cotta which was
“intensely colored” due to the lack of marble
quarries on the island. For example, the
figures on the metope on the temple roofs
often have imported marble heads and hands set
into the native limestone.
The visiting exhibit is divided into four sections. The first focuses on
the amazing miniature art form of coinage (pictured below.) Dr.
Lyons said that these coins were “unparalleled for artistry.” In fact,
20 Sikielioti coin engravers are known by name, as one would know
an artist who had signed their work.
Another room focuses on daily life in Sicily.
Dr. Lyons noted that although ancient
painting is rare, there are two funerary
vessels on which you can see colors, in the
exhibit. Sikelioti painters had up to 10 colors
they used.
One room features mythical and epic themes
displayed on art. In Greek mythology, Sicily was
believed to be the entrance to Hades and site of the field from which
Persephone was kidnapped. The fertile land was attributed to the
presence of Demeter and her joy at receiving her daughter each
spring. Examples of shoulder busts, seen in the exhibit, were given
as offerings in temples. Also featured in this exhibit is one of the few
images of Hades in a terra cotta bust. Interestingly, for fans of later
fairy tales, he was painted with a blue beard.
13
Parishioner Performs for PAA
Last summer, Akron, Ohio, hosted many delegates
and guests of the 43rd Pan-Cretan Association of
America (PAA) Biennial Convention. During the
convention, attendees were treated to the first ever
Cultural Cretan Music Concert.
PAA Cultural Chair Bobby Markakis directed and
narrated the concert, which highlighted the “life of a
Cretan” and included 16 songs, duets & solos,
dialogue and poems. Both local musicians and
musicians from Crete played the music, and our own
Eleni Nikolakis performed many Cretan traditional
songs, with much love and passion which brought
tears to many that night. The Cretan songs Eleni sang
included Nanourisma (a Lullaby, sung a capella, a
challenging method, as it was without any notes),
Miroloi (a Mourning Song), Touto to Mina (This
Month), and Erotokritos, a song based on the epic
love poem by Cretan Poet Vincenzo Kornaros which
consists of 10,010 lines or 5,000 verses. The program
also included other songs about the bride and groom.
Eleni also performed during the dinner at the PAA
Grand Banquet Ball singing Greek “laika” songs
including a duet with Convention Chair Demetri
Kountis of Akron. (pictured, below) The
performances were followed with much dancing and
“kefi” throughout the evening at the convention.
The showpiece of the exhibit is a life-size statue known as the
“Mozia Charioteer.” It is shown in a room by itself, allowing visitors
to view the amazing details carved into marble, from all sides. The
statue’s name refers to its being found on Mozia, possibly as stolen
booty from Sicily. Archaeologists believe it may represent the
mythical Pelops from which Peloponessos took its name.
The final exhibit room features luxury items from the prosperous
island. A contemporary saying from the mainland Greeks (perhaps
in jealousy?) was that the Sikeliotes were “so rich that they dined on
couches.” An ivory applique (expensively imported from Africa) on
a small statue seems to prove the remark. They were, it seems, the
ancient world’s rich and showy “west coast/LA” to mainland
Greece’s artsy and sophisticated “east coat /NYC.”
Even after its defeat to the Romans, the Greek Sikelioti culture
continued to influence artists and poets, as artifacts and manuscripts
taken back to Rome, became very popular. The poems of Virgil
were inspired by Theocritus. “Sicily itself was a pivotal point in
Hellenistic culture as intermediary between Greece and Rome,” said
Dr. Lyons. “The Greek world extended far beyond the mainland.”
As Greek-Americans, we can certainly appreciate that.
Entry to the exhibition is $15/adult; $13 for seniors and students
(with valid ID), $7 for children ages 6-17; free for children 5 &
under. For museum hours, etc., go to www.clevelandart.org
At the conclusion of the talk, it was announced that next year’s
Collis Lecture speaker has already been confirmed as a professor
from Thessaloniki, Greece, who will speak on Byzantine-era glass.
(Photos: clevelandart.org )
It was a wonderful educational experience for Eleni,
as she studied all the songs and the Cretan dialect
while preparing for the cultural concert and banquet
dance. She continues to learn and perform more and
more Greek and Cretan songs, always learning about
her rich heritage and the passion of the Greek and
Cretan spirit.
She felt especially honored to be a part of this
memorable Cretan National Convention, which was
also meaningful as 2013 marks the 100th anniversary
of Crete’s enosis (union) with Greece. (See p. 18 for a
scheduled celebration.)
The songs from the Grand Banquet can be viewed on
www.youtube.com at “PAA National Convention.”
– Irene Nikolakis
14
Around the Country
Greek and Cypriot Leaders Meet with
Archbishop
Mr. Venizelos was accompanied by the Deputy Foreign
Minister Dimitrios Kourkoulas, the Ambassador of Greece to
the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos, the Permanent Representative
of Greece to the U.N. Michael Spinellis and other ministry
staff. Also present at the meeting on behalf of the Archdiocese
were, the Vice-Chairman of the Archdiocesan Council Michael
Jaharis, the Chancellor, His Grace Bishop Andonios of
Phasiane and Fr. Alexander Karloutsos.
President Anastasiades was accompanied by his wife, the First
Lady of Cyprus Andri Anastasiades, the Ambassador of
Cyprus to the United States George Chacalli, the Permanent
Representative of Cyprus to the UN Ambassador Nicos
Emiliou, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides, the
Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office Nicos
Christodoulides and his associate Pantelis Pantelides, the
Consul General of Cyprus in New York Koula Sofianou and
Panikos Papanikoloaou, past president of the Cyprus
NEW YORK- This fall, high ranking representatives of both
Greece and Cyprus met with our Archbishop Demetrios to
discuss the on-going crisis in Europe.
Mr. Evangelos Venizelos, the deputy PM (pictured above)
visited the Archdiocese in New York on Sept. 25. Later that
day, His Eminence met with the President of the Republic of
Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades (pictured, right.) Both men were in
New York, participating in the Annual General Assembly of
the United Nations.
At the hour-long meeting with Mr. Venizelos, the two leaders
discussed the latest developments relating to the economic
crisis in Greece, and the many other issues of mutual interest
for Orthodoxy and Hellenism around the world.
Mr. Venizelos said in a statement to the Press that the meeting
with His Eminence was “interesting and substantive.” He also
publicly thanked the Archbishop for his ministry and the work
he is doing for Orthodoxy and Hellenism during a very critical
time and in a very significant place. In his statement, the
Archbishop said that most of the credit belongs to the
Omogeneia, the Greek American Orthodox Community in
America as a whole. He also stated that the meeting with Mr.
Venizelos was very informative and matter-of-fact but also full
of hopeful signs for an end of the “storm” and a brighter future
for Greece. He said, the Omogeneia always stood and will
continue to be by the side of our brothers and sisters in Greece,
it feels the pain of our brethren in Greece and helps in any
possible way.
During the meeting with the Cypriot President, Archbishop
Demetrios outlined the efforts of the Archdiocese and the
Greek American community in support of Cyprus throughout
the years, and especially after the recent economic crisis which
hit the people of Cyprus. In turn, the President expressed the
gratitude of the people of Cyprus for all the help and relief
assistance and presented an overview of the efforts of his
government to overcome the crisis and reach a just and fair
solution to the problem of Cyprus
(photos © Dimitrios Panagos/GOA)
Federation of
America. His
Grace Bishop
Sevastianos of
Zela and Fr.
Alexandros
Karloutsos also
attended the
meeting on
behalf of the
Archdiocese.
Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Presents New Weekly YouTube Series
NEW YORK – The Department of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries (Y2AM) recently began a weekly series of short,
informative, entertaining, and spiritually beneficial videos.
The series, “Be the Bee,” is named after a metaphor associated
with Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, and explores ways that we
can all focus on what is good and beautiful in our everyday
lives. Viewers can access the channel by searching “Y2AM”
on YouTube, or going to www.youtube.com/user/y2am. New
episodes are released every Thursday afternoon.
Y2AM also unveiled a new initiative geared toward young
adults, ages 18-35. Representing Emerging Adult Leaders
(REAL) is a collaborative effort led by young adults for young
adults.
REAL encompasses existing ministries like YAL, OCF, dance
groups, sports groups, etc., while also reaching out to those
who may have fallen away from Church activity, offering
young adults resources and programs that present Orthodox
Faith in an honest, smart, sometimes humorous, and always
relevant way – everything from podcasts and videos to
fellowship, worship, education and service opportunities.
REAL Weekend: Philadelphia (July 3-6, 2014) will embody
this by bringing young adults, in similar life situations,
together for faith, fellowship and service.
In November we celebrate some of the most well-known and well-loved “Orthodox Saints of Egypt.”
Our Venerable Father John the Dwarf ~ November 9
He lived in the desert of Skete in Egypt during the 4th century, where
he spent many years as the disciple of Abba Ammoes, who was very
severe with him. Once the Elder took a dry stick, stuck it in the sand,
and commanded John to water it every day until it bore fruit. Though
plainly impossible, John performed the task uncomplainingly, walking
a great distance to fetch the water, for 3 years. At the end of that time,
the stick bore fruit. Abba Ammoes brought it to church the following
Sunday and called out to the brethren, "Come and eat the fruit of
obedience!" Though he had never praised or thanked his disciple,
before he died, Abba Ammoes said of John, "He is an angel, not a
man." After his elder's repose, Abba John withdrew further into the
desert, devoting all his time to vigil and prayer. As he prayed he would
weave baskets, which he sold to meet his few needs. When, after many
years, Abba John was delivered from all evil thoughts, Abba Poemen
(feastday Aug. 27) told him to pray to God for another temptation to
struggle against, for only in this way does the soul make progress. He
rejoiced when he was insulted, was never known to be angry with
anyone, and would run away as fast as he could if he ever saw men
quarreling. He reposed in peace.
Holy Martyr Menas ~November 11
This holy Martyr was an Egyptian and a soldier
during the reigns of Diocletian and Maximian.
Though he was known for his valor in combat, he
renounced his soldier's rank when his legion was
ordered to seize Christians in north Africa. Fleeing
to the mountains, he lived there for some time in
silence and solitude, devoting his days to prayer. In
time, he presented himself at a pagan festival,
denounced the idols and declared himself a
Christian. For this, he was handed over to the
governor of the city, who subjected him to horrible
tortures and finally had him beheaded in 304. Some
faithful retrieved part of his relics and gave them
honorable burial near Lake Mareotis, about 30 miles from Alexandria.
The church built over his tomb became a place of pilgrimage not only
for countless Egyptians but for Christians all over the world: evidence
has been found of journeys to his shrine from as far away as Ireland.
The Synaxarion gives an account of the Saint's intervention in
World War II: "In June 1942, during the North-Africa campaign that
was decisive for the outcome of the Second World War, the German
forces under the command of General Rommel were on their way to
Alexandria, and happened to make a halt near a place which the Arabs
call El-Alamein after Saint Menas. An ancient ruined church there was
dedicated to the Saint; and there some people say he is buried. Here
the weaker Allied forces including some Greeks confronted the
numerically and militarily superior German army, and the result of the
coming battle seemed certain. During the first night of engagement,
Saint Menas appeared in the midst of the German camp at the head of
a caravan of camels, exactly as he was shown on the walls of the
ruined church in one of the frescoes depicting his miracles. This
astounding and terrifying apparition so undermined German morale
that it contributed to the brilliant victory of the Allies. The Church of
Saint Menas was restored in thanksgiving and a small monastery was
established there."
15
St. Nilus the Ascetic of Sinai ~ November 12
Nilus was Prefect of Constantinople during the reign of
the Emperor Theodosius. He was married and had a son
and a daughter, but Nilus and his wife agreed to take up
the monastic life in Egypt, she taking their daughter to a
women's monastery, he taking their son to Mount Sinai.
Nilus and his son Theodoulos lived in silence with the
other monks, only gathering once a week to partake of
the Mysteries. One day, some Saracen raiders attacked
the monks, killing many and capturing others, including
Theodoulos. To overcome his sorrow at losing his son,
Nilus redoubled his prayers and ascetical labors, and
became widely-known for his gifts of prophecy. He
wrote more than a thousand letters and spiritual
treatises, including some defending his spiritual father
St John Chrysostom, who had been unjustly exiled.
After many years at Mt Sinai, St Nilus found his longlost son alive. Father and son together were ordained to
the priesthood. St. Nilus reposed in peace around the
year 430. His relics were later taken to Constantinople
and venerated at the Church of the Orphanage.
Holy Great Martyr and Most Wise Catherine of
Alexandria ~November 25
Catherine was the daughter
of Constas of Alexandria.
She was very beautiful,
chaste, wealthy, and educated.
So great was her eloquence that
50 pagan orators assigned to
debate her recognized their error
and, as a body, asked for baptism.
For this, the tyrant Maximinus
condemned them all to death.
Catherine was then tortured on a specially-constructed
spiked wheel (usually shown in her icon), but an angel
released her and miraculously smashed the wheel.
Maximinus' own wife and 200 soldiers, seeing her
sufferings and the nobility with which she bore them,
were moved to profess their faith in Christ and their
yearning to be baptized. All of them were put to death.
Finally, Catherine herself was led outside the walls of
Alexandria. after a prayer of thanksgiving to God, was
beheaded and crowned with the crown of martyrdom in
the year 305.
Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy
mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many
years later; the famous monastery of Saint Catherine
was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of
the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated
to Saint Catherine.
(source: Great Horologion)
SS Teachers’ mtg
GOYA mtg;
S.S. PTA mtg.
GOYA
Lock in
Retreat
7
18
On The Bulletin Board
a home near St. Herman’s for
those who need a temporary,
transitional housing.
Contact Ted Loizos at
[email protected]
The new Director of St. Herman’s Paul Findley will also be the
guest homilist at St. Demetrios on Sun, Nov. 24. Please make
sure to attend Divine Liturgy that day and hear a special talk
about the work of FOCUS.
THE GREATER CLEVELAND COUNCIL OF ORTHODOX CLERGY
The 21st Annual
Pan-Orthodox Nativity Concert
Sunday, December 8, 2013
5:00 PM
Host Parish: St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church
4548 Wallings Road, North Royalton
Free Admission
Free Will Donation
All proceeds go to local Orthodox charities
13
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
3007 CLINTON AVE.
CLEVELAND, OH 44113
IMPORTERS-MERCHANTS OF
FINE GREEK FOODS
Phone: 216-298-4005
Fax: 216-298-4025
Cheeses, Olives, Olive Oil, Fillo,
Grains, Specialty Food
gkantzios@agorafoodsintern
GEORGE KANZTIOS
ational.com
www.agorafoodsinternational.com
Coyne Catering
CATAVOLOS BERRY FUNERAL HOME
23040 Center Ridge Road, Westlake
St. Demetrios Cultural Hall
(Located across the street from St. Demetrios)
Weddings, Baptisms, Corporate &
GEORGE P. CATAVOLOS
School Events, Graduations & more!
Tricia Coyne ~ 216-695-1160
www.coynecatering.com
216.226.2200
Please join the George Varouh Cretan Club of Cleveland for our
ANNUAL CRETAN DANCE
We will also be commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece
Saturday, November 30th, 2013
Cretan Party Center
3853 W. 168th Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Music from Crete:
Κωστας & Χαραλαµπος Αγγελακης
Playing Cretan, Nisiotika & Popular Greek Music
Donation: $50.00
Cocktails - 7 p.m.
Dinner - 8 p.m.
For Reservations call
John Elliott (330) 336-4960
or Irene Nikolakis (440) 725-0004
*Dance - 9 p.m.
$20 & $15 for students with ID*
**Complimentary Lamb & Pilafi served at midnight**
Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios
22909 Center Ridge Road
Rocky River Ohio 44116
Built in Faith, Sustained by Love
George’s Kitchen
Family Restaurant
13101 Triskett Road
“Home Cooked Meals” and Take-out orders
Yurch funeral home
NOW WITH FUNERAL HOME CLOSE
TO ST. DEMETRIOS
(216) 398-1010
Phone: 216-671-0430
Theodore E. Loizos, M.D.
Cataract Surgery, Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Fairview Eye Center
Eye Center of Lakewood
21375 Lorain Road
16400 Hilliard Blvd
Fairview Park, OH 44126
Lakewood, OH 44107
440-333-3060
216-228-1800
fairvieweyecenter.com