Nov- Dec 2014 - St

The Spirit
November/December 2014 Issue
Rev. Philip Armstrong
St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
2716 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 101
Chandler, Arizona 85224
Office: (480) 899-3330 Fax: (480) 812-9669 Website: www.st-katherine.org
Rev. Philip Armstrong,
Proistamenos
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00 am -4:00 pm
Closed for Lunch
12:00 p.m.–1:00P.m.
Sunday Worship
8:30 am-Orthros
9:30 am-Divine Liturgy
10:40 am –Sunday School
Weekly Bulletin Deadline
Wednesday, one week prior to publication.
Church Organizations
Altar Boys……………………………… Andre Gib
Bookstore…. Michael and Chryss Danielek
Dance……………….…………. Carol Bafaloukos
Greek Festival………………. Vange Archuleta
Hrisi Parea…………………...…. Daryl Connell
Hall Rental………………...…… Natalie Lapiers
JOY/HOPE………………….. Fr. Phil Armstrong
Philoptochos…………………… Kathy Connell
Sunday School…..……………… Dean Argeros
YAL…………………………… Stephanie Venetis
GOYA………………..……. Kevin & Tina Wilder
Bookstore Hours
Sundays following Liturgy
(in the upstairs room adjacent to choir loft)
Church E-mail Addresses
Office: [email protected]
Fr. Phil: [email protected]
Stewardship – Gary Boyce
Parish Council
President—Elaine Hatupis
First Vice President—Athena Light
2nd Vice President—Vange Archuleta
Secretary—Florence Bellecy
Treasurer—Demetrios Deliz
Assistant Treasurer—Robert Norton
Fran Attwood
Josephine Avaneas
Zoi Benton
Paul Chavez
James French
Tom Morden
Mena Bafaloukos
Van Vandenberg
Michael Wombacher
Reminder to All Groups & Organizations
Deadline for articles or information for the Spirit
are:
Dec.15 (for January-February)
Feb. 18 (March-April)
April 18 (May-June)
June 16 (July– August)
August 18 (September)-October)
October 17 (November-December)
Please send information to:
[email protected]
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SACRAMENTS AND OTHER SERVICES
Holy Baptism
September 27, 2014
Cash Benjamin
Godparent: Chris Chelekis
Parents: Cody & Erin Moore
October 18, 2014
Leyton Grace
Godparent: Kristina Myer
Parents: Dean Drosos and Audra
Wilder
Holy Matrimony
October 18, 2014
Ryan Christopher Kessler and
Nica Ioakovna Hyland
Sponsor: Geli Hyland
Forty Day Blessing
October 19, 2014
Eleni Seroogy and newborn
Daughter, MaKrina
October 19, 2014
Nicole Katsiris and newborn
Son, Victor
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FATHER’S MESSAGE
“Christimas Reflections”
In a short two weeks, the Holy Church through it’s services and lectionary will direct our attention to Christmas-the Nativity of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. The attention and focus of the
hymns, readings and names commemorated (Holy Forefathers, Holy Ancestors of Christ, etc) has as it’s
primary aim to prepare us for this great feast.
This change in focus begins on November 15th, when we commence the Nativity Fast.
What are the primary messages of Christmas? Although there are many messages that emanate
forth from this great Feast, there are several major themes that rise above the others.
Christmas communicates to us that God is here; He is entered human history. Luke 2:1 informs
us that this event took place during the time of Caesar Augustus, while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Augustus reigned from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. In contrast to the false gods of manmade or demonicallyinspired religious, the true God makes Himself personal and knowable. He enters human history on a
rescue mission to save man. He has come to heal our fallen, mortal nature and restore our relationship
and communion with God the Life-giving Holy Trinity.
Christmas declares to us that God is with us. In Mt. 1:23 we hear, “behold, the virgin shall be
with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel which is translated God with us”.
We find comfort in these words. God’s consoling presence is only a prayer away.
Christmas reveals to us that God is a “promise keeper”. Around 540 B.C. the Prophet Isaiah
received the inspired message of God’s plan to save His people: “For unto us a Child is born. Unto us
a Son is given: and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful,
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and
peace there will be no end…(Isa 9:6-7). Christmas reminds us that God kept His promise.
Christmas communicates to us that God has come to restore our joy. Jesus has come to bring us
deep joy. In Jn 15:11 we hear, “these things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and
that your joy may be full”. This special joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). Through Holy Baptism, the sacramental life of the Church and our personal daily prayers; this joy is kindled.
Christmas brings us hope. Although we face many hardships in life, we have been assured by
Jesus that if we remain faithful to Him, a better and eternal life awaits us. He, even in this life, imparts
to us the strength to face the challenges. The greatest message of Christmas is that God the Father has
given us the Greatest gift of life in the Person of His only begotten Son. The greatest gift we receive at
Christmas is Jesus Christ.
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As we, then ponder these messages of Christmas, let us prepare for the Advent of this great feast.
Let us ready the spiritual home of our soul to receive Him. Resolve to commit our lives more completely
to Him. Finally, let us allow God’s great gift of His only-begotten Son to be motivation of our gift-giving
to one another.
In closing, I wish you a blessed Nativity! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
In Christ Love,
Fr. Phil
Fr. Phil
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PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Once again our Fall Festival is behind us. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation
to everyone who worked so hard to succeed in putting together another outstanding Festival.
To our chairperson Vange Archuleta and her committee, all booth chairs and volunteers for their
continued commitment to our church, a great big thank you. Without you, this achievement
would not have been possible. All financials will be forthcoming soon.
I cannot believe our calendar year is coming to an end. On October 26th Fr. Demetrios and all
of those who celebrate their names day, will be hosting the coffee hour with a luncheon, after
the Divine Liturgy, to help the church fulfill its commitment to all of our various ministries. In
the future, if anyone would like to host a coffee hour in honor of their names day, or for any
other occasion, please contact Fran Attwood, Josephine Avaneas, or the church office.
Our church’s names day vespers of St. Katherine will be held on Monday, Nov. 24 th at 7:00
p.m. with the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, Nov. 25th at 9:30 a.m.. Please make every effort to
attend. Thanksgiving will closely follow on Thursday, Nov. 27th with Divine Liturgy at 9:30
a.m. Before you know it, we will be celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ on Christmas day. Times for all services will be in the bulletins and on the web site.
Stewardship cards are available in the Narthex of the church. If you have not filled one out, for
2014, please do so in order to be eligible to vote at our next General Assembly meeting to be
held on Sunday, Nov. 16th after the Divine Liturgy. Please save the date as there is much to be
discussed. Also, if you wish to apply for the Parish Council at our next election in December,
you will need to meet all requirements of a Steward.
I wish you all blessed holidays, and if you will be traveling, please be careful and have a safe
return.
With Love in Christ’s Service
Elaine Hatupis,
Parish Council President
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Parish Council
Elections
Just a reminder . . .
It’s not too early to start thinking about running for the
Parish Council. Time is flying by and before you know
it, it will be December and we’ll be having the elections.
Keep in mind that service on the Parish Council should
be thought of as a ministry of the church ... just as Sunday School , Bookstore , etc. are ministries of the church.
So put on your thinking caps … even if you are not interested in running, perhaps you know someone (or could
suggest/encourage someone) to run for a position on the
Council.
Applications will be available in the Church Office as it
gets closer to election time (early December).
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Athena
Vasilatos (480-242-6658) or Georgia Souris (480-8139031).
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday Schl
30 St. Andrew the First
8:30am –Orthros
9:30am –Divine Lit
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16 8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday Schl
11:30am Fall General
Assembly
25 St. Katherine the
5:30-6:30pm Level 1
6:30-7:30pm Level 2
7:30-8:30pm Level 3
7:00 pm Bible Study
18 Greek School
5:30-6:30pm Level 1
6:30-7:30pm Level 2
7:30-8:30pm Level 3
11 Greek School
Dec. 1
7:00pm Great Vespers Great Martyr
8:10pm Reception
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
Greek School
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Parish Council
Meeting at 7:00pm
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday Schl
4 Greek School
5:30-6:30pm Level 1
6:30-7:30pm Level 2
7:30-8:30pm Level 3
7:00pm Adult Bible
Study
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday Schl
Tue
Mon
November 2014
Philoptochos
Meeting at 6:30pm
2
Sun
8
26
19
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Joy/Hope
4:15-5:45 pm
5
Wed
Entrance of the
Theotokos
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
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St. Philip the
Apostle
9:30am Divine Lit
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7
Fri
27
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Thanksgiving Day
-Church Office
- Church Office
Closed Closed -
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13
6
Thu
Retreat: “Celtic
Spirituality” at
Holy Trinity
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9:00am-4:00pm
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15 Nativity Fast Begins
3:00-5:00pm Confession
5:00 Vespers
Holy Archangels
Michael/Gabriel
9:30am Divine Lit
3:00-5:00pm Confession
8 Synaxis of the
S.S. Cosmas & Damian
9:30am Divine Liturgy
3:00-5:00pm Confession
5:00pm Vespers
1
Sat
8
7:00pm Parish
Council
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22
29
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday
Schl
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday
Schl
11:30am Christmas
Program
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
1
6:30pm
Philoptochos
Mtg & Christmas Social
Mon
Greek School
30
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24 Eve of Nativity
8:15am Great
Hours of Christmas
9:30am Vesperal
Liturgy of St. Basil
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16 Greek School
5:30-5:30pm Level 1
6:30-7:30pm Level 2
7:30-8:30pm Level 3
7:00pm Bible Study
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Jan 1, 2015
-Church Office
Closed -
25 Holy Nativity
8:15am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
18
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4
3
Joy/Hope
4:15-5:45pm
Thu
Wed
9 Greek School
5:30-5:30pm Level 1
6:30-7:30pm Level 2
7:30-8:30pm Level 3
7:00pm Bible Study
5:30-5:30pm Level 1
6:30-7:30pm Level 2
7:30-8:30pm Level 3
7:00pm Bible Study
2
Tue
December 2014
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8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
10:40am Sunday
Schl
Sun
9
-Church office
Closed -
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19
12
St. Syridon the
Wonderworker
9:30am Div Lit
5
Fri
27
St. Stephen the
Proto Martyr
9:30am Divine Lit
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3:00-5:00pm Confession
5:00pm Vespers
3:00-5:00pm Confession
5:00pm Vespers
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worker
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine Lit
3:00-5:00pm Confession
5:00pm Vespers
6 St. Nicholas the Wonder-
Sat
ST. IRENE PHILOPTOCHOS
HOLIDAY BAKE SALE
Sunday, December 14th
+
Sunday, December 21st
Pre-order your Greek pastries now
so you have them for the holidays.
To order contact:
Mena Bafaloukos
Phone – 480 786-0655
E-mail - [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------Holiday Bake Sale Order Form
# of Packages
Amount
__________ Koulourakia – 1 ½ Dozen - $10.00 ____________
Greek Butter Cookies
_________ Kourambiedes – 1 Dozen - $10.00 ___________
Shortbread Cookie with Powdered Sugar
__________ Melomakarona – 1 Dozen - $10.00 ____________
Spice Cookie dipped in Honey Syrup
__________ Baklava -
6 Pieces -
$15.00 ____________
Layers of Walnuts and Phyllo Dough with Honey Syrup
__________ Baklava - 1Dozen large Pieces - $25.00 _______________
_____________ Baklava - 2 Dozen petite pieces - $25.00 ____________
__________ Sweet Bread - 1 Loaf Traditional Greek Holiday Bread
$10.00 ____________
Total
____________
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ST. IRENE PHILOPTOCHOS
HOLIDAY BASKET DONATIONS
Please help us provide a special holiday dinner for families in our
community who have been affected by the economic crisis.
Please see Maria Morton or Zoi Benton
to make a donation.
All donations are greatly appreciated.
THANK YOU!
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Philoptochos Corner
We would like to thank our parishioners and friends for their contributions to our semi-annual Rummage Sale which benefits both St. Katherine GOC and the many charities our Philoptochos Ministry supports.
Join us on Sun. November 9th for a special luncheon as we honor our veterans.
Co-chairs Josephine Avaneas and Carol Stathopoulos will have tickets
available during Coffee Hour. Please help us show our thanks and support
to those who have risked their lives for our freedom.
With the holiday season just around the corner, the Philoptochos members are busy with preparations to raise funds to help so many who are in
need. You will see, us under the guidance of Mena Bafaloukos, preparing
baked goods for our Holiday Bake Sale on December 14th and 21st. Maria
Morton and Zoi Benton will be busy collecting donations for Holiday
Baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas, for families within our parish
who have been hit hard by these tough economic times. Barbara Georgousis
and Josephine Avaneas will be working with Chandler Christian Community Center, to help provide a special Christmas for a needy family in our
community. Our members will be joining together with the other Arizona
Philoptochos chapters to host a Christmas party for the families who have
participated in our Camp Agape (a camp we run every summer for children with cancer and their families). Through our “Everyone Deserves A
Warm Night’s Sleep” project, we will be collecting new and gently used
sleeping bags and blankets for the homeless and working poor of our area.
Please see Eathel Pallas or Linda Blazev if you would like to help us with
this project . All of these projects are only possible because of the continued
support of our parish and friends.
You can become a part of this dynamic group of women (and men). It
doesn’t require a lot of time. Any amount of assistance, great or small
helps us to meet the needs of so many people. Even if you can only participate in one program a year, we need you! Every woman in our parish
should be a part of Philoptochos. No amount of time is too little.
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We need all of you. If we all work together, there’s no limit to what we
can accomplish. We invite you to become a part of our ministry. The
rewards are amazing!
Please join us on Monday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM, in the community center, for our meeting. Refreshments will be served.
Mon. Nov. 3 - Meeting – 6:30 PM – Community Center
Sun. Nov. 9 Luncheon to honor our Veterans
Mon. Nov. 24 - St. Katherine Vesper – Philoptochos hosts reception
Mon. Dec. 1 - Christmas Social/ Meeting – 6:30 PM – Community Center
Sun. Dec . 14 & 21 - Christmas Bake Sale
At Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we are thankful for all of
you!
With love in Christ,
Kathy Connell
Philoptochos President
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CHRISTMAS 2014
Dean S. Pappas Memorial Bookstore
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
Christmas Icons, Nativity Icons, Christmas Ornaments, 2015 Icon Calendars, Icon & Prayer Rope Bracelets, Prayer Ropes, Incense, Censors, Icon Night
Lights, Bibles, Religious Books, Children’s Books, Bookmarkers. …just a few of
the items we have in stock right now.
Gifts for our Orthodox faithful during this most Holy Season. Please visit
us upstairs after Divine Liturgy. Why not surprise a loved one with a religious
gift for Christmas this year?
MasterCard, VISA, cash and checks accepted. Special orders upon request
and availability (shipping costs added to special orders).
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HRISI PAREA
Hrisi Parea members have been busy having fun! Our Pot Luck Social in September
was well attended. There were many culinary masterpieces to choose from and lots of enjoyment reminiscing about our summer. We even had enough food to share with the dancers
and their moms who entertained us withtheir practice sessions. We’re proud of their accomplishments!
Join us on Thursday, November 13th at 4 PM for our Thanksgiving Dinner Social at
Coco’s Restaurant at Baseline & Dobson Road in Mesa. The pie’s on us!! December 13th is
our Annual Christmas Party at St. Katherine Community Center. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Check out our flyer for all the details.
Hrisi Parea is open to anyone 50 and over. We look forward to seeing all of you at our
next event. Please join us.
Keep Smiling!!
Daryl Connell, President
HRISI PAREA
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL
Christmas Party
Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 6:30 PM
St. Katherine Community Center
2716 N. Dobson Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
Join us for a fun evening of dinner & dancing!
DJ Music
A DELICIOUS DINNER &
DESSERT & BEVERAGES
will be served.
NO HOST BAR
COST: $15.00 with advance reservations
$25.00 – at the door (without reservations)
MEMBERS - OLD & NEW- WELCOME
For Reservations and More Information Contact:
Vange Archuleta: (480) 963-4365
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Taste of Greece Festival 2014
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Taste of Greece Festival 2014
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Many Thanks
Thank you to all of you who supported and participated in our
recent “A Taste of Greece” Fall Festival. It takes many
volunteer hours to prepare for our guests; your commitment,
dedication, and spirit of hospitality is unsurpassed.
For the past 2 years, not only have I had the pleasure of
working with you but also with an exceptional group of committee members who strive to exceed the expectations of you,
our parishioners, and guests. We look forward to your continued support in our continued endeavor for future successful
festival s son behalf of our beautiful church, St. Katherine.
Opa!
With sincere gratitude and appreciation and on behalf of the
Festival Committee,
Evangelia Arhuleata, Chairman
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OCTOBER 2014 RUMMAGE SALE
SEE OUR LAZY BOY SECTION …….
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Place your business ad here!
Contact the Church Office
(480) 899-3330
Full page-$300
1/2 page-$150
1/4 page-$80
Business Card-$50
The above prices are for the 6 issues of
the Spirit
(1 year)
BARBARA AVELLONE
Independent Beauty Consultant
(602) 952-0611
www.marykay.com/bavellone
Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 12242
Chandler, AZ 85248
Leavitt Air
Conditioning,
L.L.C.
Licensed, Bonded,
Insured
(480) 212-2498
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The Spirit
Non -profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Chandler AZ
Permit No. 38
St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
2716 N. Dobson Rd. Suite 101
Chandler, AZ. 85224
Looking for a banquet or multipurpose facility for that Special Event?
One of the best facilities available in the East Valley with easy access to the 101!
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Facility Amenities
Seating capacity for 400 plus dance
floor and stage
Full kitchen with walk-in
refrigerator and freezer
Audio visual available with automatic pull down screen
Plenty of parking
Tables and chairs available
Full china service available

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Facility Uses
Wedding Receptions
Baptism Receptions
Banquets
Business Meetings
Business Seminars
Basketball and Volleyball Court
For information on fees & availability call :
(480) 899-3330
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