Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

St John the Baptist, Parish of Cairns The Northern Beacon

Parish Newsletter OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019

VOLUME 111

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou Church: (07) 4058 1116 Fax: (07) 4055 2311 Mobile: 0415 936 609 Email: fr.menelaos@gopcairns.org.au

Parish President:

Theo Bacalakis Mobile: 0488 083 266

Philoptochos Society of St John the Baptist Parish Cairns Ph: (07) 4058 1116

St Johns Community Care Chairperson: Theo Bacalakis

(450-462 Kamerunga Road, Kamerunga) PO Box 44R Redlynch QLD 4870

Ph: (07) 4039 9700 Fax: (07) 4039 9777 Email: sjccl@sjccl.org.au

Chief Executive Officer: Sonya Leonardi Aged Care Services Manager: Effie Bacalakis Disability Services Manager: Amanda McInerney

Gordonvale Office: (07) 4056 5292 Innisfail Office: (07) 4061 2819 Mareeba Office: (07) 4092 6912 Torres Strait Office: (07) 4090 3666 Townsville: (07) 4725 3777 Brisbane: (07) 3865 7611 Coen: (07) 4051 4200

Home Assist Secure Ph: 4039 9700 Outside Cairns: 1300 301 882 Redlynch Day Care Centre Director: Lucimar Dos Santos Email: director@redlynchdaycarecentre.com.au

Coming Events & Gatherings

A Courtesy Bus is available for Sunday Services to book please contact Fr Menelaos

on 0415 936 609

Sunday School Every Sunday Parish Hall 9-9:50am

All Ages Welcome For further information contact

Father Menelaos on 0415 936 609.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

FELLOWSHIP

Saturday 26th October/ 25th November 2019

Who ever requires the Parish Priest, Father Menelaos to attend the

cemetery for blessings.

Please contact Father Menelaos on 0415 936 609

Kali Parea — Seniors

Group Every Wednesday at 11am

St John’s Parish Hall Call Stella– 0438 791 387

Transport Available

www.greekorthodoxparishcairns.org

HOSPITAL & HOME VISITS BY PRIEST

As we all know, at some point in our life there comes a time when we find

someone we love, or ourselves in hospital for a variety of reasons.

Whoever requires the Parish Priest to visit their loved ones in Hospital or at

home they contact Father Menelaos on 0415 936 609

Greek Language School Language Classes/Dance Classes

Every Monday 4pm—6 pm Parish Hall. Enquires contact Father Menelaos

Hatzoglou 0415 936 609

Up Coming Events.

October/November 2019

Wednesday 23rd October 2019

English Divine Liturgy 6 pm to Commemorate

Apostle James the Brother of Our Lord

Come and see one of the Greek Orthodox Oldest form of Divine Liturgy

Dinner to Follow at Red Beret.

Friday 1st November 2019

English Divine Liturgy 6pm To Commemorate the

Holy Unmercinaries. Dinner to follow at Fish

Point Cairns.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios

Sunday November 3rd 2019 His Eminence Archbishop

Makarios will Preside over the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy 8:30

am Luncheon to follow Hierarchal

Divine Liturgy Parish Hall Bookings Essential.

Letters From Father Menelaos….. Dear Beloved Parishioners,

In this newsletter, I wanted to elaborate on the life of St Gerasimos of Kephalonia as the Saint is popular among many people from Kephalonia and with people with spiritual needs.

Saint Gerasimos was born in 1509 AD in a tiny village of Trikala in the Peloponnesus.

His feast day is celebrated on August 16th and October 20th Saint Gerasismos came from a wealthy and aristocratic family.

Saint Gerasimos visited Constantinople at a young age and it was his first visit there, Saint Gerasimos was moved with the number of Christians who were martyred and then decided to commit his life to monasticism. Saint Gerasimos went straight to Mount Athos where he remained there for 5 years, he was then tonsured as a monk. The monk then was ordained a deacon then a priest by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Germanus in 1579.

He also went to Jerusalem for 12 years. Saint Gerasimos also spent some time in Crete and Zakynthos where he maintained the discipline life of an ascetic. For isolation reasons, he withdrew to the Jordan, where he spent forty days without respite. Having received the Patriarch’s blessing for a life of silence, Saint Gerasimos withdrew to Zakynthos for isolation, eating only vegetation. After five years had passed he was inspired to go to the island of Kephalonia. Saint Gerasimos arrived in Kephalonia in 1555.

Saint Gerasimos decided to live in a cave in Lassi on the island of Kephalonia. He restored an old church in the village of Omala which is the central part of Kephalonia and built a convent around the church. The church cared for the poor and became a centre for charity. Saint Gerasimos was forewarned of his death, before the saint reposed in the Lord he blessed his nuns then Saint Gerasimos fell asleep in the Lord peacefully on the 15th August, but being the Feast Day Dormition of the Theotokos, Saint Gerasimos Feast day was moved to the 16th August. After the Saints death his body was removed on October 20th with his relics intact and fragrant with healing powers.

Saint Gerasimos was granted a gift of healing the sick and curing people with mental illnesses and demon possessed people. The relics of the Saint are kept in a glass case.

October 20th it is one of the most significant days for Kephalonia and all Kephalonians living on the island. On the evening of the 19th, Saint Gerasimos’ Sacred relic is moved in a litany procession from the older church that lives over his grave, amongst the people, this brings true emotions and touching reactions from the devout who express their faith in God and their respect for Saint Gerasimos. These events also take place on 14th and 15th August every year.

The sacred Relic is placed in a specially prepared place within the new Church, the Vespers service commences and the faithful begin to pray that evening till the next morning. The next morning there is a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy to honour Saint Gerasimos, following the Divine Liturgy there is a Litany which is attended by all clergy, nuns, monks, officials and thousands of Christians. Whilst the relics of St Gerasimo are passed over the people who are lying on the path, during the Litany that is taking place, people with infirmities are healed at that very moment.

This Year I was blessed to visit the monastery of St Gerasimos in Kephalonia alongside my family, it was a humbling experience for all of us. I would advise anyone to go and visit the monastery of St Gerasimos in Kephalonia. In the Lord’s Richest Blessings +Fr Menelaos

Recent Events Wednesday 14th August the Parish of St John the Baptist Cairns officiated the Vespers Service for the Dormition of the Theotokos. At the end of the service, the faithful gathered and chanted the Egomia to the Virgin Mary it was attended.

Thursday 15th August the Feast Day of the Dormition was celebrated at the Redlynch Parish St John the Baptist Cairns, where the faithful gathered to honour the Theotokos our mother. It was also very well attended.

Sunday 18th August, following the Divine Liturgy there was a luncheon to celebrate the Feast Day of the Dormition of the Theotokos which was well attended. Thank you to the Ladies Philoptochos for putting on a wonderful luncheon.

Wednesday 21st August, we celebrated Seniors Week in the Parish Hall. Everybody from different nationalities and cultures enjoyed a wonderful luncheon and entertainment. This signified the valuable contribution of seniors and the unity of all cultures

in Australia and within the Greek Orthodox Church.

Wednesday 28th August, Our Par ish celebrated the Vespers Service for The Beheading of St John the Forerunner. During the Vespers Service, there was a Litany where the relics of St John the Forerunner were presented. The next morning Father Menelaos officiated the Matins & Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of the Beheading of St John the Baptist.

Sunday 1st September, Following the Divine Liturgy, there was a Father ’s Day Morning tea held in the Parish Hall. It was very well attended. Father Menelaos gave all the fathers a Father’s Day gift and an icon card. The Fathers were grateful for the Father’s Day gifts. UPCOMING EVENTS. Wednesday 23rd October 6:00pm English Divine Liturgy to commemorate the Feast Day St James. Followed by a dinner at the Red Beret. All Welcome. Come and participate in one of the Orthodox Churches Oldest form of the Divine Liturgy.

Saturday 26th October, Fellowship 11:00 am meet at the Parish Hall. All Welcome.

Sunday 3rd November, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, will be presiding the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy commencing at 8:30 am. Following the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy there will be a luncheon held in the Parish Hall from 11:30 am to welcome His Eminence.

We are humbled to receive the Blessing from His Eminence Archbishop Makarios for the 25 years of the opening of St John the Baptist Parish and for his first ever visit to Cairns.

8th November, 6:00 pm English Divine liturgy to commemorate the Feast day for the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Dinner to follow the Divine Liturgy Red Beret. All Welcome.

Friday 15th November, The Lenten Period commences for Christmas where fish is allowed up to the 12th December. Fish is not allowed on Wednesday’s and Friday’s. For Spiritual Guidance please contact your Spiritual Father or Father Menelaos.

Saturday 30th November, Fellowship 11:00am meet at the Par ish Hall. All are Welcome.

Guidelines for the Nativity Fast Fish is allowed except for Wednesday’s and Friday’s. The second period is December 12th through to the 24th when traditional fasting is observed (no meat, dairy, fish, wine and oil). Fasting is not permitted on 25th December and 5th January, even if it falls on a Wednesday and Friday, if you are pregnant or nursing a newborn or during serious illness, seek spiritual guidance from your spiritual father.

The Nativity Fast is one of the four Canonical Fasting Seasons in the Church year.

This is a joyous fast leading to the Nativity of Christ. The reason is because it is less strict than other fasting periods. The fast is divided into two periods. The 1st period is November 15ththrough to December 12th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy and poultry) is observed. However, fish is allowed every day.

God Bless +Fr Menelaos

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

FELLOWSHIP 2019 LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH

FELLOWSHIP SATURDAY OCTOBER 26TH/NOVEMBER 30TH 2019 Parish Hall

All Welcome. Jesus said, “Wherever two or three are gathered, there I am also.’’

• MONTHLY DINNERS FOLLOWING ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGIES. • FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

• GROUP DISCUSSIONS BOWLING

MOVIES COME AND MEET NEW PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

Drinks and light snacks provided FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT FR. MENELAOS

0415 936 609

EVERY SUNDAY PARISH HALL 9.00am - 9:50am

*FUN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

*CHILDRENS BIBLE LESSONS *COLOURING ACTIVITIES & LESSONS

*LEARN THE LORDS PRAYER

*ARTS & CRAFTS

For further information please contact Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou on 0415 936 609

BRING YOUR CHILDREN ALONG - ALL WELCOME

This year the Greek school students will be attending scripture classes once a month, as it is

a part of the Greek school curriculum.

An Activity Of The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of Australia

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS

WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2019

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY TO COMMEMORATE ST JAMES THE BROTHER OF

OUR LORD 6 PM

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT FATHER MENLAOS on 0415 936 609

email: fr.menelaos@gopcairns.org.au

Telephone: 07 4058 1116

Fax: 07 4055 3211

AN ACTIVITY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

———————————————————————————————————

THURSDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2019

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY TO COMMEMORATE THE SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL & GABRIEL 6 PM

DINNER TO FOLLOW DIVINE LITURGY RED BERET ALL WELCOME

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT FATHER MENELAOS on 0415 936 609

email: fr.menelaos@gopcairns.org.au

Telephone: 07 4058 1116

Fax: 07 4055 3211

AN ACTIVITY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

TUNE IN TO CAIRNS FM 89.1 Greek Programs is on Saturdays between 2-4pm

Get all the Greek Music and National News and loads more.

GUIDE TO FASTING

Fasting is an integral and essential part of Orthodox Christian life. There are 4 major periods of fasting during the year and a number of other days in which Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, wine and oil. Every Wednesday and Friday (with some exceptions) is a fasting day. If a feast day falls on a Wednesday or a Friday the fasting is relaxed as indicated. With the exception of Holy Saturday we never fast from wine and oil on Saturday or Sunday because the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated on these days. Please consult your spiritual father or priest to help you apply these guidelines to your own situation. Fasting commences 15th November till the 24th December for the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour.

Fish allowed except Wednesday’s and Friday’s Fish allowed till the 10th December 2019.

December 24th refrain from oil.

Dear Parishioners, At RDCC we have had a very full on month with plenty of events on, such as: Jeans for Genes Day, National Aboriginal and Islander Day, Dental Health Week, Book Week, ZOO TO YOU – Marine animals, ‘Seniors Day’ and our annual Bike-a-thon and Father’s Day sausage sizzle afternoon tea.

This month our RDC families have been highly involved in participating with Centre events, such as ‘Book Week’. Where many of the children were eager to dress up as their favourite book character for the week. It was great to see what interesting characters we would find as we walked through the rooms at the Centre, as each day was different. ‘Book Week’ also allowed for some of our younger children to be introduced to and engage in a variety of picture books. The Preschool children further developed their literacy skills by ending off ‘Book Week’ with a role play performance of the book ‘The Gruffalo’. Where many of the younger children in the rooms joined us in the Eatery to watch their performance. This allowed the Preschool children to gain more confidence in performing in front of their peers and others.

For Senior Day our Preschool children performed a couple of songs to the elderly residents. This was a great opportunity for cross generational interactions and conversations with a few of the elderly residents. It was great to see the joy and smiles from some of the residents, when the children performed.

At RDCC we currently still have vacancies for enrolments, we are also accepting bookings for 2020. Currently we some vacancies, in our Junior Kindy room (2-2.5 years old). If you know of any families who may need care from Monday-Friday.

Please contact Luci or Jo from RDCC for any enquiries of bookings. Ph: 40552020 or via email: director@redlynchdaycarecentre.com.au.

Thank you. Ph: 40552020 or via email: director@redlynchdaycarecentre.com.au. Thank you.

Regards Lucimer Dos Santos Director/Nominated Supervisor

S U P P O R T E R S

O F

2 0 1 9

THANK

YOU FOR

YOUR SUPPORT

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA

PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS

SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2019 8:30 am

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP MAKARIOS Will Preside over the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy to

Celebrate His First Ever Visit to Cairns

Following the Divine Liturgy a Luncheon will be held in the Parish Hall From 11:30 am

Bookings Essential.

An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of Australia.