G O C HURCH A NNUNCIATION Y , P ENNSYLVANIA THE ...PAGE 4 THE L ADDER S TEWARD U PDATE,...

This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine

the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he

desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a

pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he

found a place to withdraw to devote himself to

prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this

was not the will of God for him, but that he should

return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for

many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained

bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy,

providing for the poor and needy, and delivering

those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his

zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of

the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that

Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck

him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to

strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what

disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all

revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos

appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was

to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but

extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The

truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally

for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travelers, and of sea-farers in

particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all

time.

Apolytikion of Nicholas the Wonderworker in the Fourth Tone

A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life

has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance.

You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches

through poverty. Nicholas, our father and priest of priests, intercede

with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

ST . N ICHOLAS OF MYRA—DEC . 6

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION

YORK , PENNSYLVANIA

THE LADDER DECEMBER 2015

St. Nicholas December 6th

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

ARCHBISHOP ’S

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 3

STEWARDSHIP

REPORT 4

UPCOMING EVENTS 5

PHILOPTOCHOS 6

YOUTH GROUPS 7

THE VOICE OF OUR

FAITH 8-11

CALENDAR 12-13

Η ΚΛΙΜΑΞ 14-17

PARISH COUNCIL 18

SPONSORS 19

2500 Pine Grove Road, York, Pennsylvania 17403

Phone: 717-741-4200 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 717-747-0468 Website: agocy.org Office Hours: Monday—Friday, 9:00 AM—2:00 PM

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION

THE LADDER Monthly newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.

Submissions for consideration are due on the 10th of each month.

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Ministry Team

Clergy

Rev. Fr. Andrew N. Tsikitas, Parish Priest

Rev. Deacon Robert Kuchta

Parish Council

Alex Daoularis—President

Nicholas Agapis—Vice President

Vicki Karandrikas—Secretary

Lola Lamnatos—Treasurer

Michael Hiras Eleftherios Hristofas

George Karanicolas Dr. George Lapes

Thomas Livaditis Chriss Papayannis

Maria V. Skouras

Church Staff

Chantors9.9999999...9...Nick Karageorge

Tom Rontiris

Office Administrator 999..999...Diane Shillott

Custodian 99999999....99...Jason Beard

Organist 99999999999..9 Alisa Nicoara

The Ladder 99999...9..9..Chriss Papayannis

Sunday Bulletin 99..999.9.Fr. Andrew Tsikitas

Schedule of Worship Hours

Sunday Service

8:45 am—Orthros 10:00 am—Divine Liturgy

Sunday Church School

Begins immediately after Holy Communion.

Weekday Services

Saturday Vespers—6:00 pm Orthros/Divine Liturgy— 9:00 am

Schedule of Church Events

Weekly Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30—8:00 pm Pastoral Visitations: As needed or by request Home & Business Blessings: By request

Contacts

Choir Director 9999..99.......Dr. George Lapes

Choir Director, Emeritus 99...Dr. P Kirk Pandelidis

Food Festival Committee 99999...Tom Livaditis

GOYA Coordinator 9..9.99....99...Kathy Rodas

GOYA Athletics Director 9.9......Chriss Papayannis

Greek School Teacher 99..9....99....Eleni Veron

HOPE & JOY Coordinator 99............Kate Giovanis

HOPE & JOY Advisor 999..9.Athena Kostarellos

Oratorical Festival Coordinator .99..Chris Giovanis

Philoptochos 999999..999..Pauline Rosario

Grounds & Maintenance 9......999. Michael Hiras

DECEMBER 2015 PAGE 3

ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS ’ CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this glorious Feast of the Nativity of Christ we celebrate a truly wondrous event in

which God, in His infinite and marvelous grace, became man bringing us enduring

hope, newness of life, and eternal salvation. The holy birth in Bethlehem of our Savior

occurred at a specific time, but His Incarnation and its significance for our redemption

are timeless. The Son of God, the Lord of Glory and King of kings who upholds the

universe by His word of power, became man so that we human beings might be

redeemed, renewed, united with Him, and become fellow citizens with the Saints and

members of God’s household.

The magnitude and the depth of the event of the Nativity of Christ are impossible to

grasp, but yet its message is clear and true. It is a message of grace, hope, and salvation

to all humanity and all of the created order. It is a message which we both celebrate and share on this sacred day,

an invitation to “come and see” what our loving Creator and God has done for us.

On the night of the Nativity, the angels appeared in the glory of God and announced the birth of Christ to the

shepherds. In response they said, “Let us go…and see this thing that has happened.” Accepting the invitation to

participate in this glorious event, they came and saw the newborn Christ, and becoming amazed by what God

had done for our salvation, went away glorifying and praising Him for all that they had seen and heard (Luke 2:8-20).

Following the Nativity, wise men in the East saw a mysterious star and following it came seeking the King who

was born in Judea. Upon learning of the place of the birth of the Lord, they came and saw the Christ child,

offered Him gifts, and worshipped Him. Responding to the invitation presented to them in the sign of the star,

they came and encountered the One who would be a great ruler of His people as foretold by the prophets

(Matthew 2:1-12).

As the shepherds and wise men received the invitation to “come and see” the superb miracle of the Incarnation

of God, so too we are invited on this great feast to come and encounter Christ, and to see the great and marvelous

work He has done for us and our salvation. On this day we come and see the brilliant light of truth and life

shining through the darkness and despair of our world. We hear a message of hope and grace that causes us to

cease all other thoughts and activities and direct our hearts and minds to the One who has come to bring us

peace and assurance. We come to Christ and see justice, holiness, and love and realize the necessity of these for

true and abundant life.

We are also called to share our joy in Christ and to offer this invitation to everyone. We are the bearers of the

good news of what God has done for us in defeating sin and death. We are the messengers shouting to the world

as did the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!” We are, as the star of the East did to the Magi, to lead all who are

searching to come and see Christ, to come and see the One who brings life and hope, peace and joy into every

heart that receives Him. We are the people who are called to gather all God’s people to His home, to an

encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.

On this blessed Christmas Feast of joy and love, I offer to you and your families my wishes for a beautiful day of

worship and fellowship filled with peace and the presence of God. May we offer together our gratitude to our

Lord for what He has done for us through His glorious Incarnation. May we also offer an invitation to all to

come and see the glory of the Lord.

With paternal love in Christ,

†DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America

THE LADDER

STEWARD UPDATE, 2015/ΑΝΑΠΡΟΣΑΡΜΟΓΗ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΩΝ, 2015 (as of 11-9-15)

Dr. & Mrs. George Agapis Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Agapis Dr. & Mrs. Steven Agapis Mr. Albert Anstine Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Anstine Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Anstine Mrs. William Asimos Mr. & Mrs. George N. Barakos Mr. & Mrs. John Barakos Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Benefiel Mr. Michael & Dr. Tasha

Bianchi Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bittner Mr. & Mrs. Colin Burtner Ms. Maria Carrieri Mr. & Mrs. Louis Chiadis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Cologer Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Condemi Mr. & Mrs. Christopher

Dalaperas Mr. & Mrs. Nestoras Dalaperas Mr. & Mrs. Alexander

Daoularis Mr. & Mrs. Dionysios

Daoularis Mr. & Mrs. Steven Delaveris Mr. & Mrs. Chris Demetriades Mrs. Sophie Eppley Mr. Garrett Finke & Ms.

Vasiliki Karandrikas Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel

Frangeskos Mr. & Mrs. Steven Gekas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholaos

Georgakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Georgaras Ms. Mary Anne George Mr. & Mrs. Christopher

Giovanis Mrs. Helen Gogonas Maj. & Mrs. George Haritos Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias

Harmantzis Drs. George & Joan Hayes Mr. Charles Henry Mrs. Mary Henry Mrs. Hrisoula Hioutis

Mr. & Mrs. William Hondos Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios

Hristofas Mrs. Maria Kailian Mrs. Maria Kalathas Mr. & Mrs. Theofilos Kapsalis Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Karabas Mrs. Antonia Karageorge Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas

Karageorgos Mr. & Mrs. George

Karandrikas Mr. & Mrs. George

Karanicolas Mr. & Mrs. Odisefs

Karanicolas Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios

Karanikas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Katz Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kersey Mr. Alexander Kesoglou Mr. & Mrs. Gus Kocoronis Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kocoronis Mr. & Mrs. John Kolakoglu Mr. & Mrs. George

Kompotiatis Mr. George Kotsopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Alexander

Kouvatsos Dr. Peter Kouvatsos Mr. John Kratsas Fr. Deacon & Mrs. Robert

Kuchta Mr. Chris Lainas Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios

Lamnatos Mr. & Mrs. Fotios Lamnatos Mr. John Lamnatos Ms. Lola Lamnatos Dr. & Mrs. George Lapes Ms. Alisa N. Livaditis Atty. Dorothy Livaditis Dr. & Mrs. Gus Livaditis Mr. John N. Livaditis Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Livaditis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Livaditis Mrs. Vasiliki Livaditis

Mr. & Mrs. Konstantine Mallas Mr. & Mrs. Thom Mandras Mr. George H. Margetas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios

Masgalas Mr. Antonios Masgalas Ms. Tassia D. Masgalas Mrs. Georgia Mavros Dr. & Mrs. Gela McHedlishvili Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McWatters Mr. Thomas Meligakes Mr. Constantine Minetos Mr. & Mrs. Philip Morgan Mrs. Constance Murphy Drs Jonathan & Yanna

Nachtigall Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Nauss Mr. & Mrs. Teo Nicoara Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Pandelidis Dr. & Mrs. P. Kirk Pandelidis Mrs. Georgia Panopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Panopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios

Papadiamantis Mrs. Anna Papayannis Mr. & Mrs. Chriss Papayannis Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios

Polychronis Ms. Donna Polychronos Mr. & Mrs. Dino Pritsios Mr. & Mrs. Socratis Rodas Mr & Mrs. Michael Rosario Mr. & Mrs. Themis Sacarellos Mr. & Mrs. John Sagonas Mrs. Bess Samuel Mrs. Julie Sekeres Mr. & Mrs. George Sgagias Mrs. Kelly (Skouras) Sheasley Mr. & Mrs. Gerasimos Sideras Mr. John Skeparnias Mr. & Mrs. Louis Skeparnias Mr. Nick Skeparnias Mrs. Voula Skeparnias Mr. & Mrs. George V. Skouras Ms. Maria K. Skouras Ms. Maria V. Skouras Ms. Spyridola Skouras

Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Skouras Mr. & Mrs. Alexander

Smolskiy Ms. Andrea Sparks & Mrs.

Kyle Yonek Mr. & Mrs. James Spanos Ms. Diana Sparks Mr. & Mrs. Jim St. John Mr. & Mrs. George

Stavropoulos Ms. Athena Stem Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Stergiou Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Stratis Mr. & Mrs. John Toggas Fr. Andrew & Presv. Katherine

Tsikitas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Tsoflias Mrs. Aglaia Tsogas Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Tsogas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios

Tsoukalis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Tsoukalis Mr. & Mrs. John Tsoukalos Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Vainas Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Vainas Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Valakis Mrs. Zoi Valakis Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Vellios Mr. Nick Vellios Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Vlahos Mr. Nikolaos Vlahos Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Walker Mr. & Mrs. Scott Wilson Mrs. Haido Zahos Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Zahos

These are the people who have paid towards Stewardship for 2015. Thank you for you generosity and support of our community. “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.

Enter into the joy of your lord.” - Matthew 25:21

2015 Stewardship Report: ◊ Stewardship is Down ◊ 2015 pledges through October are $64,000. ◊ This Year’s stewardship is well below 2014. ◊ Our goal is $100,000 and there is only 1 month left.

Please Make Your Stewardship Pledge Today!

Pay online at agocy.org and click DONATE or Use the card below and send your pledge to the church office.

PAGE 5 THE LADDER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, December 6: St. Nicholas Visit—please bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys For Tots.

Sunday, December 13: Parish Council Election

Christmas Eve, December 24: Royal Hours—9:00 am

Vesperal Divine Liturgy—6:00pm

Sunday School Christmas Pageant—following liturgy

Christmas Day, December 25: Orthros—8:00am, Divine Liturgy—9:00am

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

2015 Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Confidential Stewardship Commitment Card—

Please return to: 2500 Pine Grove Rd. York, PA 17403

Family Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________ City: ________________ State: ______ Zip: ________

Home Telephone: ____________________________________ Cell Phone: __________________________________

E-Mail Address: ________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Child(ren)/Age(s): ______________________________________________________________________

In gratitude for God’s blessings, I/we make the following commitment to the Greek Orthodox Church of the

Annunciation in the amount of:

$520 ($10 weekly) $780 ($15 weekly) $1040 ($20 weekly) $1300 ($25 weekly) Other: $_______

CONFIDENTIAL: May not be distributed or reproduced / For authorized parish personnel only


YORK GOYA 1-DAY RETREAT

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

OFFICERS

Pauline Rosario,

President

Mary Henry,

Vice-President

Vasiliki Agapis,

Treasurer

Sue Anstine,

Secretary

Philoptochos is once again coordinating the "Christmas Star" Program with York

City's Helping Hand for the Homeless. The stars will be available in the foyer of

our Community Hall on Sunday November 22nd. All gifts are to be returned to

the Community Hall no later than Sunday December 13, 2015.

◊ Please DO NOT wrap your gift.

◊ Place all gifts UNWRAPPPED in a gift box or gift bag.

◊ Please attach the star to the gift box or gift bag.

◊ Please consider gifting age appropriate clothing (vs toys).

Thank you for your generosity and Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS STAR PROGRAM

EVERY MONDAY: GOYA BASKETBALL PRACTICE 7:00pm—8:30pm

Sunday, December 6: *** GOYA Meeting—following church services ***

Saturday, December 12: GOYA Christmas Caroling for Seniors

Monday, December 28: GOYA Christmas Party, 6:00 pm, The Rodas House

Sunday, December 6: St. Nicholas Visit—please bring unwrapped toy to be

donated to Toys For Tots.


T he mission of HOPE and JOY is to

strengthen the relationship of young

Orthodox Christians with our Lord Jesus Christ.

These programs work to educate and edify young

members of the Church, encouraging them to

become active sacramental participants in the life

of the Body of Christ, the Church. These

ministries offer them the opportunity to

experience the Faith, ultimately leading them to

Salvation.

HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education)

HOPE ministers to Kindergarten through the 2nd

Grade children.

JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth)

JOY ministers to 3rd through 6th Grade children.

The scope of these ministries is to incorporate the

4 principles of Worship, Witness, Service and

Fellowship into the hearts

of our children, so that

they can use these tools as

adults as well. We invite all

children, and their parents

as well, to become

participants in these vital

ministries of the Church.

HOPE/JOY

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

UPCOMING EVENTS

OFFICERS

Luke Tsoflias,

President

Yanni Koutsokostas,

Vice-President

Vasiliki Hioutis,

Treasurer

Marianna Rodas &

Sam Rodas,

Secretaries

SAVE THE DATE—UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas season is upon us as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year . We

will all gather together with family and friends as we take part in our beautiful

traditions and share love and compassion for others. Our hope is that we continue this

spirit throughout the year. GOYA is wishing everyone in our community a

Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ .

YOUTH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

GOYA CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

THE LADDER

INTRODUCTION

The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the most joyful days of the Orthodox Church. It

ranks next to the greatest holiday, the Resurrection of Jesus. The Feast of the Birth of Jesus

is also known as the "Incarnation of Christ." This means that Jesus became a man and

came into the world to save us. We also refer to this joyous feast as Christmas.

THE ORTHODOX CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY

As with Pascha, or Easter, the Feast of the Nativity begins with a period of preparation. It

is proceeded by a fast corresponding to Lent and lasting for forty days. The fast begins on

November 15.

On the Sundays immediately before December 25, special commemorations emphasize the

link between the Old Covenant and the New. On December 20 the Forefeast of the

Nativity is commemorated, and the daily liturgical texts are directed toward the Feast

itself. On Christmas Eve, services include the Great or Royal Hours, the Great Vespers,

and the Liturgy of Saint Basil.

On Christmas Day the service commemorates the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, the

adoration of the Shepherds, and the arrival of the Wise Men with their gifts. The service

held on this day is the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.

The days following Christmas are associated with the Theotokos and Joseph. December 26

is the Synaxis of the Mother of God, and the first Sunday after the Feast commemorates

“Joseph the Betrothed.” December 29 commemorates the Massacre of the Innocents, and

January 1 the Circumcision of our Lord. The Nativity season concludes on December 31,

but the spirit of the festival extends to the celebration of Theophany (Epiphany), the feast

commemorating the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River.

APOLYTIKION: (FOURTH TONE)

Your birth, O Christ our God, dawned the light of knowledge upon the earth. For by Your

birth those who adored stars, were taught by a star, to worship You, the Sun of Justice and

to know You, Orient from on High. O Lord, glory to You.

THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST—GOARCH .ORG

THE VOICE OF OUR FAITH …


The Christmas season is such a beautiful time of the year. Lights, candles, and cutout snowflakes begin to

decorate our city’s streets. People begin to adorn their homes with the colors of red and green, wreaths,

candles, and dazzling arrays of lights. These decorations even spill into our schools and businesses. That’s the

Christmas season! That is the Christmas season?

This past week, as I was speaking with one of my staff members, we began to discuss putting up Christmas

decorations in the office. As we were talking about Christmas decorations, she told me that at her son’s school,

her son’s class had to write an essay on what Christmas meant to them. When her son showed her the essay he

had written, she did not see any mention whatsoever about Jesus or His Birth. So she asked her son why he

didn’t mention anything about Jesus. He responded to her and said, "Well mom, Christmas isn’t about Christ

anymore"; that’s not what it is about anymore? Then what is Christmas about? "It’s about presents," he said.

It’s about presents.

When I first heard this story, I was shocked and disturbed; but the more I thought about it, the more I began to

realize that he’s right. Christmas really is about presents.

But what kind of presents?

It’s about a father who punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Since

money was tight, he became furious when his little daughter tried to decorate a box with gold wrapping paper

and put it under the Christmas tree. Yet, on Christmas day, the little girl brought the gift wrapped in gold

paper to her father and said, "This is for you, Daddy." When he saw the gift, he was embarrassed by his earlier

reaction, but his anger flared up again when he unwrapped the gift, opened the box, and found it to be empty.

"Don’t you know that when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something inside of it?" he

shouted. With tears in her eyes, the little girl looked up at him and said, "Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses

into the box and put them in there for you." Her father then smiled, put his arms around his little girl, and

begged her forgiveness and kept that gold box by his bed for years so that whenever he was discouraged he

would take out a kiss and remember the love of his little daughter who put it there. — The gift of love.

It’s about presents. Christmas really is about presents.

It’s about a contest held to find the most caring child. The winner was a four-year-old boy whose next door

neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy

went into the gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked the little boy

what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing… I just helped him cry." — The gift of

consolation.


It’s about a four-year-old who went to the pediatrician for a check up. As the doctor looked down her ears

with an otoscope, he asked, "Do you think I’ll find Big Bird in here?" The little girl stayed silent. Next, the

doctor took a tongue depressor and looked down her throat. He asked, "Do you think I’ll find the Cookie

Monster down there?" Again, the little girl was silent. Then the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest. As he

listened to her heartbeat, he asked, "Do you think I’ll hear Barney in here?" Oh no!", the little girl replied.

"Jesus is in my heart." — The gift of faith.


It’s about God, who loved each one of us so much that he gave us his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ so that

whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. — The ultimate gift.

THE G IFT OF CHRISTMAS—THEO N ICOLAKIS


THE G IFT OF CHRISTMAS (CONT . )

It’s about presents. Christmas really is about presents; but it’s not about the presents we give that we bought

at the local Toys – R – Us, or the local department store. It’s not about the giving of money; Christmas is not

about a holiday season.

Rather, Christmas is about the gift of giving of ourselves. Giving of our time and talents so that we might

touch the life of another. And the reason why we give of ourselves is because we commemorate the gift God

gave us — His Son.

So what gift we will give this Christmas? But not only this Christmas, but also every day of the year. Will it

be the gift of love by telling our family and friends how special they are to us? The gift of consolation by

remembering those who have no one else to remember them; by visiting those who have no one to visit

them? Bringing the gift of laughter to those who are in sorrow; imparting the gift of faith, by keeping Jesus

Christ as the focus of our Christmas.

Therefore, how we can give of ourselves is perhaps summarized best in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

who said:

O Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon,

Where there is doubt, faith,

Where there is despair, hope,

Where there is darkness, light,

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved, as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive—

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

SAYINGS OF THE FATHERS ON THE B IRTH OF OUR LORD

“Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the

ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise

is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the

speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been ‘in planted on the

earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels.

Why is this? Because God is now on earth, and man in heaven; on every side all things commingle. He became

Flesh. He did not become God. He was God. Wherefore He became flesh, so that He Whom heaven did not

contain, a manger would this day receive. He was placed in a manger, so that He, by whom all things are

nourished, may receive an infant’s food from His Virgin Mother. So, the Father of all ages, as an infant at the

breast, nestles in the virginal arms, that the Magi may more easily see Him. Since this day the Magi too have


SAYINGS OF THE FATHERS ON THE B IRTH OF OUR LORD

come, and made a beginning of withstanding tyranny; and the heavens give glory, as the Lord is revealed by a

star….

To Him, then, Who out of confusion has wrought a clear path, to Christ, to the Father, and to the Holy Ghost, we

offer all praise, now and for ever. Amen.” – St. John Chrysostom, “Homily on Christmas Morning”

“In this night of reconcilement let no man be wroth or gloomy! in this night that stills all, none that threatens or

disturbs! This night belongs to the sweet One; bitter or harsh be in it none! In this night that is the meek One’s,

high or haughty be in it none! In this day of pardoning let us not exact trespasses! In this day of gladnesses let

us not spread sadnesses! In this day so sweet, let us not be harsh! In this day of peaceful rest, let us not be

wrathful in it! In this day when God came to sinners, let not the righteous be in his mind uplifted over

sinner! In this day in which there came the Lord of all unto the servants, let masters too condescend to their

servants lovingly! In this day in which the Rich became poor for our sakes, let the rich man make the poor man

share with him at his table. On this day to us came forth the Gift, although we asked it not! Let us therefore

bestow alms on them that cry and beg of us. This is the day that opened for us a gate on high to our

prayers. Let us open also gates to supplicants that have transgressed, and of us have asked [forgiveness.] Today

the Lord of nature was against His nature changed; let it not to us be irksome to turn our evil wills. Fixed in

nature is the body; great or less it cannot become: but the will has such dominion, it can grow to any

measure. Today Godhead sealed itself upon Manhood, that so with the Godhead’s stamp Manhood might be

adorned.” – St. Ephraim the Syrian, Hymn 1 on the Nativity

“’Therefore the Word of God, Himself God, the Son of God who in the beginning was with God, through

whom all things were made and without whom was nothing made’ (John 1.1-3), with the purpose of delivering

man from eternal death, became man: so bending Himself to take on Him our humility without decrease in His

own majesty, that remaining what He was and assuming what He was not, He might unite the true form of

a slave to that form in which He is equal to God the Father, and join both natures together by such a compact

that the lower should not be swallowed up in its exaltation nor the higher impaired by its new

associate. Without detriment therefore to the properties of either substance which then came together in

one person, majesty took on humility, strength weakness, eternity mortality: and for the paying off of the debt,

belonging to our condition, inviolable nature was united with possible nature, and true God and true man were

combined to form one Lord, so that, as suited the needs of our case, one and the same

Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, could both die with the one and rise again with the

other.

Rightly therefore did the birth of our Salvation impart no corruption to the Virgin’s purity, because the bearing

of the Truth was the keeping of honor. Such then beloved was the nativity which became the Power of God and

the Wisdom of God even Christ, whereby He might be one with us in manhood and surpass us in Godhead. For

unless He were true God, He would not bring us a remedy, unless He were true Man, He would not give us an

example. Therefore the exulting angel’s song when the Lord was born is this, Glory to God in the Highest, and

their message, peace on earth to men of good will (Luke 2.14). For they see that the heavenly Jerusalem is being

built up out of all the nations of the world: and over that indescribable work of the Divine love how ought

the humbleness of men to rejoice, when the joy of the lofty angels is so great? – St. Leo the Great, Homily 21,

section 2

THE LADDER

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Greek School

K&1 grade; 5-

6:30

Parish Council

7:00 pm

2 Greek School

2&middle/high

school; 5-7

3 Greek School

3&6 grade; 5-7

4 St. Barbara

Orth./Div. Lit.

9 am

5

6 10th Sunday of

Luke (St. Nicho-

las)

8:45 am Orthros

10 am Div. Lit.

7 8 Senior Citizen

Christmas Party

Holy Trinity

Camp Hill, 11-2

Greek School

K&1 grade; 5-

6:30

9 Greek School

2&middle/high

school; 5-7

10 Greek School

3&6 grade; 5-7

11 12 St. Spyridon

Orth./Div. Lit.

9 am

GOYA Christ-

mas Caroling

13 11th Sunday of

Luke

8:45 am Orthros

10 am Div. Lit.

Parish Elections,

12-4

14 15 St. Eleutherios

Orth./Div. Lit.

9 am

Greek School

K&1 grade; 5-

6:30

16 Greek School

2&middle/high

school; 5-7

17 St. Dionysios of

Zakrynthos

Orth./Div. Lit.

9 am

Greek School

3&6 grade; 5-7

18 19

20 Sunday

before Nativity

8:45 am Orthros

10 am Div. Lit.

21 22 Greek School

K&1 grade; 5-

6:30

23 Greek School

2&middle/high

school; 5-7

24 Christmas Eve

Hours—9 am

Vesp. Lit.—6 pm

Sunday School

Christmas Pag-

eant after Liturgy

25

The Nativity of

our Lord Jesus

Christ Orthos—8 am

Liturgy—9 am

26 Day after

Christmas

Orth./

Div. Lit. 9:00 am

27 Sunday after

Nativity

8:45 am Orthros

10 am Div. Lit.

28 29

30 31

DECEMBER 2015


Κυρ Δευ Τρι Τετ Πεμ Παρ Σαβ

1 Ελλην. Σχολείο

K&1 τάξη; 5-6:30

Ενοριακό

Συμβούλιο,

7 μμ


2&Γυμνάσιο; 5-

6:30


3&6 τάξη; 5-6:30

4 Αγ. Βαρβάρα

Όρθ./Θ. Λειτ.

9:00 πμ

5

6 10η Κυριακή

Λουκά (Αγ.

Νικολάου)

8:45 πμ Όρθρος

10 πμ Θ. Λειτ.

7

8 Πάρτυ Χριστουγέννων

Πρεσβυτέρων

Μελών Αγ.

Τριάδα, 11-2

Ελλην. Σχολείο

K&1 τάξη; 5-6:30



6:30


3&6 τάξη; 5-6:30

11 12 Αγ. Σπυρίδων


9:00 πμ

13 11η Κυριακή

Λουκά



Εκλογές, 12-4

14 15 Αγ. Ελευθέριος


9:00 πμ


K&1 τάξη; 5-6:30



6:30

17 Αγ. Διονύσιος

Ζακύνθου


9:00 πμ


3&6 τάξη; 5-6:30

18 19

20 Κυριακή πρό

των Χριστου.



21


K&1 τάξη; 5-6:30



6:30

24 Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων

Βασ. Ώρες—9 πμ

Εσπ. Λειτ.—6 πμ

Πρόγραμμα

Κατηχ. Σχολ.

μετά την

Λειτουργία

25

Χριστούγεννα

Όρθ.—8 πμ

Λειτ.—9 πμ

26 Ημέρα Μετά

των

Χριστουγέννων


9:00 πμ

27 Κυριακή μετά

των Χριστουγ.



28 29 30 31

∆ΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2015

THE LADDER

Η ΚΛΙΜΑΞ ... ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΟΣ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΕΒ. ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ

ΑΜΕΡΙΚΗΣ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΙΟ

Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ,

Στή λαμπρή Ἑορτή τῶν Χριστουγέννων ἑορτάζουμε ἕνα ἀληθινά θαυμαστό γεγονός κατά τό ὁποῖο ὁ

Θεός, ἐν τῇ ἀπείρῳ καί θαυμαστῇ χάριτι Αὐτοῦ ἔγινε ἄνθρωπος καί μᾶς χάρισε διαρκῆ ἐλπίδα, νέα

ζωή καί αἰώνια σωτηρία. Ἡ ἁγία γέννηση τοῦ Σωτῆρος μας στή Βηθλεέμ ἔγινε σέ συγκεκριμένο

χρόνο, ἀλλά ἡ Σάρκωσή Του καί ἡ σημασία της γιά τή λύτρωσή μας εἶναι διαχρονική. Ὁ Υἱός τοῦ

Θεοῦ, ὁ Κύριος τῆς Δόξης καί ὁ Βασιλεύς τῶν βασιλέων ὁ ὁποῖος διακρατεῖ τό σύμπαν μέ τόν λόγο

τῆς δυνάμεώς Του, ἔγινε ἄνθρωπος οὕτως ὥστε ἐμεῖς οἱ ἄνθρωποι νά λυτρωθοῦμε, νά

ἀνακαινισθοῦμε, νά ἑνωθοῦμε μέ Αὐτόν, καί νά καταστοῦμε συμπολίτες τῶν Ἁγίων καί μέλη τῆς

οἰκογενείας τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Τό μέγεθος καί τό βάθος τοῦ γεγονότος τῆς Γεννήσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι ἀδύνατον νά κατανοηθῇ

ἀλλά τό μήνυμά της εἶναι σαφέστατο καί ἀληθινό. Πρόκειται περί μηνύματος χάριτος, ἐλπίδος καί

σωτηρίας γιά ὁλόκληρη τήν ἀνθρωπότητα καί τόν δημιουργηθέντα κόσμο. Εἶναι μήνυμα γιά τό

ὁποῖο πανηγυρίζουμε ἐνῶ συγχρόνως τό μοιραζόμεθα αὐτή τήν ἁγία ἡμέρα, εἶναι μήνυμα-

πρόσκληση στούς συνανθρώπους μας νά ἔλθουν καί νά ἴδουν αὐτό τό ὁποῖο ὁ Δημιουργός καί Θεός

μας ἔχει κάμει γιά μᾶς.

Τήν νύχτα τῶν Χριστουγέννων, οἱ ἄγγελοι ἐμφανίσθηκαν μέσα στήν δόξα τοῦ Θεοῦ καί ἀνήγγειλαν

τήν γέννηση τοῦ Χριστοῦ στούς ποιμένες. Ἀπαντῶντας οἱ ποιμένες εἶπαν: Διέλθωμεν δή ἕως

Βηθλεέμ καί ἴδωμεν τό ρῆμα τοῦτο τό γεγονός (Λουκ. 2:15). Ἀποδεχόμενοι τήν πρόσκληση νά

συμμετάσχουν σ’ αὐτό τό ἔνδοξο γεγονός, ἦλθαν καί εἶδαν τόν νεογέννητο Χριστό, καί ἔκθαμβοι

ἀπ’ αὐτά τά ὁποῖα ὁ Θεός εἶχε κάμει γιά τή σωτηρία μας, ἔφυγαν δοξάζοντες καί αἰνοῦντες τόν Θεόν

ἐπί πᾶσιν οἷς ἤκουσαν καί εἶδον (Λουκ. 2:20).

Ἀμέσως μετά τήν Γέννηση τοῦ Σωτῆρος, σοφοί ἄνδρες, Μάγοι ἐξ Ἀνατολῶν, εἶδαν ἕνα μυστηριῶδες

ἄστρο καί ἀκολουθῶντας το ἦλθαν ἀναζητῶντας τόν Βασιλέα ὁ Ὁποῖος γεννήθηκε στήν Ἰουδαία.

Μαθαίνοντας περί τοῦ τόπου γεννήσεως τοῦ Κυρίου, ἦλθαν καί εἶδαν τό βρέφος Ἰησοῦν, Τοῦ

προσέφεραν δῶρα καί Τόν προσκύνησαν. Ἀνταποκρινόμενοι στήν πρόσκληση πού ἔγινε σ’ αὐτούς

διά τοῦ σημείου τοῦ ἄστρου, ἦλθαν καί συνάντησαν Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος θά ἐγένετο μεγάλος ἡγέτης

τοῦ λαοῦ Του ὅπως προεῖπαν οἱ προφῆτες (Ματθ. 2:1-12).

Ὅπως οἱ ποιμένες τῆς Βηθλεέμ καί οἱ ἐξ Ἀνατολῶν Μάγοι δέχθηκαν τήν πρόσκληση νά ἔλθουν καί

νά ἴδουν τό ὑπέροχο θαῦμα τῆς Σαρκώσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἔτσι καί ἐμεῖς προσκαλούμεθα σ’ αὐτή τήν

μεγάλη Ἑορτή νά ἔλθουμε καί νά συναντήσουμε τόν Χριστό καί νά δοῦμε τό μεγάλο καί θαυμάσιο

ἔργο τό ὁποῖο ἔκαμε Ἐκεῖνος γιά μᾶς καί γιά τή σωτηρία μας. Τήν ἡμέρα αὐτή ἐρχόμεθα καί

βλέπουμε τό λαμπρό φῶς τῆς ἀληθείας καί τῆς φεγγοβόλου ζωῆς πού διαπερνοῦν τό σκοτάδι καί

τήν ἀπελπισία τοῦ κόσμου μας. Ἀκοῦμε μήνυμα ἐλπίδος καί χάριτος τό ὁποῖο κατασιγάζει ὅλες τίς

ἄλλες σκέψεις καί δραστηριότητες καί κατευθύνει τίς καρδιές καί τίς διάνοιές μας σ’ Ἐκεῖνον ὁ

Ὁποῖος ἔχει ἔλθει γιά νά φέρῃ εἰρήνη καί ἀσφάλεια. Ἐρχόμεθα στόν Χριστό καί συναντοῦμε

δικαιοσύνη, ἁγιότητα καί ἀγάπη καί διαπιστώνουμε πόσο αὐτά εἶναι ἀπαραίτητα γιά νά ἔχουμε

ἀλήθεια καί περίσσεια ζωῆς.

Καλούμεθα, ἐπίσης, νά μοιρασθοῦμε τήν χαρά μας ἐν Χριστῷ καί νά προσφέρουμε αὐτή τήν

πρόσκληση σέ ὅλους. Εἴμεθα οἱ φορεῖς τῆς καλῆς εἰδήσεως αὐτῶν πού ἔκαμε ὁ Θεός γιά μᾶς


ὑπερνικώντας τήν ἁμαρτία καί τόν θάνατο. Εἴμεθα οἱ ἀγγελιαφόροι πού ἐπαναλαμβάνουν στόν

κόσμο τήν δοξολογία τῶν ἀγγέλων κατά τήν νύκτα τῆς Γεννήσεως τοῦ Κυρίου Δόξα ἐν Ὑψίστοις

Θεῷ! (Λουκ. 2:14). Εἴμεθα αὐτοί πού ὅπως τό ἄστρο τῆς Ἀνατολῆς ὁδήγησε τούς Μάγους, καλούμεθα

νά ὁδηγήσουμε ὅλους ἐκείνους οἱ ὁποῖοι ἀποζητοῦν νά ἔλθουν καί νά δοῦν τόν Χριστό νά ἔλθουν καί

νά δοῦν Ἐκεῖνον ὁ Ὁποῖος φέρει ζωή καί ἐλπίδα, εἰρήνη καί χαρά στήν κάθε καρδιά ἡ ὁποία Τόν

δέχεται. Εἴμεθα αὐτοί οἱ ὁποῖοι καλούμεθα νά συγκεντρώσουμε ὅλο τόν λαό τοῦ Θεοῦ στόν οἶκο Του,

γιά νά συναντήσῃ τόν Κύριό μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστό.

Σέ αὐτή τήν εὐλογημένη Ἑορτή τῶν Χριστουγέννων, Ἑορτή τῆς χαρᾶς καί τῆς ἀγάπης, ἀπευθύνω σέ

σᾶς καί τίς οἰκογένειές σας τίς θερμότατες εὐχές μου γιά μία ὑπέροχη ἡμέρα λατρείας καί

ἀδελφοσύνης γεμάτη μέ τήν εἰρήνη καί τήν παρουσία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἄς προσφέρουμε μαζί τήν

εὐγνωμοσύνη μας στόν Κύριό μας γιά ὅ,τι ἔκαμε γιά μᾶς μέσῳ τῆς ἐνδόξου Σαρκώσεώς Του. Ἄς

ἀπευθύνουμε ἐπίσης τήν πρόσκληση σέ ὅλους νά ἔλθουν καί νά δοῦν τήν δόξα τοῦ γεννηθέντος

Κυρίου.

Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη,

† ὁ Ἀρχιεπίσκοπος Ἀμερικῆς Δημήτριος

Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ Ο ΘΑΥΜΑΤΟΥΡΓΟΣ – 6 Δεκεμβρίου

Ό Κύριος, στην επί του Όρους ομιλία του, είπε: "Γίνεσθε οικτίρμονες, καθώς και ό

πατήρ υμών οικτίρμων εστί". Ευαγγέλιο Λουκά, στ' 36. Να γίνεσθε δηλαδή,

σπλαγχνικοί προς τον πλησίον και συμπονετικοί στις δυστυχίες του και τις ανάγκες

του, καθώς και ο ουράνιος Πατέρας σας είναι ευσπλαχνικός προς όλους.

Μια τέτοια προσωποποίηση της χριστιανικής ευσπλαχνίας υπήρξε και ο Άγιος

Νικόλαος. Γεννήθηκε τον 3ο αιώνα μ.Χ. στα Πάταρα της Λυκίας, από γονείς ευσεβείς

και πλουσίους. Όμως, σε νεαρή ηλικία έμεινε ορφανός και κληρονόμος μιας μεγάλης

περιουσίας. Αλλά ο Νικόλαος, εμπνεόμενος από φιλάνθρωπα συναισθήματα,

διέθετε την περιουσία του για να ανακουφίζει άπορα, ορφανά, φτωχούς, χήρες,

στενοχωρημένους οικογενειάρχες.

Ένας μάλιστα, θα διέφθειρε τις τρεις κόρες του, προκειμένου να εξασφαλίσει χρήματα. Όταν το έμαθε

αυτό ο Νικόλαος, μυστικά σε τρεις νύκτες εξασφάλισε την προίκα των τριών κοριτσιών, αφήνοντας 100

χρυσά φλουριά στην κάθε μία. Έτσι, οι τρεις κόρες αποκαταστάθηκαν και γλίτωσαν από βέβαιη

διαφθορά.

Έπειτα ο Νικόλαος, μετά από ένα ταξίδι του στην Ιερουσαλήμ, χειροτονήθηκε Ιερέας στα Πάταρα. Και

όταν απεβίωσε ο τότε Αρχιεπίσκοπος Μύρων της Λυκίας, οι επίσκοποι, δια θεϊκής αποκαλύψεως, έκαναν

Αρχιεπίσκοπο το Νικόλαο.

Από τη νέα του θέση ο Νικόλαος, επεξέτεινε τους αγώνες του για την προστασία των φτωχών και των

απόρων. Έκανε πολλά θαύματα και ήταν σημαντική η συμμετοχή του στην Α' Οικουμενική Σύνοδο.

Πέθανε ειρηνικά το έτος 330 μ.Χ.

Απολυτίκιο. Ήχος δ'.

Κανόνα πίστεως, και εικόνα πραότητας, εγκράτειας διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξε σε τη ποίμνη σου, η των

πραγμάτων αλήθεια· δια τούτο εκτήσω τη ταπεινώσει τα υψηλά, τη πτωχεία τα πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα

Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τω Θεώ, σωθήναι τας ψυχάς ημών.


ΠΕΡΙ ΤΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΛΟΓΟΥ ΣΑΡΚΩΣΕΩΣ—ΑΓ. ΣΥΜΕΩΝ Ο ΝΕΟΣ ΘΕΟΛΟΓΟΣ

Γιὰ νὰ προσεγγίσουμε τὴν σάρκωση τοῦ Λόγου καὶ τὴν ἀπόῤῥητη γέννησή του ἀπὸ τὴν ἀειπάρθενο Μαρία καὶ

νὰ κατανοήσουμε καλὰ τὸ μυστήριο τῆς οἰκονομίας γιὰ τὴν σωτηρία τοῦ γένους μας τὸ κρυμμένο πρὸ τῶν

αἰώνων (Ἐφεσίους 3:9), θὰ μᾶς βοηθήσει ἡ ἑξῆς γνωστὴ εἰκόνα:

Κατὰ τὴν δημιουργία τῆς προμήτορος Εὔας ὁ Θεὸς πῆρε τὴν ἔμψυχη πλευρὰ τοῦ Ἀδὰμ καὶ τὴν ὁλοκλήρωσε σὲ

γυναῖκα, γι᾿ αὐτὸ δὲν ἐμφύσησε σ᾿ αὐτὴν πνοὴ ζωῆς καθὼς καὶ στὸν Ἀδάμ, ἀλλὰ τὸ μέρος ποὺ ἔλαβε ἀπὸ τὴν

σάρκα του τὸ τελειοποίησε σὲ ὁλόκληρο σῶμα γυναικός, τὴν δὲ ἀπαρχὴ τοῦ πνεύματος ποὺ ἔλαβε μαζὶ μὲ τὴν

ἔμψυχη σάρκα τὴν τελειοποίησε σὲ ψυχὴ ζωντανὴ δημιουργώντας μὲ τὰ δυὸ μαζὶ ἕναν ἄλλον ἄνθρωπο. Κατὰ

τὸν ἴδιο ἀκριβῶς τρόπο ὁ πλαστουργὸς καὶ κτίστης Θεὸς πῆρε ἀπὸ τὴν Ἁγία Μαρία ἔμψυχη σάρκα σὰν ζύμη

καὶ μικρὴ ἀπαρχὴ ἀπὸ τὸ φύραμα τῆς φύσεώς μας - δηλαδὴ ἀπὸ τὴν ψυχὴ καὶ τὸ σῶμα μαζὶ - καὶ τὴν ἕνωσε μὲ

τὴν δική του ἀκατάληπτη καὶ ἀπρόσιτη Θεότητα. Ἢ μᾶλλον ἕνωσε πραγματικὰ ὅλη τὴν ὑπόσταση τῆς

Θεότητός του μὲ τὴν δική μας φύση, τὴν ἔσμιξε ἄμικτα μ᾿ αὐτὴ καὶ τὴν ἔκανε ἅγιο ναό του. Ἔτσι ὁ ποιητὴς τοῦ

Ἀδὰμ ἔγινε ἀτρέπτως καὶ ἀναλλοιώτως τέλειος ἄνθρωπος.

Ὅπως ἀκριβῶς λοιπὸν ἀπὸ τὴν πλευρὰ τοῦ Ἀδὰμ ἔπλασε τὴν γυναῖκα, ἔτσι, ἀφοῦ δανείστηκε τὴν σάρκα ἀπὸ

τὴν θυγατέρα τοῦ Ἀδὰμ τὴν ἀειπάρθενο καὶ Θεοτόκο Μαρία καὶ τὴν ἔλαβε χωρὶς σπορά, γεννήθηκε κατὰ τὸν

ἴδιο τρόπο μὲ τὸν πρωτόπλαστο. Ὥστε ὅπως ἀκριβῶς ὁ Ἀδὰμ μὲ τὴν παράβαση ἔγινε ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς γεννήσεώς

μας στὴν φθορὰ καὶ στὸν θάνατο, ἔτσι καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς καὶ Θεός μας μὲ τὴν ἐκπλήρωση κάθε δικαιοσύνης ἔγινε ἡ

ἀπαρχὴ τῆς ἀναγεννήσεώς μας στὴν ἀφθαρσία καὶ τὴν ἀθανασία. Αὐτὸ ἐννοεῖ ὁ θεῖος Παῦλος ὅταν λέει: «Ὁ

πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος πλάστηκε ἀπὸ τὴ γῆ χοϊκός. Ὁ δεύτερος ἄνθρωπος, δηλαδὴ ὁ Κύριος, εἶναι ἐπουράνιος. Ὅ,τι

λογῆς ἦταν ὁ χοϊκὸς τέτοιοι εἶναι καὶ ὅλοι οἱ χοϊκοὶ καὶ ὅ,τι λογῆς εἶναι ὁ ἐπουράνιος τέτοιοι εἶναι καὶ ὅλοι ὅσοι

γίνονται ἐπουράνιοι δι᾿ αὐτοῦ.»

(Α´ Κορ. ιε´ 47-48). Καὶ πάλι: «Ἡ ἀπαρχὴ εἶναι ὁ Χριστός, ἔπειτα ὅσοι εἶναι τοῦ Χριστοῦ.» (Α´ Κορ. ιε´ 23).

Ἐπειδὴ λοιπὸν ὁ Χριστὸς ἔγινε τέλειος ἄνθρωπος κατὰ τὴν ψυχὴ καὶ τὸ σῶμα, ὅμοιος μέ μᾶς σὲ ὅλα ἐκτὸς ἀπὸ

τὴν ἁμαρτία, μᾶς μεταδίδει τὴν Θεότητά του λόγω τῆς πίστης μας σ᾿ αὐτὸν καὶ μᾶς καθιστᾷ συγγενεῖς του

κατὰ τὴν φύση καὶ τὴν οὐσία τῆς Θεότητάς του. Πρόσεξε τὸ νέο καὶ παράδοξο μυστήριο: Ὁ Θεὸς Λόγος ἔλαβε

ἀπὸ μᾶς σάρκα, ποὺ δὲν εἶχε ἐκ φύσεως καὶ ἔγινε ἄνθρωπος, ποὺ δὲν ἦταν. Ἀπὸ τότε μεταδίδει στοὺς πιστοὺς

τὴν Θεότητά του - τὴν ὁποία κανεὶς ἀπὸ τοὺς ἀγγέλους ἢ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους δὲν εἶχε ἀποκτήσει - καὶ μ᾿ αὐτὸν

τὸν τρόπο γίνονται θεοὶ κατὰ χάρη καὶ θέση, ποὺ δὲν ἦταν. Ἔτσι χαρίζει σ᾿ αὐτοὺς τὴν ἐξουσία νὰ γίνονται

τέκνα Θεοῦ (κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:12) γι᾿ αὐτὸ καὶ ἔγιναν καὶ πάντοτε θὰ γίνονται καὶ ποτὲ δὲν θὰ πάψουν νὰ

γίνονται. Ἄκουσε καὶ τὸν θεῖο Παῦλο ποὺ παρακινεῖ σ᾿ αὐτό: «Ὅπως φορέσαμε τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ γήινου, ἂς

φορέσουμε καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ ἐπουράνιου.» (Α´ Κορινθίους 15:49).

Ὁ Θεὸς λοιπὸν τοῦ παντὸς μὲ τὴν σωματική του παρουσία στὴν γῆ ἦλθε γιὰ νὰ ἀναπλάσει καὶ νὰ ἀνακαινίσει

τὸν ἄνθρωπο καὶ νὰ εὐλογήσει ὅλη τὴν κτίση ποὺ ἐπέσυρε ἐπάνω της τὴν κατάρα ἐξαιτίας τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. Καὶ

πρῶτα ζωοποίησε τὴν ψυχὴ ποὺ ἔλαβε καὶ ἀφθαρτώντας την τὴν θέωσε, ἐνῶ τὸ ἄχραντο σῶμα του, ἂν καὶ τὸ

θέωσε, ὅμως τὸ κρατοῦσε ἀκόμη φθαρτὸ καὶ ὑλικό. Γιατὶ τὸ σῶμα ποὺ τρώει καὶ πίνει, κοπιάζει καὶ ἱδρώνει,

δένεται καὶ σέρνεται, ὑψώνεται στὸν σταυρὸ καὶ καρφώνεται, εἶναι βέβαια φθαρτὸ καὶ ὑλικό, ἀφοῦ μάλιστα

πέθανε καὶ τοποθετήθηκε νεκρὸ στὸ μνημεῖο. Μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάστασή του συνανέστησε καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ

ἄφθαρτο, πνευματικό, ὅλο θεῖο καὶ ἄυλο, γι᾿ αὐτὸ καὶ δὲν συνέτριψε τὶς σφραγῖδες τοῦ μνήματος, εἰσερχόταν

δὲ καὶ ἐξερχόταν ἐλεύθερα μέσα ἀπὸ τὶς κλειστὲς πόρτες.

Ἀλλὰ γιατὶ μαζὶ μὲ τὴν ψυχὴ δὲν ἔκανε ἀμέσως καὶ τὸ σῶμα πνευματικὸ καὶ ἄφθαρτο; ἐπειδὴ καὶ ὁ Ἀδὰμ

τρώγοντας τὸν ἀπαγορευμένο καρπὸ εὐθὺς μὲν μὲ τὴν παράβαση πέθανε κατὰ τὴν ψυχή, ἐνῷ κατὰ τὸ σῶμα

ὕστερα ἀπὸ πολλὰ χρόνια. Γι᾿ αὐτὸ καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς πρῶτα ἀνέστησε καὶ ζωοποίησε τὴν ψυχὴ ποὺ τιμωρήθηκε μὲ

τὸ ἐπιτίμιο τοῦ θανάτου, ἔπειτα δὲ οἰκονόμησε νὰ ἀπολαύσει καὶ τὸ σῶμα τὴν ἀφθαρσία διὰ τῆς ἀναστάσεως,

αὐτὸ ποὺ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου ἐπέστρεφε στὴν γῆ κατὰ τὴν ἀρχαία ἀπόφαση. Κι ὄχι μόνον αὐτό, ἀλλὰ κατέβηκε

στὸν ᾅδη ἐλευθερώνοντας ἀπὸ τὰ δεσμὰ τὶς ψυχὲς τῶν ἐκεῖ φυλακισμένων ἁγίων καὶ τὶς κατέταξε σὲ τόπο

ἀναπαύσεως καὶ ἀνεσπέρου φωτός. Τὰ σώματά τους ὅμως δὲν τὰ ἀνέστησε, ἀλλὰ τὰ ἄφησε στοὺς τάφους


ΠΕΡΙ ΤΗΣ ΤΟΥ ΛΟΓΟΥ ΣΑΡΚΩΣΕΩΣ (ΣΥΝ.)

μέχρι τὴν κοινὴ ἀνάσταση.

Τὸ μυστήριο λοιπὸν αὐτὸ ποὺ συντελέστηκε γιὰ ὅλο τὸν κόσμο μὲ τὴν ἔνσαρκη οἰκονομία τοῦ Χριστοῦ, τοῦτο

τὸ ἴδιο γινόταν καὶ σὲ κάθε ἅγιο καὶ γίνεται ἀδιαλείπτως μέχρι σήμερα σὲ κάθε πιστό. Γιατὶ λαμβάνοντας τὸ

πνεῦμα τοῦ Δεσπότη καὶ Θεοῦ μας συμμετέχουμε στὴν θεότητά του, τρώγοντας δὲ τὴν πανάμωμο σάρκα του

γινόμαστε ἀληθινὰ καὶ ἐξ ὁλοκλήρου σύσσωμοι τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ συγγενεῖς του, καθὼς καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ θεῖος

Παῦλος βεβαιώνει: «Εἴμαστε ὀστοῦν ἀπὸ τὰ ὀστά του καὶ σάρκα ἀπὸ τὴν σάρκα του» (Ἐφεσίους 5:30) καὶ

ἀλλοῦ: «ἀπὸ τὸν πλοῦτο τῆς θεότητός του ὅλοι ἐμεῖς λάβαμε ἀλλεπάλληλες δωρεές» (κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:16 καὶ

Κολασσαεῖς 2:9). Ἔτσι γινόμαστε κατὰ χάριν ὅμοιοι μὲ τὸν φιλάνθρωπο Θεὸ καὶ Δεσπότη μας ἀνακαινισμένοι

στὴν ψυχή, ἄφθαρτοι καὶ ἀναστημένοι ἀπὸ νεκροὶ ποὺ ἤμαστε. Τότε βλέπουμε αὐτὸν ποὺ καταδέχτηκε νὰ

γίνει ὅμοιός μας καὶ βλεπόμαστε ἀπ᾿ αὐτόν, ποὺ μᾶς ἀξίωσε νὰ γίνουμε ὅμοιοί του, ὅπως κάποιος βλέπει ἀπὸ

μακριὰ τὸ πρόσωπο τοῦ φίλου του καὶ διαλέγεται μ᾿ αὐτὸν καὶ συνομιλεῖ καὶ ἀκούει τὴν φωνή του.

Κατὰ τὸν ἴδιο τρόπο καὶ οἱ ἀπ᾿ αἰῶνος ἅγιοι καὶ οἱ παλαιοὶ καὶ οἱ τωρινοὶ πνευματικὰ βλέποντες δὲν βλέπουν

σχῆμα ἢ εἶδος ἢ ὁμοίωμα, ἀλλὰ φῶς ἀσχημάτιστο, ἐπειδὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ εἶναι φῶς ἐκ τοῦ φωτός, δηλαδὴ τοῦ Ἁγίου

Πνεύματος. Ὅμως ἂν καὶ φτάνουν σ᾿ αὐτὴ τὴν κατάσταση, τὰ σώματά τους δὲν γίνονται ἀμέσως ἄφθαρτα καὶ

πνευματικά, ἀλλὰ ὅπως ἀκριβῶς τὸ σίδερο ποὺ πυρακτώνεται στὴν φωτιὰ παίρνει τὴν λαμπρότητά της, ὅταν

ὅμως ἀπομακρυνθεῖ ἀπ᾿ αὐτὴν γίνεται πάλι ψυχρὸ καὶ μαῦρο, ἔτσι ἀκριβῶς καὶ τὰ σώματα τῶν ἁγίων:

Μετέχοντας καὶ αὐτὰ στὸ θεῖο πῦρ, δηλαδὴ στὴν χάρη τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἁγιάζονται, φλεγόμενα καθαρίζονται,

γίνονται διαυγῆ καὶ πολυτιμότερα ἀπὸ τὰ ἄλλα σώματα. Ἀλλὰ ὅταν ἡ ψυχὴ βγεῖ ἀπὸ τὸ σῶμα, ἀμέσως καὶ

αὐτὰ παραδίδονται στὴν φθορὰ καὶ διαλύονται σιγὰ-σιγά. Ἄλλα ὅμως διατηροῦνται γιὰ πολλὰ χρόνια χωρὶς

νὰ εἶναι οὔτε ἐντελῶς ἄφθαρτα οὔτε πάλι τελείως φθαρτά, ἀλλὰ διασῴζουν μέσα τοὺς τὰ γνωρίσματα καὶ τῆς

ἀφθαρσίας καὶ τῆς φθορᾶς, ὥσπου νὰ φτάσουν στὴν τέλεια ἀφθαρσία καὶ νὰ ἀνακαινιστοῦν τὴν τελευταία

καὶ κοινὴ ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν. Γιὰ ποιὸ λόγο; Διότι δὲν ἔπρεπε νὰ ἀναστηθοῦν καὶ νὰ ἀφθαρτωθοῦν τὰ

ἀνθρώπινα σώματα, πρὶν ἀπὸ τὴν ἀνακαίνιση τῶν κτισμάτων, ἀλλὰ ὅπως ἀκριβῶς πρῶτα πλάστηκε ἡ φύση

ἄφθαρτη καὶ ἔπειτα ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ἔτσι πάλι πρῶτα ἡ κτίση πρέπει νὰ μεταποιηθεῖ ἀπὸ τὴν φθορὰ στὴν

ἀφθαρσία καὶ μετὰ μαζὶ μ᾿ αὐτὴν ν᾿ ἀλλάξουν καὶ νὰ ἀνακαινιστοῦν τὰ φθαρτὰ σώματα τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὥστε

ὁ ἄνθρωπος πνευματικὸς πιὰ καὶ ἀθάνατος νὰ κατοικήσει σὲ τόπο ἄφθαρτο, αἰώνιο καὶ πνευματικό. Καὶ ὅτι

αὐτὸ εἶναι ἀλήθεια, ἄκουσε τὸν Ἀπόστολο Πέτρο ποὺ τὸ βεβαιώνει: «Θὰ ἔρθει ἡ ἡμέρα τοῦ Κυρίου σὰν

κλέπτης τὴν νύχτα καὶ τότε οἱ οὐρανοὶ θὰ διαλυθοῦν ἀπὸ τὴν φωτιὰ καὶ τὰ στοιχεῖα τῆς φύσεως θὰ καοῦν καὶ

θὰ λυώσουν» (Β´ Πέτρου 3:10,12), ὄχι γιὰ νὰ ἐξαφανιστοῦν, ἀλλὰ γιὰ νὰ ἀναχωνευθοῦν καὶ νὰ

ἀναστοιχειωθοῦν σὲ καλύτερη καὶ αἰώνια κατάσταση. Ἀπὸ ποῦ γίνεται φανερὸ αὐτό; Ἀπὸ τὰ λόγια ποὺ

προσθέτει στὴν συνέχεια ὁ Ἀπόστολος: «Καινούριους οὐρανοὺς καὶ καινούρια γῆ προσδοκοῦμε κατὰ τὴν

ἐπαγγελία σου» (Β´ Πέτρου 3:13). Τίνος τὴν ἐπαγγελία; Ἀσφαλῶς τοῦ Χριστοῦ ποὺ εἶπε: «Ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ

θὰ παρέλθουν, οἱ λόγοι μου ὅμως δὲν θὰ παρέλθουν» (κατὰ Ματθαῖον 24:35). Παρέλευση τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐννοεῖ

τὴν ἀλλαγή του, γι᾿ αὐτὸ λέει ὅτι ἂν καὶ ὁ οὐρανὸς θὰ ἀλλάξει, ὅμως οἱ δικοί του λόγοι θὰ μένουν ἀναλλοίωτοι

καὶ σταθεροί. Αὐτὸ προανήγγειλε καὶ ὁ προφήτης Δαυίδ: «Σὰν μανδύα θὰ τοὺς τυλίξεις καὶ θὰ ἀλλάξουν, ἐσὺ

ὅμως θὰ παραμείνεις ὁ ἴδιος καὶ τὰ ἔτη τῆς ζωῆς σου δὲν θὰ ἐκλείψουν» (Ψαλμοί, 101:27-28). Τί θὰ μποροῦσε νὰ

γίνει σαφέστερο ἀπὸ αὐτὰ τὰ λόγια;

TUESDAYS: 5:30 PM—6:30 PM

8 year olds and above

6:30 PM—7:00 PM

5—7 year olds

GREEK DANCE SCHEDULE

THE LADDER

Council Meeting Minutes– 10/6/15 Attendance: Nick A. absent The meeting began at 7:00 PM with a prayer by Father Andrew.

President’s Opening Remarks

September Meeting Minutes were reviewed and approved. Dr. Lapes made a motion, and Chriss P. seconded the motion. No objections or abstentions. National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians sent correspondence seeking financial support. The Council unanimously approved, by a show of hands, a donation of $100, consistent with last year’s donation level. The Council reviewed MWN engagement letter regarding assistance with legal matter on a pro bono basis. Father Andrew announced a modest decrease of approximately $43.00 in the Church’s 2016 National Ministries Allocation compared to its 2015 Allocation. 2016 Allocation will be $43,631.54. He also discussed a new allocation method for determining recommended contribution to Metropolis’ operating budget. Our 2016 Contribution to Metropolis’ operat-ing budget will be $3,720.00

Treasurer’s Report

Lola L. provided a report of the September 2015 financials. A question arose regarding a discrepancy in the expenses listed on the financials. Lola L. will review and provide an update at the next meeting.

Stewardship Committee Report

No report.

Grounds & Maintenance Committee

Landscaping day will be rescheduled for Oct. 24 from 9 AM to 2 PM. The Oct. 10 landscaping day has been cancelled. Mike H. discussed clearing some dying trees to avoid any issues with falling trees in the future as well as removal of “junk” trees. Mike H. suggested placing benches outside the Church. The Council agree to do some research regarding styles and pricing. Chriss P. suggested adding new baseboard heaters and possibly replacing old baseboard heaters. The Council agreed to do some research regarding pricing and equipment. Tom L. expressed concern regarding the handicap parking spaces and the loss of the “walkway.” The con-sensus of the Council is that the benefits of the additional spots and the need for the spots outweigh any inconvenience from the loss of the “walkway.”

Audit Committee

Audit Committee requested approval to begin scanning all documents in a hard drive, as well as to purchase a scanner. It will be easier to access and eliminate storage space. Alex D. pointed out that the printer functions as a scanner, and most members agreed that no purchase of a separate scanner. Chriss P. made motion to establish scanning of all documents as a practice, and Maria seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. No “historical documents” that are scanned will be destroyed. The Council discussed concerns regarding back up of scanned documents. (i.e., cloud and/or physical back up) to protect against a loss of data. The Council also discussed storage of physical documents. The Council tasked the Audit Commit to provide: definitions of all documents, guidelines for documents to be destroyed after scanning, and a proposal for back up storage to prevent loss of data.

Food Festival Report

Tom L. reported that higher than expected expenses cut into the profit margin for the September festival. Tom L. provided an overview of changes in the pastries, shared that tiropites were very popular and sold out, discussed the pricing of the tsoureki. The Council discussed the creation of policies addressing the care of volunteers’ young children who accompany them while at a festival, and the appropriate involve-ment of teenagers. The Council will revisit these issues prior to the next food festival. The Council also discussed the failed health inspection prior to the food festival and ways to avoid this issue in the future. The Council voted to schedule two “deep cleanings” of the kitchen per year – i.e., in July and March. Mike H. made motion, and Lefteri seconded the motion.

General Assembly Prep

The Council discussed a preliminary draft of General Assembly agenda, which will be finalized at the November meeting.

Church Credit Card

Father Andrew asked for consideration of an increase in credit card limit to cover travel expenses for Church-related conferences. He ran into trouble in Cleveland, where he traveled for the clergy laity conference, where the hotel did not accept checks. The Council recalled that the original intent for the credit card was for miscellaneous administrative expenses. The Council will consider Father Andrew’s request, but no action was taken at this meeting.

Laity Conference

Main issues of the conference: is a Church’s budget driven by its ministry driven? Is the budget dependent upon outside sources or the Church community? Another issue that arose was how to give parishes more flexibility in procuring health insurance for clergy members? Issues underlying the current Orthodox health care policy have been rendered outdated by the Affordable Health Care Act. There was agreement that something needs to be done, but no first step has been taken yet. Given protocols, it will likely take some time to see a change. A parish cannot change it on its own.

Cultural Center

Coverage for Ryan’s Hope Event – Nov. 14 (beginning at 8:30 AM) Chriss P. and Mike H. will split coverage for this event.

Father Andrew’s Luncheon

Alex D. among others, has been asked to present comments. Chriss P. asked about presentation of a recognition plaque.

Nominations for St. Photios Award – To recognize individuals’ dedication to the community.. Initial Ideas for Nominations: Nick Kara-george; Sotiri Drivas; Evangelia Koutsokostas; Mrs. Skeparnias; Bess Agapis; Dr. Lapes.

Heating System

Alex D. announced purchase of new heating system and upcoming replacement of the new heating system. Alex D. purchased the system at cost through his employer. This will replacesthe original heating system.

The meeting ended at 9 PM with a Closing Prayer by Father Andrew.

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Nursery Project: We Need Your Help

Please make a donation today to

remodel our nursery room in the

narthex of our church.

Our Goal is to raise $3,000.

Donations will purchase:

◊ New Flooring

◊ New Paint

◊ New Furniture

◊ Baby Changing Station

Volunteers are ready to install all of the new items. We need your help to make it possible. Please Donate Today! Thank you in advance.

- Grounds & Maintenance Committee

Please Make Your Donation Today! Online: Go to agocy.org and click the DONATE button

By Check/Cash: Use the form below and deliver to the Church office. Nursery Project Donation—I would like to Donate:

Please Accept this Donation check/cash � $100 On Behalf of: � $250 � $500 ______________________________ � Other __________

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